of_o it_o be_v a_o assembly_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n call_v to_o meet_v together_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v such_o a_o assembly_n call_v to_o join_v together_o in_o worship_v god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n who_o himself_o have_v suppose_v this_o in_o the_o prayer_n he_o give_v his_o disciple_n and_o have_v promise_v his_o special_a presence_n in_o such_o assembly_n which_o the_o apostle_n constant_o hold_v and_o there_o receive_v the_o first_o and_o best_a fruit_n of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o draw_v all_o convert_v every_o where_o into_o the_o same_o bless_a conjunction_n for_o which_o holy_a place_n be_v appoint_v where_o they_o constant_o assemble_v and_o where_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v common_a or_o else_o look_v upon_o as_o of_o little_a value_n where_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o minister_n to_o attend_v and_o there_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n and_o bless_v they_o in_o his_o name_n where_o the_o angel_n also_o be_v present_a and_o delight_n to_o see_v we_o assemble_v that_o we_o may_v maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o company_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n who_o all_o join_v together_o in_o give_v blessing_n and_o praise_v and_o honour_n unto_o he_o who_o we_o worship_n who_o be_v far_o exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_v either_o of_o we_o on_o earth_n or_o of_o they_o in_o heaven_n consider_v i_o say_v all_o this_o and_o then_o think_v what_o a_o error_n they_o live_v in_o who_o make_v little_a or_o no_o account_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o imagine_v they_o can_v pray_v and_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o by_o themselves_o alone_o this_o be_v a_o most_o unchristian_a thought_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o therefore_o ought_v with_o all_o diligence_n to_o be_v explode_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o our_o mind_n as_o for_o those_o who_o do_v not_o bare_o neglect_v the_o public_a service_n but_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o it_o they_o be_v still_o in_o a_o far_o worse_a condition_n have_v break_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o ancient_a church_n think_v so_o heinous_a a_o crime_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o prayer_n as_o a_o abomination_n for_o so_o i_o find_v in_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n 2._o antioch_n canon_n 2._o that_o such_o christian_n be_v condemn_v as_o go_v into_o any_o private_a house_n pray_v together_o with_o those_o who_o will_v not_o join_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n none_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o join_v in_o their_o prayer_n if_o any_o do_v they_o think_v it_o equal_a to_o the_o crime_n of_o communicate_v with_o excommunicate_v person_n the_o like_a i_o find_v in_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n and_o the_o canon_n ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 10._o can._n 33._o can._n 10._o and_o this_o sentence_n of_o those_o council_n be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n who_o maxim_n this_o be_v as_o mr._n thorndike_n 173._o thorndike_n relig._n assembl_n p._n 173._o observe_v he_o that_o dwell_v in_o a_o city_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n and_o pray_v not_o there_o with_o the_o congregation_n this_o be_v he_o who_o be_v call_v a_o bad_a neighbour_n and_o well_o may_v he_o be_v call_v bad_a who_o will_v have_v no_o society_n in_o the_o best_a thing_n who_o cut_v himself_o off_o by_o his_o own_o act_n from_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v not_o afford_v his_o neighbour_n the_o help_n of_o his_o prayer_n who_o live_v as_o if_o the_o world_n can_v be_v govern_v without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a governor_n who_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o holy_a place_n and_o slight_v god_n minister_n who_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o god_n special_a presence_n and_o protection_n and_o defy_v all_o the_o bless_a company_n of_o heaven_n among_o who_o he_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o find_v any_o entertainment_n nor_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o celestial_a habitation_n have_v shut_v himself_o here_o out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o place_n where_o god_n honour_n dwell_v will_v to_o god_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v serious_o and_o deep_o consider_v by_o we_o all_o that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v awake_v to_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a assembly_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v take_v the_o great_a care_n to_o establish_v and_o unto_o which_o he_o have_v also_o grant_v very_o high_a privilege_n lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n through_o man_n idleness_n or_o covetousness_n or_o conceitedness_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n whatsoever_o certain_a it_o be_v if_o we_o have_v a_o hearty_a love_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o understand_v it_o we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v so_o in_o love_n with_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o it_o as_o every_o day_n if_o it_o lay_v in_o our_o power_n to_o go_v into_o god_n house_n and_o there_o recommend_v ourselves_o and_o his_o whole_a church_n to_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o there_o be_v no_o way_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o uphold_v and_o support_v the_o church_n like_v to_o this_o we_o be_v a_o church_n by_o meet_v together_o to_o have_v communion_n in_o the_o same_o prayer_n which_o the_o often_o we_o have_v the_o more_o we_o look_v like_o a_o church_n and_o act_n like_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v combine_v and_o knit_v together_o for_o mutual_a preservation_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o seldomer_n we_o meet_v the_o less_o there_o be_v of_o the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n among_o we_o which_o can_v be_v preserve_v from_o ruin_n when_o the_o public_a assembly_n be_v general_o neglect_v because_o the_o church_n fall_v to_o decay_v by_o that_o very_a neglect_n let_v we_o therefore_o set_v ourselves_o to_o maintain_v the_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n by_o maintain_v public_a assembly_n and_o suffer_v no_o day_n to_o pass_v without_o a_o solemn_a meeting_n in_o as_o full_a a_o body_n as_o we_o can_v make_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o religion_n this_o will_v be_v both_o a_o ornament_n and_o a_o strength_n and_o establishment_n to_o our_o religion_n the_o truth_n which_o we_o profess_v will_v hereby_o be_v both_o honour_a and_o confirm_v and_o appear_v with_o great_a authority_n as_o well_o as_o beauty_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n when_o they_o behold_v the_o multitude_n the_o unanimity_n and_o the_o order_n and_o constancy_n of_o those_o that_o assert_v it_o the_o better_a and_o gentle_a sort_n of_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o win_v to_o join_v with_o we_o and_o they_o who_o heart_n be_v alienate_v from_o we_o will_v be_v the_o less_o incline_v to_o set_v themselves_o against_o we_o and_o for_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n of_o all_o christian_n may_v promise_v it_o to_o themselves_o for_o their_o protection_n against_o all_o their_o adversary_n when_o they_o constant_o and_o earnest_o seek_v it_o with_o their_o joint_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n which_o will_v be_v powerful_a also_o for_o the_o settle_v such_o as_o be_v waver_v in_o their_o religion_n who_o the_o constant_a authority_n likewise_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o faithful_a people_n can_v but_o be_v of_o much_o moment_n to_o contain_v in_o their_o duty_n for_o man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o forsake_v a_o multitude_n when_o they_o easy_o desert_n small_a number_n the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v so_o possess_v with_o this_o sense_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o prayer_n as_o the_o impregnable_a bulwark_n of_o the_o church_n a_o unshaken_a garrison_n terrible_a to_o the_o devil_n and_o salutary_a to_o god_n pious_a worshippper_n d._n worshippper_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n chrysost_o tom._n 1._o p._n 757._o edit_fw-la fr._n d._n in_o so_o much_o that_o st._n basil_n speak_v of_o god_n gather_v the_o water_n together_o which_o he_o call_v sea_n and_o see_v it_o be_v good_a gen._n i._n 16._o fall_n into_o a_o pious_a meditation_n how_o much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o such_o a_o collection_n or_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v fin_fw-fr be_v in_o hexameron_n hom._n four_o sub_fw-la fin_fw-fr in_o which_o the_o mix_a sound_n of_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n make_v a_o noise_n like_o the_o wave_n dash_v against_o the_o shore_n be_v send_v up_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n a_o profound_a calm_a and_o tranquillity_n shall_v preserve_v such_o
expose_v we_o to_o contempt_n and_o loathe_n to_o harden_v man_n heart_n against_o a_o just_a reformation_n to_o make_v those_o who_o be_v reform_v grow_v sick_a and_o weary_a and_o ashamed_a of_o the_o distract_a unsetledness_n and_o ungovernableness_n of_o such_o people_n who_o like_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v unlike_a to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o this_o last_o unhappy_a age._n this_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o can_v lead_v man_n to_o destroy_v the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v by_o his_o blood_n which_o it_o be_v evident_a can_v be_v preserve_v much_o less_o promote_v but_o by_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o those_o who_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o adhere_v close_o to_o such_o a_o authentic_a constitution_n as_o that_o of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o the_o apostle_n declare_v nothing_o to_o the_o people_n but_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o always_o have_v such_o governor_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n and_o degree_n to_o other_o minister_n as_o we_o have_v such_o prayer_n such_o hymn_n in_o a_o word_n such_o a_o face_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v here_o see_v in_o this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n and_o may_v be_v see_v bless_a be_v god_n in_o other_o reform_a church_n particular_o in_o those_o call_v lutheran_n who_o as_o chemnitius_n tell_v we_o have_v have_v solemn_a prayer_n every_o day_n and_o much_o after_o the_o same_o order_n that_o be_v observe_v in_o we_o his_o word_n be_v these_o populus_fw-la singulis_fw-la diebus_fw-la bis_fw-la certa_fw-la hora_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o people_n assemble_v every_o day_n twice_o at_o a_o certain_a hour_n ult_n exam._n council_n trident._n pars_fw-la four_o cap._n ult_n morning_n and_o evening_n and_o after_o the_o sing_n of_o some_o psalm_n lesson_n be_v read_v in_o order_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o new_a and_o the_o assembly_n conclude_v always_o with_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o hymn_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o beside_o the_o people_n come_v together_o every_o week_n on_o some_o certain_a day_n in_o great_a multitude_n to_o make_v public_a and_o solemn_a supplication_n which_o be_v call_v litany_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v to_o relate_v how_o they_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o upon_o special_a festival_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v on_o the_o nativity_n circumcision_n etc._n etc._n in_o short_a on_o all_o the_o day_n now_o observe_v by_o our_o church_n o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o we_o as_o instead_o of_o wrangle_a and_o dispute_v serious_o to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n we_o can_v of_o such_o bless_a opportunity_n as_o god_n still_o afford_v unto_o we_o of_o meet_v together_o every_o day_n for_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n especial_o upon_o litany_n day_n when_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o full_a congregation_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a devotion_n one_o of_o those_o day_n at_o least_o i_o shall_v think_v every_o devout_a christian_a may_v easy_o see_v there_o be_v great_a cause_n to_o set_v apart_o every_o week_n for_o fast_v and_o humiliation_n together_o with_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o he_o will_v turn_v away_o his_o anger_n from_o we_o man_n be_v natural_o too_o backward_o i_o know_v to_o such_o holy_a employment_n and_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o high_o value_v without_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o join_v frequent_o in_o the_o holy_a office_n thereof_o let_v that_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n be_v add_v to_o all_o the_o motive_n i_o have_v use_v in_o this_o book_n to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o the_o constant_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a shame_n to_o we_o if_o when_o they_o who_o religion_n be_v a_o false_a worship_n have_v their_o constant_a daily_o service_n and_o attend_v upon_o it_o we_o who_o have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v less_o regard_n unto_o it_o by_o which_o mean_v their_o religion_n how_o corrupt_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o we_o though_o never_o so_o pure_a must_v needs_o fall_v to_o decay_v for_o they_o that_o love_v the_o religion_n they_o profess_v though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o sincere_a and_o perfect_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v yet_o never_o fail_v to_o reap_v all_o the_o benefit_n which_o it_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o they_o keep_v their_o religion_n by_o their_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o it_o and_o diligence_n in_o it_o whereas_o the_o best_a and_o sound_a religion_n profess_v by_o those_o who_o bear_v not_o the_o like_a affection_n to_o it_o yield_v those_o who_o thus_o retain_v it_o little_a or_o no_o benefit_n as_o mr._n hooker_n have_v observe_v and_o by_o degree_n be_v lose_v for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a regard_n and_o earnest_a affection_n to_o it_o we_o see_v this_o verify_v in_o pagan_n turk_n and_o heretic_n who_o zealous_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o so_o continue_v their_o sect._n how_o come_v their_o religion_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o have_v frequent_a assembly_n and_o we_o to_o make_v we_o neglect_v they_o but_o that_o they_o keep_v up_o their_o love_n to_o their_o religion_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o we_o have_v lose_v our_o first_o love_n and_o so_o endanger_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o have_v we_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o it_o to_o attend_v upon_o its_o public_a office_n that_o be_v the_o very_a first_o thing_n to_o which_o religion_n incline_v we_o and_o there_o to_o attend_v with_o all_o seriousness_n both_o to_o the_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v then_o read_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o our_o religion_n have_v go_v to_o decay_v because_o we_o have_v not_o mind_v public_a assembly_n daily_o but_o where_o they_o be_v keep_v up_o they_o be_v empty_a and_o thin_a or_o when_o they_o be_v full_a there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o natural_a sign_n of_o devotion_n in_o too_o many_o people_n which_o be_v among_o all_o nation_n bend_v knee_n hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n nay_o they_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o read_v but_o pass_v it_o by_o as_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v fancy_v i_o suppose_v it_o be_v never_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o when_o it_o be_v preach_v that_o be_v speak_v without_o book_n these_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o all_o nor_o i_o hope_v of_o most_o among_o we_o but_o i_o have_v observe_v some_o of_o they_o especial_o the_o last_o of_o whisper_a together_o all_o the_o time_n the_o scripture_n be_v read_v as_o if_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o empty_a sound_n in_o so_o many_o person_n from_o who_o understanding_n one_o will_v expect_v better_a thing_n that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o unbecoming_a behaviour_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n where_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o awaken_v all_o his_o minister_n to_o perform_v their_o duty_n with_o careful_a diligence_n and_o all_o his_o people_n to_o accompany_v they_o reverent_o in_o continual_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o great_a name_n the_o credit_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n the_o honour_n of_o this_o church_n the_o increase_n of_o all_o true_a godliness_n and_o virtue_n among_o we_o and_o the_o furtherance_n thereby_o of_o our_o joyful_a account_n and_o happy_a meeting_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n the_o end_n errata_fw-la page_n 30._o l._n 24._o d._n he_o p._n 33._o l._n 20._o for_o create_v r._n erect_v p._n 53._o l._n ult_n for_o enable_v r._n ennoble_v p._n 59_o l._n 7._o r._n two_o this._n p._n 65._o l._n 11._o for_o it_o r._n he_o p._n 106._o l._n 17._o d._n also_o p._n 121._o l._n 3._o after_o yet_o add_v p._n 123._o l._n 9_o after_o 19_o add_v p._n 168._o l._n 1._o for_o time_n r._n time_n p._n 170._o l._n 22._o for_o rule_n r._n rule_n p._n 184._o l._n 25._o r._n be_v as_o well_o perform_v any_o where_o as_o in_o the_o church_n p._n 185._o l._n 3._o r._n enlarge_v the_o content_n the_o introduction_n part_n i._n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n page_n 10_o chap._n iii_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n about_o this_o matter_n especial_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n page_n 22_o chap._n iu_o other_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o prayer_n page_n 32_o chap._n v._o some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o forego_n consideration_n page_n 39_o chap._n vi_o the_o honour_n god_n do_v we_o in_o admit_v we_o into_o his_o presence_n page_n 49_o chap._n vii_o the_o pleasure_n which_o spring_v from_o the_o serious_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n page_n 61_o chap._n viii_o the_o great_a benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o serious_a prayer_n to_o god_n 74_o chap._n ix_o the_o three_o forego_v chapter_n improve_v page_n 85_o part_n ii_o chap._n x._o public_a prayer_n the_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o other_o page_n 95_o chap._n xi_o god_n be_v most_o honour_a by_o public_a prayer_n page_n 99_o chap._n xii_o public_a prayer_n most_o advantageous_a unto_o we_o page_n 115_o chap._n xiii_o public_a prayer_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n page_n 135_o chap._n fourteen_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n require_v there_o shall_v be_v public_a prayer_n page_n 162_o chap._n xv._o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n teach_v we_o this_o doctrine_n page_n 168_o chap._n xvi_o which_o be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o christian_n page_n 177_o chap._n xvii_o other_o consideration_n to_o strengthen_v this_o argument_n page_n 192_o chap._n xviii_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o four_o fore_v chapter_n with_o some_o inference_n from_o thence_o page_n 206_o chap._n xix_o of_o daily_o public_a assembly_n and_o of_o hour_n and_o gesture_n of_o prayer_n page_n 222_o chap._n xx._n some_o objection_n remove_v page_n 244_o the_o end_n
be_v few_o who_o be_v religious_a if_o that_o then_o be_v good_a for_o we_o whereby_o we_o do_v the_o most_o good_a to_o other_o which_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o in_o love_n with_o the_o public_a prayer_n that_o we_o may_v invite_v other_o by_o our_o constant_a attendance_n on_o they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o give_v god_n the_o honour_n that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o and_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n which_o we_o draw_v upon_o ourselves_o when_o by_o give_v little_a or_o no_o public_a sign_n of_o our_o devotion_n we_o tempt_v they_o to_o become_v or_o continue_v irreligious_a for_o as_o by_o perform_v our_o duty_n alone_o by_o ourselves_o we_o do_v only_o ourselves_o good_a but_o profit_v not_o other_o who_o receive_v great_a benefit_n by_o our_o public_a devotion_n so_o if_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n neglect_v our_o duty_n alone_o we_o thereby_o hurt_v only_o ourselves_o but_o by_o neglect_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n we_o hurt_v all_o that_o be_v near_o we_o by_o our_o pernicious_a example_n tempt_v they_o to_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v only_o a_o private_a fancy_n which_o some_o man_n have_v take_v up_o without_o any_o reason_n for_o be_v it_o a_o reality_n all_o man_n will_v be_v concern_v to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v it_o the_o best_a they_o can_v in_o the_o world_n thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a prayer_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n itself_o both_o as_o it_o respect_v god_n and_o ourselves_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o those_o motive_n which_o i_o use_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o book_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o prayer_n in_o general_a be_v most_o efficacious_a to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o great_a honour_n than_o to_o be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a by_o attend_v upon_o who_o public_a service_n our_o mind_n be_v enlarge_v unto_o great_a and_o worthy_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o our_o affection_n stir_v up_o to_o the_o high_a admiration_n of_o he_o and_o love_n to_o he_o who_o provide_v for_o so_o many_o as_o there_o wait_v upon_o he_o nay_o dispense_v his_o blessing_n to_o the_o whole_a universe_n which_o we_o commend_v unto_o he_o whereby_o our_o hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o be_v also_o exceed_o advance_v though_o we_o have_v never_o such_o great_a thing_n to_o ask_v of_o he_o have_v the_o unite_a force_n also_o of_o a_o great_a many_o petitioner_n to_o strengthen_v it_o who_o join_v together_o to_o solicit_v his_o favour_n which_o there_o likewise_o we_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o seek_v in_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o the_o most_o compose_a manner_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n not_o to_o frame_v ourselves_o when_o we_o appear_v public_o upon_o such_o a_o weighty_a business_n unto_o the_o most_o reverend_a deportment_n which_o i_o have_v show_v be_v of_o itself_o alone_o a_o singular_a benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o prayer_n to_o god_n the_o sense_n of_o who_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o stay_n of_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v both_o uphold_v and_o raise_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n by_o his_o public_a worship_n whereby_o if_o we_o do_v not_o prevail_v for_o all_o those_o who_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n we_o seek_v we_o maintain_v and_o increase_v notwithstanding_o in_o our_o own_o mind_n a_o lively_a sense_n a_o high_a esteem_n of_o those_o grace_n and_o blessing_n which_o we_o earnest_o desire_v and_o ask_v for_o all_o mankind_n for_o who_o good_a as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v concern_v so_o we_o be_v make_v more_o sensible_a of_o it_o more_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o solicitous_a for_o it_o by_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n than_o we_o be_v incline_v to_o be_v in_o our_o private_a devotion_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o second_o general_a argument_n propound_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n for_o which_o i_o design_v the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n xiii_o public_a prayer_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o i_o have_v do_v the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n from_o whence_o we_o shall_v more_o full_o learn_v the_o necessity_n of_o god_n public_a service_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o prayer_n be_v a_o natural_a duty_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o beginning_n arise_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o own_o be_v which_o be_v precarious_a and_o dependent_a on_o another_o who_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v continual_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o it_o will_v easy_o appear_v from_o thence_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v public_a and_o not_o only_o alone_a by_o ourselves_o because_o nature_n have_v form_v we_o to_o society_n without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v preserve_v in_o safety_n from_o whence_o innumerable_a argument_n may_v be_v deduce_v for_o our_o public_a assemble_v together_o constant_o to_o worship_n that_o almighty_a be_v who_o have_v thus_o by_o the_o very_a law_n of_o our_o creation_n dispose_v we_o to_o join_v together_o for_o our_o common_a preservation_n for_o i._o we_o can_v but_o see_v at_o the_o very_a first_o mention_n of_o this_o that_o we_o be_v make_v to_o have_v society_n one_o with_o another_o shall_v above_o all_o thing_n have_v society_n in_o prayer_n to_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o continual_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v we_o for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o have_v society_n in_o the_o lowect_a action_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o not_o in_o the_o high_a which_o be_v of_o principal_a concern_v to_o we_o for_o our_o conservation_n it_o be_v such_o a_o absurdity_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v join_v together_o to_o save_v one_o another_o house_n but_o not_o to_o save_v one_o another_o life_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v far_o less_o difference_n between_o a_o build_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n and_o this_o excellent_a structure_n of_o our_o body_n than_o there_o be_v between_o our_o worldly_a affair_n and_o those_o of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o teach_v we_o at_o the_o first_o think_v of_o such_o thing_n that_o if_o we_o be_v make_v to_o live_v together_o in_o society_n and_o not_o alone_o it_o be_v a_o just_a reason_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o all_o together_o who_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o society_n and_o as_o we_o transact_v all_o our_o common_a concern_v together_o by_o meet_v in_o a_o body_n so_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n especial_o which_o be_v the_o cement_n of_o society_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o justice_n and_o charity_n shall_v be_v thus_o transact_v and_o we_o shall_v with_o a_o common_a consent_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o adore_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o which_o be_v the_o great_a concern_n we_o have_v in_o this_o world_n even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o support_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v a_o sense_n of_o he_o without_o which_o all_o society_n will_v be_v dissolve_v ii_o and_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n for_o this_o because_o man_n be_v the_o only_a creature_n here_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o shall_v above_o all_o thing_n join_v in_o that_o and_o study_v to_o promote_v it_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o they_o and_o distinguish_v they_o more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o from_o the_o brute_n in_o who_o we_o see_v some_o faint_a imitation_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o not_o the_o least_o sign_n of_o religion_n which_o may_v well_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o discriminate_a property_n in_o man_n and_o make_v we_o think_v that_o he_o may_v be_v better_o define_v a_o religious_a than_o a_o rational_a creature_n this_o at_o least_o shall_v be_v join_v with_o the_o other_o and_o he_o define_v a_o rational_a religious_a creature_n for_o all_o definition_n be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o most_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o every_o be_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o peculiar_a to_o we_o as_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o exercise_v together_o we_o do_v not_o act_v like_o man_n who_o in_o all_o reason_n shall_v join_v to_o maintain_v and_o promote_v that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o they_o viz._n religion_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n for_o which_o end_n god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o alone_o the_o gift_n of_o speech_n which_o no_o other_o creature_n have_v beside_o ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v proclaim_v his_o praise_n and_o make_v it_o know_v that_o we_o honour_v he_o and_o excite_v one_o another_o to_o the_o love_n of_o he_o the_o supreme_a be_v who_o need_v no_o word_n
of_o the_o earth_n and_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o ver_fw-la 34_o 35._o and_o then_o conclude_v his_o declaration_n in_o this_o manner_n now_o i_o nabuchadnezzar_n praise_n and_o extol_v and_o honour_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n all_o who_o work_n be_v truth_n and_o his_o way_n judgement_n and_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o pride_n he_o be_v able_a to_o abase_v a_o voice_n worthy_a of_o a_o king_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v publish_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o make_v the_o declaration_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v to_o be_v send_v to_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n that_o dwell_v on_o all_o the_o earth_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o be_v throughout_o all_o his_o wide_a empire_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o his_o authority_n reach_v and_o his_o word_n will_v be_v reverence_v that_o they_o may_v magnify_v this_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o with_o he_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o public_a piece_n of_o devotition_n that_o we_o ever_o read_v be_v perform_v by_o any_o man_n arise_v out_o of_o this_o sense_n with_o which_o he_o be_v possess_v in_o those_o ancient_a time_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v bless_a and_o extol_v public_o among_o and_o by_o all_o people_n to_o who_o he_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o show_v the_o sign_n and_o the_o wonder_n which_o the_o most_o high_a god_n have_v wrought_v towards_o he_o and_o how_o great_a say_v he_o be_v his_o sign_n and_o how_o mighty_a be_v his_o wonder_n ver_fw-la 3._o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o tell_v but_o make_v the_o best_a and_o the_o most_o ample_a declaration_n of_o they_o that_o he_o can_v in_o this_o imperial_a decree_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v proclaim_v every_o where_n by_o all_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v in_o what_o gross_a error_n two_o sort_n of_o people_n live_v first_o they_o who_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v as_o well_o at_o home_n as_o at_o the_o church_n such_o man_n neither_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n nor_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o teach_v they_o quite_o otherwise_o and_o instruct_v they_o also_o to_o frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n where_o they_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v second_o for_o that_o be_v another_o palpable_a error_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o come_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o testify_v that_o we_o do_v not_o forget_v god_n though_o all_o the_o week_n beside_o we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o but_o constant_o neglect_v his_o public_a service_n when_o we_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o and_o have_v leisure_n to_o attend_v it_o we_o forget_v the_o many_o public_a common_a blessing_n we_o daily_o need_v and_o daily_o receive_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o public_o every_o day_n implore_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o our_o common_a prayer_n let_v the_o forego_n consideration_n be_v due_o ponder_v and_o they_o will_v persuade_v you_o both_o out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n honour_n and_o out_o of_o love_n to_o your_o own_o good_a to_o join_v as_o often_o as_o you_o can_v your_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v our_o assembly_n as_o full_a as_o you_o can_v both_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n whereby_o you_o will_v declare_v your_o constant_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v how_o he_o daily_a 〈◊〉_d you_o with_o his_o benefit_n and_o draw_v 〈◊〉_d public_a blessing_n in_o abundance_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n where_o you_o live_v and_o do_v credit_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o alas_o now_o look_v in_o many_o place_n as_o if_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o not_o only_o do_v credit_n to_o it_o but_o both_o help_n to_o support_v it_o and_o also_o promote_v and_o propagate_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o the_o almighty_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unto_o who_o be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n require_v there_o shall_v be_v public_a prayer_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o argument_n whereby_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v most_o of_o all_o move_v to_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n which_o both_o require_v public_a assembly_n and_o make_v the_o service_n perform_v in_o they_o far_o more_o acceptable_a than_o private_a prayer_n can_v be_v and_o here_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v in_o general_a that_o the_o very_a word_n we_o translate_v church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n signify_v in_o the_o greek_a language_n a_o assembly_n a_o company_n of_o person_n meet_v together_o and_o that_o public_o upon_o the_o public_a business_n or_o occasion_n the_o first_o time_n but_o one_o we_o meet_v with_o this_o word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v in_o opposition_n to_o a_o single_a person_n alone_o by_o himself_o or_o to_o one_o or_o two_o more_o beside_o he_o matth._n xviii_o 15_o 16_o 17._o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n which_o sit_v to_o judge_v cause_n and_o unto_o which_o be_v the_o last_o resort_n so_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o signify_v any_o sort_n of_o assembly_n or_o concourse_n of_o people_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n for_o in_o the_o nineteeen_o of_o the_o act_n when_o all_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n and_o run_v together_o into_o the_o theatre_n cry_v up_o diana_n this_o general_a concourse_n be_v thrice_o call_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o assembly_n ver_fw-la 32._o some_o cry_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o for_o the_o assembly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v confuse_v etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 39_o if_o you_o inquire_v of_o other_o matter_n it_o shall_v be_v determine_v in_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n and_o ver_fw-la 41._o have_v thus_o speak_v he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n now_o this_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n church_n the_o christian_a church_n which_o christ_n have_v call_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o he_o to_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o to_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o assembly_n or_o company_n of_o man_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o but_o 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prayer_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n be_v the_o chief_a for_o though_o there_o they_o receive_v christian_a instruction_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a business_n for_o which_o they_o assemble_v as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n word_n to_o timothy_n beforementioned_a 1_o tim._n two_o 1._o if_o we_o can_v make_v christian_a people_n sensible_a of_o this_o they_o will_v immediate_o yield_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o other_o he_o most_o design_n to_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o be_v most_o affect_v towards_o it_o and_o constant_o frequent_v it_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o remain_v insensible_a of_o it_o if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v due_o that_o it_o be_v imply_v in_o their_o be_v
a_o church_n unmoveable_a the_o spirit_n of_o wickedness_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o trouble_v it_o with_o heretical_a doctrine_n by_o which_o passage_n we_o learn_v both_o how_o full_a their_o assembly_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v and_o that_o the_o prayer_n be_v understand_v by_o all_o the_o people_n who_o with_o one_o voice_n say_v the_o same_o that_o the_o priest_n do_v as_o we_o now_o do_v in_o our_o general_a confession_n and_o that_o they_o hope_v for_o great_a security_n from_o their_o common_a supplication_n to_o god_n for_o his_o watchful_a providence_n over_o they_o and_o thus_o our_o own_o church_n in_o the_o second_o collect_v for_o morning_n prayer_n by_o teach_v we_o to_o look_v upon_o our_o eternal_a life_n as_o stand_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o to_o esteem_v his_o service_n to_o be_v perfect_a freedom_n enforce_v our_o resort_n unto_o he_o continual_o for_o our_o defence_n in_o that_o service_n and_o knowledge_n in_o all_o assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o it_o instruct_v we_o to_o hope_n will_v be_v this_o that_o we_o sure_o trust_v in_o his_o defence_n may_v not_o fear_v the_o power_n of_o any_o adversary_n through_o the_o might_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n this_o st._n chrysostome_n admirable_o represent_v 1._o hom._n in_o s._n lucianum_n tom._n 1._o as_o his_o manner_n be_v in_o a_o sermon_n upon_o a_o ancient_a martyr_n as_o a_o man_n that_o always_o stand_v upon_o a_o rock_n laugh_v the_o wave_n to_o scorn_v so_o he_o that_o enjoy_v the_o daily_a prayer_n and_o be_v moisten_v with_o the_o divine_a word_n have_v seat_v himself_o as_o upon_o the_o rock_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o nothing_o here_o be_v raise_v alost_a out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o goâ—â—_n admonition_n he_o daily_o receive_v but_o frâ—â—â—_n the_o prayer_n and_o from_o the_o paternal_a beâ—diction_n and_o from_o the_o common_a conventiâ—â—â—_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o from_o abundance_n of_o other_o thing_n reap_v much_o benefit_n and_o spiritual_a consolation_n he_o go_v home_o lade_v with_o a_o thousand_o bâ—â—sings_n insomuch_o that_o a_o bride_n in_o 〈◊〉_d opinion_n be_v not_o so_o beautiful_a and_o amiaâ—â—â—_n when_o she_o sit_v in_o her_o bridal_a chamber_n 〈◊〉_d a_o soul_n be_v wonderful_a and_o glorious_a whâ—â—_n it_o appear_v in_o the_o church_n breathe_v forth_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o he_o comparâ—â—_n to_o fragrant_a ointment_n for_o he_o that_o iâ—_n conversant_a there_o with_o faith_n and_o diligence_n carry_v away_o innumerable_a â—_z and_o though_o never_o so_o many_o dreadful_a thing_n befall_v he_o he_o will_v bear_v they_o aleasy_o be_v sufficient_o furnish_v out_o oâ—_n the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o patience_n and_o philosophy_n he_o mean_v the_o wise_a thought_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n put_v into_o we_o for_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n bend_v their_o force_n not_o so_o much_o against_o particular_a person_n as_o against_o their_o assembly_n which_o they_o endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o destroy_v as_o the_o nursery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v disperse_v they_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o faith_n itself_o will_v be_v lose_v in_o that_o disorder_n they_o no_o long_o look_v upon_o christian_n as_o a_o church_n when_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o but_o as_o so_o many_o scatter_a limb_n of_o a_o body_n which_o no_o long_o subsist_v when_o the_o member_n be_v distract_v and_o tear_v asunder_o against_o these_o strong_a hold_v therefore_o they_o lay_v their_o battery_n hope_v when_o they_o be_v beat_v down_o they_o shall_v present_o triumph_v over_o their_o religion_n which_o they_o know_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o overcome_v whilst_o a_o great_a body_n of_o man_n remain_v knit_v together_o continual_o for_o its_o support_n by_o many_o bond_n and_o holy_a mystery_n and_o the_o strict_a sacrament_n for_o which_o cause_n likewise_o it_o be_v that_o christian_a people_n can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o omit_v their_o assembly_n no_o not_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n if_o they_o hold_v they_o we_o learn_v so_o much_o from_o their_o very_a persecutor_n particular_o from_o the_o famous_a letter_n which_o pliny_n write_v to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n about_o this_o matter_n wherein_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o when_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a in_o the_o day_n time_n they_o meet_v before_o the_o morning_n light_n to_o sing_v hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o their_o god_n to_o what_o shall_v we_o impute_v this_o zeal_n may_v they_o not_o have_v serve_v god_n as_o well_o alone_o no_o they_o understand_v their_o religion_n better_o than_o to_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o know_v it_o can_v not_o stand_v if_o they_o do_v not_o thus_o join_v together_o to_o uphold_v it_o their_o enemy_n they_o know_v wish_v for_o nothing_o more_o than_o that_o these_o assembly_n may_v be_v break_v which_o whilst_o they_o continue_v be_v the_o pillar_n and_o stay_v of_o the_o christian_a truth_n and_o do_v we_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o love_v our_o religion_n and_o to_o desire_v nay_o hope_v for_o its_o safety_n and_o prosperity_n and_o make_v so_o little_a account_n of_o these_o holy_a assembly_n that_o the_o small_a matter_n will_v hinder_v our_o attendance_n on_o they_o let_v we_o not_o against_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n persist_v in_o such_o a_o stupid_a error_n but_o awaken_v or_o rather_o inflame_v ourselves_o unto_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o zeal_n as_o to_o meet_v together_o daily_o where_o we_o have_v opportunity_n for_o it_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o his_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o commend_v his_o church_n as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o and_o family_n to_o the_o protection_n of_o his_o good_a providence_n say_v o_o lord_n save_v thy_o people_n and_o bless_v thy_o inheritance_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v what_o satisfaction_n we_o shall_v find_v herein_o do_v we_o make_v this_o our_o most_o serious_a business_n and_o instead_o of_o the_o excuse_n we_o now_o make_v for_o our_o negligence_n give_v all_o diligence_n thus_o to_o adorn_v confirm_v and_o secure_v our_o most_o holy_a religion_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v indeed_o that_o this_o have_v be_v a_o error_n of_o long_a stand_n for_o when_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n from_o persecution_n her_o child_n begin_v by_o degree_n to_o grow_v remiss_a and_o wanton_a prosperity_n and_o ease_n corrupt_v they_o and_o they_o cool_v so_o much_o in_o their_o first_o love_n that_o many_o of_o they_o come_v but_o seldom_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n unto_o god_n their_o saviour_n but_o this_o be_v a_o extreme_a great_a grief_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o bring_v the_o heavy_a calamity_n upon_o christian_a people_n hear_v how_o the_o often_o name_v father_n bewail_v this_o that_o the_o church_n have_v bring_v forth_o many_o child_n she_o can_v not_o enjoy_v their_o company_n 1._o s._n chrysost_o de_fw-fr baptism_n christi_fw-la hom._n xxiv_o tom._n 1._o every_o time_n they_o assemble_v to_o remember_v our_o saviour_n but_o only_o upon_o a_o festival_n when_o you_o be_v all_o full_a of_o joy_n to_o day_n i_o alone_o be_o full_a of_o sorrow_n and_o grieve_v at_o heart_n to_o think_v that_o the_o church_n which_o now_o have_v such_o multitude_n in_o it_o will_v to_o morrow_n be_v empty_a o_o how_o great_a spiritual_a exultation_n how_o great_a joy_n how_o great_a glory_n to_o god_n how_o great_a profit_n to_o soul_n will_v there_o be_v if_o every_o time_n we_o assemble_v we_o can_v behold_v the_o church_n as_o full_a as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o solemn_a time_n do_v you_o not_o see_v how_o the_o mariner_n and_o pilot_n when_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o sea_n labour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o get_v into_o their_o port_n and_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_a love_v to_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o world_n ingageinâ—_n ourselves_o in_o innumerable_a secular_a affair_n which_o so_o take_v up_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o our_o time_n that_o here_o we_o appear_v scarce_o once_o or_o twice_o in_o the_o whole_a year_n be_v you_o ignorant_a that_o as_o god_n make_v havens_n in_o the_o sea_n so_o he_o have_v make_v church_n in_o city_n that_o fly_v from_o the_o tumult_n or_o tempest_n rather_o of_o secular_a affair_n we_o may_v here_o enjoy_v the_o great_a tranquillity_n and_o for_o this_o i_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o your_o own_o conscience_n whether_o you_o find_v not_o here_o such_o quiet_a and_o peace_n that_o you_o may_v true_o call_v the_o church_n the_o spiritual_a haven_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o anger_n here_o give_v no_o disturbance_n the_o storm_n of_o passion_n cease_v lust_n do_v not_o inflame_v