this_o head_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o though_o these_o reverend_a person_n do_v go_v upon_o different_a reason_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n they_o espouse_v they_o agree_v not_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o parochial_a church_n be_v or_o may_v be_v as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v towards_o communion_n with_o they_o though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o notion_n of_o hear_v as_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o about_o the_o call_v of_o those_o they_o hear_v yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o separate_v whole_o in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o from_o the_o parochial_a church_n as_o no_o church_n be_v equal_o condemn_v by_o all_o 3._o they_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o unlawful_a thing_n if_o the_o thing_n account_v unlawful_a be_v not_o of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n as_o to_o unchurch_n a_o church_n and_o affect_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n or_o be_v not_o impose_v as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n 1._o if_o the_o corruption_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o unchurch_n a_o church_n or_o affect_v the_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n so_o say_v mr._n tomb_n not_o every_o nor_o many_o corruption_n 48._o theodulia_n answer_v to_o preface_n §_o 23._o p._n 47_o 48._o of_o some_o kind_n do_v unchurch_n there_o be_v many_o in_o faith_n worship_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o some_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n &c_n aid_n blake_n be_v vindiciae_fw-la foed_n c._n 31._o p._n 229_o &c_n &c_n who_o yet_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n amid_o who_o christ_n do_v walk_v but_o such_o general_n avow_a unrepented_a of_o error_n in_o faith_n as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o wit_n christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o corruption_n of_o worship_n by_o idolatry_n in_o life_n by_o evil_a manner_n as_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n till_o which_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n they_o be_v not_o unchurch_v for_o till_o then_o the_o corruption_n be_v tolerable_a and_o so_o afford_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o dissolve_v the_o church_n or_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o so_o mr._n brinsly_n 50._o arraignment_n of_o schism_n p._n 50._o suppose_v some_o just_a grievance_n may_v be_v find_v among_o we_o yet_o be_v they_o tolerable_a if_o so_o then_o be_v separation_n on_o this_o ground_n intolerable_a unwarrantable_a in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o very_a great_a and_o weighty_a cause_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n so_o mr._n noyes_n private_a brethren_n may_v not_o 78._o temple_n measure_v p._n 78._o separate_v from_o church_n or_o church-ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_o defective_a neither_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n heresy_n or_o profaneness_n to_o all_o which_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o dr._n owen_n and_o mr._n cotton_n the_o former_a assert_n that_o many_o error_n in_o 76._o evangelical_n love_n p._n 76._o doctrine_n disorder_n in_o sacred_a administration_n irregular_a walk_v in_o conversation_n with_o neglect_n and_o abuse_v of_o discipline_n in_o ruler_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o evacuate_v their_o church-state_n or_o give_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o leave_v their_o communion_n and_o separate_v from_o they_o the_o latter_a say_v 156._o exposit_n on_o 1_o epist_n john_n p._n 156._o unless_o you_o find_v in_o the_o church_n blasphemy_n or_o idolatry_n or_o persecution_n i._n e._n such_o as_o force_n they_o to_o leave_v the_o communion_n there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n this_o be_v universal_o own_a but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v yet_o continue_v unconvince_v let_v he_o but_o peruse_v the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o nine_o church_n in_o scripture_n collect_v by_o mr._n baxter_n and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v think_v the_o conclusion_n infer_v from_o it_o to_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a observe_v say_v he_o that_o no_o etc._n cure_v of_o church_n division_n dir._n 5._o p._n 40_o etc._n etc._n one_o member_n be_v in_o all_o these_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o command_v to_o come_v out_o and_o separate_v from_o any_o of_o all_o these_o church_n as_o if_o their_o communion_n in_o worship_n be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o before_o you_o separate_v from_o any_o as_o judge_v communion_n with_o they_o unlawful_a be_v sure_a that_o you_o bring_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o than_o any_o of_o these_o recite_v be_v 2._o they_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v if_o the_o corruption_n be_v not_o so_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o they_o must_v necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o communicate_v in_o they_o mr._n vines_n speak_v plain_o to_o both_o of_o these_o 239._o on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 239._o the_o church_n may_v be_v corrupt_v many_o way_n in_o doctrine_n ordinance_n worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o this_o corruption_n the_o doctrine_n in_o some_o remote_a point_n the_o worship_n in_o some_o ritual_n of_o man_n invention_n or_o custom_n how_o many_o church_n do_v we_o find_v thus_o corrupt_v and_o yet_o no_o separation_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o jewish_a church_n nor_o any_o commandment_n to_o the_o godly_a of_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n to_o separate_v i_o must_v in_o such_o a_o case_n avoid_v the_o corruption_n hold_v the_o communion_n but_o if_o corruption_n invade_v the_o fundamental_o the_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n be_v destroy_v the_o worship_n be_v become_v idolatrous_a and_o what_o be_v above_o all_o if_o the_o church_n impose_v such_o law_n of_o her_o communion_n as_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v or_o approve_v thing_n unlawful_a in_o that_o case_n come_v out_o of_o babylon_n the_o church_n of_o protestant_n so_o separate_v from_o rome_n but_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n nor_o thus_o strict_o require_v than_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n under_o defect_n be_v lawful_a and_o may_v be_v a_o duty_n so_o say_v mr._n corbet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n we_o hold_v not_o ourselves_o oblige_v to_o forsake_v a_o 33._o account_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o n._n c._n p._n 8._o and_o discourse_v of_o relig._n §_o 16._o p._n 33._o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n for_o the_o corruption_n and_o disorder_n find_v therein_o or_o to_o separate_v from_o its_o worship_n for_o the_o tolerable_a fault_n thereof_o while_o our_o personal_a profession_n of_o some_o error_n or_o practice_n of_o some_o evil_n be_v not_o require_v as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o mr._n burrough_n himself_o do_v grant_v as_o much_o and_o more_o for_o he_o say_v 163._o irenicum_fw-la c._n 23._o p._n 162_o 163._o where_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o viz._n the_o be_v constrain_v to_o profess_v believe_v or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v deprive_v of_o mean_n altogether_o necessary_a or_o most_o expedient_a to_o salvation_n but_o men_n may_v communicate_v without_o sin_n profess_v the_o truth_n and_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o freeman_n of_o christ_n man_n must_v not_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n though_o there_o be_v corruption_n in_o it_o to_o gather_v into_o a_o new_a church_n which_o may_v be_v more_o pure_a and_o in_o some_o respect_v more_o comfortable_a and_o as_o though_o such_o corruption_n shall_v be_v impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n yet_o if_o not_o actual_o impose_v upon_o we_o our_o communicate_v in_o the_o true_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o the_o say_a imposition_n as_o long_o as_o we_o do_v not_o communicate_v in_o those_o corruption_n as_o mr._n bradshaw_n do_v argue_v so_o 103._o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separation_n p._n 103._o though_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v and_o be_v unavoidable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o communion_n that_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o a_o total_a separation_n as_o it_o be_v also_o own_a for_o say_v one_o when_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n be_v such_o as_o 12._o jerubbaal_n p._n 12._o that_o one_o can_v communicate_v with_o she_o without_o sin_n unavoidable_o that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n though_o not_o of_o a_o positive_a yet_o of_o a_o negative_a though_o not_o of_o a_o total_a yet_o of_o a_o partial_a separation_n i._n e._n it_o may_v be_v a_o just_a ground_n for_o the_o lesser_a but_o be_v not_o so_o for_o the_o great_a suppose_v then_o the_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n not_o to_o be_v of_o a_o heinous_a nature_n not_o respect_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n
subscription_n that_o be_v require_v to_o the_o 39_o article_n it_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o our_o church_n give_v all_o man_n liberty_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o not_o exercise_v authority_n as_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v over_o our_o faith_n for_o she_o require_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v those_o article_n but_o at_o worst_o only_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o none_o shall_v receive_v order_n or_o be_v admit_v to_o benefice_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v they_o not_o all_o as_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o many_o as_o inferior_a truth_n and_o require_v subscription_n to_o they_o as_o a_o test_n whereby_o to_o judge_v who_o do_v so_o believe_v they_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v all_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v all_o her_o long_a beadroll_n of_o doctrine_n which_o have_v only_o the_o stamp_n of_o her_o authority_n and_o to_o believe_v they_o too_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o believe_v they_o with_o the_o same_o divine_a faith_n that_o we_o do_v the_o indisputable_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o a_o proof_n hereof_o the_o reader_n may_v consult_v the_o bull_n of_o pope_n pius_n the_o four_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n herein_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o profession_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o swear_v by_o all_o dignitary_n prebendary_n and_o such_o as_o have_v benefice_n with_o cure_n military_a officer_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o form_n follow_v in._n do_v believe_v with_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o do_v profess_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v use_v by_o the_o holy_a roman_a church_n viz._n i_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_a and_o so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o nicene_n creed_n i_o most_o firm_o admit_v and_o embrace_v the_o apostolical_a and_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n and_o the_o other_o observance_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o say_a church_n also_o the_o holy_a scripture_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n have_v hold_v and_o do_v hold_v etc._n etc._n i_o profess_v also_o that_o there_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o seven_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a law_n institute_v by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n although_o all_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o every_o individual_a person_n etc._n etc._n i_o also_o admit_v and_o receive_v the_o receive_v and_o approve_a rite_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o all_o the_o foresay_a sacrament_n of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o taste_n i_o embrace_v and_o receive_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o define_v concern_v original_a sin_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o holy_a synod_n of_o trent_n i_o likewise_o profess_v that_o in_o the_o mass_n a_o true_a proper_a and_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n for_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o real_o and_o substantial_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a eucharist_n etc._n etc._n i_o also_o confess_v that_o whole_a and_o entire_a christ_n and_o the_o true_a sacrament_n be_v receive_v under_o one_o of_o the_o kind_n only_o i_o constant_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n there_o detain_v be_v relieve_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o saint_n reign_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o invoke_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o their_o relic_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v i_o most_o firm_o assert_v that_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o mother_n of_o god_n always_o a_o virgin_n and_o of_o the_o other_o saint_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o keep_v and_o that_o due_a honour_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o i_o affirm_v also_o that_o the_o power_n of_o indulgence_n be_v leave_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v very_o salutiferous_a to_o christian_a people_n i_o acknowledge_v the_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a roman_a church_n the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o i_o profess_v and_o swear_v obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o vicar_n of_o jesus_n christ_n also_o all_o the_o other_o thing_n deliver_v decree_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o especial_o by_o the_o holy_a synod_n of_o trent_n i_o undoubted_o receive_v and_o profess_v as_o also_o all_o thing_n contrary_a to_o these_o and_o all_o heresy_n condemn_v reject_v and_o anathematise_v by_o the_o church_n i_o in_o like_a manner_n condemn_v reject_v and_o anathematise_v this_o true_a catholic_n faith_n viz._n all_o this_o stuff_n of_o their_o own_o together_o with_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v which_o at_o this_o present_a i_o true_o profess_v and_o sincere_o hold_v i_o will_v god_n assist_v i_o most_o constant_o retain_v and_o confess_v entire_a and_o inviolate_a and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v will_v take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v hold_v teach_v and_o declare_v by_o those_o that_o be_v under_o i_o or_o the_o care_n of_o who_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o i_o i_o the_o same_o n._n do_v profess_v vow_v and_o swear_v so_o help_v i_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a gospel_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o read_v this_o can_v forbear_v pronounce_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o most_o glorious_a reformation_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o motive_n our_o church_n propose_v for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o viz._n the_o excellency_n thereof_o which_o consist_v in_o its_o be_v whole_o adapt_v to_o the_o reform_v of_o man_n life_n and_o renew_v their_o nature_n after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o as_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o have_v reveal_v god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o moses_n our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o these_o person_n deliver_v such_o doctrine_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o such_o miracle_n and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v i_o say_v as_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n our_o church_n place_v it_o not_o in_o she_o own_o testimony_n or_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o much_o less_o that_o of_o rome_n but_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n down_o to_o we_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o universal_a tradition_n take_v in_o that_o of_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n of_o jew_n and_o pagan_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n second_o we_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o thing_n either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a or_o make_v so_o by_o a_o divine_a precept_n none_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n can_v ever_o imagine_v not_o to_o be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n agreement_n with_o she_o in_o what_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a or_o make_v so_o by_o a_o divine_a prohibition_n none_o of_o we_o be_v so_o forsake_v of_o all_o modesty_n as_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o inexcusable_a sin_n the_o question_n therefore_o be_v whether_o to_o agree_v with_o this_o apostate_n church_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o a_o just_a ground_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v but_o by_o the_o way_n if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o a_o church_n agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v sinful_a i_o can_v think_v that_o any_o of_o the_o more_o sober_a sort_n of_o dissenter_n and_o i_o despair_v of_o success_n in_o argue_v with_o any_o but_o such_o will_v thence_o infer_v that_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v be_v otherwise_o warrantable_a than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v impose_v as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n but_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v
before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o above_o a_o hundred_o eminent_a nonconformist_n of_o several_a persuasion_n publish_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a and_o to_o prevent_v the_o suffering_n which_o such_o needless_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o edition_n correct_v by_o the_o author_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o lxxxiv_o to_o the_o dissenter_n from_z the_o church_n of_o england_n dear_a brethren_n you_o be_v at_o this_o time_n call_v upon_o by_o authority_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n order_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n against_o such_o as_o refuse_v it_o it_o be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o you_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o expose_v our_o religion_n to_o danger_n and_o yourselves_o to_o suffer_v in_o which_o unless_o the_o cause_n be_v good_a the_o call_v clear_a and_o 3._o mr._n mede_n be_v farewell_o serm._n on_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 3._o the_o end_v right_a it_o can_v bring_v peace_n to_o yourselves_o or_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n not_o bring_v peace_n to_o yourselves_o for_o we_o can_v suffer_v joyful_o the_o 4._o mr._n read_v his_o case_n p._n 4._o spoil_n of_o our_o good_n the_o confinement_n of_o our_o person_n the_o ruin_n of_o our_o family_n unless_o conscience_n be_v able_a true_o to_o say_v i_o will_v have_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o sin_n against_o god_n that_o i_o may_v have_v avoid_v those_o suffering_n from_o men._n not_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o who_o all_o be_v accountable_a 92._o continuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exer._n ser._n 4._o p._n 92._o for_o what_o portion_n he_o have_v entrust_v they_o with_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v not_o to_o throw_v away_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o who_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v without_o sin_n in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o as_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o ibid._n read_v ibid._n in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o yourselves_o to_o assist_v person_n in_o this_o enquiry_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o of_o late_a several_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v undertake_v the_o most_o material_a point_n that_o you_o do_v question_n and_o have_v handle_v they_o with_o that_o candour_n and_o calmness_n which_o become_v their_o profession_n and_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o which_o may_v the_o better_o invite_v those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v they_o but_o because_o truth_n and_o reason_n do_v too_o often_o suffer_v by_o the_o prejudices_fw-la we_o have_v against_o particular_a person_n to_o remove_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v that_o obstruction_n i_o have_v in_o this_o treatise_n show_v that_o these_o author_n be_v not_o alone_o but_o have_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a nonconformist_n for_o they_o who_o do_v general_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o the_o parochial_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n from_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o many_o of_o these_o i_o have_v here_o collect_v and_o for_o one_o hundred_o i_o can_v easy_o have_v produce_v two_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o go_v by_o the_o poll_n so_o that_o if_o reason_n or_o authority_n will_v prevail_v i_o hope_v that_o yet_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o recovery_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despair_v of_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o your_o own_o and_o the_o church_n sake_n amen_n the_o content_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o ministerial_a and_o lay-communion_n pag._n 1_o the_o dissenter_n grant_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n p._n 4_o that_o they_o be_v not_o total_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o p._n 12_o that_o they_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o as_o far_o as_o lawful_o they_o can_v p._n 16_o that_o defect_n in_o worship_n if_o not_o essential_a be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n p._n 23_o that_o the_o expectation_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o withhold_v communion_n p._n 39_o the_o badness_n of_o minister_n will_v not_o justify_v separation_n p._n 48_o the_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o discipline_n no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v p._n 59_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v of_o the_o several_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o its_o lay-member_n be_v concern_v in_o p._n 64_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v lawful_a and_o do_v not_o stint_v the_o spirit_n ibid._n that_o public_a prescribe_a form_n may_v lawful_o be_v join_v with_o p._n 66_o that_o the_o liturgy_n or_o common-prayer_n be_v for_o its_o matter_n sound_n and_o good_a and_o for_o its_o form_n tolerable_a if_o not_o useful_a p._n 69_o that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o idolatrous_a nor_o unlawful_a and_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v from_o that_o ordinance_n p._n 71_o 72_o that_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n and_o gospel_n be_v lawful_a p._n 73_o the_o conclusion_n ibid._n the_o non-conformists'_a plea_n for_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o christian_a world_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o rank_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a usual_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n minister_n and_o people_n the_o clergy_n beside_o the_o thing_n essential_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o all_o well-ordered_a church_n in_o the_o world_n strict_o oblige_v by_o declaration_n or_o subscription_n or_o both_o to_o own_o and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v thus_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o do_v subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n more_o especial_o contain_v in_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v use_v the_o form_n and_o rite_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o promise_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n in_o its_o order_n the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n which_o do_v much_o depend_v upon_o that_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o teacher_n but_o the_o laity_n be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o declaration_n or_o subscription_n require_v of_o they_o nor_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o attend_v upon_o and_o join_v with_o the_o worship_n practise_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o mr._n baxter_n to_o who_o when_o it_o 29._o defence_n of_o the_o cure_n part_v 2._o pag._n 29._o be_v object_v that_o many_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o life_n be_v impose_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n he_o reply_v what_o be_v impose_v on_o you_o as_o a_o condition_n to_o your_o communion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o parish-church_n but_o your_o actual_a communion_n itself_o in_o discourse_v therefore_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o must_v be_v careful_o observe_v lest_o the_o thing_n require_v only_o of_o one_o order_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o all_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o one_o that_o the_o original_a of_o all_o our_o mischief_n cranford_n a_o book_n license_v by_o mr._n cranford_n spring_v from_o man_n confound_v the_o term_n of_o ministerial_a conformity_n with_o those_o of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n there_o be_v much_o more_o require_v of_o the_o minister_n than_o of_o the_o people_n private_a person_n have_v much_o less_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o in_o absent_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n than_o the_o pastor_n have_v for_o not_o take_v oath_n etc._n etc._n certain_o if_o this_o difference_n be_v but_o observe_v and_o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n true_o state_v and_o understand_v the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v far_o more_o
be_v it_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o frequent_v the_o place_n but_o the_o service_n as_o our_o saviour_n customary_a preach_v in_o they_o do_v show_v what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o ritual_a observation_n our_o saviour_n comply_v with_o such_o as_o the_o passover_n cup_n and_o their_o posture_n at_o it_o which_o he_o show_v his_o approbation_n of_o in_o his_o take_v the_o material_n of_o his_o last_o supper_n from_o the_o rite_n use_v in_o the_o passover_n as_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v of_o which_o casaubon_n say_v hoc_fw-la primum_fw-la observare_fw-la juvat_fw-la quomodo_fw-la filius_fw-la dei_fw-la umbras_fw-la legis_fw-la ad_fw-la veritatem_fw-la traduxerit_fw-la this_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n hear_v of_o and_o therefore_o use_v several_a evasion_n for_o they_o be_v no_o better_a thus_o when_o it_o be_v record_v that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o disciple_n with_o desire_n have_v i_o desire_v to_o eat_v this_o passover_n with_o you_o before_o i_o suffer_v and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o it_o that_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o say_v divide_v it_o among_o yourselves_o for_o i_o will_v not_o drink_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n etc._n etc._n he_o irreverent_o represent_v it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o drink_v only_o to_o satisfy_v nature_n for_o so_o he_o say_v before_o christ_n 14._o case_n examine_v pag._n 14._o do_v eat_v the_o paschal_n supper_n he_o drink_v a_o cup_n of_o wine_n and_o doubtless_o at_o it_o he_o drink_v also_o though_o it_o be_v not_o record_v people_z need_v no_o institution_n to_o drink_v while_o they_o be_v eat_v as_o if_o the_o evangelist_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v than_o to_o tell_v we_o christ_n drink_v a_o cup_n of_o wine_n with_o his_o meat_n sure_o there_o be_v a_o better_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o matter_n the_o text_n itself_o show_v it_o and_o the_o jewish_a author_n and_o other_o that_o write_v of_o their_o custom_n do_v sufficient_o inform_v we_o in_o which_o he_o must_v be_v very_o ignorant_a or_o incredulous_a that_o will_v say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o no_o more_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o than_o that_o 32._o case_n examine_v pag._n 32._o every_o one_o may_v drink_v as_o his_o appetite_n require_v and_o no_o less_o irreverent_a that_o can_v think_v that_o what_o be_v record_v of_o our_o saviour_n take_v the_o cup_n and_o blessing_n and_o drink_v in_o the_o passover_n be_v only_o to_o serve_v that_o end_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o insist_v upon_o be_v our_o saviour_n compliance_n with_o they_o in_o the_o posture_n use_v by_o they_o at_o the_o passover_n 3._o pag._n 3._o contrary_a as_o he_o own_v to_o what_o be_v use_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o this_o he_o say_v our_o saviour_n use_v the_o jewish_a posture_n in_o eat_v the_o passover_n be_v a_o posture_n no_o where_o that_o 84_o pag._n 84_o we_o know_v of_o use_v by_o idolater_n nor_o be_v any_o posture_n of_o adoration_n but_o their_o ordinary_a posture_n of_o eat_a meat_n 2._o he_o say_v that_o every_o one_o may_v use_v the_o posture_n which_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o conclude_v they_o will_v have_v shut_v out_o any_o that_o because_o of_o the_o institution_n desire_v to_o eat_v it_o with_o his_o loin_n gird_v etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o if_o they_o do_v use_v any_o uniform_a posture_n yet_o it_o be_v because_o they_o agree_v it_o among_o themselves_o in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n say_v but_o be_v full_a of_o mistake_n as_o 1._o he_o say_v the_o posture_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o where_o that_o he_o know_v of_o use_v by_o idolater_n nor_o be_v a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n i_o can_v tell_v how_o far_o our_o author_n learning_n may_v extend_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o the_o posture_n of_o discumb_a be_v use_v at_o festival_n solemnity_n from_o ancient_a time_n by_o the_o grecian_n mede_n persian_n indian_n roman_n and_o jew_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o thence_o translate_v to_o their_o sacrifical_a feast_n which_o the_o heathen_n do_v very_o ancient_o observe_v 31._o observe_v observe_v observe_v herodotus_n l._n 1._o c._n 31._o be_v sufficient_o know_v 22_o know_v know_v know_v casab_n exercit_fw-la 16._o c._n 22_o insomuch_o that_o the_o whole_a solemnity_n be_v call_v among_o the_o roman_n lectisternium_fw-la 15._o lectisternium_fw-la lectisternium_fw-la lectisternium_fw-la rosini_n antiq_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 15._o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o scripture_n so_o amos._n 2._o 8._o they_o lay_v themselves_o down_o upon_o clothes_n lay_v to_o pledge_v by_o every_o altar_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o bed_n which_o they_o use_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o their_o god_n say_v casaubon_n ibid._n casaubon_n casaubon_n casaubon_n ibid._n from_o the_o jew_n so_o ezek._n 23._o 41._o for_o satisfaction_n in_o which_o i_o refer_v this_o reverend_a author_n to_o other_o xxxviii_o other_o other_o other_o buxtorf_n exercit._fw-la xxxv_o &_o xxxviii_o and_o whereas_o he_o say_v this_o be_v no_o posture_n of_o adoration_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v mistake_v if_o he_o grant_v what_o they_o do_v in_o those_o solemnity_n in_o honour_n to_o their_o god_n to_o be_v adoration_n and_o this_o they_o do_v for_o it_o be_v a_o entertainment_n make_v for_o they_o the_o heathen_n conceive_v that_o the_o god_n do_v then_o feast_v with_o they_o hence_o the_o poet_n phrase_n of_o 37._o of_o of_o of_o horat._n l._n â—_o i._o ode_n 37._o ornare_fw-la pulvinar_fw-la deorum_fw-la dapibus_fw-la so_o the_o apostle_n call_v their_o table_n the_o table_n of_o devil_n 21._o devil_n devil_n devil_n 1_o cor._n 10._o v._n 21._o and_o their_o lie_v down_o there_o a_o have_a fellowship_n with_o devil_n 20._o devil_n devil_n devil_n v._o 20._o have_v say_v thus_o much_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o procee_v and_o show_v how_o sit_v as_o well_o as_o discumb_n have_v be_v also_o use_v in_o idolatrous_a service_n both_o among_o heathen_n of_o old_a and_o romanist_n now_o especial_o since_o i_o have_v it_o sufficient_o 10._o falkner_n libert_n eccles_n part_n 2._o c._n 3._o §._o 4._o n._n 10._o prove_v to_o my_o hand_n in_o a_o book_n i_o suppose_v our_o author_n well_o acquaint_v with_o as_o for_o what_o he_o further_o say_v if_o the_o jew_n do_v use_v one_o uniform_a posture_n etc._n etc._n there_o need_v not_o many_o word_n to_o show_v how_o precarious_a or_o false_a it_o be_v for_o what_o more_o precarious_a than_o to_o speak_v doubtful_o if_o they_o do_v of_o that_o which_o yet_o be_v clear_o evident_a they_o do_v observe_v or_o affirm_v that_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v because_o they_o agree_v it_o among_o themselves_o which_o be_v to_o suppose_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v certain_a when_o the_o thing_n itself_o according_a to_o he_o be_v uncertain_a or_o what_o more_o false_a since_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o or_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o there_o be_v this_o uniformity_n of_o posture_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a as_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v this_o uniformity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v universal_o oblige_v to_o use_v and_o observe_v it_o for_o it_o be_v require_v that_o discumbiture_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o all_o religious_a feast_n but_o especial_o at_o the_o passover_n by_o all_o without_o exception_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o solemnity_n for_o which_o i_o refer_v our_o author_n lightfoot_n lightfoot_n to_o one_o well-versed_n in_o these_o matter_n so_o little_a truth_n or_o certainty_n be_v there_o in_o what_o our_o author_n assert_n that_o every_o one_o may_v use_v the_o posture_n which_o be_v most_o convenient_a and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v they_o will_v have_v shut_v out_o any_o from_o their_o paschal_n society_n that_o desire_v to_o eat_v it_o with_o his_o loin_n gird_v etc._n etc._n or_o stand_a the_o next_o instance_n produce_v in_o the_o abovesaid_a case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o object_v against_o by_o our_o author_n be_v the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v observe_v among_o the_o jew_n at_o morning_n noon_n and_o evening_n act._n 2_o 15._o c._n 10._o 9_o c._n 3._o 1._o of_o these_o our_o author_n give_v this_o account_n thus_o the_o apostle_n 19_o case_n examine_v p._n 19_o use_v the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n which_o also_o they_o may_v have_v change_v if_o they_o have_v please_v that_o the_o jew_n send_v any_o to_o goal_n or_o excommunicate_v any_o for_o not_o keep_v to_o those_o hour_n we_o do_v not_o find_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o religion_n in_o the_o time_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o time_n thus_o st._n paul_n use_v circumcision_n and_o purification_n thus_o how_o be_v that_o do_v the_o apostle_n
be_v a_o rule_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o prime_a head_n and_o most_o general_a dictate_v of_o it_o which_o be_v but_o a_o few_o but_o also_o all_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o those_o head_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o express_a command_n and_o prohibition_n we_o meet_v with_o there_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o text_n but_o all_o the_o thing_n likewise_o that_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n do_v follow_v from_o those_o command_n or_o prohibition_n in_o a_o word_n when_o we_o be_v deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a action_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o to_o attend_v further_o to_o what_o that_o law_n may_v be_v suppose_v by_o a_o rational_a man_n to_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o action_n we_o be_v deliberate_v about_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o if_o neither_o by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o by_o consequence_n from_o it_o nor_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o action_n before_o we_o appear_v either_o to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o that_o case_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n or_o to_o express_v the_o thing_n more_o proper_o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o action_n in_o which_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v as_o our_o prudence_n iii_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o which_o natural_o follow_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a design_n be_v what_o share_v humane_a law_n have_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n whether_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o do_v real_o bind_v a_o man_n conscience_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o or_o no_o which_o be_v our_o three_o general_n head_n now_o as_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o though_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o conscience_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o man_n general_o speak_v do_v also_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n that_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o in_o the_o four_o follow_a proposition_n first_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n do_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n there_o be_v no_o one_o dictate_v of_o nature_n more_o obvious_a to_o we_o than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v the_o government_n we_o live_v under_o in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a law_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o society_n and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a either_o for_o kingdom_n or_o state_n for_o city_n or_o family_n to_o subsist_v or_o at_o least_o to_o maintain_v themselves_o in_o any_o tolerable_a degree_n of_o peace_n and_o happiness_n if_o this_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o duty_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_o declare_v there_o than_z that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o man_n that_o be_v make_v by_o just_a and_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o consequent_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o humane_a law_n do_v real_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o add_v this_o far_a in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o humane_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o any_o virtue_n in_o themselves_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n law_n who_o have_v command_v that_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o our_o lawful_a governor_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v with_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n save_v god_n alone_o it_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o he_o for_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v be_v no_o other_o than_o our_o judgement_n of_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o god_n law_n &_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v forbid_v to_o do_v by_o god_n law_n so_o that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o now_o god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o everlasting_a law_n both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v obey_v those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o we_o whether_o they_o be_v our_o parent_n or_o our_o master_n and_o much_o more_o our_o prince_n and_o the_o sovereign_n legislative_a power_n under_o who_o we_o live_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o only_a we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o command_n that_o they_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o those_o command_n of_o they_o be_v a_o rule_n though_o a_o consequential_a or_o a_o secondary_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n because_o they_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o humane_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o it_o than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o any_o law_n or_o command_v of_o man_n do_v clash_n with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v either_o evil_a in_o itself_o or_o contradictory_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n as_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o case_n that_o law_n or_o command_n by_o what_o humane_a authority_n soever_o it_o be_v make_v or_o give_v do_v not_o bind_v our_o conscience_n nor_o be_v any_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v not_o at_o any_o rate_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o but_o we_o be_v here_o reduce_v to_o the_o apostle_n case_n and_o must_v act_n as_o they_o do_v that_o be_v we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o we_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o for_o since_o god_n only_o have_v proper_a and_o direct_a authority_n over_o our_o conscience_n and_o humane_a power_n only_o by_o delegation_n from_o he_o and_o since_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o commission_n to_o the_o most_o sovereign_a prince_n upon_o earth_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o subject_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v any_o law_n of_o man_n far_o than_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o consistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o four_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v in_o for_o the_o clear_n the_o point_n we_o be_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o though_o humane_a law_n general_o speak_v may_v be_v say_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o every_o humane_a law_n though_o it_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o god_n law_n do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n oblige_v every_o man_n conscience_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_v against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o no_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o affirm_v this_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o manamong_n we_o upon_o these_o term_n will_v be_v innocent_a thus_o much_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v safe_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o where_o either_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n
persuasion_n of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n will_v justify_v any_o man_n separation_n from_o we_o or_o how_o far_o it_o will_v do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o person_n in_o order_n either_o to_o their_o communicate_v or_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n this_o be_v our_o second_o point_n and_o i_o apply_v myself_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n as_o they_o say_v obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o as_o condition_n of_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o appoint_v or_o to_o use_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o appoint_v for_o this_o be_v to_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n which_o all_o those_o that_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n must_v necessary_o do_v it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o use_v any_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v new_a sacrament_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o be_v direct_o to_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n example_n in_o his_o institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o savour_v beside_o of_o popish_a idolatry_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v these_o sinful_a thing_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o those_o too_o impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n how_o can_v we_o blame_v they_o if_o they_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o we_o will_v we_o have_v they_o join_v with_o we_o in_o these_o practice_n which_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n where_o then_o be_v their_o conscience_n they_o may_v perhaps_o by_o this_o mean_n show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n but_o what_o will_v become_v of_o their_o fidelity_n to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o now_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o this_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o do_n in_o these_o matter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o be_v in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o refuse_v we_o their_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o thing_n stand_v thus_o with_o they_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o herein_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v doubt_v but_o they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o may_v justify_v their_o proceed_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n let_v we_o say_v what_o we_o please_v this_o be_v the_o case_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o we_o must_v grant_v they_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o all_o that_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v right_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o except_v against_o in_o our_o communion_n be_v real_o unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o jesus_n christ_n then_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o their_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o in_o that_o case_n separation_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n and_o second_o suppose_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o we_o think_v they_o can_v without_o sin_n join_v in_o our_o communion_n for_o even_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o we_o have_v show_v bind_v thus_o far_o that_o a_o man_n can_v without_o sin_n act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n i_o say_v we_o grant_v they_o and_o let_v they_o make_v the_o best_a advantage_n of_o they_o but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a will_v render_v this_o whole_a plea_n for_o nonconformity_n upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v now_o open_v it_o whole_o insufficient_a viz._n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o our_o dissenter_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v indeed_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n communion_n but_o what_o they_o may_v comply_v with_o without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n then_o i_o say_v it_o will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n in_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o real_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v with_o we_o it_o be_v not_o my_o province_n here_o to_o answer_v all_o their_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n our_o ceremony_n our_o order_n and_o rule_n in_o administer_a sacrament_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o communion_n this_o have_v be_v do_v several_a time_n and_o of_o late_a by_o several_a person_n which_o have_v treat_v of_o all_o these_o particular_a matter_n and_o who_o have_v show_v with_o great_a clearness_n and_o strength_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o church_n appointment_n which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o forbid_v by_o any_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o establishment_n of_o our_o church_n be_v for_o gravity_n decency_n purity_n and_o agreeableness_n with_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n the_o most_o approvable_a and_o the_o least_o exceptionable_a of_o any_o church_n constitution_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o but_o this_o be_v the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o whether_o suppose_v it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o communion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v i_o say_v suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n whether_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o acquit_v any_o man_n from_o sin_n that_o withdraw_v from_o that_o communion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o through_o his_o mistake_n he_o believe_v he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n or_o thus_o whether_o will_v any_o man_n persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v sinful_a term_n require_v in_o our_o communion_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o justify_v his_o separation_n from_o we_o this_o be_v the_o general_a question_n true_o put_v and_o this_o i_o give_v as_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o that_o in_o general_a speak_v a_o man_n erroneous_a persuasion_n do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o god_n law_n or_o justify_v any_o man_n transgression_n of_o his_o duty_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 and_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n but_o only_o i_o think_v i_o have_v my_o misperswasion_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o discharge_v i_o from_o my_o obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o break_v it_o the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o i_o have_v full_o show_v before_o in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o by_o way_n of_o further_a confirmation_n ask_v this_o question_n be_v st._n paul_n guilty_a of_o sin_n or_o no_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n be_v very_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o any_o will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o this_o because_o he_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n they_o contradict_v his_o own_o express_a word_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o say_v that_o he_o do_v sin_n in_o do_v this_o then_o they_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n acknowledge_v that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o duty_n will_v not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o practise_v it_o if_o real_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a will_v
forbid_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n where_o a_o man_n apprehend_v no_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o or_o do_v it_o not_o there_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v one_o side_n of_o the_o action_n in_o question_n to_o be_v real_o all_o thing_n consider_v more_o expedient_a and_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o other_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n choose_v either_o side_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o be_v the_o most_o expedient_a or_o the_o most_o eligible_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o when_o this_o case_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n to_o marry_v or_o not_o to_o marry_v he_o thus_o resolve_v it_o that_o though_o indeed_o as_o thing_n than_o stand_v it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o marry_v yet_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v for_o if_o they_o do_v marry_v they_o sin_v not_o and_o though_o as_o he_o say_v he_o that_o give_v not_o his_o virgin_n in_o marriage_n do_v better_a than_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n yet_o he_o allow_v that_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n do_v well_o and_o consequent_o do_v act_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n vid._n 1_o cor._n 7._o 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o conscience_n particular_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o scrupulous_a which_o be_v our_o three_o point_n under_o this_o head_n conscience_n be_v usual_o though_o how_o proper_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o kind_n the_o resolve_a the_o scrupulous_a and_o the_o doubt_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n every_o body_n know_v that_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o that_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v and_o resolve_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o action_n he_o have_v be_v deliberate_v upon_o viz._n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o as_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o that_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o indifferent_a action_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_o this_o persuasion_n if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n we_o call_v it_o a_o right_a conscience_n if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o of_o this_o we_o need_v speak_v no_o more_o here_o since_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a argument_n of_o the_o former_a discouse_n as_o for_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n as_o that_o be_v make_v a_o distinct_a sort_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o resolve_a and_o the_o doubt_v we_o may_v thus_o define_v it_o it_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o some_o measure_n resolve_v but_o yet_o accompany_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o act_v according_a to_o that_o resolution_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v pretty_a well_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v this_o or_o the_o other_o point_n which_o they_o make_v a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o object_n against_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v or_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o act_n thus_o or_o thus_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o act_v they_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o make_v a_o world_n of_o difficulty_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o new_a reason_n appear_v that_o can_v pretend_v to_o unsettle_v much_o less_o overthrow_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o first_o determination_n but_o only_o their_o unaccountable_a fear_n must_v pass_v for_o reason_n this_o now_o be_v to_o have_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n but_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o though_o in_o common_a speech_n it_o be_v often_o confound_v with_o the_o scrupulous_a be_v quite_o different_a from_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o conscience_n for_o in_o both_o those_o a_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v pass_v a_o judgement_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o the_o action_n before_o he_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n or_o against_o it_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o nor_o can_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o side_n have_v as_o he_o think_v as_o many_o argument_n to_o incline_v he_o one_o way_n as_o the_o other_o and_o when_o once_o he_o come_v to_o have_v so_o much_o evidence_n as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n or_o opinion_n on_o one_o side_n than_o he_o cease_v to_o have_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o that_o the_o true_a definition_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v be_v this_o the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o action_n occasion_v by_o the_o equal_a or_o near_o equal_a probality_n on_o both_o side_n and_o likewise_o the_o true_a difference_n between_o a_o doubt_v a_o resolve_a and_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v this_o that_o the_o resolve_a conscience_n be_v satisfy_v about_o its_o point_n and_o act_n confident_o at_o least_o cheerful_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v likewise_o satisfy_v in_o the_o general_n but_o either_o dare_v not_o act_n or_o act_n fearful_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v at_o all_o for_o the_o point_n before_o it_o be_v still_o a_o question_n of_o which_o it_o can_v make_v no_o judgement_n no_o resolution_n because_o of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o which_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o which_o we_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n discourse_v of_o be_v true_o and_o strict_o speak_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o particular_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o suppose_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n about_o the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v no_o judgement_n as_o to_o that_o point_n but_o continue_v waver_a and_o undetermined_a now_o how_o a_o man_n judgement_n and_o his_o no_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o shall_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o same_o logic_n or_o propriety_n of_o speech_n that_o we_o say_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o may_v also_o if_o we_o please_v say_v a_o unresolved_a resolution_n or_o a_o persuasion_n without_o a_o assent_n but_o however_o because_o use_v have_v give_v the_o name_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o doubt_v mind_n and_o because_o conscience_n be_v sometime_o real_o concern_v about_o act_v in_o doubtful_a case_n i_o choose_v to_o follow_v the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v ii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o our_o second_o general_a head_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o rule_n we_o here_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v which_o conscience_n need_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o what_o that_o rule_n be_v or_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o resolve_v all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v every_o point_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o doubt_v any_o long_o concern_v that_o point_n but_o we_o mean_v only_o such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o determine_v himself_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n so_o as_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o doubt_n or_o not_o there_o be_v just_a as_o much_o difference_n
yet_o they_o help_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o thus_o proceed_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o so_o do_v suppose_v that_o the_o case_n wherein_o they_o thus_o act_n be_v a_o case_n of_o pure_a doubt_n and_o there_o be_v no_o persuasion_n on_o either_o side_n and_o withal_o that_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o proceed_v be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n with_o his_o proceed_n the_o truth_n be_v when_o all_o be_v say_v every_o man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o discretion_n and_o if_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a reason_n he_o have_v he_o be_v not_o culpable_a though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o measure_n these_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n can_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o another_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v and_o that_o be_v why_o i_o do_v mention_n they_o at_o all_o since_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o who_o this_o discourse_n be_v intend_v they_o seem_v altogether_o unpracticable_a for_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o these_o different_a degree_n of_o probability_n or_o sinfulness_n in_o a_o action_n that_o we_o here_o talk_v of_o and_o much_o less_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o balance_v these_o thing_n one_o with_o another_o as_o to_o be_v able_a from_o thence_o to_o form_v a_o good_a judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v give_v at_o all_o for_o the_o determine_a man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v give_v these_o because_o we_o can_v give_v no_o other_o these_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o man_n have_v to_o govern_v their_o action_n by_o in_o these_o case_n and_o i_o trust_v also_o they_o will_v not_o be_v whole_o useless_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n for_o the_o purpose_v they_o be_v intend_v because_o all_o may_v hereby_o at_o least_o learn_v thus_o much_o viz._n what_o method_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v by_o for_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o action_n in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v false_a notion_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o particular_a sin_n and_o so_o may_v sometime_o make_v false_a application_n of_o these_o rule_n to_o their_o own_o case_n yet_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o their_o justification_n as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o they_o have_v reason_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v since_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o act_n in_o doubtful_a case_n according_a to_o what_o be_v best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a that_o they_o do_v endeavour_v it_o but_o to_o render_v these_o rule_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n more_o intelligible_a and_o more_o useful_a i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o give_v my_o reader_n a_o specimen_fw-la both_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o particular_a case_n and_o likewise_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v what_o light_n they_o give_v to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o choose_n his_o way_n in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n he_o happen_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o since_o it_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o room_n to_o give_v every_o particular_a rule_n a_o several_a instance_n i_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o one_o case_n under_o which_o i_o may_v consider_v all_o the_o variety_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n i_o have_v now_o represent_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v that_o celebrate_a case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o which_o we_o have_v not_o a_o great_a or_o a_o more_o frequent_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o doubt_n in_o any_o case_n among_o we_o and_o because_o i_o will_v not_o by_o the_o discussion_n of_o this_o case_n divert_v my_o reader_n against_o his_o will_n from_o the_o main_a argument_n i_o have_v take_v care_n to_o have_v it_o so_o mark_v in_o the_o print_n that_o every_o one_o may_v without_o trouble_n if_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o read_v it_o pass_v it_o over_o as_o a_o long_a parenthesis_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o point_n this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o be_v a_o man_n that_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o at_o least_o to_o take_v they_o frequent_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o be_v his_o condition_n that_o he_o be_v constant_o under_o great_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o grievous_a notorious_a sin_n lie_v upon_o his_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o some_o vicious_a course_n which_o he_o be_v unwilling_a that_o his_o new_a vow_n at_o his_o approach_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n shall_v divorce_v he_o from_o for_o indeed_o he_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o live_v honest_o and_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n but_o this_o be_v the_o case_n he_o be_v not_o so_o devout_a a_o christian_n nor_o live_v so_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a a_o life_n as_o he_o think_v become_v the_o partaker_n of_o such_o heavenly_a food_n or_o perhaps_o he_o can_v bring_v himself_o to_o so_o feel_v a_o sense_n and_o contrition_n for_o his_o past_a sin_n or_o such_o ardour_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o every_o worthy_a communicant_a aught_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o or_o perhaps_o he_o want_v faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n so_o comfortable_o to_o his_o own_o heart_n as_o he_o think_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o perhaps_o in_o the_o last_o place_n his_o mind_n be_v so_o haunt_v with_o a_o company_n of_o idle_a and_o naughty_a fancy_n especial_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o serious_a that_o he_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a profanation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o he_o to_o come_v to_o it_o in_o such_o circumstance_n these_o or_o such_o like_a be_v the_o thing_n that_o trouble_v he_o and_o though_o he_o have_v several_a time_n endeavour_v to_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o better_a condition_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o satisfy_v himself_o nor_o get_v over_o these_o difficulty_n what_o now_o must_v this_o man_n do_v he_o will_v fain_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o but_o he_o dare_v not_o receive_v it_o as_o look_v upon_o himself_o to_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n he_o deny_v his_o attendance_n on_o the_o most_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o doubt_v he_o sin_n on_o that_o account_n if_o he_o do_v come_v he_o doubt_v he_o approach_v unworthy_o and_o so_o sin_n upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o question_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o this_o what_o course_n the_o man_n be_v to_o take_v for_o the_o cure_v or_o remove_v his_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o this_o suppose_v the_o man_n after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n can_v cure_v or_o remove_v his_o doubt_n what_o he_o must_v do_v must_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o must_v he_o forbear_v one_o of_o they_o he_o must_v do_v and_o yet_o which_o of_o they_o soever_o he_o choose_v he_o fear_v he_o sin_n if_o the_o former_a have_v be_v the_o question_n the_o resolution_n of_o it_o will_v have_v be_v thus_o that_o the_o man_n be_v to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o get_v better_a instruction_n and_o information_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n and_o about_o the_o quality_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o it_o particular_o those_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o it_o be_v the_o man_n ignorance_n or_o mistake_v about_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v he_o pass_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n upon_o himself_o and_o so_o occasion_n all_o the_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o case_n if_o he_o once_o come_v right_o to_o understand_v these_o point_n his_o doubt_n will_v of_o themselves_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o man_n will_v be_v perfect_o satisfy_v that_o as_o his_o case_n be_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v now_o represent_v he_o may_v without_o any_o fear_n or_o scruple_n in_o the_o world_n at_o any_o time_n approach_v to_o the_o holy_a
form_n other_o doubt_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o ceremony_n or_o our_o way_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o it_o may_v be_v about_o other_o thing_n none_o of_o they_o can_v indeed_o say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v go_v against_o their_o conscience_n or_o that_o they_o believe_v the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n with_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v but_o they_o be_v undetermined_a and_o uncertain_a whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v under_o this_o suspense_n of_o judgement_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n fear_v they_o will_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o they_o shall_v now_o of_o those_o that_o thus_o doubt_v there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o perhaps_o that_o have_v only_o a_o single_a doubt_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o those_o suspect_a condition_n be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o they_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_a from_o we_o again_o there_o be_v other_o that_o doubt_v on_o both_o side_n as_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o do_v that_o be_v as_o they_o doubt_v on_o one_o hand_n whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v not_o sinful_a so_o they_o doubt_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o separate_a upon_o account_n of_o those_o term_n now_o of_o these_o likewise_o there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n some_o perhaps_o be_v equal_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v lawful_a or_o no._n other_o doubt_v unequal_o that_o be_v be_v more_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v sinful_a than_o that_o they_o be_v lawful_a that_o now_o which_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o adviseable_a in_o point_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v do_v in_o each_o of_o these_o case_n now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n where_o a_o man_n have_v only_o a_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n and_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o but_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o separate_a to_o this_o i_o say_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o make_v it_o more_o safe_a for_o he_o to_o separate_a than_o if_o he_o have_v doubt_v on_o both_o side_n because_o indeed_o if_o he_o must_v doubt_v at_o all_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o doubt_n on_o both_o side_n and_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o criminal_a ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o and_o if_o so_o than_o his_o doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n but_o it_o must_v have_v the_o same_o resolution_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o double_a doubt_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o we_o have_v allow_v it_o as_o such_o that_o in_o case_n where_o a_o man_n have_v only_o a_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n of_o a_o action_n it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n than_o that_o other_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v i_o do_v ready_o grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o that_o rule_n be_v always_o intend_a and_o do_v only_o obtain_v in_o such_o case_n where_o a_o man_n may_v certain_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v forbear_v that_o action_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v though_o he_o can_v without_o danger_n of_o sin_v do_v the_o action_n so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v about_o it_o but_o now_o in_o our_o case_n here_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v conform_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o danger_n of_o sin_v nay_o and_o we_o say_v a_o much_o great_a danger_n if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o conform_v so_o that_o that_o rule_n have_v here_o no_o place_n at_o all_o the_o truth_n be_v our_o case_n if_o it_o be_v right_o put_v be_v this_o a_o man_n be_v here_o suppose_a to_o reason_n thus_o with_o himself_o i_o be_o very_a well_o satisfy_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o that_o i_o may_v lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_n cut_v myself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o yet_o by_o his_o christianity_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v and_o i_o may_v likewise_o lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v live_v in_o a_o constant_a disobedience_n and_o refractariness_n to_o all_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o i_o too_o which_o yet_o by_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o nature_n or_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v subject_a i_o say_v i_o be_o satisfy_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v lawful_o do_v both_o these_o thing_n but_o i_o be_o very_o unsatisfied_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o in_o my_o present_a circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n thus_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v sin_n if_o i_o do_v not_o what_o now_o will_v any_o prudent_a man_n say_v to_o this_o case_n why_o certain_o he_o will_v say_v this_o that_o he_o who_o can_v doubt_v after_o this_o fashion_n be_v either_o a_o very_a ill_a man_n or_o a_o very_a ignorant_a one_o and_o that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o stand_n in_o need_n of_o good_a advice_n and_o wholesome_a instruction_n about_o the_o plain_a duty_n of_o christianity_n than_o of_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o doubtful_a case_n because_o indeed_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v not_o to_o his_o case_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v thus_o ignorant_a and_o if_o he_o shall_v observe_v they_o yet_o that_o will_v not_o justify_v his_o act_n if_o it_o shall_v indeed_o prove_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v both_o in_o his_o power_n and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v better_o a_o man_n right_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o be_v entangle_v by_o a_o wilful_o eroneous_a one_o will_v no_o more_o discharge_v he_o from_o sin_n as_o to_o his_o soul_n if_o he_o do_v a_o evil_a action_n than_o the_o second_o concoction_n though_o never_o so_o regular_a can_v rectify_v the_o error_n of_o the_o first_o as_o to_o his_o body_n but_o second_o though_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o offer_v be_v the_o proper_a answer_n to_o the_o case_n before_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v this_o further_a to_o be_v say_v to_o it_o viz._n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n but_o have_v leave_v it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n at_o all_o in_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o only_a danger_n be_v in_o do_v they_o so_o that_o the_o doubt_v about_o conformity_n shall_v have_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n as_o it_o be_v put_v in_o the_o case_n i_o say_v now_o even_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o will_v bear_v a_o just_a dispute_n whether_o conformity_n or_o nonconformity_n be_v the_o more_o eligible_a side_n nay_o i_o say_v further_o that_o if_o the_o rule_n i_o lay_v down_o about_o a_o single_a doubt_n be_v true_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o as_o thing_n now_o stand_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v only_o a_o bare_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o to_o disobey_v and_o separate_a for_o thus_o i_o argue_v though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_v the_o rule_n be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v choose_v that_o side_n of_o a_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o rule_n be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o proviso_n that_o all_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o a_o very_a great_a good_a may_v be_v compass_v or_o a_o very_a great_a evil_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o act_v on_o the_o doubtful_a side_n that_o very_a consideration_n
they_o will_v be_v more_o modest_a and_o humble_a not_o so_o forward_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o will_v not_o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o hold_v out_o and_o persist_v in_o this_o their_o weakness_n nor_o breed_v up_o their_o child_n in_o it_o nor_o so_o zealous_o endeavour_v to_o instil_v the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v into_o all_o with_o who_o they_o converse_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o ordinary_o look_v upon_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o high_a illumination_n great_a knowledge_n than_o other_o man_n have_v attain_v unto_o they_o rather_o count_v we_o the_o weak_a christian_n if_o some_o of_o they_o will_v allow_v we_o so_o much_o for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v we_o for_o the_o weak_a and_o worse_a christian_n why_o do_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o why_o do_v they_o associate_v and_o combine_v together_o into_o distinct_a congregation_n as_o be_v pure_a more_o select_a christian_n than_o other_o now_o though_o such_o person_n as_o these_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n very_o weak_a of_o little_a judgement_n or_o goodness_n notwithstanding_o this_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o party_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n under_o that_o character_n nor_o to_o expect_v we_o shall_v forgo_v our_o just_a liberty_n to_o please_v and_o humour_n they_o and_o that_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o this_o one_o observation_n that_o many_o among_o they_o will_v grant_v our_o reformation_n to_o have_v be_v very_o excellent_a and_o laudable_a for_o those_o day_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o make_v but_o we_o now_o say_v they_o see_v by_o a_o clear_a light_n have_v great_a knowledge_n and_o have_v arrive_v to_o high_a perfection_n and_o so_o discover_v and_o can_v bear_v those_o fault_n and_o defect_n which_o before_o be_v tolerable_a now_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o these_o two_o plea_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a and_o destructive_a of_o one_o another_o to_o desire_v abatement_n of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o abolition_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o liturgy_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n and_o to_o demand_v the_o same_o because_o of_o the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o light_n they_o now_o enjoy_v above_o that_o age_n wherein_o this_o present_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v establish_v this_o show_v they_o will_v be_v either_o weak_a or_o strong_a according_a as_o it_o best_o suit_n with_o the_o argument_n they_o be_v manage_v against_o we_o they_o be_v content_v to_o be_v reckon_v as_o weak_a only_o that_o on_o it_o they_o may_v ground_v a_o plausible_a objection_n against_o we_o 3_o those_o who_o be_v real_o weak_a that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a be_v to_o be_v bear_v withal_o only_o for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o have_v receive_v better_a instruction_n we_o can_v be_v always_o bahe_v in_o christ_n without_o our_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o neglect_n he_o be_v something_o worse_a than_o a_o weak_a man_n who_o be_v fond_a of_o and_o resolute_o against_o all_o mean_n of_o conviction_n persist_v in_o his_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n the_o case_n of_o young_a beginner_n and_o novice_n be_v very_o pittiable_a who_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v their_o lesson_n but_o the_o same_o condescension_n be_v not_o due_a to_o those_o who_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n not_o for_o want_v of_o capacity_n to_o understand_v but_o for_o want_v of_o humility_n and_o willingness_n to_o be_v instruct_v such_o who_o be_v peevish_a and_o stubborn_a who_o ignorance_n and_o error_n be_v voluntary_a and_o affect_v who_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o clear_a reason_n if_o it_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n or_o their_o party_n can_v upon_o no_o account_n claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o weak_a person_n it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o inhumanity_n and_o cruelty_n to_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n but_o he_o walk_v at_o his_o own_o peril_n who_o have_v eye_n and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o open_v they_o that_o he_o may_v see_v and_o choose_v his_o way_n thus_o our_o saviour_n answer_v his_o disciple_n when_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o pharisee_n be_v offend_v at_o his_o doctrine_n let_v they_o alone_o they_o be_v blind_a leader_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n st._n matt._n 15._o 14._o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n our_o saviour_n say_v or_o do_v they_o watch_v for_o a_o advantage_n and_o seek_v occasion_n against_o he_o it_o be_v their_o malice_n not_o their_o ignorance_n that_o make_v they_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v offend_v of_o these_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o regard_n who_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o opposition_n not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o condemn_v all_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o nonconform_a brethren_n for_o malicious_a and_o wilful_a in_o their_o dissent_n from_o we_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v pass_v such_o a_o unmerciful_a sentence_n on_o so_o many_o as_o i_o believe_v well_o meaning_n though_o miserable_o abuse_v person_n to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o stand_v or_o fall_v but_o however_o 1._o i_o will_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o they_o beg_v earnest_o of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v thorough_o examine_v whether_o they_o have_v conscientious_o use_v all_o due_a mean_n in_o their_o power_n for_o information_n of_o their_o judgement_n concern_v those_o thing_n they_o doubt_v of_o whether_o they_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o and_o have_v devout_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o free_v their_o mind_n from_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o have_v patient_o consider_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o for_o unless_o it_o be_v thus_o real_o with_o they_o their_o weakness_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v pity_v than_o that_o man_n sickness_n who_o may_v be_v cure_v by_o a_o easy_a remedy_n if_o he_o will_v but_o vouchsafe_v to_o apply_v it_o or_o will_v submit_v to_o good_a counsel_n 2._o i_o must_v say_v that_o old_a and_o inveterate_a mistake_n that_o have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n answer_v and_o protest_v against_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v heed_v by_o we_o if_o people_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v prevail_v upon_o have_v sufficient_a light_n and_o time_n allow_v they_o to_o lay_v aside_o their_o childish_a apprehension_n and_o suspicion_n they_o can_v hardly_o be_v think_v to_o deserve_v that_o compassion_n and_o tenderness_n st._n paul_n prescribe_v towards_o weak_a brethren_n i_o shall_v give_v one_o plain_a instance_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o some_o very_a weak_a and_o such_o they_o must_v be_v if_o honest_a be_v offend_v at_o the_o church_n require_v kneel_v at_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o imply_v the_o adoration_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o as_o likely_a to_o harden_v some_o ignorant_a people_n in_o that_o monstrous_a conceit_n of_o transubstantiation_n but_o now_o after_o so_o many_o public_a declaration_n make_v by_o our_o church_n wherein_o she_o avow_v that_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v intend_v after_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o so_o many_o that_o have_v use_v that_o decent_a ceremony_n that_o they_o abhor_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n bodily_a presence_n nay_o after_o the_o courageous_a suffering_n even_o death_n itself_o of_o those_o that_o first_o establish_v this_o reformation_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v worship_v the_o host_n if_o after_o all_o this_o people_n shall_v still_o clamour_v against_o this_o gesture_n as_o popish_a and_o be_v offend_v with_o those_o that_o use_v it_o as_o if_o thereby_o they_o give_v divine_a honour_n to_o the_o element_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v be_v this_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n that_o it_o be_v not_o infirmity_n only_o to_o which_o condescension_n be_v due_a but_o something_o worse_a that_o raise_v and_o maintain_v such_o exception_n and_o offence_n this_o i_o suppose_v hold_v true_a even_o in_o thing_n where_o the_o offence_n arise_v from_o their_o doubtful_a or_o suspicious_a nature_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v misunderstand_v and_o abuse_v and_o may_v be_v apt_a through_o mistake_n to_o provoke_v or_o tempt_v other_o to_o evil_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_n in_o they_o and_o the_o do_v of_o they_o be_v of_o some_o considerable_a consequence_n or_o advantage_n to_o i_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o forbear_v they_o no_o long_o than_o till_o i_o
be_v necessary_a to_o their_o spiritual_a life_n as_o the_o parallel_n plain_o imply_v upon_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o that_o all_o we_o can_v expect_v by_o virtue_n of_o these_o promise_n be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o aid_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o those_o necessary_a case_n wherein_o our_o duty_n and_o spiritual_a life_n be_v concern_v and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o either_o matter_n or_o word_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o pray_v it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n to_o expect_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o or_o such_o like_a promise_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n i_o conceive_v be_v very_o apparent_a for_o first_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v already_o sufficient_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o plain_o instruct_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o as_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v by_o any_o immediate_a inspiration_n so_o that_o with_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n we_o may_v thence_o easy_o recollect_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o need_v and_o what_o we_o be_v warrant_v and_o command_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o for_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o whole_a we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o our_o church_n catechism_n which_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n after_o the_o lord_n prayer_n what_o desire_v thou_o of_o god_n in_o this_o prayer_n sum_n up_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n in_o a_o few_o plain_a and_o easy_a word_n and_o to_o suppose_v after_o such_o a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n a_o necessity_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v neither_o reason_n enough_o to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o plain_a word_n nor_o memory_n enough_o to_o retain_v and_o recollect_v it_o but_o against_o this_o that_o passage_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v object_v by_o our_o brethren_n rom._n 8._o 26._o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v for_o which_o word_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v they_o infer_v that_o how_o plain_o soever_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o we_o can_v in_o all_o case_n know_v what_o it_o be_v without_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n which_o must_v either_o suppose_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o or_o that_o though_o it_o be_v we_o can_v understand_v it_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n word_n imply_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o tother_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a those_o word_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v simple_o but_o with_o reference_n to_o as_o we_o ought_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o know_v not_o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o manner_n and_o not_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n how_o to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n with_o that_o fervency_n of_o desire_n that_o dependence_n upon_o and_o resignation_n to_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n have_v already_o sufficient_o reveal_v to_o we_o what_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v as_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v reveal_v it_o again_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o i_o know_v no_o warrant_n we_o have_v to_o expect_v it_o but_o then_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o express_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o what_o necessity_n can_v there_o be_v that_o these_o shall_v be_v immediate_o dictate_v to_o we_o when_o as_o if_o we_o have_v not_o quickness_n enough_o of_o fancy_n and_o invention_n to_o express_v our_o want_n and_o desire_n in_o our_o own_o word_n we_o may_v ready_o supply_v that_o defect_n by_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n which_o with_o very_o short_a addition_n and_o variation_n of_o our_o own_o we_o may_v easy_o adapt_v to_o all_o our_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n and_o to_o imagine_v that_o with_o such_o help_n and_o assistance_n we_o can_v word_n our_o desire_n to_o god_n without_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v to_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v mere_a whisper_a pipe_n that_o can_v breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v breathe_v into_o we_o 3._o that_o as_o there_o be_v neither_o promise_n nor_o need_v of_o any_o such_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o prayer_n so_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a sign_n or_o testimony_n of_o it_o remain_v among_o we_o whenever_o god_n inspire_v man_n with_o divine_a matter_n and_o word_n his_o way_n be_v always_o to_o attest_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o inspiration_n with_o some_o certain_a sign_n by_o which_o themselves_o and_o other_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v of_o it_o and_o though_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o inspire_a age_n we_o can_v certain_o determine_v by_o what_o token_n it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n know_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o own_o inspiration_n while_o they_o be_v seize_v with_o they_o yet_o this_o we_o know_v that_o after_o they_o be_v deliver_v of_o they_o god_n always_o take_v care_n to_o attest_v they_o by_o some_o miraculous_a operation_n for_o so_o miracle_n be_v style_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v the_o constant_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o indeed_o without_o such_o sign_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o false_a pretence_n we_o be_v better_o be_v without_o inspiration_n than_o with_o it_o because_o we_o shall_v be_v leave_v under_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n either_o of_o admit_v all_o inspiration_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v divine_a or_o of_o reject_v all_o that_o be_v true_o so_o as_o to_o instance_n in_o this_o case_n of_o prayer_n we_o know_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o it_o dictate_v to_o they_o by_o a_o natural_a or_o diabolical_a as_o well_o as_o a_o divine_a enthusiasm_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o requisite_a if_o such_o divine_a enthusiasm_n or_o inspiration_n be_v continue_v to_o we_o that_o the_o proper_a sign_n and_o testimony_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v continue_v too_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v that_o which_o be_v divine_a from_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a or_o diabolical_a otherwise_o we_o must_v either_o conclude_v they_o all_o to_o be_v natural_a or_o diabolical_a or_o believe_v they_o all_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o entertain_v they_o according_o if_o you_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o either_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o think_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o inspiration_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v the_o inspiration_n itself_o whether_o it_o be_v divine_a or_o natural_a or_o diabolical_a for_o first_o as_o for_o natural_a enthusiasm_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v agreeable_o to_o scripture_n by_o natural_a inspiration_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o natural_a or_o accidental_a fervency_n of_o temper_n arise_v either_o from_o a_o constant_a heat_n of_o constitution_n or_o a_o casual_a agitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n occasion_v either_o by_o vapour_n of_o heat_a melancholy_n or_o a_o intermixture_n of_o sharp_a and_o feverish_a humour_n with_o the_o blood_n which_o as_o all_o man_n know_v who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o composition_n of_o humane_a body_n natural_o heighten_v and_o impregnate_v the_o fancy_n and_o cause_v the_o image_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v fast_o into_o it_o and_o appear_v more_o distinct_a in_o it_o and_o consequent_o produce_v a_o very_a ready_a invention_n of_o matter_n and_o extraordinary_a fluency_n of_o word_n so_o that_o if_o under_o a_o fit_a of_o this_o natural_a fervency_n a_o man_n fancy_n happen_v to_o run_v upon_o god_n and_o religion_n he_o can_v fail_v to_o pray_v with_o great_a readiness_n and_o fluency_n and_o sometime_o with_o that_o extraordinary_a passion_n and_o enlargement_n as_o shall_v cause_v he_o assure_o to_o believe_v himself_o immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o instance_n enough_o may_v be_v give_v not_o only_o among_o christian_n but_o also_o among_o the_o devoto_n of_o mahomet_n and_o
repetition_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o call_v upon_o god_n from_o be_v vain_a and_o that_o be_v that_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o keep_v pace_n with_o our_o expression_n but_o this_o belong_v to_o we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o if_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o ourselves_o that_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n of_o heart_n which_o shall_v answer_v that_o appearance_n thereof_o which_o these_o repetition_n make_v this_o will_v satisfy_v we_o beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o vain_a to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n i_o desire_v those_o who_o do_v not_o yet_o approve_v our_o repetition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o other_o short_a devotion_n to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o spend_v the_o time_n it_o take_v up_o more_o profitable_o than_o by_o join_v in_o good_a earnest_n with_o the_o congregation_n in_o these_o prayer_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o responsal_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v matter_n of_o offence_n to_o some_o person_n they_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o people_n say_v the_o confession_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n after_o the_o minister_n nor_o their_o alternate_a recite_v some_o petition_n in_o the_o daily_a service_n with_o the_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o least_o of_o all_o do_v they_o approve_v that_o part_n which_o the_o congregation_n bear_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o litany_n now_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o who_o blame_v our_o prayer_n upon_o this_o account_n will_v consider_v what_o have_v often_o be_v say_v to_o show_v the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o way_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o check_v a_o wander_a spirit_n and_o to_o help_v and_o relieve_v attention_n and_o withal_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o quicken_v a_o lively_a forwardness_n and_o zeal_n in_o god_n service_n whilst_o we_o invite_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o give_v thanks_o these_o thing_n we_o say_v not_o without_o some_o experience_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o we_o think_v they_o carry_v plain_a reason_n along_o with_o they_o and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o have_v be_v contradict_v by_o the_o leader_n of_o the_o dissent_v party_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v declare_v their_o dislike_n of_o this_o way_n but_o still_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v for_o it_o if_o i_o have_v observe_v right_a the_o main_a reason_n of_o their_o dislike_n be_v this_o that_o the_o minister_n as_o they_o say_v be_v appoint_v for_o the_o people_n in_o all_o public_a service_n appertain_v to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v examine_v this_o reason_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o 1._o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n in_o public_a worship_n yet_o this_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v so_o interpret_v as_o to_o make_v all_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o religious_a assembly_n unlawful_a to_o the_o people_n for_o than_o they_o must_v not_o declare_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o prayer_n which_o the_o minister_n utter_v by_o say_v amen_o which_o yet_o the_o scripture_n approve_v and_o be_v not_o disapprove_v by_o any_o of_o those_o that_o object_n our_o way_n against_o we_o nor_o must_v it_o be_v so_o take_v as_o if_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o a_o vocal_a part_n in_o praising_n god_n by_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n for_o this_o also_o be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v confess_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o allow_v the_o people_n to_o sing_v psalm_n with_o the_o minister_n now_o he_o that_o audible_o say_v amen_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n make_v a_o short_a responsal_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o moreover_o they_o that_o sing_v psalm_n in_o which_o there_o be_v passage_n of_o prayer_n confession_n or_o petition_n contain_v matter_n of_o invocation_n proper_a for_o we_o as_o the_o psalm_n often_o do_v they_o pray_v vocal_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o what_o be_v pretend_v concern_v the_o minister_n be_v the_o people_n mouth_n to_o god_n it_o shall_v still_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n sometime_o to_o join_v vocal_o in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o in_o praise_n and_o not_o only_o by_o say_v amen_o but_o by_o express_v the_o very_a word_n of_o confession_n or_o petition_n but_o 2_o where_o be_v it_o say_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n or_o that_o no_o prayer_n may_v be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o religious_a assembly_n otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o minister_n i_o doubt_v these_o say_n be_v grow_v so_o samiliar_a among_o some_o people_n that_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n or_o very_o near_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o word_n nor_o meaning_n in_o the_o bible_n that_o i_o can_v find_v or_o that_o they_o have_v find_v for_o we_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o there_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n in_o all_o those_o prayer_n which_o he_o utter_v for_o they_o and_o because_o these_o be_v many_o more_o than_o what_o the_o people_n themselves_o utter_v he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o mouth_n to_o god_n comparative_o but_o not_o absolute_o it_o will_v be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o minister_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o people_n in_o all_o public_a service_n appertain_v to_o god_n if_o this_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o most_o part_n or_o of_o all_o with_o little_a exception_n some_o public_a service_n there_o be_v which_o be_v enclose_v in_o his_o office_n and_o he_o be_v appoint_v for_o they_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v for_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n absolve_v the_o penitent_a and_o bless_v the_o people_n and_o therefore_o prayer_n that_o immediate_o concern_v these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o he_o only_o and_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o authority_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n make_v it_o fit_a and_o decent_a that_o the_o minister_n shall_v utter_v most_o ever_o of_o they_o &_o that_o in_o those_o wherein_o the_o people_n have_v their_o part_n he_o shall_v ever_o go_v before_o and_o lead_v they_o and_o guide_v the_o whole_a performance_n which_o be_v all_o take_a care_n for_o in_o our_o liturgy_n i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o dissenter_n do_v not_o utter_o debar_v the_o people_n from_o all_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n of_o their_o own_o in_o god_n solemn_a worship_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o they_o shall_v keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o upon_o question_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o i_o hearty_o entreat_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n come_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o thing_n 1._o if_o they_o grant_v the_o people_n interest_n in_o vocal_a praise_n let_v they_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o condemn_v the_o people_n bear_v a_o part_n in_o any_o of_o the_o hymn_n and_o psalm_n by_o alternate_a response_n for_o the_o plain_a end_n of_o recite_v those_o psalm_n in_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o praise_n and_o magnify_v god_n name_n and_o to_o excite_v in_o our_o heart_n such_o like_a devout_a affection_n in_o do_v so_o as_o those_o holy_a man_n feel_v in_o themselves_o who_o be_v assist_v by_o god_n spirit_n in_o compose_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o dissenter_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o demand_v that_o the_o people_n be_v silent_a all_o this_o while_n i_o have_v hear_v some_o of_o they_o say_v that_o if_o these_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n be_v sing_v the_o congregation_n may_v then_o challenge_v to_o put_v in_o their_o voice_n with_o the_o minister_n but_o when_o they_o be_v read_v as_o they_o general_o be_v in_o our_o parish_n church_n they_o say_v this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o minister_n only_o but_o i_o can_v see_v why_o sing_n or_o not_o sing_v shall_v make_v such_o a_o difference_n i_o grant_v it_o be_v better_a if_o they_o be_v every_o where_o sing_v because_o this_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o psalm_n than_o bear_v recite_v be_v but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sing_v which_o be_v customary_o omit_v in_o parish_n church_n for_o want_v of_o skill_n as_o i_o conceive_v the_o next_o use_n of_o they_o that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o design_n be_v not_o
any_o moment_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o under_o this_o twofold_a head_n 1._o that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_o abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a purpose_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o the_o retain_v of_o it_o still_o among_o we_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o that_o church_n ii_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o introduce_v of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n which_o have_v not_o the_o warranty_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a offensive_a invasion_n of_o his_o right_n who_o royal_a prerogative_n alone_o it_o be_v to_o institute_v what_o sacrament_n he_o please_v in_o his_o church_n under_o these_o two_o head_n i_o think_v may_v be_v fair_o comprehend_v all_o those_o objection_n our_o brethren_n have_v offer_v against_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n at_o least_o all_o those_o that_o be_v any_o thing_n material_a insomuch_o that_o if_o the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o can_v be_v remove_v we_o may_v fair_o hope_v none_o of_o the_o sober_a and_o conscientious_a dissenter_n but_o will_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o maintain_v the_o separation_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o candour_n and_o clearness_n that_o become_v the_o design_n of_o this_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o discourse_n that_o have_v be_v publish_v of_o this_o kind_n viz._n to_o convince_v and_o not_o reproach_n or_o provoke_v any_o to_o effect_v if_o possible_a the_o happy_a agreement_n and_o consequent_o enlarge_v and_o strengthen_v the_o interest_n of_o good_a men._n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v think_v fit_a not_o to_o quote_v the_o writing_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o rather_o to_o represent_v the_o objection_n as_o what_o be_v in_o general_a avow_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o whole_a party_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v here_o offer_v that_o have_v not_o be_v already_o with_o great_a learning_n and_o integrity_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o many_o assertor_n of_o our_o church_n yet_o perhaps_o the_o bring_v this_o under_o one_o view_n without_o the_o warmth_n or_o salt_n of_o a_o adversary_n may_v not_o prove_v altogether_o vain_a and_o ineffectual_a i._o i_o begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o first_o objection_n viz._n that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_o abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a purpose_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o the_o retain_v of_o it_o still_o among_o we_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o that_o church_n i_o must_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o material_a figure_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v indeed_o abuse_v to_o very_o idolatrous_a purpose_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o even_o the_o aereal_a sign_n of_o it_o to_o purpose_n superstitious_a and_o ridiculous_a enough_o and_o if_o what_o we_o do_v in_o use_v this_o sign_n in_o baptism_n be_v real_o chargeable_a with_o popery_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o detest_v and_o reject_v it_o the_o objection_n therefore_o at_o the_o first_o view_n look_v plausible_o enough_o when_o it_o thus_o charge_v this_o ceremony_n of_o the_o cross_n paganism_n itself_o be_v hardly_o more_o odious_a nor_o in_o truth_n for_o some_o very_a good_a reason_n among_o wise_a man_n more_o ridiculous_a and_o intolerable_a there_o be_v scarce_o any_o part_n of_o popery_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o dpravation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o such_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o rule_n such_o a_o defeat_n to_o the_o great_a purpose_n and_o end_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n that_o it_o deserve_v well_o enough_o the_o good_a man_n just_a abhorrency_n which_o he_o may_v reasonable_o express_v when_o he_o find_v himself_o in_o any_o real_a danger_n of_o the_o snare_n but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v how_o easy_a and_o natural_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o person_n that_o otherwise_o mean_v honest_o enough_o to_o humour_v a_o just_a and_o reasonable_a offence_n against_o popery_n into_o groundless_a suspicion_n upon_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o such_o tendency_n at_o all_o in_o they_o and_o upon_o these_o first_o suspicion_n not_o only_o to_o startle_v and_o grow_v a_o little_a shy_a and_o nice_a but_o to_o determine_v themselves_o in_o resolve_v &_o unmoveable_a prejudices_fw-la that_o have_v have_v effect_n ill_a enough_o for_o upon_o this_o design_v man_n have_v make_v their_o advantage_n upon_o every_o trifle_a occasion_n give_v out_o the_o word_n and_o lay_v the_o charge_n of_o popery_n upon_o what_o it_o have_v be_v their_o humour_n or_o interest_n to_o desire_v a_o change_n in_o and_o this_o probable_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o this_o case_n in_o hand_n the_o accusation_n have_v be_v draw_v against_o it_o that_o it_o be_v very_o popish_a and_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o this_o accusation_n have_v beget_v in_o some_o honest_a mind_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o they_o seem_v invincible_a how_o unreasonable_o therefore_o this_o charge_n be_v lay_v against_o our_o use_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n may_v appear_v when_o we_o have_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v much_o more_o ancient_a than_o the_o first_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ii_o that_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v in_o our_o church_n have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o romish_a ritual_n iii_o last_o although_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v great_o abuse_v this_o ceremony_n to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n of_o superstition_n yet_o do_v not_o this_o make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o continue_v the_o reform_a use_n of_o it_o still_o among_o we_o that_o have_v profess_o separate_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n i._o consider_v we_o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v much_o more_o ancient_a than_o the_o first_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o will_v be_v understand_v as_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v put_v that_o church_n under_o the_o imputation_n of_o what_o we_o now_o call_v popery_n for_o that_o there_o be_v some_o deprave_a custom_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o so_o that_o of_o rome_n perhaps_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o in_o very_o early_a day_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o st._n paul_n rebuke_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o from_o what_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o his_o revelation_n to_o st._n john_n condemn_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n so_o that_o when_o i_o say_v the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v more_o ancient_a than_o the_o first_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o mean_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o those_o corruption_n in_o she_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o have_v just_o esteem_v she_o a_o apostatise_v church_n more_o ancient_a than_o either_o the_o introduction_n of_o image_n their_o multiplication_n of_o sacrament_n their_o pretension_n to_o supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n or_o any_o of_o those_o superstitious_a rite_n in_o worship_n by_o which_o we_o distinguish_v that_o church_n as_o popish_a and_o brand_v it_o as_o false_a and_o antichristian_a as_o to_o this_o therefore_o i_o know_v none_o of_o our_o dissent_v age._n by_o which_o phrase_n the_o apostle_n in_o truth_n mean_v the_o secret_a working_n of_o the_o heretic_n of_o that_o age._n brethren_n however_o for_o a_o shift_n in_o argument_n they_o may_v talk_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n beginning_n to_o work_v betimes_o and_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n *_o that_o yet_o do_v profess_o charge_v any_o signal_n apostasy_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o least_o for_o the_o first_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n not_o to_o the_o age_n wherein_o st._n austin_n flourish_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o church_n that_o may_v be_v communicate_v with_o at_o that_o time_n notwithstanding_o that_o father_n complain_v of_o the_o superfaetation_n of_o ceremony_n even_o then_o which_o at_o least_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v very_o burdensome_a and_o yet_o for_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o of_o year_n before_o this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o tertullian_n such_o mention_n of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n that_o make_v it_o very_o plain_a it_o have_v be_v a_o customary_a thing_n long_o before_o his_o time_n also_o and_o
our_o saviour_n the_o great_a friend_n and_o lover_n of_o soul_n a_o command_n so_o reasonable_a so_o easy_a so_o full_a of_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o faithful_a observer_n of_o it_o one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v so_o plain_a a_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o partake_v of_o those_o great_a and_o manifold_a blessing_n which_o all_o christian_n believe_v to_o be_v promise_v and_o make_v good_a to_o the_o frequent_a and_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o this_o sacrament_n where_o then_o lie_v the_o difficulty_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o backwardness_n which_o we_o see_v in_o man_n to_o so_o plain_a so_o necessary_a and_o so_o beneficial_a a_o duty_n the_o truth_n be_v man_n have_v be_v great_o discourage_v from_o this_o sacrament_n by_o the_o unwary_a press_v and_o inculcate_v of_o two_o great_a truth_n the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o it_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o iii_o third_z particular_a i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o objection_n and_o scruple_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o many_o devout_a and_o sincere_a christian_n to_o their_o great_a discouragement_n from_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n at_o least_o so_o frequent_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o these_o objection_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v chief_o ground_v upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v at_o the_o 27_o verse_n wherefore_o whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o again_o ver_fw-la 29._o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o upon_o the_o mistake_n and_o misapplication_n of_o these_o text_n have_v be_v ground_v two_o objection_n of_o great_a force_n to_o discourage_v man_n from_o this_o sacrament_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v to_o remove_v first_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v so_o very_o great_a it_o seem_v the_o safe_a way_n not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o second_o that_o so_o much_o preparation_n and_o worthiness_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a receive_v the_o more_o timorous_a sort_n of_o devout_a christian_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o due_o enough_o qualify_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n 1._o that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v so_o obj._n 1_o very_o great_a it_o seem_v the_o safe_a way_n whole_o to_o refrain_v from_o this_o sacrament_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o at_o all_o but_o this_o objection_n be_v evident_o of_o no_o force_n if_o there_o be_v as_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a danger_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n viz._n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o though_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v avoid_v by_o not_o receive_v yet_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v a_o plain_a institution_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o thereby_o avoid_v sure_o they_o in_o the_o parable_n that_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o marriage-feast_n of_o the_o king_n son_n and_o make_v light_n of_o that_o gracious_a invitation_n be_v at_o least_o as_o faulty_a as_o he_o who_o come_v without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o we_o find_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o parable_n that_o as_o he_o be_v severe_o punish_v for_o his_o disrespect_n so_o they_o be_v destroy_v for_o their_o disobedience_n nay_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v the_o great_a sign_n of_o contempt_n whole_o to_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o without_o some_o due_a qualification_n the_o great_a indisposition_n that_o can_v be_v for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v one_o being_n a_o bad_a man_n and_o he_o may_v be_v as_o bad_a and_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o continue_v so_o who_o wilful_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n than_o he_o that_o come_v to_o it_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o reverence_n and_o preparation_n though_o much_o less_o than_o he_o ought_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o man_n to_o come_v to_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n without_o some_o kind_n of_o religious_a awe_n upon_o their_o spirit_n and_o without_o some_o good_a thought_n and_o resolution_n at_o least_o for_o the_o present_a if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o know_a wickedness_n of_o life_n do_v before_o he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n set_v himself_o serious_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o to_o beg_v god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n against_o they_o and_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o do_v continue_v for_o some_o time_n in_o these_o good_a resolution_n though_o after_o a_o while_o he_o may_v possible_o relapse_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o this_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o restraint_n to_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o these_o good_a mood_n and_o fit_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v much_o better_a than_o a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o sin_n even_o this_o righteousness_n which_o be_v but_o as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o so_o soon_o pass_v away_o be_v better_a than_o none_o and_o indeed_o scarce_o any_o man_n can_v think_v of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o he_o will_v by_o this_o consideration_n be_v excite_v to_o some_o good_a purpose_n and_o put_v upon_o some_o sort_n of_o endeavour_n to_o amend_v and_o reform_v his_o life_n and_o though_o he_o be_v very_o much_o under_o the_o bondage_n and_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n if_o he_o do_v with_o any_o competent_a degree_n of_o sincerity_n and_o it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o excellent_a mean_n and_o instrument_n for_o the_o mortify_n and_o subdue_a of_o his_o lust_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n it_o may_v please_v god_n by_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n so_o to_o abate_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o to_o imprint_v such_o consideration_n upon_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v at_o last_o break_v off_o his_o wicked_a course_n and_o become_v a_o good_a man_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o to_o those_o who_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n leave_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o the_o great_a enormity_n of_o life_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o they_o in_o their_o evil_a course_n nothing_o but_o the_o penalty_n of_o humane_a law_n which_o man_n may_v avoid_v and_o yet_o be_v wicked_a enough_o heretofore_o man_n use_v to_o be_v restrain_v from_o great_a and_o scandalous_a vice_n by_o shame_n and_o fear_n of_o disgrace_n and_o will_v abstain_v from_o many_o sin_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n among_o man_n but_o man_n have_v harden_v their_o face_n in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n and_o those_o gentle_a restraint_n of_o modesty_n which_o govern_v and_o keep_v man_n in_o order_n heretofore_o signify_v nothing_o now_o adays_o blush_v be_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o shame_n be_v cease_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o the_o sacrament_n do_v always_o use_v to_o lay_v some_o kind_n of_o restraint_n upon_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o whole_o reform_v they_o it_o will_v at_o least_o have_v some_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o for_o a_o time_n if_o it_o do_v not_o make_v man_n good_a yet_o it_o will_v make_v they_o resolve_v to_o be_v so_o and_o leave_v some_o good_a thought_n and_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n to_o discourage_v man_n so_o much_o from_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o way_n have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n and_o that_o many_o man_n who_o be_v under_o some_o kind_n of_o check_n before_o since_o they_o have_v be_v drive_v away_o from_o the_o sacrament_n have_v quite_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o and_o prostitute_a themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o vice_n and_o among_o the_o many_o ill_a effect_n of_o our_o past_a confusion_n this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o in_o many_o congregation_n of_o this_o kingdom_n christian_n be_v general_o disuse_v and_o deter_v from_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o and_o be_v so_o they_o must_v necessary_o incur_v the_o
liberty_n by_o god_n to_o use_v what_o comely_a gesture_n we_o please_v either_o sit_v kneel_v or_o stand_v and_o if_o the_o law_n of_o the_o thing_n see_v the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n land_n do_v not_o restrain_v our_o liberty_n we_o may_v use_v any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a gesture_n without_o the_o least_o violation_n of_o any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o perhaps_o at_o first_o sight_n may_v seem_v very_o strange_a and_o false_a to_o many_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v otherwise_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o judge_v charitable_o their_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n have_v in_o this_o particular_a be_v impose_v on_o themselves_o by_o the_o write_n and_o assertion_n of_o other_o man_n who_o person_n they_o have_v have_v in_o great_a admiration_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o secure_a of_o this_o truth_n that_o i_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n to_o produce_v the_o chapter_n and_o verse_n wherein_o any_o command_n be_v give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o popish_a principle_n of_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o swallow_v all_o for_o gospel_n which_o she_o affirm_v to_o be_v so_o though_o very_o mischievous_a in_o its_o consequence_n be_v not_o so_o popish_a that_o be_v so_o ill_o as_o to_o pin_v our_o faith_n on_o the_o sleeve_n of_o particular_a man_n and_o rely_v bare_o on_o the_o word_n and_o credit_n of_o any_o one_o man_n who_o we_o high_o esteem_v of_o what_o party_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o for_o this_o be_v to_o create_v a_o pope_n to_o ourselves_o and_o make_v every_o man_n who_o we_o fancy_n infallible_a this_o be_v to_o make_v two_o more_o than_o six_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o man_n outweigh_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n who_o be_v nothing_o near_o so_o liable_a to_o deception_n i_o do_v desire_v therefore_o to_o be_v trust_v by_o any_o mean_n in_o the_o matter_n under_o present_a consideration_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n trust_v no_o man_n eye_n or_o judgement_n where_o you_o be_v able_a to_o use_v your_o own_o but_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o berean_o so_o high_o commend_v 11._o acts._n 17._o 11._o by_o st._n paul_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o be_v to_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o i_o say_v and_o assert_v if_o this_o course_n be_v general_o follow_v it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o the_o compose_v those_o difference_n and_o cure_v those_o division_n that_o at_o present_a be_v on_o foot_n among_o we_o occasion_v by_o several_a tenet_n and_o opinion_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o mean_n a_o great_a many_o which_o pass_v for_o divine_a oracle_n and_o doctrine_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o whimsy_n and_o invention_n of_o men._n with_o this_o cautionary_a advice_n i_o may_v fair_o dismiss_v this_o question_n as_o be_v full_o answer_v and_o leave_v all_o my_o reader_n to_o disprove_v i_o if_o they_o can_v but_o because_o some_o may_v pretend_v they_o have_v not_o leisure_n and_o other_o want_v of_o skill_n and_o other_o be_v not_o enduce_v with_o patience_n enough_o to_o search_v and_o examine_v this_o matter_n thorough_o as_o it_o ought_v i_o will_v yield_v all_o the_o charitable_a assistance_n i_o be_o able_a towards_o their_o relief_n by_o do_v the_o work_n to_o their_o hand_n my_o business_n then_o at_o present_a be_v this_o to_o collect_v and_o present_v to_o your_o view_n all_o those_o place_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o inform_v we_o what_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o and_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v any_o command_n which_o tie_v we_o up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n sit_v suppose_n or_o stand_v and_o not_o kneel_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o in_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o evangelist_n who_o give_v we_o a_o perfect_a narrative_n of_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o faith_n and_o salvation_n let_v we_o therefore_o bring_v they_o under_o a_o strict_a examination_n st._n matthew_n give_v this_o account_n of_o 26._o mat._n 26._o 26._o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o they_o be_v eat_v jesus_n take_v bread_n and_o bless_v it_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o he_o take_v the_o 27._o ver._n 27._o cup_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o saying_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 28._o ver._n 28._o which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n but_o i_o 29._o ver._n 29._o say_v unto_o you_o i_o will_v not_o drink_v henceforth_o of_o this_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n until_o that_o day_n when_o i_o drink_v it_o new_a with_o you_o in_o my_o father_n kingdom_n and_o when_o they_o have_v sing_v a_o hymn_n 30._o ver._n 30._o they_o go_v out_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o account_n which_o st._n mark_n give_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o as_o they_o do_v eat_v jesus_n take_v bread_n and_o bless_v and_o 22._o mar._n 14._o 22._o break_v it_o and_o give_v to_o they_o and_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v 23._o ver._n 23._o thanks_o he_o give_v it_o to_o they_o and_o they_o all_o drink_v of_o it_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a 25._o ver._n 24._o ver._n 25._o testament_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o will_v drink_v no_o more_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n until_o that_o day_n that_o i_o drink_v it_o new_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o 26._o ver._n 26._o when_o they_o have_v sing_v a_o hymn_n they_o go_v out_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o saint_n mark_n deliver_v concern_v the_o lord_n supper_n saint_n luke_n with_o very_o little_a variation_n thus_o describe_v the_o matter_n and_o he_o take_v bread_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o break_v it_o and_o 19_o luke_n 22._o 19_o give_v unto_o they_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v give_v for_o you_o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o likewise_o also_o the_o 20._o ver._n 20._o cup_n after_o supper_n say_v this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o you_o this_o evangelist_n indeed_o make_v mention_n of_o another_o cup_n which_o our_o lord_n take_v and_o after_o he_o have_v bless_v it_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n take_v this_o and_o divide_v it_o among_o yourselves_o and_o withal_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o drink_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n until_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v which_o cup_n plain_o refer_v to_o the_o passover_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o will_v consult_v and_o compare_v the_o 15_o 16_o 17_o and_o 18._o verse_n of_o talmud_n see_v dr._n lightfoot_n on_o mat._n 26._o 26._o horae_n heb._n &_o talmud_n the_o forementioned_a chapter_n and_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v that_o cup_n wherewith_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o begin_v the_o paschal_n feast_n which_o they_o bless_a or_o consecrate_a in_o this_o form_n of_o word_n bless_a be_v god_n who_o create_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o whereas_o our_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v drink_v no_o more_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o will_v never_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n with_o they_o any_o more_o after_o that_o time_n but_o their_o next_o festival_n meeting_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o our_o lord_n be_v drink_v another_o cup_n after_o this_o which_o he_o consecrate_a to_o another_o use_n and_o signification_n in_o the_o sacrament_n ver._n 20._o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o light_a this_o divine_a writer_n afford_v we_o concern_v the_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremone_n which_o our_o lord_n use_v himself_o at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o establish_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o for_o st._n john_n he_o make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n by_o our_o lord_n all_o that_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o his_o write_n relate_v to_o the_o passover_n or_o according_a to_o the_o learned_a dr._n lightfoot_n to_o
as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n or_o a_o banquet_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n think_v there_o lie_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o upon_o they_o to_o observe_v other_o formality_n equal_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o civil_a feast_n and_o warrant_v by_o custom_n as_o much_o as_o sit_v be_v the_o great_a knot_n of_o the_o question_n and_o that_o which_o puzzle_v i_o i_o confess_v to_o untie_v 2._o they_o observe_v several_a modes_n and_o circumstance_n at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n or_o supper_n nor_o to_o the_o customary_a way_n of_o feast_v among_o we_o for_o example_n the_o sacrament_n say_v they_o be_v a_o feast_n a_o supper_n and_o require_v a_o feast_n a_o supper-gesture_n and_o then_o too_o say_v i_o it_o require_v a_o suppertime_n it_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o lord_n supper_n and_o it_o be_v institute_v the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o our_o lord_n administer_v it_o at_o even_o and_o that_o late_a at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o paschal_n feast_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o supper_n according_a to_o common_a use_n and_o acception_n require_v the_o evening_n or_o night_n as_o the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a season_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o communicate_v at_o noon_n 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_n 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 they_o be_v few_o in_o number_n 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 dissent_v brethren_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 a_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 much_o pain_n and_o torment_n to_o our_o dear_a and_o great_a friend_n our_o ever-blessed_n 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 holy_a feast_n which_o we_o solemnize_v in_o commemoration_n of_o his_o death_n for_o our_o sake_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o pious_a dissenter_n bring_v along_o with_o they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n such_o a_o temper_n but_o this_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v if_o their_o rule_n hold_v good_a viz._n that_o at_o this_o feast_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a table-fellowship_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o necessary_o require_v a_o common_a 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 it_o be_v very_o ill_a logic_n as_o well_o as_o ill_a divinity_n to_o argue_v from_o natural_a and_o civil_a thing_n to_o spiritual_a to_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 for_o example_n when_o any_o man_n who_o have_v lead_v a_o loose_a sensual_a wicked_a life_n be_v awaken_v and_o excite_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o consider_v and_o take_v up_o to_o mind_v heavenly_a thing_n and_o to_o breath_n after_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o eternity_n to_o alter_v his_o mind_n and_o his_o manner_n and_o lead_v quite_o another_o life_n from_o what_o he_o do_v before_o this_o person_n be_v in_o scripture-phrase_n say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o but_o if_o we_o will_v go_v about_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o new_a birth_n pure_o by_o the_o correspondency_n it_o hold_v with_o the_o natural_a birth_n and_o argue_v from_o the_o natural_a to_o the_o spiritual_a we_o shall_v entertain_v very_o gross_a and_o silly_a conception_n of_o regeneration_n and_o great_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o how_o ridiculous_a will_v it_o be_v to_o prescribe_v the_o same_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o a_o new_a convert_n or_o a_o newborn_a babe_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n in_o order_n to_o his_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n as_o be_v prescribe_v and_o practise_v towards_o infant_n and_o newborn_a babe_n in_o a_o natural_a sense_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o natural_a life_n and_o strength_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v swath_v and_o enter_v into_o a_o milk-dyet_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o way_n as_o reasonable_a as_o to_o prescribe_v sit_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o worthy_a receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a feast_n because_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o civil_a feast_n or_o which_o amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v call_v a_o feast_n therefore_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o ordinary_a and_o common_a feast_n and_o consequent_o such_o a_o gesture_n and_o behaviour_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o requisite_a to_o these_o be_v also_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._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 and_o oblige_v we_o to_o use_v a_o common_a tale-gesture_n in_o order_n to_o right_n and_o worthy_a receive_v because_o in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o numerous_a dissenter_n it_o may_v be_v worthy_o receive_v stand_v thus_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o all_o their_o writer_n who_o have_v engage_v against_o kneel_v do_v not_o condemn_v stand_v as_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a nor_o esteem_v such_o as_o use_v it_o unworthy_a receiver_n on_o that_o account_n and_o yet_o stand_v be_v no_o common_a table-gesture_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o sit_v as_o the_o object_n only_o agreeable_a gesture_n 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 offer_v this_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o good_a answer_n that_o answer_n the_o passover_n be_v call_v a_o feast_n by_o god_n himself_o who_o 14._o exod._n 12._o 14._o institute_v it_o and_o yet_o he_o command_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o celebrate_v it_o in_o egypt_n after_o this_o manner_n with_o 11._o ver._n 11._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 all_o sign_n of_o haste_n indeed_o but_o no_o feast_n or_o table-gesture_n either_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o egyptian_n to_o say_v that_o god_n enjoin_v gesture_n unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o ordinance_n be_v to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o not_o act_v upon_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o and_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n after_o he_o have_v create_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n will_v enjoin_v he_o to_o do_v something_o that_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o reason_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n 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
strong_o enforce_v upon_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o prayer_n which_o among_o they_o be_v better_o compose_v and_o more_o fervent_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n and_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o devotion_n which_o there_o be_v better_o frame_v and_o order_v to_o affect_v his_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o true_o christian_n man_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v explain_v and_o premise_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n will_v be_v find_v true_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o question_n stand_v be_v false_a viz._n there_o be_v not_o better_a edification_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o apt_a and_o fit_a the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n 2._o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o use_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n for_o edification_n the_o first_o will_v be_v manifest_a by_o induction_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o her_o constitution_n reducible_a to_o these_o follow_a head_n 1._o her_o creed_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v those_o which_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o allow_v which_o be_v full_a and_o plain_a contain_v all_o necessary_n and_o fundamental_o in_o religion_n nothing_o defective_a in_o vital_n or_o integral_n to_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a church_n christ_n that_o found_v his_o church_n best_o know_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o her_o be_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v contain_v in_o her_o creed_n whatever_o be_v fundamental_a for_o we_o to_o know_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o or_o by_o easy_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o will_v we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o office_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n upon_o earth_n the_o constitution_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o government_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o his_o law_n the_o time_n of_o account_n and_o retribution_n the_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n to_o confirm_v these_o we_o may_v read_v they_o at_o large_a in_o holy_a writ_n and_o find_v wise_o sum_v up_o in_o our_o creed_n who_o article_n to_o help_v the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v short_a and_o few_o and_o to_o assist_v the_o dulness_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v manifest_a and_o plain_a they_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o either_o suppose_v before_o or_o include_v in_o or_o follow_v from_o that_o brief_a creed_n the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n 5._o 1_o john_n 4._o 15._o 5._o 5._o whatever_o be_v any_o way_n reveal_v by_o god_n as_o necessary_a be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n nothing_o that_o be_v nice_a and_o obscure_a fit_a only_a for_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_a be_v bring_v into_o our_o creed_n all_o who_o article_n be_v primitive_a and_o of_o divine_a right_n none_o of_o they_o pure_o speculative_a or_o curious_a but_o plain_a and_o useful_a in_o order_n to_o practice_n natural_o lead_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o love_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o a_o eternal_a truth_n which_o be_v but_o yesterday_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v all_o truth_n but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o the_o highpriest_n which_o be_v but_o the_o fringe_n of_o his_o garment_n we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n think_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o they_o be_v very_o secure_a that_o this_o will_v save_v they_o and_o if_o any_o truth_n be_v disguise_v or_o deface_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o descend_a age_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v it_o whenever_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a and_o restore_v to_o its_o former_a shape_n and_o complexion_n we_o cast_v out_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n out_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o niceness_n out_o of_o our_o creed_n that_o creed_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a day_n of_o christianity_n believe_v and_o be_v secure_a of_o heaven_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o add_v no_o more_o that_o faith_n this_o church_n maintain_v which_o will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n she_o lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n for_o this_o be_v the_o solemn_a intention_n of_o all_o religion_n our_o creed_n our_o prayer_n our_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o devotion_n her_o creed_n be_v such_o that_o all_o its_o article_n so_o direct_o or_o by_o natural_a consequence_n lead_v unto_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n that_o no_o man_n can_v firm_o believe_v they_o but_o they_o must_v ordinary_o influence_n his_o manner_n and_o better_a his_o conversation_n and_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o creed_n his_o life_n be_v not_o mend_v he_o either_o ignorant_o and_o gross_o mistake_v their_o consequence_n or_o be_v wilful_o desperate_a our_o church_n public_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n no_o act_n of_o devotion_n however_o set_v off_o with_o zeal_n and_o passion_n be_v please_v unto_o god_n and_o if_o obedience_n be_v want_v afterward_o be_v but_o scene_n and_o show_n such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n which_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o brain_n and_o story_n in_o magnify_v and_o praise_v in_o sigh_v and_o repeat_v but_o in_o the_o production_n of_o mercy_n charity_n and_o justice_n and_o such_o excellent_a virtue_n she_o make_v no_o debate_n between_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o argue_v nice_o about_o the_o preference_n nor_o dispute_v critical_o the_o mode_n how_o joint_o they_o become_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o plain_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n she_o not_o only_o keep_v to_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o to_o a_o conversation_n of_o equal_a firmness_n and_o solidity_n her_o festival_n be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o virtue_n of_o excellent_a man_n and_o to_o recommend_v they_o as_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n her_o ceremony_n which_o be_v principal_o design_v for_o decency_n may_v also_o remind_v we_o of_o those_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n her_o collect_v and_o petition_n be_v for_o grace_n to_o subdue_v our_o folly_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o lash_v the_o sturdy_a into_o sobriety_n and_o goodness_n and_o her_o homily_n be_v plain_o and_o smart_o to_o declare_v against_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o impiety_n and_o to_o persuade_v a_o true_a christian_a deportment_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a she_o flatter_v and_o lull_v no_o man_n asleep_o in_o vice_n but_o tell_v all_o secure_a sinner_n plain_o that_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v nor_o receive_v aright_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolve_v that_o their_o person_n be_v not_o justify_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o true_a hope_n of_o heaven_n except_o they_o purify_v themselves_o and_o be_v real_o just_a and_o good_a she_o neither_o use_v nor_o allow_v any_o nice_a distinction_n in_o plain_a duty_n to_o baffle_v our_o obedience_n nor_o suffer_v a_o cunning_a head_n to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o teach_v man_n learned_o to_o sin_n but_o urge_v plain_a virtue_n lay_v down_o distinct_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o teach_v by_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n without_o call_v they_o mean_a duty_n or_o ordinary_a morality_n to_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n she_o set_v no_o abstruse_a and_o fantastic_a character_n nor_o any_o mark_n who_o truth_n must_v be_v fetch_v in_o by_o long_a deduction_n and_o consequence_n for_o man_n to_o judge_v by_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o no_o but_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o mean_a christian_a can_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n press_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n not_o only_o thereby_o enforce_v peace_n and_o justice_n pity_n and_o tenderness_n humility_n and_o kindness_n one_o towards_o another_o but_o she_o make_v king_n safe_a and_o subject_n more_o secure_a condemn_v both_o tyranny_n and_o disobedience_n parent_n more_o obey_v and_o
or_o their_o great_a modesty_n and_o fear_n of_o be_v out_o as_o we_o speak_v compel_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o eye_n constant_o upon_o their_o note_n as_o they_o and_o other_o have_v the_o forename_a advantage_n by_o it_o so_o no_o man_n can_v be_v in_o the_o least_o prejudice_v by_o it_o who_o will_v but_o turn_v his_o eye_n another_o way_n and_o not_o look_v upon_o the_o preacher_n then_o the_o sermon_n will_v sound_v as_o well_o as_o if_o it_o be_v all_o pronounce_v without_o book_n or_o if_o this_o make_v it_o unprofitable_a by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o holy_a scripture_n become_v unprofitable_a when_o they_o be_v read_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o they_o also_o must_v be_v get_v without_o book_n to_o make_v they_o edify_v nay_o this_o exception_n will_v lie_v also_o against_o some_o of_o your_o own_o preacher_n of_o great_a note_n who_o read_v every_o word_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o do_v so_o heretofore_o and_o this_o be_v then_o think_v no_o hindrance_n to_o your_o profit_v by_o they_o or_o if_o it_o be_v you_o hear_v they_o when_o you_o can_v not_o profit_v by_o they_o so_o as_o you_o can_v by_o those_o that_o do_v not_o read_v and_o so_o you_o may_v do_v now_o by_o our_o preacher_n of_o this_o kind_n nay_o so_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v when_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o they_o but_o what_o they_o be_v equal_o chargeable_a withal_o who_o you_o high_o commend_v iii_o but_o after_o all_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o when_o man_n complain_v they_o can_v profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n they_o mean_v nothing_o by_o profit_v but_o that_o their_o affection_n be_v not_o move_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o they_o so_o as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o sermon_n of_o nonconformist_n unto_o which_o i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v if_o this_o paper_n will_v contain_v they_o but_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o touch_v only_o upon_o these_o three_o 1._o that_o man_n have_v several_a talent_n both_o among_o you_o and_o among_o we_o which_o be_v all_o very_a profitable_a some_o for_o inform_v the_o judgement_n other_o for_o move_v the_o affection_n and_o other_o which_o be_v most_o desirable_a for_o both_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o say_v that_o all_o you_o move_v you_o so_o as_o some_o do_v and_o yet_o you_o make_v such_o account_n of_o all_o that_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o very_a disorderly_a thing_n among_o yourselves_o and_o worse_o than_o that_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o and_o by_o for_o people_n to_o run_v from_o their_o own_o minister_n to_o hear_v some_o other_o though_o of_o the_o same_o way_n mere_o to_o have_v the_o affection_n more_o move_v because_o 2._o this_o alone_a be_v so_o far_o from_o profit_v by_o sermon_n that_o it_o be_v very_o great_a unprofitableness_n to_o be_v move_v by_o a_o sermon_n and_o do_v nothing_o thereupon_o but_o only_o commend_v it_o that_o be_v to_o be_v tickle_v and_o please_v a_o while_n but_o not_o alter_v nor_o change_v a_o whit_n or_o to_o be_v warm_v perhaps_o a_o little_a for_o the_o present_a and_o then_o leave_v as_o cold_a as_o a_o stone_n without_o any_o spiritual_a life_n or_o endeavour_v to_o be_v the_o better_a 3._o but_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o affection_n raise_v mere_o by_o the_o earnestness_n of_o the_o preacher_n at_o present_a in_o the_o hear_n of_o a_o sermon_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o affection_n which_o some_o people_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o motion_n which_o they_o feel_v mere_o from_o the_o tone_n of_o the_o voice_n as_o from_o a_o take_a phrase_n a_o similitude_n or_o some_o such_o trifle_n be_v nothing_o comparable_a to_o those_o which_o we_o raise_v by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o our_o own_o serious_a consideration_n when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o sort_n of_o most_o excellent_a affection_n the_o sermon_n that_o be_v preach_v in_o our_o church_n can_v fail_v to_o produce_v if_o you_o please_v but_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o press_v they_o upon_o your_o heart_n nay_o your_o judgement_n be_v well_o inform_v it_o will_v not_o be_v hard_o for_o you_o if_o you_o will_v but_o take_v a_o little_a pain_n with_o yourselves_o to_o excite_v such_o affection_n unto_o that_o which_o you_o know_v to_o be_v your_o duty_n as_o will_v abide_v and_o remain_v when_o the_o other_o that_o be_v excite_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o a_o sermon_n be_v go_v and_o quite_o vanish_v and_o can_v never_o be_v recall_v but_o by_o your_o own_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o enter_v into_o your_o mind_n and_o will_v have_v touch_v nay_o pierce_v your_o heart_n if_o you_o will_v have_v bring_v they_o thither_o and_o hold_v they_o close_o to_o your_o conscience_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v every_o christian_n care_v more_o than_o i_o doubt_v it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o their_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n iv_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n for_o all_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o present_a case_n and_o go_v down_o into_o themselves_o to_o inquire_v where_o the_o fault_n must_v necessary_o lie_v if_o the_o sermon_n preach_v by_o our_o minister_n have_v prove_v unprofitable_a to_o they_o which_o suppose_v that_o they_o who_o object_n this_o against_o come_v to_o church_n have_v come_v heretofore_o at_o least_o to_o the_o sermon_n but_o go_v away_o and_o come_v no_o more_o because_o they_o reap_v no_o benefit_n thereby_o else_o how_o can_v they_o pretend_v that_o our_o sermon_n be_v unprofitable_a if_o they_o never_o hear_v they_o now_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o blame_n can_v be_v just_o cast_v upon_o the_o sermon_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v every_o way_n fit_v to_o do_v man_n good_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o unprofitableness_n some_o where_o else_o and_o where_o be_v we_o so_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o as_o in_o those_o that_o hear_v the_o sermon_n who_o i_o beseech_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o who_o word_n we_o must_v one_o day_n be_v all_o judge_v to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o impartial_o and_o to_o ask_v their_o conscience_n such_o question_n as_o these_o 1._o quest_n have_v you_o not_o some_o prejudice_n in_o your_o mind_n against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o you_o come_v to_o hear_v either_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o conformity_n or_o of_o his_o strictness_n in_o it_o or_o some_o other_o account_n if_o you_o have_v and_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o you_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v this_o make_v his_o pain_n unprofitable_a to_o you_o because_o you_o can_v not_o hear_v he_o with_o that_o indifference_n which_o you_o will_v have_v hear_a another_o man_n withal_o but_o look_v upon_o he_o perhaps_o as_o a_o timeserver_n as_o the_o language_n of_o some_o have_v be_v a_o formalist_n or_o one_o who_o you_o presume_v beforehand_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o you_o mind_v not_o so_o much_o what_o be_v say_v as_o who_o say_v it_o and_o dislike_v those_o thing_n which_o out_o of_o another_o mouth_n you_o will_v have_v accept_v for_o if_o such_o prejudices_fw-la as_o these_o be_v not_o lay_v aside_o they_o bar_v the_o heart_n so_o strong_o against_o the_o most_o excellent_a instruction_n that_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v deliver_v to_o we_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n yet_o we_o take_v he_o for_o a_o minister_n of_o satan_n it_o will_v stop_v our_o ear_n against_o he_o and_o make_v his_o message_n ineffectual_a 2._o quest_n or_o may_v not_o this_o be_v rhe_n reason_n of_o your_o reap_v no_o benefit_n that_o you_o come_v to_o church_n but_o once_o or_o twice_o and_o conclude_v too_o hasty_o there_o be_v no_o good_a to_o be_v get_v there_o be_v willing_a also_o perhaps_o to_o have_v this_o excuse_n for_o absent_v yourself_o whole_o from_o it_o whereas_o if_o you_o have_v constant_o attend_v our_o ministry_n you_o may_v have_v find_v yourselves_o so_o much_o improve_v thereby_o as_o never_o to_o have_v think_v of_o leave_v the_o church_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o you_o can_v not_o profit_v in_o it_o make_v a_o trial_n now_o for_o it_o be_v not_o too_o late_o i_o hope_v if_o you_o can_v shake_v off_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o for_o some_o time_n continue_v diligent_a auditor_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o your_o parish_n and_o that_o which_o at_o first_o may_v seem_v to_o you_o dull_a or_o hard_o or_o obscure_a will_n after_o you_o be_v use_v to_o it_o be_v clear_a easy_a and_o awaken_v when_o you_o be_v acquaint_v that_o
serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n etc._n etc._n recommend_v to_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o offering_n friendly_a advice_n and_o counsel_n especial_o in_o great_a and_o important_a case_n be_v though_o often_o a_o thankless_a yet_o a_o very_a charitable_a office_n a_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o high_o conducive_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o need_v no_o apology_n to_o introduce_v it_o we_o live_v it_o be_v true_a in_o a_o illnatured_n and_o censorious_a age_n wherein_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o find_v any_o one_o who_o will_v not_o take_v with_o the_o lefthand_n what_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o with_o the_o right_n but_o i_o be_o not_o discourage_v from_o this_o attempt_n by_o the_o peevishness_n and_o frowardness_n of_o many_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o remember_v that_o all_o honest_a undertake_n and_o such_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v be_v under_o the_o more_o peculiar_a conduct_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o can_v and_o will_v succeed_v and_o prosper_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a issue_n if_o man_n own_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n do_v not_o put_v a_o bar_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v it_o i_o do_v therefore_o beseech_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n that_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o importance_n and_o with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n that_o they_o will_v suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n and_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o request_n and_o advice_n that_o be_v here_o plain_o lay_v before_o they_o which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v find_v such_o as_o carry_v their_o own_o light_n and_o evidence_n along_o with_o they_o i._o and_o first_o we_o beg_v of_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v about_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v allege_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o separation_n this_o one_o will_v think_v be_v as_o needless_a as_o it_o be_v a_o modest_a and_o reasonable_a request_n for_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n except_v lie_v claim_v to_o infallibility_n do_v not_o the_o woeful_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o weakness_n and_o short-sightedness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o daily_a experience_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o lamentable_a failures_n we_o observe_v in_o other_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o error_n and_o mistake_v but_o though_o this_o be_v grant_v and_o own_v on_o all_o hand_n yet_o in_o practice_n we_o frequent_o find_v man_n act_v by_o other_o measure_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o in_o the_o most_o controvert_v case_n bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o as_o much_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n censure_v other_o with_o as_o magisterial_a a_o boldness_n condemn_v the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o our_o church_n with_o as_o positive_a and_o peremptory_a a_o determination_n as_o if_o they_o be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o all_o other_o in_o the_o wrong_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o the_o early_a prepossession_n of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o powerful_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n a_o implicit_a and_o unexamined_a belief_n of_o what_o their_o guide_n and_o leader_n teach_v they_o have_v a_o strange_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o that_o in_o effect_n they_o no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o than_o they_o question_v the_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n wherefore_o i_o do_v once_o and_o again_o entreat_v they_o that_o lay_v aside_o all_o pride_n partiality_n and_o self-conceit_n they_o will_v not_o think_v more_o high_o of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o own_o way_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v especial_o remember_v that_o the_o matter_n contend_v about_o be_v confess_o disputable_a and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o case_n seem_v otherwise_o to_o other_o who_o may_v at_o least_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v as_o wise_a man_n and_o as_o competent_a judge_n as_o themselves_o truth_n make_v the_o easy_a entrance_n into_o modest_a and_o humble_a mind_n the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o rest_v upon_o a_o proud_a man._n ii_o second_o we_o beg_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v serious_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v and_o consider_v as_o well_o what_o be_v say_v on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o on_o the_o other_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o justice_n that_o every_o one_o owe_v to_o truth_n and_o which_o indeed_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o himself_o that_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v to_o take_v up_o with_o prejudices_fw-la which_o education_n or_o long_a custom_n have_v instill_v into_o he_o or_o wherein_o any_o other_o art_n or_o method_n have_v engage_v he_o without_o strict_o inquire_v whether_o those_o prejudices_fw-la stand_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n be_v to_o see_v only_o on_o one_o side_n to_o bind_v up_o one_o self_n in_o the_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o divinely-inspired_n and_o infallible_a or_o pertinacious_o to_o adhere_v to_o any_o party_n of_o man_n how_o plausible_a and_o specious_a soever_o their_o pretence_n may_v be_v without_o examine_v their_o ground_n and_o endeavour_v to_o know_v what_o be_v say_v against_o they_o be_v to_o choose_v a_o persuasion_n at_o a_o peradventure_o and_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o whether_o such_o a_o one_o be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n we_o ought_v to_o keep_v a_o ear_n open_a for_o one_o side_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o not_o to_o think_v we_o have_v do_v enough_o till_o without_o favour_n or_o prejudice_n and_o to_o the_o best_a of_o our_o understanding_n we_o have_v hear_v try_v and_o judge_v the_o reason_n bring_v as_o well_o for_o as_o against_o it_o and_o till_o this_o be_v do_v i_o see_v not_o with_o what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n man_n can_v talk_v so_o much_o of_o their_o scruple_n or_o plead_v for_o favour_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o dissatisfaction_n conscience_n true_o tender_a be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o resolution_n &_o be_v ready_a to_o kiss_v the_o hand_n that_o will_v bring_v they_o better_o information_n and_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o neglect_v much_o less_o thrust_v from_o they_o the_o mean_n that_o may_v ease_v they_o of_o their_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n we_o just_o blame_v it_o in_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o in_o a_o manner_n they_o resign_v up_o their_o understanding_n to_o their_o guide_n and_o confessor_n and_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v true_o acquain_v with_o the_o protestant_a principle_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o reformation_n nor_o to_o read_v any_o of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v write_v for_o their_o conviction_n without_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a licence_n whether_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n be_v under_o any_o such_o spiritual_a discipline_n i_o know_v not_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o look_v very_o odd_o that_o so_o many_o of_o they_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o her_o constitution_n that_o so_o few_o of_o they_o care_n to_o confer_v with_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v they_o but_o cry_v out_o they_o be_v satisfy_v already_o nay_o some_o of_o they_o to_o my_o knowledge_n when_o desire_a to_o propose_v their_o scruple_n in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n have_v plain_o and_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o person_n have_v ever_o read_v and_o examine_v what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v to_o say_v for_o herself_o be_v there_o not_o many_o that_o not_o only_a scruple_n but_o rail_v at_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n that_o yet_o never_o hear_v it_o nor_o perhaps_o ever_o read_v it_o in_o all_o their_o life_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o what_o they_o know_v not_o i_o can_v tell_v what_o be_v how_o many_o incomparable_a book_n