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
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
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
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
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
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
persuasion_n encouragement_n and_o all_o other_o fit_a mean_n to_o prevail_v with_o the_o whole_a neighbourhood_n or_o parish_n to_o frequent_v the_o church_n for_o as_o he_o will_v not_o go_v to_o heaven_n alone_o nay_o know_v assure_o he_o shall_v not_o come_v there_o if_o he_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v other_o along_o with_o he_o so_o neither_o be_v he_o content_v to_o feed_v upon_o the_o fatness_n of_o god_n house_n alone_o but_o will_v have_v other_o partake_v with_o he_o he_o have_v a_o holy_a indignation_n to_o observe_v theater_n to_o be_v fill_v exchange_n and_o market_n throng_v and_o god_n house_n unfurnished_v with_o guest_n he_o wonder_v at_o the_o inconsiderateness_n of_o man_n who_o incur_v such_o a_o guilt_n by_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o pity_v their_o folly_n that_o deny_v themselves_o so_o many_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n as_o god_n house_n afford_v above_o any_o other_o place_n of_o resort_n whatsoever_o beside_o he_o consider_v that_o not_o only_a god_n be_v more_o honour_a by_o a_o general_a confluence_n to_o his_o service_n but_o that_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v more_o enlarge_a and_o cheerful_a and_o his_o affection_n more_o raise_v as_o it_o be_v move_v in_o consort_n when_o there_o be_v a_o brave_a concourse_n in_o divine_a office_n psal_n 122._o 1_o 2._o i_o rejoice_v say_v the_o holy_a man_n when_o they_o say_v come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o foot_n shall_v stand_v within_o thy_o gate_n o_o jerusalem_n well-disposed_n person_n it_o seem_v then_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v upon_o and_o provoke_v one_o another_o and_o to_o flock_v together_o in_o company_n towards_o the_o temple_n and_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a spectacle_n to_o the_o psalmist_n to_o behold_v it_o and_o let_v good_a christian_n be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n since_o our_o church_n and_o worship_n be_v so_o incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o they_o what_o be_v it_o that_o a_o zealous_a jew_n can_v provoke_v his_o neighbour_n to_o go_v up_o to_o the_o temple_n for_o to_o see_v a_o beast_n slay_v and_o a_o smoke_n make_v with_o the_o fat_a and_o entrail_n or_o to_o muse_v upon_o the_o obscure_a hieroglyphic_n in_o the_o fabric_n the_o utensil_n the_o ornament_n and_o service_n of_o that_o house_n but_o a_o christian_n go_v to_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n to_o see_v heaven_n open_v in_o all_o its_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v show_v the_o way_n thither_o therefore_o he_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a odds_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o who_o have_v so_o much_o prudence_n and_o charity_n as_o to_o render_v he_o serviceable_a among_o his_o neighbour_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n will_v jog_v and_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n of_o go_v to_o the_o church_n by_o wise_a and_o manly_a discourse_n and_o friendly_a and_o familiar_a exhortation_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o scandal_n to_o religion_n and_o discouragement_n to_o the_o minister_n by_o the_o people_n remissness_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n and_o benefit_n of_o diligent_a attendance_n and_o he_o will_v with_o the_o same_o zeal_n and_o care_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v their_o objection_n and_o remove_v their_o scruple_n about_o it_o and_o especial_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v common_o better_a take_v and_o sink_v deep_a into_o such_o man_n as_o need_v it_o when_o it_o be_v do_v not_o only_o by_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v presume_v by_o these_o incogitant_fw-la person_n to_o do_v it_o for_o his_o interest_n or_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o person_n or_o profession_n but_o by_o those_o who_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n with_o themselves_o to_o all_o this_o the_o pious_a man_n aforesaid_a will_v wise_o improve_v the_o interest_n of_o his_o charity_n to_o oblige_v the_o poor_a sort_n to_o their_o duty_n dispense_n most_o liberal_o to_o they_o who_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o follow_v his_o counsel_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o for_o the_o middle_a sort_n of_o man_n he_o will_v trade_v and_o buy_v and_o sell_v upon_o choice_n with_o those_o that_o be_v best_a affect_v to_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o if_o all_o this_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o that_o he_o can_v prevail_v upon_o all_o yet_o 10._o in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v at_o least_o to_o over-rule_v his_o own_o family_n that_o they_o shall_v universal_o and_o constant_o frequent_v the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o neighbourhood_n this_o i_o have_v show_v before_o every_o governor_n of_o a_o family_n have_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o do_v and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n afford_v we_o several_a instance_n of_o the_o efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n among_o the_o rest_n by_o virtue_n hereof_o joshua_n undertake_v for_o his_o house_n that_o they_o shall_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o cornelius_n prevail_v upon_o those_o under_o he_o so_o that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n and_o indeed_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o very_a sorry_a account_n of_o his_o family_n if_o he_o can_v oblige_v they_o to_o go_v to_o church_n with_o he_o for_o we_o find_v by_o woeful_a experience_n that_o where_o under_o pretence_n of_o scruple_n about_o the_o public_a worship_n inferior_n have_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o exemption_n and_o be_v permit_v to_o resort_v to_o conventicle_n the_o effect_n have_v be_v that_o such_o person_n have_v not_o only_o grow_v captious_a and_o insolent_a and_o by_o degree_n to_o despise_v their_o superior_n but_o have_v by_o this_o mean_v get_v from_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o governor_n have_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o run_v into_o debauchery_n therefore_o let_v the_o pious_a man_n strict_o charge_v himself_o thus_o far_o and_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o very_o insignificant_a in_o his_o place_n if_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o public_a honour_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o to_o bring_v his_o family_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n chap._n vii_o of_o civil_a piety_n or_o how_o a_o good_a man_n may_v carry_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o promote_v god_n honour_n and_o the_o public_a good_a together_o with_o his_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o parish_n consider_v only_o as_o a_o civil_a society_n or_o neighbourhood_n when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 5._o 13._o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o direct_v himself_o only_o to_o his_o apostle_n or_o to_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n as_o some_o have_v imagine_v but_o to_o all_o his_o disciple_n in_o general_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o beatitude_n which_o he_o pronounce_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o his_o other_o discourse_n pursuant_n of_o they_o which_o immediate_o precede_v these_o word_n apparent_o concern_v all_o christian_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v qualify_v for_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a also_o by_o s._n luke_n chap._n 14._o compare_v the_o 25_o verse_n with_o the_o 32._o that_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n to_o apply_v this_o title_n of_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o true_a christian_n and_o then_o the_o importance_n of_o that_o expression_n will_v be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o activity_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o passive_a innocency_n and_o that_o they_o escape_v the_o contagion_n of_o evil_a example_n nor_o be_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o temptation_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o they_o must_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o better_a and_o improve_v the_o state_n of_o mankind_n to_o influence_n upon_o it_o to_o season_n and_o preserve_v other_o from_o corruption_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o nor_o be_v this_o activity_n of_o true_a christianity_n to_o be_v strict_o confine_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o display_v itself_o mere_o in_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n proper_o consider_v for_o as_o our_o saviour_n design_v not_o only_o to_o show_v man_n a_o way_n to_o another_o world_n above_o but_o also_o to_o amend_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o present_a world_n below_o and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o more_o quiet_a and_o comfortable_a habitation_n so_o doubtless_o when_o he_o call_v his_o disciple_n the_o salt_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n he_o intend_v to_o require_v that_o every_o good_a man_n shall_v within_o his_o whole_a sphere_n endeavour_v to_o promote_v humanity_n morality_n and_o the_o civil_a and_o political_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n the_o