your_o god_n promise_v you_o so_o shall_v the_o lord_n bring_v upon_o you_o all_o evil_a thing_n until_o he_o have_v destroy_v you_o from_o off_o this_o good_a land_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n have_v give_v you_o chap._n 23._o 15._o after_o this_o he_o call_v they_o together_o a_o second_o time_n and_o give_v they_o a_o brief_a historical_a account_n and_o deduction_n of_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o father_n from_o the_o day_n of_o abraham_n who_o he_o have_v call_v out_o from_o among_o his_o idolatrous_a kindred_n and_o countryman_n unto_o that_o day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o he_o earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o for_o his_o particular_a satisfaction_n before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n solemn_o to_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v for_o ever_o serve_v god_n and_o forsake_v the_o service_n of_o idol_n now_o therefore_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o put_v away_o the_o god_n which_o your_o father_n serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o egypt_n and_o serve_v you_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o in_o the_o text_n by_o a_o very_a elegant_a scheme_n of_o speech_n he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v once_o more_o set_v they_o at_o liberty_n and_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o engage_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o covenant_n before_o he_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o free_a choice_n and_o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o god_n who_o your_o father_n serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n or_o the_o god_n of_o the_o amorites_n in_o who_o land_n you_o dwell_v not_o that_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v serve_v the_o true_a god_n or_o not_o but_o to_o insinuate_v to_o they_o that_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v their_o free_a choice_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v those_o real_a advantage_n on_o its_o side_n that_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v refer_v to_o any_o considerate_a man_n choice_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o after_o all_o the_o demonstration_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o miraculous_a presence_n among_o you_o and_o the_o mighty_a obligation_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o you_o by_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n by_o so_o outstretched_a a_o arm_n and_o by_o drive_v out_o the_o nation_n before_o you_o and_o give_v you_o their_o land_n to_o possess_v if_o after_o all_o this_o you_o can_v think_v it_o â—it_n to_o quit_v the_o service_n of_o this_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o you_o have_v subdue_v those_o vanquish_a and_o baffle_v deity_n if_o you_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a so_o to_o do_v but_o sure_o you_o can_v then_o take_v your_o choice_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v and_o to_o direct_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n he_o declare_v to_o they_o his_o own_o resolution_n which_o he_o hope_n will_v also_o be_v they_o and_o as_o he_o have_v heretofore_o be_v their_o captain_n so_o now_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o example_n but_o whether_o they_o will_v follow_v he_o or_o not_o he_o for_o his_o part_n be_v fix_v and_o immovable_a in_o this_o resolution_n but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n in_o effect_n he_o tell_v they_o i_o have_v propose_v the_o best_a religion_n to_o your_o choice_n and_o i_o can_v but_o think_v nay_o i_o can_v but_o hope_n that_o you_o will_v all_o steadfast_o adhere_v to_o it_o it_o be_v so_o reasonable_a and_o wise_a so_o much_o your_o interest_n and_o your_o happiness_n to_o do_v it_o but_o if_o you_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o if_o you_o shall_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n so_o wilful_a and_o so_o wicked_a as_o not_o to_o embrace_v it_o though_o you_o shall_v all_o make_v another_o choice_n and_o run_v away_o from_o the_o true_a god_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n i_o for_o my_o part_n be_o steadfast_o resolve_v what_o to_o do_v in_o a_o case_n so_o manifest_a in_o a_o matter_n so_o reasonable_a no_o number_n no_o example_n shall_v prevail_v with_o i_o to_o the_o contrary_a i_o will_v if_o need_v be_v stand_v alone_o in_o that_o which_o be_v so_o evident_o and_o unquestionable_o right_a and_o though_o this_o whole_a nation_n shall_v revolt_v all_o at_o once_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o i_o be_v the_o only_a family_n leave_v in_o all_o israel_n nay_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o continue_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n i_o will_v still_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n i_o will_v still_o persist_v in_o this_o resolution_n and_o act_n according_a to_o it_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n a_o resolution_n true_o worthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n and_o so_o good_a a_o man_n in_o which_o he_o be_v a_o double_a pattern_n to_o we_o first_o of_o the_o brave_a resolution_n of_o a_o good_a man_n namely_o that_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n second_o of_o the_o pious_a care_n of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o master_n of_o a_o family_n to_o train_v up_o those_o under_o his_o charge_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n by_o god_n assistance_n treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o i._o of_o the_o brave_a resolution_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n say_v joshua_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n joshua_n here_o put_v the_o case_n at_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n that_o not_o only_o the_o great_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o egyptian_n and_o chaldean_n and_o all_o the_o lesser_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o in_o who_o land_n they_o dwell_v be_v all_o long_a since_o revolt_v to_o idolatry_n and_o pretend_v great_a antiquity_n and_o long_a prescription_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n but_o he_o suppose_v yet_o further_o that_o the_o only_a true_a and_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n shall_v likewise_o general_o revolt_v and_o forsake_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o cleave_v to_o the_o service_n of_o idol_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n if_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o to_o happen_v he_o declare_v his_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o though_o all_o other_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o it_o that_o he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o resolution_n and_o the_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o resolution_n from_o the_o objection_n to_o which_o this_o singular_a and_o peremptory_a kind_n of_o resolution_n may_v seem_v liable_a first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o resolution_n and_o the_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o one_a the_o matter_n of_o this_o resolution_n joshua_n here_o resolve_v that_o if_o need_n be_v and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o pass_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o or_o with_o very_a few_o adhere_n to_o he_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a supposition_n of_o a_o impossible_a case_n which_o can_v never_o happen_v for_o it_o may_v and_o have_v real_o and_o in_o fact_n happen_v in_o several_a age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a apostasy_n of_o some_o great_a part_n of_o god_n church_n from_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o idolatry_n
his_o grace_n john_n ld._n arch-bpp_a of_o canterbury_n aetat_fw-la 64_o ano_fw-la 1694_o six_o sermon_n i._o of_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n ii_o of_o family-religion_n iii_o iu._n v._o of_o education_n of_o child_n vi_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a piety_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jury_n in_o london_n by_o his_o grace_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o b._n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal-exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n m_o dc_o xc_o iu._n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n be_v i_o hope_v for_o the_o remainder_n of_o my_o life_n release_v from_o that_o irksome_a and_o unpleasant_a work_n of_o controversy_n and_o wrangle_a about_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o turn_v my_o thought_n to_o something_o more_o agreeable_a to_o my_o temper_n and_o of_o a_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o human_a society_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v no_o intention_n to_o reflect_v upon_o any_o that_o stand_v up_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o contend_v earnest_o for_o it_o endeavour_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o reclaim_v those_o that_o be_v in_o error_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o a_o very_a good_a man_n may_v upon_o several_a occasion_n be_v almost_o unavoidable_o engage_v in_o controversy_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o head_n clear_a and_o cool_a enough_o so_o as_o to_o be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o notion_n and_o temper_n in_o that_o hot_a kind_n of_o service_n he_o may_v therein_o do_v considerable_a advantage_n to_o the_o truth_n though_o a_o man_n that_o have_v once_o draw_v blood_n in_o controversy_n as_o mr._n mede_n express_v it_o be_v seldom_o know_v ever_o perfect_o to_o recover_v his_o own_o good_a temper_n afterward_o for_o this_o reason_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v very_o willing_a when_o his_o lord_n come_v to_o be_v find_v so_o do_v and_o as_o it_o be_v beat_v his_o fellow-servant_n and_o all_o controversy_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o manage_v be_v little_o better_a a_o good_a man_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n reek_v hot_a from_o a_o sharp_a contention_n with_o a_o perverse_a adversary_n and_o not_o a_o little_a out_o of_o countenance_n to_o find_v himself_o in_o this_o temper_n translate_v into_o the_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a region_n of_o the_o bless_a where_o nothing_o but_o perfect_a charity_n and_o good_a will_v reign_v for_o ever_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n do_v by_o that_o question_n of_o he_o where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o this_o wrangle_a work_n have_v place_n only_o in_o this_o world_n and_o upon_o this_o earth_n where_o only_o there_o be_v a_o dust_n to_o be_v raise_v but_o will_v have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o other_o but_o whether_o st._n paul_n intend_v this_o or_o not_o the_o thing_n it_o sâ—lf_o i_o think_v be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o other_o world_n all_o thing_n will_v be_v clear_a and_o past_a dispute_n to_o be_v sure_a among_o the_o bless_a and_o probable_o also_o among_o the_o miserable_a unless_o fierce_a and_o furious_a contention_n with_o great_a heat_n without_o light_n about_o thing_n of_o no_o moment_n and_o concernment_n to_o they_o shall_v be_v design_v for_o a_o part_n of_o their_o torment_n as_o to_o the_o follow_a sermon_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o the_o style_n of_o they_o be_v more_o loose_a and_o full_a of_o word_n than_o be_v agreeable_a to_o just_a and_o exact_a discourse_n but_o so_o i_o think_v the_o style_n of_o popular_a sermon_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o mend_v this_o matter_n choose_v rather_o that_o they_o shall_v appear_v in_o that_o native_a simplicity_n in_o which_o so_o many_o year_n ago_o they_o be_v first_o frame_v than_o dress_v up_o with_o too_o much_o care_n and_o art_n as_o they_o be_v i_o hope_v the_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a reader_n will_v take_v they_o in_o good_a part_n and_o i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o respective_a duty_n treat_v on_o in_o the_o follow_a sermon_n will_v be_v persuade_v so_o to_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n as_o to_o put_v they_o effectual_o in_o practice_n that_o how_o much_o soever_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v be_v almost_o utter_o to_o be_v despair_v of_o we_o may_v yet_o have_v a_o more_o comfortable_a prospect_n of_o future_a time_n by_o see_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o better_a world_n begin_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n here_o mention_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v know_v god_n and_o the_o child_n yet_o unborn_a may_v fear_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v sensible_a how_o fast_o the_o infirmity_n of_o age_n be_v come_v upon_o i_o and_o therefore_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o who_o providence_n have_v place_v i_o in_o the_o station_n wherein_o i_o be_o whilst_o it_o be_v day_n because_o the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v i_o know_v very_o well_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a charge_n my_o own_o manifold_a defect_n and_o how_o unequal_a my_o best_a ability_n be_v for_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o it_o but_o i_o do_v not_o feel_v this_o so_o sensible_o as_o i_o now_o do_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v make_v some_o small_a amends_o for_o great_a fail_n i_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o place_v the_o break_a hour_n i_o have_v to_o spare_v from_o almost_o perpetual_a business_n of_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o than_o in_o prepare_v something_o for_o the_o public_a that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o recover_v the_o decay_a piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o present_a age_n in_o which_o iniquity_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v grow_v so_o cold_a to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v choose_v to_o publish_v these_o plain_a sermon_n and_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o serious_a perusal_n and_o faithful_a practice_n both_o of_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n commit_v to_o my_o charge_n earnest_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o by_o his_o blessing_n they_o may_v prove_v effectual_a to_o that_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v sincere_o design_v concern_v resolution_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n lawrence_z jury_n june_n the_o 3_o d._n 1684._o josh._n xxiv_o 15._o but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n after_o joshua_n have_v bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o it_o his_o great_a desire_n be_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n namely_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n who_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o give_v they_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o good_a land_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o now_o find_v himself_o weak_a and_o decline_a be_v a_o hundred_o and_o ten_o year_n old_a and_o fear_v leâ—t_v after_o his_o death_n the_o people_n shall_v fall_v off_o from_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n he_o like_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a governor_n consider_v with_o himself_o what_o course_n he_o have_v best_a to_o take_v to_o keep_v they_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o prevent_v their_o defection_n to_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o call_v a_o general_a assembly_n of_o all_o israel_n chap._n 23._o v._o 1._o that_o be_v of_o the_o elder_n and_o head_n and_o judge_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o several_a tribe_n and_o in_o a_o very_a wise_a and_o eloquent_a speech_n represent_v to_o they_o in_o what_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n god_n have_v drive_v out_o the_o â—_z before_o they_o much_o great_a and_o strong_a nation_n than_o they_o and_o have_v give_v they_o their_o land_n to_o possess_v it_o and_o in_o a_o word_n have_v perform_v punctual_o all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a heed_n to_o themselves_o to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o which_o the_o lord_n
single_a argument_n as_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o undeniable_a and_o be_v so_o be_v a_o full_a justification_n not_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o reformation_n which_o she_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v within_o herself_o from_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o likewise_o of_o particular_a person_n who_o have_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n in_o any_o of_o the_o popish_a country_n yea_o though_o that_o single_a person_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o any_o other_o church_n that_o be_v free_a from_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n and_o which_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o as_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n for_o if_o any_o church_n fall_v off_o to_o idolatry_n every_o good_a christian_n not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o forsake_v her_o communion_n and_o ought_v rather_o to_o stand_v single_a and_o alone_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o true_a religion_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o corrupt_a and_o idolatrous_a church_n i_o know_v that_o some_o man_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n that_o they_o can_v very_o hardly_o believe_v that_o any_o thing_n which_o â—ears_v that_o glorious_a title_n can_v miscarry_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n so_o much_o amiss_o as_o to_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o any_o of_o her_o member_n to_o break_v off_o from_o hâ—r_a communion_n what_o the_o church_n err_v that_o be_v such_o a_o absurdity_n as_o be_v by_o many_o thought_n sufficient_a to_o put_v any_o objection_n out_o of_o countenance_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n fall_v off_o to_o idolatry_n and_o into_o error_n and_o practice_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v on_o all_o hand_n i_o think_v deny_v but_o that_o any_o particular_a church_n may_v fall_v into_o such_o error_n and_o practice_n be_v i_o think_v as_o universal_o grant_v only_o in_o this_o case_n they_o demand_v to_o have_v the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n except_v and_o why_o i_o pray_v because_o though_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v also_o the_o universal_a church_n if_o this_o can_v be_v and_o good_a sense_n can_v be_v make_v of_o a_o particular-universal_a church_n than_o the_o roman_a church_n may_v demand_v this_o high_a privilege_n of_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o fate_n of_o all_o other_o church_n but_o if_o the_o roman-catholick_n that_o be_v a_o particular-universal_a church_n be_v a_o gross_a and_o palpable_a contradiction_n than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o more_o pretence_n to_o this_o privilege_n than_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n whatsoever_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o some_o man_n talk_v of_o these_o matter_n at_o that_o rate_n as_o if_o a_o man_n who_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o quit_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n that_o he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n of_o join_v himself_o to_o any_o other_o communion_n he_o ought_v in_o that_o case_n to_o give_v over_o all_o thought_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o be_v so_o conceit_v and_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o think_v of_o go_v to_o heaven_n alone_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v without_o doubt_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n to_o despise_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o break_v off_o from_o it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o can_v continue_v in_o it_o without_o sin_n but_o if_o thing_n shall_v once_o come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o we_o must_v either_o disobey_v god_n for_o company_n or_o stand_v alone_o in_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o we_o ought_v most_o certain_o to_o obey_v god_n whatever_o come_v of_o it_o and_o to_o profess_v his_o truth_n whether_o any_o body_n else_o will_v join_v with_o we_o in_o that_o profession_n or_o not_o and_o they_o who_o speak_v otherwise_o condemn_v the_o whole_a reformation_n and_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v that_o martin_n luther_n have_v do_v a_o very_a ill_a thing_n in_o break_v off_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o no_o body_n else_o will_v have_v join_v with_o he_o in_o that_o honest_a design_n and_o yet_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o i_o hope_v god_n will_v have_v give_v he_o the_o grace_n and_o courage_n to_o have_v stand_v alone_o in_o so_o good_a and_o glorious_a a_o cause_n and_o to_o have_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o it_o and_o for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n upon_o great_a deliberation_n shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v drown_v than_o to_o be_v save_v either_o by_o a_o plank_n or_o a_o small_a boat_n or_o to_o be_v carry_v into_o the_o harbour_n any_o other_o way_n than_o in_o a_o great_a ship_n of_o so_o many_o hundred_o tun_n in_o short_a a_o good_a man_n must_v resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o to_o profess_v his_o truth_n though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v happen_v to_o do_v otherwise_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o preserve_v his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v he_o have_v engage_v his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v take_v care_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n or_o other_o some_o person_n that_o shall_v make_v a_o sincere_a profession_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o preserve_v any_o one_o part_n of_o his_o church_n from_o such_o error_n and_o corruption_n as_o may_v oblige_v all_o good_a man_n to_o quit_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o part_n yea_o tho_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o they_o may_v not_o know_v whither_o to_o resort_v for_o actual_a communion_n with_o any_o other_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o some_o particular_a person_n during_o the_o reign_n and_o rage_n of_o popery_n in_o these_o western_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o result_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o all_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o wellgrounded_n belief_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o justice_n of_o our_o reformation_n from_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o not_o only_o to_o profess_v and_o promise_v as_o peter_n do_v to_o our_o lord_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i_o but_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o and_o even_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o whatever_o trial_n god_n may_v permit_v any_o of_o we_o to_o fall_v into_o to_o take_v up_o the_o pious_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o whatever_o other_o do_v we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v conclude_v my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o first_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n with_o the_o exhortation_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n 1._o v._n 27._o only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o your_o adversary_n which_o to_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o you_o of_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o god_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n namely_o the_o pious_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n that_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n and_o which_o indeed_o i_o chief_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o this_o text_n namely_o the_o pious_a câ—re_n of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o mâ—ster_n of_o a_o family_n to_o train_v up_o those_o under_o his_o charge_n in_o the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o but_o defer_v it_o to_o some_o other_o opportunity_n consider_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v
when_o he_o employ_v he_o in_o that_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n isaac_n what_o pain_n do_v he_o take_v what_o prudence_n do_v he_o use_v what_o fidelity_n do_v he_o show_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o great_a trust_n give_v himself_o no_o rest_n till_o he_o have_v accomplish_v the_o business_n he_o be_v send_v about_o god_n seem_v purposely_o to_o have_v leave_v these_o two_o instance_n upon_o record_n in_o scripture_n to_o encourage_v father_n and_o master_n of_o family_n to_o a_o religious_a care_n of_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o how_o do_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n secure_a joseph_n fidelity_n to_o his_o master_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o very_a great_a and_o violent_a temptation_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o restrain_v he_o from_o so_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a a_o act_n and_o to_o which_o he_o be_v so_o powerful_o tempt_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a trust_n his_o master_n repose_v in_o he_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o he_o but_o above_o all_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n preserve_v he_o from_o consent_v to_o so_o vile_a and_o wicked_a a_o action_n how_o can_v i_o say_v he_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n so_o that_o in_o prudence_n and_o from_o a_o wise_a consideration_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o will_v thereby_o redound_v to_o we_o we_o ought_v with_o the_o great_a care_n to_o instill_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n into_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o for_o if_o the_o seed_n of_o true_a piety_n be_v sow_v in_o they_o we_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v neglect_v we_o shall_v certain_o find_v the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o if_o out_o child_n and_o servant_n be_v not_o teach_v to_o fear_v and_o reverence_n god_n how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v reverence_v and_o regard_v we_o at_o least_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sure_a hold_n of_o they_o for_o nothing_o but_o religion_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o conscience_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o certain_a bond_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n and_o fidelity_n man_n will_v break_v loose_a from_o all_o other_o tie_v when_o a_o fit_a occasion_n and_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n do_v strong_o tempt_v they_o and_o as_o religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n which_o that_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o so_o it_o be_v necessary_a likewise_o to_o secure_v the_o mutual_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v namely_o iii_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o so_o common_a and_o shameful_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o the_o exceed_a great_a decay_n of_o piety_n among_o we_o and_o this_o may_v in_o part_n be_v ascribe_v to_o our_o civil_a confusion_n and_o distraction_n but_o chief_o to_o our_o dissension_n and_o difference_n in_o religion_n which_o have_v not_o only_o divide_v and_o scatter_v our_o parochial_a church_n and_o congregation_n but_o have_v enter_v likewise_o into_o our_o family_n and_o make_v great_a disturbance_n and_o disorder_n there_o first_o this_o may_v in_o good_a part_n be_v ascribe_v to_o our_o civil_a confusion_n and_o distraction_n which_o for_o the_o time_n do_v lay_v all_o law_n asleep_a and_o do_v not_o only_o occasion_v a_o general_a licentiousness_n and_o dissoluteness_n of_o manner_n but_o have_v usual_o a_o proportionable_a bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o family_n by_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o govern_v and_o by_o give_v the_o opportunity_n of_o great_a licence_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v govern_v for_o when_o public_a law_n lose_v their_o authority_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o strict_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o family_n which_o after_o great_a and_o long_a disorder_n be_v very_o hard_a to_o be_v retrieve_v and_o recover_v second_o this_o great_a neglect_n and_o decay_n of_o religious_a order_n in_o family_n be_v chief_o owe_v to_o our_o dissension_n and_o difference_n in_o religion_n upon_o occasion_n whereof_o many_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n have_v break_v loose_a into_o a_o boundless_a liberty_n so_o that_o among_o the_o manifold_a ill_a consequence_n of_o our_o division_n in_o religion_n this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o the_o religious_a order_n of_o family_n have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n break_v and_o dissolve_v some_o will_v not_o meet_v at_o the_o same_o prayer_n in_o the_o family_n nor_o go_v to_o the_o same_o church_n and_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o upon_o that_o pretence_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v and_o under_o colour_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o different_a way_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n do_v either_o whole_o or_o in_o great_a measure_n neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n nay_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n haunt_v and_o frequent_a place_n of_o debauchery_n and_o lewdness_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o do_v be_v from_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n however_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o become_v impossible_a for_o the_o most_o careful_a master_n of_o family_n to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o those_o under_o their_o charge_n how_o they_o â—pend_v their_o time_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o any_o certain_a and_o orderly_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o methinks_v be_v so_o great_a and_o sensible_a a_o inconvenience_n and_o have_v have_v such_o dismal_a effect_n in_o many_o family_n as_o aught_o effectual_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o endeavour_v a_o great_a union_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o happy_a day_n when_o god_n be_v serve_v in_o one_o way_n and_o whole_a family_n go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o company_n and_o father_n and_o master_n have_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n continual_o under_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a in_o their_o worship_n and_o devotion_n both_o in_o their_o own_o house_n and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o work_n of_o religious_a education_n and_o instruction_n be_v effectual_o carry_v on_o and_o a_o steady_a authority_n and_o decent_a order_n be_v maintain_v in_o family_n man_n be_v edify_v and_o build_v up_o in_o religion_n and_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v glorify_v and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o till_o we_o be_v better_o agree_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o unhappy_a and_o childish_a difference_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o till_o the_o public_a and_o unanimous_a worship_n of_o god_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n recover_v its_o reputation_n the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o family_n as_o to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v never_o likely_a to_o obtain_v and_o to_o have_v any_o considerable_a effect_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v make_v all_o man_n who_o hearty_o love_v god_n and_o religion_n to_o consider_v serious_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o difference_n that_o in_o our_o private_a family_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o with_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o brethren_n as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v division_n and_o separation_n among_o christian_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v and_o which_o remain_v to_o be_v very_o brief_o speak_v to_o namely_o iu._n the_o very_a mischievous_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n both_o to_o the_o public_a and_o to_o ourselves_o first_o to_o the_o public_a family_n be_v the_o first_o seminary_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o care_n be_v not_o there_o take_v to_o prepare_v person_n especial_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n for_o public_a teach_n and_o instruction_n it_o be_v like_a to_o have_v but_o very_o little_a effect_n the_o neglect_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o our_o child_n and_o
i_o mean_v in_o not_o teach_v they_o to_o govern_v their_o passion_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o many_o that_o have_v prove_v sincere_a christian_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v man_n have_v yet_o be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o life_n have_v be_v full_a of_o inequality_n and_o breach_n which_o have_v not_o only_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o disquiet_v to_o themselves_o but_o of_o great_a scandal_n to_o religion_n when_o their_o light_n which_o shall_v shine_v before_o man_n be_v so_o often_o darken_v and_o obscure_v by_o these_o frequent_a and_o visible_a infirmity_n 2_o dly_z to_o the_o government_n of_o their_o tongue_n to_o this_o end_n teach_v child_n silence_n especial_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o better_n and_o assoon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o lesson_n let_v they_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o speak_v but_o upon_o consideration_n both_o of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o before_o who_o and_o above_o all_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o that_o most_o necessary_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o speak_v truth_n as_o one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o strong_a band_n of_o human_a society_n and_o commerce_n and_o possess_v they_o with_o the_o baseness_n and_o vileness_n of_o tell_v a_o lie_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o provocation_n to_o give_v a_o man_n the_o lie_n then_o sure_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n must_v be_v a_o mighty_a reproach_n they_o who_o write_v of_o japan_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o people_n though_o mere_a heathen_n take_v such_o a_o effectual_a course_n in_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n as_o to_o render_v a_o lie_n and_o breach_n of_o faith_n above_o all_o thing_n odious_a to_o they_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n for_o any_o person_n among_o they_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o lie_n or_o find_v guilty_a of_o breach_n of_o faith_n and_o can_v the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n be_v render_v as_o effectual_a to_o restrain_v man_n from_o these_o fault_n which_o be_v scandalous_a even_o to_o nature_n and_o much_o more_o so_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o tongue_n do_v likewise_o belong_v the_o restrain_v of_o child_n from_o lewd_a and_o obscene_a word_n from_o vain_a and_o profane_a talk_n and_o especial_o from_o horrid_a oath_n and_o imprecation_n from_o all_o which_o they_o be_v easy_o keep_v at_o first_o but_o if_o they_o be_v once_o accustom_v to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v find_v no_o such_o easy_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o get_v quit_v of_o these_o evil_a habit_n it_o will_v require_v great_a attention_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o to_o keep_v oath_n out_o of_o their_o common_a discourse_n but_o if_o they_o be_v heat_v and_o in_o passion_n they_o throw_v out_o oath_n and_o curse_n as_o natural_o as_o man_n that_o be_v high_o provoke_v fling_v stone_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o come_v next_o to_o hand_n at_o one_o another_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o let_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v bad_a in_o child_n to_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o habit._n three_o as_o the_o principal_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n let_v child_n be_v careful_o breed_v up_o 1_o sy_n to_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n in_o regard_n to_o themselves_o under_o which_o i_o comprehend_v likewise_o purity_n and_o chastity_n the_o government_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n as_o to_o all_o kind_n of_o bodily_a pleasure_n be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o excellent_a instrument_n of_o it_o and_o a_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n for_o he_o that_o can_v govern_v himself_o be_v not_o like_a to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n either_o to_o god_n or_o men._n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n put_v sobriety_n first_o as_o a_o primary_n and_o principal_a virtue_n in_o which_o man_n be_v instruct_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o must_v be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n both_o of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o righteousness_n to_o men._n the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o so_o he_o call_v the_o gospel_n that_o bring_v salvation_n unto_o all_o man_n have_v appear_v teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n it_o first_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o unless_o we_o train_v up_o child_n to_o this_o virtue_n we_o must_v never_o expect_v that_o they_o will_v either_o live_v righteous_o or_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n especial_o child_n must_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o great_a sobriety_n and_o temperance_n in_o their_o diet_n which_o will_v retrench_v the_o fuel_n of_o other_o inordinate_a appetite_n it_o be_v a_o good_a say_v i_o have_v meet_v with_o somewhere_o magna_fw-la pars_fw-la virtutis_fw-la est_fw-la bene_fw-la moratus_fw-la venture_n a_o well_o manner_a and_o well_o govern_v appetite_n in_o matter_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o virtue_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o child_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o lessian_a diet_n which_o set_v a_o equal_a stint_n to_o all_o stomach_n and_o be_v as_o senseless_a a_o thing_n as_o a_o law_n will_v be_v which_o shall_v enjoin_v that_o shoe_n for_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v make_v upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o last_o 2_o dly_z to_o a_o serious_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n still_o and_o quiet_a real_a and_o substantial_a without_o much_o show_n and_o noise_n and_o as_o free_a as_o may_v be_v from_o all_o trick_n of_o superstition_n or_o freak_v of_o enthusiasm_n which_o if_o parent_n and_o teacher_n be_v not_o very_o prudent_a will_v almost_o unavoidable_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o religion_n of_o child_n and_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o will_v make_v they_o appear_v to_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n fantastical_a and_o conceit_a and_o render_v they_o very_o apt_a to_o impose_v their_o own_o foolish_a superstition_n and_o wild_a conceit_n upon_o other_o who_o understand_v religion_n much_o better_a than_o themselves_o let_v they_o be_v teach_v to_o honour_n and_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o private_a and_o to_o attend_v constant_o upon_o his_o public_a worship_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o mind_n intent_n upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o without_o wander_v and_o distraction_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfectâ—_n gift_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o and_o to_o â—render_v thanks_o to_o he_o as_o our_o most_o gracious_a and_o constant_a benefactor_n and_o the_o great_a patron_n and_o preserver_n of_o our_o life_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o to_o avoid_v what_o he_o have_v forbid_v to_o be_v always_o under_o a_o lively_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o pure_a and_o all-seeing_a eye_n which_o behold_v we_o in_o secret_a and_o to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o great_a lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v and_o with_o a_o awful_a regard_n to_o the_o strict_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n 3_o dly_z to_o justice_n and_o honesty_n to_o defraud_v and_o oppress_v no_o man_n to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o their_o word_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o their_o promise_n and_o contract_n and_o endeavour_v to_o imprint_v upon_o their_o mind_n the_o equity_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n which_o be_v so_o natural_a and_o so_o easy_a that_o even_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o rule_n which_o our_o b._n saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n namely_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v other_o do_v to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v in_o their_o case_n and_o circumstance_n and_o they_o in_o we_o you_o that_o be_v parent_n and_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n aught_o to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a in_o all_o your_o deal_n in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o next_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o child_n not_o only_o that_o you_o may_v entail_v no_o curse_n upon_o the_o estate_n you_o leave_v they_o but_o likewise_o that_o you_o may_v teach_v they_o no_o injustice_n by_o the_o example_n you_o set_v before_o they_o which_o in_o this_o particular_a they_o will_v be_v as_o apt_a to_o imitate_v as_o in_o any_o one_o thing_n because_o of_o the_o present_a worldly_a advantage_n which_o it_o seem_v to_o bring_v and_o because_o justice_n be_v in_o truth_n a_o manly_a virtue_n and_o lest_o understand_v by_o child_n and_o therefore_o injustice_n be_v a_o vice_n which_o they_o will_v soon_o practice_v and_o with_o the_o least_o reluctancy_n because_o
considerable_a time_n before_o they_o appear_v above_o ground_n it_o be_v long_o before_o they_o shoot_v and_o grow_v up_o to_o any_o height_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v afterward_o be_v very_o considerable_a which_o as_o a_o ingenious_a author_n observe_v w._n shall_v excite_v the_o care_n and_o prevent_v the_o despair_n of_o parent_n for_o if_o their_o child_n be_v not_o such_o speedy_a spreader_n and_o brancher_n as_o the_o vine_n they_o may_v perhaps_o prove_v proles_fw-la tardè_fw-la crescentis_fw-la olivae_fw-la it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o great_a pain_n and_o difficulty_n to_o rectify_v a_o perverse_a disposition_n it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o palliate_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o require_v time_n and_o careful_a look_v to_o a_o evil_a temper_n and_o inclination_n may_v be_v cover_v and_o conceal_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a work_n to_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v it_o it_o must_v first_o be_v check_v and_o stop_v in_o its_o course_n and_o then_o weaken_a and_o the_o force_n of_o it_o be_v break_v by_o degree_n and_o at_o last_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a destroy_v and_o root_v out_o seven_o and_o last_o to_o all_o these_o mean_n we_o must_v add_v our_o constant_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o our_o child_n that_o his_o grace_n may_v take_v a_o early_a possession_n of_o they_o that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o virtuous_a inclination_n and_o towardly_a disposition_n for_o goodness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o accompany_v all_o our_o endeavour_n to_o that_o end_n with_o his_o powerful_a assistance_n and_o blessing_n without_o which_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v will_v prove_v ineffectual_a parent_n may_v plant_v and_o minister_n may_v water_v but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o must_v give_v the_o increase_n be_v often_o then_o upon_o your_o knee_n for_o your_o child_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o themselves_o but_o do_v you_o likewise_o with_o great_a fervour_n and_o earnestness_n commend_v they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o sanctify_v they_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n beg_v his_o h._n spirit_n and_o ask_v divine_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n for_o they_o of_o he_o who_o give_v to_o all_o liberal_o and_o upbraid_v no_o man_n beseech_v he_o to_o season_v their_o tender_a year_n with_o his_o fear_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n pray_v for_o they_o as_o abraham_n do_v for_o ishmael_n oh_o that_o ishmael_n may_v live_v in_o thy_o sight_n many_o parent_n have_v â—ound_v all_o their_o endeavour_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o ineffectual_a have_v at_o length_n betake_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n earnest_n and_o importunate_a prayer_n to_o god_n as_o their_o last_o refuge_n monica_n the_o mother_n of_o st._n austin_n by_o the_o constancy_n and_o importunity_n of_o her_o prayer_n obtain_v of_o god_n the_o conversion_n of_o her_o son_n who_o prove_v afterward_o so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o instrument_n of_o good_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n according_a to_o what_o st._n ambrose_n bishop_n of_o milan_n to_o encourage_v she_o to_o persevere_v in_o her_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o her_o son_n have_v say_v to_o she_o fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la ut_fw-la filius_fw-la tot_fw-la lachrymarum_fw-la pereat_fw-la it_o can_v be_v say_v he_o that_o a_o son_n of_o so_o many_o prayer_n and_o tear_n shall_v miscarry_v god_n grace_n be_v free_a but_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a but_o that_o god_n will_v at_o last_o give_v in_o this_o blessing_n to_o our_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o faithful_a endeavour_n therefore_o pray_v for_o they_o without_o cease_v pray_v and_o faint_v not_o great_a importunity_n in_o prayer_n seldom_o fail_v of_o a_o gracious_a answer_n our_o b._n saviour_n speak_v two_o parable_n on_o purpose_n to_o encourage_v we_o herein_o not_o because_o god_n be_v move_v much_o less_o because_o he_o be_v tire_v out_o with_o our_o importunity_n but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o our_o firm_a belief_n and_o confidence_n in_o his_o great_a goodness_n and_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a say_v our_o b._n lord_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n iii_o of_o the_o education_n of_o child_n prov_n xxii_o 6._o train_z up_o a_o child_n in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o he_o be_v old_a he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o general_a head_n which_o i_o propose_v namely_o iii_o to_o discover_v some_o of_o the_o more_o remarkable_a and_o common_a miscarriage_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o wâ—â—k_n i_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_v gross_a neglect_n for_o want_n of_o care_n but_o mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n for_o want_n of_o prudence_n and_o skill_n even_o when_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o parent_n and_o instructer_n and_o i_o shall_v for_o method_n sake_n reduce_v the_o more_o considerable_a and_o common_a miscarriage_n to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o in_o matter_n of_o instruction_n second_o in_o matter_n of_o example_n three_o in_o matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o correction_n i._o in_o matter_n of_o instruction_n parent_n do_v very_o often_o main_o miscarry_v in_o not_o teach_v their_o child_n the_o true_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o degree_n of_o they_o as_o when_o we_o teach_v they_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o real_o be_v not_o or_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v so_o or_o when_o we_o teach_v they_o to_o lay_v more_o stress_n and_o weight_n upon_o thing_n than_o they_o will_v bear_v make_v that_o which_o perhaps_o be_v only_o convenient_a to_o be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n necessary_a or_o that_o which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v only_o inconvenient_a or_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n to_o some_o weak_a christian_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o its_o 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