a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n by_o will._n sherlock_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n george_n botolphlane_n london_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 lxxxi_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o belove_a parishioner_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o st._n george_n botolphlane_n and_o st._n botolph-billingsgate_n grace_n peace_n and_o truth_n be_v multiply_v my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n i_o hope_v we_o be_v all_o sensible_a of_o that_o great_a account_n we_o must_v short_o give_v to_o god_n of_o all_o our_o action_n which_o oblige_v we_o as_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n both_o to_o know_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o neither_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o interest_n prejudice_n and_o partiality_n in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o many_o dangerous_a mistake_v in_o religion_n nor_o to_o be_v overbear_v by_o any_o impetuous_a lust_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o it_o that_o relation_n i_o stand_v in_o to_o you_o make_v i_o concern_v as_o i_o love_v my_o own_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n of_o you_o and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o man_n fit_v with_o great_a ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o weighty_a a_o office_n yet_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o can_v charge_v myself_o with_o any_o wilful_a neglect_n either_o in_o inform_v myself_o or_o instruct_v you_o i_o be_o as_o careful_a as_o i_o can_v not_o to_o mistake_v myself_o and_o resolve_o honest_a not_o to_o conceal_v any_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n from_o you_o though_o in_o this_o age_n plain_a and_o free_a deal_n meet_v with_o no_o great_a encouragement_n the_o great_a hindrance_n i_o have_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o ministry_n among_o you_o be_v that_o many_o of_o you_o who_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o attend_v my_o instruction_n as_o i_o be_o to_o instruct_v you_o and_o must_v as_o certain_o give_v a_o account_n of_o your_o neglect_n as_o i_o must_v of_o i_o do_v yet_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n withdraw_v your_o self_n from_o your_o parish_n church_n and_o make_v it_o in_o that_o way_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v whole_o want_v in_o my_o duty_n to_o you_o i_o have_v send_v this_o little_a book_n to_o wait_v on_o you_o at_o your_o house_n and_o to_o invite_v you_o to_o our_o communion_n to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o to_o remove_v those_o mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o have_v keep_v you_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o since_o some_o of_o you_o who_o do_v not_o forsake_v my_o ministry_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o other_o neglect_v which_o be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n especial_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o holy_a supper_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o have_v here_o admonish_v you_o of_o your_o duty_n and_o offer_v the_o most_o prevail_a consideration_n i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o it_o and_o now_o i_o hope_v you_o can_v take_v it_o ill_o if_o i_o endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o discourse_n which_o be_v design_v for_o your_o instruction_n as_o general_o useful_a as_o may_v be_v and_o take_v a_o large_a scope_n than_o i_o hope_v have_v be_v necessary_a have_v it_o be_v calculate_v only_o for_o your_o private_a use_n since_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o nor_o the_o world_n think_v that_o i_o charge_v you_o with_o all_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o i_o there_o reprove_v but_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n guilty_a of_o they_o all_o and_o possible_o this_o book_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o such_o man_n and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o pray_v god_n they_o may_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o plain_a but_o seasonable_a instruction_n but_o whatever_o other_o man_n do_v i_o think_v i_o may_v in_o reason_n and_o justice_n expect_v from_o you_o that_o you_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o read_v and_o consider_v this_o discourse_n i_o have_v contrive_v it_o to_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o i_o fear_v some_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v fit_v to_o every_o capacity_n for_o as_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n among_o man_n so_o i_o do_v not_o scrupulous_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o low_a be_v as_o st._n paul_n speak_v a_o debtor_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o unwise_a and_o therefore_o if_o any_o of_o you_o find_v any_o thing_n above_o your_o reach_n do_v not_o present_o fling_v the_o book_n away_o for_o you_o will_v find_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o most_o general_a concernment_n fit_v to_o very_o ordinary_a understanding_n if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o you_o may_v think_v sharp_a or_o severe_a god_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v no_o design_n to_o anger_v any_o man_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v careful_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a severity_n but_o there_o be_v some_o severe_a truth_n which_o yet_o must_v in_o many_o case_n be_v speak_v if_o we_o will_v do_v any_o good_a and_o those_o patient_n who_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o severity_n of_o a_o cure_n must_v perish_v under_o more_o gentle_a remedy_n i_o only_o beg_v this_o requital_n of_o my_o pain_n and_o care_n of_o you_o that_o if_o you_o have_v any_o objection_n against_o what_o be_v offer_v if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n you_o do_v not_o understand_v you_o will_v consult_v i_o in_o it_o if_o you_o be_v offend_v at_o any_o thing_n let_v i_o know_v it_o first_o before_o you_o publish_v it_o to_o other_o and_o if_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v have_v a_o care_n of_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n but_o comply_v with_o your_o duty_n and_o rejoice_v that_o you_o be_v deliver_v from_o any_o mistake_v i_o beseech_v god_n give_v you_o a_o good_a understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o heart_n obedient_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o preserve_v you_o blameless_a until_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o your_o faithful_a friend_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n w._n sherlock_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n page_z 1_o what_o religious_a worship_n be_v page_z 3_o of_o public_a worship_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o forsake_v public_a assembly_n page_z 4_o the_o difference_n between_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o church_n page_z 7_o the_o difference_n between_o schism_n and_o heresy_n page_z 9_o what_o be_v a_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n page_z 15_o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n page_n 17_o the_o seasonableness_n of_o this_o discourse_n page_n 18_o some_o objection_n against_o it_o answer_v page_n 20_o part_v 1_n chapter_n 1._o section_n 1._o concern_v speculative_a atheist_n pag._n 28_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o religious_a worship_n pag._n 29_o what_o natural_a inclination_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o education_n pag._n 30_o inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n natural_a and_o yet_o idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n not_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n pag._n 32_o how_o natural_a inclination_n to_o religion_n prove_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n imprint_v on_o man_n mind_n pag._n 35_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n be_v contrary_n to_o good_a manner_n a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosopher_n pag._n 40_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n expose_v such_o scoffer_n to_o contempt_n pag._n 42_o to_o deride_v religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o man_n interest_n as_o be_v injurious_a to_o public_a society_n pag._n 45_o to_o affront_n god_n more_o dangerous_a than_o mere_a atheism_n pag._n 46_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o mistake_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a thing_n pag._n 48_o atheist_n shall_v not_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n pag._n 50_o non_n intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o religion_n pag._n 52_o section_n 2._o concern_v the_o practical_a atheist_n pag._n 53_o irreligion_n as_o great_a a_o affront_n to_o god_n as_o atheism_n pag._n 54_o not_o to_o worship_n be_v great_a injustice_n pag._n 56_o irreligion_n the_o most_o sordid_a ingratitude_n pag._n 65_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n a_o obligation_n to_o religious_a worship_n pag._n 73_o section_n 3._o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o pag._n 82_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n pag._n 91_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o soul_n pag._n 98_o every_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n fit_v to_o the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o our_o soul_n pag._n 99_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o
forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o another_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o you_o see_v the_o day_n approach_v which_o at_o least_o suppose_n that_o to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n do_v great_o dispose_v man_n to_o a_o final_a apostasy_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n wherein_o he_o urge_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o apostasy_n which_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n have_v not_o separation_n at_o least_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o that_o we_o 29._o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o vengeance_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n he_o that_o despise_a moses_n '_o s_o law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o truth_n be_v whoever_o careful_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o the_o apostolical-churche_n according_a to_o that_o account_n we_o find_v of_o they_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o may_v add_v of_o the_o succeed_a age_n from_o the_o report_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a father_n will_v find_v that_o none_o but_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n by_o apostate_n not_o mean_v those_o who_o whole_o renounce_v the_o name_n and_o profession_n but_o those_o who_o renounce_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n actual_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n which_o s._n paul_n 12._o reprove_v they_o for_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o actual_o separate_v into_o distinct_a communion_n but_o contend_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o preference_n of_o several_a apostle_n which_o of_o they_o be_v great_a every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n or_o peter_n and_o i_o of_o christ._n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o second_o schism_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o time_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n who_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n persuade_v they_o to_o peace_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o beside_o these_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n which_o s._n paul_n make_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o carnality_n for_o be_v you_o not_o carnal_a 4._o for_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n for_o while_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a there_o be_v also_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v 8._o they_o who_o creep_v into_o house_n who_o keep_v secret_a and_o clandestine_v meeting_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n led_z away_o with_o divers_a lust_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o as_o jannes_n and_o jambres_n withstand_v moses_n so_o do_v these_o also_o resist_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v they_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a teacher_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v that_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o moses_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n which_o plain_o signify_v that_o they_o set_v themselves_o up_o against_o the_o apostle_n and_o gather_v church_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o of_o such_o separatist_n st._n john_n speak_v who_o he_o call_v antichrist_n they_o go_v out_o 19_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v that_o they_o go_v out_o from_o they_o that_o be_v forsake_v the_o christian_a assembly_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o i._n e._n that_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o body_n and_o society_n but_o have_v entertain_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o this_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o christian_a communion_n be_v so_o indispensible_a a_o duty_n that_o no_o man_n can_v causeless_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o at_o least_o bring_v his_o christianity_n into_o question_n that_o nothing_o can_v reasonable_o tempt_v man_n to_o a_o separation_n but_o their_o renounce_v some_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n justify_v a_o separation_n but_o such_o corruption_n as_o destroy_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n for_o otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o apostle_n argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v corrupt_a in_o the_o faith_n from_o their_o separation_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o we_o so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o schism_n as_o dr._n owen_n earnest_o contend_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o division_n and_o contention_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n without_o the_o breach_n of_o church-communion_n and_o therefore_o separatist_n be_v not_o proper_o schismatic_n i_o know_v not_o what_o he_o gain_v by_o this_o when_o separation_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o much_o great_a evil_n than_o schism_n and_o yet_o none_o but_o heretic_n or_o apostate_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v in_o those_o day_n guilty_a of_o it_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n argument_n hold_v good_a a_o sinful_a and_o causeless_a separation_n can_v never_o be_v own_a without_o some_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n it_o be_v to_o no_o great_a purpose_n to_o dispute_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n when_o the_o difference_n between_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o notorious_a but_o yet_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n in_o scripture_n between_o schism_n and_o heresy_n the_o first_o be_v common_o apply_v to_o signify_v those_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n the_o second_o if_o not_o always_o yet_o chief_o apply_v to_o signify_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v a_o sect_n or_o party_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sectarian_n thus_o christianity_n itself_o when_o the_o christian_n unite_v into_o a_o distinct_a church-society_n be_v call_v heresy_n or_o a_o new_a sect_n and_o 5._o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarene_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o heresy_n be_v always_o use_v now_o though_o these_o different_a sect_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o separate_v into_o distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o all_o worship_v at_o the_o temple_n as_o even_o the_o christian_a jew_n do_v while_o the_o temple_n stand_v as_o appear_v from_o what_o happen_v to_o st._n paul_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o last_o time_n he_o 24._o go_v thither_o yet_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o different_a opinion_n rite_n and_o usage_n and_o school_n and_o which_o be_v usual_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o distinction_n by_o different_a interest_n and_o affection_n and_o in_o allusion_n to_o those_o jewish_a sect_n these_o difference_n among_o christian_n which_o do_v not_o break_v forth_o into_o open_a separation_n but_o occasion_v great_a siding_n and_o party_n and_o heat_n and_o animosity_n be_v indifferent_o call_v schism_n or_o heresy_n 20._o thus_o st._n paul_n join_v hatred_n variance_n wrath_n sedition_n heresy_n but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o heresy_n which_o always_o end_v in_o separation_n for_o such_o man_n be_v always_o either_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o separate_v themselves_o such_o be_v those_o which_o st._n peter_n call_v damnable_a heresy_n who_o 1._o he_o compare_v with_o the_o fall_v angel_n and_o the_o old_a world_n which_o be_v destroy_v with_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n who_o he_o call_v presumptuous_a 6._o self-willed_a and_o that_o be_v not_o
i_o can_v imagine_v what_o they_o have_v reasonable_o to_o object_n against_o this_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v have_v no_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n for_o those_o who_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n can_v believe_v themselves_o accountable_a to_o any_o but_o themselves_o in_o these_o matter_n while_o they_o conceal_v their_o own_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o be_v they_o deny_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o civility_n and_o respect_n to_o man_n to_o common_a and_o receive_v opinion_n and_o to_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o may_v be_v very_o great_a for_o who_o know_v how_o god_n may_v work_v upon_o their_o mind_n at_o such_o a_o time_n how_o they_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o observe_v the_o great_a and_o public_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o christian_a assembly_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o this_o must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o a_o dream_n and_o fancy_n who_o know_v how_o god_n may_v direct_v the_o preacher_n and_o put_v such_o word_n into_o his_o mouth_n as_o may_v pierce_v their_o soul_n and_o dispel_v those_o mist_n and_o fog_n which_o cloud_v their_o understanding_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o public_a instruction_n which_o be_v very_o often_o the_o cause_n but_o be_v a_o very_a unlikely_a cure_n of_o atheism_n but_o last_o i_o think_v at_o least_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o modest_a as_o not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o fulsome_a and_o nauseous_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n of_o our_o day_n to_o turn_v great_a reformer_n of_o religion_n to_o set_v up_o a_o mighty_a cry_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o whatever_o reformation_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v needful_a at_o this_o time_n whatever_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v grant_v yet_o what_o have_v these_o man_n to_o do_v to_o meddle_v with_o it_o those_o who_o think_v religion_n a_o mere_a fable_n and_o god_n to_o be_v a_o utopian_a prince_n and_o conscience_n a_o man_n of_o clouts_n set_v up_o for_o a_o scarecrow_n to_o fright_v such_o silly_a creature_n from_o their_o belove_a enjoyment_n and_o hell_n and_o heaven_n to_o be_v forge_v in_o the_o same_o mint_n with_o the_o poet_n styx_n and_o acheron_n and_o elysian_a field_n we_o be_v like_a to_o see_v bless_a time_n if_o such_o man_n as_o these_o have_v but_o the_o reform_n of_o religion_n sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o practical_a atheist_n who_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o very_o seldom_o think_v of_o he_o and_o neglect_v to_o worship_v he_o several_a consideration_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o sinfulness_n of_o irreligion_n second_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o desert_n religious_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o practical_a atheist_n man_n who_o though_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o very_o seldom_o think_v of_o he_o and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o please_v he_o and_o make_v he_o their_o friend_n and_o though_o they_o believe_v their_o soul_n shall_v survive_v their_o body_n and_o be_v either_o very_a happy_a or_o very_o miserable_a hereafter_o yet_o be_v so_o wretched_o careless_a so_o brutish_o unconcern_v for_o time_n to_o come_v as_o to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o a_o future_a state_n to_o use_v no_o diligence_n to_o escape_v the_o eternal_a misery_n or_o to_o obtain_v the_o eternal_a reward_n of_o the_o next_o life_n and_o i_o have_v but_o two_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o these_o man_n to_o convince_v and_o to_o persuade_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a the_o danger_n the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n of_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o prepare_v for_o a_o eternal_a state_n now_o the_o natural_a method_n of_o proceed_v be_v first_o to_o convince_v and_o then_o to_o persuade_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o man_n i_o shall_v represent_v to_o they_o the_o evil_a danger_n and_o folly_n of_o this_o first_o the_o evil_a and_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o now_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o these_o man_n profess_v to_o believe_v every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a sin_n to_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v his_o worship_n 1._o for_o irreligion_n be_v as_o great_a if_o not_o a_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n and_o contempt_n of_o he_o than_o atheism_n itself_o a_o atheist_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o irreligious_a man_n contemn_v and_o slight_v god_n who_o be_v he_o own_v the_o one_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o other_o reproach_n his_o nature_n the_o atheist_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v who_o we_o call_v god_n the_o irreligious_a man_n own_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v but_o will_v not_o own_v he_o for_o a_o god_n that_o be_v will_v not_o worship_v he_o as_o god_n for_o religious_a worship_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n or_o to_o live_v in_o a_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o it_o make_v a_o mere_a titular_a and_o mock-god_n of_o he_o and_o argue_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o contemptuous_a opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o include_v a_o denial_n of_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n the_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o god_n both_o as_o they_o give_v that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a only_a to_o god_n to_o creature_n and_o too_o often_o to_o evil_a spirit_n and_o as_o they_o worship_v god_n by_o such_o ridiculous_a or_o barbarous_a and_o inhuman_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o make_v a_o dishonourable_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o yet_o even_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v some_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n power_n and_o providence_n which_o be_v more_o than_o these_o man_n do_v who_o refuse_v to_o worship_v he_o at_o all_o second_o to_o deny_v or_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o high_a injustice_n it_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n what_o be_v his_o natural_a right_n what_o be_v due_a from_o we_o and_o what_o alone_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v and_o what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v who_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o and_o so_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a worship_n for_o all_o perfection_n by_o a_o natural_a right_n challenge_v a_o proportionable_a esteem_n and_o reverence_n and_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a perfection_n a_o sovereign_a worship_n we_o can_v see_v nor_o hear_v of_o a_o excellent_a man_n but_o it_o excite_v in_o we_o a_o great_a esteem_n love_n or_o reverence_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o he_o excel_v and_o prompt_v we_o to_o say_v what_o we_o know_v in_o his_o commendation_n and_o it_o be_v account_v injustice_n among_o man_n to_o deny_v each_o other_o their_o just_a praise_n and_o how_o much_o great_a injustice_n be_v it_o to_o deny_v god_n his_o essential_a glory_n that_o incommunicable_a worship_n which_o natural_o belong_v to_o such_o incommunicable_a perfection_n indeed_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a not_o to_o admire_v that_o which_o be_v great_a nor_o to_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o to_o fear_v and_o reverence_n that_o which_o be_v powerful_a for_o our_o passion_n be_v natural_o determine_v to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o not_o to_o discover_v those_o perfection_n which_o be_v notorious_a and_o visible_a be_v a_o reproach_n to_o our_o understanding_n and_o not_o to_o love_v or_o fear_v and_o admire_v they_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n be_v account_v dulness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o a_o vicious_a defect_n in_o our_o will_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o all_o perfection_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o some_o proportionable_a respect_n and_o therefore_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n natural_o challenge_v the_o high_a veneration_n since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o natural_a relation_n between_o natural_a perfection_n and_o
be_v capable_a of_o this_o work_n whence_o again_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n make_v man_n for_o his_o peculiar_a service_n and_o glory_n unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v make_v a_o world_n and_o place_n no_o creature_n in_o it_o who_o proper_a business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o know_v and_o worship_v his_o wise_a maker_n and_o bountiful_a lord_n man_n be_v the_o priest_n of_o nature_n who_o offer_v up_o the_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n to_o god_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o religious_a worship_n be_v a_o natural_a debt_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o god_n do_v expect_v and_o exact_v the_o payment_n of_o it_o from_o we_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v live_v according_a to_o the_o most_o perfect_a constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a rule_n of_o our_o action_n to_o serve_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v make_v for_o god_n do_v not_o make_v such_o and_o such_o nature_n for_o nothing_o either_o to_o be_v unemployed_a or_o employ_v to_o other_o or_o to_o less_o and_o mean_a purpose_n than_o they_o be_v design_v for_o and_o beside_o this_o we_o have_v frequent_a and_o express_v command_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o that_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o his_o will._n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a of_o precept_n exhortation_n and_o reproof_n about_o this_o matter_n that_o i_o need_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o prove_v so_o acknowledge_v a_o truth_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o irreligion_n as_o be_v the_o high_a injustice_n to_o our_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n three_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o irreligion_n of_o deny_v or_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sordid_a ingratitude_n now_o ingratitude_n be_v injustice_n too_o but_o it_o be_v injustice_n to_o a_o benefactor_n that_o be_v it_o consist_v in_o violate_v all_o those_o obligation_n which_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o as_o injustice_n proper_o so_o call_v consist_v in_o break_v the_o rule_n of_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n for_o mankind_n general_o account_v the_o obligation_n to_o return_v a_o kindness_n as_o strong_a and_o necessary_a as_o to_o pay_v a_o debt_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o infamous_a among_o man_n than_o a_o ungrateful_a person_n for_o as_o goodness_n be_v a_o great_a perfection_n than_o strict_a justice_n so_o ingratitude_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o more_o hateful_a vice_n than_o bare_a injustice_n because_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o great_a good_n as_o goodness_n be_v the_o great_a glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o ingratitude_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o great_a infamy_n and_o reproach_n because_o it_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o goodness_n now_o among_o man_n injustice_n and_o ingratitude_n may_v be_v separate_v man_n may_v be_v unjust_a but_o not_o ungrateful_a and_o they_o may_v be_v ungrateful_a and_o not_o unjust_a according_a to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o injustice_n for_o man_n may_v wrong_v and_o injure_v those_o who_o never_o do_v they_o any_o kindness_n and_o that_o be_v injustice_n without_o ingratitude_n and_o they_o may_v neglect_v to_o make_v decent_a acknowledgement_n and_o return_v of_o kindness_n without_o injure_v their_o friend_n in_o any_o of_o their_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n and_o that_o be_v ingratitude_n without_o injustice_n but_o now_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v unjust_a to_o god_n without_o be_v ungrateful_a too_o because_o he_o be_v not_o only_o our_o natural_a lord_n but_o our_o great_a benefactor_n and_o those_o very_a thing_n which_o give_v he_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o our_o worship_n and_o obedience_n do_v not_o only_o lay_v on_o we_o the_o obligation_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o gratitude_n to_o worship_v he_o he_o make_v we_o and_o this_o give_v he_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o our_o worship_n because_o he_o be_v our_o natural_a lord_n we_o be_v entire_o he_o and_o owe_v ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o have_v and_o all_o we_o can_v do_v to_o he_o and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o unjust_a to_o deny_v or_o neglect_v his_o worship_n but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o if_o we_o love_v ourselves_o and_o our_o be_v and_o those_o advantage_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o then_o much_o more_o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o gratitude_n to_o praise_n and_o adore_v that_o god_n who_o give_v we_o our_o be_v for_o though_o possible_o some_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o proper_a to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v good_a to_o we_o before_o we_o have_v a_o be_v yet_o he_o be_v very_o good_a in_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_a ingratitude_n as_o well_o as_o injustice_n in_o creature_n not_o to_o praise_v and_o glorify_v their_o maker_n thus_o that_o divine_a and_o heavenborn_a mind_n and_o those_o noble_a and_o excellent_a faculty_n of_o soul_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o as_o they_o may_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o know_v and_o worship_v god_n so_o make_v religious_a worship_n a_o natural_a piece_n of_o justice_n and_o if_o we_o value_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o think_v it_o any_o advantage_n to_o be_v make_v so_o noble_a a_o order_n of_o being_n gratitude_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n oblige_v we_o to_o employ_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o that_o high_a and_o noble_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v that_o be_v to_o know_v and_o love_n and_o admire_v and_o worship_n god_n the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a be_v and_o the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v ingratitude_n as_o well_o as_o injustice_n to_o our_o maker_n to_o debase_v our_o nature_n to_o make_v they_o stoop_v to_o low_a mean_a and_o vile_a thing_n to_o inherit_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o serpent_n to_o crawl_v upon_o their_o belly_n and_o lick_v up_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o aspire_v towards_o heaven_n to_o unite_v themselves_o to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o be_v and_o to_o live_v in_o the_o love_n and_o contemplation_n of_o he_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v with_o reference_n to_o that_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v we_o in_o be_v and_o provide_v all_o necessary_n for_o we_o and_o defend_v we_o from_o all_o unseen_a mischief_n both_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n require_v we_o to_o praise_v and_o adore_v so_o great_a and_o constant_a a_o benefactor_n these_o be_v all_o expression_n both_o of_o the_o natural_a justice_n and_o bounty_n of_o our_o wise_a maker_n and_o therefore_o lie_v a_o mix_a obligation_n on_o we_o of_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n god_n be_v under_o no_o antecedent_n obligation_n but_o his_o own_o will_n and_o goodness_n to_o make_v a_o world_n but_o if_o he_o do_v resolve_v to_o make_v one_o he_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n to_o make_v every_o creature_n perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o fit_v to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o to_o make_v some_o creature_n for_o great_a and_o noble_a end_n and_o consequent_o to_o bestow_v very_o noble_a and_o excellent_a nature_n on_o they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n in_o god_n make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n no_o wonder_n that_o it_o lay_v a_o mix_a obligation_n on_o we_o too_o of_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n but_o there_o be_v another_o manifestation_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o such_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a grace_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v all_o goodness_n and_o nothing_o but_o goodness_n innocent_a creature_n may_v challenge_v a_o natural_a right_n in_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n and_o bounty_n of_o their_o maker_n but_o a_o traitor_n a_o rebel_n against_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n a_o apostate_n wretch_n who_o have_v abuse_v the_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o creator_n can_v challenge_v no_o right_n to_o those_o common_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o his_o creature_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v cause_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o the_o rain_n to_o fall_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o since_o sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n even_o those_o external_n and_o temporal_a good_a thing_n which_o sinner_n enjoy_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o according_o our_o obligation_n to_o gratitude_n and_o thankfulness_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a and_o our_o ingratitude_n in_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o more_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a but_o much_o less_o can_v such_o
15._o call_v upon_o i_o and_o i_o will_v answer_v he_o i_o will_v be_v with_o he_o in_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v he_o and_o honour_v he_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o 20._o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o also_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o the_o lord_n preserve_v all_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o the_o wicked_a will_v he_o destroy_v where_o those_o who_o love_n god_n be_v those_o who_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o wicked_a who_o god_n will_v destroy_v be_v those_o who_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o he_o who_o neglect_n or_o despise_v his_o worship_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o psalmist_n describe_v god_n that_o he_o be_v one_o that_o hear_v prayer_n o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n 2._o unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v for_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v bestow_v those_o blessing_n and_o deliverance_n on_o we_o which_o we_o do_v not_o think_v worth_a ask_n or_o will_v not_o own_v he_o to_o have_v the_o disposal_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o pray_v for_o those_o good_a thing_n they_o want_v will_v not_o bless_v god_n for_o give_v they_o and_o no_o wise_a man_n think_v it_o prudent_a to_o place_v his_o favour_n where_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o no_o return_n which_o be_v like_o bury_v good_a seed_n in_o a_o barren_a soil_n that_o deceive_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o husbandman_n god_n indeed_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o then_o he_o expect_v that_o reasonable_a creature_n shall_v beg_v the_o protection_n and_o provision_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a instrument_n of_o government_n as_o it_o keep_v mankind_n under_o a_o constant_a sense_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o in_o a_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o those_o who_o expect_v all_o good_a thing_n from_o god_n dare_v not_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n man_n be_v natural_o ashamed_a of_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o any_o great_a crime_n but_o sneak_v and_o hide_v themselves_o as_o child_n do_v when_o they_o have_v displease_v their_o parent_n and_o dare_v not_o ask_v any_o kindness_n till_o they_o have_v first_o obtain_v their_o pardon_n which_o make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a for_o god_n to_o discountenance_v irreligion_n by_o cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o such_o man_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_v he_o it_o be_v true_a very_o many_o irreligious_a man_n do_v thrive_v in_o this_o world_n and_o arrive_v to_o great_a estate_n and_o to_o great_a honour_n for_o god_n do_v not_o make_v such_o a_o exact_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o life_n as_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o can_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a men._n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o god_n permit_v the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o that_o constant_a providence_n which_o watch_v over_o good_a men._n bad_a man_n may_v advance_v themselves_o by_o injustice_n oppression_n and_o perjury_n but_o they_o be_v not_o advance_v by_o the_o blessing_n but_o by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n for_o god_n never_o bless_v any_o wicked_a art_n and_o therefore_o such_o man_n prosperity_n be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o as_o totter_v as_o the_o throne_n of_o usurper_n for_o though_o they_o have_v a_o good_a title_n with_o respect_n to_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o usurper_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v tumble_v down_o again_o at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o the_o only_a sure_a way_n of_o thrive_a in_o the_o world_n be_v by_o god_n blessing_n these_o be_v the_o only_a last_a and_o durable_a riches_n and_o honour_n which_o be_v free_a from_o such_o vexation_n and_o trouble_n fear_n and_o disappointment_n which_o attend_v on_o unjust_a possession_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o 22._o make_v rich_a and_o he_o add_v no_o sorrow_n with_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o irreligious_a man_n to_o enjoy_v great_a prosperity_n without_o god_n blessing_n and_o those_o who_o like_o this_o way_n may_v take_v it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a uncertain_a and_o a_o very_a slippery_a way_n it_o often_o end_v in_o poverty_n and_o contempt_n or_o lead_v to_o the_o gallow_n or_o man_n lose_v their_o stand_n when_o they_o be_v almost_o get_v up_o to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o precipice_n and_o they_o tumble_v down_o fast_o than_o ever_o they_o get_v up_o but_o those_o who_o desire_n god_n shall_v take_v care_n of_o they_o must_v pray_v to_o he_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o as_o st._n james_n tell_v those_o he_o write_v to_o you_o have_v not_o because_o you_o 2._o ask_v not_o some_o bad_a man_n be_v for_o awhile_o prosperous_a but_o a_o hundred_o for_o one_o be_v miserable_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v secure_a from_o misery_n but_o in_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n second_o there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a danger_n than_o this_o in_o irreligion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o loss_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o eternal_a death_n now_o it_o be_v godliness_n 8._o which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v 12._o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n these_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n without_o perform_v which_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v god_n but_o the_o intemperate_a unrighteous_a ungodly_a man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o the_o punishment_n of_o devil_n to_o outward_a darkness_n where_o there_o be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n for_o evermore_o for_o godliness_n which_o consist_v in_o such_o a_o constant_a sense_n of_o god_n as_o express_v itself_o in_o all_o act_n of_o homage_n worship_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o only_a vital_a principle_n of_o religion_n though_o man_n have_v a_o great_a many_o very_a good_a quality_n and_o sociable_a virtue_n though_o they_o be_v modest_a and_o temperate_a just_a in_o their_o deal_n pitiful_a to_o the_o poor_a of_o a_o liberal_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o promote_a good_a design_n very_o affable_a courteous_a and_o oblige_v in_o their_o conversation_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o god_n as_o these_o man_n have_v not_o who_o neglect_v his_o worship_n all_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o owe_v to_o natural_a temper_n and_o good_a breed_n or_o humane_a policy_n or_o such_o other_o cause_n as_o may_v make_v man_n good_a neighbour_n and_o citizen_n but_o can_v make_v they_o good_a christian_n they_o may_v reap_v some_o temporal_a reward_n of_o these_o virtue_n but_o they_o can_v carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n for_o indeed_o such_o man_n be_v not_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v to_o know_v and_o love_n and_o admire_v and_o praise_v the_o great_a maker_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v who_o have_v not_o a_o quick_a and_o prevail_a sense_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o how_o intolerable_a will_v it_o be_v for_o such_o man_n to_o keep_v a_o eternal_a sabbath_n in_o heaven_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o sing_v his_o praise_n day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o who_o think_v it_o lose_v time_n and_o a_o dry_a insipid_a wearisome_a thing_n to_o worship_n god_n here_o on_o earth_n but_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o penance_n for_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o none_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o heaven_n but_o those_o who_o by_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n on_o earth_n have_v spiritualise_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v religion_n in_o some_o measure_n their_o happiness_n as_o well_o as_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o inconsiderate_a man_n who_o think_v to_o grow_v very_o religious_a and_o to_o repent_v of_o all_o their_o sin_n before_o they_o die_v and_o thereby_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v three_o that_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o irreligion_n of_o a_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v that_o it_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o
but_o i_o will_v desire_v such_o man_n to_o consider_v first_o that_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n vary_v with_o every_o man_n fancy_n as_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n reason_n or_o antiquity_n when_o you_o distinguish_v a_o pure_a church_n from_o a_o pure_a church_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v what_o great_a degree_n of_o purity_n they_o find_v in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a conventicle_n than_o in_o our_o parochial_a church_n if_o this_o purity_n consist_v in_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n that_o doctrine_n and_o government_n which_o be_v most_o ancient_a and_o most_o apostolical_a be_v pure_a than_o some_o novel_a and_o upstart_a opinion_n church_n form_n and_o model_n and_o that_o worship_n which_o retain_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o administer_v they_o with_o the_o great_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o most_o to_o christian_a edification_n be_v as_o pure_a a_o worship_n as_o that_o which_o be_v slovenly_a and_o unbecoming_a the_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o church_n wherein_o christian_n may_v enjoy_v all_o the_o mean_n and_o conveyance_n of_o grace_n without_o any_o corrupt_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n be_v a_o pure_a church_n such_o a_o church_n wherein_o a_o christian_a may_v communicate_v without_o do_v any_o injury_n to_o his_o soul_n be_v a_o pure_a church_n and_o have_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o purity_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o external_n communion_n if_o by_o a_o pure_a communion_n they_o mean_v only_o the_o communion_n of_o better_a man_n and_o of_o great_a saint_n they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o exclude_v hypocrite_n out_o of_o any_o church_n unless_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n nor_o be_v it_o fit_a they_o shall_v be_v exclude_v while_o they_o be_v not_o open_o scandalous_a for_o to_o shut_v such_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o hope_n of_o prove_v better_a men._n and_o i_o hope_v christian_n communion_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o single_a congregation_n but_o every_o good_a christian_a who_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n enjoy_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o all_o the_o world_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n which_o consist_v of_o all_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ._n nay_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a communion_n be_v this_o that_o our_o fellowship_n 3._o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a church_n in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o church_n militant_a on_o earth_n but_o you_o be_v come_v unto_o mount_n zion_n and_o 24._o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v which_o speak_v better_a thing_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n this_o be_v the_o church-fellowship_n which_o those_o enjoy_v who_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o which_o schismatic_n have_v no_o right_n to_o and_o those_o who_o think_v to_o meet_v with_o better_a company_n at_o a_o conventicle_n let_v they_o take_v it_o but_o must_v not_o the_o christian_a church_n consist_v of_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o christian_n as_o our_o natural_a body_n do_v of_o several_a sort_n of_o member_n of_o different_a honour_n and_o worth_a and_o be_v it_o fit_v for_o strong_a and_o well-grown_a christian_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a as_o if_o the_o eye_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n as_o despise_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o foot_n and_o yet_o if_o st._n paul_n say_v true_a that_o schism_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o carnal_a man_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o look_v for_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o schismatical_a church_n but_o second_o it_o be_v never_o till_o of_o late_a day_n think_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o lawful_a communion_n though_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v it_o be_v subject_a to_o some_o defect_n and_o therefore_o the_o brownist_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pretend_v that_o her_o worship_n and_o government_n be_v unlawful_a idolatrous_a and_o antichristian_a and_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n who_o though_o they_o can_v not_o conform_v as_o minister_n yet_o very_o religious_o conform_v as_o layman_n both_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n condemn_v this_o schism_n and_o prove_v that_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v lawful_a and_o therefore_o separation_n be_v sinful_a and_o i_o dare_v challenge_v any_o man_n to_o show_v i_o from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n that_o ever_o it_o be_v think_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n where_o we_o may_v communicate_v without_o sin_n and_o three_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v that_o this_o notion_n of_o separate_n from_o a_o lawful_a communion_n for_o a_o pure_a communion_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o eternal_a schism_n for_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n for_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o purity_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o own_o fancy_n may_v refine_v for_o ever_o four_o if_o they_o do_v indeed_o think_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o inquire_v how_o they_o come_v at_o first_o to_o think_v so_o for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a material_a enquiry_n if_o man_n desire_v to_o know_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o man_n be_v at_o first_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n ensnare_v in_o a_o error_n and_o draw_v into_o schism_n how_o firm_o soever_o afterward_o they_o believe_v their_o separation_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a it_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v all_o the_o several_a way_n whereby_o man_n come_v at_o first_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o schism_n but_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o some_o few_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o common_a such_o be_v these_o 1._o education_n 2._o lightness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o mind_n 3._o some_o distaste_n at_o public_a affair_n 4._o some_o quarrel_n with_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n 5._o interest_n or_o the_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n 1._o education_n when_o man_n have_v be_v nurse_v up_o in_o schism_n from_o their_o infancy_n and_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o despise_v the_o common_a prayer_n before_o they_o can_v read_v and_o to_o call_v the_o church_n antichrist_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o baal_n priest_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v speak_v now_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o pitiable_a case_n and_o the_o fair_a excuse_n and_o apology_n that_o can_v be_v make_v for_o any_o man_n for_o we_o all_o know_v what_o the_o power_n of_o education_n be_v and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o deliver_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o first_o impression_n of_o childhood_n and_o youth_n but_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v a_o man_n when_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o be_v better_o inform_v for_o if_o it_o will_v pagan_n mahometan_n and_o papist_n who_o labour_n under_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n have_v the_o same_o excuse_n we_o must_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o that_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o religious_a duty_n nay_o papist_n mahometan_n and_o pagan_n have_v a_o better_a excuse_n upon_o this_o account_n than_o our_o dissenter_n because_o their_o prejudices_fw-la may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v more_o invincible_a as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o brief_o consider_v three_o or_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n which_o they_o have_v be_v in_o quiet_a possession_n of_o for_o many_o age_n and_o thus_o that_o reverence_n they_o pay_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o memory_n of_o their_o ancestor_n add_v to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n whereas_o every_o one_o know_v that_o this_o present_a schism_n and_o the_o pretence_n whereon_o it_o be_v found_v be_v but_o late_a innovation_n a_o novelty_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o grey-headed_a and_o though_o antiquity_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o argument_n for_o a_o ancient_a error_n nor_o novelty_n any_o
reasonable_a exception_n against_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o new_a discovery_n to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o all_o know_v when_o we_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o part_n with_o such_o doctrine_n custom_n usage_n religion_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n for_o many_o generation_n than_o to_o part_v with_o some_o novel_a invention_n who_o very_a novelty_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o strong_a and_o last_a prejudice_n thus_o we_o know_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n which_o plead_v the_o prescription_n of_o unknown_a age_n make_v it_o extreme_o difficult_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o renounce_v their_o country_n god_n and_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o that_o objection_n of_o novelty_n though_o it_o be_v false_a be_v yet_o a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o alleadg_n to_o show_v that_o a_o long_a and_o immemorial_n prescription_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a prejudice_n than_o some_o few_o year_n education_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v our_o dissenter_n it_o be_v a_o much_o better_a justification_n of_o pagan_n and_o papist_n in_o foreign_a country_n for_o 2_o it_o may_v cause_v a_o reasonable_a suspicion_n in_o honest_a dissenter_n sufficient_a to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o new_a search_n and_o enquiry_n when_o they_o remember_v that_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n fall_v together_o that_o those_o who_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n pull_v down_o monarchy_n and_o transform_v themselves_o into_o as_o many_o different_a shape_n and_o form_n in_o the_o state_n as_o they_o set_v up_o new_a model_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o most_o infallible_a man_n nor_o act_v by_o the_o best_a principle_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o establish_v by_o law_n have_v have_v possession_n in_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o a_o few_o year_n interruption_n in_o a_o time_n of_o rebellion_n and_o great_a confusion_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o dispossess_v it_o and_o therefore_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v lay_v aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o have_v return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o loyalty_n to_o their_o prince_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v some_o better_a reason_n against_o it_o than_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n which_o can_v be_v no_o just_a excuse_n at_o this_o day_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n who_o shall_v desire_v any_o more_o than_o twenty_o year_n to_o wear_v off_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o twenty_o year_n education_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v three_o that_o no_o other_o religion_n or_o form_n of_o church_n government_n ever_o have_v a_o legal_a possession_n of_o this_o nation_n during_o this_o anarchy_n and_o interregnum_fw-la of_o church_n and_o state_n neither_o presbytery_n independency_n nor_o anabaptism_n be_v settle_v by_o law_n but_o they_o shuffle_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o use_v their_o utmost_a skill_n to_o establish_v themselves_o by_o the_o number_n and_o power_n of_o their_o several_a party_n and_o sometime_o one_o pravile_v and_o sometime_o another_o and_o instead_o of_o one_o national_a church_n we_o have_v twenty_o national_a schism_n but_o no_o church_n which_o 4thly_a plain_o show_v that_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n can_v be_v no_o good_a plea_n in_o this_o case_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n shall_v be_v strong_a and_o invincible_a where_o there_o be_v no_o one_o fix_a church_n nor_o one_o face_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o nation_n but_o several_a church_n quarrel_v and_o contend_v with_o each_o other_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o country_n where_o the_o people_n never_o hear_v but_o of_o one_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v in_o spain_n or_o at_o least_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o but_o under_o such_o dismal_a frightful_a character_n as_o may_v raise_v their_o indignation_n and_o their_o hatred_n of_o such_o monster_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v if_o such_o man_n prejudices_fw-la be_v very_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a but_o when_o man_n see_v religion_n in_o so_o many_o shape_n and_o converse_v with_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o monster_n but_o man_n like_o themselves_o this_o rather_o incline_v they_o to_o uncertainty_n and_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o possess_v they_o with_o any_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a prejudices_fw-la for_o or_o against_o any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n how_o man_n make_v their_o advance_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o quakerism_n the_o end_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o confusion_n as_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o all_o good_a order_n now_o when_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o wander_a state_n like_a traveller_n who_o have_v no_o certain_a abide_v but_o pass_v out_o of_o one_o country_n into_o another_o visit_v all_o and_o stay_v no_o where_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a case_n of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a injudicious_a people_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o plead_v prejudice_n in_o their_o justification_n 2._o other_o engage_v themselves_o in_o schism_n out_o of_o lightness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o mind_n they_o have_v no_o fix_a and_o stable_a principle_n and_o can_v never_o like_o one_o thing_n long_o together_o or_o they_o run_v into_o conventicle_n out_o of_o a_o wanton_a curiosity_n and_o be_v take_v with_o any_o thing_n or_o with_o nothing_o as_o it_o happen_v and_o thus_o by_o degree_n contract_n prejudices_fw-la against_o that_o church_n who_o communion_n they_o forsake_v without_o any_o reason_n and_o then_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a without_o any_o the_o zeal_n of_o their_o preacher_n and_o those_o hard_a word_n they_o give_v the_o church_n and_o churchman_n make_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o cause_n for_o it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o they_o learn_v by_o rote_n some_o popular_a objection_n and_o cavil_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o engage_v lie_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o further_a consideration_n or_o a_o timely_a retreat_n when_o man_n first_o begin_v to_o separate_v and_o then_o learn_v some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o in_o time_n improve_v those_o doubt_n into_o last_a principle_n of_o schism_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a honesty_n for_o a_o honest_a man_n must_v first_o have_v very_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a before_o he_o can_v entertain_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o a_o separation_n and_o do_v man_n take_v this_o course_n the_o schism_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n 3._o other_o take_v distaste_n at_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o church_n this_o seem_v strange_a that_o whatever_o be_v do_v amiss_o in_o the_o state_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n in_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o state_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o correct_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o civil_a governor_n have_v to_o correct_v and_o reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o exorbitance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n but_o some_o person_n observe_v that_o close_a union_n which_o be_v between_o church_n and_o state_n think_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v the_o crown_n till_o they_o have_v first_o pull_v down_o a_o legal_a church_n but_o though_o these_o man_n may_v talk_v very_o much_o against_o church-imposition_n and_o seem_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a it_o be_v plain_a religion_n be_v the_o least_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n they_o love_v schism_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o rebellion_n and_o look_v upon_o schismatical_a conventicle_n as_o admirable_a nursery_n for_o the_o camp_n though_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o case_n in_o our_o late_a trouble_n we_o have_v be_v late_o tell_v in_o print_n by_o one_o who_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o i_o wonder_v so_o grave_a and_o wise_a a_o man_n shall_v thus_o open_o betray_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o party_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o war_n be_v begin_v by_o churchman_n who_o have_v no_o design_n at_o first_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n the_o auxiliary_n of_o the_o 12._o parliament_n the_o scot_n will_v not_o