law_n of_o moses_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n do_v use_v a_o great_a many_o moysaicall_a rite_n only_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o typical_a nature_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o zealous_a opposer_n of_o circumcision_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o circumcise_v timothy_n not_o in_o token_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n but_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n and_o those_o christian_n who_o live_v at_o jerusalem_n worship_v in_o the_o temple_n keep_v their_o religious_a festival_n and_o 22_o observe_v their_o law_n but_o no_o christian_n can_v do_v this_o according_a to_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o those_o law_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o they_o observe_v they_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o believe_v jew_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n may_v lawful_o observe_v those_o jewish_a custom_n when_o they_o be_v free_v from_o their_o typical_a signification_n it_o can_v be_v a_o fault_n to_o use_v some_o such_o innocent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n in_o worship_n as_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o christianity_n make_v the_o observation_n of_o those_o jewish_a ceremony_n innocent_a which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o original_a institution_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n as_o signify_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v how_o much_o more_o innocent_a be_v it_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o white_a garment_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o bend_v our_o knee_n to_o our_o lord_n at_o who_o table_n we_o eat_v and_o to_o sign_v our_o child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o honour_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n and_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o a_o suffer_a religion_n 3._o our_o saviour_n reject_v all_o superstitious_a observance_n which_o be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a sacredness_n and_o religion_n in_o they_o such_o as_o he_o call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n such_o as_o wash_a cup_n platter_n and_o hand_n before_o dinner_n thus_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o be_v by_o st._n paul_n call_v 21._o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o refer_v to_o their_o abstain_v from_o certain_a sort_n of_o meat_n and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o christ_n fling_v out_o of_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o any_o ceremony_n or_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o some_o custom_n they_o take_v up_o with_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o merit_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v great_a number_n of_o they_o such_o as_o pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o custom_n as_o these_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n 17._o and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v that_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o such_o sorry_a thing_n as_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o and_o such_o meat_n but_o christ_n expect_v from_o we_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n such_o superstitious_a custom_n as_o these_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v it_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o hope_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n by_o profess_v poverty_n celibacy_n and_o blind_a obedience_n by_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n in_o lent_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o vain_a superstition_n as_o it_o be_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n upon_o our_o knee_n as_o a_o external_a expression_n of_o devotion_n not_o as_o meritorious_a superstition_n the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v often_o declaim_v against_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o st._n paul_n mean_v any_o thing_n like_o they_o for_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o circumstance_n or_o appendage_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o of_o such_o arbitrary_a superstition_n as_o they_o turn_v into_o formal_a act_n of_o religion_n the_o four_o do_v not_o much_o concern_v our_o present_a argument_n the_o difference_n christ_n put_v between_o the_o substantial_a and_o the_o instrumental_a part_n of_o worship_n any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o mind_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o any_o ceremony_n as_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o decent_a manner_n of_o perform_v it_o that_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o nothing_o that_o be_v mere_o external_a but_o on_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n express_v in_o such_o become_a word_n and_o behaviour_n as_o may_v make_v it_o visible_a and_o exemplary_a to_o other_o and_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o such_o external_a expression_n of_o honour_n will_v please_v god_n without_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o themselves_o for_o she_o own_v no_o such_o principle_n but_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n better_o and_o methinks_v this_o shall_v be_v no_o small_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n that_o the_o establish_a worship_n of_o our_o church_n have_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v they_o can_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n when_o they_o forsake_v it_o for_o nothing_o but_o a_o apparent_a and_o manifest_a danger_n of_o sin_n can_v justify_v such_o a_o separation_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o now_o further_o consider_v how_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o express_a command_n to_o pray_v always_o by_o a_o form_n or_o to_o institute_v and_o appoint_v significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o justify_v such_o practice_n as_o brief_o to_o point_v to_o some_o few_o thing_n 1._o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v in_o these_o word_n though_o you_o shall_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o use_v it_o it_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o forbid_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n even_o of_o divine_a institution_n than_o a_o form_n as_o a_o form_n can_v be_v unlawful_a 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o where_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o no_o religious_a action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o have_v command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o how_o oft_o we_o must_v pray_v and_o celebrate_v this_o heavenly_a feast_n in_o what_o place_n in_o what_o posture_n in_o what_o time_n he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v prescribe_v the_o form_n of_o word_n in_o baptism_n but_o not_o any_o one_o circumstance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o must_v be_v some_o circumstance_n for_o every_o action_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a performance_n and_o great_a solemnity_n of_o such_o mysterious_a rite_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n leave_v all_o such_o to_o the_o order_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o all_o age_n as_o may_v tend_v most_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o good_a order_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o law_n the_o church_n 2._o be_v in_o a_o infant_n state_n like_o a_o heir_n under_o age_n which_o be_v under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o every_o part_n of_o that_o typical_a temple-worship_n be_v exact_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o
forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o another_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o you_o see_v the_o day_n approach_v which_o at_o least_o suppose_n that_o to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n do_v great_o dispose_v man_n to_o a_o final_a apostasy_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n wherein_o he_o urge_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o apostasy_n which_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n have_v not_o separation_n at_o least_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o that_o we_o 29._o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o vengeance_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n he_o that_o despise_a moses_n '_o s_o law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o truth_n be_v whoever_o careful_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o the_o apostolical-churche_n according_a to_o that_o account_n we_o find_v of_o they_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o may_v add_v of_o the_o succeed_a age_n from_o the_o report_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a father_n will_v find_v that_o none_o but_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n by_o apostate_n not_o mean_v those_o who_o whole_o renounce_v the_o name_n and_o profession_n but_o those_o who_o renounce_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n actual_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n which_o s._n paul_n 12._o reprove_v they_o for_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o actual_o separate_v into_o distinct_a communion_n but_o contend_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o preference_n of_o several_a apostle_n which_o of_o they_o be_v great_a every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n or_o peter_n and_o i_o of_o christ._n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o second_o schism_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o time_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n who_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n persuade_v they_o to_o peace_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o beside_o these_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n which_o s._n paul_n make_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o carnality_n for_o be_v you_o not_o carnal_a 4._o for_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n for_o while_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a there_o be_v also_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v 8._o they_o who_o creep_v into_o house_n who_o keep_v secret_a and_o clandestine_v meeting_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n led_z away_o with_o divers_a lust_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o as_o jannes_n and_o jambres_n withstand_v moses_n so_o do_v these_o also_o resist_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v they_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a teacher_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v that_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o moses_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n which_o plain_o signify_v that_o they_o set_v themselves_o up_o against_o the_o apostle_n and_o gather_v church_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o of_o such_o separatist_n st._n john_n speak_v who_o he_o call_v antichrist_n they_o go_v out_o 19_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v that_o they_o go_v out_o from_o they_o that_o be_v forsake_v the_o christian_a assembly_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o i._n e._n that_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o body_n and_o society_n but_o have_v entertain_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o this_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o christian_a communion_n be_v so_o indispensible_a a_o duty_n that_o no_o man_n can_v causeless_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o at_o least_o bring_v his_o christianity_n into_o question_n that_o nothing_o can_v reasonable_o tempt_v man_n to_o a_o separation_n but_o their_o renounce_v some_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n justify_v a_o separation_n but_o such_o corruption_n as_o destroy_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n for_o otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o apostle_n argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v corrupt_a in_o the_o faith_n from_o their_o separation_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o we_o so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o schism_n as_o dr._n owen_n earnest_o contend_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o division_n and_o contention_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n without_o the_o breach_n of_o church-communion_n and_o therefore_o separatist_n be_v not_o proper_o schismatic_n i_o know_v not_o what_o he_o gain_v by_o this_o when_o separation_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o much_o great_a evil_n than_o schism_n and_o yet_o none_o but_o heretic_n or_o apostate_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v in_o those_o day_n guilty_a of_o it_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n argument_n hold_v good_a a_o sinful_a and_o causeless_a separation_n can_v never_o be_v own_a without_o some_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n it_o be_v to_o no_o great_a purpose_n to_o dispute_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n when_o the_o difference_n between_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o notorious_a but_o yet_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n in_o scripture_n between_o schism_n and_o heresy_n the_o first_o be_v common_o apply_v to_o signify_v those_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n the_o second_o if_o not_o always_o yet_o chief_o apply_v to_o signify_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v a_o sect_n or_o party_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sectarian_n thus_o christianity_n itself_o when_o the_o christian_n unite_v into_o a_o distinct_a church-society_n be_v call_v heresy_n or_o a_o new_a sect_n and_o 5._o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarene_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o heresy_n be_v always_o use_v now_o though_o these_o different_a sect_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o separate_v into_o distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o all_o worship_v at_o the_o temple_n as_o even_o the_o christian_a jew_n do_v while_o the_o temple_n stand_v as_o appear_v from_o what_o happen_v to_o st._n paul_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o last_o time_n he_o 24._o go_v thither_o yet_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o different_a opinion_n rite_n and_o usage_n and_o school_n and_o which_o be_v usual_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o distinction_n by_o different_a interest_n and_o affection_n and_o in_o allusion_n to_o those_o jewish_a sect_n these_o difference_n among_o christian_n which_o do_v not_o break_v forth_o into_o open_a separation_n but_o occasion_v great_a siding_n and_o party_n and_o heat_n and_o animosity_n be_v indifferent_o call_v schism_n or_o heresy_n 20._o thus_o st._n paul_n join_v hatred_n variance_n wrath_n sedition_n heresy_n but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o heresy_n which_o always_o end_v in_o separation_n for_o such_o man_n be_v always_o either_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o separate_v themselves_o such_o be_v those_o which_o st._n peter_n call_v damnable_a heresy_n who_o 1._o he_o compare_v with_o the_o fall_v angel_n and_o the_o old_a world_n which_o be_v destroy_v with_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n who_o he_o call_v presumptuous_a 6._o self-willed_a and_o that_o be_v not_o
all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o natural_o tend_v to_o harden_v man_n in_o sin_n and_o very_o often_o end_v in_o downright_a atheism_n man_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o sense_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n have_v no_o other_o restraint_n from_o the_o great_a villainy_n but_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n their_o own_o natural_a temper_n their_o education_n and_o converse_n and_o suchlike_a consideration_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o can_v keep_v very_o few_o man_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n within_o any_o tolerable_a bound_n and_o thus_o man_n run_v into_o the_o wild_a excess_n and_o wound_v their_o conscience_n and_o stain_v their_o reputation_n till_o they_o grow_v hopeless_a desperate_a and_o impudent_a sinner_n man_n who_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o yet_o will_v not_o neglect_v their_o prayer_n nor_o absent_v themselves_o whole_o from_o christian_a assembly_n do_v what_o they_o can_v find_v great_a check_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v a_o great_a many_o sober_a interval_n they_o can_v say_v their_o prayer_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n but_o their_o conscience_n will_v reproach_v they_o and_o put_v they_o at_o least_o upon_o some_o imperfect_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o when_o they_o attend_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o often_o be_v so_o startle_v and_o scare_v and_o labour_n under_o such_o strong_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v any_o long_o and_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o whole_o forsake_v those_o man_n who_o attend_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o grace_n but_o sometime_o work_v such_o miraculous_a cure_n as_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o a_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o therefore_o the_o case_n of_o these_o man_n can_v never_o be_v so_o desperate_a and_o hopeless_a as_o they_o be_v who_o take_v care_n to_o think_v of_o he_o as_o little_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o public_a instruction_n that_o they_o may_v sin_v on_o without_o disturbance_n till_o they_o drop_v into_o hell_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v this_o because_o the_o irreligious_a and_o profane_a the_o practical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o boast_v of_o his_o wit_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o think_v himself_o much_o above_o the_o ordinary_a level_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v they_o fool_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o speculative_a but_o of_o the_o practical_a atheist_n who_o though_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o and_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a wisdom_n irreligion_n must_v be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o yet_o so_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a expression_n of_o our_o reverence_n of_o he_o that_o be_v wisdom_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 10._o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v 10._o the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a be_v understanding_n now_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n prove_v also_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o that_o which_o contradict_v the_o best_a reason_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o worship_n god_n found_v on_o the_o high_a wisdom_n what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o to_o undermine_v our_o own_o interest_n to_o lay_v train_n of_o misery_n for_o ourselves_o and_o to_o forfeit_v our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n that_o be_v curse_v contemptible_a wit_n which_o will_v droll_n away_o a_o man_n life_n and_o his_o soul_n together_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o transform_v a_o man_n into_o a_o beast_n and_o then_o though_o such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v all_o the_o wild_a conceit_n of_o ape_n and_o monkey_n and_o the_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n of_o a_o fox_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man._n he_o may_v have_v a_o inferior_a sort_n of_o wit_n and_o may_v be_v reckon_v the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o mere_a animal_n and_o sensitive_a life_n but_o be_v fall_v vast_o below_o the_o attainment_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o every_o one_o must_v acknowledge_v who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o noble_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v he_o be_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n i_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o but_o brute_n creature_n have_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o reason_n fit_v to_o the_o low_a attainment_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o that_o they_o common_o reason_n more_o wise_o and_o true_o in_o their_o own_o concern_v than_o irreligious_a man_n do_v in_o they_o but_o they_o can_v know_v god_n nor_o worship_v he_o they_o can_v see_v nor_o adore_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n their_o reason_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o preservation_n of_o their_o own_o be_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o be_v be_v a_o irreligious_a man_n who_o reason_n indeed_o be_v capable_a of_o high_a and_o noble_a flight_n but_o be_v pinion_v down_o and_o confine_v to_o present_v and_o sensible_a object_n and_o serve_v only_o to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n into_o a_o brutish_a state_n now_o if_o that_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o glory_n the_o specifical_a difference_n of_o a_o man_n which_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o inferior_a creature_n than_o religion_n as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o must_v be_v his_o wisdom_n and_o whatever_o wit_n irreligious_a man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v so_o much_o below_o the_o attainment_n nay_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o may_v set_v they_o a_o degree_n above_o the_o wit_n of_o a_o beast_n but_o be_v no_o better_a than_o folly_n in_o a_o man._n 2._o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o folly_n than_o for_o man_n to_o act_v foolish_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o vast_a concernment_n and_o this_o consideration_n impeache_n the_o irreligious_a man_n of_o the_o most_o despicable_a folly_n as_o to_o give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o some_o neglect_n to_o worship_n god_n out_o of_o a_o careless_a trifle_a humour_n they_o never_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v how_o much_o they_o owe_v to_o he_o how_o entire_o they_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n what_o the_o danger_n and_o punishment_n of_o irreligion_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v folly_n not_o to_o use_v the_o wise_a thought_n and_o best_a consideration_n we_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n than_o irreligion_n be_v folly_n other_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o it_o disturb_v they_o in_o the_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o put_v a_o great_a many_o black_a and_o melancholy_a thought_n into_o their_o head_n which_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a as_o to_o shut_v our_o eye_n and_o run_v down_o a_o precipice_n because_o it_o make_v we_o melancholy_a to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o see_v our_o danger_n whereas_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v to_o open_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v see_v how_o to_o avoid_v it_o other_o take_v offence_n at_o religion_n because_o they_o see_v a_o great_a many_o hypocrite_n zealous_a pretender_n to_o religion_n and_o they_o have_v as_o good_a never_o mind_n religion_n as_o be_v hypocrite_n but_o be_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n not_o to_o mind_v religion_n because_o hypocrite_n pretend_v to_o religion_n when_o indeed_o they_o have_v none_o can_v they_o be_v sincere_o religious_a though_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a many_o religious_a man_n who_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o better_a reason_n to_o be_v religious_a without_o hypocrisy_n than_o to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n to_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v not_o hypocrite_n other_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o as_o light_a to_o darkness_n and_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o
the_o church_n and_o involve_v ourselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n upon_o this_o pretence_n but_o yet_o that_o be_v a_o suspicious_a argument_n which_o tend_v towards_o schism_n which_o in_o its_o great_a innocency_n break_v good_a order_n and_o wholesome_a constitution_n and_o when_o it_o be_v full_o pursue_v may_v lead_v giddy_a and_o unstable_a mind_n into_o separation_n 2._o there_o be_v so_o much_o unaccountable_a fancy_n and_o humour_n to_o be_v see_v in_o those_o different_a judgement_n man_n make_v of_o preacher_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n if_o the_o peace_n order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n different_a fancy_n some_o be_v take_v with_o a_o grave_n and_o solid_a other_o with_o a_o florid_n and_o polite_a preacher_n some_o be_v please_v with_o a_o tone_n other_o with_o earnestness_n and_o vehemence_n of_o action_n and_o voice_n how_o often_o do_v many_o man_n vary_v in_o their_o opinion_n of_o preacher_n and_o change_v their_o church_n as_o their_o fancy_n change_v those_o preacher_n who_o be_v dislike_v by_o their_o own_o parishioner_n be_v very_o often_o admire_v by_o stranger_n now_o what_o work_n will_v this_o make_v in_o all_o civil_a government_n be_v fancy_n suffer_v to_o over-rule_v public_a establishment_n and_o we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v allow_v of_o such_o inroad_n of_o fancy_n upon_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o design_n of_o church-communion_n and_o of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o please_v and_o tickle_v a_o wanton_a fancy_n but_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o plain_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n such_o discourse_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o most_o church_n in_o this_o nation_n especial_o in_o this_o great_a city_n though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o always_o dress_v to_o every_o man_n palate_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n man_n be_v full_o feed_v when_o they_o can_v be_v content_v with_o plain_a and_o wholesome_a food_n but_o complain_v if_o they_o have_v not_o some_o delicious_a sauce_n to_o create_v and_o tempt_v a_o appetite_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v certain_a that_o man_n who_o govern_v themselves_o by_o such_o fancy_n do_v not_o always_o make_v the_o wise_a choice_n nor_o the_o best_a improvement_n 3._o suppose_v your_o parochial_a minister_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o best_a preacher_n the_o profound_a divine_n nor_o the_o most_o move_a orator_n consider_v whether_o this_o may_v not_o in_o great_a measure_n be_v owe_v to_o yourselves_o whether_o your_o withdraw_a yourselves_o from_o their_o instruction_n may_v not_o make_v they_o more_o slight_a and_o careless_a in_o their_o preparation_n preacher_n be_v man_n subject_a to_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o dispirit_v man_n to_o see_v all_o their_o pain_n and_o labour_n despise_v and_o slight_v especial_o in_o this_o case_n which_o make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o do_v that_o service_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o their_o office_n require_v and_o which_o they_o so_o passionate_o desire_v man_n who_o be_v above_o the_o vanity_n of_o a_o great_a auditory_a be_v yet_o desirous_a to_o preach_v to_o those_o who_o they_o be_v concern_v to_o instruct_v and_o be_v grieve_v to_o see_v they_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o they_o you_o may_v many_o time_n have_v better_a sermon_n do_v you_o not_o discourage_v your_o preacher_n by_o such_o neglect_v 4._o consider_v far_o that_o you_o be_v particular_o accountable_a for_o the_o improvement_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o you_o do_v or_o may_v have_v enjoy_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o your_o parish_n church_n god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n and_o peace_n and_o therefore_o require_v we_o to_o keep_v our_o station_n and_o when_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o church_n and_o state_n have_v place_v we_o under_o such_o a_o ministry_n we_o be_v accountable_a for_o no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v enjoy_v with_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o our_o improvement_n be_v proportionable_a to_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o lose_v our_o reward_n but_o now_o suppose_v by_o pursue_v your_o wander_a fancy_n you_o fall_v into_o any_o mistake_n or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n when_o you_o may_v have_v be_v better_o instruct_v have_v you_o diligent_o and_o constant_o attend_v the_o parochial_a ministry_n what_o excuse_n can_v such_o man_n make_v for_o themselves_o they_o be_v mislead_v but_o it_o be_v occasion_v by_o forsake_v that_o guide_n who_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v provide_v for_o they_o they_o sin_v ignorant_o but_o they_o may_v have_v know_v better_a have_v they_o not_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o such_o instruction_n certain_o those_o man_n act_v more_o safe_o with_o reference_n to_o a_o future_a account_n who_o make_v the_o best_a use_n they_o can_v of_o such_o instruction_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n provide_v for_o they_o than_o those_o who_o leave_v their_o rank_n and_o order_n to_o choose_v better_o for_o themselves_o 5._o we_o may_v also_o reasonable_o expect_v the_o great_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o preserve_v good_a order_n which_o will_v tend_v more_o to_o our_o spiritual_a increase_n and_o growth_n than_o the_o best_a external_a mean_n of_o edification_n the_o success_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o gift_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o preacher_n but_o upon_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n who_o then_o be_v 7._o paul_n and_o who_o be_v apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o believe_v even_o as_o the_o lord_n give_v to_o every_o man_n i_o have_v plant_v apollo_n water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n so_o then_o neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_v any_o thing_n nor_o he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n some_o little_a imperfect_a hint_n may_v more_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n when_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v please_v to_o teach_v we_o than_o the_o most_o exact_a and_o elaborate_a discourse_n and_o plain_a truth_n without_o any_o art_n or_o varnish_v may_v be_v convey_v with_o more_o warmth_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o may_v affect_v we_o more_o than_o all_o the_o charm_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n if_o man_n design_v only_o please_v their_o fancy_n that_o they_o may_v do_v better_o by_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n but_o he_o who_o have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o hear_v but_o to_o save_v his_o soul_n ought_v principal_o to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v the_o external_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n effectual_a and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o do_v that_o be_v to_o observe_v good_a order_n for_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o external_a ministry_n which_o we_o conscientious_o submit_v to_o and_o diligent_o attend_v to_o preserve_v good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n 6._o the_o constant_a attendance_n on_o a_o mean_a ministry_n be_v much_o more_o for_o our_o edification_n than_o a_o occasional_a hear_v much_o better_a sermon_n it_o be_v too_o much_o the_o humour_n of_o many_o man_n who_o forsake_v their_o own_o church_n to_o be_v constant_a to_o none_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v hear_v a_o great_a many_o excellent_a sermon_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o all_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n whereas_o every_o minister_n who_o make_v conscience_n of_o instruct_v his_o people_n commit_v to_o he_o will_v take_v care_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o teach_v they_o all_o the_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o take_v and_o popular_a be_v yet_o more_o useful_a than_o some_o general_a discourse_n and_o press_v and_o vehement_a exhortation_n without_o a_o particular_a explication_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o show_v the_o advantage_n of_o attend_v a_o constant_a ministry_n especial_o if_o man_n will_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o their_o minister_n whereby_o he_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v how_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o their_o particular_a case_n to_o fit_v his_o instruction_n to_o their_o capacity_n and_o his_o counsel_n exhortation_n and_o reproof_n to_o their_o spiritual_a want_n this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v our_o obligation_n to_o parochial_a communion_n 2._o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v be_v to_o answer_v some_o objection_n against_o this_o and_o they_o be_v only_o some_o hard_a case_n which_o make_v parochial_a