the_o protestant_a religion_n among_o we_o at_o home_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o note_a saying_n of_o mr._n egerton_n the_o withdraw_a total_o from_o it_o will_v more_o effectual_o introduce_v popery_n than_o all_o the_o work_n of_o bellarmine_n it_o become_v they_o when_o this_o be_v the_o bulwark_n of_o it_o abroad_o and_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n 62._o brinsley_n heal_v of_o israel_n breach_n p._n 62._o have_v a_o venture_n in_o this_o bottom_n which_o if_o compare_v to_o a_o fleet_n the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o admiral_n and_o if_o it_o go_v ill_a with_o this_o church_n so_o as_o that_o miscarry_v there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o day_n under_o heaven_n but_o be_v like_a to_o feel_v it_o as_o mr._n brinsley_n discourse_n last_o it_o become_v they_o when_o division_n and_o separation_n draw_v down_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o lay_v we_o open_v to_o his_o judgement_n therefore_o dr._n bryan_n after_o 314._o dwelling_v with_o god_n serm._n 6._o p._n 313._o 314._o he_o have_v large_o insist_v upon_o the_o argument_n and_o the_o present_a case_n among_o we_o do_v thus_o apply_v himself_o o_o that_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o you_o to_o lay_v sad_o to_o heart_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o division_n and_o grievousness_n of_o the_o punishment_n threaten_v against_o it_o and_o have_v be_v execute_v for_o it_o and_o that_o the_o leader_n and_o encourager_n of_o private_a christian_n to_o make_v this_o sinful_a separation_n will_v read_v oft_o and_o meditate_v upon_o st._n jude_n epistle_n to_o vers_fw-la 20._o and_o that_o the_o multitude_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o they_o will_v follow_v the_o prescription_n of_o the_o mean_n here_o to_o preserve_v or_o recover_v themselves_o from_o this_o seduction_n vers_fw-la 20_o 21._o and_o that_o both_o will_v leave_v off_o their_o revile_v the_o government_n ecclesiastical_a and_o the_o minister_n that_o conform_v and_o submissive_o behave_v themselves_o by_o the_o example_n of_o michael_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v conclude_v the_o whole_a with_o the_o peaceable_a and_o 298._o on_o the_o ephes_n c._n 2._o p._n 297_o 298._o pious_a advice_n of_o mr._n baines_n let_v every_o man_n walk_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_v whatsoever_o lie_v not_o in_o we_o to_o reform_v it_o shall_v be_v our_o zeal_n and_o piety_n to_o tolerate_v and_o with_o patience_n to_o forbear_v especial_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o concern_v not_o so_o much_o the_o outward_a communion_n with_o god_n or_o man_n essential_o require_v in_o a_o visible_a state_n as_o the_o due_a order_n of_o business_n in_o the_o say_a communion_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o superfluity_n and_o defect_n saluâ_fw-la tamen_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la yea_o and_o such_o a_o church_n notwithstanding_o as_o wherein_o the_o best_a and_o true_a member_n circumstance_n consider_v may_v have_v more_o cause_n to_o rejoice_v than_o to_o grieve_v finis_fw-la the_o case_n of_o mix_v communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_a communion_n they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n rom._n 9_o 6._o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v matth._n 20._o 16._o the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o f._n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1684._o the_o case_n of_o mix_v communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_a communion_n the_o foundation_n of_o this_o pretence_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o great_a mistake_n of_o some_o man_n concern_v the_o matter_n whereof_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v compose_v which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v only_o real_a saint_n and_o person_n endow_v with_o inherent_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n according_o find_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n many_o corrupt_a member_n who_o live_v not_o answerable_a to_o their_o holy_a vocation_n they_o for_o that_o reason_n among_o some_o other_o allege_v by_o they_o cry_v she_o down_o as_o no_o true_a church_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o deal_v by_o she_o as_o if_o she_o be_v so_o total_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o church_n of_o their_o own_o consist_v whole_o of_o person_n in_o their_o judgement_n far_o more_o pure_a that_o be_v real_o holy_a and_o sanctify_a into_o this_o most_o false_a and_o dangerous_a conceit_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o can_v tell_v what_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v mislead_v they_o unless_o it_o be_v the_o not_o right_o understand_v the_o notion_n of_o that_o holiness_n that_o so_o often_o in_o scripture_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a holiness_n in_o scripture_n inherent_a and_o relative_n inherent_a holiness_n and_o that_o can_v be_v in_o none_o proper_o but_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n in_o god_n essential_o and_o original_o as_o he_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v in_o who_o all_o excellency_n do_v possess_v infinite_a perfection_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n it_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v a_o perfect_a freedom_n in_o he_o from_o all_o those_o sinful_a impurety_n wherewith_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v taint_v but_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n and_o a_o supereminent_a and_o incommunicable_a greatness_n in_o they_o all_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n the_o 18._o psalm_n 89._o 18._o excellency_n of_o jacob_n say_v to_o swear_v by_o his_o holiness_n that_o be_v 7._o amos_n 8._o 7._o by_o himself_o and_o there_o be_v none_o holy_a as_o the_o lord_n say_v 35._o psalm_n 89._o 35._o hannah_n for_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o thou_o none_o holy_a beside_o 2._o 1_o sam._n 2._o 2._o thou_o as_o the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o none_o comparable_a to_o thou_o in_o the_o height_n and_o greatness_n of_o all_o thy_o excellency_n in_o angel_n and_o man_n by_o way_n of_o participation_n and_o as_o far_o as_o their_o nature_n be_v capable_a hence_o there_o be_v holy_a angel_n and_o holy_a men._n relative_n holiness_n which_o when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o person_n may_v be_v more_o proper_o call_v faederal_n and_o this_o be_v found_v in_o the_o relation_n person_n and_o thing_n have_v to_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o separation_n of_o they_o from_o common_a use_n and_o in_o appropriate_v of_o they_o to_o the_o peculiar_a use_n and_o service_n of_o god_n hence_o the_o sabbath_n be_v call_v a_o holy_a day_n judea_n a_o holy_a land_n jerusalem_n a_o holy_a city_n and_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n a_o holy_a church_n that_o be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n call_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o god_n to_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o way_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n have_v law_n and_o promise_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n peculiar_a and_o appropriate_a to_o themselves_o this_o account_n god_n himself_o give_v of_o it_o i_o have_v separate_v you_o 24._o levit._fw-la 20._o 24._o say_v he_o to_o the_o israelite_n from_o other_o people_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v i_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v a_o holy_a people_n unto_o i_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n do_v we_o find_v that_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n even_o then_o when_o its_o member_n have_v general_o 5._o deut._n 9_o 12._o deut._n 9_o 7._o deut._n 32._o 5._o very_o much_o corrupt_v themselves_o be_v a_o rebellious_a people_n a_o crooked_a generation_n yet_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v separate_v to_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o style_v by_o moses_n and_o other_o inspire_v man_n his_o saint_n his_o 4._o deut._n 7._o 6._o psalm_n 135._o 4._o holy_a people_n his_o peculiar_a treasure_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n also_o do_v the_o apostle_n dignify_v those_o church_n to_o who_o they_o write_v with_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d saint_n the_o sanctify_a the_o call_v and_o choose_v in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o they_o as_o of_o old_a the_o jew_n have_v entertain_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o religion_n distinct_a from_o other_o of_o the_o world_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v excite_v to_o the_o attainment_n of_o those_o excellency_n which_o in_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n they_o do_v admire_v and_o adore_v and_o those_o name_n be_v of_o as_o large_a a_o meaning_n as_o that_o of_o christian_n show_v rather_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v than_o assure_v
persuasion_n of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n will_v justify_v any_o man_n separation_n from_o we_o or_o how_o far_o it_o will_v do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o person_n in_o order_n either_o to_o their_o communicate_v or_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n this_o be_v our_o second_o point_n and_o i_o apply_v myself_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n as_o they_o say_v obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o as_o condition_n of_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o appoint_v or_o to_o use_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o appoint_v for_o this_o be_v to_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n which_o all_o those_o that_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n must_v necessary_o do_v it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o use_v any_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v new_a sacrament_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o be_v direct_o to_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n example_n in_o his_o institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o savour_v beside_o of_o popish_a idolatry_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v these_o sinful_a thing_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o those_o too_o impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n how_o can_v we_o blame_v they_o if_o they_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o we_o will_v we_o have_v they_o join_v with_o we_o in_o these_o practice_n which_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n where_o then_o be_v their_o conscience_n they_o may_v perhaps_o by_o this_o mean_n show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n but_o what_o will_v become_v of_o their_o fidelity_n to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o now_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o this_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o do_n in_o these_o matter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o be_v in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o refuse_v we_o their_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o thing_n stand_v thus_o with_o they_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o herein_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v doubt_v but_o they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o may_v justify_v their_o proceed_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n let_v we_o say_v what_o we_o please_v this_o be_v the_o case_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o we_o must_v grant_v they_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o all_o that_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v right_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o except_v against_o in_o our_o communion_n be_v real_o unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o jesus_n christ_n then_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o their_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o in_o that_o case_n separation_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n and_o second_o suppose_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o we_o think_v they_o can_v without_o sin_n join_v in_o our_o communion_n for_o even_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o we_o have_v show_v bind_v thus_o far_o that_o a_o man_n can_v without_o sin_n act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n i_o say_v we_o grant_v they_o and_o let_v they_o make_v the_o best_a advantage_n of_o they_o but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a will_v render_v this_o whole_a plea_n for_o nonconformity_n upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v now_o open_v it_o whole_o insufficient_a viz._n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o our_o dissenter_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v indeed_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n communion_n but_o what_o they_o may_v comply_v with_o without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n then_o i_o say_v it_o will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n in_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o real_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v with_o we_o it_o be_v not_o my_o province_n here_o to_o answer_v all_o their_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n our_o ceremony_n our_o order_n and_o rule_n in_o administer_a sacrament_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o communion_n this_o have_v be_v do_v several_a time_n and_o of_o late_a by_o several_a person_n which_o have_v treat_v of_o all_o these_o particular_a matter_n and_o who_o have_v show_v with_o great_a clearness_n and_o strength_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o church_n appointment_n which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o forbid_v by_o any_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o establishment_n of_o our_o church_n be_v for_o gravity_n decency_n purity_n and_o agreeableness_n with_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n the_o most_o approvable_a and_o the_o least_o exceptionable_a of_o any_o church_n constitution_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o but_o this_o be_v the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o whether_o suppose_v it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o communion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v i_o say_v suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n whether_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o acquit_v any_o man_n from_o sin_n that_o withdraw_v from_o that_o communion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o through_o his_o mistake_n he_o believe_v he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n or_o thus_o whether_o will_v any_o man_n persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v sinful_a term_n require_v in_o our_o communion_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o justify_v his_o separation_n from_o we_o this_o be_v the_o general_a question_n true_o put_v and_o this_o i_o give_v as_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o that_o in_o general_a speak_v a_o man_n erroneous_a persuasion_n do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o god_n law_n or_o justify_v any_o man_n transgression_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o and_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n but_o only_o i_o think_v i_o have_v my_o misperswasion_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o discharge_v i_o from_o my_o obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o break_v it_o the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o i_o have_v full_o show_v before_o in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o by_o way_n of_o further_a confirmation_n ask_v this_o question_n be_v st._n paul_n guilty_a of_o sin_n or_o no_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n be_v very_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o any_o will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o this_o because_o he_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n they_o contradict_v his_o own_o express_a word_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o say_v that_o he_o do_v sin_n in_o do_v this_o then_o they_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n acknowledge_v that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o duty_n will_v not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o practise_v it_o if_o real_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a will_v
have_v consequent_o leave_v the_o particular_a gesture_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n a_o gesture_n be_v in_o the_o general_a necessary_a your_o answer_n be_v our_o saviour_n bid_v his_o disciple_n baptise_v but_o say_v nothing_o of_o water_n nor_o from_o what_o fountain_n or_o river_n have_v he_o therefore_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o church_n determination_n that_o minister_n shall_v baptise_v only_o with_o rose-water_n or_o water_n fetch_v from_o the_o river_n true_o sir_n a_o smile_n be_v the_o best_a reply_n that_o be_v due_a to_o this_o but_o do_v you_o in_o sober_a sadness_n then_o think_v that_o nothing_o be_v leave_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n determination_n neither_o place_n nor_o time_n nor_o any_o other_o circumstance_n if_o this_o be_v not_o wild_a fanaticism_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o nature_n and_o i_o know_v you_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o but_o if_o the_o church_n may_v determine_v the_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o the_o time_n of_o day_n when_o to_o meet_v because_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o determine_v such_o particular_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n determine_v particular_a gesture_n when_o they_o be_v not_o by_o he_o determine_v and_o can_v you_o think_v sir_n that_o it_o be_v well_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o ridicule_n the_o church_n power_n no_o i_o know_v you_o can_v think_v so_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o hasty_a slip_n from_o your_o pen_n which_o you_o will_v not_o upon_o second_o thought_n justify_v you_o say_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o page_n that_o you_o do_v not_o think_v what_o our_o author_n mention_n pag._n 50._o of_o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n worth_a the_o speak_n to_o because_o dissenter_n general_o believe_v the_o ring_n a_o civil_a pledge_n etc._n etc._n i_o wish_v they_o universal_o think_v so_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o as_o time_n be_v when_o you_o know_v they_o do_v not_o i_o know_v not_o why_o you_o shall_v add_v that_o how_o it_o come_v into_o our_o debate_n you_o can_v tell_v next_o you_o spend_v the_o best_a part_n of_o two_o page_n upon_o our_o holiday_n which_o be_v our_o author_n last_o instance_n of_o rite_n which_o dissenter_n be_v offend_v with_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o symbolise_n in_o they_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o 1._o you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v god_n prerogative_n alone_o to_o make_v a_o day_n holy_a i._n e._n such_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v sinful_a for_o any_o to_o labour_v in_o but_o do_v you_o think_v that_o god_n be_v vicegerent_n have_v not_o power_n give_v they_o to_o set_v apart_o day_n to_o a_o holy_a use_n and_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o day_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v holy_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o what_o follow_v that_o you_o do_v not_o think_v so_o and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o can_v you_o think_v that_o our_o governor_n have_v no_o power_n to_o forbid_v ordinary_a labour_n upon_o those_o day_n which_o they_o have_v so_o set_v apart_o and_o if_o they_o have_v this_o power_n can_v you_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o disobey_v those_o law_n of_o they_o that_o prohibit_v work_v on_o those_o day_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o lawful_a than_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v sinful_a 2._o you_o say_v that_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o will_n for_o solemn_a praise_n upon_o the_o receipt_n of_o signal_n mercy_n or_o solemn_a prayer_n in_o time_n of_o great_a distress_n justifi_v magistrate_n or_o church_n in_o set_v apart_o in_o such_o case_n day_n for_o praise_n and_o prayer_n then_o i_o hope_v the_o magistrate_n or_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v a_o day_n holy_a and_o consequent_o they_o may_v forbid_v open_v of_o shop_n and_o ordinary_a labour_n on_o such_o a_o day_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o disobey_v they_o herein_o 3._o you_o say_v that_o all_o such_o day_n ought_v to_o be_v entire_o spend_v in_o religious_a exercise_n but_o notwithstanding_o you_o be_v so_o dogmatical_a in_o this_o thing_n i_o be_o confident_a upon_o second_o thought_n you_o will_v acknowledge_v you_o be_v too_o rash_a for_o you_o can_v real_o think_v what_o you_o assert_v with_o such_o confidence_n except_o you_o can_v find_v in_o your_o heart_n to_o reprove_v ring_v of_o bell_n and_o innocent_a recreation_n after_o sermon_n on_o the_o five_o of_o november_n as_o profanation_n of_o that_o holiday_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v make_v bold_a to_o call_v that_o day_n a_o holiday_n it_o be_v so_o according_a to_o your_o own_o concession_n in_o the_o forego_n particular_a 4._o you_o say_v that_o to_o spend_v a_o hour_n of_o such_o a_o day_n in_o prayer_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o idleness_n drink_v revel_a game_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o to_o keep_v a_o holy_a but_o a_o licentious_a day_n no_o body_n doubt_v this_o but_o be_v you_o oblige_v by_o our_o church_n so_o to_o spend_v her_o holiday_n and_o if_o you_o be_v not_o but_o may_v keep_v they_o as_o strict_o as_o you_o please_v what_o a_o strange_a objection_n be_v this_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o observe_v they_o 5._o you_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o keep_v any_o such_o day_n in_o commemoration_n of_o the_o birth_n death_n resurrection_n or_o ascension_n of_o christ_n because_o god_n have_v appoint_v fifty_o two_o every_o year_n for_o that_o purpose_n i_o answer_v if_o you_o mean_v by_o no_o need_n that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o church_n set_v apart_o day_n for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n be_v birth_n death_n etc._n etc._n we_o will_v perhaps_o grant_v it_o but_o what_o then_o do_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o the_o well_o observe_v such_o day_n do_v not_o tend_v to_o our_o edification_n to_o the_o more_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o increase_v in_o holiness_n you_o dare_v not_o say_v or_o think_v so_o but_o i_o say_v far_o that_o the_o well_o observe_v they_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n and_o nothing_o will_v tend_v more_o to_o our_o growth_n in_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n than_o beside_o the_o general_a meditation_n on_o the_o birth_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n every_o lord_n day_n to_o set_v day_n apart_o for_o the_o particular_a meditation_n on_o each_o of_o these_o grand_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n there_o be_v in_o each_o of_o they_o more_o than_o enough_o to_o employ_v a_o whole_a day_n in_o admire_a thought_n of_o it_o and_o in_o praise_n to_o god_n for_o it_o and_o in_o make_v application_n of_o it_o to_o our_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o certain_a you_o will_v spend_v your_o pain_n to_o far_o better_a purpose_n if_o instead_o of_o prejudice_v people_n mind_n against_o the_o observance_n of_o such_o day_n you_o will_v excite_v they_o like_o the_o good_a father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o the_o well_o observe_v and_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o they_o the_o generality_n god_n know_v of_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v too_o too_o careless_o and_o irreligious_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o to_o need_v to_o be_v dissuade_v from_o the_o use_n of_o any_o help_n to_o their_o be_v make_v more_o devout_a and_o better_a people_n and_o where_o there_o be_v one_o among_o we_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o superstitious_o incline_v i_o fear_v there_o be_v some_o hundred_o who_o be_v more_o incline_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a that_o of_o profaneness_n but_o our_o author_n have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o the_o popish_a superstition_n be_v perfect_o remove_v by_o our_o church_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o holiday_n and_o no_o man_n that_o observe_v they_o as_o our_o church_n direct_v can_v have_v the_o least_o temptation_n from_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o to_o be_v superstitious_a 6._o you_o say_v that_o to_o keep_v a_o day_n holy_a to_o any_o saint_n be_v to_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o that_o saint_n and_o do_v you_o think_v our_o church_n in_o her_o festival_n design_n keep_v day_n holy_a to_o saint_n if_o you_o do_v not_o think_v so_o why_o be_v you_o thus_o impertinent_a but_o if_o you_o do_v than_o you_o declare_v that_o she_o make_v idol_n of_o saint_n and_o if_o so_o why_o do_v you_o pag._n 17_o declare_v it_o as_o your_o belief_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o idolatry_n but_o i_o think_v that_o the_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o a_o saint_n be_v idolatry_n 7._o you_o say_v that_o to_o keep_v a_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n for_o blessing_n the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o saint_n be_v what_o god_n have_v no_o where_o prescribe_v what_o neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o time_n ever_o do_v so_o that_o it_o seem_v you_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o you_o now_o seem_v to_o make_v yourself_o
but_o do_v know_v why_o many_o of_o our_o festival_n receive_v their_o name_n from_o certain_a saint_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o on_o certain_a day_n meet_v together_o to_o praise_n god_n for_o blessing_n the_o world_n with_o such_o saint_n as_o have_v be_v next_o to_o our_o bless_a lord_n the_o most_o glorious_a instrument_n of_o good_a to_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n hear_v those_o chapter_n read_v wherein_o their_o worthy_a deed_n be_v record_v and_o together_o with_o other_o prayer_n put_v in_o one_o for_o grace_n to_o follow_v those_o bless_a example_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n of_o both_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n which_o they_o have_v through_o the_o divine_a grace_n leave_v behind_o they_o what_o sin_n be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o nay_o why_o shall_v not_o this_o high_o become_v we_o and_o be_v of_o singular_a advantage_n to_o we_o you_o give_v two_o reason_n why_o this_o be_v unlawful_a 1._o because_o god_n have_v no_o where_o prescribe_v it_o but_o must_v we_o be_v at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n tell_v that_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a relate_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v when_o the_o idleness_n and_o folly_n of_o that_o doctrine_n have_v be_v over_o and_o over_o expose_v as_o it_o have_v be_v but_o two_o you_o say_v that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o jew_n nor_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o time_n never_o do_v but_o if_o you_o mean_v by_o the_o first_o time_n the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v more_o than_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o st._n stephen_n be_v never_o solemn_o commemorate_a by_o the_o christian_n in_o their_o time_n and_o i_o presume_v you_o will_v not_o have_v have_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o apostle_n commemorate_a before_o they_o be_v martyr_a what_o if_o this_o be_v not_o record_v be_v it_o therefore_o a_o certain_a argument_n that_o it_o never_o be_v you_o find_v not_o i_o think_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o any_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n record_v in_o holy_a scripture_n except_o st._n james_n but_o if_o you_o mean_v by_o the_o first_o time_n the_o primitive_a time_n i_o perceive_v you_o never_o read_v or_o have_v forget_v the_o epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n concern_v policarp'_v martyrdom_n but_o i_o hope_v it_o need_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v to_o you_o that_o the_o catholic_a church_n observe_v martyrum_fw-la natalitia_fw-la the_o day_n whereon_o they_o be_v crown_v with_o martyrdom_n even_o from_o the_o second_o century_n but_o where_o do_v you_o find_v it_o prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n or_o record_v that_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a you_o mean_v those_o by_o the_o first_o time_n to_o praise_n god_n for_o the_o good_a example_n of_o holy_a man_n among_o other_o great_a blessing_n be_v it_o therefore_o unlawful_a so_o to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o do_v it_o upon_o set_a day_n you_o will_v not_o assert_v so_o absurd_a a_o thing_n in_o short_a sir_n think_v not_o that_o we_o need_v either_o precept_n or_o example_n to_o justify_v our_o do_v of_o that_o which_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n do_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o to_o be_v though_o not_o a_o necessary_a duty_n yet_o high_o become_v we_o and_o praiseworthy_a and_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v dictate_v thereby_o to_o be_v high_o become_v we_o to_o commemorate_v at_o annual_a select_v time_n the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o give_v we_o such_o shine_v light_n as_o the_o holy_a apostle_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o meditate_v upon_o christ_n glorify_v in_o they_o who_o with_o admirable_a courage_n first_o preach_v and_o propagate_v his_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o admirable_a patience_n for_o the_o sake_n thereof_o endure_v the_o great_a of_o misery_n and_o calamity_n and_o at_o last_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n 8._o you_o say_v but_o if_o devout_a person_n will_v set_v apart_o day_n you_o may_v have_v say_v too_o will_v observe_v day_n set_v apart_o by_o the_o church_n to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o any_o signal_n mercy_n among_o which_o i_o think_v every_o apostle_n be_v a_o most_o signal_n one_o or_o to_o put_v up_o prayer_n for_o any_o people_n in_o distress_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o mock_v god_n in_o give_v he_o a_o holy_a hour_n instead_o of_o a_o holy_a day_n and_o spend_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n in_o idleness_n game_n drink_v etc._n etc._n and_o can_v you_o think_v that_o any_o of_o our_o devout_a people_n do_v not_o abhor_v such_o practice_n as_o much_o as_o you_o dissenter_n will_v never_o blame_v or_o condemn_v they_o for_o it_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v have_v say_v they_o will_v join_v with_o we_o since_o authority_n require_v it_o 9_o you_o say_v final_o dissenter_n will_v never_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o true_a keep_n of_o a_o day_n holy_a to_o god_n etc._n etc._n yes_o sure_o they_o will_v if_o it_o be_v a_o saint_n day_n at_o least_o as_o one_o will_v think_v by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v but_o you_o add_v that_o they_o will_v separate_v from_o the_o looseness_n and_o common_o practise_v profanation_n of_o it_o and_o so_o do_v thousand_o of_o those_o that_o be_v no_o dissenter_n i_o hope_v or_o such_o as_o be_v only_o so_o in_o the_o pope_n calendar_n as_o st._n george_n etc._n etc._n now_o you_o will_v sir_n again_o feign_v yourself_o more_o ignorant_a than_o you_o be_v for_o no_o doubt_n you_o know_v as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o st._n george_n his_o day_n be_v no_o church_n of_o england_n holiday_n and_o for_o all_o your_o &c._n &c._n you_o can_v but_o know_v too_o that_o our_o church_n have_v no_o festival-day_n call_v by_o any_o saint_n name_n but_o such_o as_o all_o christian_n own_o for_o the_o great_a of_o saint_n except_o those_o innocent_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n before_o they_o be_v of_o age_n to_o know_v he_o we_o have_v indeed_o a_o fastday_n occasion_v by_o the_o horrid_a murder_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o martyr_n who_o we_o deserve_o honour_v as_o a_o great_a saint_n but_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o this_o saint_n stand_v in_o the_o pope_n calendar_n and_o i_o will_v warrant_v you_o never_o shall_v we_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v that_o he_o stand_v in_o you_o however_o we_o hope_v he_o will_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o we_o and_o now_o have_v do_v with_o our_o author_n you_o spend_v a_o good_a part_n of_o your_o five_o last_o page_n in_o such_o discourse_n as_o be_v so_o far_o from_o tend_v to_o the_o compose_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o heal_v our_o wide_a and_o most_o dangerous_a breach_n that_o it_o have_v the_o most_o apparent_a tendency_n to_o the_o make_v they_o irreparable_a beyond_o all_o remedy_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v all_o sober_a people_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a be_v desperate_a to_o observe_v what_o strange_a principle_n be_v take_v up_o of_o late_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o separation_n even_o such_o as_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n will_v have_v think_v very_o wild_a one_o serve_v no_o better_a purpose_n than_o the_o unh_n of_o all_o and_o those_o sir_n which_o you_o here_o lie_v down_o so_o dogmatical_o not_o offer_v any_o proof_n of_o they_o you_o shall_v find_v most_o shameful_o baffle_v by_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o forementioned_a excellent_a book_n for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o too_o much_o tryre_v with_o scribble_n thus_o long_o to_o take_v into_o consideration_n this_o close_a of_o your_o book_n far_o than_o reflect_v upon_o two_o or_o three_o passage_n though_o i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o oblige_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o neither_o as_o a_o defender_n of_o our_o author_n and_o indeed_o to_o deal_v like_o a_o plainhearted_a friend_n with_o you_o it_o be_v but_o the_o other_o day_n before_o i_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o reply_v at_o all_o you_o say_v pag._n 31._o that_o separation_n in_o these_o three_o case_n be_v lawful_a if_o not_o necessary_a your_o first_o case_n be_v when_o such_o error_n be_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v know_v before_o aught_o to_o have_v hinder_v union_n with_o it_o but_o you_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o what_o error_n those_o be_v will_v you_o have_v your_o reader_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o error_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o one_o of_o those_o error_n in_o our_o constitution_n from_o that_o which_o you_o say_v pag._n 30._o viz._n that_o govern_v church_n must_v have_v proper_a officer_n which_o can_v be_v unless_o elect_v by_o
can_v allot_v any_o more_o time_n for_o a_o solemn_a preparation_n for_o it_o than_o they_o do_v for_o any_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o bid_v the_o corinthian_n examine_v themselves_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o institution_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o reflect_v upon_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n in_o this_o matter_n shall_v be_v careful_a upon_o this_o admonition_n to_o avoid_v they_o for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o amend_v what_o have_v be_v amiss_o which_o to_o do_v require_v rather_o resolution_n and_o care_n than_o any_o long_a time_n of_o preparation_n i_o speak_v this_o that_o devout_a person_n may_v not_o be_v entangle_v in_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o great_a necessity_n than_o real_o there_o be_v of_o a_o long_a and_o solemn_a preparation_n every_o time_n they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n the_o great_a necessity_n that_o lie_v upon_o man_n be_v to_o live_v as_o become_v christian_n and_o then_o they_o can_v never_o be_v absolute_o unprepared_a nay_o i_o think_v this_o to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a preparation_n and_o i_o see_v not_o why_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o it_o unless_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o many_o of_o the_o papist_n do_v of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n which_o be_v to_o quit_v with_o god_n once_o or_o twice_o a_o year_n that_o so_o they_o may_v begin_v to_o sin_n again_o upon_o a_o new_a score_n but_o because_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o very_o useful_a and_o the_o time_n which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o set_v apart_o for_o their_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v so_o advantageous_a a_o opportunity_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o very_o much_o commend_v those_o who_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o search_v and_o try_v their_o way_n and_o to_o call_v themselves_o to_o a_o more_o solemn_a account_n of_o their_o action_n because_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v sometime_o and_o i_o know_v no_o fit_a time_n for_o it_o than_o this_o and_o perhaps_o some_o will_v never_o find_v time_n to_o recollect_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n into_o serious_a consideration_n be_v it_o not_o upon_o this_o solemn_a occasion_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o that_o suppose_v a_o person_n to_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v by_o a_o religious_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o good_a life_n this_o more_o solemn_a actual_a preparation_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a and_o it_o be_v better_o when_o there_o be_v a_o opportunity_n to_o receive_v without_o it_o than_o not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o but_o the_o great_a our_o actual_a preparation_n be_v the_o better_a for_o no_o man_n can_v examine_v himself_o too_o often_o and_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n too_o well_o and_o exercise_v repentance_n and_o renew_v the_o resolution_n of_o a_o good_a life_n too_o frequent_o and_o there_o be_v perhaps_o no_o fit_a opportunity_n for_o the_o do_v of_o all_o this_o than_o when_o we_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n there_o to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o live_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n all_o the_o reflection_n i_o shall_v now_o make_v upon_o this_o discourse_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v earnest_o to_o excite_v all_o that_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o themselves_o for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o a_o frequent_a participation_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o and_o the_o undoubted_a practice_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o best_a time_n when_o man_n have_v more_o devotion_n and_o few_o scruple_n about_o their_o duty_n if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v by_o our_o lord_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o die_a love_n we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o very_a high_a value_n and_o esteem_v for_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n methinks_v so_o often_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o those_o word_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o consider_v what_o he_o who_o say_v they_o do_v for_o we_o this_o die_a charge_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n shall_v stick_v with_o we_o and_o make_v a_o strong_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n especial_o if_o we_o add_v to_o these_o those_o other_o word_n of_o his_o not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a love_n which_o he_o have_v express_v to_o we_o and_o worthy_a to_o be_v have_v in_o perpetual_a remembrance_n and_o all_o that_o he_o expect_v from_o we_o by_o way_n of_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o frequent_a participation_n of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o shall_v this_o charge_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o he_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o the_o solemn_a remembrance_n of_o that_o unparalleled_a kindness_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n we_o have_v no_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o benefit_n when_o we_o be_v so_o unmindful_a of_o our_o benefactor_n as_o to_o forget_v he_o day_n without_o number_n the_o obligation_n he_o have_v lay_v upon_o we_o be_v so_o vast_o great_a not_o only_o beyond_o all_o requital_n but_o beyond_o all_o expression_n that_o if_o he_o have_v command_v we_o some_o very_a grievous_a thing_n we_o ought_v with_o all_o the_o readiness_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o so_o easy_a a_o commandment_n a_o thing_n of_o no_o burden_n but_o of_o immense_a benefit_n when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v to_o we_o eat_v o_o friend_n and_o drink_v o_o belove_v when_o he_o only_o invite_v we_o to_o his_o table_n to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o delicious_a feast_n that_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o on_o this_o side_n heaven_n if_o we_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a blessing_n which_o be_v there_o exhibit_v to_o we_o and_o ready_a to_o be_v confer_v upon_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o neglect_v they_o that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o thank_v god_n for_o every_o opportunity_n he_o offer_v to_o we_o of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o such_o benefit_n when_o such_o a_o price_n be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n shall_v we_o want_v heart_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o methinks_v we_o shall_v long_o with_o david_n who_o see_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o these_o blessing_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n house_n and_o to_o draw_v near_o his_o altar_n and_o shall_v cry_v out_o with_o he_o o_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o thou_o my_o soul_n long_v you_o even_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o my_o flesh_n cry_v out_o for_o the_o live_a god_n and_o if_o we_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o thing_n we_o shall_v account_v it_o the_o great_a infelicity_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v debar_v of_o this_o privilege_n which_o yet_o we_o do_v deliberate_o and_o frequent_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o we_o exclaim_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o great_a impatience_n and_o with_o a_o very_a just_a indignation_n for_o rob_v the_o people_n of_o half_a of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o take_v from_o they_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v patient_o endure_v for_o some_o month_n nay_o year_n to_o exclude_v ourselves_o whole_o from_o it_o if_o no_o such_o great_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n belong_v to_o it_o why_o do_v we_o complain_v of_o they_o for_o hinder_v we_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o if_o there_o do_v why_o do_v we_o by_o our_o own_o neglect_n deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o whole_a in_o vain_a do_v we_o bemoan_v the_o decay_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o our_o slow_a progress_n and_o improvement_n in_o christianity_n whilst_o we_o wilful_o despise_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o goodness_n well_o do_v we_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v send_v leanness_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o to_o consume_v and_o pine_v away_o in_o perpetual_a doubt_v and_o trouble_n if_o when_o god_n himself_o do_v spread_v so_o bountiful_a
against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n rise_v up_o do_v not_o necessary_o imply_v that_o a_o man_n stand_v or_o kneel_v afterward_o but_o somewhat_o previous_a to_o both_o for_o we_o general_o rise_v before_o we_o do_v either_o but_o however_o sit_v at_o the_o sermon_n and_o lesson_n be_v usual_a in_o those_o assembly_n which_o this_o holy_a father_n and_o martyr_n frequent_v yet_o in_o most_o other_o place_n the_o people_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o the_o lesson_n or_o in_o sermon-time_n as_o appear_v partly_o from_o what_o philostorgius_n a_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a historian_n observe_v 425_o hist_o eccles_n l._n 3._o n._n 5._o p._n 29._o flor._n a._n d._n 425_o of_o theophilus_n a_o indian_a bishop_n that_o among_o several_a irregularity_n which_o he_o correct_v in_o those_o church_n he_o particular_o reform_v this_o that_o the_o people_n be_v wont_a to_o sit_v when_o the_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v unto_o they_o and_o partly_o from_o sozomen_n history_n wherein_o he_o note_v it_o as_o a_o very_a unusual_a thing_n in_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n that_o he_o do_v not_o rise_v up_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v but_o the_o full_a evidence_n optatus_n bishop_n of_o milevis_n afford_v we_o 440_o eccles_n hist_o l._n 7._o c._n 19_o p._n 734._o flor._n a._n d._n 440_o by_o what_o he_o write_v against_o parmenianus_n the_o donatist_n for_o after_o he_o have_v tax_v he_o with_o pride_n and_o innovation_n with_o a_o censorious_a uncharitable_a spirit_n which_o animate_v all_o his_o tractate_v or_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n he_o cite_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o psalm_n and_o apply_v it_o home_o to_o he_o after_o this_o manner_n thou_o sit_v and_o speak_v against_o thy_o brother_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o place_n god_n reprove_v he_o oâ—tat_fw-la psal_n 49._o in_o our_o transl_n 50._o 20._o lib._n 4._o de_fw-fr schis_n donat._n p._n 78._o par._n edit_n an._n d._n 365._o vid._n albasp_n not_o in_o 4_o lib._n oâ—tat_fw-la who_o fit_v and_o defame_v his_o brother_n and_o therefore_o such_o evil_a teacher_n as_o you_o say_v he_o be_v more_o particular_o point_v at_o in_o this_o text_n for_o the_o people_n be_v not_o license_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n this_o text_n chief_o respect_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n who_o have_v only_o a_o right_n and_o privilege_n to_o sit_v in_o the_o public_a and_o religious_a assembly_n but_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o people_n who_o stand_v all_o the_o time_n now_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o general_a and_o prevail_a custom_n among_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n as_o well_o heretical_a as_o orthodox_n to_o stand_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o particular_o at_o the_o lesson_n and_o sermon_n parmenianus_n may_v have_v easy_o retort_v this_o argument_n upon_o optatus_n as_o be_v weak_a and_o conclude_v nothing_o against_o he_o in_o particular_a but_o what_o may_v be_v charge_v in_o common_a upon_o all_o private_a christian_n who_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o he_o again_o that_o sit_v be_v esteem_v irreverent_a in_o the_o worship_n etc._n floruit_fw-la an._n d._n 198._o tertul._n de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 12._o tom._n 2._o p._n 130._o edit_n collon_n agrip._n 1617._o item_n quod_fw-la adsignata_fw-la oratione_fw-la assidendi_fw-la mos_fw-la est_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la etc._n etc._n of_o god_n will_v further_o be_v manifest_v from_o a_o passage_n or_o two_o in_o tertullian_n who_o live_v in_o the_o same_o century_n with_o justin_n martyr_v before_o cite_v and_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o plain_a and_o home_o to_o the_o purpose_n than_o what_o he_o deliver_v concern_v this_o gesture_n which_o be_v so_o much_o contend_v for_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n for_o among_o other_o vanity_n and_o ill_a custom_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o reprove_v by_o this_o ancient_a father_n this_o be_v one_o that_o they_o be_v wont_a some_o of_o they_o to_o fit_v at_o prayer_n a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n tertullian_n have_v these_o word_n add_v hereunto_o the_o sin_n of_o 12._o eo_fw-la apponitur_fw-la &_o irreverentiae_fw-la crimen_fw-la etiam_fw-la ipsis_fw-la nationibus_fw-la si_fw-la quid_fw-la saperent_fw-la intelligendum_fw-la si_fw-mi quidem_fw-la irreverens_fw-la est_fw-la assidere_fw-la sub_fw-la conspectu_fw-la contraque_fw-la conspectum_fw-la ejus_fw-la quem_fw-la cum_fw-la maxim_n reverearis_fw-la ac_fw-la venereris_fw-la quanto_fw-la magis_fw-la sub_fw-la conspectu_fw-la dei_fw-la vivi_fw-la angelo_n adhuc_fw-la orationis_fw-la adstante_fw-la factum_fw-la illud_fw-la irreligiosissimum_fw-la est_fw-la nisi_fw-la exprobramus_fw-la deo_fw-la quod_fw-la oratio_fw-la fatigaverit_fw-la tertull._n de_fw-fr oratione_fw-la c._n 12._o irreverence_n which_o the_o very_a heathen_a if_o they_o do_v perceive_v well_o and_o understand_v what_o we_o do_v will_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o if_o it_o be_v irreverent_a to_o sit_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o and_o to_o confront_v one_o who_o you_o have_v a_o high_a respect_n and_o veneration_n for_o how_o much_o more_o irreligious_a be_v this_o gesture_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o angel_n of_o prayer_n yet_o stand_v by_o unless_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o upbraid_v god_n that_o prayer_n have_v tire_v we_o add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o say_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a 1612._o euseb_n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr const_n make_fw-mi lib._n 4_o p._n 400._o col._n allob._n 1612._o record_v by_o eusebius_n as_o a_o indication_n of_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o christian_a emperor_n with_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o point_n it_o be_v upon_o occasion_n of_o a_o panegyric_n concern_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v by_o eusebius_n not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o historian_n observe_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o excellent_a prince_n that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o long_a and_o tedious_a oration_n and_o though_o the_o emperor_n be_v earnest_o solicit_v to_o fit_v down_o on_o his_o throne_n which_o be_v hard_o by_o yet_o he_o refuse_v and_o stand_v attentive_o all_o the_o time_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o auditory_a do_v affirm_v it_o to_o be_v unfit_a to_o attend_v upon_o any_o discourse_n concern_v god_n with_o ease_n and_o softness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o consonant_a to_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o discourse_n about_o divine_a thing_n shall_v be_v hear_v stand_v thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n approve_v of_o sit_v or_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n as_o fit_v to_o be_v use_v in_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n except_o at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o lesson_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o sermon_n which_o too_o be_v only_o practise_v in_o some_o place_n for_o in_o other_o the_o people_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n which_o custom_n be_v still_o observe_v in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o eastern_a church_n at_o this_o day_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o seat_n erect_v or_o allow_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o people_n now_o upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o shall_v only_o make_v this_o brief_a reflection_n and_o so_o proceed_v if_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n have_v in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n in_o their_o travel_n throughout_o the_o world_n every_o where_o teach_v and_o establish_v sit_v or_o discumb_n which_o be_v the_o common_a table-gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o eastern_a country_n not_o only_o as_o convenient_a but_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o worthy_a receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v a_o most_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a thing_n how_o there_o shall_v be_v 1_o such_o a_o early_a and_o universal_a revolt_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o then_o 2_o consider_v what_o a_o high_a value_n and_o esteem_v the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v for_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o founder_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o for_o all_o that_o pass_v under_o their_o name_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o not_o only_o high_o improbable_a but_o moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o church_n together_o with_o their_o respective_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n dwell_v in_o remote_a and_o distant_a country_n not_o biased_a by_o faction_n nor_o sway_v by_o a_o superior_a authority_n be_v perfect_o free_a and_o independent_a one_o upon_o another_o shall_v unanimous_o consent_v and_o conspire_v together_o to_o introduce_v a_o novel_a custom_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n contrary_a to_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o order_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o 3_o to_o censure_v the_o practice_n and_o injunction_n of_o divinely-inspired_n man_n as_o indecent_a and_o unfit_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o observe_v in_o the_o
have_v be_v lessen_v with_o the_o character_n of_o dull_a honest_a and_o moral_a man_n fit_a only_o for_o catechist_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o low_a form_n tickle_v but_o their_o imagination_n with_o conjectural_a discourse_n about_o the_o situation_n of_o paradise_n of_o old_a or_o hell_n now_o and_o you_o be_v a_o sound_a divine_a than_o he_o that_o only_o draw_v wholesome_a conclusion_n from_o adam_n prevarication_n to_o caution_n you_o against_o sin_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n or_o how_o to_o avoid_v those_o dismal_a flame_n where_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o other_o have_v be_v silly_a and_o fantastic_a in_o admire_v those_o who_o have_v prattle_v about_o the_o length_n of_o the_o sword_n that_o guard_v paradise_n or_o how_o the_o spirit_n above_o pass_n eternity_n away_o and_o scorn_v he_o who_o in_o plain_a method_n chalk_v they_o out_o the_o way_n that_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o heaven_n the_o ancient_a gnostic_n because_o they_o 4._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 4._o make_v a_o mixture_n of_o the_o jewish_a fable_n and_o genealogy_n of_o their_o lilith_a and_o behemoth_n and_o fetch_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o god_n out_o of_o orpheus_n and_o philistion_n two_o great_a divine_n in_o the_o pagan_a religion_n into_o plain_a christianity_n think_v themselves_o the_o most_o know_a man_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n and_o heaven_n and_o wonder_v how_o only_a faith_n upon_o jesus_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o command_n can_v be_v know_v of_o god_n or_o wisdom_n from_o above_o the_o wrangling_n of_o the_o school_n with_o their_o fine_a distinction_n and_o barbarous_a term_n fit_a for_o magic_n than_o christianity_n by_o their_o disciple_n have_v be_v prize_v for_o great_a and_o precious_a truth_n and_o enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o slight_n make_v once_o the_o brain_n to_o swim_v have_v snatch_v the_o hearer_n beyond_o themselves_o and_o then_o think_v they_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o dark_a and_o obscure_a the_o doctrine_n have_v be_v the_o great_a illumination_n it_o be_v esteem_v and_o call_v a_o noonday_n think_v which_o be_v a_o midnight_n dream_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o pass_n with_o too_o many_o for_o save_v truth_n a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v ignorant_a in_o their_o head_n and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o practice_n espouse_v to_o party_n and_o interest_n have_v constitution_n and_o passion_n fit_a for_o these_o they_o ready_o swallow_v they_o down_o the_o apostle_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o tell_v 3._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 3._o we_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n cause_v by_o some_o disease_n of_o vice_n within_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o good_a physic_n but_o only_o scratch_v and_o gratify_v and_o if_o the_o food_n though_o wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v not_o to_o their_o palate_n and_o fancy_n they_o complain_v of_o hunger_n and_o starve_v these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o sickly_a nature_n crave_v only_o nice_a and_o curious_a thing_n for_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o keck_v at_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n plain_a and_o substantial_a truth_n that_o it_o may_v grow_v thereby_o to_o give_v therefore_o a_o liberty_n to_o every_o man_n to_o run_v from_o a_o establish_a church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o better_a edification_n which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o easy_o mistake_v be_v to_o direct_v man_n into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o be_v dangerous_a and_o sinful_a and_o when_o once_o the_o gap_n be_v open_a where_o will_n especial_o the_o vulgar_a stop_n may_v we_o not_o add_v that_o this_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v very_o fit_a to_o disguise_v and_o colour_v other_o vice_n when_o controversy_n have_v unhappy_o rise_v from_o a_o unjust_a denial_n of_o the_o minister_n right_n and_o due_n or_o the_o accident_n of_o civil_a conversation_n they_o make_v the_o ministry_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o good_a before_o to_o be_v call_v dull_a and_o mean_a and_o better_a must_v be_v seek_v elsewhere_o while_o only_a revenge_n or_o covetousness_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n wander_v report_n or_o their_o own_o lavish_a tongue_n and_o censorious_a temper_n have_v call_v some_o pastor_n covetous_a or_o intemperate_a or_o brand_v they_o with_o other_o vice_n and_o then_o cry_v out_o they_o can_v edify_v in_o such_o a_o church_n and_o so_o make_v one_o fault_n help_v out_o another_o and_o defamation_n must_v excuse_v their_o schism_n 2._o in_o take_v the_o opinion_n of_o party_n for_o undoubted_a truth_n essential_a to_o salvation_n when_o man_n have_v once_o wed_v a_o party_n and_o the_o opinion_n peculiar_a to_o it_o they_o magnify_v and_o propagate_v they_o grow_v furious_a for_o their_o defence_n and_o call_v they_o the_o best_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o abet_v and_o cry_v up_o by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n or_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o explication_n and_o distinction_n of_o they_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o teach_v they_o do_v not_o improve_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o their_o separation_n because_o the_o notion_n or_o explication_n of_o faith_n and_o spirit_n church_n and_o grace_n justification_n regeneration_n conversion_n adoption_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v general_o different_a in_o our_o church_n from_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n they_o therefore_o cry_v we_o destroy_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v edify_v they_o find_v themselves_o weaken_v in_o their_o christian_n faith_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o their_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o by_o natural_a consequence_n lessen_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o give_v security_n to_o lazy_a sinner_n a_o strange_a sort_n of_o edification_n for_o though_o our_o charity_n be_v not_o so_o narrow_a as_o to_o think_v every_o man_n a_o vicious_a person_n who_o be_v thus_o mistake_v in_o his_o conclusion_n yet_o however_o this_o alter_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o opinion_n and_o their_o consequence_n and_o who_o know_v how_o far_o man_n of_o ill_a principle_n do_v improve_v they_o such_o be_v the_o perverse_a and_o angry_a temper_n of_o many_o about_o their_o own_o opinion_n no_o way_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n wherein_o wise_a man_n and_o good_a man_n may_v differ_v which_o be_v not_o state_v by_o authority_n and_o may_v not_o be_v determine_v till_o elias_n come_v yet_o if_o these_o be_v not_o insist_v on_o and_o press_v with_o vehemency_n the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v omit_v and_o truth_n be_v want_v to_o their_o perfection_n and_o if_o once_o the_o people_n be_v possess_v with_o opinion_n and_o notion_n they_o grow_v fierce_a about_o they_o and_o call_v they_o salvation-truth_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o a_o sea_n of_o disorder_n and_o tumult_n for_o their_o defence_n the_o disciple_n of_o the_o five_o monarchy_n the_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n the_o enemy_n of_o child_n baptism_n think_v themselves_o wrong_v and_o the_o gospel_n hide_v if_o casual_o they_o hear_v you_o make_v interpretation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o divine_a institution_n different_a from_o their_o lewd_a sense_n and_o many_o question_n when_o determine_v after_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o labour_n and_o passion_n and_o expense_n of_o time_n may_v improve_v our_o knowledge_n but_o not_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n the_o only_a edification_n the_o early_a and_o best_a christian_n think_v themselves_o mighty_a saint_n and_o secure_a of_o heaven_n if_o they_o only_o know_v jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o the_o world_n be_v such_o ill_a judge_n about_o any_o other_o edification_n it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o they_o return_v to_o this_o good_a old_a way_n and_o rest_v satisfy_v there_o lest_o they_o take_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n rhetoric_n or_o subtlety_n secular_a interest_n or_o conjecture_n for_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o support_v their_o faith_n and_o so_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o edification_n break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n 3._o in_o take_v sudden_a heat_n and_o warmth_n for_o true_a edification_n when_o melt_v tone_n affectionate_a expression_n solemn_a look_n and_o behaviour_n passion_n and_o vehemency_n and_o other_o art_n have_v play_v upon_o the_o fancy_n and_o put_v their_o constitution_n into_o different_a motion_n some_o have_v though_o themselves_o so_o strange_o edify_v as_o though_o it_o be_v the_o impulse_n and_o powerful_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o
have_v weight_n enough_o with_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o turn_v the_o balance_n on_o that_o side_n and_o to_o make_v that_o which_o abstract_o consider_v be_v a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a when_o it_o come_v clothe_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o i_o give_v instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o usury_n and_o law_n suit_v and_o twenty_o more_o may_v be_v add_v to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v to_o any_o purpose_n if_o this_o now_o be_v admit_v for_o truth_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n before_o we_o and_o that_o be_v this_o there_o be_v so_o many_o great_a advantage_n both_o to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o a_o man_n self_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n and_o likewise_o so_o many_o both_o public_a and_o private_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o separation_n that_o if_o in_o any_o case_n these_o consideration_n have_v weight_n enough_o to_o overbalance_n a_o simple_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v sufficient_a weight_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o sway_v by_o they_o do_v not_o act_n so_o reasonable_o as_o he_o may_v do_v for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o foolish_o do_v of_o any_o man_n that_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v utter_o uncertain_a whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n as_o every_o one_o that_o doubt_v be_v shall_v be_v so_o confident_a of_o his_o point_n as_o to_o venture_v upon_o it_o no_o less_o a_o stake_n than_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o he_o live_v and_o the_o security_n of_o the_o religion_n establish_v and_o withal_o his_o own_o ease_n and_o liberty_n and_o last_o the_o fortune_n also_o of_o his_o posterity_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o wise_a venture_n as_o this_o do_v every_o one_o among_o we_o make_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o bare_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfuless_a of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v in_o our_o communion_n do_v persist_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o government_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n i_o wish_v this_o be_v well_o consider_v by_o our_o doubt_v dissenter_n they_o be_v wise_a enough_o as_o to_o the_o world_n in_o other_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o will_v be_v as_o wise_a in_o this_o and_o if_o they_o be_v i_o dare_v say_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_n their_o wisdom_n as_o to_o the_o other_o world_n it_o will_v be_v but_o little_a either_o to_o their_o comfort_n or_o their_o reputation_n at_o the_o long_o run_v to_o have_v it_o say_v of_o they_o that_o beside_o the_o disturbance_n they_o have_v all_o along_o occasion_v to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n they_o have_v also_o bring_v their_o estate_n and_o family_n into_o danger_n of_o ruin_n by_o the_o just_a prosecution_n of_o law_n they_o have_v draw_v upon_o themselves_o and_o all_o this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o themselves_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v altogether_o uncertain_a and_o unresolved_a about_o but_o this_o will_v appear_v much_o clear_a when_o we_o have_v set_v the_o doubt_n about_o conformity_n upon_o the_o right_a foot_n viz._n considere_v it_o as_o a_o double_a doubt_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o i_o come_v now_o to_o do_v in_o the_o second_o place_n there_o be_v other_o dissenter_n who_o as_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n do_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n of_o this_o question_n as_o they_o doubt_v on_o one_o hand_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o conform_v to_o our_o worship_n because_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o it_o which_o they_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o conform_v to_o it_o because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o land_n do_v require_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o of_o these_o as_o i_o say_v there_o be_v likewise_o two_o sort_n some_o perhaps_o be_v equal_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o consequent_o must_v doubt_v equal_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o conform_v or_o no._n other_o doubt_v unequal_o that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o two_o it_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o they_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n the_o answer_n be_v very_o short_a and_o it_o be_v this_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o a_o pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n where_o the_o probability_n on_o both_o side_n be_v pretty_a equal_a in_o that_o case_n the_o command_n of_o authority_n do_v always_o turn_v the_o balance_n on_o its_o own_o side_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o for_o this_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o three_o general_n head_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o be_v in_o the_o other_o case_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v unequal_a and_o here_o the_o case_n be_v this_o as_o the_o man_n apprehend_v himself_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o church_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n so_o he_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v because_o it_o do_v appear_v more_o probable_a to_o he_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o a_o great_a probobility_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la be_v always_o to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o less_o but_o to_o this_o likewise_o we_o be_v ready_o provide_v of_o a_o answer_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n viz._n that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o where_o the_o balance_n be_v so_o far_o incline_v one_o way_n the_o authority_n of_o our_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o have_v weight_n enough_o to_o cast_v it_o on_o its_o own_o side_n yet_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n of_o church_n communion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o other_o argument_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v the_o law_n than_o of_o obey_v they_o as_o will_n with_o any_o impartial_a conscientious_a man_n outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n and_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o he_o rather_o to_o conform_v how_o strong_a soever_o his_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o doubt_n then_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n vide_fw-la three_o proposition_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n pag._n 27._o this_o be_v the_o issue_n upon_o which_o we_o will_v try_v the_o point_n before_o we_o and_o i_o refuse_v no_o indifferent_a man_n that_o will_v but_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o be_v umpire_n between_o we_o and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o to_o this_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v we_o suppose_v and_o admit_v that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v these_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o establish_v worship_n do_v real_o doubt_v on_o the_o true_a side_n and_o that_o he_o will_v indeed_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v conform_v to_o it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v admit_v likewise_o that_o that_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n in_o dispute_n be_v wonderful_o obscure_o declare_v there_o be_v no_o direct_a prohibition_n either_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o book_n of_o god_n about_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v now_o contest_v so_o that_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v conclude_v from_o consequence_n and_o those_o consequence_n likewise_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o christ_n time_n till_o our_o reformation_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o though_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o either_o these_o or_o the_o like_a usage_n have_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o all_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n either_o that_o any_o particular_a church_n ever_o condemn_v they_o as_o sinful_a or_o indeed_o that_o any_o particular_a christian_a do_v ever_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n these_o consequence_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v unlawful_a
be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o governor_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o nor_o by_o as_o learned_a and_o religious_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o divine_n by_o far_o the_o most_o and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o as_o able_a as_o any_o be_v clear_o of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n therein_o prescribe_v be_v at_o least_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o not_o pure_a and_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o very_o obscure_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v out_o it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o a_o man_n may_v very_o innocent_o and_o inculpable_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a little_a or_o no_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o he_o to_o act_v against_o it_o because_o if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o know_v this_o law_n it_o can_v be_v his_o sin_n that_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o only_o to_o be_v gather_v by_o such_o remote_a consequence_n it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v it_o and_o then_o far_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o conformity_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n shall_v prove_v a_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n yet_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o man_n person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o damage_n arise_v either_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o any_o man_n be_v a_o conformist_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o thing_n stand_v with_o we_o unity_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o establish_v way_n seem_v to_o bring_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o both_o as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o to_o be_v a_o probable_a mean_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o many_o danger_n with_o which_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v threaten_v well_o but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o our_o governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o lawful_a however_o it_o be_v our_o misfortune_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v and_o in_o a_o zealous_a indulgence_n to_o these_o doubt_n we_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o live_v in_o open_a disobedience_n to_o our_o lawful_a governous_a and_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v thus_o what_o kind_n of_o sin_n shall_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o then_o why_o certain_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o less_o a_o sin_n than_o causeless_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n against_o which_o we_o be_v so_o severe_o caution_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n viz._n of_o all_o those_o that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath._n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n i_o say_v these_o plain_a law_n we_o disobey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o we_o disobey_v they_o too_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n of_o old_a and_o far_o the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o we_o well_o but_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o sin_n the_o greatness_n of_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v estimate_v i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o it_o with_o which_o we_o be_v here_o concern_v why_o they_o be_v most_o terrible_a and_o dreadful_a both_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o by_o this_o unnatual_a separation_n we_o do_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o out_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o division_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o all_o those_o animosity_n and_o hatred_n all_o that_o bitter_a contention_n and_o strife_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o have_v long_o tear_v the_o very_a bowel_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n which_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o we_o put_v affront_v upon_o our_o lawful_a governor_n who_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o give_v scandal_n to_o all_o our_o brethren_n that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o live_v peaceable_o and_o pious_o and_o last_o as_o we_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a handle_n and_o pretence_n to_o all_o discontent_a and_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_n against_o the_o best_a of_o government_n so_o we_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_n the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n this_o now_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n among_o we_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o determine_v whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n though_o that_o doubt_v be_v back_v with_o great_a probability_n than_o do_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v with_o all_o the_o probability_n that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_n can_v have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n as_o separation_n in_o our_o case_n do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unconcerned_a person_n but_o will_v pronounce_v that_o suppose_v where_o there_o be_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n certain_o bind_v to_o choose_v communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n rather_o than_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o but_o now_o after_o all_o this_o be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o after_o a_o consideration_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o or_o against_o conformity_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o more_o probable_a that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o withal_o that_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o will_v involve_v he_o in_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o in_o worse_a consequence_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o unfortunate_a a_o understanding_n as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n such_o a_o man_n be_v rather_o to_o continue_v a_o nonconformist_n than_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n but_o then_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o for_o his_o act_n in_o this_o case_n according_a to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o at_o all_o acquit_v he_o either_o of_o the_o gild_n or_o consequence_n of_o criminal_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n suppose_v that_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o along_o under_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o say_v he_o certain_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o communion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o as_o there_o certain_o be_v not_o unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o man_n fall_v into_o these_o mistake_n without_o any_o fault_n