persuasion_n encouragement_n and_o all_o other_o fit_a mean_n to_o prevail_v with_o the_o whole_a neighbourhood_n or_o parish_n to_o frequent_v the_o church_n for_o as_o he_o will_v not_o go_v to_o heaven_n alone_o nay_o know_v assure_o he_o shall_v not_o come_v there_o if_o he_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v other_o along_o with_o he_o so_o neither_o be_v he_o content_v to_o feed_v upon_o the_o fatness_n of_o god_n house_n alone_o but_o will_v have_v other_o partake_v with_o he_o he_o have_v a_o holy_a indignation_n to_o observe_v theater_n to_o be_v fill_v exchange_n and_o market_n throng_v and_o god_n house_n unfurnished_v with_o guest_n he_o wonder_v at_o the_o inconsiderateness_n of_o man_n who_o incur_v such_o a_o guilt_n by_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o pity_v their_o folly_n that_o deny_v themselves_o so_o many_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n as_o god_n house_n afford_v above_o any_o other_o place_n of_o resort_n whatsoever_o beside_o he_o consider_v that_o not_o only_a god_n be_v more_o honour_a by_o a_o general_a confluence_n to_o his_o service_n but_o that_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v more_o enlarge_a and_o cheerful_a and_o his_o affection_n more_o raise_v as_o it_o be_v move_v in_o consort_n when_o there_o be_v a_o brave_a concourse_n in_o divine_a office_n psal_n 122._o 1_o 2._o i_o rejoice_v say_v the_o holy_a man_n when_o they_o say_v come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o foot_n shall_v stand_v within_o thy_o gate_n o_o jerusalem_n well-disposed_n person_n it_o seem_v then_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v upon_o and_o provoke_v one_o another_o and_o to_o flock_v together_o in_o company_n towards_o the_o temple_n and_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a spectacle_n to_o the_o psalmist_n to_o behold_v it_o and_o let_v good_a christian_n be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n since_o our_o church_n and_o worship_n be_v so_o incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o they_o what_o be_v it_o that_o a_o zealous_a jew_n can_v provoke_v his_o neighbour_n to_o go_v up_o to_o the_o temple_n for_o to_o see_v a_o beast_n slay_v and_o a_o smoke_n make_v with_o the_o fat_a and_o entrail_n or_o to_o muse_v upon_o the_o obscure_a hieroglyphic_n in_o the_o fabric_n the_o utensil_n the_o ornament_n and_o service_n of_o that_o house_n but_o a_o christian_n go_v to_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n to_o see_v heaven_n open_v in_o all_o its_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v show_v the_o way_n thither_o therefore_o he_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a odds_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o who_o have_v so_o much_o prudence_n and_o charity_n as_o to_o render_v he_o serviceable_a among_o his_o neighbour_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n will_v jog_v and_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n of_o go_v to_o the_o church_n by_o wise_a and_o manly_a discourse_n and_o friendly_a and_o familiar_a exhortation_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o scandal_n to_o religion_n and_o discouragement_n to_o the_o minister_n by_o the_o people_n remissness_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n and_o benefit_n of_o diligent_a attendance_n and_o he_o will_v with_o the_o same_o zeal_n and_o care_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v their_o objection_n and_o remove_v their_o scruple_n about_o it_o and_o especial_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v common_o better_a take_v and_o sink_v deep_a into_o such_o man_n as_o need_v it_o when_o it_o be_v do_v not_o only_o by_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v presume_v by_o these_o incogitant_fw-la person_n to_o do_v it_o for_o his_o interest_n or_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o person_n or_o profession_n but_o by_o those_o who_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n with_o themselves_o to_o all_o this_o the_o pious_a man_n aforesaid_a will_v wise_o improve_v the_o interest_n of_o his_o charity_n to_o oblige_v the_o poor_a sort_n to_o their_o duty_n dispense_n most_o liberal_o to_o they_o who_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o follow_v his_o counsel_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o for_o the_o middle_a sort_n of_o man_n he_o will_v trade_v and_o buy_v and_o sell_v upon_o choice_n with_o those_o that_o be_v best_a affect_v to_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o if_o all_o this_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o that_o he_o can_v prevail_v upon_o all_o yet_o 10._o in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v at_o least_o to_o over-rule_v his_o own_o family_n that_o they_o shall_v universal_o and_o constant_o frequent_v the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o neighbourhood_n this_o i_o have_v show_v before_o every_o governor_n of_o a_o family_n have_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o do_v and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n afford_v we_o several_a instance_n of_o the_o efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n among_o the_o rest_n by_o virtue_n hereof_o joshua_n undertake_v for_o his_o house_n that_o they_o shall_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o cornelius_n prevail_v upon_o those_o under_o he_o so_o that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n and_o indeed_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o very_a sorry_a account_n of_o his_o family_n if_o he_o can_v oblige_v they_o to_o go_v to_o church_n with_o he_o for_o we_o find_v by_o woeful_a experience_n that_o where_o under_o pretence_n of_o scruple_n about_o the_o public_a worship_n inferior_n have_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o exemption_n and_o be_v permit_v to_o resort_v to_o conventicle_n the_o effect_n have_v be_v that_o such_o person_n have_v not_o only_o grow_v captious_a and_o insolent_a and_o by_o degree_n to_o despise_v their_o superior_n but_o have_v by_o this_o mean_v get_v from_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o governor_n have_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o run_v into_o debauchery_n therefore_o let_v the_o pious_a man_n strict_o charge_v himself_o thus_o far_o and_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o very_o insignificant_a in_o his_o place_n if_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o public_a honour_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o to_o bring_v his_o family_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n chap._n vii_o of_o civil_a piety_n or_o how_o a_o good_a man_n may_v carry_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o promote_v god_n honour_n and_o the_o public_a good_a together_o with_o his_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o parish_n consider_v only_o as_o a_o civil_a society_n or_o neighbourhood_n when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 5._o 13._o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o direct_v himself_o only_o to_o his_o apostle_n or_o to_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n as_o some_o have_v imagine_v but_o to_o all_o his_o disciple_n in_o general_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o beatitude_n which_o he_o pronounce_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o his_o other_o discourse_n pursuant_n of_o they_o which_o immediate_o precede_v these_o word_n apparent_o concern_v all_o christian_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v qualify_v for_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a also_o by_o s._n luke_n chap._n 14._o compare_v the_o 25_o verse_n with_o the_o 32._o that_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n to_o apply_v this_o title_n of_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o true_a christian_n and_o then_o the_o importance_n of_o that_o expression_n will_v be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o activity_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o passive_a innocency_n and_o that_o they_o escape_v the_o contagion_n of_o evil_a example_n nor_o be_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o temptation_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o they_o must_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o better_a and_o improve_v the_o state_n of_o mankind_n to_o influence_n upon_o it_o to_o season_n and_o preserve_v other_o from_o corruption_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o nor_o be_v this_o activity_n of_o true_a christianity_n to_o be_v strict_o confine_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o display_v itself_o mere_o in_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n proper_o consider_v for_o as_o our_o saviour_n design_v not_o only_o to_o show_v man_n a_o way_n to_o another_o world_n above_o but_o also_o to_o amend_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o present_a world_n below_o and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o more_o quiet_a and_o comfortable_a habitation_n so_o doubtless_o when_o he_o call_v his_o disciple_n the_o salt_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n he_o intend_v to_o require_v that_o every_o good_a man_n shall_v within_o his_o whole_a sphere_n endeavour_v to_o promote_v humanity_n morality_n and_o the_o civil_a and_o political_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n the_o
that_o he_o tempt_v not_o himself_o to_o flatness_n by_o a_o affect_a length_n of_o these_o holy_a duty_n for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o indevout_a temper_n to_o be_v too_o compendious_a and_o concise_a in_o they_o as_o if_o we_o grudge_v the_o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n and_o although_o it_o be_v also_o irreverent_a towards_o god_n to_o be_v so_o short_a and_o abrupt_a as_o if_o we_o brief_o dictate_v to_o he_o what_o we_o will_v have_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n to_o be_v impertinent_o tedious_a with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v we_o without_o many_o word_n or_o will_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o tedious_a importunity_n beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o often_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o that_o our_o body_n can_v always_o correspond_v with_o our_o mind_n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o affect_v the_o prolong_n of_o our_o devotion_n be_v to_o lose_v in_o the_o intention_n what_o we_o get_v in_o the_o extension_n of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v sure_a either_o to_o make_v we_o go_v unwilling_o to_o our_o duty_n or_o to_o perform_v it_o very_o superficial_o in_o either_o of_o which_o circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a we_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o god_n or_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o comfortable_a reflection_n afterward_o upon_o such_o performance_n the_o measure_n of_o devotion_n therefore_o be_v not_o express_o prescribe_v by_o god_n but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o a_o prudent_a respect_n to_o the_o peculiar_a constitution_n of_o the_o person_n the_o condition_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o the_o extraordinariness_n of_o the_o occasion_n and_o to_o go_v about_o to_o exceed_v these_o bound_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o intemperate_a zeal_n which_o be_v never_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o be_v so_o far_o injurious_a to_o a_o man_n self_n that_o it_o manifest_o hinder_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o promote_v to_o these_o i_o add_v four_o let_v not_o the_o devout_a man_n be_v very_o curious_a or_o sollicitious_a about_o the_o from_o or_o expression_n of_o his_o secret_a duty_n i_o mean_v whether_o his_o prayer_n be_v read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n or_o be_v the_o present_a conception_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o from_o a_o understand_a soul_n and_o a_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a heart_n for_o these_o be_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n look_v at_o and_o wherein_o his_o honour_n be_v direct_o concern_v and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v no_o value_n for_o eloquence_n of_o speech_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o neither_o have_v he_o for_o strength_n of_o memory_n or_o for_o pregnancy_n and_o variety_n of_o fancy_n on_o the_o other_o but_o only_o as_o i_o say_v that_o we_o worship_v he_o with_o our_o understanding_n and_o do_v not_o like_a parrot_n utter_a word_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o notion_n that_o we_o bring_v a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n as_o sensible_a of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o a_o heart_n serious_o affect_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o value_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v conversant_a about_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o compose_a form_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o public_a worship_n where_o as_o i_o note_v before_o the_o dignity_n and_o credit_n of_o religion_n be_v concern_v and_o that_o perhaps_o in_o private_a duty_n our_o present_a conception_n may_v most_o please_v and_o affect_v ourselves_o but_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n especial_o in_o these_o secret_a duty_n depend_v neither_o upon_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o upon_o those_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n aforesaid_a wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n cheat_v himself_o into_o a_o opinion_n that_o those_o heat_n of_o fancy_n or_o transport_v of_o affection_n which_o sometime_o happen_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v instance_n of_o real_a and_o extraordinary_a devotion_n or_o that_o because_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n or_o book_n may_v perhaps_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o flight_n therefore_o those_o duty_n be_v dead_a and_o formal_a forasmuch_o as_o those_o service_n may_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n which_o be_v less_o pleasant_a to_o ourselves_o since_o it_o be_v not_o those_o sudden_a flash_n but_o a_o constant_a and_o even_a servour_n of_o piety_n which_o he_o have_v regard_n to_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o another_o advice_n namely_o five_o let_v the_o pious_a man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o that_o he_o be_v never_o to_o lay_v aside_o or_o intermit_v the_o regular_a course_n of_o a_o daily_a devotion_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o but_o especial_o not_o upon_o the_o absurd_a pretext_n of_o await_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cease_v not_o to_o move_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o move_v sensible_o and_o to_o make_v violent_a impression_n upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n till_o he_o be_v so_o jog_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o it_o will_v never_o pray_v at_o all_o and_o indeed_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o expect_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o what_o need_n of_o it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o put_v we_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a service_n than_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v some_o special_a mandate_n or_o impulse_n upon_o our_o spirit_n from_o he_o which_o may_v both_o warrant_v the_o enterprise_n and_o quicken_v we_o in_o the_o prosecution_n but_o in_o ordinary_a duty_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v sufficient_a and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o that_o do_v but_o pretend_v to_o wait_v for_o a_o spirit_n in_o excuse_n of_o his_o own_o atheism_n unbelief_n or_o intolerable_a slothfulness_n and_o in_o so_o do_v lay_v himself_o open_a to_o a_o evil_a spirit_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o check_v and_o withdraw_v man_n from_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o sad_a and_o common_a experience_n that_o from_o wait_v for_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n man_n very_o usual_o grow_v first_o to_o frequent_a omission_n then_o to_o carelessness_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o it_o therefore_o let_v not_o any_o man_n slight_a a_o regular_a and_o methodical_a devotion_n as_o a_o mere_a formal_a and_o customary_a thing_n since_o this_o be_v the_o very_a attainment_n of_o piety_n when_o that_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n become_v also_o in_o a_o good_a sense_n customary_a and_o habitual_a and_o he_o that_o out_o of_o such_o a_o temper_n perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n constant_o and_o reverent_o give_v far_o great_a proof_n of_o sincere_a christianity_n than_o he_o that_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o do_v they_o with_o great_a heat_n and_o transport_v but_o needs_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o be_v jog_v and_o provoke_v to_o the_o performance_n six_o to_o all_o these_o i_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o it_o be_v very_o advisable_v though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o in_o these_o secret_a devotion_n a_o man_n shall_v where_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o privacy_n and_o without_o ostentation_n or_o such_o other_o impediment_n pray_v vocal_o and_o audible_o for_o although_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o observe_v all_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o affection_n before_o we_o express_v they_o and_o therefore_o need_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v interpret_v our_o mind_n to_o he_o by_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v employ_v all_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n we_o have_v in_o his_o service_n our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o lip_n as_o well_o as_o our_o heart_n beside_o though_o we_o can_v affect_v god_n with_o the_o tone_n and_o accent_n of_o our_o speech_n yet_o we_o often_o time_n affect_v our_o own_o heart_n the_o more_o and_o raise_v they_o a_o note_n high_o in_o concord_n with_o the_o elevation_n of_o our_o voice_n but_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v be_v this_o viz._n by_o the_o harmony_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o voice_n our_o heart_n be_v as_o it_o be_v charm_v into_o the_o great_a composure_n and_o intention_n upon_o that_o we_o be_v about_o and_o so_o whereas_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a complaint_n especial_o of_o melancholy_a and_o thoughtful_a person_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o rove_v and_o wander_v in_o these_o secret_a duty_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o mean_v we_o have_v it_o very_o much_o in_o our_o power_n to_o keep_v
they_o from_o extravagancy_n and_o at_o once_o to_o make_v our_o devotion_n the_o less_o tedious_a to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n chap._n ii_o of_o several_a other_o instance_n of_o secret_a devotion_n though_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o general_a duty_n of_o religion_n the_o common_a instrument_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o the_o most_o immediate_a address_v to_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o make_v it_o the_o only_a instance_n of_o secret_a devotion_n for_o there_o be_v several_a other_o of_o great_a moment_n among_o which_o i_o reckon_v in_o the_o next_o place_n 2._o study_n and_o meditation_n not_o only_o to_o direct_v and_o assist_v our_o prayer_n of_o which_o i_o say_v something_o before_o but_o especial_o to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v our_o own_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v be_v wise_a and_o consequent_o both_o more_o capable_a of_o do_v god_n better_a service_n in_o this_o world_n and_o also_o fit_a for_o the_o society_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o the_o other_o world_n for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n almighty_n have_v set_v a_o mighty_a value_n upon_o our_o soul_n in_o redeem_v they_o by_o no_o less_o a_o price_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v intolerable_o ingrateful_a towards_o he_o if_o we_o bestow_v no_o cost_n upon_o they_o but_o live_v as_o if_o we_o be_v mere_a matter_n and_o body_n and_o take_v care_n only_o to_o please_v and_o gratify_v our_o sense_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n abandon_v our_o mind_n to_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n to_o sloth_n and_o superstition_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v also_o that_o the_o same_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v by_o the_o same_o purchase_n deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a death_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v keep_v we_o in_o perpetual_a bondage_n and_o so_o have_v contract_v our_o spirit_n and_o render_v our_o very_a self_n so_o inconsiderable_a to_o ourselves_o that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v have_v the_o heart_n to_o take_v any_o care_n of_o himself_o but_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o have_v live_v like_o a_o beast_n because_o he_o expect_v to_o die_v like_o one_o or_o worse_a but_o now_o that_o we_o be_v make_v to_o hope_v for_o immortality_n and_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n a_o man_n shall_v spare_v no_o cost_n no_o labour_n and_o pain_n about_o himself_o since_o he_o may_v reap_v the_o fruit_n and_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o so_o do_v in_o the_o better_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o a_o thousand_o age_n hence_o and_o to_o all_o eternity_n moreover_o the_o same_o divine_a goodness_n have_v design_v we_o to_o a_o glorious_a estate_n of_o happiness_n in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n a_o state_n of_o intellectual_a pleasure_n and_o the_o most_o sublime_a ingredient_n of_o felicity_n which_o a_o dull_a sottish_a and_o sensual_a soul_n can_v never_o be_v capable_a of_o perceive_v if_o he_o be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v more_o than_o brutish_a that_o do_v not_o dispose_v himself_o so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o partake_v of_o that_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n to_o all_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o general_a apostafy_a of_o mankind_n have_v weaken_a our_o nature_n cloud_v our_o understanding_n and_o disorder_v all_o our_o power_n and_o together_o herewith_o the_o foolish_a opinion_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o world_n have_v abuse_v and_o deceive_v we_o yet_o more_o and_o more_o so_o that_o we_o must_v be_v most_o silly_a and_o unhappy_a creature_n if_o we_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o deliver_v and_o disengage_v ourselves_o from_o both_o these_o calamity_n and_o the_o case_n be_v not_o total_o irreparable_a in_o respect_n of_o either_o of_o these_o mischief_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o for_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n recover_v ourselves_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v we_o time_n to_o consider_v in_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n from_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v recollect_v ourselves_o he_o have_v set_v before_o we_o his_o work_n and_o providence_n to_o meditate_v upon_o we_o have_v his_o holy_a scripture_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o guide_v we_o out_o of_o the_o perplex_a state_n of_o thing_n we_o enjoy_v the_o public_a ministry_n and_o abundance_n of_o good_a book_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v those_o scripture_n and_o above_o all_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n against_o the_o weakness_n and_o confusion_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o great_a necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o study_v and_o meditation_n so_o we_o have_v as_o great_a encouragement_n to_o hope_v for_o success_n in_o so_o do_v for_o by_o application_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o mean_n aforesaid_a we_o may_v not_o only_o rid_v ourselves_o of_o that_o wildness_n and_o freity_n which_o be_v ordinary_o upon_o our_o nature_n but_o outgrow_a vulgar_a opinion_n and_o tradition_n and_o come_v to_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o thing_n set_v before_o we_o we_o may_v greaten_v our_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o despise_v those_o little_a thing_n which_o silly_a man_n dote_v upon_o we_o may_v free_v our_o mind_n of_o childish_a fear_n and_o unaccountable_a superstition_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o religion_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o word_n have_v worthy_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o although_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o alike_o capable_a of_o these_o improvement_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o mind_n or_o the_o unhappy_a constitution_n of_o their_o body_n or_o the_o perplex_a condition_n of_o their_o outward_a affair_n yet_o certain_o god_n almighty_n have_v by_o the_o mean_v aforesaid_a put_v it_o into_o every_o man_n power_n to_o be_v wise_a than_o he_o be_v if_o he_o will_v but_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o devout_a man_n be_v sure_a to_o make_v the_o experiment_n to_o further_o he_o the_o more_o wherein_o let_v he_o to_o all_o the_o consideration_n forego_v add_v these_o two_o follow_v first_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v make_v in_o god_n image_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o cultivate_a and_o adorn_v that_o part_n of_o himself_o wherein_o he_o especial_o resemble_v his_o maker_n and_o consequent_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a and_o proper_a instance_n of_o worship_n towards_o god_n to_o improve_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v here_o just_o place_v among_o the_o expression_n of_o devotion_n second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a game_n of_o eternity_n be_v but_o once_o to_o be_v play_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o retrieve_v of_o our_o neglect_n and_o carelessness_n afterward_o therefore_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v play_v it_o intent_o and_o wary_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o redeem_v time_n from_o folly_n and_o sensuality_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o and_o beg_v god_n blessing_n upon_o it_o will_v undoubted_o find_v his_o mind_n enlarge_v his_o life_n more_o regular_a and_o his_o spirit_n more_o comfortable_a which_o be_v all_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o devotion_n 3._o the_o next_o instance_n of_o secret_a devotion_n for_o i_o be_o not_o curious_a in_o what_o order_n i_o place_v they_o shall_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o he_o alone_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o the_o frame_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o he_o and_o stay_v itself_o upon_o he_o in_o all_o exigency_n and_o accident_n and_o passage_n whatsoever_o that_o he_o may_v impute_v nothing_o to_o chance_n fate_n or_o the_o star_n but_o possess_v himself_o with_o a_o deep_a and_o settle_a apprehension_n of_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o god_n in_o all_o revolution_n or_o occurrence_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a and_o real_a honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o it_o set_v god_n always_o before_o we_o and_o place_n he_o continual_o in_o our_o eye_n as_o it_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o his_o dispose_n and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o constant_a gravity_n and_o a_o reverence_n towards_o he_o
his_o closet_n and_o depart_v out_o of_o god_n presence_n till_o he_o have_v affect_v himself_o with_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o contrition_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o prostrate_v himself_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o strong_a and_o earnest_a cry_n for_o pardon_n and_o until_o he_o have_v confirm_v his_o heart_n in_o a_o resolution_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o more_o strict_a obedience_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o let_v he_o do_v this_o often_o that_o he_o may_v not_o run_v up_o too_o big_a a_o score_n and_o so_o either_o his_o heart_n become_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o his_o conscience_n be_v so_o affright_v with_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o guilt_n that_o like_o a_o bankrupt_a he_o be_v tempt_v to_o decline_v look_v into_o his_o account_n because_o he_o can_v have_v no_o comfortable_a prospect_n of_o they_o or_o run_v away_o from_o god_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o desperation_n instead_o of_o run_v to_o he_o by_o repentance_n let_v he_o i_o say_v do_v this_o often_o not_o by_o chance_n or_o unwilling_o but_o frequent_o and_o periodical_o set_v time_n be_v appoint_v for_o it_o and_o though_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o impose_v a_o burden_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o ordinary_o very_o adviseable_a that_o this_o be_v do_v once_o a_o month_n viz._n while_o a_o man_n have_v his_o past_a action_n and_o carriage_n in_o remembrance_n and_o can_v take_v a_o just_a account_n of_o himself_o but_o especial_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o against_o the_o time_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o then_o will_v be_v extraordinary_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a for_o these_o two_o thing_n self-examination_n and_o partake_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v marvellous_o suit_v and_o answer_v to_o each_o other_o the_o former_a prepare_v a_o man_n heart_n for_o that_o sacred_a solemnity_n and_o that_o holy_a solemnity_n seal_v to_o he_o the_o pardon_n of_o those_o sin_n he_o have_v discover_v and_o repent_v of_o in_o secret_a but_o whether_o this_o work_n of_o self-reflection_n and_o ransack_v a_o man_n own_o heart_n in_o secret_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o period_n it_o be_v wonderful_o useful_a that_o it_o be_v serious_o and_o conscientious_o practise_v some_o time_n or_o other_o forasmuch_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v a_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a life_n without_o it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o seem_v equal_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v continue_v to_o be_v a_o evil_a man_n who_o habitual_o and_o sincere_o practise_v it_o for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o effectual_a to_o preserve_v a_o estate_n from_o be_v squander_v away_o extravagant_o as_o the_o keep_n constant_a and_o strict_a account_n of_o receipt_n and_o expense_n so_o there_o be_v no_o method_n more_o powerful_a to_o restrain_v sin_n than_o this_o of_o self-examination_n the_o very_a search_v into_o our_o heart_n jog_n and_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o that_o be_v rouse_v will_v be_v a_o faithful_a monitor_n of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v amiss_o the_o mere_a prospect_n of_o which_o will_v make_v a_o man_n very_o uneasy_a by_o the_o fear_n and_o horror_n that_o attend_v it_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o silly_a motive_n upon_o which_o a_o man_n be_v induce_v to_o sin_n will_v fill_v he_o with_o ingenuous_a shame_n and_o indignation_n and_o the_o easiness_n which_o he_o can_v but_o find_v of_o withstand_v such_o motion_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v provoke_v he_o to_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n in_o a_o word_n the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o disease_n be_v a_o great_a step_n to_o the_o cure_n and_o a_o heart_n well_o search_v be_v half_o heal_v but_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o another_o instance_n of_o great_a affinity_n with_o what_o we_o have_v now_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o last_o excercise_n of_o secret_a devotion_n which_o i_o will_v here_o make_v mention_n of_o viz._n 6._o trial_n of_o our_o proficiency_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n this_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v scarce_o any_o otherway_v discernible_a but_o by_o its_o progress_n and_o in_o that_o it_o make_v man_n daily_o better_a and_o better_o for_o the_o essence_n of_o thing_n be_v indiscernible_a and_o a_o man_n may_v endless_o dispute_v with_o himself_o whether_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o he_o till_o he_o put_v all_o out_o of_o controversy_n by_o the_o fruit_n and_o improvement_n of_o such_o a_o vital_a principle_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v extreme_o necessary_a if_o we_o will_v arrive_v at_o spiritual_a comfort_n that_o we_o make_v experiment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o this_o particular_a which_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v do_v than_o by_o retirement_n into_o the_o cabinet_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o diligent_a compare_v ourselves_o both_o with_o ourselves_o and_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o common_a estimation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a fallacious_a and_o improper_a measure_n of_o divine_a life_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n for_o they_o be_v privy_a to_o our_o end_n and_o design_n and_o to_o all_o our_o circumstance_n as_o well_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v nor_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o if_o they_o be_v secret_o examine_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v impartial_o consult_v if_o we_o will_v indeed_o know_v ourselves_o and_o be_v able_a to_o prejudge_v our_o own_o condition_n now_o the_o testimony_n which_o our_o heart_n can_v give_v we_o of_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o increase_a length_n of_o our_o prayer_n nor_o mere_o from_o the_o passion_n and_o earnestness_n of_o they_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o latter_a may_v proceed_v from_o some_o peculiar_a temper_n of_o body_n or_o outward_a accident_n nor_o upon_o our_o affectionate_a hear_n of_o sermon_n for_o the_o stony_a ground_n receive_v the_o seed_n with_o joy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a ground_n nor_o yet_o upon_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a scrupulosity_n of_o conscience_n especial_o in_o small_a matter_n for_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o ignorance_n superstition_n or_o hypocrisy_n but_o the_o safe_a decision_n of_o this_o great_a case_n whether_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n or_o no_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o examine_v our_o heart_n in_o such_o point_n as_o these_o follow_v viz._n whether_o we_o be_v more_o constant_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n than_o former_o whether_o we_o be_v more_o exact_a and_o regular_a in_o our_o life_n daily_o whether_o our_o heart_n be_v more_o in_o heaven_n than_o they_o be_v wont_a and_o that_o we_o have_v arrive_v at_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o we_o be_v more_o dead_a to_o temptation_n especial_o in_o the_o case_n of_o such_o sin_n as_o agree_v with_o our_o constitution_n and_o circumstance_n whether_o affliction_n be_v more_o easy_a than_o it_o use_v to_o be_v and_o we_o can_v better_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n whether_o we_o be_v more_o conscientious_a of_o secret_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o no_o eye_n of_o man_n can_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o upbraid_v we_o for_o whether_o we_o be_v more_o sagacious_a in_o apprehend_v and_o more_o careful_a of_o improve_n opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a than_o heretofore_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o we_o be_v grow_v more_o meek_a more_o humble_a and_o obedient_a to_o our_o superior_n etc._n etc._n if_o upon_o due_a inquiry_n oru_a heart_n can_v answer_v affirmative_o for_o we_o in_o such_o point_n as_o these_o than_o we_o may_v comfortable_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a which_o be_v of_o unspeakable_a consequence_n to_o we_o to_o be_v substantial_o resolve_v of_o self-examination_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a particular_n as_o the_o only_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v its_o share_n in_o our_o closet_n devotion_n chap._n iii_o of_o family-piety_n in_o general_n though_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o his_o other_o perfection_n together_o with_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o obnoxiousness_n to_o he_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o so_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v the_o immediate_a and_o principal_a object_n of_o it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o
instruct_v moreover_o it_o be_v also_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o this_o church_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o and_o catholic_n embrace_v all_o the_o true_a believer_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o body_n and_o his_o spouse_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o every_o man_n who_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n which_o flow_v from_o he_o must_v be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o body_n and_o thereby_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o by_o conjunction_n with_o that_o which_o be_v otherwise_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v than_o by_o join_v with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n where_o it_o have_v please_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o settle_v our_o abode_n and_o habitation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o parish_n and_o neighbourhood_n where_o we_o dwell_v for_o without_o this_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o may_v retain_v the_o fame_n faith_n in_o our_o heart_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o we_o can_v perform_v the_o office_n of_o member_n nor_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n the_o result_n be_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v ordinary_o every_o christian_n duty_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o christianity_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o officer_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o order_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n among_o which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v place_v he_o i_o say_v ordinary_o because_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n among_o who_o a_o man_n life_n may_v be_v heretical_a in_o their_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a in_o their_o worship_n and_o then_o it_o will_v not_o be_v his_o sin_n but_o his_o duty_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o but_o bate_v that_o case_n and_o where_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a and_o the_o worship_n free_a from_o idolatry_n i_o see_v not_o what_o else_o can_v acquit_v he_o of_o schism_n that_o separate_v or_o what_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o join_v with_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o conjunction_n with_o that_o particular_a society_n or_o member_n of_o it_o where_o he_o be_v place_v therefore_o let_v not_o the_o good_a christian_n without_o flat_a necessity_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o particular_a church_n lest_o by_o so_o do_v he_o lose_v the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o let_v it_o be_v his_o care_n and_o endeavour_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n that_o there_o may_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o this_o purpose_n let_v he_o not_o hearken_v to_o the_o fond_a pretence_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o double_a refine_a worship_n or_o to_o the_o vain_a boast_n of_o great_a edification_n in_o other_o assembly_n for_o beside_o that_o a_o man_n may_v just_o expect_v most_o of_o god_n blessing_n upon_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v most_o his_o duty_n to_o apply_v himself_o unto_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o if_o such_o suggestion_n be_v attend_v to_o it_o will_v be_v flat_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o unity_n or_o order_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n nay_o these_o conceit_n will_v not_o only_o distract_v and_o confound_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o serve_v to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o endless_a dispute_n and_o their_o heart_n with_o perpetual_a scruple_n about_o purity_n of_o administration_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v rest_v no_o where_o but_o under_o pretence_n of_o soar_v high_a and_o high_o shall_v ramble_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o high_a attainment_n of_o spirituality_n nor_o let_v he_o give_v ear_n to_o any_o peevish_a insinuation_n against_o the_o church_n and_o public_a worship_n upon_o account_n that_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n make_v use_v of_o which_o be_v only_o of_o humane_a institution_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a to_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v be_v well_o please_v with_o humility_n peaceableness_n and_o obedience_n to_o humane_a law_n but_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v without_o some_o observance_n that_o have_v no_o high_a original_n than_o humane_a institution_n but_o against_o these_o and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a principle_n of_o separation_n let_v he_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v himself_o first_o by_o dismiss_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o the_o unnecessary_a scrupulosity_n of_o a_o melancholy_a temper_n and_o above_o all_o acquit_v himself_o of_o pride_n and_o pragmaticalness_n and_o then_o he_o will_v easy_o and_o comfortable_o comply_v with_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o pursuance_n whereof_o 2._o he_o must_v diligent_o frequent_v all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o society_n whether_o it_o be_v prayer_n preach_v or_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a shame_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n who_o care_v not_o how_o little_a or_o how_o seldom_o he_o come_v at_o it_o and_o who_o slight_v the_o advantage_n of_o its_o communion_n for_o such_o a_o man_n however_o he_o may_v hector_n and_o swagger_v for_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n manifest_o betray_v that_o all_o be_v but_o humour_n or_o interest_n and_o no_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o real_o he_o do_v more_o dishonour_n to_o that_o society_n than_o the_o profess_a schismatic_a do_v or_o can_v do_v for_o beside_o that_o he_o incourage_v they_o in_o their_o contempt_n of_o it_o and_o discourage_v good_a man_n in_o their_o zeal_n for_o it_o he_o foment_n the_o suspicion_n of_o atheistical_a man_n that_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o politic_a trick_n to_o catch_v silly_a person_n with_o while_o those_o that_o be_v privy_a to_o the_o plot_n keep_v out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o he_o defeat_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o baulk_v his_o own_o conscience_n if_o he_o have_v any_o and_o aggravate_v his_o own_o damnation_n which_o be_v all_o very_a sad_a thing_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o blessing_n and_o comfort_n of_o frequent_v the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o many_o and_o great_a that_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o any_o man_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o communion_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o neglect_v the_o particular_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o church_n be_v god_n house_n where_o he_o be_v especial_o present_a and_o where_o we_o meet_v he_o and_o place_n ourselves_o under_o his_o eye_n and_o observation_n and_o from_o whence_o he_o usual_o dispense_v his_o favour_n it_o be_v a_o great_a furtherance_n of_o our_o zeal_n and_o piety_n to_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o one_o another_o where_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a fervour_n and_o devotion_n in_o one_o powerful_o strike_v and_o affect_n other_o there_o be_v also_o a_o extraordinary_a majesty_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v not_o only_o fit_v to_o our_o peculiar_a condition_n but_o authoritative_o pronounce_v and_o apply_v to_o our_o conscience_n by_o god_n messenger_n above_o all_o in_o prayer_n when_o our_o petition_n and_o request_n be_v not_o only_o put_v up_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o his_o own_o minister_n appoint_v for_o this_o purpose_n but_o our_o weakness_n be_v relieve_v our_o spirit_n encourage_v and_o we_o be_v enable_v notwithstanding_o our_o private_a meanness_n or_o guilt_n to_o hope_v for_o acceptance_n and_o success_n in_o our_o desire_n by_o the_o concurrent_a devotion_n of_o so_o many_o holy_a man_n as_o there_o join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o suit_n and_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o who_o unite_a importunity_n besieges_fw-fr heaven_n and_o prevail_v with_o almighty_a goodness_n for_o a_o blessing_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n permit_v the_o private_a exercise_n of_o piety_n itself_o such_o as_o prayer_n read_v or_o meditation_n to_o supersede_n or_o hinder_v his_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n see_v that_o as_o these_o yield_v more_o public_a honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n so_o they_o be_v more_o effectual_a for_o our_o own_o benefit_n much_o less_o let_v sloth_n or_o too_o great_a eagerness_n upon_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n make_v we_o forget_v or_o neglect_v they_o but_o least_o of_o all_o let_v any_o lukewarm_a indifferency_n or_o atheistical_a carelessness_n seize_v upon_o any_o man_n in_o this_o particular_a but_o let_v the_o man_n who_o glory_v to_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v find_v there_o in_o
especial_o let_v he_o remember_v to_o frequent_v they_o constant_o and_o entire_o by_o constancy_n of_o attendance_n upon_o public_a worship_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o apply_v himself_o to_o it_o on_o the_o sunday_n or_o lord_n day_n but_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n if_o there_o be_v opportunity_n and_o by_o entireness_n of_o god_n service_n i_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n both_o to_o go_v at_o the_o beginning_n and_o to_o join_v in_o it_o both_o morning_n and_o evening_n that_o by_o all_o together_o he_o may_v not_o only_o sure_a himself_o and_o his_o own_o conscience_n of_o his_o heartiness_n and_o sincerity_n but_o demonstrate_v to_o all_o about_o he_o the_o great_a sense_n he_o have_v of_o the_o moment_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o serve_n of_o god_n as_o of_o great_a consequence_n than_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o frequent_v the_o public_a prayer_n every_o day_n where_o they_o be_v to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o character_n of_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o 2._o that_o among_o other_o instance_n of_o devotion_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o which_o can_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o his_o daily_a frequent_v the_o public_a prayer_n because_o his_o private_a prayer_n can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o to_o make_v his_o character_n but_o most_o express_o it_o be_v say_v of_o all_o that_o believe_v act_v 2._o 46._o that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v needs_o principal_o have_v reference_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o if_o any_o man_n be_v so_o put_v to_o it_o that_o he_o can_v spare_v one_o hour_n in_o a_o day_n to_o do_v public_a honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o unbelief_n in_o his_o providence_n as_o well_o as_o want_v of_o love_n to_o he_o if_o a_o man_n can_v trust_v god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o hope_v that_o such_o a_o time_n spend_v in_o his_o service_n shall_v be_v recompense_v by_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o day_n or_o however_o a_o good_a christian_a will_v be_v well_o content_v and_o glad_o sacrifice_v so_o much_o of_o his_o secular_a interest_n as_o this_o come_v to_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o for_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n go_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o shameful_a neglect_n which_o several_a person_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o will_v not_o altogether_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o will_v come_v common_o so_o late_o that_o they_o not_o only_o lose_v part_n of_o the_o prayer_n but_o enter_v very_o abrupt_o and_o irreverent_o upon_o that_o which_o they_o partake_v of_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o man_n may_v sometime_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o time_n or_o divert_v from_o his_o intention_n by_o some_o emergency_n but_o to_o be_v frequent_o tardy_a be_v a_o argument_n that_o he_o love_v something_o better_a than_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n for_o doubtless_o a_o good_a christian_n will_v ordinary_o choose_v rather_o to_o stay_v for_o the_o minister_n than_o that_o the_o public_a office_n shall_v stay_v for_o he_o and_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o spend_v a_o little_a time_n in_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v his_o heart_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n than_o either_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o divine_a presence_n rude_o or_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o by_o half_n and_o as_o for_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o this_o instance_n of_o devotion_n viz._n the_o resort_v both_o to_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n it_o be_v observable_a act_n 3._o 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o nine_o hour_n which_o be_v both_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o frequent_v the_o evening_n service_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o morning_n and_o also_o a_o example_n of_o observe_v the_o just_a and_o state_v time_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v become_v every_o good_a christian_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o such_o a_o precedent_n especial_o see_v the_o gospel_n worship_n which_o we_o resort_v to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o excellent_a and_o comfortable_a than_o the_o jewish_a be_v which_o those_o holy_a man_n thus_o careful_o frequent_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o 5._o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v that_o in_o all_o these_o public_a approach_n to_o god_n house_n we_o be_v to_o express_v a_o great_a reverence_n towards_o the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v that_o we_o ought_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o think_v worthy_o of_o he_o and_o prostrate_v all_o the_o inward_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o but_o that_o in_o our_o outward_a man_n in_o our_o carriage_n and_o bodily_a deportment_n we_o express_v a_o awful_a regard_n to_o he_o by_o all_o such_o gesture_n and_o sign_n as_o according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n be_v take_v to_o betoken_v the_o high_a reverence_n and_o observance_n such_o as_o stand_v kneeling_z bowing_z and_o prostration_n of_o ourselves_o before_o he_o for_o though_o the_o heart_n be_v that_o which_o god_n principal_o look_v at_o yet_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o make_v our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n and_o we_o hope_v he_o will_v save_v both_o he_o therefore_o expect_v we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o both_o with_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o our_o body_n which_o be_v his_o and_o which_o he_o have_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 20._o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v such_o a_o nearness_n and_o sympathy_n between_o our_o body_n and_o spirit_n that_o they_o ordinary_o move_v by_o consent_n and_o draw_v one_o another_o into_o compliance_n insomuch_o that_o he_o who_o true_o bow_v his_o soul_n to_o god_n can_v scarce_o forbear_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o he_o also_o and_o he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o he_o be_v by_o that_o very_a motion_n of_o his_o body_n in_o some_o measure_n put_v in_o mind_n to_o entertain_v reverential_a thought_n and_o affection_n towards_o he_o and_o this_o care_n of_o bodily_a worship_n be_v the_o more_o important_a in_o public_a service_n and_o especial_o in_o god_n house_n because_o as_o i_o note_v before_o then_o and_o there_o his_o honour_n and_o grandeur_n be_v concern_v and_o any_o indecent_a carriage_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o contempt_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o carriage_n which_o in_o secret_a worship_n may_v admit_v of_o excuse_n will_v in_o public_a be_v intolerable_a profaneness_n wherefore_o let_v not_o the_o pious_a man_n be_v affright_v by_o any_o one_o out_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o bodily_a reverence_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o superstition_n which_o be_v become_v a_o bugbear_n by_o which_o weak_a man_n be_v make_v afraid_a of_o every_o instance_n of_o a_o decorous_a or_o generous_a devotion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o culpable_a superstition_n in_o our_o worship_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o true_a object_n for_o it_o and_o while_o we_o use_v not_o such_o expression_n of_o our_o devotion_n as_o he_o have_v forbid_v but_o this_o of_o bodily_a reverence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v that_o it_o be_v express_o require_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o have_v be_v constant_o practise_v by_o all_o holy_a man_n nor_o let_v the_o fancy_n of_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n require_v under_o the_o gospel_n beguile_v any_o man_n into_o a_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n of_o bodily_a reverence_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o although_o the_o christian_a religion_n raise_v man_n inward_a devotion_n high_o yet_o it_o abate_v nothing_o of_o outward_a adoration_n but_o rather_o when_o it_o require_v the_o former_a shall_v be_v more_o intense_a and_o affectionate_a it_o suppose_v the_o other_o shall_v be_v answerable_a because_o it_o be_v natural_a so_o to_o be_v for_o this_o be_v the_o accessary_n can_v but_o follow_v the_o principal_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o possibility_n that_o more_o stress_n may_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o shadow_n than_o the_o substance_n and_o some_o man_n may_v hope_v to_o compliment_n god_n almighty_a out_o of_o his_o right_n to_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o address_n of_o their_o body_n but_o the_o fault_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o the_o latter_a but_o too_o little_a of_o the_o former_a and_o the_o good_a christian_a therefore_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o join_v both_o together_o and_o as_o he_o will_v come_v to_o god_n house_n with_o the_o most_o elevate_a affection_n so_o he_o will_v
the_o old_a religion_n demonstrate_v in_o its_o principle_n and_o describe_v in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n thereof_o jerem._n vi_fw-la 16._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n stand_v you_o in_o the_o way_n and_o see_v and_o ask_v for_o the_o old_a path_n where_o be_v the_o good_a way_n and_o walk_v therein_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n for_o your_o soul_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o amen-corner_n mdclxxxiv_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o pious_a reader_n good_a reader_n thou_o be_v here_o present_v with_o a_o new_a book_n concern_v the_o old_a religion_n as_o therefore_o thou_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v thy_o curiosity_n shall_v here_o be_v gratify_v with_o new_a notion_n for_o i_o be_o not_o describe_v a_o new_a way_n to_o heaven_n but_o direct_v thou_o in_o the_o good_a old_a way_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v mark_v out_o and_o which_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v all_o along_o walk_v in_o so_o neither_o be_v thou_o to_o think_v thyself_o disappoint_v if_o thou_o meet_v not_o with_o a_o discourse_n modish_o dress_v up_o with_o all_o the_o fashionable_a ornament_n of_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n for_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v thou_o though_o that_o will_v have_v be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n and_o perhaps_o may_v without_o any_o great_a difficulty_n have_v be_v comply_v with_o yet_o it_o will_v neither_o have_v suit_v so_o well_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n i_o be_o upon_o nor_o especial_o have_v fit_v the_o person_n for_o who_o sake_n this_o little_a book_n be_v write_v that_o therefore_o which_o i_o here_o pretend_v and_o which_o i_o hope_v thou_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o in_o the_o paper_n before_o thou_o be_v first_o a_o brief_a but_o plain_a and_o substantial_a proof_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n second_o a_o discovery_n and_o confutation_n of_o several_a vulgar_a opinion_n which_o deform_v the_o beauty_n and_o defeat_v the_o efficacy_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a and_o last_o a_o clear_a description_n a_o rational_a deduction_n and_o a_o serious_a inculcation_n of_o the_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o that_o religion_n wherein_o either_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n our_o own_o comfort_n or_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n be_v principal_o concern_v as_o for_o the_o management_n of_o these_o point_n though_o i_o have_v not_o give_v countenance_n to_o this_o discourse_n by_o citation_n of_o author_n nor_o either_o adorn_v the_o text_n with_o fine_a say_n nor_o the_o margin_n with_o great_a name_n yet_o i_o hope_v thou_o will_v find_v a_o vein_n of_o sound_a reason_n in_o it_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n run_v quite_o through_o it_o i_o assure_v thou_o i_o have_v deal_v sincere_o and_o conscientious_o herein_o i_o have_v impartial_o consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o best_a understanding_n god_n have_v give_v i_o and_o i_o here_o set_v before_o thou_o though_o not_o the_o product_n yet_o the_o result_n of_o many_o year_n observation_n consideration_n and_o experience_n and_o so_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o god_n blessing_n and_o thy_o candid_a acceptance_n farewell_o the_o content_n part_n i._o a_o introduction_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a life_n chap._n i._n the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n p._n 9_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o religion_n in_o another_o world_n p._n 21_o chap._n iv._o of_o the_o great_a influence_n and_o mighty_a efficacy_n of_o believe_a heaven_n and_o hell_n or_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n p._n 38_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o religion_n or_o what_o particular_a religion_n a_o man_n shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o p._n 55_o chap._n vi_o more_o particular_a direction_n for_o the_o settle_v a_o man_n mind_n in_o religion_n p._n 71_o chap._n vii_o caution_n against_o some_o opinion_n which_o be_v hindrance_n both_o of_o a_o holy_a and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a life_n p._n 85_o chap._n viii_o direction_n for_o the_o effectual_a prosecution_n of_o religion_n p._n 139_o part_n ii_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a live_n chap._n i._o of_o secret_a devotion_n and_o particular_o of_o secret_a prayer_n p._n 181_o chap._n ii_o of_o several_a other_o instance_n of_o secret_a devotion_n p._n 209_o chap._n iii_o of_o private_a devotion_n or_o family-piety_n in_o general_n p._n 235_o chap._n iv._o of_o family_n duty_n in_o special_a p._n 254_o chap._n v._o of_o family-discipline_n or_o by_o what_o mean_v a_o family_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o religion_n p._n 281_o chap._n vi_o of_o public_a piety_n and_o particular_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n p._n 301_o chap._n vii_o of_o civil_a piety_n or_o how_o a_o man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o promote_v god_n honour_n and_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o parish_n consider_v only_o as_o a_o civil_a society_n or_o neighbourhood_n p._n 346_o a_o introduction_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o a_o comfortable_a life_n chap._n i._n the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o book_n of_o book_n and_o treasury_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n express_v itself_o thus_o concern_v religion_n psal_n iii_o v._n 10._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o keep_v his_o commandment_n eccles_n 12._o 13._o let_v we_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n or_o business_n of_o man_n s_o t_o luke_n 13._o 23._o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a phil._n 2._o 12._o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a etc._n etc._n 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a s_o t_o mat._n 6._o 33._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o you_o s_o t_o john_n 6._o 27._o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o eternal_a life_n s_o t_o mat._n 16._o 26._o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n by_o all_o which_o and_o abundance_n of_o other_o such_o like_a passage_n it_o appear_v that_o religion_n be_v as_o much_o our_o interest_n as_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o piety_n and_o care_n of_o another_o world_n be_v not_o only_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o his_o imposition_n upon_o we_o but_o the_o upshot_n and_o result_n of_o the_o best_a and_o true_a wisdom_n for_o wisdom_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o sceptical_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n but_o in_o a_o determinate_a knowledge_n and_o resolution_n what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v not_o in_o a_o superficial_a smattering_n of_o many_o thing_n but_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o just_a nature_n value_n and_o moment_n of_o they_o not_o in_o a_o endless_a hunt_n after_o curiosity_n but_o to_o know_v where_o to_o stick_v and_o fasten_v not_o in_o pill_v a_o flint_n or_o laborious_a beat_n out_o of_o unprofitable_a difficulty_n but_o in_o apply_v a_o man_n self_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v savoury_a and_o useful_a not_o in_o trick_n of_o wit_n sophistry_n or_o eloquence_n and_o least_o of_o all_o in_o a_o jest_n or_o a_o repartee_n but_o to_o discover_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o propound_v to_o a_o man_n self_n as_o his_o end_n and_o design_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v to_o attain_v it_o to_o have_v great_a thing_n in_o a_o man_n thought_n and_o to_o despise_v and_o scorn_v little_a and_o petty_a design_n in_o a_o word_n to_o see_v a_o great_a way_n before_o he_o and_o to_o be_v well_o provide_v for_o the_o future_a now_o all_o this_o be_v verify_v in_o religion_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o here_o a_o man_n mind_n be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o great_a thought_n and_o sublimest_n object_n god_n and_o eternity_n he_o take_v care_n to_o secure_v the_o main_a stake_n his_o own_o soul_n he_o employ_v himself_o about_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n by_o inquire_v about_o another_o world_n he_o give_v proof_n of_o the_o great_a foresight_n in_o consider_v of_o it_o he_o give_v evidence_n of_o a_o sagacious_a temper_n in_o resolve_v upon_o it_o he_o show_v judgement_n in_o pursue_v it_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v he_o
demonstrate_v the_o command_n he_o have_v over_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o reason_n not_o ride_v by_o his_o passion_n and_o by_o persevere_v in_o this_o course_n he_o arrive_v at_o true_a tranquillity_n of_o mind_n the_o crown_n and_o glory_n of_o wisdom_n according_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o common_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o grave_n thoughtful_a sedate_n person_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v either_o fit_a to_o give_v or_o to_o take_v advice_n he_o be_v seldom_o destitute_a of_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a wherever_o you_o see_v a_o incogitant_fw-la shatter-brained_a fellow_n that_o know_v not_o himself_o enough_o to_o make_v he_o modest_a and_o civil_a that_o have_v not_o so_o much_o reason_n as_o to_o weigh_v a_o argument_n nor_o so_o much_o arithmetic_n as_o to_o value_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v present_a that_o be_v so_o much_o under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o sense_n as_o scarce_o to_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o spirit_n within_o he_o or_o have_v so_o much_o drink_v about_o he_o that_o his_o head_n work_v nothing_o but_o yeast_n and_o froth_n here_o be_v a_o man_n cut_v out_o to_o be_v a_o advocate_n for_o scepticism_n or_o atheism_n this_o be_v the_o person_n that_o will_v be_v captious_a against_o religion_n and_o malapert_a towards_o god_n almighty_a but_o let_v such_o man_n enjoy_v their_o humour_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a sad_o to_o repent_v or_o rue_v it_o at_o last_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o only_o betray_v their_o own_o shame_n and_o folly_n for_o their_o tongue_n will_v prove_v no_o slander_n to_o religion_n the_o mighty_a concern_v of_o which_o be_v not_o only_o declare_v by_o god_n almighty_a confirm_v by_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o justify_v by_o our_o experience_n but_o also_o affectionate_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n by_o those_o who_o sagacity_n and_o discretion_n be_v such_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o be_v deceive_v or_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o who_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v as_o little_a think_v they_o shall_v have_v any_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o those_o person_n who_o be_v either_o prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o evil_a example_n of_o the_o world_n or_o discountenance_v by_o the_o lewd_a say_n of_o such_o as_o we_o mention_v even_o now_o and_o decline_v the_o way_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n give_v themselves_o up_o to_o a_o loose_a and_o irreligious_a life_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n errant_a coward_n towards_o man_n while_o they_o be_v insolent_a towards_o god_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n they_o be_v false_a to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n which_o oblige_v man_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o future_a in_o the_o three_o place_n they_o be_v false_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o last_o they_o be_v false_a and_o ingrateful_a to_o their_o best_a friend_n who_o counsel_n they_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o silly_a and_o profligate_v wretch_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v think_v to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o this_o censure_n by_o suggest_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o devotion_n as_o either_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o weak_a judgement_n or_o of_o a_o melancholy_n and_o timorous_a constitution_n i_o add_v that_o this_o make_v the_o matter_n so_o much_o worse_o as_o that_o it_o involve_v they_o not_o only_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o the_o former_a but_o also_o of_o extreme_a rudeness_n and_o incivility_n towards_o the_o best_a of_o man_n to_o make_v all_o this_o more_o clear_a and_o convince_a and_o to_o lay_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v hereafter_o we_o will_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n show_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o religion_n stand_v chap._n ii_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o religion_n in_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o due_a regard_n towards_o the_o divine_a majesty_n a_o diligent_a care_n of_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o the_o supreme_a be_v the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n or_o which_o come_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n the_o prudent_a order_v a_o man_n conversation_n in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o he_o may_v erect_v his_o mind_n with_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n thus_o much_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebews_n chap._n 11._o 6._o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o in_o which_o few_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o matter_n or_o duty_n of_o religion_n express_v by_o diligent_a seek_v of_o god_n and_o second_o the_o two_o pillar_n or_o as_o i_o may_v say_v pole_n of_o it_o namely_o 1._o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n 2._o the_o expectation_n of_o reward_n from_o he_o the_o former_a of_o which_o most_o proper_o contain_v the_o first_o rise_v and_o reason_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o latter_a the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o pursue_v it_o if_o these_o two_o pillar_n be_v unite_v they_o make_v so_o firm_a a_o arch_n that_o no_o objection_n can_v shake_v the_o building_n but_o if_o they_o be_v take_v and_o consider_v single_o they_o be_v each_o of_o they_o of_o mighty_a strength_n for_o the_o uphold_v of_o religion_n §_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o former_a if_o i_o say_v we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n only_o that_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o possess_v we_o with_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o fitness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o diligent_o seek_v he_o it_o be_v true_a we_o can_v see_v the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o we_o may_v behold_v corporeal_a object_n because_o he_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o can_v see_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v he_o in_o our_o mind_n neither_o because_o of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n yet_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o be_v or_o no_o if_o we_o do_v but_o bethink_v ourselves_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n namely_o how_o we_o ourselves_o come_v to_o be_v for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v at_o the_o first_o blush_n of_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o say_v we_o have_v our_o beginning_n from_o our_o immediate_a parent_n and_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n successive_o from_o their_o progenitor_n yet_o when_o we_o proceed_v on_o in_o our_o inquiry_n so_o far_o as_o to_o consider_v and_o ask_v ourselves_o what_o it_o be_v which_o bring_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n into_o be_v we_o shall_v then_o find_v ourselves_o force_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v take_v a_o beginning_n without_o a_o cause_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o this_o thing_n call_v mankind_n can_v not_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o or_o produce_v itself_o and_o then_o to_o impute_v it_o to_o chance_n or_o to_o imagine_v that_o such_o a_o excellent_a be_v as_o mankind_n be_v wherein_o there_o be_v so_o much_o variety_n of_o part_n and_o yet_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o in_o short_a so_o many_o instance_n of_o admirable_a art_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o very_a composure_n of_o his_o body_n set_v aside_o his_o mind_n that_o this_o i_o say_v shall_v be_v the_o product_n of_o blind_a chance_n be_v more_o absurd_a than_o either_o of_o the_o former_a therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o god_n for_o none_o but_o a_o fool_n indeed_o can_v say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n now_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o give_v beginning_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n we_o must_v also_o own_v he_o to_o be_v eternal_a as_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o as_o such_o he_o must_v needs_o not_o only_o have_v in_o himself_o eminent_o all_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o his_o workmanship_n but_o be_v also_o unlimited_a in_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o this_o will_v inavoidable_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o all_o or_o most_o of_o those_o attribute_n which_o either_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ascribe_v to_o he_o or_o which_o religion_n be_v concern_v in_o namely_o that_o he_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n that_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a that_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a that_o he_o be_v just_a and_o that_o he_o be_v
good_a as_o will_v easy_o appear_v in_o particular_a first_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o act_v not_o necessary_o or_o that_o be_v bind_v down_o by_o any_o fatal_a necessity_n or_o determine_v to_o this_o or_o that_o act_n or_o object_n or_o measure_n of_o act_v by_o any_o thing_n without_o he_o but_o whole_o follow_v his_o own_o voluntary_a motion_n and_o choice_n the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o he_o make_v thing_n when_o nothing_o be_v before_o and_o so_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o bound_v limit_n or_o determine_v he_o second_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v powerful_a or_o omnipotent_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n namely_o because_o he_o give_v be_v and_o begin_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o for_o we_o can_v conceive_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o power_n than_o to_o bring_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o three_o he_o must_v be_v wise_a both_o because_o we_o see_v he_o have_v contrive_v thing_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o exact_a wisdom_n insomuch_o that_o the_o more_o we_o understand_v the_o divine_a workmanship_n the_o more_o we_o admire_v it_o and_o also_o because_o he_o have_v imprint_v some_o image_n of_o of_o his_o wisdom_n upon_o ourselves_o four_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v he_o just_a as_o well_o because_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o can_v have_v no_o little_a end_n to_o bias_n he_o as_o because_o he_o have_v also_o make_v a_o impression_n of_o justice_n upon_o our_o mind_n last_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v good_a not_o only_o because_o he_o be_v wise_a as_o aforesaid_a but_o because_o he_o be_v infinite_o happy_a and_o perfect_a and_o so_o can_v fear_v nothing_o can_v envy_v nothing_o can_v need_v nothing_o from_o any_o other_o be_v but_o contrariwise_o be_v infinite_o full_a must_v have_v a_o pleasure_n to_o diffuse_v and_o communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o §_o 3._o all_o these_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o deity_n flow_v from_o that_o one_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o every_o of_o these_o upon_o religion_n be_v as_o great_a and_o apparent_a as_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o be_v be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n deny_v any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a attribute_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v in_o he_o or_o belong_v to_o he_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o conscience_n to_o incline_v he_o to_o regard_v this_o great_a god_n i._n e._n to_o be_v religious_a which_o we_o will_v again_o show_v particular_o first_o if_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o the_o good_a and_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o do_v to_o we_o he_o do_v by_o choice_n and_o then_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o the_o one_o and_o humble_v ourselves_o to_o he_o under_o the_o other_o and_o then_o also_o because_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n we_o know_v there_o be_v no_o trifle_a and_o dally_v with_o such_o a_o deity_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v all_o possible_a mean_n of_o propitiate_a he_o towards_o ourselves_o second_o for_o the_o divine_a omnipotency_n the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o that_o be_v that_o we_o fear_v he_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o who_o be_v there_o that_o think_v of_o a_o god_n that_o make_v he_o out_o of_o nothing_o and_o be_v therefore_o able_a to_o destroy_v he_o and_o resolve_v he_o into_o nothing_o again_o when_o he_o please_v who_o do_v not_o think_v it_o the_o high_a wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o shouldbe_v subject_a to_o he_o pay_v he_o all_o possible_a homage_n tremble_v before_o he_o and_o also_o think_v fit_a to_o trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o all_o exigency_n and_o difficulty_n three_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n make_v our_o obligation_n to_o religion_n yet_o more_o strict_a and_o close_a for_o it_o convince_v our_o reason_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o providence_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v and_o not_o to_o dispute_v his_o command_n nor_o doubt_v his_o promise_n but_o hold_v he_o in_o the_o high_a veneration_n and_o admiration_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o express_v to_o be_v reverend_a towards_o he_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o submit_v our_o will_n to_o he_o and_o especial_o in_o consideration_n that_o he_o must_v needs_o see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o our_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n to_o live_v with_o as_o much_o caution_n in_o the_o great_a retirement_n and_o privacy_n as_o when_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o great_a theatre_n four_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o integrity_n not_o only_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o hate_v all_o sin_n but_o that_o he_o have_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n but_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o then_o who_o will_v grumble_v at_o any_o of_o his_o providence_n break_v any_o of_o his_o law_n or_o do_v any_o unjust_a and_o base_a action_n and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n who_o always_o can_v and_o in_o due_a time_n will_v right_v himself_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o benign_a majesty_n can_v choose_v but_o mighty_o inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o love_n to_o he_o and_o provoke_v we_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o cheerfulness_n for_o who_o that_o believe_v he_o delight_v to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n do_v not_o think_v of_o he_o with_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_v himself_o in_o he_o or_o who_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o offend_v and_o abuse_v he_o and_o not_o rather_o repent_v of_o all_o his_o former_a folly_n and_o ingratitude_n and_o resolve_v to_o sin_n no_o more_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n so_o that_o in_o this_o one_o principle_n the_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n we_o have_v a_o large_a foundation_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n which_o i_o have_v the_o rather_o insist_v upon_o thus_o particular_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v or_o call_v themselves_o theist_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o no_o more_o of_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o of_o this_o great_a point_n the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n these_o man_n i_o say_v if_o upon_o that_o single_a principle_n they_o do_v not_o live_v religious_o be_v either_o man_n of_o no_o conscience_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o what_o their_o principle_n be_v or_o be_v man_n of_o no_o principle_n at_o all_o i._n e._n be_v atheist_n rather_o than_o theist_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a how_o pregnant_a that_o one_o principle_n be_v of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n if_o it_o be_v sincere_o believe_v and_o right_o improve_v but_o so_o much_o for_o that_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o religion_n in_o another_o world_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o other_o principle_n of_o religion_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o this_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o be_v proper_o the_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o conjoin_v our_o interest_n with_o his_o own_o and_o he_o have_v make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o he_o to_o consist_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o conduce_v to_o our_o own_o good_a as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n by_o plant_v in_o we_o that_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o our_o nature_n and_o by_o which_o he_o work_v upon_o we_o concern_v this_o point_n therefore_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o religion_n we_o will_v first_o consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o when_o that_o be_v clear_a we_o shall_v easy_o in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o make_v man_n devout_a the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o we_o will_v make_v way_n to_o the_o discovery_n of_o by_o this_o train_n of_o discourse_n 1._o we_o have_v show_v already_o that_o there_o be_v both_o justice_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n either_o of_o which_o several_o but_o most_o certain_o both_o together_o in_o conjunction_n afford_v ground_n of_o expectation_n that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o
for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o stout_o and_o brave_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o lay_v it_o upon_o we_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v as_o cautious_a and_o timorous_a of_o draw_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v seldom_o separate_a from_o the_o last_o for_o he_o that_o know_v how_o to_o encounter_v a_o danger_n will_v not_o ordinary_o thrust_v himself_o into_o it_o and_o usual_o those_o who_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o run_v themselves_o into_o difficulty_n show_v as_o little_a courage_n and_o conduct_n in_o conflict_v with_o they_o as_o they_o do_v discretion_n in_o the_o adventure_n upon_o they_o and_o no_o wonder_n see_v in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o god_n protection_n trust_v to_o themselves_o and_o then_o they_o can_v in_o reason_n expect_v other_o than_o to_o be_v desert_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o such_o unwarrantalbe_n enterprise_v let_v the_o pious_o dispose_v man_n therefore_o not_o be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o try_v experiment_n upon_o himself_o lest_o he_o buy_v his_o knowledge_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o too_o great_a a_o hazard_n let_v he_o not_o go_v too_o near_a sin_n in_o confidence_n that_o he_o can_v divide_v by_o a_o hair_n and_o come_v off_o clever_o enough_o for_o instance_n let_v he_o not_o nibble_n at_o a_o oath_n nor_o mince_v the_o matter_n of_o profaneness_n nor_o drink_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o sobriety_n nor_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o justice_n in_o his_o deal_n for_o he_o know_v not_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n nor_o consider_v the_o slippery_a ground_n he_o stand_v upon_o that_o will_v thus_o venture_v to_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o his_o liberty_n nor_o let_v he_o provoke_v enemy_n to_o himself_o by_o intemperate_a zeal_n as_o if_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o meet_v with_o opposition_n enough_o without_o his_o own_o procure_n nor_o the_o world_n have_v malice_n enough_o unless_o he_o inflame_v and_o exasperate_v it_o especial_o let_v he_o not_o thrust_v himself_o into_o lewd_a company_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n and_o stability_n for_o he_o have_v no_o sufficient_a apprehension_n of_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o by_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a imprudence_n tempt_v he_o to_o tempt_v himself_o nay_o nor_o do_v he_o seem_v to_o hate_v and_o abominate_a sin_n so_o absolute_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o love_v the_o vicinage_n and_o neighbourhood_n of_o it_o what_o the_o wise_a man_n therefore_o advise_v prov._n 5._o 8._o concern_v the_o whorish_a woman_n be_v very_o applicable_a to_o this_o case_n remove_v thy_o way_n far_o from_o she_o and_o come_v not_o near_o the_o door_n of_o her_o house_n and_o so_o also_o he_o say_v of_o flagitious_a man_n chap._n 4._o 14_o 15._o enter_v not_o into_o the_o path_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o go_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o evil_a man_n avoid_v it_o pass_v not_o by_o it_o turn_v from_o it_o and_o pass_v away_o for_o he_o that_o go_v ordinary_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o a_o precipice_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n sometime_o or_o other_o to_o fall_v in_o and_o he_o that_o nibble_v at_o the_o bait_n will_v one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v take_v with_o the_o hook_n 6._o six_o and_o last_o as_o a_o discreet_a man_n and_o concern_v for_o eternal_a life_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v overdare_n and_o confident_a in_o his_o approach_n towards_o sin_n and_o danger_n so_o neither_o ought_v he_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o be_v timorous_a and_o straitlaced_n in_o thing_n eminent_o and_o unquestionable_o good_a whether_o it_o be_v in_o instance_n of_o devotion_n towards_o god_n or_o of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n of_o himself_o or_o in_o act_n of_o charity_n towards_o other_o for_o in_o all_o these_o there_o be_v such_o a_o scope_n and_o latitude_n as_o that_o a_o brave_a and_o noble_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n may_v and_o will_v distinguish_v itself_o from_o a_o narrow_a and_o stingy_a temper_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o they_o for_o example_n such_o a_o man_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o neither_o will_v nor_o aught_o to_o confine_v his_o devotion_n to_o such_o strict_a and_o precise_a measure_n as_o that_o he_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o omission_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o will_v contrariwise_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o spend_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a of_o his_o time_n in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o such_o other_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o apply_v somewhat_o more_o than_o the_o just_a ten_o or_o tithe_v of_o his_o increase_n to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o religion_n nor_o will_v he_o grudge_v to_o deny_v himself_o upon_o weighty_a occasion_n some_o of_o that_o pleasure_n which_o at_o other_o time_n he_o can_v allow_v himself_o without_o sin_n or_o if_o occasion_n be_v he_o will_v give_v alm_n not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o superfluity_n of_o his_o estate_n but_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o ability_n perhaps_o beyond_o his_o convenience_n for_o these_o thing_n though_o general_o consider_v they_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o express_a duty_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a mere_o because_o they_o be_v not_o command_v so_o long_o as_o the_o species_n and_o kind_a of_o they_o be_v command_v and_o beside_o such_o extraordinary_a expression_n of_o obedience_n to_o a_o general_a command_n be_v very_o fit_a to_o demonstrate_v our_o love_n to_o god_n our_o gratitude_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a bounty_n towards_o we_o and_o our_o value_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n see_v that_o by_o such_o instance_n especial_o we_o show_v that_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n and_o that_o we_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o the_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o though_o it_o will_v not_o be_v express_o a_o sin_n to_o omit_v any_o one_o of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n aforesaid_a yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o palpable_a argument_n of_o a_o narrow_a heart_n towards_o god_n to_o yield_v no_o such_o instance_n at_o all_o and_o can_v but_o proceed_v from_o very_o culpable_a superstition_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o so_o do_v nay_o more_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v barren_a of_o such_o fruit_n and_o careless_a of_o such_o performance_n be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o folly_n and_o imprudence_n towards_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o comfort_n which_o our_o heart_n may_v receive_v by_o such_o generosity_n for_o although_o by_o no_o after_o act_n of_o we_o how_o excellent_a soever_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o make_v any_o proper_a amends_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o our_o former_a offence_n and_o omission_n yet_o by_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o we_o speak_v of_o we_o show_v ourselves_o sensible_a of_o those_o miscarriage_n and_o that_o we_o be_v under_o remorse_n for_o they_o and_o we_o give_v proof_n that_o we_o true_o love_v god_n though_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o desire_v to_o obtain_v his_o favour_n by_o the_o most_o costly_a oblation_n upon_o all_o which_o account_v it_o seem_v very_o adviseable_a that_o he_o who_o set_v his_o face_n towards_o heaven_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_v and_o enlarge_v his_o heart_n this_o way_n and_o not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v cramp_v and_o contract_v by_o any_o odd_a opinion_n to_o the_o contrary_n whereas_o therefore_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o fancy_n a_o frugal_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o according_o inquire_v for_o the_o minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la as_o we_o say_v or_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o if_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v divide_v by_o a_o hair_n and_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o no_o more_o piety_n than_o will_v just_o carry_v they_o out_o of_o danger_n they_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v that_o they_o seek_v after_o impossibility_n and_o contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o will_v have_v fire_n without_o heat_n religion_n without_o devotion_n piety_n without_o affection_n holiness_n without_o zeal_n or_o that_o they_o desire_v to_o fear_n god_n but_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o love_v he_o to_o speak_v plain_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o goodness_n be_v never_o seek_v after_o but_o in_o a_o ill_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o by_o a_o cowardly_a and_o hypocritical_a heart_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v find_v with_o comfort_n for_o the_o essence_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o discoverable_a without_o the_o fruit_n than_o a_o body_n without_o its_o accident_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o obtain_v true_a comfort_n in_o our_o soul_n viz._n either_o by_o our_o daily_a
by_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n they_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o the_o other_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a and_o intimate_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o consequent_o of_o this_o they_o give_v the_o great_a assurance_n to_o our_o own_o heart_n of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o comfortable_a for_o public_a devotion_n may_v possible_o have_v a_o great_a alloy_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o may_v owe_v itself_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n or_o to_o public_a fame_n and_o reputation_n but_o he_o that_o worship_v god_n in_o secret_a where_o and_o when_o no_o eye_n be_v privy_a but_o only_o that_o of_o god_n almighty_n be_v secure_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o mean_a or_o sinister_a end_n in_o so_o do_v nothing_o can_v move_v he_o to_o this_o but_o the_o mere_a reverence_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o forementioned_a passage_n mat._n 6._o 6._o lay_n a_o emphasis_n upon_o those_o word_n thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o add_v this_o encouragement_n of_o such_o address_n to_o god_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v thou_o open_o upon_o all_o which_o consideration_n let_v the_o man_n who_o either_o value_v god_n glory_n or_o his_o own_o improvement_n peace_n and_o comfort_n or_o indeed_o who_o make_v any_o pretence_n to_o religion_n strict_o make_v conscience_n of_o and_o constant_o practice_v secret_a devotion_n the_o nature_n extent_n manner_n instance_n and_o circumstance_n whereof_o i_o be_o now_o further_o to_o explain_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o and_o i_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o so_o principal_a a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o as_o i_o note_v before_o it_o be_v ordinary_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a i_o mean_v prayer_n to_o god_n touch_v the_o secret_a exercise_n whereof_o let_v the_o good_a christian_a take_v these_o follow_a direction_n first_o let_v he_o not_o fail_v night_n and_o morning_n at_o least_o solemn_o and_o devout_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n divers_a holy_a man_n we_o read_v of_o who_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o zeal_n or_o urgency_n of_o the_o occasion_n for_o it_o have_v prescribe_v to_o themselves_o strict_a measure_n than_o this_o particular_o david_n say_v he_o will_v worship_v god_n seven_o time_n in_o a_o day_n and_o daniel_n custom_n be_v to_o do_v it_o three_o time_n a_o day_n dan._n 6._o 10._o as_o seem_v also_o to_o have_v be_v that_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o less_o than_o twice_o a_o day_n i_o can_v find_v to_o agree_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o good_a man_n unless_o either_o sickness_n disable_v they_o or_o some_o very_a extraordinary_a occasion_n divert_v they_o and_o it_o be_v wondrous_o fit_a and_o decorous_a that_o we_o who_o owe_v our_o whole_a time_n to_o god_n shall_v pay_v he_o the_o tribute_n of_o devote_v those_o critical_a period_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v evening_n and_o morning_n to_o he_o especial_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n these_o two_o point_n of_o time_n be_v attend_v with_o namely_o in_o the_o evening_n have_v finish_v the_o course_n of_o that_o day_n and_o reflect_v upon_o our_o infirmity_n in_o it_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v by_o how_o many_o fail_n we_o have_v just_o incur_v god_n displeasure_n if_o he_o shall_v severe_o animadvert_v upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o we_o must_v needs_o also_o be_v sensible_a both_o how_o many_o danger_n we_o have_v escape_v by_o his_o providence_n and_o how_o many_o instance_n of_o blessing_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o his_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o have_v reason_n to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n and_o especial_o be_v then_o also_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o sleep_v when_o above_o all_o time_n we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o own_o keep_n and_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o thousand_o danger_n from_o thief_n from_o malicious_a man_n from_o violent_a element_n of_o wind_n fire_n and_o water_n from_o the_o erterprise_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o frightful_a dream_n and_o our_o own_o foolish_a imagination_n in_o which_o and_o sundry_a other_o respect_n no_o man_n know_v what_o a_o night_n may_v bring_v forth_o and_o in_o consideration_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o stupid_o secure_a and_o foolhardy_a person_n that_o do_v not_o think_v it_o high_o to_o be_v his_o interest_n by_o peculiar_a address_n to_o recommend_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o concern_v to_o the_o watchful_a eye_n of_o providence_n which_o neither_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n have_v not_o only_o by_o the_o guard_n of_o holy_a angel_n be_v preserve_v from_o all_o those_o danger_n which_o may_v have_v surprise_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o when_o our_o sense_n be_v so_o lock_v up_o that_o we_o can_v not_o help_v ourselves_o but_o refresh_v and_o recruit_v in_o all_o our_o power_n by_o that_o admirable_a divine_a opiate_n sleep_n nothing_o less_o can_v become_v we_o than_o to_o consecrate_v anew_o all_o these_o restore_v power_n to_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n by_o hearty_a adoration_n beside_o this_o we_o be_v then_o sensible_a that_o we_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a scene_n of_o business_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o innumerable_a accident_n danger_n difficulty_n and_o temptation_n none_o of_o which_o we_o be_v match_n for_o without_o divine_a assistance_n and_o have_v therefore_o need_v to_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o good_a providence_n before_o we_o encounter_v they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o timidity_n or_o superstitious_a fear_n but_o just_a wisdom_n not_o to_o dare_v either_o to_o go_v to_o bed_n or_o to_o set_v our_o foot_n out_o of_o door_n till_o we_o have_v recommend_v ourselves_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o prayer_n and_o by_o so_o do_v as_o aforesaid_a we_o maintain_v the_o juge_fw-fr sacrificium_fw-la and_o in_o god_n gracious_a interpretation_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v continual_o and_o to_o consecrate_v our_o whole_a time_n to_o he_o and_o beside_o we_o keep_v up_o a_o lively_a and_o constant_a sense_n of_o he_o upon_o our_o heart_n second_o let_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o duty_n be_v do_v fervent_o as_o well_o as_o constant_o and_o frequent_o not_o formal_o and_o customary_o without_o life_n and_o feel_n of_o what_o a_o man_n be_v about_o or_o with_o wander_a thought_n and_o distract_v affection_n but_o with_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v flat_a and_o remiss_a in_o these_o special_a approach_n to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v much_o worse_o and_o even_o loose_a and_o atheistical_a upon_o other_o occasion_n for_o these_o secret_a duty_n be_v the_o special_a instrument_n and_o exercise_n of_o raise_v our_o heart_n towards_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o nick_n up_o of_o our_o watch_n to_o that_o cue_n in_o which_o we_o will_v have_v it_o go_v in_o the_o more_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o it_o be_v principal_o concern_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o all_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n but_o the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o piety_n lie_v in_o these_o secret_a duty_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v discharge_v with_o the_o quick_a sense_n and_o most_o inflame_a affection_n insomuch_o that_o a_o man_n must_v not_o think_v he_o have_v acquit_v himself_o when_o he_o have_v repeat_v such_o or_o so_o many_o prayer_n until_o he_o find_v also_o his_o heart_n warm_v and_o his_o temper_n of_o mind_n raise_v and_o improve_v by_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o let_v he_o in_o the_o entrance_n upon_o these_o retirement_n place_v himself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o this_o may_v give_v check_n to_o all_o levity_n of_o spirit_n and_o wander_a of_o thought_n and_o make_v he_o grave_a and_o reverential_a let_v he_o also_o all_o along_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o either_o beg_v of_o god_n or_o return_v thanks_o for_o that_o this_o may_v render_v he_o ardent_a in_o his_o desire_n and_o affectionate_a in_o his_o praise_n and_o while_o he_o persevere_fw-la in_o these_o duty_n let_v he_o join_v with_o they_o reading_z and_o meditation_n not_o only_o to_o fix_v his_o mind_n but_o to_o prevent_v barrenness_n and_o to_o impreganate_n and_o enrich_v his_o soul_n with_o divine_a notion_n and_o affection_n to_o this_o end_n three_o let_v he_o take_v care_n
improve_v his_o stewardship_n in_o this_o particular_a last_o in_o a_o family_n there_o be_v common_o some_o who_o under_o the_o general_a relation_n of_o friend_n or_o acquaintance_n be_v either_o resident_a in_o it_o or_o at_o least_o hospitable_o entertain_v by_o it_o now_o as_o this_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o the_o person_n treat_v so_o it_o give_v some_o authority_n to_o he_o who_o treat_v they_o and_o consequent_o as_o such_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a towards_o man_n for_o the_o scandal_n and_o misdemeanour_n of_o his_o guest_n so_o be_v he_o much_o more_o responsible_a to_o god_n for_o any_o profaneness_n they_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o his_o divine_a majesty_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o every_o man_n be_v king_n in_o his_o own_o family_n may_v give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o oblige_v those_o who_o be_v under_o his_o protection_n to_o pay_v he_o allegiance_n and_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n with_o he_o especial_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v this_o because_o the_o four_o commandment_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o use_v this_o authority_n not_o only_o over_o our_o son_n and_o daughter_n our_o man-servant_n and_o maid-servant_n but_o over_o all_o those_o that_o be_v within_o our_o gate_n but_o so_o much_o in_o the_o general_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o particular_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o family_n of_o which_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iu._n of_o family_n duty_n in_o special_a in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o family_n that_o beside_o closet-devotion_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o beside_o public_a worship_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v anon_o once_o a_o day_n at_o the_o least_o they_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n i_o say_v once_o a_o day_n at_o the_o least_o in_o favour_n of_o man_n occasion_n and_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n of_o some_o family_n be_v it_o not_o for_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o fit_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v prayer_n morning_n and_o evening_n as_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o most_o pious_a family_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v wonderful_o decent_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o family_n shall_v once_o in_o the_o day_n meet_v together_o and_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o any_o excuse_n shall_v be_v plead_v or_o admit_v in_o this_o case_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o every_o several_a family_n be_v a_o peculiar_a body_n or_o society_n which_o have_v its_o distinct_a circumstance_n effect_n and_o consideration_n it_o have_v its_o respective_a needs_o to_o be_v supply_v and_o therefore_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a request_n to_o god_n as_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o continue_v it_o in_o health_n to_o settle_v concord_n and_o unity_n among_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o that_o the_o whole_a may_v enjoy_v prosperity_n and_o safety_n from_o thief_n from_o fire_n and_o other_o danger_n and_o every_o such_o society_n have_v also_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a mercy_n to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o as_o namely_o for_o success_n in_o affair_n for_o quiet_a habitation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o molest_v with_o ill_a neighbour_n nor_o vex_v with_o law-suit_n for_o hopeful_a child_n faithful_a servant_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o several_a of_o these_o respect_v a_o man_n may_v be_v well_o and_o comfortable_a in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o yet_o be_v unhappy_a in_o the_o society_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o society_n or_o family_n may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o general_n and_o yet_o a_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v in_o ill_a circumstance_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v just_a reason_n of_o address_n and_o acknowledgement_n to_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o family_n and_o by_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o conjunction_n as_o well_o as_o by_o every_o single_a person_n apart_o and_o in_o his_o closet_n and_o though_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v some_o family_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o person_n who_o can_v apt_o and_o proper_o represent_v the_o peculiar_a concern_v of_o it_o to_o the_o almighty_a and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o there_o be_v no_o form_n of_o prayer_n at_o hand_n that_o will_v express_v all_o the_o respective_a circumstance_n of_o such_o a_o society_n yet_o they_o may_v lift_v up_o their_o heart_n and_o voice_n together_o in_o a_o general_a form_n and_o supply_v with_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n whatsoever_o be_v want_v in_o the_o expression_n and_o as_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o such_o family_n worship_n so_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o expect_v it_o will_v be_v singular_o successful_a when_o the_o whole_a community_n join_v together_o and_o present_v themselves_o and_o their_o tribute_n of_o praise_n before_o the_o lord_n no_o question_n but_o the_o very_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v high_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o when_o with_o prostrate_a body_n devout_a heart_n and_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n they_o combine_v together_o to_o importune_v and_o as_o it_o be_v besiege_v the_o almighty_a they_o can_v fail_v of_o a_o blessing_n or_o however_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o such_o person_n and_o a_o great_a security_n to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v thus_o joint_o and_o solemn_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a protection_n beside_o that_o this_o course_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o conciliate_v peace_n and_o love_n and_o kindness_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o body_n and_o to_o knit_v their_o heart_n to_o one_o another_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o accustom_v to_o unite_v their_o heart_n and_o join_v their_o hand_n in_o god_n service_n and_o conspire_v to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o great_a indearment_n of_o affection_n perhaps_o some_o man_n will_v now_o say_v there_o be_v no_o express_a scripture_n which_o require_v of_o man_n this_o daily_a office_n of_o family_n prayer_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o what_o if_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n see_v there_o be_v so_o apparent_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o god_n who_o consider_v that_o he_o give_v law_n to_o reasonable_a man_n do_v not_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o prescribe_v every_o thing_n in_o particular_a especial_o in_o natural_a worship_n where_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n may_v supply_v he_o with_o direction_n what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n beside_o second_o as_o i_o discourse_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v a_o stingy_a and_o narrow-souled_a trick_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o no_o true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n to_o stand_v upon_o so_o strict_a term_n in_o our_o piety_n as_o to_o require_v a_o express_a command_n in_o particular_a for_o that_o which_o be_v admirable_o good_a in_o the_o general_n and_o have_v also_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a man_n as_o this_o have_v be_v but_o after_o all_o i_o will_v in_o the_o last_o place_n crave_v leave_v to_o ask_v those_o man_n a_o plain_a question_n who_o insist_v upon_o more_o express_a proof_n of_o family_n prayer_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o whether_o they_o think_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o public_a worship_n require_v of_o man_n if_o they_o do_v then_o let_v they_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o public_a society_n than_o that_o of_o family_n namely_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o either_o public_a worship_n must_v be_v this_o of_o family_n or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o to_o enlighten_v they_o in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o passage_n gen._n 4._o 26._o when_o seth_n have_v enos_n bear_v to_o he_o it_o be_v say_v then_o begin_v man_n to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o there_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o family_n in_o the_o pious_a line_n of_o seth_n then_o present_o they_o set_v up_o god_n worship_n in_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o beginning_n of_o secret_a worship_n for_o no_o doubt_n but_o seth_n be_v careful_a of_o that_o before_o enos_n be_v bear_v nor_o be_v it_o proper_o public_a or_o ecclesiastic_a worship_n for_o in_o that_o minority_n of_o the_o world_n there_o neither_o be_v nor_o as_o yet_o can_v be_v any_o church_n establish_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n therefore_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o family_n worship_n be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o be_v of_o family_n themselves_o or_o let_v pious_a and_o
present_o set_v up_o man_n for_o lay-preacher_n and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o repeat_v sermon_n raise_v the_o rebellion_n but_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o unusual_a nor_o under_o any_o ill_a character_n in_o court_n of_o judicature_n for_o man_n to_o take_v note_n of_o the_o reason_n determination_n and_o even_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o sure_o religion_n be_v of_o as_o much_o moment_n as_o the_o municipal_a law_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n be_v of_o as_o great_a consequence_n as_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la but_o if_o the_o discourse_n of_o preacher_n be_v not_o so_o considerate_a their_o reason_n not_o so_o close_a and_o weighty_a nor_o their_o determination_n so_o well_o ground_v as_o to_o be_v worth_a note_n the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n to_o say_v no_o more_o as_o for_o the_o second_o objection_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o preacher_n handle_v only_o the_o indisputable_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o press_v they_o home_o and_o close_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n these_o will_v afford_v little_a scope_n for_o conceitedness_n or_o captiousness_n but_o some_o man_n that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o humour_n will_v be_v pragmatical_a and_o profane_a whether_o they_o write_v after_o sermon_n or_o no_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o lay_v this_o blame_n where_o it_o be_v due_a to_o the_o three_o objection_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o though_o write_v after_o sermon_n may_v perhaps_o furnish_v man_n with_o material_n for_o lay-preaching_a yet_o it_o be_v impudence_n which_o dispose_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o government_n which_o give_v opportunity_n for_o it_o and_o if_o the_o last_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v take_v care_n of_o the_o second_o will_v be_v curb_v and_o the_o first_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a but_o last_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o writing_n and_o repeat_v of_o sermon_n be_v accessary_a to_o the_o late_a rebellion_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o can_v be_v neither_o the_o writing_n nor_o the_o repeat_n but_o the_o seditious_a matter_n of_o the_o sermon_n that_o be_v in_o the_o fault_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o good_a and_o pious_a sermon_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o prevent_v all_o mischief_n of_o that_o kind_n tend_v to_o make_v good_a subject_n as_o well_o as_o good_a christian_n and_o the_o writing_n and_o repeat_v of_o such_o sermon_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o settle_v such_o doctrine_n the_o deep_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v good_a prudence_n to_o apply_v that_o to_o a_o good_a end_n which_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o a_o bad_a one_o unless_o we_o will_v countenance_v the_o humour_n of_o some_o late_a reformer_n who_o method_n be_v to_o abolish_v thing_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o see_v no_o just_a discouragement_n from_o this_o instance_n of_o family-devotion_n however_o i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o but_o proceed_v to_o such_o as_o be_v unexceptionable_a 4._o it_o be_v certain_o a_o family_n duty_n to_o instruct_v all_o the_o young_a and_o ignorant_a person_n in_o it_o in_o the_o substantial_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n the_o obligation_n to_o and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o office_n have_v be_v sufficient_o represent_v before_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n now_o therefore_o only_o to_o speak_v brief_o and_o plain_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o discharge_v it_o it_o comprise_v these_o follow_a particular_n first_o that_o care_n be_v take_v betimes_o to_o subdue_v the_o unruly_a will_n and_o passion_n of_o child_n which_o be_v ordinary_o not_o very_o hard_a to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v mind_v time_n enough_o while_o they_o be_v tender_a and_o pliable_a but_o the_o defect_n herein_o like_o a_o error_n in_o the_o first_o concoction_n be_v hardly_o remediable_a afterward_o according_o the_o wise_a man_n advise_v prov._n 19_o 18._o chasten_v thy_o son_n while_o there_o be_v hope_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o soul_n spare_v for_o his_o cry_n by_o break_v his_o stomach_n now_o we_o prevent_v the_o break_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n hereafter_o for_o by_o this_o mean_n with_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v comfort_n in_o a_o child_n and_o the_o state_n and_o public_a society_n a_o governable_a subject_n whereas_o contrariwise_o stubborness_n and_o malapertness_n in_o youth_n grow_v to_o contemptuousness_n of_o parent_n &_o to_o faction_n and_o sedition_n in_o the_o state_n in_o age_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o second_o let_v they_o learn_v and_o be_v accustom_v humble_o to_o beg_v the_o blessing_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o progenitor_n this_o as_o mean_o as_o some_o inconsiderate_a people_n think_v of_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a use_n for_o it_o not_o only_o teach_v child_n to_o reverence_v their_o parent_n but_o wonderful_o provoke_v and_o inflame_v the_o affection_n of_o parent_n towards_o they_o and_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o convey_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o though_o it_o be_v only_a god_n that_o bestow_v the_o blessing_n yet_o his_o way_n be_v to_o use_v the_o intervention_n and_o designation_n of_o parent_n and_o general_o those_o who_o they_o bless_v in_o this_o case_n be_v bless_v and_o those_o who_o they_o curse_v be_v curse_v three_o then_o let_v they_o learn_v to_o read_v to_o pray_v and_o especial_o to_o say_v their_o catechise_v for_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o thorough_o understand_v by_o they_o now_o yet_o they_o will_v stick_v by_o they_o and_o be_v remember_v when_o they_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o improve_n they_o insomuch_o that_o it_o will_v be_v uneasy_a to_o one_o that_o have_v be_v well_o principled_a in_o his_o minority_n to_o be_v impious_a and_o profane_a hereafter_o or_o if_o he_o shall_v prove_v so_o there_o will_v yet_o be_v some_o hope_n of_o reclaim_v he_o because_o these_o thing_n will_v some_o time_n or_o other_o revive_v and_o awaken_v his_o conscience_n four_o after_o this_o let_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n that_o he_o may_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o pray_v over_o they_o bless_v and_o confirm_v they_o for_o if_o the_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o every_o righteous_a man_n avail_n much_o as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o undoubted_o the_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o benediction_n of_o christ_n immediate_a substitute_n and_o the_o prime_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o inconsiderable_a beside_o when_o man_n have_v understand_o and_o solemn_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v it_o their_o own_o act_n by_o a_o voluntary_a and_o public_a choice_n it_o will_v ordinary_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o in_o modesty_n honour_n and_o reputation_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o easy_o go_v back_o from_o it_o and_o renounce_v it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o many_o have_v miscarry_v afterward_o in_o point_n of_o practice_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a in_o experience_n that_o few_o or_o none_o who_o have_v be_v confirm_v as_o aforesaid_a have_v apostatise_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n five_o and_o last_o after_o such_o foundation_n be_v lay_v it_o be_v no_o time_n yet_o to_o be_v secure_a but_o these_o beginning_n must_v be_v follow_v with_o further_a instruction_n that_o such_o person_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o savoury_a sense_n of_o piety_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o so_o neither_o be_v debauch_v with_o example_n nor_o toss_v to_o and_o fro_o by_o every_o wind_n of_o new_a doctrine_n nay_o further_o these_o young_a person_n ought_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o all_o the_o ingenuous_a learning_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v and_o we_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v they_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o serviceable_a to_o god_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n by_o the_o intent_n prosecution_n of_o which_o they_o will_v not_o only_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n which_o rash_a and_o unemployed_a youth_n be_v ready_a to_o run_v upon_o but_o become_v a_o ornament_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o their_o relation_n and_o which_o be_v more_o be_v able_a to_o employ_v and_o enjoy_v themselves_o in_o elder_a year_n without_o the_o usual_a diversion_n of_o drink_v and_o game_n which_o common_o be_v the_o silly_a resort_n and_o refuge_n of_o those_o who_o want_v education_n in_o their_o youth_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o principal_a branch_n of_o family_n discipline_n yet_o remain_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o that_o be_v the_o kerbing_a and_o restrain_v first_o of_o all_o profaneness_n and_o contempt_n of_o thing_n sacred_a whether_o it_o be_v by_o curse_v
have_v advance_v god_n glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o therefore_o it_o be_v exceed_o worth_a the_o while_n that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ourselves_o and_o condescend_v to_o any_o honest_a art_n and_o method_n of_o engage_v man_n in_o religion_n especial_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o instance_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v voluntary_a free_a and_o cheerful_a or_o they_o be_v nothing_o worth_a and_o therefore_o harshness_n and_o severity_n be_v the_o most_o improper_a instrument_n for_o such_o a_o effect_n consequent_o it_o must_v be_v wise_a discourse_n oblige_v carriage_n sweetness_n of_o temper_n kindness_n and_o benignity_n that_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a method_n of_o prevail_v in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o ordinary_o to_o gain_v this_o point_n no_o more_o be_v requisite_a than_o that_o a_o man_n discriminate_a between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a that_o he_o favour_v the_o one_o and_o discountenance_v the_o other_o and_o this_o alone_a will_n in_o time_n make_v a_o strange_a change_n in_o a_o family_n especial_o three_o if_o in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o governor_n of_o a_o family_n be_v a_o great_a example_n of_o piety_n himself_o rule_n without_o example_n be_v neither_o understand_v nor_o consider_v by_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v propound_v and_o he_o that_o go_v about_o to_o over-rule_v his_o family_n to_o piety_n without_o make_v conscience_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o practice_n nay_o who_o do_v not_o make_v his_o own_o life_n a_o great_a pattern_n of_o what_o he_o persuade_v to_o undermine_v his_o own_o endeavour_n and_o shall_v not_o only_o fail_v of_o success_n but_o be_v ridiculous_a for_o his_o pain_n for_o every_o body_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o that_o if_o devotion_n be_v necessary_a to_o one_o it_o be_v so_o to_o another_o if_o the_o servant_n ought_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n so_o ought_v the_o master_n if_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v zealous_a certain_o the_o other_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v careless_a or_o profane_a or_o if_o one_o may_v be_v excuse_v the_o trouble_n of_o religion_n so_o may_v the_o other_o also_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o have_v the_o confidence_n earnest_o to_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o upon_o those_o under_o he_o which_o be_v not_o conspicuous_a in_o his_o own_o practice_n or_o at_o least_o if_o he_o have_v the_o forehead_n to_o do_v it_o and_o can_v so_o well_o act_v the_o part_n of_o the_o hypocritical_a pharisee_fw-mi as_o to_o lay_v heavy_a burden_n upon_o other_o which_o he_o himself_o will_v not_o touch_v with_o one_o of_o his_o finger_n yet_o as_o he_o can_v do_v it_o hearty_o so_o he_o must_v be_v very_o vain_a if_o he_o think_v man_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v through_o the_o disguise_n and_o very_o sottish_a if_o he_o can_v expect_v that_o such_o command_n of_o he_o shall_v carry_v any_o authority_n with_o they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o majesty_n in_o holy_a example_n it_o not_o only_o command_v but_o charm_n man_n into_o compliance_n there_o be_v life_n and_o spirit_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o it_o animate_v and_o inflame_v all_o about_o a_o man_n it_o make_v piety_n to_o become_v visible_a and_o not_o only_o show_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a but_o represent_v it_o with_o all_o its_o advantage_n of_o goodness_n beauty_n and_o ornament_n it_o confute_v man_n mistake_n of_o it_o answer_v their_o objection_n against_o it_o removes_z their_o suspicion_n shame_v their_o cowardice_n and_o lukewarmness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o do_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o great_a engine_n work_v powerful_o though_o almost_o insensible_o we_o find_v by_o common_a experience_n that_o man_n be_v soon_o make_v wise_a and_o fit_a for_o great_a action_n by_o the_o read_n of_o history_n than_o by_o study_v of_o politic_n because_o matter_n of_o fact_n strike_v we_o more_o powerful_o and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v do_v instruct_v we_o more_o effectual_o than_o all_o dry_a rule_n and_o speculation_n can_v do_v to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v to_o be_v remark_v that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v rather_o to_o teach_v man_n by_o example_n than_o by_o rule_n and_o according_o the_o whole_a sacred_a writ_n consist_v principal_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o life_n of_o holy_a man_n almighty_a wisdom_n think_v that_o way_n the_o fit_a not_o only_o to_o express_v the_o law_n of_o virtue_n but_o to_o make_v impression_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o indeed_o which_o be_v further_a remarkable_a there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o more_o curious_a and_o excellent_a line_n of_o piety_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v express_v by_o word_n but_o be_v easy_o legible_a in_o the_o life_n of_o holy_a man_n therefore_o let_v he_o who_o will_v engage_v his_o family_n to_o devotion_n give_v they_o a_o fair_a copy_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o example_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o the_o honour_n and_o comfort_n to_o see_v it_o transcribe_v and_o imitate_v by_o those_o about_o he_o 4._o but_o that_o he_o may_v with_o the_o more_o certainty_n and_o expedition_n attain_v this_o desirable_a effect_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o he_o neither_o make_v the_o life_n of_o those_o he_o will_v gain_v upon_o burdensome_a to_o they_o and_o exhaust_v their_o spirit_n by_o too_o great_a and_o constant_a drudgery_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o that_o he_o make_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n irksome_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o they_o by_o unnecessary_a length_n and_o tediousness_n of_o family-devotion_n for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o will_v take_v off_o their_o edge_n and_o leave_v they_o with_o no_o heart_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o latter_a will_v beget_v a_o utter_a aversation_n to_o it_o as_o for_o the_o former_a our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n i._n e._n either_o one_o of_o they_o must_v be_v neglect_v or_o both_o serve_v very_o remissly_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a when_o man_n be_v harass_v with_o secular_a business_n they_o can_v have_v spirit_n enough_o to_o attend_v religion_n with_o any_o vigour_n and_o for_o the_o other_o if_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v draw_v out_o fantastical_o to_o a_o tedious_a length_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a while_o man_n be_v man_n that_o they_o shall_v either_o be_v incline_v to_o go_v to_o they_o with_o such_o cheerfulness_n or_o persevere_v in_o they_o with_o such_o delight_n and_o fervour_n as_o be_v requisite_a therefore_o let_v the_o world_n be_v so_o moderate_o pursue_v as_o that_o time_n and_o strength_n and_o room_n may_v be_v leave_v for_o devotion_n and_o let_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o contrive_v that_o they_o may_v be_v pleasant_a and_o easy_a and_o then_o beside_o that_o devotion_n so_o perform_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o bring_v our_o family_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o especial_o 5._o if_o in_o the_o five_o place_n the_o governor_n of_o family_n take_v care_n to_o order_n and_o methodize_v affair_n so_o that_o these_o different_a thing_n entrench_v not_o upon_o each_o other_o neither_o the_o world_n encroach_v upon_o religion_n nor_o religion_n shut_v out_o and_o exclude_v the_o common_a affair_n of_o life_n but_o both_o may_v take_v their_o place_n in_o a_o just_a subordination_n we_o common_o observe_v that_o thing_n in_o a_o heap_n and_o which_o be_v not_o digest_v into_o any_o order_n look_v vast_a and_o numerous_a so_o as_o to_o amuse_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o insomuch_o that_o we_o neither_o apprehend_v any_o of_o they_o distinct_o nor_o comprehend_v they_o all_o together_o and_o in_o a_o crowd_n of_o business_n we_o be_v either_o so_o confound_v with_o the_o multiplicity_n or_o distract_v with_o the_o variety_n of_o thing_n before_o we_o that_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o nothing_o at_o all_o effectual_o for_o one_o hinder_v and_o supplant_v the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v here_o in_o the_o case_n between_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o two_o world_n if_o both_o lie_n in_o gross_a before_o man_n and_o no_o distinct_a place_n be_v assign_v to_o each_o of_o they_o the_o effect_n be_v that_o both_o together_o be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v necessary_o be_v neglect_v and_o that_o common_o fall_v to_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o religion_n or_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o these_o office_n be_v not_o total_o omit_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v superficial_o perform_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n neither_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o they_o nor_o unite_v enough_o to_o attend_v they_o without_o distraction_n and_o wander_n therefore_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n
tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o time_n for_o every_o thing_n so_o let_v every_o man_n who_o will_v promote_v religion_n in_o his_o family_n appoint_v set_v hour_n for_o prayer_n and_o all_o the_o office_n of_o devotion_n and_o then_o it_o will_v neither_o be_v difficult_a to_o obtain_v the_o constant_a observance_n of_o they_o nor_o so_o ordinary_a to_o perform_v they_o careless_o and_o formal_o 6._o six_o and_o last_o it_o will_v be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o every_o master_n of_o a_o family_n who_o will_v bring_v those_o which_o be_v under_o his_o care_n and_o tuition_n to_o a_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o seriousness_n and_o heartiness_n therein_o that_o he_o express_v all_o tender_a affection_n to_o they_o and_o regard_v of_o they_o when_o any_o of_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v sick_a or_o under_o any_o adversity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n make_v to_o himself_o a_o opportunity_n of_o oblige_v they_o to_o take_v his_o counsel_n and_o follow_v his_o direction_n in_o all_o other_o case_n we_o use_v to_o say_v he_o that_o will_v gain_v a_o interest_n in_o any_o man_n so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o he_o or_o compliant_a with_o he_o in_o his_o prosperity_n must_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o friendship_n in_o that_o man_n adversity_n for_o no_o man_n know_v who_o be_v his_o friend_n till_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v experiment_n of_o they_o which_o can_v be_v do_v but_o in_o adversity_n for_o every_o man_n be_v a_o friend_n to_o he_o that_o have_v no_o need_n to_o he_o but_o he_o that_o like_o the_o good_a samaritan_n desert_n we_o not_o in_o our_o great_a difficulty_n he_o we_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o value_n and_o confide_v in_o now_o above_o all_o kindness_n man_n be_v most_o sensible_a of_o those_o which_o be_v do_v to_o their_o body_n and_o they_o common_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o friendship_n and_o sincerity_n from_o thence_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v win_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n must_v first_o oblige_v they_o in_o their_o bodily_a interest_n beside_o as_o we_o observe_v that_o all_o inferior_a creature_n be_v most_o tractable_a and_o docible_a at_o such_o time_n as_o wherein_o they_o be_v low_a and_o can_v least_o help_v themselves_o so_o mankind_n be_v most_o dispose_v to_o take_v advice_n and_o most_o obedient_a to_o counsel_v when_o he_o be_v at_o a_o nonplus_n in_o his_o affair_n and_o especial_o when_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n which_o dazzle_v his_o eye_n before_o begin_v to_o vanish_v and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o one_o way_n leave_v with_o he_o that_o be_v to_o prepare_v for_o another_o life_n he_o will_v then_o free_o admit_v of_o discourse_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o comply_v with_o all_o serious_a advice_n in_o order_n thereunto_o these_o season_n of_o adversity_n therefore_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v let_v slip_n by_o he_o who_o be_v tender_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o his_o charge_n to_o which_o add_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a method_n of_o all_o the_o zealot_n and_o emissary_n of_o false_a religion_n to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o sick_a and_o calamitous_a person_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o such_o a_o opportunity_n they_o may_v gain_v disciple_n to_o their_o party_n and_o they_o too_o frequent_o find_v this_o subtlety_n successful_a the_o consideration_n hereof_o aught_o to_o awaken_v the_o diligence_n and_o encourage_v the_o hope_n and_o endeavour_n of_o all_o those_o that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o save_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o those_o that_o be_v embark_v with_o they_o to_o apprehend_v and_o improve_v such_o opportunity_n to_o better_a purpose_n especial_o see_v that_o in_o such_o season_n man_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o good_a principle_n as_o of_o bad_a if_o there_o be_v not_o as_o much_o shameful_a and_o supine_n carelessness_n on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o there_o be_v common_o vigilance_n and_o application_n on_o the_o other_o and_o so_o much_o for_o family-piety_n chap._n vi_o of_o public_a piety_n and_o particular_o of_o govern_v a_o man_n self_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o be_v not_o bear_v for_o ourselves_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v useful_a in_o our_o private_a family_n or_o among_o our_o kindred_n and_o relation_n only_o but_o that_o we_o express_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n answerable_a to_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o our_o capacity_n and_o let_v our_o light_n so_o shine_v out_o before_o man_n that_o we_o may_v provoke_v as_o many_o as_o be_v within_o our_o reach_n to_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n now_o every_o private_a man_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n concern_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n and_o parish_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v and_o whereto_o he_o belong_v and_o therefore_o shall_v so_o far_o at_o least_o dispense_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v appoint_v the_o bound_n of_o man_n habitation_n have_v thus_o settle_v every_o man_n in_o his_o station_n expect_v that_o he_o shall_v look_v upon_o this_o as_o his_o proper_a sphere_n and_o adorn_v it_o as_o his_o peculiar_a province_n no_o private_a man_n have_v any_o just_a reason_n ordinary_o to_o prompt_v he_o to_o go_v beyond_o this_o forasmuch_o as_o if_o every_o good_a man_n will_v do_v his_o part_n within_o these_o bound_n the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v amend_v and_o he_o that_o be_v remiss_a and_o negligent_a in_o this_o can_v easy_o satisfy_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v demonstrate_v such_o love_n to_o god_n as_o become_v he_o nor_o can_v he_o expect_v to_o reap_v all_o those_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n which_o otherwise_o by_o a_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o himself_o in_o this_o particular_a may_v redound_v to_o he_o now_o that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o relation_n to_o a_o neighbourhood_n or_o a_o parish_n have_v a_o double_a consideration_n first_o as_o every_o parish_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o branch_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n second_o as_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n or_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n according_o there_o be_v a_o double_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o every_o man_n that_o be_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o it_o and_o from_o thence_o arise_v duty_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n for_o brevity_n and_o perspicuity_n i_o will_v distinguish_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a piety_n and_o then_o show_v what_o each_o of_o they_o comprehend_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o i_o call_v ecclesiastical_a piety_n or_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o public_a duty_n as_o especial_o concern_v the_o society_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o these_o few_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o a_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o and_o carry_v himself_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o out_o of_o pride_n phantastry_n or_o contempt_n separate_v himself_o from_o it_o or_o schismatical_o set_v up_o faction_n and_o conventicle_n against_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n establish_v the_o society_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v appoint_v that_o all_o those_o who_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n shall_v not_o content_v themselves_o single_o and_o particular_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o shall_v all_o be_v oblige_v to_o associate_v themselves_o and_o make_v up_o a_o body_n or_o spiritual_a corporation_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o member_n as_o well_o as_o with_o he_o their_o head_n the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o this_o institution_n be_v very_o many_o and_o great_a for_o beside_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v order_n and_o unity_n be_v promote_v which_o be_v very_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n himself_o our_o lord_n hereby_o provide_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n may_v be_v joint_o hold_v up_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o several_a member_n of_o this_o society_n become_v mutual_o more_o helpful_a and_o comfortable_a to_o each_o other_o and_o also_o that_o by_o a_o constant_a method_n of_o christian_a intercourse_n here_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o eternal_a friendship_n and_o society_n in_o heaven_n in_o subserviency_n to_o all_o these_o end_n public_a officer_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n to_o govern_v and_o to_o instruct_v the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o which_o it_o be_v plain_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v unless_o their_o number_n be_v almost_o infinite_a and_o equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o people_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o join_v together_o and_o become_v a_o common_a flock_n for_o those_o officer_n to_o govern_v and_o
discharge_n of_o which_o be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v civil_a piety_n and_o the_o measure_n whereof_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n be_v brief_o describe_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o first_o office_n of_o civil_a piety_n be_v to_o maintain_v government_n and_o order_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o prince_n to_o preserve_v the_o reverence_n of_o magistracy_n and_o the_o law_n of_o a_o man_n country_n for_o the_o do_n of_o this_o we_o have_v as_o express_v and_o urgent_a command_n of_o god_n as_o any_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o conscientious_a discharge_n hereof_o be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o he_o as_o any_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n for_o god_n almighty_n need_v nothing_o at_o our_o hand_n for_o himself_o or_o for_o his_o own_o use_n and_o advantage_n but_o make_v the_o public_a good_a of_o his_o creature_n the_o matter_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o law_n now_o public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v preserve_v by_o law_n and_o magistracy_n be_v of_o mighty_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n as_o well_o as_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o god_n of_o order_n for_o without_o government_n we_o can_v have_v no_o quiet_a in_o our_o habitation_n no_o security_n of_o our_o person_n no_o propriety_n in_o our_o estate_n no_o defence_n against_o foreign_a invasion_n nor_o any_o refuge_n from_o the_o enrage_a multitude_n or_o combine_a force_n of_o evil_a man_n but_o the_o weak_a will_v be_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o strong_a the_o slothful_a will_v eat_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o industrious_a the_o world_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o murder_n rapine_n and_o violence_n and_o become_v a_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n care_n to_o uphold_v government_n but_o must_v be_v his_o important_a duty_n to_o endeavour_v it_o and_o the_o be_v instrumental_a herein_o be_v not_o only_o very_o honourable_a to_o religion_n and_o consequent_o procure_v the_o benign_a aspect_n of_o prince_n towards_o it_o and_o provoke_v they_o to_o become_v nurse_v father_n of_o it_o but_o be_v peculiar_o commodious_a to_o all_o the_o office_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o apostle_n general_o in_o all_o their_o write_n immediate_o after_o they_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o peculiar_a duty_n of_o christianity_n subjoin_v earnest_a exhortation_n to_o obedience_n to_o humane_a law_n and_o civil_a power_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o infinite_o tender_a herein_o as_o if_o they_o think_v that_o god_n can_v not_o have_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o service_n right_o perform_v to_o he_o unless_o peace_n and_o order_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o great_a kingdom_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o several_a lesser_a body_n as_o the_o integral_a part_n thereof_o and_o those_o again_o of_o so_o many_o parish_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v peace_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o whole_a if_o the_o particular_a part_n or_o member_n be_v out_o of_o order_n therefore_o it_o must_v not_o only_o be_v the_o duty_n but_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o every_o private_a person_n to_o contribute_v something_o towards_o the_o great_a end_n aforesaid_a first_o by_o dispose_n himself_o second_o by_o principling_n his_o family_n and_o three_o by_o persuade_v and_o incline_v his_o neighbour_n to_o favour_n and_o assist_v the_o government_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o design_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o this_o the_o good_a christian_n ought_v at_o this_o time_n especial_o to_o set_v himself_o about_o with_o the_o great_a zeal_n because_o the_o looseness_n herein_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a evil_n of_o the_o present_a age_n we_o live_v in_o and_o that_o which_o not_o only_o make_v a_o ill_a reflection_n upon_o religion_n but_o endanger_v the_o state_n of_o it_o in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o uphold_v of_o government_n let_v the_o good_a man_n endeavour_n in_o converse_n with_o his_o neighbour_n to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o submit_v private_a interest_n to_o common_a utility_n and_o particular_a opinion_n to_o public_a discretion_n and_o so_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o governor_n let_v he_o labour_n to_o remove_v people_n discontent_n to_o confute_v their_o jealousy_n and_o to_o make_v they_o cheerful_a and_o well-pleased_n with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n which_o god_n have_v order_v let_v he_o discountenance_v all_o seditious_a libel_n and_o news_n not_o permit_v in_o his_o company_n any_o pragmatical_a censure_v of_o the_o law_n or_o public_a counsel_n no_o traduce_v the_o person_n or_o expose_v the_o infirmity_n of_o governor_n nor_o no_o repine_v at_o and_o envy_v the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o those_o that_o be_v prefer_v above_o themselves_o that_o he_o may_v be_v successful_a in_o all_o this_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o distinct_a rank_n order_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n and_o that_o those_o difference_n which_o it_o have_v please_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o make_v in_o the_o fortune_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n be_v observe_v i_o mean_v in_o respect_n of_o age_n and_o youth_n riches_n and_o poverty_n honour_n and_o obscruity_n the_o neglect_n of_o which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o malapert_a quakerly_n humour_n but_o a_o principle_n of_o sedition_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o government_n so_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n nor_o the_o different_a degree_n among_o man_n observe_v and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v either_o level_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o man_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n will_v destroy_v that_o reverence_n which_o keep_v up_o that_o distinction_n and_o diversity_n of_o condition_n dissolve_v the_o very_a sinew_n of_o humane_a society_n god_n almighty_a indeed_o can_v easy_o have_v level_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o man_n and_o take_v away_o or_o prevent_v the_o difference_n of_o rich_a and_o poor_a honourable_a and_o ignoble_a and_o of_o old_a and_o young_a too_o if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v but_o then_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o there_o can_v have_v be_v any_o society_n among_o man_n at_o least_o unless_o he_o have_v also_o by_o his_o omnipotency_n make_v they_o all_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a too_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o resolve_v to_o have_v order_n and_o government_n among_o man_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o effect_v it_o by_o violence_n he_o therefore_o resolve_v by_o mean_n of_o those_o different_a condition_n aforesaid_a to_o subordinate_a they_o one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o unite_v they_o together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o mutual_a usefulness_n and_o dependence_n so_o he_o order_v that_o some_o shall_v be_v poor_a to_o ease_v the_o rich_a of_o labour_n and_o drudgery_n and_o other_o rich_a to_o employ_v and_o encourage_v their_o industry_n that_o the_o one_o may_v have_v superfluity_n to_o relieve_v the_o other_o want_n and_o the_o other_o be_v oblige_v by_o their_o bounty_n the_o same_o providence_n order_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o man_n in_o power_n and_o dignity_n and_o other_o in_o privacy_n and_o obscurity_n that_o the_o man_n of_o honour_n stand_v by_o and_o countenance_v the_o ignoble_a as_o his_o client_n he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v observe_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o his_o patron_n and_o so_o harmony_n arise_v out_o of_o this_o discord_n again_o he_o order_v the_o world_n so_o that_o all_o shall_v not_o be_v of_o a_o stature_n and_o capacity_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v old_a man_n able_a to_o counsel_n and_o advise_v other_o but_o not_o of_o strength_n to_o execute_v and_o young_a man_n of_o spirit_n and_o vigour_n for_o execution_n but_o destitute_a of_o counsel_n and_o wisdom_n that_o the_o former_a by_o their_o experience_n and_o observation_n instruct_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o latter_a by_o their_o strength_n and_o courage_n assist_v the_o former_a they_o may_v be_v mutual_o endear_v to_o each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n he_o therefore_o who_o incourage_v or_o suffer_v if_o he_o can_v help_v it_o the_o poor_a to_o be_v surly_a and_o insolent_a towards_o the_o rich_a or_o the_o private_a person_n to_o be_v contumacious_a towards_o those_o in_o dignity_n or_o the_o young_a to_o be_v rude_a and_o malapert_a towards_o the_o age_a oppose_v himself_o to_o