ingenious_a person_n consider_v of_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 11._o 1._o where_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o find_v our_o saviour_n be_v at_o prayer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o secret_a prayer_n but_o with_o his_o disciple_n be_v more_o than_o probable_a since_o they_o be_v present_a at_o they_o and_o according_o when_o he_o have_v conclude_v one_o of_o they_o ask_v he_o to_o instruct_v they_o how_o to_o pray_v now_o if_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v then_o here_o be_v our_o saviour_n example_n for_o what_o we_o be_v discourse_v of_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o disciple_n with_o who_o he_o be_v at_o prayer_n be_v his_o family_n but_o that_o which_o i_o observe_v further_o be_v they_o ask_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n teach_v his_o disciple_n that_o be_v to_o prescribe_v they_o a_o form_n wherein_o they_o who_o be_v his_o family_n may_v join_v together_o as_o the_o family_n or_o disciple_n of_o john_n do_v or_o not_o only_o to_o pray_v several_o or_o secret_o but_o in_o conjunction_n and_o society_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n gratify_v they_o in_o by_o prescribe_v to_o they_o the_o well-known_a and_o admirable_a form_n in_o which_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v further_a remarkable_a to_o this_o purpose_n first_o that_o the_o prayer_n be_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n which_o render_v it_o far_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o social_a office_n for_o though_o some_o other_o account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o his_o use_v that_o number_n yet_o nothing_o be_v so_o natural_a as_o this_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v intimate_v second_o the_o very_a petition_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v consider_v will_v incline_v a_o man_n to_o think_v that_o though_o the_o prayer_n be_v contrive_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o fit_v other_o purpose_n yet_o it_o be_v primary_o intend_v for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o family_n or_o society_n especial_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o of_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n be_v but_o so_o much_o for_o that_o 2._o the_o next_o instance_n of_o family_n duty_n be_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o other_o day_n and_o time_n set_v apart_o for_o his_o service_n as_o for_o the_o lord_n day_n though_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o as_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n which_o be_v our_o saturday_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o christian_n at_o all_o so_o neither_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o observe_v any_o day_n with_o that_o sabbatical_a nicety_n and_o strictness_n which_o for_o special_a reason_n be_v require_v of_o that_o people_n yet_o that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v observe_v pious_o and_o devout_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o it_o principal_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o we_o make_v it_o a_o day_n peculiar_a for_o the_o office_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n as_o other_o day_n be_v for_o common_a and_o secular_a affair_n for_o though_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v carry_v on_o every_o day_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o be_v a_o profane_a day_n indeed_o in_o which_o god_n have_v not_o some_o share_n allow_v for_o his_o service_n yet_o as_o god_n have_v not_o require_v that_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o those_o day_n but_o after_o a_o little_a of_o the_o time_n be_v consecrate_v to_o he_o the_o residue_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o life_n so_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n we_o be_v allow_v to_o consult_v our_o infirmity_n to_o provide_v for_o necessity_n and_o to_o do_v work_n of_o humanity_n or_o mercy_n but_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o the_o day_n be_v religion_n and_o to_o that_o the_o main_a of_o it_o must_v be_v apply_v and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o this_o namely_o by_o this_o interruption_n of_o the_o course_n of_o worldly_a affair_n in_o some_o measure_n to_o take_v our_o heart_n off_o from_o they_o for_o we_o shall_v hardly_o avoid_v sink_v absolute_o into_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o a_o continual_a course_n and_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o certain_a interval_n of_o time_n to_o retreat_n from_o they_o and_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o thing_n of_o another_o nature_n by_o which_o mean_v also_o we_o begin_v to_o practice_v a_o heavenly_a sabbatism_n and_o inure_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n to_o those_o spiritual_a employment_n which_o we_o be_v to_o enter_v upon_o and_o be_v everlasting_o perform_v in_o another_o world_n let_v therefore_o the_o pious_a man_n thus_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n by_o apply_v it_o to_o holy_a use_n that_o be_v beside_o public_a worship_n to_o read_v meditation_n sing_v of_o psalm_n and_o grave_a discourse_n of_o religion_n and_o let_v he_o according_a as_o he_o have_v warrant_n from_o the_o four_o commandment_n oblige_v all_o those_o within_o his_o gate_n to_o do_v so_o too_o and_o not_o only_o restrain_v his_o family_n from_o common_a labour_n but_o from_o lightness_n and_o folly_n tipple_a and_o gossip_v idle_a visit_n and_o impertinent_a talk_n of_o news_n and_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o be_v as_o much_o in_o earnest_n about_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n on_o that_o day_n as_o they_o be_v about_o their_o business_n or_o pleasure_n on_o other_o day_n as_o for_o other_o holy_a day_n set_v apart_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v very_o good_a use_n to_o be_v make_v of_o they_o too_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o great_a festival_n be_v the_o ignorant_a man_n gospel_n and_o bring_v to_o his_o mind_n all_o the_o great_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o god_n have_v not_o so_o strict_o task_v we_o to_o the_o labour_n of_o six_o day_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v better_o please_v if_o we_o now_o and_o then_o apply_v some_o of_o they_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o make_v a_o sally_n towards_o heaven_n but_o then_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o day_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v mere_o a_o relaxation_n from_o servile_a work_n nor_o much_o less_o a_o dispensation_n for_o looseness_n and_o profaneness_n but_o god_n must_v be_v serve_v on_o they_o with_o great_a diligence_n than_o can_v be_v ordinary_o expect_v on_o other_o day_n and_o this_o be_v another_o branch_n of_o the_o pious_a man_n duty_n in_o his_o family_n 3._o there_o be_v another_o thing_n i_o will_v mention_v in_o the_o three_o place_n among_o family_n exercise_n which_o i_o do_v not_o call_v a_o necessary_a duty_n but_o will_v offer_v it_o to_o consideration_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o adviseable_a in_o some_o case_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o family_n piety_n that_o in_o every_o family_n where_o it_o can_v be_v do_v some_o person_n shall_v be_v encourage_v to_o take_v note_n of_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o church_n and_o repeat_v they_o at_o home_n forasmuch_o as_o this_o course_n will_v not_o only_o afford_v a_o very_a seasonable_a and_o excellent_a entertainment_n for_o the_o family_n in_o the_o interval_n of_o public_a worship_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n but_o will_v also_o be_v very_o advantageous_a both_o to_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o the_o minister_n it_o will_v encourage_v he_o to_o study_v and_o to_o deliver_v weighty_a thing_n when_o he_o see_v his_o word_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o perish_v in_o the_o hear_n and_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o air_n but_o be_v review_v and_o consider_v of_o by_o which_o mean_v one_o sermon_n will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o two_o and_o may_v serve_v according_o for_o the_o people_n it_o will_v put_v the_o most_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o they_o upon_o consider_v and_o endeavour_v to_o remember_v and_o make_v something_o of_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o when_o they_o observe_v that_o some_o of_o the_o able_a of_o the_o congregation_n think_v it_o worth_a their_o pain_n to_o take_v so_o exact_a notice_n of_o it_o as_o to_o write_v it_o down_o at_o least_o they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o snore_v and_o yawn_v when_o other_o be_v so_o intent_n and_o serious_a and_o as_o for_o the_o family_n in_o which_o the_o repetition_n be_v make_v they_o will_v have_v further_a occasion_n to_o observe_v with_o what_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n the_o doctrine_n be_v infer_v from_o the_o text_n opportunity_n to_o weigh_v the_o argument_n use_v to_o enforce_v it_o and_o be_v put_v upon_o make_v application_n of_o all_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n but_o i_o foresee_v several_a objection_n such_o as_o they_o be_v will_v be_v make_v against_o this_o it_o will_v be_v say_v this_o course_n be_v unfashionable_a and_o puritanical_a that_o experience_n have_v discover_v that_o write_n after_o sermon_n have_v teach_v man_n to_o be_v conceit_v and_o captious_a and_o
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
write_v upon_o it_o but_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o and_o second_o because_o the_o very_a person_n himself_o that_o shall_v pretend_v to_o it_o can_v not_o secure_v himself_o from_o illusion_n but_o may_v easy_o mistake_v the_o idol_n of_o his_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o very_a illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o we_o find_v by_o sad_a experience_n that_o many_o have_v do_v unless_o there_o be_v withal_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o miracle_n to_o assure_v their_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v the_o divine_a impression_n therefore_o forasmuch_o as_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n can_v give_v no_o assurance_n of_o it_o and_o natural_a reason_n can_v pretend_v to_o discover_v sufficient_o the_o divine_a will_n it_o remain_v that_o only_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v that_o which_o must_v be_v our_o guide_n in_o the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n and_o attain_v the_o salvation_n expect_v in_o another_o world_n the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o be_v that_o provision_n god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v for_o our_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n this_o be_v the_o transcript_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o darkness_n and_o by_o which_o divine_a wisdom_n design_v to_o guide_v we_o through_o all_o the_o maze_n of_o dispute_n and_o to_o resolve_v we_o of_o all_o the_o important_a question_n that_o concern_v our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v so_o fit_v to_o our_o use_n that_o whosoever_o consult_v it_o with_o a_o mind_n free_a from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o anticipation_n he_o shall_v not_o miss_v his_o way_n to_o heaven_n nor_o shall_v such_o a_o man_n as_o be_v dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o a_o little_a child_n i._n e._n come_v with_o a_o mind_n willing_a to_o learn_v and_o be_v convince_v and_o with_o that_o temper_n apply_v himself_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n need_v either_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o a_o pope_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n to_o interpret_v it_o to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a god_n be_v as_o able_a to_o express_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o as_o either_o of_o these_o be_v whensoever_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v so_o and_o where_o he_o resolve_v to_o be_v obscure_a it_o be_v not_o to_o any_o purpose_n to_o consult_v they_o in_o the_o case_n who_o be_v no_o more_o privy_a to_o his_o secret_a counsel_n than_o we_o ourselves_o be_v and_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a either_o with_o the_o goodness_n or_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o order_v matter_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v betray_v to_o any_o capital_a error_n so_o as_o to_o endanger_v his_o salvation_n who_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o come_v qualify_v with_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o ordinary_a mean_n as_o be_v afford_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o it_o be_v indeed_o not_o impossible_a but_o that_o such_o a_o man_n notwithstanding_o both_o the_o perfection_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o his_o rule_n may_v err_v in_o some_o small_a matter_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v either_o such_o as_o will_v abuse_v he_o in_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n he_o can_v neither_o mistake_v the_o object_n of_o his_o worship_n nor_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o nor_o endanger_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o his_o own_o salvation_n for_o this_o will_v direct_v he_o to_o a_o religion_n plain_a and_o easy_a humble_a and_o peaceable_a reasonable_a and_o hearty_a a_o religion_n that_o neither_o impose_v a_o implicit_a faith_n nor_o countenance_n a_o bold_a presumption_n that_o will_v make_v man_n devout_a without_o superstition_n and_o holy_a without_o arrogance_n or_o pretend_v to_o merit_v at_o god_n hand_n in_o a_o word_n the_o holy_a scripture_n impartial_o consult_v will_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o religion_n that_o shall_v neither_o consist_v of_o speculation_n and_o be_v opinionative_n and_o fanatical_a on_o the_o one_o side_n nor_o make_v up_o of_o external_a show_n and_o pomp_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n on_o the_o other_o side_n but_o such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o manifest_o avoid_v both_o extreme_n 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 although_o it_o be_v never_o so_o certain_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v both_o compose_v and_o preserve_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o man_n guidance_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o notwithstanding_o its_o great_a perspicuity_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o that_o case_n yet_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o prejudice_n of_o mind_n be_v able_a to_o defeat_v the_o end_n of_o it_o therefore_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o the_o follow_a particular_n be_v consider_v first_o he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o thereby_o discover_v the_o true_a lineament_n of_o religion_n let_v he_o make_v inquiry_n after_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o the_o most_o catholic_n religion_n and_o not_o indulge_v his_o curiosity_n so_o as_o to_o be_v take_v either_o with_o novelty_n or_o singularity_n for_o each_o of_o those_o will_v lead_v he_o aside_o both_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o from_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a as_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o note_n of_o religion_n viz._n antiquity_n the_o old_a religion_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o much_o the_o true_a as_o god_n be_v before_o the_o devil_n therefore_o the_o prophet_n jerem._n 6._o 16._o direct_v the_o people_n to_o inquire_v for_o the_o good_a old_a way_n and_o walk_v therein_o and_o they_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o for_o christianity_n in_o particular_a forasmuch_o as_o that_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o after-age_n shall_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o it_o or_o make_v improvement_n of_o it_o without_o new_a revelation_n whilst_o god_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n heaven_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o same_o tenor_n there_o can_v be_v no_o new_a christianity_n therefore_o let_v all_o new_a light_n go_v for_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la and_o mere_a meteor_n that_o serve_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o bewild_a man_n he_o that_o seek_v for_o true_a christianity_n let_v he_o neither_o content_n himself_o to_o look_v back_o to_o 41_o or_o the_o last_o age_n as_o some_o do_v nor_o 500_o year_n backward_o to_o a_o dark_a age_n as_o other_o but_o let_v he_o inquire_v for_o a_o religion_n as_o old_a as_o gospel_n and_o observe_v in_o what_o rule_v it_o be_v deliver_v and_o in_o what_o example_n it_o first_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o other_o note_n of_o religion_n viz._n universality_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o true_o catholic_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o institute_v christianity_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o it_o shall_v agree_v with_o all_o time_n and_o age_n fit_v all_o country_n and_o climate_n suit_n all_o constitution_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n and_o subsist_v under_o whatsoever_o form_n of_o government_n or_o civil_a polity_n it_o shall_v meet_v with_o those_o therefore_o who_o model_n religion_n according_a to_o the_o peculiar_a fashion_n of_o some_o one_o country_n or_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o it_o which_o require_v a_o certain_a complexion_n and_o temper_n of_o body_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o make_v some_o austerity_n essential_a to_o it_o which_o all_o can_v comply_v with_o or_o that_o describe_v a_o religion_n for_o the_o cloister_n and_o not_o adequate_a to_o common_a life_n or_o that_o model_n it_o so_o as_o that_o it_o must_v have_v the_o civil_a government_n submit_v to_o it_o or_o it_o can_v subsist_v or_o in_o a_o word_n that_o confine_v it_o to_o narrow_a bound_n or_o canton_n it_o into_o separate_a party_n none_o of_o these_o understand_v the_o true_a genius_n of_o christianity_n nor_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n second_o he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o his_o religion_n must_v not_o take_v it_o upon_o public_a faith_n or_o be_v determine_v by_o common_a fame_n or_o so_o much_o as_o regard_v the_o loud_a shout_n and_o acclamation_n of_o the_o vulgar_a for_o they_o be_v general_o swear_v enemy_n to_o sober_a reason_n as_o be_v move_v more_o by_o heat_n than_o light_n and_o govern_v by_o sense_n and_o fancy_n and_o consequent_o can_v entertain_v any_o great_a esteem_n for_o a_o modest_a sedate_n manly_a and_o rational_a religion_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a
infinite_o dote_v upon_o all_o the_o trick_n of_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n and_o those_o two_o do_v so_o whole_o govern_v they_o that_o they_o receive_v no_o impression_n of_o religion_n where_o one_o or_o other_o of_o they_o do_v not_o strike_v their_o imagination_n as_o for_o superstition_n the_o wonderful_a efficacy_n of_o that_o upon_o common_a mind_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o if_o they_o see_v a_o man_n so_o extreme_o scrupulous_a that_o he_o find_v as_o we_o say_v a_o knot_n in_o a_o bulrush_n so_o squeamish_a and_o straitlaced_n that_o he_o become_v a_o burden_n to_o himself_o and_o all_o about_o he_o so_o infinite_o full_a of_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n that_o he_o scandalise_v religion_n by_o his_o impertinency_n and_o render_v god_n almighty_a a_o very_a unbenign_a and_o severe_a majesty_n such_o a_o man_n notwithstanding_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v cry_v up_o as_o a_o great_a saint_n although_o in_o great_a matter_n perhaps_o he_o give_v himself_o more_o liberty_n than_o other_o man_n or_o if_o they_o observe_v a_o man_n pretend_v to_o great_a austerity_n and_o mortification_n by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o his_o habit_n dejectedness_n of_o his_o countenance_n or_o other_o peculiarity_n of_o his_o garb_n as_o wear_v a_o hair_n shirt_n or_o gird_v with_o a_o rope_n especial_o if_o he_o also_o macerate_v himself_o with_o fast_v or_o whip_v himself_o till_o the_o blood_n come_v or_o use_v any_o such_o severity_n towards_o himself_o they_o be_v strange_o affect_v with_o this_o pageant_n of_o piety_n and_o these_o thing_n alone_o be_v security_n enough_o to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a man_n and_o of_o the_o best_a religion_n thus_o no_o doubt_n the_o priest_n of_o baal_n who_o as_o we_o read_v 1_o king_n 18._o 26._o pray_v from_o morning_n to_o midday_n make_v horrible_a outcry_n and_o use_v antic_a posture_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o blind_a zeal_n cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lancet_n have_v a_o mighty_a veneration_n among_o the_o rabble_n of_o superstitious_a israelite_n insomuch_o that_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n with_o all_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o very_o great_a austerity_n of_o conversation_n too_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v up_o with_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n what_o by_o their_o demure_a and_o mortify_a look_n disfigure_a face_n and_o outward_a appearance_n of_o sanctimony_n what_o by_o their_o broad_a phylactery_n and_o fringe_n of_o their_o garment_n beset_v with_o sharp_a thorn_n to_o prick_v and_o vex_v they_o what_o with_o long_a prayer_n and_o frequent_a fast_n and_o such_o other_o artifices_fw-la they_o so_o lead_v the_o people_n by_o the_o nose_n that_o all_o the_o wisdom_n temper_n goodness_n nay_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v scarce_o sufficient_a to_o procure_v their_o attention_n to_o he_o and_o thus_o it_o will_v be_v also_o with_o enthusiasm_n that_o raise_v the_o admiration_n and_o captivate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o superstition_n if_o a_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o extraordinary_a communication_n from_o the_o divine_a majesty_n if_o he_o now_o and_o then_o either_o feel_v or_o can_v counterfeit_v rapture_n and_o transport_n so_o that_o by_o turn_v he_o shall_v be_v sometime_o as_o it_o be_v snatch_v up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o at_o another_o time_n be_v cast_v down_o to_o hell_n and_o if_o in_o these_o fit_v he_o can_v talk_v nonsense_n confident_o can_v make_v vehement_a harangue_n against_o pride_n formality_n or_o superstition_n if_o he_o make_v show_v of_o extraordinary_a zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o have_v the_o pride_n or_o insolency_n to_o speak_v ill_o of_o his_o better_n to_o slight_v all_o ordinary_a form_n and_o censure_v the_o government_n if_o he_o have_v either_o a_o horrible_a voice_n or_o a_o oily_a melt_a tone_n a_o artificial_a countenance_n a_o peculiar_a motion_n of_o his_o eye_n or_o especial_o have_v the_o trick_n to_o resemble_v a_o epilepsy_n in_o all_o this_o legerdemain_n then_o when_o he_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n he_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v the_o zeal_n and_o spirit_n of_o elias_n but_o unquestionable_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v in_o he_o and_o he_o be_v admire_v if_o not_o adore_v by_o inconsiderate_a people_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n sound_a doctrine_n sober_a reason_n wise_a conversation_n and_o grave_a piety_n shall_v signify_v nothing_o but_o form_n and_o carnality_n with_o they_o for_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o such_o thing_n as_o i_o last_o name_v commend_v themselves_o only_o to_o a_o sedate_n mind_n and_o a_o considerative_a temper_n but_o the_o other_o bear_v strong_o upon_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o so_o carry_v away_o the_o vulgar_a he_o therefore_o that_o will_v not_o have_v his_o devout_a intention_n abuse_v must_v not_o suffer_v the_o multitude_n to_o choose_v his_o religion_n for_o he_o nor_o take_v it_o upon_o trust_n from_o public_a fame_n and_o noise_n for_o if_o he_o decide_v this_o case_n by_o the_o poll_n he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v shadow_n for_o substance_n and_o either_o embrace_v a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o paint_v and_o varnish_v or_o else_o one_o animate_v only_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o enthusiasm_n three_o he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o right_a choice_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v content_a to_o follow_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n therein_o must_v resolve_v with_o himself_o not_o to_o seek_v for_o or_o pitch_n upon_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v put_v he_o to_o the_o least_o pain_n and_o give_v he_o the_o least_o trouble_n but_o be_v willing_a to_o deny_v himself_o and_o to_o conflict_n with_o any_o difficulty_n that_o he_o may_v save_v his_o soul_n for_o pretend_v easy_a religion_n be_v like_o mountebank_n cure_n deceitful_a and_o palliative_a some_o man_n have_v the_o folly_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o a_o religion_n consist_v of_o mere_a faith_n without_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o good_a life_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n nay_o that_o to_o be_v of_o a_o peculiar_a party_n sect_n or_o church_n will_v be_v sufficient_a but_o than_o it_o be_v strange_a our_o saviour_n shall_v bid_v we_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o wonder_n if_o any_o shall_v miss_v of_o heaven_n upon_o these_o term_n or_o if_o any_o be_v so_o sottish_a they_o deserve_v to_o perish_v without_o pity_n other_o there_o be_v that_o entertain_v a_o conceit_n of_o get_v to_o heaven_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o other_o man_n as_o by_o purchase_v a_o indulgence_n or_o by_o hire_v a_o priest_n to_o say_v prayer_n for_o the_o man_n when_o he_o be_v dead_a that_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n to_o pray_v for_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v alive_a or_o by_o get_v a_o plenary_a absolution_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n at_o the_o last_o gasp_n or_o some_o other_o such_o voluptuous_a and_o compendious_a way_n of_o salvation_n he_o that_o seek_v out_o such_o expedient_n as_o these_o argue_v that_o he_o have_v some_o little_a love_n to_o himself_o so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v damn_v but_o that_o he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o towards_o god_n or_o virtue_n and_o indeed_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o worthy_a notion_n of_o god_n or_o apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n nay_o he_o give_v evidence_n that_o he_o be_v as_o much_o in_o love_n with_o his_o sin_n as_o with_o himself_o and_o will_v have_v both_o save_v together_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 10._o that_o when_o we_o shall_v appear_v at_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v receive_v our_o doom_n according_a to_o the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n not_o according_a to_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o we_o when_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o body_n much_o less_o according_a to_o what_o other_o have_v either_o officious_o or_o mercenary_o perform_v for_o we_o all_o such_o method_n be_v cheat_n the_o artifices_fw-la of_o hypocrisy_n and_o constitute_v only_o a_o religion_n for_o a_o epicure_n but_o be_v as_o far_o as_o hell_n be_v from_o heaven_n from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a our_o saviour_n say_v his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n but_o that_o be_v speak_v either_o comparative_o to_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n especial_o consider_v with_o the_o additional_a imposition_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o lay_v heavy_a burden_n upon_o other_o but_o will_v not_o buckle_v under_o they_o themselves_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o great_a assistance_n and_o mighty_a encouragement_n which_o those_o man_n
shall_v meet_v with_o that_o apply_v themselves_o in_o earnest_n to_o christianity_n for_o certain_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o considerable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o first_o lesson_n of_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v that_o a_o man_n must_v deny_v himself_o nor_o will_v our_o saviour_n have_v require_v we_o that_o if_o our_o right_a eye_n or_o right_a hand_n offend_v we_o we_o must_v pluck_v out_o the_o one_o and_o cut_v off_o the_o other_o that_o we_o may_v enter_v into_o life_n 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 when_o a_o man_n have_v settle_v his_o principle_n and_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n of_o his_o profession_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v then_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n towards_o a_o holy_a and_o a_o comfortable_a life_n yet_o there_o be_v several_a vulgar_a opinion_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o careful_o avoid_v will_v have_v a_o unhappy_a influence_n upon_o both_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v expedient_a he_o shall_v be_v caution_v against_o they_o especial_o such_o as_o those_o whereof_o i_o will_v here_o give_v a_o catalogue_n in_o the_o particular_n follow_v to_o which_o i_o will_v premise_v this_o in_o the_o general_n that_o although_o some_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o shall_v be_v mention_v may_v seem_v only_o mere_a speculation_n in_o the_o first_o view_n of_o they_o and_o perhaps_o may_v go_v no_o further_o with_o some_o person_n who_o singular_a probity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n may_v antidote_n they_o against_o the_o malignity_n of_o such_o tenet_n yet_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o genuine_a consequence_n of_o they_o they_o be_v very_o dangerous_a as_o shall_v now_o be_v make_v appear_v in_o particular_a 1._o therefore_o let_v he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o due_a improvement_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n take_v care_n of_o allow_v himself_o to_o pry_v too_o curious_o into_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n or_o of_o marshal_v too_o confident_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n and_o especial_o of_o argue_v presumptuous_o concern_v his_o own_o or_o other_o man_n salvation_n or_o damnation_n from_o they_o there_o be_v no_o question_n with_o i_o but_o that_o god_n almighty_n foreknow_v from_o all_o eternity_n whatsoever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o after_o time_n and_o let_v it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v also_o that_o from_o the_o same_o eternity_n he_o decree_v with_o himself_o whatsoever_o he_o will_v afterward_o effect_v or_o permit_v nay_o let_v we_o moreover_o suppose_v he_o have_v express_o determine_v with_o himself_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o that_o so_o peremptory_o that_o only_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v who_o he_o have_v so_o decree_v to_o save_v and_o those_o shall_v certain_o be_v damn_v who_o he_o have_v pass_v such_o a_o decree_n upon_o but_o what_o then_o the_o proper_a and_o only_a reasonable_a use_n we_o can_v make_v of_o these_o supposition_n be_v to_o admire_v the_o divine_a eternity_n sovereignty_n power_n and_o omniscience_n here_o be_v neither_o matter_n for_o our_o curiosity_n nor_o for_o our_o reason_n to_o descant_v upon_o not_o for_o our_o curiosity_n since_o it_o be_v plain_o impossible_a to_o know_v what_o the_o particular_a import_n of_o those_o decree_n be_v or_o who_o they_o concern_v and_o less_o for_o our_o reason_n since_o if_o we_o will_v argue_v any_o thing_n hence_o it_o must_v be_v no_o better_o than_o deduce_a conclusion_n from_o unknown_a premise_n the_o very_a pry_n into_o these_o cabinet_n counsel_n beside_o the_o folly_n and_o immodesty_n of_o it_o tend_v to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n for_o it_o certain_o either_o blow_n man_n up_o with_o presumption_n or_o cast_v they_o headlong_o into_o desperation_n the_o sanguine_a and_o confident_a and_o self-applauding_a be_v fill_v with_o vain_a hope_n by_o these_o speculation_n and_o the_o modest_a melancholy_a and_o despondent_a temper_n be_v incline_v to_o despair_v by_o they_o but_o the_o argue_v and_o draw_v consequence_n of_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n from_o thence_o contradict_v the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n which_o charge_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o to_o use_v diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a nay_o it_o turn_v into_o ridicule_n all_o the_o exhortation_n threaten_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v god_n persuade_v we_o when_o he_o have_v irrevocable_o determine_v our_o fate_n with_o himself_o it_o discourage_v all_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o all_o comfort_n in_o so_o do_v since_o it_o will_v be_v labour_n in_o vain_a it_o baffle_v conscience_n whensoever_o it_o either_o check_v we_o for_o sin_n or_o will_v comfort_v we_o for_o do_v virtuous_o for_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o what_o conscience_n say_v when_o god_n have_v decree_v it_o render_v the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n a_o mere_a piece_n of_o empty_a pomp_n and_o pageantry_n see_v man_n case_n be_v all_o decide_v beforehand_o nay_o it_o make_v the_o very_a come_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o life_n death_n propitiation_n and_o intercession_n to_o be_v illusory_a and_o insignificant_a thing_n forasmuch_o as_o upon_o this_o supposition_n man_n be_v save_v or_o damn_v antecedent_o to_o his_o undertake_n now_o if_o after_o all_o this_o any_o man_n will_v be_v so_o desperate_o absurd_a and_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o say_v nevertheless_o god_n decree_n be_v irrevocable_a and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a that_o if_o i_o be_v decree_v to_o salvation_n i_o shall_v then_o be_v save_v without_o more_o ado_n and_o if_o i_o be_v decree_v to_o be_v damn_v i_o must_v perish_v and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v mean_n see_v i_o shall_v but_o strive_v against_o the_o stream_n my_o doom_n be_v past_a and_o i_o may_v bewail_v my_o hard_a fortune_n but_o can_v reverse_v it_o i_o will_v only_o further_o ask_v such_o a_o man_n this_o plain_a question_n viz._n how_o he_o come_v to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o god_n almighty_n have_v decree_v to_o save_v and_o damn_v man_n right_a or_o wrong_n as_o we_o say_v i._n e._n whether_o they_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o no._n forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o that_o harbour_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n contradict_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o represent_v he_o to_o be_v the_o worst_a and_o most_o hateful_a be_v imaginable_a a_o be_v that_o have_v only_a power_n and_o will_n but_o have_v neither_o love_n nor_o hatred_n neither_o wisdom_n justice_n nor_o goodness_n in_o he_o at_o all_o that_o have_v no_o esteem_n for_o faith_n virtue_n or_o piety_n no_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n and_o ingenuity_n nor_o any_o aversation_n to_o baseness_n and_o villainy_n but_o as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o unmoved_a rigid_a idol_n be_v inflexible_a by_o any_o repentance_n prayer_n tear_n address_n and_o importunity_n and_o insensible_a of_o and_o unprovoke_v by_o all_o the_o affront_n and_o insolence_n that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o he_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o that_o can_v think_v thus_o of_o god_n will_v easy_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v set_v a_o mean_a value_n upon_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_a son_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n to_o no_o purpose_n upon_o the_o aforesaid_a supposition_n now_o unless_o all_o this_o be_v true_a which_o be_v impossible_a there_o can_v be_v no_o colour_n nor_o foundation_n for_o such_o a_o horrid_a and_o barbarous_a opinion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v false_a as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v than_o we_o shall_v easy_o be_v lead_v into_o this_o scriptural_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n viz._n that_o as_o he_o decree_v from_o all_o eternity_n to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n so_o he_o then_o also_o determine_v that_o as_o many_o as_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o so_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o then_o what_o if_o we_o find_v it_o to_o follow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n omniscience_n that_o he_o must_v foreknow_v the_o individual_a person_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o damn_v or_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o determination_n that_o only_o such_o and_o no_o other_o can_v be_v save_v namely_o those_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o it_o yet_o than_o it_o will_v be_v evident_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o gaze_v up_o to_o god_n decree_n for_o than_o whatever_o have_v be_v write_v in_o the_o archive_v of_o heaven_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o can_v contradict_v this_o that_o if_o i_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o become_v a_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n i_o shall_v be_v
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
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
a_o case_n to_o be_v that_o which_o they_o must_v always_o complain_v of_o but_o yet_o they_o never_o expect_v or_o desire_v to_o see_v it_o cure_v for_o these_o sin_n be_v think_v to_o be_v only_o like_o the_o canaanite_n in_o the_o land_n or_o some_o other_o remainder_n of_o those_o devote_a and_o accurse_a nation_n which_o must_v never_o be_v quite_o root_v out_o but_o be_v always_o as_o thorn_n in_o the_o eye_n and_o goad_n in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n i._n e._n tolerate_a but_o not_o extirpated_a but_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o very_a false_a notion_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o require_v we_o to_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pluck_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n when_o either_o of_o they_o offend_v we_o that_o be_v that_o if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n we_o must_v part_v with_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v as_o pleasant_a to_o we_o as_o our_o eye_n as_o necessary_a or_o convenient_a to_o we_o as_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o as_o painful_a to_o part_v withal_o as_o either_o of_o they_o whereas_o if_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n of_o infirmity_n take_v place_n with_o we_o it_o will_v save_v all_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_n of_o mortification_n and_o keep_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n whole_a and_o entire_a and_o yet_o put_v man_n in_o hope_n they_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o and_o no_o sin_n that_o we_o have_v a_o kindness_n to_o but_o a_o man_n may_v enjoy_v it_o without_o danger_n for_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v one_o man_n infirmity_n to_o be_v drink_v another_o man_n to_o swear_v a_o three_o man_v to_o be_v seditious_a or_o censorious_a and_o in_o short_a by_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o soft_a word_n or_o distinction_n together_o with_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o a_o man_n self_n he_o may_v reconcile_v god_n and_o mammon_n christ_n and_o belial_n hell_n and_o heaven_n but_o this_o cheat_n be_v too_o palpable_a for_o the_o plea_n of_o infirmity_n be_v only_o allowable_a in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o follow_v namely_o when_o either_o ignorance_n or_o misinformation_n betray_v a_o man_n into_o error_n or_o he_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v otherwise_o good_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o a_o great_a fear_n over-power_n he_o or_o the_o suddenness_n of_o a_o temptation_n surprise_v he_o before_o he_o be_v so_o much_o aware_a as_o to_o collect_v himself_o or_o something_o of_o like_a nature_n to_o these_o may_v be_v call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o assure_o that_o which_o a_o man_n know_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o yet_o commit_v it_o that_o which_o a_o man_n take_v pleasure_n in_o and_o life_n in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o can_v never_o be_v esteem_v a_o mere_a pitiable_a infirmity_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o true_o love_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o be_v in_o earnest_n for_o eternity_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o take_v care_n of_o this_o error_n 4._o a_o four_o danger_n i_o will_v give_v warning_n against_o be_v the_o mistake_a opinion_n about_o conversion_n to_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v be_v a_o great_a solemn_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o wherever_o it_o be_v true_o accomplish_v be_v the_o happy_a passage_n of_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n and_o the_o very_a crisis_n of_o eternity_n viz._n when_o either_o a_o man_n who_o by_o unhappy_a education_n or_o otherwise_o be_v betray_v to_o evil_a and_o mischievous_a opinion_n come_v by_o the_o advantage_n of_o better_a information_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o be_v otherwise_o instruct_v and_o set_v right_o in_o his_o principle_n or_o especial_o when_o one_o who_o be_v former_o of_o a_o lewd_a and_o flagitious_a life_n be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o bring_v to_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n a_o sense_n of_o his_o danger_n and_o thereupon_o change_v his_o whole_a course_n and_o become_v a_o new_a and_o holy_a man_n both_o these_o be_v as_o i_o say_v great_a and_o solemn_a and_o happy_a thing_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o all_o reverence_n and_o consider_v with_o joy_n and_o admiration_n but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_n mistake_v very_o common_a in_o this_o great_a affair_n viz._n when_o either_o such_o a_o conversion_n as_o we_o have_v now_o describe_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o universal_o necessary_a and_o prescribe_v to_o all_o man_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o salvation_n or_o else_o which_o be_v far_o worse_o when_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v mistake_v and_o conversion_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n be_v make_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a momentaneous_a act_n a_o kind_n of_o qualm_n or_o fit_a of_o religion_n and_o as_o such_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n without_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o holy_a life_n subsequent_a to_o it_o both_o these_o last_o name_v be_v false_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n but_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o former_a of_o they_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o perplex_v the_o conscience_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o very_o good_a man_n viz._n when_o those_o who_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o good_a principle_n and_o by_o his_o grace_n not_o only_o preserve_v from_o a_o loose_a and_o debauch_a life_n but_o engage_v also_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a course_n all_o along_o shall_v notwithstanding_o have_v it_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o press_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o also_o must_v be_v convert_v and_o bear_v again_o or_o else_o they_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o be_v necessary_a and_o proper_a doctrine_n from_o our_o saviour_n to_o nicodemus_n and_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o pagan_a world_n who_o have_v be_v nurse_v up_o in_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n but_o it_o be_v not_o preach_v to_o john_n the_o baptist_n nor_o to_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n nor_o to_o timothy_n who_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o a_o child_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o and_o who_o have_v be_v early_o engage_v in_o a_o holy_a life_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o careful_a instruction_n of_o his_o grandmother_n lois_fw-fr and_o his_o mother_n eunice_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 5._o not_o can_v such_o doctrine_n without_o equal_a indiscretion_n and_o danger_n be_v preach_v to_o several_a other_o now_o who_o be_v of_o that_o condition_n that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v the_o latter_a of_o these_o opinion_n about_o conversion_n which_o i_o intend_v in_o this_o place_n principal_o to_o give_v caution_n against_o viz._n when_o a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v former_o either_o of_o a_o sottish_a and_o careless_a or_o of_o a_o notorious_o debauch_a and_o profligate_v life_n shall_v be_v encourage_v to_o think_v his_o peace_n be_v make_v with_o god_n from_o such_o time_n as_o he_o have_v have_v a_o qualm_n come_v over_o his_o conscience_n and_o be_v put_v into_o a_o mood_n of_o seriousness_n and_o devotion_n have_v be_v teach_v to_o date_n his_o regeneration_n from_o hence_o the_o mischief_n of_o this_o mistake_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o apparent_a for_o that_o it_o tempt_v man_n to_o grow_v secure_a before_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o it_o be_v very_o common_a and_o natural_a for_o such_o person_n to_o grow_v careless_a of_o themselves_o upon_o a_o vain_a confidence_n in_o this_o kind_n of_o conversion_n as_o if_o now_o their_o work_n be_v do_v without_o the_o trouble_n of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n nay_o further_o when_o perhaps_o such_o man_n have_v commit_v some_o such_o great_a sin_n as_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o unhappy_a error_n will_v startle_v their_o conscience_n they_o be_v hereby_o instead_o of_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o hearty_a repentance_n incline_v only_o fond_o to_o look_v back_o and_o to_o remember_v that_o such_o a_o time_n i_o be_v convert_v and_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o all_o be_v well_o enough_o already_o and_o from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v also_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o such_o man_n fall_v from_o grace_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o be_v to_o apostatise_v from_o such_o hopeful_a beginning_n for_o indeed_o they_o be_v at_o most_o but_o beginning_n but_o be_v foolish_o rest_v in_o as_o if_o they_o have_v amount_v to_o the_o whole_a attainment_n of_o christianity_n they_o flatter_v man_n into_o security_n first_o and_o betray_v they_o to_o shame_n afterward_o and_o the_o falsity_n of_o this_o conceit_n be_v evident_a in_o this_o that_o whereas_o it_o make_v the_o great_a business_n of_o eternity_n to_o lie_v in_o a_o instantaneous_a act_n the_o transaction_n perhaps_o
of_o his_o conscience_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o run_v he_o upon_o miscarriage_n of_o life_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o its_o be_v his_o conscience_n will_v not_o exempt_v he_o from_o the_o consequence_n of_o so_o do_v the_o other_o passage_n be_v joh._n 16._o 2._o where_o he_o foretell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o so_o unhappy_a time_n and_o lie_v under_o such_o prejudices_fw-la &_o misprison_v with_o the_o world_n that_o those_o that_o kill_v they_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n now_o those_o that_o think_v they_o do_v good_a service_n and_o perform_v a_o meritorious_a action_n in_o such_o a_o thing_n most_o certain_o follow_v their_o conscience_n in_o so_o do_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o this_o do_v not_o justify_v the_o fact_n for_o then_o the_o persecutor_n of_o christianity_n and_o murderer_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v have_v be_v a_o very_a conscientious_a and_o commendable_a sort_n of_o man_n wherefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o conscience_n be_v no_o rule_n nor_o sufficient_a warranty_n for_o our_o action_n 6._o in_o the_o six_o place_n let_v he_o who_o have_v thought_n of_o attain_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v take_v care_n of_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o be_v a_o common_a prejudice_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o ignorant_a or_o cowardly_a people_n for_o they_o fancy_n that_o a_o life_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v rather_o a_o fine_a speculation_n or_o a_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n than_o a_o necessary_a and_o practicable_a truth_n they_o confess_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a good_a and_o commendable_a thing_n if_o we_o can_v comply_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o impossible_a and_o so_o of_o no_o indispensable_a obligation_n for_o they_o say_v our_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_v by_o our_o fall_n and_o thereby_o our_o faculty_n be_v so_o weak_a and_o impair_v that_o we_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o but_o infirmity_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o we_o be_v so_o beset_v with_o temptation_n and_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o much_o too_o strong_a for_o we_o that_o we_o must_v sin_v there_o be_v no_o avoid_v of_o it_o and_o god_n must_v pardon_v and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o business_n now_o if_o such_o a_o opinion_n as_o this_o possess_v a_o man_n it_o will_v prove_v impossible_a that_o ever_o he_o shall_v live_v holy_o for_o if_o natural_a corruption_n have_v not_o enfeeble_v we_o sufficient_o this_o cowardly_a conceit_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v it_o effectual_o for_o no_o man_n in_o this_o case_n especial_o be_v ever_o better_a than_o his_o design_n nor_o rise_v high_a than_o his_o aim_n or_o projection_n no_o more_o than_o water_n rise_v above_o its_o fountain_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o he_o that_o set_v his_o mark_n low_a will_v fall_v yet_o low_a in_o his_o prosecution_n and_o he_o that_o be_v cow_v and_o deject_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o think_v he_o shall_v never_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n before_o he_o most_o certain_o never_o will_v or_o can_v do_v it_o he_o only_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o good_a christian_a that_o resolve_v with_o the_o true-hearted_a israelite_n to_o despise_v difficulty_n and_o danger_n and_o to_o conquer_v the_o good_a land_n whatsoever_o it_o cost_v he_o for_o such_o a_o man_n unite_v his_o strength_n collect_v his_o force_n and_o dishearten_v his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o defy_v their_o opposition_n but_o the_o despondent_a cowardly_a person_n both_o infeeble_v himself_o and_o incourage_v his_o enemy_n so_o that_o he_o can_v neither_o attempt_v nor_o much_o less_o effect_n any_o brave_a thing_n and_o the_o same_o conceit_n of_o impossibility_n will_v as_o certain_o render_v our_o spirit_n uncomfortable_a as_o remiss_a because_o after_o all_o the_o pretence_n a_o man_n can_v make_v for_o his_o cowardice_n and_o remissness_n he_o can_v but_o observe_v the_o strain_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o be_v against_o he_o and_o sure_o that_o man_n can_v enjoy_v himself_o very_o well_o under_o those_o attainment_n which_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n condemn_v as_o mean_v and_o unworthy_a but_o after_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v as_o false_a as_o it_o be_v mischievous_a for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o holy_a scripture_n assure_v we_o of_o some_o person_n and_o particular_o of_o zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n luk._n 1._o 6._o that_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a and_o be_v both_o righteous_a before_o god_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o adam_n and_o expose_v to_o all_o the_o temptation_n ill_a example_n and_o difficulty_n with_o other_o man_n beside_o the_o aforesaid_a opinion_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o modesty_n and_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o humane_a weakness_n reflect_v very_o dishonourable_o both_o upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n when_o it_o impute_v to_o the_o great_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o world_n such_o oversight_n and_o severity_n as_o to_o prescribe_v such_o law_n as_o be_v not_o fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o unto_o which_o add_v that_o it_o put_v a_o intolerable_a slight_n upon_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v more_o upon_o the_o very_a grace_n of_o god_n also_o as_o if_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v carry_v we_o through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o upon_o all_o which_o consideration_n and_o several_a such_o other_o which_o need_v not_o here_o be_v mention_v this_o opinion_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o such_o as_o aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v avoid_v by_o he_o that_o will_v lead_v a_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a life_n 7._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v another_o opinion_n which_o be_v both_o as_o common_a and_o as_o dangerous_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a against_o which_o therefore_o i_o will_v give_v caution_n in_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o place_n viz._n when_o though_o perhaps_o religion_n shall_v not_o be_v universal_o pronounce_v to_o be_v impossible_a yet_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o be_v only_o the_o peculiar_a business_n or_o especial_o to_o belong_v to_o some_o certain_a sort_n or_o condition_n of_o man_n but_o not_o to_o be_v the_o general_a call_n the_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o all_o man_n under_o this_o pretence_n serious_a and_o constant_a devotion_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o appropriate_v to_o the_o cloister_n where_o man_n live_v retire_v from_o the_o world_n and_o be_v think_v to_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v or_o to_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o churchman_n who_o peculiar_a profession_n it_o be_v or_o for_o old_a and_o bedridden_a person_n who_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o prayer-book_n or_o at_o least_o for_o man_n fall_v into_o adversity_n who_o have_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o retire_v to_o and_o to_o suppor_n themselves_o withal_o but_o the_o contemplation_n of_o another_o world_n but_o for_o man_n of_o calling_n and_o business_n or_o for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flower_n of_o youth_n and_o warmth_n of_o blood_n in_o health_n and_o prosperity_n these_o be_v think_v to_o have_v allowance_n due_a to_o they_o at_o least_o for_o the_o present_a and_o the_o more_o solemn_a consideration_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v adjourn_v to_o another_o time_n if_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o such_o as_o these_o go_v to_o church_n and_o perhaps_o now_o and_o then_o say_v their_o prayer_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v for_o their_o business_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v too_o great_a or_o their_o temptation_n and_o avocation_n too_o many_o or_o at_o least_o their_o spirit_n be_v too_o light_a and_o brisk_a to_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v strict_o devotional_a or_o to_o make_v religion_n their_o business_n thus_o man_n make_v vain_a apology_n but_o do_v god_n almighty_a allow_v of_o they_o have_v he_o make_v any_o such_o exception_n or_o distinction_n no_o certain_o he_o have_v make_v religion_n every_o man_n duty_n and_o have_v charge_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n he_o have_v equal_o impose_v this_o task_n upon_o prince_n and_o peasant_n clergy_n and_o laity_n rich_a and_o poor_a master_n and_o servant_n young_a and_o old_a the_o afflict_a and_o the_o prosperous_a the_o man_n of_o business_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o leisure_n and_o retirement_n he_o that_o have_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o world_n that_o have_v right_a to_o our_o
the_o formal_a act_n of_o a_o part_n with_o the_o observance_n of_o abundance_n of_o nice_a rite_n ceremony_n and_o punctilio_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n which_o look_v beautiful_o and_o promise_n fair_o in_o public_a but_o be_v forget_v or_o lay_v aside_o at_o home_n nor_o be_v it_o immure_v in_o a_o closet_n and_o never_o suffer_v to_o take_v the_o air_n in_o conversation_n to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a morality_n nor_o mere_a devotion_n but_o both_o these_o in_o conjunction_n together_o with_o all_o that_o be_v brave_a and_o noble_a and_o wise_a and_o good_a all_o that_o can_v better_v the_o mind_n and_o temper_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o all_o that_o can_v improve_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n all_o this_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o religion_n especial_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v phil._n 4._o 8._o final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a or_o grave_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a or_o friendly_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v of_o these_o thing_n i._n e._n count_v they_o branch_n of_o christianity_n for_o true_a religion_n be_v nothing_o less_o nothing_o i_o mean_v of_o no_o narrow_a extent_n than_o a_o wise_a and_o worthy_a conduct_n and_o manage_v of_o a_o man_n self_n in_o all_o those_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o namely_o towards_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o the_o just_a province_n of_o religion_n but_o i_o can_v neither_o think_v it_o possible_a to_o handle_v all_o the_o part_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o subject_n in_o this_o short_a treatise_n nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o apprehend_v the_o discourse_n of_o they_o all_o to_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o those_o for_o who_o use_n i_o principal_o intend_v these_o paper_n therefore_o omit_v but_o not_o exclude_v all_o other_o branch_n of_o religion_n i_o will_v here_o only_o speak_v of_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o secret_a devotion_n or_o those_o act_n of_o piety_n which_o be_v transact_v only_o between_o almighty_a god_n and_o a_o man_n own_a soul_n second_o of_o private_a piety_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o particular_a family_n three_o of_o the_o more_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o concern_v a_o man_n govern_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o consult_v the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o parish_n wherein_o he_o live_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n of_o secret_a or_o closet_n devotion_n that_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a branch_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o necessary_a and_o universal_a duty_n appear_v by_o the_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 6._o 6._o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v the_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n who_o be_v in_o secret_a etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v not_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n to_o forbid_v or_o put_v a_o slight_a upon_o all_o but_o closet_n devotion_n for_o he_o himself_o frequent_o pray_v public_o and_o teach_v his_o disciple_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o though_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o closet_n do_v he_o intend_v to_o confine_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o strict_a formality_n of_o a_o closet_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o field_n or_o in_o any_o recess_n or_o place_n of_o secrecy_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o himself_o practise_v nor_o last_o though_o he_o use_v the_o word_n prayer_n only_o do_v he_o make_v that_o strict_o take_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o secret_a piety_n for_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a speech_n also_o to_o express_v all_o the_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n by_o the_o name_n of_o prayer_n whether_o they_o be_v praise_n or_o adoration_n or_o confession_n or_o thanksgiving_n or_o meditation_n or_o self-examination_n all_o therefore_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v be_v to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o secret_a devotion_n as_o well_o as_o public_a and_o to_o press_v that_o upon_o his_o disciple_n which_o the_o hypocrisy_n and_o ostentation_n of_o the_o pharisee_n have_v lay_v aside_o because_o in_o truth_n they_o seek_v not_o god_n glory_n but_o their_o own_o and_o this_o be_v further_a recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o whatsoever_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n otherwise_o there_o have_v perhaps_o be_v those_o who_o under_o some_o pretence_n or_o other_o have_v neglect_v family_n worship_n and_o those_o also_o who_o have_v be_v abase_v by_o some_o scruple_n into_o a_o omission_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o i_o very_o think_v that_o none_o but_o flat_a atheist_n or_o gross_a hypocrite_n which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v ever_o dispense_v with_o themselves_o in_o the_o common_a and_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o secret_a worship_n for_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o much_o less_o have_v any_o worthy_a apprehension_n of_o he_o but_o it_o natural_o put_v he_o upon_o some_o act_n or_o other_o of_o adoration_n towards_o he_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o exercise_n be_v to_o the_o body_n it_o may_v live_v and_o subsist_v though_o not_o long_o and_o healthful_o without_o it_o but_o secret_a devotion_n be_v like_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o lung_n without_o which_o a_o man_n be_v present_o choke_v up_o and_o destroy_v if_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o move_v towards_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o circulation_n return_v in_o praise_n all_o those_o benefit_n which_o it_o continual_o receive_v from_o he_o it_o be_v stifle_v by_o repletion_n and_o if_o by_o prayer_n he_o do_v not_o breathe_v out_o his_o grief_n and_o as_o it_o be_v ventilate_v his_o spirit_n he_o be_v strangle_v by_o his_o own_o melancholy_n for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o religious_a office_n can_v make_v a_o supply_n in_o these_o case_n because_o every_o man_n have_v his_o secret_a sin_n to_o confess_v to_o god_n which_o it_o be_v ordinary_o unsafe_a to_o make_v other_o man_n privy_a to_o and_o his_o peculiar_a infirmity_n and_o temptation_n his_o grief_n and_o burden_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o lay_v open_a to_o man_n see_v only_a god_n can_v relieve_v they_o and_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v sundry_a personal_a mercy_n and_o savour_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o answer_n of_o his_o prayer_n which_o require_v a_o personal_a acknowledgement_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o the_o open_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n be_v common_o attend_v with_o such_o affection_n and_o passionate_a expression_n as_o will_v be_v indecent_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v very_o become_v towards_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o last_o thing_n we_o find_v 1_o sam._n 1._o 13._o hannah_n be_v think_v to_o be_v drink_v by_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n eli_n the_o priest_n when_o yet_o as_o the_o truth_n appear_v afterward_o he_o see_v in_o she_o only_o the_o devout_a symptom_n of_o a_o sorrowful_a spirit_n beside_o these_o act_n of_o secret_a worship_n be_v very_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o public_a worship_n both_o as_o they_o dispose_v and_o fit_v a_o man_n heart_n for_o it_o before_o he_o enter_v upon_o it_o by_o compose_v the_o thought_n and_o raise_v the_o affection_n and_o as_o they_o make_v application_n of_o it_o afterward_o press_v home_n upon_o the_o conscience_n the_o instruction_n there_o receive_v and_o improve_n and_o confirm_v into_o a_o stable_a resolution_n those_o good_a affection_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o it_o insomuch_o that_o that_o man_n will_v either_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o god_n public_a service_n or_o no_o suitable_a temper_n in_o it_o or_o be_v little_a the_o better_a after_o it_o that_o have_v not_o first_o fit_v and_o prepare_v his_o heart_n for_o it_o by_o secret_a devotion_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o true_a reason_n as_o well_o of_o the_o lamentable_a unprofitableness_n as_o of_o the_o common_a irreverence_n of_o public_a performance_n because_o man_n rush_v into_o god_n house_n without_o the_o due_a preface_n of_o secret_a preparation_n and_o they_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o god_n when_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n never_o attend_v to_o or_o improve_n those_o good_a motion_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v kindle_v in_o they_o moreover_o these_o devout_a office_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o supplant_v and_o supersede_n the_o public_a as_o we_o have_v intimate_v already_o and_o shall_v demonstrate_v at_o large_a by_o and_o
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
be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o to_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o address_v to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n to_o manage_v ourselves_o well_o towards_o other_o for_o god_n sake_n as_o towards_o he_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n and_o therefore_o as_o have_v be_v intimate_v heretofore_o true_a piety_n in_o its_o just_a dimension_n comprize_v no_o less_o than_o a_o worthy_a discharge_n of_o ourselves_o in_o all_o those_o relation_n divine_a providence_n have_v place_v we_o in_o now_o next_o to_o our_o obligation_n to_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n and_o next_o to_o our_o concern_n for_o the_o better_a part_n of_o ourselves_o our_o own_o soul_n a_o man_n stand_v relate_v to_o his_o family_n so_o near_o that_o he_o be_v want_v in_o both_o the_o former_a that_o be_v negligent_a of_o this_o almighty_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n pronounce_v it_o not_o fit_a for_o man_n to_o be_v alone_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o provision_n he_o make_v against_o the_o uncomfortable_a state_n of_o solitude_n be_v to_o enter_v he_o into_o the_o society_n of_o a_o family_n partly_o that_o in_o so_o near_o a_o station_n they_o may_v mutual_o relieve_v and_o help_v one_o another_o in_o difficulty_n entertain_v one_o another_o by_o discourse_n and_o improve_v one_o another_o reason_n partly_o that_o in_o this_o conjunction_n they_o may_v fortify_v one_o another_o spirit_n against_o all_o ill_a accident_n or_o the_o erterprise_n of_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n more_o powerful_a than_o themselves_o but_o principal_o that_o they_o may_v mutual_o provoke_v and_o inflame_v one_o another_o heart_n to_o admiration_n love_n and_o reverence_n of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o this_o end_n be_v so_o great_a and_o the_o injunction_n of_o it_o so_o strict_a that_o every_o man_n in_o this_o society_n stand_v charge_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o and_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o at_o least_o so_o far_o that_o he_o can_v be_v excusable_a that_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v those_o with_o who_o he_o so_o intimate_o converse_v and_o upon_o who_o he_o have_v so_o many_o opportunity_n to_o a_o sense_n and_o regard_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o this_o especial_o concern_v those_o that_o be_v head_n of_o family_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o place_n they_o have_v always_o be_v account_v not_o only_o king_n and_o governor_n but_o also_o prophet_n and_o priest_n within_o their_o peculiar_a sphere_n and_o province_n according_o we_o find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a care_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o train_v up_o those_o of_o their_o family_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n particular_o god_n himself_o testify_v of_o abraham_n gen._n 18_o 19_o that_o he_o know_v he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o job_n 1._o 5._o we_o find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o continual_a care_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n to_o sanctify_v his_o child_n and_o family_n and_o daily_o to_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o they_o by_o sacrifice_n deut._n 6._o 6._o it_o be_v a_o express_a injunction_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o not_o only_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n and_o talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n and_o when_o they_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v convey_v and_o imprint_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o they_o familiar_o converse_v with_o and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o authority_n and_o influence_n of_o governor_n of_o family_n and_o so_o powerful_a be_v good_a example_n in_o this_o particular_a that_o josh_n 24._o 15._o joshua_n undertake_v for_o his_o family_n that_o they_o shall_v serve_v the_o lord_n whether_o other_o people_n will_v do_v so_o or_o no._n david_n often_o declare_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o family_n so_o far_o that_o he_o resolve_v those_o person_n shall_v be_v exclude_v his_o house_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o god_n and_o most_o remarkable_o 1_o chr._n 28._o 9_o he_o give_v this_o solemn_a charge_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n thou_o solomon_n my_o son_n know_v thou_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n for_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o heart_n and_o understand_v all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n if_o thou_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v thou_o off_o for_o ever_o and_o for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v abundant_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o set_v it_o up_o in_o their_o family_n also_o of_o which_o the_o testimony_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o ready_a at_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v needless_a here_o to_o recite_v they_o and_o the_o success_n be_v common_o answerable_a to_o the_o endeavour_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o act_n 10._o 2._o it_o be_v say_v of_o cornelius_n that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o devout_a man_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o but_o that_o he_o fear_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n i._n e._n his_o example_n prayer_n and_o instruction_n prevail_v upon_o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o at_o least_o a_o profession_n of_o piety_n also_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o general_o when_o any_o governor_n of_o a_o family_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o that_o religion_n it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o a_o one_o believe_v and_o all_o his_o house_n or_o he_o and_o all_o his_o house_n be_v baptize_v namely_o because_o true_o good_a man_n do_v not_o fail_v by_o their_o example_n and_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v those_o over_o to_o the_o same_o religion_n which_o themselves_o be_v hearty_o persuade_v of_o and_o according_o we_o see_v it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o these_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v that_o several_a person_n very_o hearty_o bless_v god_n that_o his_o providence_n dispose_v they_o into_o such_o or_o such_o pious_a family_n wherein_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n have_v be_v lay_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o instructive_a and_o exemplary_a devotion_n which_o they_o have_v there_o be_v under_o the_o advantage_n of_o upon_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o reason_n example_n and_o encouragement_n and_o several_a other_o which_o may_v with_o great_a ease_n have_v be_v add_v let_v no_o good_a christian_n be_v of_o so_o monastic_a a_o spirit_n as_o to_o extend_v his_o care_n no_o far_o than_o his_o own_o cell_n and_o to_o think_v he_o have_v acquit_v himself_o well_o enough_o when_o he_o have_v discharge_v the_o office_n of_o his_o closet_n and_o have_v keep_v religion_n glow_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n but_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n that_o his_o light_n shine_v quite_o through_o his_o house_n and_o that_o his_o zeal_n warm_v all_o his_o family_n in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o will_v here_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o several_a member_n which_o usual_o a_o family_n consist_v of_o and_o which_o be_v concern_v in_o its_o discipline_n second_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o piety_n which_o especial_o become_v and_o concern_v a_o family_n and_o three_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o member_n of_o a_o family_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o comply_v with_o all_o those_o duty_n 1._o first_o the_o ordinary_a relation_n of_o a_o family_n especial_o as_o it_o signify_v those_o which_o dwell_v or_o converse_v together_o under_o the_o same_o roof_n be_v husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n friend_n and_o friend_n and_o all_o these_o i_o take_v to_o be_v comprise_v in_o those_o several_a passage_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n and_o all_o his_o house_n be_v convert_v or_o baptize_v for_o there_o be_v great_a interest_n of_o religion_n which_o intercede_v between_o every_o of_o these_o as_o for_o the_o relation_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n as_o it_o be_v the_o near_a and_o strict_a that_o can_v be_v so_o consequent_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a importance_n to_o their_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o a_o wonderful_a indearment_n of_o affection_n when_o both_o the_o relative_n be_v animate_v with_o
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
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
express_v his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o he_o and_o the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o the_o lowly_a posture_n of_o his_o body_n 6._o next_o to_o this_o let_v the_o pious_a man_n think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o pay_v some_o measure_n of_o reverence_n to_o god_n minister_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n take_v special_a care_n of_o the_o respect_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o minister_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o maintenance_n for_o indeed_o all_o contumely_n towards_o they_o redound_v upon_o himself_o and_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v very_o full_a and_o express_v in_o this_o particular_a they_o be_v those_o that_o watch_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o must_v give_v account_n for_o they_o they_o be_v god_n ambassador_n and_o worker_n together_o with_o he_o those_o by_o who_o hand_n he_o pardon_v and_o bless_v his_o people_n and_o therefore_o he_o hold_v they_o as_o the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o those_o who_o slight_a they_o that_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n on_o earth_n affront_v he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n but_o among_o the_o many_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o thessaly_n 1._o ep._n 5._o 13._o be_v very_o considerable_a the_o word_n be_v these_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v those_o who_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n the_o last_o word_n be_v so_o emphatical_a they_o can_v be_v express_v in_o english_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o give_v they_o great_a esteem_n than_o otherwise_o be_v due_a to_o they_o for_o their_o work_n and_o office_n sake_n i._n e._n to_o value_v they_o above_o their_o part_n and_o merit_n and_o quality_n in_o other_o respect_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n and_o for_o their_o office_n and_o usefulness_n towards_o our_o soul_n and_o indeed_o touch_v that_o last_o particular_a it_o be_v evident_a in_o experience_n that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n be_v such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o esteem_n for_o their_o minister_n not_o only_o that_o they_o may_v encourage_v his_o study_n and_o sweeten_v his_o labour_n to_o he_o but_o that_o they_o may_v render_v themselves_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o follow_v his_o counsel_n and_o receive_a benefit_n by_o his_o instruction_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o that_o slight_a and_o vilify_v the_o person_n of_o such_o neither_o do_v nor_o possible_o can_v ordinary_o receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n 4._o 4._o speak_v of_o a_o profligate_n and_o hopeless_a sort_n of_o people_n use_v this_o expression_n this_o people_n be_v as_o those_o that_o strive_v with_o the_o priest_n q._n d._n they_o be_v not_o only_o horrible_o vicious_a and_o profane_a but_o they_o be_v incorrigible_a too_o therefore_o the_o pious_o dispose_v man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o reverence_v god_n minister_n both_o for_o god_n sake_n and_o his_o own_o too_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o another_o duty_n of_o kind_a to_o the_o former_a viz._n 7._o that_o the_o good_a christian_a account_n it_o a_o office_n of_o public_a piety_n as_o well_o as_o of_o common_a justice_n to_o pay_v true_o and_o faithful_o his_o tithe_n and_o church_n due_n to_o the_o minister_n this_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v by_o the_o expression_n of_o double_a honour_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n require_v that_o they_o which_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n shall_v live_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o god_n himself_o settle_v the_o provision_n for_o his_o minister_n he_o do_v it_o most_o ample_o and_o honourable_o and_o under_o the_o gospel_n pious_a antiquity_n take_v care_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o ministry_n thereof_o shall_v be_v liberal_o endow_v till_o the_o envy_n and_o rapacity_n of_o aftertime_n deprive_v it_o of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o its_o right_n but_o now_o after_o those_o depredation_n it_o will_v be_v a_o horrible_a sin_n and_o shame_n to_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o any_o part_n of_o that_o remainder_n or_o fraudulent_o to_o diminish_v or_o impair_v it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v any_o right_n to_o it_o as_o have_v neither_o purchase_v it_o nor_o hire_v it_o nor_o have_v it_o descend_v upon_o he_o by_o inheritance_n the_o church_n due_a be_v a_o reserve_a estate_n or_o a_o rent-charge_n upon_o every_o private_a estate_n and_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o it_o be_v what_o pious_a ancestry_n consecrate_v to_o this_o use_n and_o therefore_o no_o part_n of_o it_o can_v be_v invade_v intercept_v or_o encroach_v upon_o without_o sacrilege_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o need_v no_o more_o than_o to_o observe_v the_o common_a success_n of_o such_o man_n as_o purloin_v from_o the_o church_n and_o as_o their_o own_o phrase_n be_v be_v always_o pinch_v on_o the_o parson_n side_n they_o be_v general_o a_o querulous_a uneasy_a lean_a hungry_a and_o unthrifty_a sort_n of_o people_n god_n almighty_n blow_v upon_o and_o blast_v their_o other_o labour_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o accurse_a thing_n in_o their_o tent_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o thrive_v for_o the_o present_a yet_o one_o time_n or_o other_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n will_v take_v hold_n of_o and_o fire_v their_o nest_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o that_o be_v just_a to_o god_n in_o this_o particular_a ordinary_o find_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o success_n of_o their_o affair_n and_o they_o be_v common_o cheerful_a in_o their_o spirit_n and_o prosperous_a in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o good_a christian_a will_v not_o need_v these_o argument_n for_o he_o love_v god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o his_o minister_n and_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o he_o that_o reap_v spiritual_a thing_n ought_v liberal_o to_o sow_v temporal_a thing_n at_o least_o he_o will_v rather_o abridge_v himself_o than_o wrong_v the_o church_n although_o it_o may_v be_v never_o so_o cleverly_o do_v under_o the_o countenance_n of_o a_o corrupt_a custom_n or_o prescription_n so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o 8._o in_o the_o eight_o place_n he_o will_v be_v a_o example_n of_o pious_a munificence_n and_o put_v himself_o to_o some_o voluntary_a cost_n for_o the_o ornament_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o public_a service_n may_v be_v perform_v with_o gravity_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n for_o he_o think_v it_o very_o fit_a that_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v worship_v with_o sincerity_n and_o devotion_n but_o with_o grandeur_n and_o magnificence_n he_o will_v not_o therefore_o humour_v the_o profaneness_n of_o degenerate_a time_n so_o much_o as_o to_o forswear_v building_n of_o church_n if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n nor_o much_o less_o will_v be_v backward_o or_o stingy_a in_o repair_v of_o they_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o he_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o let_v god_n house_n lie_v waste_v when_o he_o build_v his_o own_o nor_o frame_v his_o mind_n to_o think_v that_o be_v good_a enough_o for_o the_o use_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o can_v not_o be_v content_v with_o for_o his_o private_a accommodation_n if_o better_a be_v in_o his_o power_n and_o therefore_o will_v in_o all_o parish-meeting_n about_o these_o matter_n vote_v for_o god_n against_o his_o own_o purse_n for_o he_o be_v of_o david_n mind_n who_o have_v no_o fancy_n for_o a_o cheap_a religion_n nor_o will_v serve_v god_n with_o that_o which_o cost_v he_o nothing_o 1_o chron._n 21._o 24._o and_o as_o he_o psal_n 84._o verse_n 5_o 6_o 7._o bless_v those_o that_o take_v pain_n to_o repair_v the_o way_n and_o to_o make_v the_o passage_n easy_a towards_o god_n house_n at_o jerusalem_n so_o the_o pious_a christian_a will_v endeavour_v by_o his_o counsel_n and_o example_n that_o the_o whole_a external_a face_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v lightsome_a beautiful_a and_o decorous_a in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o dwell_v to_o the_o end_n that_o not_o only_o his_o animal_n spirit_n may_v the_o more_o cheerful_o comply_v with_o the_o devotion_n of_o his_o mind_n but_o that_o those_o also_o may_v be_v invite_v to_o frequent_a god_n house_n and_o worship_n who_o have_v not_o yet_o experiment_v the_o spiritual_a ravishment_n of_o it_o in_o further_a pursuance_n whereof_o 9_o the_o pious_a man_n we_o speak_v of_o will_v together_o with_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a allurement_n use_v also_o his_o utmost_a endeavour_n by_o
conclusion_n whereas_o plain-heartedness_n have_v no_o rub_n nor_o difficulty_n in_o its_o way_n nor_o no_o aftergame_n to_o play_v for_o every_o man_n believe_v and_o trust_v such_o a_o man_n as_o play_n upon_o the_o square_a and_o such_o a_o conversation_n be_v pleasant_a and_o acceptable_a moreover_o cunning_a be_v always_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o little_a mind_n and_o of_o a_o cowardly_a temper_n for_o what_o shall_v tempt_v a_o man_n to_o dissemble_v and_o work_v underground_o but_o mistrust_v of_o his_o own_o ability_n or_o consciousness_n of_o evil_a design_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o afford_v a_o man_n any_o security_n that_o it_o provoke_v other_o man_n first_o to_o pry_v the_o more_o curious_o into_o he_o and_o then_o to_o countermine_v he_o and_o at_o last_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o all_o which_o add_v that_o if_o this_o reservedness_n we_o speak_v of_o proceed_v from_o insincerity_n and_o design_n it_o betray_v great_a unbelief_n of_o god_n and_o of_o providence_n for_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o those_o great_a point_n will_v encourage_v a_o man_n to_o be_v open_a and_o plain_a and_o confident_a but_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o temper_n and_o constitution_n only_o yet_o even_o than_o it_o do_v far_o more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o particular_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o make_v life_n and_o conversation_n very_o uncomfortable_a and_o good_a neighbourhood_n plain_o impossible_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o endeavour_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o reduce_v and_o recover_v the_o ancient_a sincerity_n and_o simplicity_n instead_o of_o that_o hollow_a complemental_a hypocrisy_n which_o have_v of_o late_o supplant_v and_o exclude_v it_o 4._o but_o yet_o care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v withal_o that_o this_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n degenerate_v not_o into_o rudeness_n or_o frothy_a and_o foolish_a conversation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o four_o office_n of_o a_o virtuous_a man_n among_o his_o neighbour_n to_o endeavour_v to_o render_v conversation_n favoury_a and_o manly_a and_o profitable_a as_o well_o as_o sincere_a that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o trifle_v away_o with_o flat_a inspid_a and_o gossip_a impertinence_n nor_o misemploy_v in_o light_n and_o idle_a drollery_n nor_o turn_v into_o a_o occasion_n of_o tipple_a and_o sensuality_n much_o less_o debauch_v by_o profaneness_n and_o malapert_a reflection_n on_o thing_n sacred_a but_o that_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o real_a business_n to_o the_o better_n of_o man_n understanding_n to_o virtuous_a purpose_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n these_o last_o thing_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o world_n and_o worthy_a of_o man_n but_o the_o other_o be_v a_o mis-expense_n of_o time_n a_o degrade_n of_o ourselves_o a_o reproach_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o the_o bane_n of_o conversation_n with_o a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o it_o be_v that_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o prevent_v the_o rottenness_n and_o putrefaction_n but_o also_o the_o flatness_n and_o insipidity_n of_o conversation_n and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o i_o intimate_v in_o the_o last_o place_n namely_o the_o consult_v the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v now_o say_v further_o that_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o only_a subject_n of_o good_a discourse_n forasmuch_o as_o god_n allow_v we_o both_o the_o refreshment_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o a_o moderate_a concern_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o the_o affair_n of_o another_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v importune_o thrust_v in_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o other_o entertainment_n yet_o most_o certain_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v its_o place_n and_o share_v in_o our_o friendly_a communication_n as_o be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o important_a subject_n and_o if_o it_o be_v dexterous_o manage_v the_o most_o gentile_a and_o oblige_a neither_o will_v it_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a as_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o turn_v the_o stream_n of_o neighbourly_a discourse_n this_o way_n if_o man_n will_v be_v persuade_v to_o try_v and_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o it_o and_o sure_o he_o that_o hope_v to_o attain_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n himself_o can_v but_o wish_v his_o neighbour_n in_o the_o way_n thither_o also_o nor_o can_v he_o who_o heart_n be_v thorough_o affect_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o omit_v now_o and_o then_o to_o let_v fall_v something_o or_o other_o that_o way_n tend_v at_o least_o every_o good_a man_n owe_v so_o much_o to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o to_o interpose_v a_o good_a word_n sometime_o in_o their_o behalf_n which_o beside_o that_o it_o give_v some_o countenance_n to_o piety_n for_o the_o present_a may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n make_v a_o great_a impression_n than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o redound_v to_o his_o own_o comfortable_a account_n another_o day_n but_o 5._o it_o be_v unquestionable_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o labour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n to_o make_v and_o preserve_v peace_n among_o his_o neighbour_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n mark_v 9_o 50._o join_v these_o two_o thing_n together_o have_v salt_n in_o yourselves_o and_o have_v peace_n one_o with_o another_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o you_o must_v take_v care_v you_o be_v not_o too_o sharp_a and_o acrimonious_a you_o must_v indeed_o preserve_v the_o world_n from_o corruption_n but_o yet_o you_o must_v not_o exasperate_v it_o into_o passion_n and_o disorder_n for_o you_o must_v compose_v man_n to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o quench_v their_o combustion_n as_o well_o as_o inflame_v their_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o indeed_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o can_v never_o successful_o be_v undertake_v unless_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o former_a be_v provide_v for_o for_o religion_n never_o take_v place_n in_o man_n heart_n nor_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o their_o life_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v embroil_v with_o heat_n and_o animosity_n man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o consider_v of_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o to_o estimate_v the_o reason_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o when_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o a_o flame_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o a_o hurry_n nor_o if_o they_o be_v already_o persuade_v of_o they_o can_v they_o be_v in_o a_o temper_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o or_o to_o make_v any_o fit_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o service_n towards_o god_n whilst_o they_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o their_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n james_n 3._o 18._o and_o as_o peace_n be_v very_o advantageous_a to_o god_n service_n so_o the_o make_n and_o procure_v it_o be_v very_o honourable_a and_o comfortable_a to_o they_o that_o be_v employ_v about_o it_o they_o be_v under_o one_o of_o our_o saviour_n beatitude_n and_o he_o entitle_v they_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n mat._n 5._o 9_o viz._n as_o be_v those_o who_o especial_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v he_o and_o one_o instance_n of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o such_o man_n be_v this_o that_o they_o which_o make_v peace_n common_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o both_o in_o the_o benign_a and_o kindly_a cheerfulness_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o fair_a and_o courteous_a usage_n they_o general_o meet_v with_o from_o other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o repose_n and_o quiet_a they_o enjoy_v when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v peaceable_a and_o still_o round_o about_o they_o whereas_o makebate_n and_o incendiary_n torment_v themselves_o first_o before_o they_o torture_v other_o man_n and_o beside_o bring_v the_o fire_n home_o to_o their_o own_o house_n when_o they_o have_v inflame_v other_o man_n the_o good_a christian_a therefore_o be_v not_o only_o peaceable_a himself_o but_o a_o peacemaker_n in_o his_o parish_n to_o which_o end_n he_o will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n discountenance_v all_o whisperer_n eavesdropper_n and_o tale-bearer_n as_o the_o pest_n of_o society_n for_o these_o be_v the_o bellows_o that_o blow_v up_o a_o spark_n into_o a_o flame_n he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o prevent_v and_o take_v up_o law-suit_n which_o common_o begin_v in_o passion_n and_o end_n in_o malice_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o they_o rather_o immortalize_v the_o quarrel_n than_o finish_v the_o dispute_n and_o he_o that_o overcome_v very_o often_o like_o the_o bee_n destroy_v himself_o whilst_o he_o fasten_v his_o sting_n upon_o another_o he_o set_v a_o mark_n upon_o they_o that_o single_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o
neighbour_n and_o divide_v into_o party_n as_o man_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pride_n but_o of_o little_a wit_n for_o a_o great_a and_o generous_a mind_n will_v be_v easy_o able_a to_o animate_v such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o parish_n and_o render_v himself_o considerable_a in_o the_o whole_a without_o tear_v it_o in_o piece_n that_o he_o may_v lead_v a_o faction_n he_o detest_v and_o abhor_v all_o affect_a singularity_n though_o the_o instance_n of_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o unblameable_a so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a because_o he_o consider_v such_o thing_n first_o raise_v jealousy_n then_o provoke_v emulation_n and_o at_o last_o end_n in_o alienation_n of_o affection_n he_o endeavour_v that_o no_o new_a opinion_n in_o religion_n may_v be_v broach_v among_o the_o neighbourhood_n as_o know_v well_o there_o can_v be_v no_o new_a gospel_n or_o new_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o he_o have_v learn_v by_o experience_n that_o whilst_o man_n stand_v gaze_v after_o new_a light_n they_o make_v halt_v in_o the_o race_n of_o virtue_n and_o lose_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n without_o which_o they_o shall_v never_o come_v at_o heaven_n he_o endeavour_v therefore_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o ancient_a landmark_n both_o in_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a affair_n but_o if_o any_o dispute_n be_v raise_v he_o will_v present_o bring_v water_n to_o quench_v the_o fire_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o by_o discreet_a and_o temperate_a discourse_n incline_v both_o party_n to_o coolness_n and_o moderation_n by_o represent_v the_o littleness_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o unity_n and_o concord_n among_o neighbour_n and_o especial_o by_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n which_o will_v very_o short_o take_v away_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o disputant_n too_o 6._o six_o next_o to_o this_o and_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o his_o endeavour_n of_o make_v peace_n may_v be_v the_o more_o successful_a he_o will_v contrive_v to_o render_v his_o person_n acceptable_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v interpose_v in_o quarrel_n by_o make_v himself_o remarkable_a for_o all_o other_o office_n of_o charity_n and_o beneficence_n such_o as_o relieve_v of_o the_o poor_a to_o the_o very_a utmost_a of_o his_o ability_n and_o by_o sympathize_v with_o those_o he_o can_v help_v by_o visit_v the_o sick_a counsel_v the_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a comfort_v the_o disconsolate_a vindicate_v the_o injure_a rescue_v the_o oppress_a and_o take_v the_o part_n of_o the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a by_o all_o which_o and_o several_a other_o good_a office_n he_o will_v become_v a_o common_a father_n and_o friend_n to_o the_o whole_a neighbourhood_n most_o of_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v perform_v without_o much_o cost_n or_o trouble_v or_o if_o they_o be_v chargeable_a either_o way_n the_o expense_n will_v be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o delight_n that_o attend_v the_o discharge_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v common_o as_o comfortable_a in_o the_o do_n to_o those_o that_o undertake_v they_o as_o they_o be_v beneficial_a to_o those_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v undertake_v thus_o at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n a_o man_n become_v a_o benefactor_n and_o a_o blessing_n to_o the_o time_n and_o place_n where_o he_o live_v and_o beside_o do_v a_o singular_a service_n to_o god_n vindicate_v his_o providence_n in_o the_o inequal_a distribution_n of_o his_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o he_o render_v religion_n lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o he_o very_o effectual_o consult_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n give_v proof_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v because_o he_o love_v his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v 7._o seven_o and_o last_o and_o to_o speak_v summary_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a christian_n by_o all_o the_o mean_n he_o can_v devise_v to_o promote_v the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o his_o parish_n and_o neighbourhood_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v far_o more_o comfortable_a live_n among_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o prosperous_a condition_n as_o to_o their_o outward_a affair_n in_o regard_n that_o moderate_a prosperity_n sweeten_v man_n spirit_n and_o better_n their_o temper_n as_o much_o as_o pinch_a want_n and_o necessity_n sour_v and_o disorder_v they_o but_o also_o because_o general_o god_n be_v better_a love_v and_o serve_v by_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v cheerful_a and_o easy_a than_o by_o the_o querulous_a and_o unhappy_a in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o wealth_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o place_n where_o he_o dwell_v the_o good_a christian_a will_n in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v care_n to_o prevent_v the_o idleness_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n by_o bring_v in_o some_o manufacture_n or_o other_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o so_o all_o hand_n may_v be_v set_v on_o work_n in_o some_o honest_a way_n of_o live_v for_o idleness_n beside_o that_o it_o make_v a_o very_a ugly_a figure_n clothe_v the_o slothful_a person_n with_o rag_n it_o common_o incline_v people_n to_o be_v great_a eater_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o mind_v their_o belly_n and_o so_o they_o become_v a_o sort_n of_o caterpillar_n which_o devour_v other_o man_n labour_n it_o also_o tempt_v they_o by_o their_o necessity_n to_o pilfer_v cheat_n lie_v and_o steal_v and_o do_v any_o base_a action_n imaginable_a and_o moreover_o such_o people_n be_v general_o envious_a malicious_a busy_a body_n meddler_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v desperate_a in_o their_o fortune_n they_o be_v past_a fear_n and_o shame_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n honest_a industry_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n render_v people_n modest_a quiet_a governable_a cheerful_a good_a nature_a and_o public_a spirit_v in_o the_o next_o place_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o same_o end_n the_o pious_a parishioner_n will_v as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a prevent_v tipple_a and_o drunkenness_n among_o his_o neighbour_n which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o want_n among_o the_o inferior_a sort_n of_o people_n for_o this_o beastly_a way_n they_o will_v swill_v down_o present_o that_o which_o may_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o family_n beside_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o it_o lose_v their_o time_n soften_v and_o relax_n their_o nerve_n and_o make_v they_o impatient_a of_o labour_n it_o raise_v their_o passion_n and_o abate_v their_o discretion_n and_o so_o dispose_v they_o to_o be_v quarrelsome_a with_o their_o family_n when_o they_o come_v home_o and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o render_v they_o proud_a insolent_a and_o ungovernable_a furthermore_o the_o good_a man_n will_v endeavour_v if_o it_o be_v want_v and_o the_o place_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o to_o get_v a_o good_a school_n settle_v in_o the_o parish_n which_o beside_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o it_o for_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n do_v general_o enrich_v the_o place_n and_o be_v more_o beneficial_a than_o a_o manufacture_n for_o this_o afford_v some_o employment_n for_o those_o poor_a that_o be_v there_o already_o and_o make_v no_o more_o nor_o draw_v other_o such_o to_o the_o place_n as_o manufacture_n usual_o do_v and_o last_o to_o all_o this_o a_o good_a neighbour_n will_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v all_o vicious_a and_o incorrigible_a people_n to_o shame_n and_o punishment_n than_o which_o nothing_o conduce_v more_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n or_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o place_n there_o be_v notwithstanding_o some_o fond_a and_o incogitant_fw-la people_n who_o think_v this_o course_n quite_o contrary_a to_o good_a neighbourhood_n and_o look_v upon_o those_o as_o the_o best_a townsman_n that_o will_v connive_v at_o man_n vice_n and_o let_v every_o body_n do_v what_o they_o list_v but_o with_o their_o leave_n as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n towards_o such_o vicious_a person_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o provision_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o law_n have_v make_v for_o their_o amendment_n so_o he_o be_v the_o best_a christian_a that_o discriminate_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a townsman_n who_o will_v not_o permit_v virtue_n and_o industry_n to_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o impudence_n and_o impunity_n of_o some_o lewd_a person_n but_o so_o much_o for_o that_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v now_o treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o lesser_a moral_n and_o the_o peculiar_a instance_n of_o that_o which_o i_o call_v civil_a piety_n but_o if_o the_o good_a christian_a will_n as_o he_o ought_v take_v care_n of_o they_o he_o will_v do_v at_o least_o a_o collateral_a service_n to_o almighty_a god_n by_o be_v a_o benefactor_n to_o the_o world_n he_o will_v render_v the_o attendance_n upon_o religion_n more_o easy_a and_o make_v his_o own_o passage_n through_o the_o world_n towards_o heaven_n the_o more_o quiet_a and_o comfortable_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n aim_v at_o all_o along_o in_o these_o paper_n the_o end_n