of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o as_o to_o the_o frequency_n of_o celebrate_v the_o lord's-supper_n i_o find_v many_o people_n of_o opinion_n that_o the_o scripture_n have_v determine_v nothing_o in_o it_o &_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v entire_o leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o minister_n how_o often_o they_o will_v celebrate_v it_o and_o to_o the_o people_n how_v often_o they_o will_v receive_v it_o and_o that_o on_o this_o account_n every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o when_o he_o will_v be_v a_o partaker_n of_o it_o as_o he_o think_v it_o most_o for_o his_o comfort_n and_o edification_n which_o make_v the_o celebration_n and_o receive_v it_o so_o arbitrary_a a_o thing_n that_o many_o never_o receive_v it_o at_o all_o and_o the_o universal_a neglect_n of_o it_o be_v become_v one_o of_o the_o cry_v sin_n of_o these_o kingdom_n and_o a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o reformation_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o institution_n of_o this_o 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that_o succeed_v it_o which_o make_v it_o much_o more_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o observe_v it_o and_o render_v we_o much_o more_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o neglect_v it_o 3._o since_o our_o saviour_n have_v take_v off_o the_o confinement_n to_o time_n and_o place_n that_o make_v the_o passover_n such_o a_o burden_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o who_o celebrate_v it_o seldome_o than_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o passover_n must_v needs_o have_v less_o regard_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o the_o deliverance_n wrought_v by_o it_o than_o the_o jew_n have_v to_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n there_o be_v no_o other_o imaginable_a reason_n that_o can_v tempt_v they_o to_o neglect_v purify_n themselves_o for_o this_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n and_o frequent_v it_o but_o the_o deadness_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o christ_n and_o the_o want_n of_o sense_n gratitude_n and_o love_n towards_o their_o master_n 4._o christ_n positive_a command_n to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o etc._n etc._n must_v oblige_v we_o in_o some_o time_n and_o in_o some_o circumstance_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n of_o determine_v when_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o then_o by_o observe_v when_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n give_v we_o opportunity_n for_o either_o we_o be_v then_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o or_o else_o we_o may_v choose_v whether_o we_o will_v ever_o do_v it_o or_o no_o there_o be_v no_o better_a mean_n of_o determine_v the_o frequency_n than_o this_o of_o god_n give_v we_o the_o opportunity_n and_o the_o same_o rule_n hold_v in_o all_o other_o general_a positive_a command_n such_o as_o in_o those_o that_o oblige_v we_o to_o charity_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o hold_v likewise_o in_o this_o therefore_o whoever_o slight_n or_o neglect_v any_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v which_o god_n afford_v he_o do_v sin_n as_o certain_o as_o he_o who_o be_v enable_v by_o god_n to_o perform_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o invite_v by_o a_o fit_a object_n neglect_v to_o relieve_v he_o or_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n against_o he_o concern_v who_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n dwell_v not_o in_o he_o and_o the_o argument_n be_v rather_o strong_a against_o he_o who_o neglect_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n have_v a_o true_a love_n for_o his_o saviour_n or_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o suffering_n who_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o remember_v the_o great_a of_o all_o benefit_n in_o the_o easy_a manner_n though_o command_v to_o do_v it_o by_o his_o redeemer_n and_o invite_v by_o a_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o god_n own_o offering_n 5._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n we_o may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n every_o lord_n day_n when_o we_o meet_v together_o and_o therefore_o that_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o lay_v aside_o this_o command_n who_o order_n of_o worship_n do_v not_o require_v and_o provide_v for_o this_o practice_n christ_n command_n seem_v to_o lead_v we_o direct_o to_o it_o for_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o imply_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o leave_v they_o that_o they_o be_v to_o meet_v together_o after_o he_o be_v go_v and_o that_o he_o require_v they_o to_o remember_v he_o at_o their_o meeting_n whilst_o he_o be_v absent_a the_o very_a design_n of_o our_o public_a meeting_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o not_o on_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n be_v to_o remember_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n a_o sense_n of_o what_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o till_o he_o come_v again_o and_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v not_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o our_o own_o invention_n suggest_v but_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o christ_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o that_o be_v by_o celebrate_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n it_o seem_v then_o probable_a from_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o this_o sacrament_n that_o our_o saviour_n design_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n service_n in_o all_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o christian_n as_o the_o passover_n be_v in_o the_o yearly_o assembly_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o know_v therefore_o how_o often_o christ_n require_v we_o to_o celebrate_v this_o feast_n we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o inquire_v how_o often_o christ_n require_v we_o to_o meet_v together_o that_o be_v at_o least_o every_o lord_n day_n ii_o and_o the_o same_o be_v far_o manifest_v in_o the_o second_o place_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o to_o have_v understand_v what_o christ_n mean_v by_o these_o word_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v make_v this_o feast_n a_o constant_a part_n of_o their_o ordinary_a worship_n we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o christ_n mean_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o here_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v any_o solemn_a state_v meet_v of_o christian_n for_o worship_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n without_o it_o at_o first_o the_o disciple_n have_v their_o meeting_n every_o day_n and_o then_o they_o likewise_o daily_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n act_v two_o 46_o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o st._n paul_n suppose_v that_o their_o meet_v together_o be_v on_o purpose_n and_o with_o express_a design_n to_o celebrate_v this_o feast_n 1_o cor._n x._o 20_o when_o you_o come_v together_o therefore_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n which_o intimate_v that_o one_o main_a design_n of_o their_o come_n
the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n very_o inconvenient_a and_o be_v likewise_o a_o late_a invention_n of_o our_o own_o never_o use_v by_o any_o foreign_a church_n either_o popish_a or_o reform_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v find_v to_o this_o day_n and_o have_v be_v take_v up_o to_o supply_v the_o negligence_n and_o laziness_n of_o people_n who_o will_v not_o now_o as_o former_o be_v at_o pain_n to_o get_v psalm_n by_o heart_n or_o so_o much_o as_o procure_v book_n or_o learn_v to_o read_v they_o 5._o notwithstanding_o your_o directory_n require_v the_o voice_n in_o sing_v psalm_n to_o be_v tuneable_a and_o grave_o order_v yet_o you_o have_v not_o only_o refuse_v the_o use_n of_o instrument_n which_o be_v a_o natural_a mean_n to_o help_v the_o voice_n and_o make_v it_o tuneable_a and_o be_v use_v by_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n but_o have_v also_o determine_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o press_v the_o use_n of_o instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o these_o part_n where_o so_o many_o for_o want_v of_o be_v use_v to_o they_o have_v entertain_v prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o and_o some_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v affect_v by_o they_o yet_o the_o make_v they_o unlawful_a be_v against_o nature_n and_o scripture_n and_o be_v on_o that_o account_n a_o dangerous_a superstition_n and_o encroachment_n on_o christian_a liberty_n 6._o the_o same_o superstition_n and_o encroachment_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o forbear_v to_o praise_n god_n in_o sing_v or_o say_v psalm_n and_o hymn_n by_o way_n of_o response_n or_o answer_v of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v such_o noble_a precedent_n out_o of_o scripture_n but_o even_o to_o determine_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a last_o i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o appear_v you_o have_v altogether_o lay_v aside_o the_o psalm_n in_o prose_n and_o the_o other_o scripture_n hymn_n that_o be_v of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n and_o for_o the_o use_v of_o which_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o saint_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v no_o where_o use_v by_o you_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n but_o in_o their_o stead_n you_o have_v substitute_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v a_o few_o verse_n of_o a_o psalm_n of_o human_a composure_n without_o scripture-example_n or_o precedent_n and_o sing_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o ancient_a practice_n much_o less_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o be_v pure_o and_o immediate_o a_o invention_n of_o men._n iv._o the_o case_n then_o between_o our_o church_n and_o you_o in_o this_o point_n i_o think_v impartial_o stand_v thus_o our_o church_n praise_v god_n every_o day_n with_o five_o or_o six_o psalm_n beside_o other_o hymn_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o in_o his_o own_o word_n and_o method_n and_o yet_o be_v desert_v and_o condemn_v by_o you_o in_o this_o very_a point_n as_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n whereas_o you_o who_o only_o praise_v he_o in_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o psalm_n of_o a_o few_o verse_n and_o in_o a_o method_n of_o your_o own_o find_v out_o persuade_v yourselves_o that_o you_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a from_o human_a invention_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n serious_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o for_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o think_v what_o all_o unprejudiced_a man_n will_v judge_v of_o it_o now_o so_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o god_n will_v judge_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o you_o in_o earnest_n lie_v these_o thing_n to_o heart_n and_o reflect_v on_o they_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o they_o will_v at_o least_o prevail_v with_o you_o to_o be_v modest_a in_o your_o censure_n of_o we_o your_o brethren_n and_o prevent_v your_o judge_n much_o less_o condemn_v we_o or_o our_o manner_n of_o praise_v god_n as_o unacceptable_a to_o he_o chap._n ii_o of_o prayer_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o main_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a meeting_n of_o christian_n which_o i_o observe_v be_v prayer_n or_o supplication_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o rule_n direction_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o direct_v we_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n in_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o judge_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o prayer_n distinct_o by_o themselves_o such_o as_o confession_n supplication_n intercession_n etc._n etc._n 1._o confession_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o of_o god_n mercy_n to_o aggravate_v it_o be_v common_o look_v on_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o prayer_n and_o proper_a to_o introduce_v our_o supplication_n now_o in_o search_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v express_a command_n to_o use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o confession_n so_o deuteron_n xxvi_o 3_o thou_o shall_v go_v unto_o the_o priest_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o i_o profess_v this_o day_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o i_o be_o come_v unto_o the_o country_n which_o the_o lord_n swear_v unto_o our_o forefather_n to_z give_v we_o and_o then_o the_o offerer_n be_v to_o make_v his_o confession_n vers_n 5_o and_o thou_o shall_v speak_v and_o say_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n a_o syrian_a ready_a to_o perish_v be_v my_o father_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v a_o form_n of_o confession_n of_o the_o person_n vnworthiness_n and_o of_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n together_o with_o a_o profession_n of_o obedience_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o set_n &_o prepare_a word_n the_o same_o appear_v from_o solomon_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o confession_n for_o the_o penitent_a israelite_n 1_o king_n viij_o 47_o which_o word_n we_o find_v according_o apply_v in_o psal._n cvi_fw-la 6_o and_o make_v part_n of_o a_o large_a form_n of_o confession_n to_o be_v use_v in_o their_o captivity_n as_o solomon_n design_v they_o which_o appear_v from_o the_o 47th_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o psalm_n take_v from_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o david_n 1_o chro._n xuj_o 35_o and_o daniel_n in_o his_o form_n of_o confession_n in_o captivity_n chap._n ix_o vers_fw-la 5._o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o leave_v arbitrary_o to_o choice_n or_o discretion_n though_o other_o word_n may_v be_v join_v with_o they_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o enlarge_v or_o vary_v the_o form_n many_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v form_n of_o confession_n and_o be_v use_v and_o daily_o repeat_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n psal._n li._n be_v the_o form_n of_o confession_n david_n prepare_v and_o use_v for_o his_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o he_o not_o only_o use_v it_o himself_o but_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o master_n of_o his_o choir_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o public_a service_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o title_n of_o it_o psal._n lxxviii_o be_v a_o general_a confession_n for_o the_o whole_a people_n set_v forth_o at_o large_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o ingratitude_n disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n and_o this_o not_o as_o a_o pattern_n but_o as_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o their_o public_a service_n all_o which_o show_v we_o that_o address_n to_o god_n in_o such_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v a_o warrant_n to_o we_o that_o he_o approve_v that_o our_o confession_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n 2._o the_o second_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v supplication_n for_o good_a thing_n and_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o a_o form_n of_o word_n deut._n xxvi_o 13_o 15._o then_o thou_o shall_v say_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n look_v down_o from_o thy_o holy_a habitation_n from_o heaven_n and_o bless_v thy_o people_n israel_n and_o the_o land_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o as_o thou_o swear_v unto_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n so_o hos._n fourteen_o 2_o take_v with_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n etc._n etc._n moses_n in_o the_o wilderness_n use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o recommend_v it_o to_o be_v use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o as_o be_v manifest_a from_o psal._n xc_o which_o have_v this_o title_n a_o prayer_n of_o moses_n
and_o the_o mischief_n that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v or_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a that_o the_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o some_o particular_a meat_n shall_v have_v so_o many_o ill_a effect_n as_o the_o forbid_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v have_v already_o yet_o it_o be_v observable_a how_o st._n paul_n judge_n of_o that_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n four_o 1_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n say_v he_o some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n forbid_v to_o marry_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n you_o see_v here_o st._n paul_n count_v it_o a_o departure_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n to_o forbid_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o any_o sort_n of_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o criminal_a to_o teach_v any_o sort_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v unclean_a when_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v it_o then_o sure_a to_o teach_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v unlawful_a when_o god_n have_v command_v it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a ill_a doctrine_n and_o this_o consideration_n alone_o ought_v to_o make_v those_o who_o maintain_v it_o or_o any_o such_o doctrine_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n as_o practise_v unlawful_a thing_n to_o examine_v it_o careful_o and_o impartial_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o they_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o seduce_v spirit_n the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o his_o will_n but_o when_o he_o despair_n of_o this_o his_o next_o attempt_n be_v to_o share_v with_o god_n in_o our_o obedience_n and_o impose_v new_a command_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v god_n and_o so_o to_o procure_v himself_o to_o be_v obey_v this_o he_o do_v most_o successful_o by_o give_v they_o a_o appearance_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a strictness_n thus_o in_o st._n paul_n time_n under_o colour_n of_o mortification_n he_o forbid_v meat_n and_o marriage_n as_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v allow_v speak_v lie_v in_o hypocrisy_n and_o under_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o have_v prevail_v on_o some_o under_o colour_n of_o great_a spirituality_n to_o abstain_v from_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v enjoin_v and_o here_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o wherever_o the_o devil_n gain_v this_o point_n with_o man_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v he_o soon_o bring_v a_o superadd_v command_v of_o his_o own_o in_o competition_n with_o some_o of_o god_n and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o prefer_v his_o command_n to_o god_n and_o so_o plunge_v they_o into_o direct_a disobedience_n which_o be_v his_o design_n at_o first_o thus_o when_o he_o have_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n they_o soon_o fall_v not_o only_o to_o commit_v fornication_n but_o even_o in_o some_o case_n to_o allow_v it_o rather_o than_o marriage_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o by_o persuade_v man_n to_o abstain_v from_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o unlawful_a he_o have_v deprive_v they_o in_o many_o place_n of_o all_o opportunity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o make_v they_o choose_v rather_o not_o to_o serve_v god_n at_o all_o in_o public_a than_o with_o a_o form_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o thousand_o now_o in_o this_o kingdom_n who_o worship_n god_n public_o no_o where_o but_o 3._o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o pray_v by_o form_n be_v no_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v safe_o indulge_v man_n in_o their_o own_o sense_n about_o it_o since_o it_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o puff_n they_o up_o and_o make_v they_o take_v false_a measure_n in_o judge_v of_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o of_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o they_o we_o know_v that_o all_o good_a man_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v guide_v and_o influence_v by_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o life_n we_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v assist_v by_o he_o in_o their_o prayer_n but_o no_o less_o in_o forgive_a a_o injury_n or_o resist_v a_o temptation_n and_o his_o influence_n on_o a_o good_a man_n mind_n be_v rather_o great_a and_o more_o sensible_a in_o these_o and_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o prayer_n love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n v._n 22_o and_o it_o be_v principal_o by_o these_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v that_o spirit_n but_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n on_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enable_v every_o child_n of_o god_n to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o the_o mouth_n suitable_a desire_n entitle_v every_o one_o to_o god_n spirit_n in_o some_o measure_n that_o be_v able_a to_o express_v himself_o in_o apt_a and_o fluent_a word_n though_o without_o the_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o expose_v every_o one_o to_o despair_v that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o as_o look_v on_o himself_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n though_o otherwise_o meek_a humble_a and_o charitable_a and_o endow_v with_o such_o grace_n as_o be_v much_o wear_v certain_a sign_n of_o his_o presence_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v many_o delude_v by_o this_o opinion_n that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o or_o other_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o favour_n according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o endow_v with_o this_o gift_n without_o respect_n to_o other_o qualification_n and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o yourselves_o whether_o some_o very_a immoral_a person_n guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n have_v not_o be_v eminent_a for_o this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o whether_o such_o person_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o endow_v with_o his_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o to_o convince_v these_o person_n of_o their_o mistake_n or_o to_o comfort_v poor_a ignorant_a people_n deject_v only_o for_o want_n of_o this_o gift_n whilst_o they_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n which_o in_o the_o four_o place_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v countenance_v or_o indulge_v as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o secret_a devotion_n every_o christian_a ought_v at_o least_o twice_o a_o day_n to_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v it_o without_o a_o form_n child_n and_o ignorant_a person_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o word_n and_o even_o other_o people_n be_v often_o not_o able_a to_o find_v they_o ready_o especial_o when_o weary_v dull_a or_o indispose_v as_o be_v sometime_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o the_o best_a christian_n this_o make_v secret_a prayer_n at_o least_o a_o constant_a regular_a course_n of_o it_o uneasy_a to_o most_o that_o be_v absolute_o against_o all_o use_n of_o form_n and_o it_o occasion_n too_o many_o to_o neglect_v it_o which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o and_o as_o for_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n among_o those_o of_o this_o persuasion_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v many_o of_o they_o never_o bow_v their_o knee_n in_o secret_a to_o god_n and_o several_a of_o those_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v aloud_o or_o can_v pray_v at_o all_o which_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o secret_a prayer_n and_o expose_v not_o only_o the_o person_n that_o use_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o the_o duty_n to_o contempt_n it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n that_o the_o pious_a custom_n of_o train_n up_o young_a people_n to_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o devotion_n in_o their_o morning_n and_o evening_n secret_a prayer_n be_v too_o universal_o lay_v aside_o among_o you_o as_o i_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o observation_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o all_o of_o the_o dissenter_n on_o the_o contrary_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a or_o easy_a method_n to_o revive_v and_o continue_v this_o regular_a and_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n than_o to_o oblige_v every_o one_o to_o some_o certain_a form_n every_o morning_n and_o evening_n which_o they_o may_v not_o omit_v whatever_o other_o prayer_n they_o use_v but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v do_v whilst_o the_o opinion_n of_o
the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o all_o good_a people_n be_v oblige_v to_o oppose_v it_o as_o they_o will_v retrieve_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o indifferent_a matter_n as_o the_o objection_n will_v suggest_v but_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v contend_v for_o i_o will_v not_o mention_v some_o other_o reason_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n because_o they_o will_v but_o exasperate_v and_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n when_o perform_v extempore_o ridiculous_a which_o ill_a man_n may_v extend_v as_o it_o too_o often_o happen_v to_o expose_v devotion_n in_o general_a such_o be_v the_o indecent_a expression_n which_o sometime_o fall_v from_o person_n that_o pray_v thus_o i_o will_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o extemporary_a prayer_n of_o some_o preacher_n have_v too_o often_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o serious_a person_n even_o among_o yourselves_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o print_v some_o of_o they_o as_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o those_o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o be_v print_v will_v not_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v nor_o much_o recommend_v they_o to_o serious_a men._n but_o i_o esteem_v it_o a_o ill_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o ridicule_fw-la one_o another_o devotion_n whatever_o it_o be_v v._o there_o remain_v yet_o the_o three_o opinion_n of_o dissenter_n which_o they_o advance_v against_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v examine_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n a_o opinion_n far_o from_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o require_v we_o rom._n xv_o 6_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n to_o glorify_v god_n we_o produce_v this_o and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n join_v their_o voice_n and_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o their_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v no_o scripture_n forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o condemn_v it_o or_o teach_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a we_o must_v charge_v it_o upon_o you_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o your_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n which_o be_v all_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v to_o this_o head_n after_o what_o i_o have_v show_v before_o in_o defence_n of_o our_o contrary_a practice_n from_o scripture_n and_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o presume_v i_o have_v faithful_o examine_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n that_o consist_v in_o prayer_n and_o compare_v the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n way_n of_o pray_v with_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o service_n the_o dissenter_n have_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o have_v in_o many_o particular_n lay_v aside_o god_n command_n and_o desert_v the_o example_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v in_o the_o main_a part_n thereof_o a_o immediate_a invention_n of_o men._n and_o i_o entreat_v you_o who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o adhere_v to_o these_o principle_n of_o worship_n which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o show_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o you_o be_v not_o thereby_o literal_o guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n tax_v the_o jew_n mark_v seven_o 7_o of_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o that_o superstition_n condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n col._n two_o 21_o which_o say_v touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o that_o be_v which_o teach_v to_o forbear_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v lawful_a after_o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o enlighten_v your_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o it_o that_o you_o may_v deliver_v your_o soul_n chap._n iii_o of_o hear_v sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o one_o great_a design_n of_o our_o christian_a assembly_n be_v hear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o examine_v this_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v do_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o consider_v first_o what_o direction_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o shall_v compare_v our_o own_o practice_n with_o they_o and_o three_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n first_o then_o god_n have_v positive_o command_v we_o to_o read_v his_o word_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n so_o deut._n xxxi_o 10_o in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v jos._n viij_o 35_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o that_o moses_n command_v which_o joshua_n read_v not_o before_o all_o the_o congregation_n neither_o be_v this_o confine_v to_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o constant_a part_n of_o their_o sabbath_n service_n in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o act_n xiii_o 14_o where_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n send_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n take_v notice_n vers_fw-la 27._o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v read_v every_o sabbath_n day_n mean_v undoubted_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o st._n james_n act_n xv_o 21_o of_o moses_n his_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n ii_o this_o read_v the_o law_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n provide_v for_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o among_o his_o people_n and_o where_o it_o be_v omit_v the_o people_n immediate_o sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o best_a reformation_n begin_v and_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o restore_a this_o ordinance_n thus_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 29_o that_o he_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n and_o all_o the_o people_n great_a and_o small_a and_o he_o read_v in_o their_o ear_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o like_a be_v observe_v of_o ezra_n neh._n viij_o 3_o and_o he_o read_v therein_o before_o the_o street_n that_o be_v before_o the_o water-gate_n from_o morning_n until_o midday_n before_o the_o man_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o all_o that_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n never_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o chief_a reason_n give_v by_o themselves_o be_v the_o strict_a observation_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o law_n be_v constant_o read_v to_o they_o afterward_o public_o in_o their_o synagogue_n so_o powerful_o do_v god_n bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o preserve_v those_o that_o use_v they_o from_o error_n and_o sin_n iii_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o like_a order_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o read_v be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a elder_n as_o it_o be_v before_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o timothy_n be_v command_v by_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n four_o 13_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v as_o well_o as_o to_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o inspire_v write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n command_n col._n
four_o 16_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o also_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n since_o the_o gospel_n contain_v the_o christian_a law_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o read_v in_o the_o first_o christian_n assembly_n i_o may_v show_v by_o many_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n iv._o this_o public_a read_v the_o law_n be_v of_o so_o great_a reputation_n that_o it_o be_v term_v preach_v it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o act_n xv_o 21_o for_o moses_n of_o old_a time_n have_v in_o every_o city_n they_o that_o preach_v he_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n the_o word_n preach_v have_v a_o peculiar_a sense_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o signify_v proper_o to_o declare_v or_o proclaim_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o herald_n or_o crier_n proclaim_v the_o law_n or_o order_n of_o a_o king_n hence_o only_a those_o that_o proclaim_v the_o gospel_n to_o such_o as_o have_v not_o hear_v it_o before_o or_o read_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o people_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v preach_v be_v distinguish_v from_o teach_v and_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n though_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v call_v preach_v yet_o interpret_n they_o apply_v they_o or_o exhort_v the_o people_n from_o they_o in_o a_o christian_a auditory_a be_v never_o call_v by_o that_o name_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o disciple_n act_n xx_o 7_o when_o he_o only_o in_o probability_n make_v a_o sermon_n or_o exhortation_n to_o believer_n as_o be_v usual_a now_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o original_a of_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v never_o translate_v preach_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v here_o but_o discourse_v dispute_v speak_v or_o reason_v so_o it_o be_v translate_v in_o act_n xvii_o 2_o 17._o xviii_o 19_o nineteeen_o 8_o 9_o heb._n twelve_o 5_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o original_a word_n which_o proper_o signify_v preach_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v proper_o preach_v the_o first_o be_v when_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o those_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o it_o before_o and_o the_o second_o be_v when_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v public_o to_o the_o peodle_n as_o a_o crier_n do_v a_o proclamation_n which_o he_o do_v not_o word_n himself_o but_o read_v it_o in_o the_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o in_o short_a the_o scripture_n be_v sermon_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n be_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o read_n of_o which_o to_o the_o people_n for_o their_o conviction_n and_o instruction_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a command_n of_o god_n and_o where_o this_o ordinance_n be_v due_o observe_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o makâ—_n they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o hear_v they_o with_o humility_n and_o attention_n be_v a_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o for_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o tim._n three_o 16_o 17._o v._o we_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o public_a read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v with_o great_a solemnity_n it_o be_v observe_v nehem._n viij_o 5_o when_o ezra_n open_v the_o book_n all_o the_o people_n stand_v up_o and_o ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n the_o great_a god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v amen_o amen_n with_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v the_o lord_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o i_o find_v it_o general_o agree_v that_o both_o the_o reader_n and_o hearer_n stand_v up_o whilst_o the_o law_n be_v read_v though_o not_o when_o other_o thing_n be_v read_v or_o teach_v hence_o it_o be_v observe_v luke_n four_o 16_o that_o our_o saviour_n stand_v up_o for_o to_o read_v and_o vers._n 20._o after_o close_v the_o book_n that_o he_o sit_v down_o to_o teach_v hence_o rev._n v_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o highpriest_n with_o a_o book_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o lamb_n as_o his_o minister_n take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o declare_v the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o vers._n 8._o when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o book_n the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o lamb_n and_o they_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n the_o angel_n join_v with_o they_o vers._n 11._o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n verse_n 13._o from_o whence_o we_o see_v the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n with_o adoration_n and_o praise_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o at_o the_o read_n the_o law_n confession_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v intermix_v and_o succeed_v one_o another_o neh._n ix_o 3_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o in_o their_o place_n and_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n one_o four_o part_n of_o the_o day_n and_o another_o four_o part_n they_o confess_v and_o worship_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n vi_o we_o find_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o the_o people_n understand_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o people_n be_v bear_v and_o educate_v in_o a_o strange_a land_n their_o language_n be_v change_v and_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v at_o least_o universal_o the_o pure_a hebrew_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v first_o write_v therefore_o when_o ezra_n read_v in_o the_o law_n a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n interpret_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n as_o ezra_n read_v they_o to_o the_o people_n neh._n viij_o 7_o and_o they_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n and_o the_o people_n stand_v in_o their_o place_n so_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o read_n and_o this_o custom_n continue_v among_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n first_o the_o hebrew_a text_n be_v read_v and_o then_o a_o translation_n or_o paraphrase_n in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o hearer_n and_o indeed_o there_o may_v be_v good_a reason_n for_o read_v the_o original_n in_o public_a assembly_n such_o a_o custom_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o they_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o people_n without_o a_o translation_n therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v speak_v in_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o the_o church_n but_o order_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 27_o let_v one_o interpret_v but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n let_v he_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o we_o find_v that_o after_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o enlargement_n or_o comment_n on_o some_o part_n of_o it_o and_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o people_n thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v read_v a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n he_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v constant_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v rather_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o have_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a provision_n for_o such_o enlargement_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o exhortation_n from_o it_o there_o have_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xiii_o 15_o to_o send_v to_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n that_o message_n we_o find_v there_o you_o man_n and_o brethren_n if_o you_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n for_o the_o people_n say_v on_o st._n paul_n suppose_v he_o who_o teach_v and_o he_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o exhort_v distinct_a from_o he_o that_o rule_v
pray_v to_o god_n praise_v he_o and_o instruct_v our_o family_n in_o private_a and_o yet_o god_n forbid_v that_o our_o do_v these_o private_o shall_v banish_v the_o use_n of_o they_o from_o our_o public_a assembly_n or_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v himself_o excuse_v from_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o they_o on_o account_n of_o his_o private_a diligence_n in_o they_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n hold_v for_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n 3._o god_n tell_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n deut._n vi_fw-la 6_o that_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o and_o thou_o shall_v write_v they_o on_o the_o post_n of_o thy_o house_n here_o be_v as_o much_o private_a diligence_n in_o read_v and_o teach_v the_o law_n require_v of_o the_o israelite_n as_o any_o christian_a can_v pretend_v to_o exercise_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o care_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n by_o private_a study_n and_o exercise_n do_v not_o make_v the_o read_n it_o in_o their_o synagogue_n unnecessary_a or_o prevent_v god_n from_o require_v they_o to_o use_v it_o as_o part_v of_o his_o public_a worship_n deut._n xxxi_o 11_o and_o therefore_o all_o your_o diligence_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n private_o or_o your_o teacher_n exhort_v and_o require_v you_o to_o do_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o warrant_v their_o or_o your_o dispense_n with_o the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o appoint_v the_o read_n his_o word_n as_o part_v of_o his_o public_a service_n but_o 4._o when_o people_n be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o in_o private_a they_o may_v either_o do_v or_o not_o do_v a_o thing_n as_o they_o please_v and_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o come_v to_o church_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v there_o that_o neither_o can_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v it_o in_o private_a it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o the_o people_n to_o be_v negligent_a and_o a_o great_a want_n of_o care_n in_o a_o church_n to_o leave_v so_o material_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o private_a diligence_n we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o where_o no_o public_a effectual_a care_n be_v take_v to_o inform_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n sensible_o decay_v and_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o be_v lose_v the_o papist_n read_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o language_n that_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v and_o we_o see_v into_o what_o gross_a ignorance_n they_o be_v fall_v by_o this_o mean_n those_o of_o your_o persuasion_n general_o speak_v do_v not_o read_v they_o at_o all_o in_o your_o meeting_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o many_o of_o your_o common_a people_n be_v stranger_n to_o the_o very_a history_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o christianity_n as_o i_o have_v find_v on_o trial_n to_o my_o great_a trouble_n and_o astonishment_n this_o pretence_n therefore_o of_o people_n read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o private_a will_v by_o no_o mean_n justify_v you_o for_o break_v god_n command_n in_o omit_v the_o public_a read_v they_o as_o a_o part_n of_o god_n service_n in_o the_o congregation_n the_o second_o pretence_n that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o for_o this_o omission_n be_v that_o since_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o settle_v of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n the_o case_n be_v much_o alter_v with_o christian_n that_o printing_n be_v not_o then_o know_v and_o consequent_o copy_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v few_o and_o hard_o to_o come_v by_o few_o can_v then_o read_v they_o if_o they_o have_v they_o and_o therefore_o say_v some_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o assembly_n be_v then_o absolute_o necessary_a otherwise_o the_o generality_n must_v have_v be_v stranger_n to_o they_o but_o now_o copy_n of_o the_o bible_n by_o mean_n of_o print_v be_v become_v common_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v have_v and_o most_o family_n have_v some_o in_o they_o that_o can_v read_v and_o therefore_o the_o public_a read_v they_o be_v not_o now_o necessary_a 1._o the_o plain_a answer_n to_o this_o be_v first_o that_o the_o read_v the_o scripture_n public_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o print_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o man_n have_v find_v out_o a_o better_a way_n to_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n than_o he_o institute_v and_o plain_o to_o lay_v aside_o his_o command_n for_o man_n own_o invention_n 2._o god_n have_v promise_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v always_o religious_a assembly_n and_o have_v command_v his_o word_n to_o be_v read_v in_o they_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o church_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v the_o constant_a commonness_n of_o bibles_n nor_o ability_n to_o people_n to_o read_v they_o at_o home_n to_o omit_v therefore_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n for_o teach_v his_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o people_n procure_v and_o read_v copy_n of_o the_o bible_n private_o be_v to_o leave_v god_n way_n and_o presumptuous_o depend_v on_o that_o which_o have_v no_o promise_n annex_v to_o it_o 3._o how_o easy_a soever_o we_o may_v imagine_v the_o obtain_n copy_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o can_v read_v there_o be_v still_o many_o family_n even_o among_o protestant_n that_o can_v neither_o compass_v a_o bible_n or_o get_v any_o to_o read_v it_o if_o they_o have_v one_o and_o therefore_o this_o expedient_a be_v no_o way_n sufficient_a to_o supply_v the_o design_n of_o god_n institution_n in_o command_v it_o to_o be_v read_v public_o 4._o let_v we_o suppose_v bibles_n to_o be_v as_o common_a as_o we_o can_v desire_v and_o that_o every_o one_o can_v read_v they_o yet_o who_o will_v secure_v we_o that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o people_z whilst_o the_o first_o fervour_n of_o a_o reformation_n be_v on_o they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v diligent_a so_o long_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o novelty_n to_o they_o or_o zeal_n for_o a_o party_n inspirit_n they_o but_o when_o this_o wear_v off_o as_o it_o general_o do_v in_o a_o little_a time_n we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o their_o care_n of_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o the_o scripture_n decay_v with_o it_o and_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n too_o many_o of_o all_o party_n that_o neither_o read_v themselves_o nor_o hear_v one_o chapter_n read_v in_o a_o whole_a year_n except_o at_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o omit_v the_o public_a read_v they_o on_o presumption_n that_o the_o people_n will_v do_v it_o themselves_o since_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o introduce_v a_o universal_a ignorance_n of_o god_n word_n and_o reduce_v we_o again_o to_o popery_n the_o most_o effectual_a bar_n against_o which_o be_v the_o bible_n in_o our_o own_o language_n 5._o people_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o come_v to_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v though_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o it_o and_o when_o they_o neglect_v they_o may_v be_v reprove_v or_o punish_v but_o this_o be_v not_o practical_a when_o the_o scripture_n be_v require_v only_o to_o be_v read_v in_o private_a family_n experience_n show_v we_o that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o method_n in_o point_n of_o efficacy_n we_o see_v in_o england_n and_o wales_n where_o public_a read_n be_v practise_v the_o people_n general_o embrace_v the_o reformation_n but_o in_o ireland_n where_o the_o same_o care_n be_v not_o take_v they_o reject_v it_o have_v god_n way_n be_v take_v and_o the_o scripture_n as_o constant_o read_v to_o the_o native_a irish_a in_o a_o language_n they_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v in_o england_n or_o wales_n there_o be_v little_a doubt_n but_o the_o reformation_n have_v succeed_v as_o universal_o here_o as_o it_o do_v there_o but_o the_o want_n of_o this_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n to_o this_o day_n which_o may_v convince_v we_o how_o ineffectual_a all_o our_o contrivance_n be_v to_o enlighten_v man_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n institution_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o ever_o the_o native_a irish_a be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n it_o must_v be_v by_o have_v it_o read_v to_o they_o public_o in_o a_o language_n they_o
together_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n though_o by_o their_o misbehaviour_n they_o so_o corrupt_v the_o ordinance_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v call_v his_o supper_n if_o one_o shall_v now_o reprove_v christian_n who_o they_o observe_v to_o mis-behave_a themselves_o in_o church_n in_o these_o word_n when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v to_o you_o for_o one_o be_v talk_v and_o another_o be_v sleep_v will_v not_o every_o body_n conclude_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o reprover_n the_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v aught_o to_o be_v one_o end_v of_o their_o come_n together_o and_o then_o sure_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n give_v we_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o in_o his_o opinion_n eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n ought_v to_o be_v one_o constant_a end_n of_o our_o come_n together_o which_o be_v further_o manifest_v from_o the_o advice_n he_o give_v they_o vers._n 33._o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o to_o eat_v tarry_v one_o for_o another_o one_o end_v therefore_o of_o their_o come_n together_o be_v as_o child_n come_v together_o in_o a_o family_n at_o meal-time_n that_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v at_o their_o father_n table_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n call_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n in_o this_o verse_n he_o call_v come_v together_o to_o eat_v intimate_v that_o a_o main_a end_n of_o their_o come_n together_o into_o one_o place_n be_v to_o eat_v 3._o when_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n come_v to_o be_v fix_v to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o break_v of_o bread_n be_v likewise_o bring_v to_o the_o same_o day_n so_o act_v xx_o 7_o and_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o disciple_n come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n paul_n preach_v unto_o they_o from_o which_o word_n we_o may_v conclude_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v the_o disciple_n time_n of_o public_a worship_n second_o that_o the_o break_v of_o bread_n or_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o worship_n the_o scripture_n be_v as_o plain_a for_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o there_o have_v be_v some_o dispute_n raise_v about_o change_a the_o day_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o last_o to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o this_o place_n be_v usual_o produce_v to_o justify_v the_o change_n and_o sure_o the_o same_o place_n be_v as_o clear_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n on_o that_o day_n as_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o day_n itself_o instead_o of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o wilful_o pass_v the_o lord's-day_n without_o it_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o as_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o disciple_n direct_v we_o to_o do_v 4._o i_o have_v endeavour_v all_o along_o to_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o use_v such_o argument_n only_o as_o the_o mean_a person_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o from_o their_o bibles_n yet_o in_o a_o controvert_v place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o command_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o some_o positive_a duty_n i_o take_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o to_o be_v a_o good_a mean_n of_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o a_o state_v assembly_n for_o worship_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o i_o think_v there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o that_o nature_n in_o all_o antiquity_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o appeal_v to_o those_o that_o be_v skilled_a in_o it_o the_o near_a we_o come_v to_o the_o apostle_n we_o shall_v still_o find_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o more_o punctual_o observe_v as_o a_o constant_a part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o when_o first_o some_o who_o have_v be_v present_a at_o the_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o go_v away_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n without_o receive_v which_o be_v a_o corruption_n that_o come_v in_o about_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o so_o great_a a_o innovation_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o scripture_n rule_n that_o the_o church_n decree_v whosoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v so_o particular_o the_o nine_o of_o those_o common_o call_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o second_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n thus_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v for_o many_o age_n and_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n can_v not_o be_v persuade_v constant_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n after_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o piety_n of_o man_n begin_v to_o cool_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v celebrate_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n according_a to_o the_o first_o settle_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o and_o indeed_o the_o corrupt_a practice_n of_o the_o solitary_a mass_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v count_v original_o a_o part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n i_o think_v it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o even_o by_o the_o papist_n themselves_z that_o those_o mass_n have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o universal_a corruption_n and_o negligence_n of_o christian_n for_o whilst_o the_o people_n have_v either_o piety_n or_o zeal_n they_o communicate_v with_o the_o bishop_n or_o minister_n in_o every_o assembly_n at_o least_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o they_o but_o when_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v in_o the_o corrupt_a age_n of_o the_o church_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o the_o minister_n consecrate_a the_o element_n every_o lord's-day_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o antiquity_n yet_o he_o can_v prevail_v with_o few_o or_o none_o to_o receive_v with_o he_o but_o be_v often_o force_v to_o receive_v alone_o this_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n and_o a_o fall_n from_o the_o scripture_n precedent_n but_o the_o roman_a church_n instead_o of_o reform_v the_o abuse_n by_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v as_o former_o corrupt_v her_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o practice_n and_o decree_v it_o lawful_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v alone_o yet_o this_o abuse_n show_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v constant_o reckon_v the_o lord's-supper_n as_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o christian_a assembly_n on_o solemn_a day_n and_o sure_o then_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o can_v be_v term_v no_o less_o than_o a_o invention_n of_o our_o own_o since_o we_o can_v neither_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o 1400_o year_n together_o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a commentary_n on_o the_o scripture_n text_n produce_v one_o example_n of_o a_o state_v solemn_a christian_a assembly_n without_o it_o sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o frequent_a communion_n i._o have_v thus_o consider_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n that_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o in_o this_o point_n let_v we_o in_o the_o second_o place_n compare_v the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o this_o pattern_n i_o will_v not_o pretend_v that_o they_o come_v full_o up_o to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o most_o defective_a part_n of_o the_o reformation_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o on_o view_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o our_o church_n come_v near_o the_o scripture_n precedent_n then_o perhaps_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o throw_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o what_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o thâ—_n church_n and_o as_o to_o the_o present_a point_n before_o we_o our_o reformer_n find_v two_o corruption_n creep_v in_o by_o time_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o priest_n receive_v the_o lord's-supper_n alone_o without_o the_o people_n which_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o a_o communion_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o people_n think_v they_o have_v sufficient_o observe_v the_o lord's-day_n if_o they_o see_v mass_n without_o understand_v it_o or_o receive_v our_o church_n therefore_o to_o reform_v the_o first_o of_o these_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o communion_n except_o