worship_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n all_o which_o put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o if_o all_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n public_a prayer_n be_v more_o eminent_o so_o the_o intention_n of_o private_a prayer_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o obtain_v supply_n to_o the_o want_n of_o the_o petitioner_n and_o then_o to_o worship_v god_n whereas_o in_o public_a prayer_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a design_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o necessity_n but_o a_o secondary_a intention_n so_o that_o to_o intermit_v the_o use_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o pray_v only_o in_o private_a be_v for_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n only_o in_o subordination_n to_o his_o own_o design_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o public_a worship_n and_o prayer_n do_v far_o more_o 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gratitude_n and_o worship_n to_o himself_o god_n receive_v not_o increase_v of_o honour_n from_o the_o praise_n of_o angel_n any_o more_o than_o from_o those_o of_o men._n yet_o all_o the_o description_n which_o we_o find_v of_o heaven_n represent_v they_o as_o incessant_o sing_v praise_n to_o their_o great_a creator_n who_o not_o content_a to_o retain_v a_o reverend_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o their_o own_o thought_n communicate_v they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n find_v church_n that_o be_v separate_z society_n of_o man_n unite_v by_o certain_a law_n and_o under_o one_o common_a form_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o adore_v he_o by_o one_o common_a form_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o private_a worship_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o contrive_v and_o find_v church_n by_o wonder_n of_o providence_n as_o he_o have_v that_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n in_o vain_a have_v he_o give_v to_o they_o particular_a law_n and_o annex_v many_o privilege_n and_o promise_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o such_o under_o the_o old_a law_n he_o require_v every_o male_a to_o appear_v before_o he_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n and_o command_v public_a worship_n to_o be_v continual_o pay_v to_o himself_o in_o daily_a sacrifice_n yet_o as_o he_o declare_v although_o he_o care_v not_o for_o ten_o thousand_o bullock_n nor_o for_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o will_v not_o remit_v the_o duty_n and_o adjoin_v reward_n to_o it_o because_o it_o public_o declare_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devout_a sacrificer_n to_o himself_o in_o these_o public_a form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n our_o lord_n while_o one_o earth_n constant_o give_v his_o attendance_n at_o appoint_a time_n after_o his_o ascension_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o apostle_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n frequent_v the_o temple_n at_o the_o usual_a hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o join_v in_o the_o common_a form_n of_o prayer_n there_o make_v use_v of_o although_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o receive_v by_o they_o they_o can_v have_v pour_v out_o extempore_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o devout_a prayer_n than_o those_o receive_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a composition_n if_o then_o god_n so_o strict_o exact_v the_o practice_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o time_n if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o exact_o perform_v it_o if_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n god_n have_v gather_v and_o unite_v a_o church_n under_o common_a law_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o common_a reward_n what_o account_n can_v they_o make_v who_o either_o lie_v aside_o all_o public_a worship_n as_o superfluous_a or_o decry_v the_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n offer_v up_o in_o the_o church_n or_o when_o themselves_o meet_v once_o a_o week_n to_o worship_n god_n place_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o day_n in_o hear_v a_o sermon_n which_o be_v proper_o no_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o only_o a_o exhortation_n to_o and_o direction_n how_o to_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o obligation_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o private_a so_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o one_o be_v far_o great_a than_o to_o the_o other_o our_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n wheresoever_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o christian_n join_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o they_o with_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v own_v they_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n he_o will_v excite_v and_o render_v effectual_a their_o devotion_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o will_v intercede_v with_o god_n for_o the_o grant_v of_o their_o petition_n and_o how_o effectual_a must_v those_o prayer_n be_v wherein_o our_o lord_n himself_o concur_v or_o what_o doubt_n can_v remain_v of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o our_o desire_n when_o he_o be_v present_a with_o we_o all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o assistance_n pardon_v favour_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v ancient_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n worship_v god_n at_o the_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v now_o translate_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o whereas_o among_o they_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o place_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v give_v not_o to_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o same_o privilege_n be_v make_v common_a to_o all_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o christianity_n do_v prevail_v to_o worship_n offer_v up_o from_o public_a place_n alone_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o great_a and_o more_o illustrious_a blessing_n of_o god_n be_v annex_v and_o no_o wonder_n since_o by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n do_v appear_v by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a honour_n of_o god_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n while_o the_o tabernacle_n make_v by_o moses_n and_o afterward_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n stand_v while_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o worship_n be_v perform_v therein_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o the_o jew_n worship_v the_o
light_n and_o example_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n and_o in_o so_o do_v perform_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o this_o place_n and_o entitle_v himself_o to_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o whereas_o every_o one_o deviate_a from_o this_o rule_n and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v moral_a or_o religious_a action_n become_v a_o spot_n in_o this_o light_n a_o exception_n to_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o church_n against_o unbeliever_n he_o defeat_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a advantage_n which_o christ_n propose_v to_o produce_v in_o sound_v of_o a_o church_n and_o thereby_o become_v guilty_a not_o only_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o also_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o all_o those_o infidel_n or_o profane_a person_n who_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o discover_v that_o exemplariness_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o have_v convince_v they_o if_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v and_o no_o such_o frequent_a or_o sincere_a effect_n of_o conversion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v it_o may_v well_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o cause_n that_o by_o the_o disobedience_n and_o vicious_a life_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o once_o glorious_a light_n be_v well_o nigh_o cover_v with_o spot_n and_o almost_o turn_v into_o darkness_n this_o luminary_n of_o the_o church_n never_o indeed_o be_v without_o spot_n even_o in_o its_o great_a vigour_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o while_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o perform_v their_o duty_n the_o diminution_n of_o light_n which_o arise_v from_o thence_o be_v scarce_o discernible_a in_o succeed_a time_n as_o the_o number_n of_o wicked_a christian_n increase_v the_o light_n proportionable_o diminish_v until_o our_o day_n wherein_o the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o invert_v that_o the_o number_n of_o pious_a christian_n be_v very_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o and_o thereby_o the_o light_n of_o the_o church_n be_v almost_o extinguish_v whosoever_o then_o add_v to_o this_o remain_a light_n by_o his_o own_o single_a piety_n do_v the_o great_a service_n and_o whoever_o detract_v from_o it_o by_o his_o ill_a example_n do_v the_o great_a mischief_n because_o every_o addition_n and_o diminution_n be_v more_o sensible_a in_o a_o less_o than_o a_o great_a quantity_n of_o light_n thus_o all_o christian_n may_v become_v exemplar_n in_o conspire_v to_o complete_a the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n to_o those_o who_o be_v without_o it_o for_o not_o every_o one_o be_v fit_v in_o particular_a and_o single_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o example_n to_o other_o men._n many_o thing_n must_v concur_v to_o that_o which_o ofttimes_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man._n the_o mind_n of_o other_o man_n on_o who_o his_o example_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o influence_n must_v be_v first_o possess_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o his_o wisdom_n or_o authority_n or_o any_o other_o quality_n which_o may_v induce_v other_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n and_o where_o such_o quality_n be_v find_v the_o obligation_n of_o be_v exemplar_n become_v much_o more_o strict_a in_o that_o case_n he_o be_v not_o only_o to_o act_n in_o common_a as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o particular_a also_o as_o a_o director_n of_o all_o those_o who_o may_v be_v influence_v by_o his_o example_n such_o be_v parent_n to_o their_o child_n master_n to_o their_o servant_n great_a man_n to_o their_o inferior_n king_n to_o their_o subject_n wise_a and_o learned_a man_n to_o those_o who_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n all_o such_o be_v as_o light_n to_o those_o subject_v to_o they_o who_o eye_n be_v fix_v on_o they_o and_o be_v wont_a to_o form_v direction_n to_o themselves_o from_o their_o practice_n and_o this_o be_v what_o god_n particular_o require_v of_o great_a and_o know_a man_n in_o return_n for_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o they_o employ_v it_o for_o the_o instruction_n or_o persuasion_n of_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n their_o power_n and_o their_o knowledge_n have_v distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n and_o set_v they_o in_o a_o eminent_a station_n at_o least_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o who_o be_v subject_v or_o inferior_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o every_o action_n of_o they_o have_v some_o influence_n but_o ordinary_o every_o habit_n fix_v even_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o inferior_n of_o who_o the_o most_o part_n look_v no_o far_o than_o to_o the_o demeanour_n of_o those_o who_o they_o suppose_v in_o power_n or_o knowledge_n to_o excel_v themselves_o if_o they_o observe_v no_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n these_o can_v so_o much_o as_o know_v they_o if_o they_o practise_v forbid_v pleasure_n or_o give_v way_n to_o unlawful_a passion_n these_o will_v lose_v even_o all_o sense_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o practice_v what_o they_o see_v their_o superior_n the_o suppose_a judge_n of_o decency_n and_o lawfulness_n without_o fear_n to_o pursue_v if_o they_o conscientious_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o religion_n even_o respect_v to_o their_o person_n will_v engage_v other_o in_o the_o same_o course_n of_o piety_n as_o be_v general_o persuade_v that_o those_o who_o be_v great_a and_o wise_a than_o themselves_o be_v more_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v true_a happiness_n thus_o every_o good_a man_n fit_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v he_o for_o be_v a_o example_n to_o they_o become_v a_o public_a blessing_n he_o enter_v not_o into_o heaven_n alone_o but_o carry_v with_o he_o the_o welcome_a attendance_n of_o those_o who_o his_o example_n have_v draw_v thither_o with_o he_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o in_o the_o power_n of_o all_o man_n to_o fit_v themselves_o for_o such_o exemplar_n yet_o most_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o as_o be_v superior_a to_o some_o other_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v rule_n of_o direction_n from_o they_o and_o not_o a_o few_o be_v place_v in_o such_o eminent_a station_n as_o derive_v exceed_v influence_n upon_o all_o those_o who_o be_v seat_v under_o they_o and_o such_o if_o careless_a of_o their_o duty_n become_v a_o snare_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o destruction_n to_o all_o those_o who_o by_o their_o example_n be_v betray_v into_o sin_n they_o fall_v not_o alone_o but_o like_o lucifer_n seat_v on_o a_o eminent_a throne_n draw_v legion_n of_o apostate_n angel_n with_o they_o into_o hell_n for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o all_o who_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v and_o can_v plead_v as_o do_v those_o sinner_n who_o act_n in_o the_o low_a sphere_n that_o thereby_o they_o hurt_v themselves_o alone_o rather_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n ruin_v by_o their_o ill_a example_n will_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o be_v revenge_v on_o they_o it_o be_v frequent_o add_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o jeroboam_n as_o the_o utmost_a aggravation_n of_o his_o crime_n that_o he_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o a_o single_a apostasy_n but_o draw_v the_o whole_a nation_n into_o idolatry_n by_o his_o power_n and_o example_n we_o need_v look_v no_o far_o than_o the_o history_n of_o that_o and_o other_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o great_a example_n for_o as_o often_o as_o those_o introduce_v idolatry_n or_o restore_v true_a religion_n so_o often_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n fall_v into_o apostasy_n or_o return_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o reward_n of_o those_o pious_a prince_n will_v receive_v infinite_a increase_n from_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o their_o example_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o the_o 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they_o intend_v it_o or_o not_o they_o can_v be_v conceal_v or_o pass_v unregarded_a upon_o which_o account_n christ_n just_o resemble_v they_o to_o a_o city_n place_v on_o a_o hill_n and_o to_o a_o candle_n set_v on_o a_o candlestick_n in_o the_o 14_o and_o 15_o verse_n which_o natural_o appear_v and_o give_v light_a to_o all_o round_a about_o they_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v do_v but_o you_o take_v care_n to_o perform_v good_a work_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o become_v exemplar_n i_o do_v not_o require_v you_o to_o publish_v and_o blazon_n they_o abroad_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o perform_v they_o can_v escape_v the_o knowledge_n and_o observation_n of_o other_o men._n far_o not_o only_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a work_n make_v the_o ostentation_n of_o they_o to_o be_v unnecessary_a in_o order_n to_o become_v exemplar_n but_o also_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o less_o temptation_n to_o pride_n 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best_o tend_v to_o the_o perpetual_a continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o this_o light_n once_o deliver_v when_o therefore_o by_o these_o mean_n in_o a_o few_o century_n almost_o all_o the_o know_a world_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n free_v from_o its_o ancient_a error_n and_o receive_v the_o truth_n when_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n still_o continue_v to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o benefit_n freedom_n from_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o relate_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o way_n to_o happiness_n may_v we_o not_o just_o conclude_v all_o the_o glorious_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o happy_a time_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o light_n to_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o world_n by_o he_o to_o have_v be_v exact_o complete_v in_o our_o lord_n and_o that_o in_o remove_v the_o ignorance_n of_o mankind_n and_o restore_v and_o increase_v 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true_a god_n that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n when_o the_o people_n general_o forsake_v the_o public_a worship_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n at_o home_n to_o worship_n god_n upon_o every_o high_a hill_n and_o under_o every_o green_a tree_n there_o than_o remain_v no_o far_a evidence_n of_o the_o public_a belief_n or_o religion_n of_o the_o nation_n while_o therefore_o worship_n be_v due_o pay_v by_o they_o in_o the_o place_n appoint_v by_o god_n all_o the_o promise_n blessing_n and_o reward_n mention_v in_o the_o jewish_a covenant_n take_v place_n they_o enjoy_v peace_n security_n and_o abundance_n their_o sin_n be_v expiate_v their_o petition_n grant_v no_o public_a calamity_n do_v attend_v they_o when_o this_o public_a worship_n be_v intermit_v by_o they_o god_n be_v no_o long_o engage_v by_o promise_n to_o protect_v they_o since_o they_o do_v not_o now_o any_o long_o appear_v to_o be_v his_o people_n the_o only_a 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more_o leisure_n and_o knowledge_n much_o more_o be_v require_v but_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o those_o which_o frequent_a it_o who_o perform_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v education_n custom_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n oblige_v man_n to_o cease_v from_o labour_n upon_o those_o day_n which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v add_v that_o the_o same_o consideration_n oblige_v they_o to_o frequent_v due_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n upon_o those_o day_n but_o from_o they_o who_o do_v frequent_v it_o as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o irreligion_n we_o expect_v a_o true_a constant_a and_o humble_a devotion_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v and_o deplore_v the_o great_a negligence_n and_o stupid_a carelessness_n of_o many_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a prayer_n many_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o day_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v a_o sermon_n hence_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v if_o they_o enter_v after_o the_o prayer_n be_v begin_v after_o the_o confession_n be_v make_v and_o the_o absolution_n pronounce_v by_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v present_a at_o they_o they_o seem_v irksome_a to_o they_o they_o join_v not_o in_o they_o far_o from_o any_o devotion_n in_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o pay_v any_o bodily_a reverence_n they_o refuse_v to_o kneel_v and_o some_o even_o presume_v to_o sit_v still_o at_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n we_o want_v that_o cheerful_a concurrence_n in_o the_o congregation_n in_o which_o the_o ancient_a christian_n so_o much_o glorify_v say_v that_o a_o amen_o pronounce_v by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v like_o a_o clap_n of_o thunder_n which_o pierce_v heaven_n in_o our_o assembly_n how_o small_a a_o part_n join_v in_o repeat_v the_o common_a form_n of_o confession_n praise_n and_o adoration_n of_o god_n and_o not_o many_o vouchsafe_v to_o add_v a_o amen_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o several_a prayer_n such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o public_a devotion_n at_o this_o time_n lamentable_a indeed_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o such_o as_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o such_o therefore_o let_v i_o address_v myself_o do_v not_o you_o believe_v yourselves_o equal_o oblige_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o other_o be_v not_o you_o also_o create_v by_o he_o and_o still_o depend_v upon_o he_o why_o then_o do_v you_o refuse_v to_o do_v homage_n to_o he_o to_o profess_v public_o your_o subjection_n by_o such_o a_o humble_a posture_n of_o body_n as_o may_v declare_v it_o if_o a_o heathen_a shall_v enter_v into_o our_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o examine_v our_o devotion_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o put_v the_o case_n for_o st._n paul_n before_o put_v it_o to_o the_o corinthian_n what_o will_v he_o say_v when_o he_o shall_v behold_v some_o kneel_v the_o great_a part_n stand_v and_o many_o perhaps_o sâ—tting_v he_o can_v say_v no_o other_o than_o that_o little_a decency_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o religious_a assembly_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o they_o many_o person_n be_v present_a but_o few_o of_o those_o worship_n god_n that_o the_o great_a part_n express_v a_o strange_a unconcernedness_n in_o a_o lazy_a posture_n of_o stand_v and_o that_o some_o seem_v design_o to_o affront_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n by_o sit_v in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n and_o when_o he_o be_v invoke_v let_v not_o these_o reproach_n any_o long_o be_v say_v of_o christian_n who_o want_v no_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o who_o religion_n teach_v they_o the_o contrary_n assure_v yourselves_o that_o it_o be_v not_o listen_v to_o a_o sermon_n which_o can_v suffice_v this_o be_v not_o to_o worship_n god_n but_o only_o
to_o learn_v how_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o to_o be_v excite_v to_o it_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o your_o meeting_n in_o this_o holy_a place_n be_v that_o you_o may_v worship_n god_n herein_o but_o how_o can_v you_o be_v say_v to_o worship_v he_o who_o place_n yourselves_o in_o no_o posture_n of_o worship_n who_o express_v no_o concern_v at_o the_o word_n of_o public_a prayer_n join_v not_o in_o they_o nor_o add_v a_o amen_o to_o they_o can_v you_o real_o believe_v stand_v or_o sit_v to_o be_v a_o posture_n of_o worship_n or_o will_v you_o not_o confess_v kneel_v to_o be_v real_o the_o most_o humble_a posture_n and_o if_o so_o sure_o the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v to_o be_v approach_v in_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o devout_a manner_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o correct_v a_o ill_a custom_n study_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n a_o complete_a service_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n to_o attend_v diligent_o to_o they_o to_o join_v devout_o in_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n both_o with_o body_n and_o soul_n since_o both_o be_v create_v by_o he_o so_o shall_v you_o true_o worship_n god_n so_o shall_v you_o entitle_v yourselves_o to_o all_o those_o glorious_a promise_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o true_a piety_n and_o devotion_n obtain_v your_o desire_n and_o save_v your_o soul_n the_o sixteen_o sermon_n preach_v 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o treat_v large_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n enjoin_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v and_o urge_v the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n from_o these_o two_o consideration_n especial_o that_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n and_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n make_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o frequency_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o lay_v open_v the_o advantage_n to_o be_v receive_v from_o prayer_n and_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o that_o so_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o duty_n can_v not_o engage_v yet_o at_o least_o that_o of_o interest_n may_v persuade_v i_o than_o proceed_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o public_a prayer_n have_v first_o prove_v to_o you_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o that_o especial_o and_o therein_o manifest_v how_o much_o great_a the_o obligation_n be_v to_o public_a prayer_n how_o more_o expressive_a of_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n what_o great_a advantage_n it_o bring_v to_o devout_a supplicant_n and_o what_o more_o noble_a promise_n be_v annex_v to_o it_o it_o remain_v now_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v these_o three_o i._o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n every_o where_o ii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n iii_o the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n the_o apostle_n teach_v to_o be_v every_o where_o that_o be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o but_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o any_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v herein_o he_o distinguish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n from_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o the_o more_o solemn_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n nay_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n institute_v by_o himself_o be_v affix_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n where_o the_o priest_n daily_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o perform_v the_o other_o office_n of_o legal_a worship_n and_o adult_v male_n among_o the_o jew_n thrice_o every_o year_n give_v their_o attendance_n this_o be_v both_o easy_a to_o the_o jew_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a dimension_n of_o their_o country_n and_o also_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v they_o from_o relapse_v into_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o will_v not_o have_v be_v avoid_v in_o that_o stiff-necked_a people_n have_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v permit_v to_o they_o in_o many_o separate_a place_n where_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v not_o the_o immediate_a oversight_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v actual_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o corrupt_v their_o religion_n whensoever_o quit_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o begin_v to_o worship_n god_n upon_o every_o high_a hill_n and_o under_o every_o green_a tree_n to_o this_o temple_n therefore_o after_o the_o full_a settlement_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o promise_a land_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o affix_v out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n nor_o be_v any_o expiation_n of_o sin_n provide_v to_o it_o many_o glorious_a promise_n be_v appropriate_v as_o that_o god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n offer_v up_o in_o it_o and_o be_v gracious_a to_o his_o people_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o be_v propagate_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n the_o observation_n of_o this_o institution_n become_v both_o impossible_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o be_v therefore_o abolish_v by_o god_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o he_o be_v thenceforward_o command_v to_o be_v alike_o celebrate_v in_o all_o place_n that_o be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o church_n his_o presence_n be_v not_o confine_v nor_o his_o promise_n annex_v to_o one_o place_n he_o be_v equal_o present_a in_o all_o congregation_n of_o devout_a believer_n and_o receive_v their_o petition_n with_o equal_a favour_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n distinguish_v the_o christian_a from_o the_o jewish_a worship_n direct_v public_a prayer_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o every_o where_o as_o he_o have_v before_o distinguish_v it_o upon_o another_o respect_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o command_v that_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n whereas_o the_o jew_n never_o pray_v for_o any_o but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o communion_n this_o enlargement_n of_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n can_v not_o indeed_o but_o be_v extreme_o surprise_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o which_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v be_v now_o appropriate_v for_o near_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o from_o all_o age_n determine_v to_o enlarge_v his_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o gather_v into_o it_o as_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v both_o by_o precedent_n and_o subsequent_a fact_n provide_v abundant_a reason_n to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o himself_o shall_v not_o always_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v extend_v into_o the_o whole_a earth_n thus_o zeph._n ii_o 11._o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o when_o god_n shall_v found_v the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n than_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o every_o one_o from_o his_o place_n even_o all_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o in_o mal._n i._n 11._o for_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o my_o name_n and_o a_o pure_a offering_n for_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n which_o prophecy_n do_v clear_o instruct_v the_o jew_n that_o when_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o shall_v be_v worship_v alike_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o even_o those_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v incense_n and_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v then_o offer_v up_o from_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o although_o in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a manner_n this_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v appear_v strange_a unto_o the_o jew_n who_o mind_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o
sharpen_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o unhappy_a influence_n which_o their_o action_n have_v to_o dispose_v othen_fw-ge man_n to_o sin_n the_o duty_n of_o exemplariness_n and_o the_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o require_v it_o of_o his_o follower_n be_v thus_o clear_v i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o head_n to_o consider_v the_o manner_n which_o he_o have_v fix_v whereby_o to_o raise_v this_o example_n that_o be_v by_o good_a work_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n none_o but_o these_o will_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o the_o church_n or_o who_o judge_n right_o and_o none_o but_o these_o will_v avail_v such_o as_o be_v within_o the_o church_n or_o make_v little_a use_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o become_v a_o light_n and_o a_o glorious_a example_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v eminent_a in_o those_o action_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o world_n to_o be_v good_a excellent_a and_o of_o intrinsic_a worth_n such_o be_v all_o action_n of_o moral_a virtue_n but_o more_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v positive_a as_o justice_n truth_n zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o men._n such_o be_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o common_a speech_n also_o call_v good_a work_n which_o whosoever_o do_v illustrious_o perform_v all_o other_o man_n although_o of_o a_o different_a or_o no_o religion_n will_v bear_v he_o witness_n that_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o precept_n he_o therein_o obey_v be_v good_a and_o just_a that_o his_o example_n deserve_v praise_n and_o imitation_n and_o what_o effect_n must_v we_o not_o believe_v this_o example_n have_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n before_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o be_v obscure_v by_o the_o prevail_a wickedness_n of_o latter_a age_n when_o the_o church_n can_v challenge_v her_o adversary_n to_o produce_v from_o among_o her_o follower_n a_o unclean_a or_o a_o injust_a a_o intemperate_a or_o a_o profane_a person_n when_o their_o piety_n be_v so_o undeniable_a in_o the_o constant_a frequent_v of_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n when_o their_o charity_n appear_v so_o conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o own_o member_n but_o now_o even_o to_o their_o enemy_n in_o feed_v the_o hungry_a in_o clothe_v the_o naked_a in_o redeem_v captive_n in_o communicate_v to_o all_o when_o a_o heathen_a governor_n and_o he_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o age_n employ_v by_o his_o emperor_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o christian_n make_v this_o report_n to_o he_o that_o they_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o injure_v no_o man_n defraud_v none_o abstain_v from_o murder_n lust_n and_o perjury_n give_v frequent_a demonstration_n of_o admirable_a charity_n and_o meet_v once_o every_o week_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n bind_v themselves_o by_o religious_a tie_n and_o sacrament_n to_o do_v all_o this_o when_o a_o learned_a adversary_n after_o a_o full_a search_n can_v make_v no_o other_o report_n than_o this_o what_o remain_v but_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v indeed_o among_o they_o so_o wise_o christianity_n contrive_v to_o draw_v in_o unbelieving_a but_o unprejudiced_a spectator_n by_o the_o beauty_n of_o its_o example_n the_o force_n of_o which_o none_o can_v withstand_v while_o its_o great_a adversary_n dare_v not_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o good_a work_n be_v the_o primitive_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o not_o the_o duty_n yet_o at_o least_o the_o interest_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o mankind_n our_o lord_n propose_v not_o to_o form_v this_o example_n by_o extreme_a austerity_n and_o maceration_n by_o paradox_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n by_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n which_o may_v easy_o raise_v the_o amazement_n but_o not_o the_o reverence_n of_o other_o men._n judicious_a man_n will_v esteem_v they_o folly_n if_o propose_v as_o matter_n of_o intrinsic_a excellence_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o scorn_n and_o even_o ignorant_a person_n may_v be_v astonish_v at_o they_o yet_o can_v they_o never_o discover_v any_o real_a worth_n in_o they_o or_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o latter_a age_n to_o have_v introduce_v such_o gross_a conception_n instead_o of_o what_o our_o lord_n direct_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n and_o thereby_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v those_o excellent_a end_n which_o he_o intend_v thus_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o her_o latter_a saint_n have_v chief_o respect_v extravagant_a austerity_n and_o the_o report_n of_o foolish_a miracle_n and_o some_o other_o have_v make_v the_o indication_n or_o sign_n of_o saint-ship_n to_o be_v unaccountable_a rapture_n or_o internal_a pretend_a consolation_n or_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o have_v no_o necessary_a external_a effect_n or_o can_v be_v discover_v by_o unbeliever_n or_o if_o discover_v will_v not_o affect_v they_o with_o they_o no_o example_n but_o of_o such_o action_n as_o be_v universal_o allow_v to_o be_v excellent_a namely_o of_o good_a work_n will_v be_v of_o any_o power_n and_o therefore_o our_o most_o wise_a saviour_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o continue_v all_o other_o mean_v of_o continue_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n which_o our_o lord_n propose_v will_v be_v find_v whole_o ineffectual_a and_o as_o to_o those_o without_o so_o also_o to_o those_o within_o the_o church_n but_o need_v the_o direction_n of_o example_n no_o other_o will_v be_v of_o any_o advantage_n the_o benefit_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o consist_v in_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o such_o who_o be_v incline_v to_o imitate_v the_o action_n of_o those_o who_o they_o admire_v or_o respect_n or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v subject_a which_o action_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o require_v good_a work_n the_o design_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v happy_o effect_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n promote_v their_o salvation_n secure_v the_o reward_n of_o those_o who_o give_v the_o example_n increase_v but_o if_o the_o action_n be_v of_o any_o other_o nature_n they_o be_v either_o unlawful_a or_o indifferent_a not_o worthy_a imitation_n and_o without_o any_o promise_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o three_o place_n our_o lord_n in_o the_o text_n propose_v the_o end_n towards_o which_o these_o exemplary_a good_a work_n shall_v be_v direct_v which_o be_v that_o other_o may_v see_v they_o and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v in_o see_v they_o may_v glorify_v god_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v betray_v into_o pride_n or_o arrogance_n through_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o good_a work_n they_o be_v command_v to_o refer_v all_o not_o to_o their_o own_o but_o to_o the_o divine_a glory_n lest_o they_o shall_v swell_v with_o the_o conceit_n of_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n of_o give_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o action_n of_o other_o man_n by_o their_o own_o conduct_n they_o be_v teach_v that_o all_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v employ_v to_o promote_v their_o own_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o advance_v the_o honour_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n while_o good_a work_n be_v indeed_o direct_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n of_o pride_n shall_v intervene_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o peevish_a and_o morose_a man_n will_v detract_v from_o they_o as_o do_v for_o sinister_a end_n and_o vain_a glory_n our_o lord_n have_v provide_v for_o this_o a_o remedy_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n immediate_o precede_v this_o exhortation_n to_o a_o good_a example_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n nothing_o indeed_o be_v more_o odious_a and_o distasteful_a than_o ostentation_n in_o religion_n or_o more_o to_o be_v avoid_v this_o raise_v the_o indignation_n of_o our_o lord_n against_o the_o pharisee_n and_o still_o excit_v the_o scorn_n of_o all_o judicious_a man_n when_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v form_v on_o purpose_n to_o be_v see_v by_o man_n when_o their_o praise_n and_o applause_n be_v thereby_o court_v and_o studious_o contrive_v but_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o be_v exemplary_a in_o good_a work_n as_o there_o be_v no_o command_n of_o contrive_v the_o ordinary_a performance_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v most_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o man_n so_o there_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n no_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v but_o be_v observe_v whether_o he_o who_o perform_v