acknowledge_v it_o be_v only_o his_o unwillingness_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n which_o make_v he_o pretend_v to_o stumble_v at_o dispute_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o even_o those_o who_o differ_v and_o dispute_v in_o several_a point_n agree_v notwithstanding_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o safe_a course_n to_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n in_o religion_n forasmuch_o as_o particular_a dispute_n about_o it_o prove_v undeniable_o this_o in_o the_o general_n that_o by_o confession_n of_o all_o party_n there_o be_v great_a moment_n in_o it_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o either_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o shall_v trouble_v themselves_o and_o raise_v such_o heat_n about_o it_o but_o that_o both_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o great_a consequence_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o be_v it_o which_o make_v they_o be_v so_o nice_a curious_a and_o critical_a about_o the_o very_a punctilio_n of_o it_o but_o four_o and_o last_o it_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o that_o stand_v neutral_a and_o hold_v off_o from_o all_o religion_n upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o mistake_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o persuasion_n run_v into_o the_o most_o fatal_a mistake_n of_o all_o and_o be_v of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o most_o desperate_a condition_n for_o whatsoever_o become_v of_o other_o man_n under_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n or_o a_o false_a opinion_n he_o be_v certain_o a_o lose_a man_n who_o have_v no_o zeal_n or_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o persuasion_n can_v be_v right_a and_o therefore_o some_o must_v miscarry_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o real_a foundation_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n as_o we_o have_v see_v it_o be_v evident_a the_o sceptist_n can_v be_v save_v whoever_o be_v damn_v who_o entertain_v no_o persuasion_n at_o all_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v better_a uncertain_o to_o err_v than_o certain_o to_o perish_v so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o wise_a course_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o someway_o notwithstanding_o the_o dispute_n than_o grave_o to_o doubt_v ourselves_o into_o hell_n by_o a_o fantastical_a neutrality_n but_o than_o second_o as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a and_o absurd_a resolution_n to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n for_o fear_v we_o shall_v mistake_v the_o right_n it_o be_v not_o much_o better_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v such_o latitudinarian_o as_o to_o think_v it_o indifferent_a what_o religion_n a_o man_n be_v of_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v zealous_a and_o devout_a in_o his_o way_n unless_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o broad_a way_n be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n which_o be_v most_o certain_o false_a i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a religion_n indeed_o which_o be_v not_o better_a than_o none_o at_o all_o as_o the_o faint_v hope_n be_v better_a than_o utter_a desperation_n and_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o without_o fervour_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o a_o man_n persuasion_n no_o religion_n be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a and_o orthodox_n will_v signify_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o a_o man_n of_o a_o devout_a temper_n have_v the_o ground_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o foundation_n for_o good_a institution_n to_o work_v upon_o yet_o notwithstanding_o religion_n speak_v something_o more_o than_o to_o be_v in_o earnest_n and_o piety_n require_v more_o than_o a_o good_a intention_n for_o unless_o that_o honest_a temper_n be_v cultivate_v and_o improve_v it_o will_v bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o wild_a fruit_n that_o zeal_n must_v be_v govern_v and_o conduct_v by_o good_a principle_n or_o it_o will_v betray_v a_o man_n to_o presumption_n to_o superstition_n and_o to_o a_o thousand_o irregularity_n we_o be_v set_v to_o run_v a_o race_n towards_o heaven_n but_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v not_o only_a speed_n but_o the_o keep_n the_o exact_a course_n withal_o that_o entitle_v to_o the_o reward_n he_o that_o run_v wrong_a the_o more_o have_v he_o make_v the_o worse_a be_v his_o speed_n for_o he_o have_v the_o more_o to_o undo_v again_o nor_o be_v this_o any_o reflection_n upon_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o consequent_o very_o pitiful_a to_o the_o well-meant_a error_n of_o mankind_n for_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o he_o be_v wise_a and_o great_a and_o just_a also_o not_o so_o soft_a and_o fond_a as_o to_o be_v please_v with_o whatsoever_o be_v well_o mean_v towards_o he_o or_o to_o be_v content_v with_o whatever_o man_n fancy_n no_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o his_o own_o and_o require_v and_o expect_v those_o be_v comply_v withal_o by_o such_o as_o he_o reward_v with_o eternal_a life_n therefore_o the_o question_n which_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o be_v very_o serious_a and_o necessary_a viz._n how_o amid_o such_o variety_n of_o persuasion_n or_o form_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n a_o man_n may_v make_v a_o right_a choice_n and_o know_v which_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a he_o ought_v to_o determine_v himself_o upon_o but_o the_o assoil_a of_o it_o can_v be_v difficult_a forasmuch_o as_o if_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v in_o his_o own_o way_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o must_v have_v take_v some_o course_n or_o other_o for_o the_o discovery_n and_o interpret_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o rule_n to_o govern_v their_o devotion_n by_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o dispute_n that_o there_o be_v three_o and_o but_o three_o thing_n which_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o probability_n pretend_v to_o give_v we_o aim_v in_o this_o case_n viz._n natural_a light_n the_o spirit_n or_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o difficulty_n come_v to_o this_o point_n which_o of_o these_o three_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o namely_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o natural_a reason_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o discover_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o also_o of_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n so_o as_o to_o lay_v a_o general_a foundation_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v brief_o show_v already_o but_o it_o can_v neither_o discover_v all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n because_o he_o be_v infinite_a and_o beyond_o our_o comprehension_n nor_o much_o less_o penetrate_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o counsel_n or_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n because_o as_o we_o also_o note_v before_o he_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o have_v no_o necessary_a measure_n but_o free_o choose_v as_o it_o please_v he_o and_o therefore_o as_o no_o man_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o so_o much_o less_o can_v any_o man_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n till_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v it_o now_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o please_v and_o propitiate_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o we_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o know_v what_o will_v full_o do_v that_o by_o natural_a reason_n consequent_o not_o only_o the_o old_a philosopher_n but_o the_o modern_a theist_n and_o that_o sect_n of_o man_n call_v quaker_n who_o pretend_v to_o attain_v happiness_n by_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n or_o the_o light_n within_o they_o must_v miserable_o be_v bewilder_v while_o they_o follow_v so_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a a_o guide_n as_o for_o the_o second_o namely_o a_o private_a spirit_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v conduct_v man_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v lead_v they_o by_o his_o own_o immediate_a hand_n from_o time_n to_o time_n dictate_v his_o own_o will_n to_o their_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o question_n but_o that_o sometime_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n he_o have_v do_v so_o in_o former_a time_n but_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v his_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a course_n be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v not_o only_o because_o we_o can_v now_o observe_v that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n either_o have_v experience_n of_o or_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o because_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o immediate_a revelation_n can_v be_v of_o no_o further_a use_n than_o to_o that_o particular_a person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v in_o regard_n it_o will_v be_v like_o the_o white_a stone_n rev._n 2._o 17._o which_o no_o man_n know_v what_o be_v
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
tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o time_n for_o every_o thing_n so_o let_v every_o man_n who_o will_v promote_v religion_n in_o his_o family_n appoint_v set_v hour_n for_o prayer_n and_o all_o the_o office_n of_o devotion_n and_o then_o it_o will_v neither_o be_v difficult_a to_o obtain_v the_o constant_a observance_n of_o they_o nor_o so_o ordinary_a to_o perform_v they_o careless_o and_o formal_o 6._o six_o and_o last_o it_o will_v be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o every_o master_n of_o a_o family_n who_o will_v bring_v those_o which_o be_v under_o his_o care_n and_o tuition_n to_o a_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o seriousness_n and_o heartiness_n therein_o that_o he_o express_v all_o tender_a affection_n to_o they_o and_o regard_v of_o they_o when_o any_o of_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v sick_a or_o under_o any_o adversity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n make_v to_o himself_o a_o opportunity_n of_o oblige_v they_o to_o take_v his_o counsel_n and_o follow_v his_o direction_n in_o all_o other_o case_n we_o use_v to_o say_v he_o that_o will_v gain_v a_o interest_n in_o any_o man_n so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o he_o or_o compliant_a with_o he_o in_o his_o prosperity_n must_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o friendship_n in_o that_o man_n adversity_n for_o no_o man_n know_v who_o be_v his_o friend_n till_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v experiment_n of_o they_o which_o can_v be_v do_v but_o in_o adversity_n for_o every_o man_n be_v a_o friend_n to_o he_o that_o have_v no_o need_n to_o he_o but_o he_o that_o like_o the_o good_a samaritan_n desert_n we_o not_o in_o our_o great_a difficulty_n he_o we_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o value_n and_o confide_v in_o now_o above_o all_o kindness_n man_n be_v most_o sensible_a of_o those_o which_o be_v do_v to_o their_o body_n and_o they_o common_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o friendship_n and_o sincerity_n from_o thence_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v win_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n must_v first_o oblige_v they_o in_o their_o bodily_a interest_n beside_o as_o we_o observe_v that_o all_o inferior_a creature_n be_v most_o tractable_a and_o docible_a at_o such_o time_n as_o wherein_o they_o be_v low_a and_o can_v least_o help_v themselves_o so_o mankind_n be_v most_o dispose_v to_o take_v advice_n and_o most_o obedient_a to_o counsel_v when_o he_o be_v at_o a_o nonplus_n in_o his_o affair_n and_o especial_o when_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n which_o dazzle_v his_o eye_n before_o begin_v to_o vanish_v and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o one_o way_n leave_v with_o he_o that_o be_v to_o prepare_v for_o another_o life_n he_o will_v then_o free_o admit_v of_o discourse_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o comply_v with_o all_o serious_a advice_n in_o order_n thereunto_o these_o season_n of_o adversity_n therefore_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v let_v slip_n by_o he_o who_o be_v tender_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o his_o charge_n to_o which_o add_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a method_n of_o all_o the_o zealot_n and_o emissary_n of_o false_a religion_n to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o sick_a and_o calamitous_a person_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o such_o a_o opportunity_n they_o may_v gain_v disciple_n to_o their_o party_n and_o they_o too_o frequent_o find_v this_o subtlety_n successful_a the_o consideration_n hereof_o aught_o to_o awaken_v the_o diligence_n and_o encourage_v the_o hope_n and_o endeavour_n of_o all_o those_o that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o save_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o those_o that_o be_v embark_v with_o they_o to_o apprehend_v and_o improve_v such_o opportunity_n to_o better_a purpose_n especial_o see_v that_o in_o such_o season_n man_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o good_a principle_n as_o of_o bad_a if_o there_o be_v not_o as_o much_o shameful_a and_o supine_n carelessness_n on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o there_o be_v common_o vigilance_n and_o application_n on_o the_o other_o and_o so_o much_o for_o family-piety_n chap._n vi_o of_o public_a piety_n and_o particular_o of_o govern_v a_o man_n self_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o be_v not_o bear_v for_o ourselves_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v useful_a in_o our_o private_a family_n or_o among_o our_o kindred_n and_o relation_n only_o but_o that_o we_o express_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n answerable_a to_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o our_o capacity_n and_o let_v our_o light_n so_o shine_v out_o before_o man_n that_o we_o may_v provoke_v as_o many_o as_o be_v within_o our_o reach_n to_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n now_o every_o private_a man_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n concern_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n and_o parish_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v and_o whereto_o he_o belong_v and_o therefore_o shall_v so_o far_o at_o least_o dispense_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v appoint_v the_o bound_n of_o man_n habitation_n have_v thus_o settle_v every_o man_n in_o his_o station_n expect_v that_o he_o shall_v look_v upon_o this_o as_o his_o proper_a sphere_n and_o adorn_v it_o as_o his_o peculiar_a province_n no_o private_a man_n have_v any_o just_a reason_n ordinary_o to_o prompt_v he_o to_o go_v beyond_o this_o forasmuch_o as_o if_o every_o good_a man_n will_v do_v his_o part_n within_o these_o bound_n the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v amend_v and_o he_o that_o be_v remiss_a and_o negligent_a in_o this_o can_v easy_o satisfy_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v demonstrate_v such_o love_n to_o god_n as_o become_v he_o nor_o can_v he_o expect_v to_o reap_v all_o those_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n which_o otherwise_o by_o a_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o himself_o in_o this_o particular_a may_v redound_v to_o he_o now_o that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o relation_n to_o a_o neighbourhood_n or_o a_o parish_n have_v a_o double_a consideration_n first_o as_o every_o parish_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o branch_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n second_o as_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n or_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n according_o there_o be_v a_o double_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o every_o man_n that_o be_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o it_o and_o from_o thence_o arise_v duty_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n for_o brevity_n and_o perspicuity_n i_o will_v distinguish_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a piety_n and_o then_o show_v what_o each_o of_o they_o comprehend_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o i_o call_v ecclesiastical_a piety_n or_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o public_a duty_n as_o especial_o concern_v the_o society_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o these_o few_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o a_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o and_o carry_v himself_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o out_o of_o pride_n phantastry_n or_o contempt_n separate_v himself_o from_o it_o or_o schismatical_o set_v up_o faction_n and_o conventicle_n against_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n establish_v the_o society_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v appoint_v that_o all_o those_o who_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n shall_v not_o content_v themselves_o single_o and_o particular_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o shall_v all_o be_v oblige_v to_o associate_v themselves_o and_o make_v up_o a_o body_n or_o spiritual_a corporation_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o member_n as_o well_o as_o with_o he_o their_o head_n the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o this_o institution_n be_v very_o many_o and_o great_a for_o beside_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v order_n and_o unity_n be_v promote_v which_o be_v very_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n himself_o our_o lord_n hereby_o provide_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n may_v be_v joint_o hold_v up_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o several_a member_n of_o this_o society_n become_v mutual_o more_o helpful_a and_o comfortable_a to_o each_o other_o and_o also_o that_o by_o a_o constant_a method_n of_o christian_a intercourse_n here_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o eternal_a friendship_n and_o society_n in_o heaven_n in_o subserviency_n to_o all_o these_o end_n public_a officer_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n to_o govern_v and_o to_o instruct_v the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o which_o it_o be_v plain_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v unless_o their_o number_n be_v almost_o infinite_a and_o equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o people_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o join_v together_o and_o become_v a_o common_a flock_n for_o those_o officer_n to_o govern_v and_o
by_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n they_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o the_o other_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a and_o intimate_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o consequent_o of_o this_o they_o give_v the_o great_a assurance_n to_o our_o own_o heart_n of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o comfortable_a for_o public_a devotion_n may_v possible_o have_v a_o great_a alloy_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o may_v owe_v itself_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n or_o to_o public_a fame_n and_o reputation_n but_o he_o that_o worship_v god_n in_o secret_a where_o and_o when_o no_o eye_n be_v privy_a but_o only_o that_o of_o god_n almighty_n be_v secure_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o mean_a or_o sinister_a end_n in_o so_o do_v nothing_o can_v move_v he_o to_o this_o but_o the_o mere_a reverence_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o forementioned_a passage_n mat._n 6._o 6._o lay_n a_o emphasis_n upon_o those_o word_n thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o add_v this_o encouragement_n of_o such_o address_n to_o god_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v thou_o open_o upon_o all_o which_o consideration_n let_v the_o man_n who_o either_o value_v god_n glory_n or_o his_o own_o improvement_n peace_n and_o comfort_n or_o indeed_o who_o make_v any_o pretence_n to_o religion_n strict_o make_v conscience_n of_o and_o constant_o practice_v secret_a devotion_n the_o nature_n extent_n manner_n instance_n and_o circumstance_n whereof_o i_o be_o now_o further_o to_o explain_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o and_o i_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o so_o principal_a a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o as_o i_o note_v before_o it_o be_v ordinary_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a i_o mean_v prayer_n to_o god_n touch_v the_o secret_a exercise_n whereof_o let_v the_o good_a christian_a take_v these_o follow_a direction_n first_o let_v he_o not_o fail_v night_n and_o morning_n at_o least_o solemn_o and_o devout_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n divers_a holy_a man_n we_o read_v of_o who_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o zeal_n or_o urgency_n of_o the_o occasion_n for_o it_o have_v prescribe_v to_o themselves_o strict_a measure_n than_o this_o particular_o david_n say_v he_o will_v worship_v god_n seven_o time_n in_o a_o day_n and_o daniel_n custom_n be_v to_o do_v it_o three_o time_n a_o day_n dan._n 6._o 10._o as_o seem_v also_o to_o have_v be_v that_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o less_o than_o twice_o a_o day_n i_o can_v find_v to_o agree_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o good_a man_n unless_o either_o sickness_n disable_v they_o or_o some_o very_a extraordinary_a occasion_n divert_v they_o and_o it_o be_v wondrous_o fit_a and_o decorous_a that_o we_o who_o owe_v our_o whole_a time_n to_o god_n shall_v pay_v he_o the_o tribute_n of_o devote_v those_o critical_a period_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v evening_n and_o morning_n to_o he_o especial_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n these_o two_o point_n of_o time_n be_v attend_v with_o namely_o in_o the_o evening_n have_v finish_v the_o course_n of_o that_o day_n and_o reflect_v upon_o our_o infirmity_n in_o it_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v by_o how_o many_o fail_n we_o have_v just_o incur_v god_n displeasure_n if_o he_o shall_v severe_o animadvert_v upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o we_o must_v needs_o also_o be_v sensible_a both_o how_o many_o danger_n we_o have_v escape_v by_o his_o providence_n and_o how_o many_o instance_n of_o blessing_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o his_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o have_v reason_n to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n and_o especial_o be_v then_o also_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o sleep_v when_o above_o all_o time_n we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o own_o keep_n and_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o thousand_o danger_n from_o thief_n from_o malicious_a man_n from_o violent_a element_n of_o wind_n fire_n and_o water_n from_o the_o erterprise_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o frightful_a dream_n and_o our_o own_o foolish_a imagination_n in_o which_o and_o sundry_a other_o respect_n no_o man_n know_v what_o a_o night_n may_v bring_v forth_o and_o in_o consideration_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o stupid_o secure_a and_o foolhardy_a person_n that_o do_v not_o think_v it_o high_o to_o be_v his_o interest_n by_o peculiar_a address_n to_o recommend_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o concern_v to_o the_o watchful_a eye_n of_o providence_n which_o neither_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n have_v not_o only_o by_o the_o guard_n of_o holy_a angel_n be_v preserve_v from_o all_o those_o danger_n which_o may_v have_v surprise_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o when_o our_o sense_n be_v so_o lock_v up_o that_o we_o can_v not_o help_v ourselves_o but_o refresh_v and_o recruit_v in_o all_o our_o power_n by_o that_o admirable_a divine_a opiate_n sleep_n nothing_o less_o can_v become_v we_o than_o to_o consecrate_v anew_o all_o these_o restore_v power_n to_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n by_o hearty_a adoration_n beside_o this_o we_o be_v then_o sensible_a that_o we_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a scene_n of_o business_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o innumerable_a accident_n danger_n difficulty_n and_o temptation_n none_o of_o which_o we_o be_v match_n for_o without_o divine_a assistance_n and_o have_v therefore_o need_v to_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o good_a providence_n before_o we_o encounter_v they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o timidity_n or_o superstitious_a fear_n but_o just_a wisdom_n not_o to_o dare_v either_o to_o go_v to_o bed_n or_o to_o set_v our_o foot_n out_o of_o door_n till_o we_o have_v recommend_v ourselves_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o prayer_n and_o by_o so_o do_v as_o aforesaid_a we_o maintain_v the_o juge_fw-fr sacrificium_fw-la and_o in_o god_n gracious_a interpretation_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v continual_o and_o to_o consecrate_v our_o whole_a time_n to_o he_o and_o beside_o we_o keep_v up_o a_o lively_a and_o constant_a sense_n of_o he_o upon_o our_o heart_n second_o let_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o duty_n be_v do_v fervent_o as_o well_o as_o constant_o and_o frequent_o not_o formal_o and_o customary_o without_o life_n and_o feel_n of_o what_o a_o man_n be_v about_o or_o with_o wander_a thought_n and_o distract_v affection_n but_o with_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v flat_a and_o remiss_a in_o these_o special_a approach_n to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v much_o worse_o and_o even_o loose_a and_o atheistical_a upon_o other_o occasion_n for_o these_o secret_a duty_n be_v the_o special_a instrument_n and_o exercise_n of_o raise_v our_o heart_n towards_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o nick_n up_o of_o our_o watch_n to_o that_o cue_n in_o which_o we_o will_v have_v it_o go_v in_o the_o more_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o it_o be_v principal_o concern_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o all_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n but_o the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o piety_n lie_v in_o these_o secret_a duty_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v discharge_v with_o the_o quick_a sense_n and_o most_o inflame_a affection_n insomuch_o that_o a_o man_n must_v not_o think_v he_o have_v acquit_v himself_o when_o he_o have_v repeat_v such_o or_o so_o many_o prayer_n until_o he_o find_v also_o his_o heart_n warm_v and_o his_o temper_n of_o mind_n raise_v and_o improve_v by_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o let_v he_o in_o the_o entrance_n upon_o these_o retirement_n place_v himself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o this_o may_v give_v check_n to_o all_o levity_n of_o spirit_n and_o wander_a of_o thought_n and_o make_v he_o grave_a and_o reverential_a let_v he_o also_o all_o along_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o either_o beg_v of_o god_n or_o return_v thanks_o for_o that_o this_o may_v render_v he_o ardent_a in_o his_o desire_n and_o affectionate_a in_o his_o praise_n and_o while_o he_o persevere_fw-la in_o these_o duty_n let_v he_o join_v with_o they_o reading_z and_o meditation_n not_o only_o to_o fix_v his_o mind_n but_o to_o prevent_v barrenness_n and_o to_o impreganate_n and_o enrich_v his_o soul_n with_o divine_a notion_n and_o affection_n to_o this_o end_n three_o let_v he_o take_v care_n
improve_v his_o stewardship_n in_o this_o particular_a last_o in_o a_o family_n there_o be_v common_o some_o who_o under_o the_o general_a relation_n of_o friend_n or_o acquaintance_n be_v either_o resident_a in_o it_o or_o at_o least_o hospitable_o entertain_v by_o it_o now_o as_o this_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o the_o person_n treat_v so_o it_o give_v some_o authority_n to_o he_o who_o treat_v they_o and_o consequent_o as_o such_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a towards_o man_n for_o the_o scandal_n and_o misdemeanour_n of_o his_o guest_n so_o be_v he_o much_o more_o responsible_a to_o god_n for_o any_o profaneness_n they_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o his_o divine_a majesty_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o every_o man_n be_v king_n in_o his_o own_o family_n may_v give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o oblige_v those_o who_o be_v under_o his_o protection_n to_o pay_v he_o allegiance_n and_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n with_o he_o especial_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v this_o because_o the_o four_o commandment_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o use_v this_o authority_n not_o only_o over_o our_o son_n and_o daughter_n our_o man-servant_n and_o maid-servant_n but_o over_o all_o those_o that_o be_v within_o our_o gate_n but_o so_o much_o in_o the_o general_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o particular_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o family_n of_o which_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iu._n of_o family_n duty_n in_o special_a in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o family_n that_o beside_o closet-devotion_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o beside_o public_a worship_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v anon_o once_o a_o day_n at_o the_o least_o they_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n i_o say_v once_o a_o day_n at_o the_o least_o in_o favour_n of_o man_n occasion_n and_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n of_o some_o family_n be_v it_o not_o for_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o fit_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v prayer_n morning_n and_o evening_n as_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o most_o pious_a family_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v wonderful_o decent_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o family_n shall_v once_o in_o the_o day_n meet_v together_o and_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o any_o excuse_n shall_v be_v plead_v or_o admit_v in_o this_o case_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o every_o several_a family_n be_v a_o peculiar_a body_n or_o society_n which_o have_v its_o distinct_a circumstance_n effect_n and_o consideration_n it_o have_v its_o respective_a needs_o to_o be_v supply_v and_o therefore_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a request_n to_o god_n as_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o continue_v it_o in_o health_n to_o settle_v concord_n and_o unity_n among_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o that_o the_o whole_a may_v enjoy_v prosperity_n and_o safety_n from_o thief_n from_o fire_n and_o other_o danger_n and_o every_o such_o society_n have_v also_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a mercy_n to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o as_o namely_o for_o success_n in_o affair_n for_o quiet_a habitation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o molest_v with_o ill_a neighbour_n nor_o vex_v with_o law-suit_n for_o hopeful_a child_n faithful_a servant_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o several_a of_o these_o respect_v a_o man_n may_v be_v well_o and_o comfortable_a in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o yet_o be_v unhappy_a in_o the_o society_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o society_n or_o family_n may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o general_n and_o yet_o a_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v in_o ill_a circumstance_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v just_a reason_n of_o address_n and_o acknowledgement_n to_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o family_n and_o by_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o conjunction_n as_o well_o as_o by_o every_o single_a person_n apart_o and_o in_o his_o closet_n and_o though_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v some_o family_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o person_n who_o can_v apt_o and_o proper_o represent_v the_o peculiar_a concern_v of_o it_o to_o the_o almighty_a and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o there_o be_v no_o form_n of_o prayer_n at_o hand_n that_o will_v express_v all_o the_o respective_a circumstance_n of_o such_o a_o society_n yet_o they_o may_v lift_v up_o their_o heart_n and_o voice_n together_o in_o a_o general_a form_n and_o supply_v with_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n whatsoever_o be_v want_v in_o the_o expression_n and_o as_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o such_o family_n worship_n so_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o expect_v it_o will_v be_v singular_o successful_a when_o the_o whole_a community_n join_v together_o and_o present_v themselves_o and_o their_o tribute_n of_o praise_n before_o the_o lord_n no_o question_n but_o the_o very_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v high_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o when_o with_o prostrate_a body_n devout_a heart_n and_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n they_o combine_v together_o to_o importune_v and_o as_o it_o be_v besiege_v the_o almighty_a they_o can_v fail_v of_o a_o blessing_n or_o however_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o such_o person_n and_o a_o great_a security_n to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v thus_o joint_o and_o solemn_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a protection_n beside_o that_o this_o course_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o conciliate_v peace_n and_o love_n and_o kindness_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o body_n and_o to_o knit_v their_o heart_n to_o one_o another_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o accustom_v to_o unite_v their_o heart_n and_o join_v their_o hand_n in_o god_n service_n and_o conspire_v to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o great_a indearment_n of_o affection_n perhaps_o some_o man_n will_v now_o say_v there_o be_v no_o express_a scripture_n which_o require_v of_o man_n this_o daily_a office_n of_o family_n prayer_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o what_o if_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n see_v there_o be_v so_o apparent_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o god_n who_o consider_v that_o he_o give_v law_n to_o reasonable_a man_n do_v not_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o prescribe_v every_o thing_n in_o particular_a especial_o in_o natural_a worship_n where_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n may_v supply_v he_o with_o direction_n what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n beside_o second_o as_o i_o discourse_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v a_o stingy_a and_o narrow-souled_a trick_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o no_o true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n to_o stand_v upon_o so_o strict_a term_n in_o our_o piety_n as_o to_o require_v a_o express_a command_n in_o particular_a for_o that_o which_o be_v admirable_o good_a in_o the_o general_n and_o have_v also_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a man_n as_o this_o have_v be_v but_o after_o all_o i_o will_v in_o the_o last_o place_n crave_v leave_v to_o ask_v those_o man_n a_o plain_a question_n who_o insist_v upon_o more_o express_a proof_n of_o family_n prayer_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o whether_o they_o think_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o public_a worship_n require_v of_o man_n if_o they_o do_v then_o let_v they_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o public_a society_n than_o that_o of_o family_n namely_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o either_o public_a worship_n must_v be_v this_o of_o family_n or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o to_o enlighten_v they_o in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o passage_n gen._n 4._o 26._o when_o seth_n have_v enos_n bear_v to_o he_o it_o be_v say_v then_o begin_v man_n to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o there_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o family_n in_o the_o pious_a line_n of_o seth_n then_o present_o they_o set_v up_o god_n worship_n in_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o beginning_n of_o secret_a worship_n for_o no_o doubt_n but_o seth_n be_v careful_a of_o that_o before_o enos_n be_v bear_v nor_o be_v it_o proper_o public_a or_o ecclesiastic_a worship_n for_o in_o that_o minority_n of_o the_o world_n there_o neither_o be_v nor_o as_o yet_o can_v be_v any_o church_n establish_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n therefore_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o family_n worship_n be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o be_v of_o family_n themselves_o or_o let_v pious_a and_o
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
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