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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n good_a great_a world_n 3,255 5 4.3685 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58850 The method and means to a true spiritual life consisting of three parts, agreeable to the auncient [sic] way / by the late Reverend Matthew Scrivener ... ; cleared from modern abuses, and render'd more easie and practicall. Scrivener, Matthew. 1688 (1688) Wing S2118; ESTC R32133 179,257 416

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understanding_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god._n oh_o how_o natural_a how_o sweet_a and_o almost_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o have_v his_o own_o will_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n how_o monstrous_a be_v this_o unruly_a appetite_n it_o arise_v from_o a_o root_n worse_o than_o ordinary_a idolatry_n as_o much_o as_o to_o make_v one_o self_n a_o god_n be_v a_o much_o more_o heinous_a sin_n than_o to_o worship_v any_o other_o false_a god._n and_o what_o be_v that_o whether_o we_o mean_v it_o or_o not_o mean_v it_o that_o impell_v man_n so_o passionate_o to_o desire_v and_o so_o violent_o to_o contend_v for_o their_o will_n and_o as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o be_v possible_a but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v great_a thereby_o they_o will_v be_v supreme_a they_o will_v rule_v and_o govern_v not_o so_o much_o themselves_o for_o they_o be_v the_o worst_a at_o that_o of_o all_o man_n but_o other_o and_o because_o they_o will_v be_v admire_v and_o worship_v and_o that_o more_o and_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n than_o they_o dare_v open_o own_o when_o man_n have_v give_v themselves_o up_o to_o this_o mislead_v and_o mischievous_a temper_n they_o will_v have_v no_o bound_n prefix_v they_o god_n himself_o shall_v not_o escape_v their_o murmur_n if_o open_a accusation_n and_o expostulation_n every_o thing_n be_v uneasy_a to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o project_v by_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o manage_v by_o their_o will_n and_o whereas_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n 1_o corinth_n 13._o charity_n that_o divine_a grace_n make_v up_o of_o meekness_n humility_n love_v of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o in_o any_o manner_n resemble_v god_n bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n the_o idolizer_n of_o his_o own_o will_n on_o the_o contrary_a can_v bear_v nothing_o believe_v nothing_o hope_v nothing_o endure_v nothing_o contradict_v this_o his_o humour_n reason_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n profess_o affront_v or_o oppose_v but_o then_o 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evil_a as_o himself_o command_v it_o be_v not_o the_o root_n up_o of_o that_o vine_n which_o god_n own_o hand_n have_v plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o the_o prune_n and_o dress_v it_o to_o bear_v generous_a branch_n and_o bunch_n it_o be_v to_o cut_v off_o those_o sucker_n to_o destroy_v that_o nature_n which_o be_v become_v such_o and_o not_o make_v so_o by_o god._n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o ancient_a philosophy_n for_o our_o earthy_a sphere_n and_o inferior_a and_o small_a orb_n to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o first_o mover_n of_o all_o and_o to_o say_v and_o to_o pray_v as_o christ_n have_v teach_v thy_o will_n he_o do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n as_o christ_n come_v into_o it_o and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o his_o holy_a and_o humble_a life_n which_o tell_v we_o john_n 18._o 37._o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n 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of_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v various_o canvas_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n without_o resolution_n satisfactory_a and_o that_o he_o and_o not_o natural_a generation_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o and_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o father_n work_v hitherto_o and_o he_o work_v john_n 5._o 17._o 7._o seven_o we_o learn_v from_o holy_a writ_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n lead_v not_o such_o a_o sedentarie_a and_o careless_a life_n as_o some_o philosopher_n imagine_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o many_o great_a man_n who_o build_v fair_a and_o stately_a house_n and_o furnish_v they_o rich_o but_o so_o leave_v they_o to_o fall_v to_o decay_v and_o the_o thing_n therein_o to_o be_v lose_v and_o spoil_v neither_o do_v he_o trouble_v his_o head_n or_o vex_v his_o heart_n as_o some_o man_n do_v about_o the_o management_n of_o their_o house_n and_o land_n but_o by_o a_o mean_a way_n of_o sufficient_a protection_n and_o 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that_o great_a end_n before_o we_o can_v have_v any_o sound_a hope_n of_o attain_v the_o same_o and_o suppose_v faith_n precede_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o remain_v and_o to_o which_o other_o duty_n may_v be_v reduce_v may_v be_v three_o fold_n 1._o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n institute_v as_o a_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n and_o a_o form_n of_o initiation_n into_o the_o covenant_n without_o which_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o infidel_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n and_o without_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o our_o sin_n and_o natural_a blindness_n which_o hereby_o be_v so_o cure_v that_o the_o new_o baptise_a be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v illuminate_v or_o enlighten_v heb._n 6._o 4._o hebr._n 10._o 32._o 2._o and_o unto_o this_o come_v in_o as_o a_o auxiliary_a improve_n and_o perfect_v the_o low_a beginning_n of_o those_o once_o initiate_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n ordain_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o ratification_n of_o our_o covenant_n enter_v into_o with_o god_n and_o the_o memory_n of_o christ_n passion_n and_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o and_o our_o being_n more_o strict_o and_o intimate_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v more_o full_o declare_v 3._o a_o three_o most_o necessary_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o apply_v christ_n merit_n to_o we_o be_v that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n term_v it_o act_n 5._o 31._o act_n 11._o 18._o repentance_n of_o which_o with_o the_o concomitant_n of_o it_o likewise_o we_o may_v speak_v far_o hereafter_o 14._o of_o the_o resurrection_n likewise_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o reunite_a of_o the_o soul_n unto_o it_o and_o upon_o such_o restauration_n the_o receive_n of_o the_o proper_a
and_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell._n 5._o we_o see_v here_o what_o purgation_n the_o tongue_n need_v which_o be_v so_o foul_a that_o it_o defile_v the_o whole_a body_n natural_a and_o disorder_v family_n town_n and_o whole_a country_n yea_o nature_n itself_o 6._o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o particular_a vibration_n use_v by_o the_o tongue_n to_o execute_v its_o mischief_n will_v be_v to_o launch_v out_o too_o far_o into_o a_o ocean_n of_o matter_n but_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o point_n at_o the_o principal_a vice_n and_o pollution_n to_o be_v careful_o avoid_v and_o wipe_v off_o such_o as_o murmur_v against_o god_n and_o our_o governor_n upon_o every_o light_a occasion_n and_o because_o thing_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o public_a otherwise_o than_o our_o private_a wisdom_n can_v comprehend_v we_o not_o be_v of_o the_o counsel_n of_o state_n nor_o our_o approbation_n desire_v upon_o which_o follow_v scoff_v belie_v and_o slander_v our_o superior_n and_o thereby_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o make_v public_a combustion_n and_o confusion_n beware_v therefore_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n wisdom_n 1_o of_o murmur_v which_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o refrain_v your_o tongue_n from_o backbiting_a for_o there_o be_v no_o word_n so_o secret_a that_o shall_v go_v for_o nought_o and_o the_o mouth_n that_o beli_v slai_v the_o soul_n 7._o and_o when_o bare_a lie_v will_v not_o effect_v what_o we_o intend_v it_o take_v unto_o its_o aid_n swear_v and_o curse_v and_o blasphemous_a speech_n against_o heaven_n itself_o provoke_v that_o to_o revenge_v the_o injury_n do_v to_o god_n and_o man_n thereby_o of_o which_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v produce_v but_o that_o only_o shall_v i_o give_v which_o matthew_n paris_n lib._n 7._o in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1701._o give_v of_o one_o simon_n de_fw-fr thurway_n who_o rash_o boast_v in_o the_o school_n that_o he_o understand_v thorough_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v make_v it_o nothing_o in_o confute_v it_o become_v sudden_o so_o ignorant_a of_o all_o learning_n that_o he_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n over_o nor_o read_v the_o alphabet_n and_o late_a year_n have_v produce_v such_o presumptuous_a and_o virulent_a tongue_n against_o the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n settle_v among_o we_o glory_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n and_o gift_n that_o as_o they_o at_o first_o wilful_o reject_v the_o lord_n prayer_n so_o have_v they_o at_o leugth_n be_v unable_a to_o rehearse_v it_o themselves_o allege_v why_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v out_o in_o say_v it_o though_o they_o want_v not_o other_o reason_n which_o sometime_o they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o render_v for_o the_o disuse_n of_o it_o and_o in_o truth_n i_o be_o much_o ashamed_a of_o the_o little_a severity_n take_v against_o blasphemer_n of_o our_o religion_n when_o i_o read_v in_o the_o adventure_n of_o a_o late_a author_n in_o barbary_n that_o when_o any_o among_o the_o turk_n or_o moor_n in_o africa_n commit_v sacrilege_n or_o do_v any_o action_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o mahomet_n or_o the_o religion_n profess_v in_o that_o place_n they_o pour_v scald_a lead_n into_o his_o mouth_n which_o sink_v in_o with_o a_o horrible_a smoke_n but_o with_o we_o alas_o such_o remissness_n against_o blasphemer_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o fashion_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o become_v one_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o great_a sort_n and_o part_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a among_o the_o inferior_a to_o dishonour_v religion_n and_o if_o the_o protector_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n shall_v venture_v to_o be_v sharp_a upon_o such_o they_o have_v in_o readiness_n a_o reserve_n of_o evil_a language_n to_o wound_v their_o judge_n and_o persecutor_n by_o call_v they_o proud_a busy_a domineer_a prelate_n and_o so_o the_o guilt_n be_v of_o a_o sudden_a transfer_v from_o they_o unto_o the_o punisher_n of_o it_o 8._o to_o these_o may_v be_v also_o add_v the_o soothe_n hypocritical_a and_o flatter_a tongue_n which_o while_o it_o cox_v and_o stroke_v and_o tickle_v sore_o wound_v sure_o god_n will_v not_o show_v himself_o so_o plausible_a to_o such_o a_o tongue_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o psalmist_n say_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o thou_o thou_o false_a tongue_n sharp_a arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a with_o coal_n of_o juniper_n etc._n etc._n psalm_n 12._o 3._o and_o psalm_n 12._o 23._o they_o speak_v vanity_n every_o one_o with_o his_o neighbour_n with_o flatter_a lip_n and_o with_o a_o double_a heart_n do_v they_o speak_v the_o lord_n shall_v cut_v off_o flatter_a lip_n and_o the_o tongue_n that_o speak_v proud_a thing_n to_o prevent_v which_o david_n pray_v to_o god_n psalm_n 141._o 2._o to_o set_v a_o watch_n before_o his_o mouth_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o door_n of_o his_o lip_n and_o sure_o not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o evil_n which_o that_o tame_a beast_n as_o one_o of_o the_o auucients_n term_v the_o flatterer_n do_v to_o another_o but_o bring_v to_o himself_o by_o delusive_a fawn_n for_o as_o no_o person_n be_v more_o formidable_a than_o the_o wild_a beast_n the_o railer_n and_o open_a reviler_n which_o with_o the_o tooth_n of_o his_o tongue_n tear_v the_o name_n and_o reputation_n of_o he_o he_o seize_v on_o and_o so_o as_o the_o bee_n sting_v with_o that_o violence_n that_o it_o kill_v itself_o thereby_o in_o like_a manner_n nothing_o be_v more_o ridiculous_a or_o odious_a than_o that_o tame_a beast_n which_o lick_v with_o its_o tongue_n till_o it_o poison_v the_o party_n himself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n perish_v in_o the_o esteem_n and_o value_n of_o all_o man_n a_o guard_n therefore_o of_o the_o tongue_n be_v most_o necessary_a both_o to_o secure_v the_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n the_o flatter_a the_o rail_a and_o slanderous_a tongue_n and_o the_o incessant_o or_o superfluous_o tattle_v tongue_n all_o want_n the_o bridle_n of_o advice_n and_o prudence_n to_o stay_v their_o currier_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o rheum_n that_o deflux_v from_o the_o distemper_a brain_n to_o the_o corrupt_a first_o of_o the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n inward_o and_o then_o infuse_v the_o contagion_n of_o its_o venom_n into_o other_o well_o therefore_o advise_v the_o wise_a man_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la 9_o 9_o 10_o 11._o immoderare_fw-la prater_n of_o all_o sort_n if_o thou_o have_v hear_v a_o word_n let_v it_o die_v with_o thou_o and_o be_v bold_a it_o will_v not_o burst_v thou_o a_o fool_n travel_v with_o a_o word_n as_o a_o woman_n in_o labour_n with_o child_n as_o a_o arrow_n that_o stick_v in_o a_o man_n thigh_n so_o be_v a_o word_n within_o a_o fool_n belly_n it_o be_v a_o pain_n to_o a_o fool_n to_o hold_v a_o little_a that_o he_o think_v he_o know_v within_o he_o and_o his_o tongue_n must_v be_v take_v the_o air_n till_o like_o dinah_n it_o be_v defile_v if_o a_o notion_n come_v into_o his_o head_n like_o a_o vain_a prodigal_n though_o he_o be_v in_o want_v himself_o he_o will_v spend_v that_o and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v upon_o other_o who_o as_o it_o happen_v to_o another_o kind_n of_o spendthrift_n when_o he_o have_v do_v will_v laugh_v at_o he_o for_o his_o pain_n and_o liberality_n st._n peter_n advice_n be_v this_o if_o any_o man_n speak_v let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god._n oracle_n be_v give_v of_o divine_a or_o very_o weighty_a matter_n and_o in_o very_a few_o word_n and_o they_o very_o true_a if_o a_o man_n therefore_o observe_v this_o rule_n will_v speak_v 1._o with_o deliberation_n 2._o with_o brevity_n 3._o about_o matter_n of_o consequence_n 4._o rare_o 5._o profitable_o only_a he_o shall_v prevent_v great_a mischief_n to_o himself_o and_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v true_o master_n of_o his_o mouth_n so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o speak_v what_o he_o shall_v not_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a that_o he_o get_v such_o a_o victory_n over_o himself_o as_o sometime_o not_o to_o speak_v when_o cause_n be_v offer_v or_o occasion_n rather_o for_o he_o that_o say_v ecclesiasticus_fw-la 4._o 23._o refrain_v not_o to_o speak_v when_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o do_v good_a and_o hide_v not_o thy_o wisdom_n in_o her_o beauty_n say_v also_o chap._n 32._o 7._o speak_v young_a man_n if_o there_o be_v need_n of_o thou_o and_o yet_o scarce_o when_o thou_o be_v twice_o ask_v according_a to_o circumstance_n of_o person_n aged_n or_o young_a stranger_n or_o acquaintance_n of_o matter_n understand_v or_o obscure_a within_o our_o sphere_n or_o out_o of_o our_o faculty_n of_o time_n and_o of_o place_n be_v word_n to_o be_v use_v lest_o talk_v inordinate_o become_v a_o disease_n
the_o action_n in_o hand_n 9_o last_o a_o certain_a revenge_n upon_o a_o man_n and_o a_o conscience_n towards_o god_n for_o defraud_v he_o of_o his_o due_a service_n and_o himself_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n by_o vain_a aberration_n may_v be_v useful_a here_o which_o be_v this_o that_o upon_o a_o sense_n of_o such_o straying_n in_o his_o thought_n in_o time_n of_o prayer_n he_o punish_v his_o carnal_a part_n desire_v to_o be_v at_o liberty_n by_o go_v over_o again_o with_o that_o which_o he_o once_o perform_v so_o negligent_o for_o hereby_o also_o have_v so_o resolve_v to_o do_v he_o shall_v be_v revenge_v of_o the_o tempter_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v less_o busy_a in_o molest_v he_o afterward_o find_v such_o evil_a success_n in_o his_o wile_n and_o so_o good_a effect_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n sect_n vii_o of_o the_o due_a use_n of_o public_a and_o private_a prayer_n 1._o wherefore_o think_v we_o do_v god_n build_v the_o spacious_a and_o beautiful_a temple_n of_o this_o world_n this_o universe_n which_o we_o behold_v and_o admire_v but_o to_o make_v know_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v know_v by_o we_o shall_v affect_v we_o with_o proportionable_a zeal_n to_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n all_o the_o way_n he_o have_v teach_v we_o and_o all_o that_o we_o can_v devise_v not_o repugnant_a to_o his_o own_o prescription_n they_o therefore_o that_o will_v shrink_v up_o all_o devotion_n into_o a_o house_n of_o their_o own_o nay_o peradventure_o into_o their_o own_o breast_n and_o a_o narrow_a dark_a corner_n of_o the_o heart_n judge_v that_o altogether_o sufficient_a do_v in_o a_o manner_n implicit_o lay_v a_o slight_a upon_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o god_n as_o superfluous_a see_v be_v may_v have_v be_v as_o great_a and_o glorious_a in_o himself_o without_o that_o but_o the_o same_o spirit_n if_o not_o person_n that_o say_v psalm_n 119._o 11._o thy_o word_n have_v i_o hide_v in_o my_o heart_n say_v also_o psalm_n 40._o 10._o i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o love_a kindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n intimate_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o stock_n of_o grace_n inward_o must_v not_o be_v keep_v so_o as_o it_o be_v under_o lock_n and_o key_n as_o not_o to_o appear_v public_o to_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o he_o to_o who_o as_o money_n bear_v his_o image_n and_o superscription_n it_o proper_o belong_v the_o house_n of_o god_n so_o call_v because_o it_o be_v devote_v to_o his_o service_n be_v undoubted_o the_o most_o proper_a place_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o be_v like_o the_o treasurie-chamber_n of_o king_n and_o great_a prince_n into_o which_o all_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v and_o out_o of_o which_o all_o undue_a favour_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v and_o therefore_o sure_o as_o great_a glory_n be_v give_v to_o god_n by_o public_a than_o by_o private_a worship_n so_o great_a blessing_n may_v be_v from_o thence_o expect_v and_o though_o common_a prayer_n wherein_o many_o agree_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o private_a place_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o single_a devotion_n the_o same_o service_n in_o god_n house_n as_o more_o public_a and_o exemplary_a must_v needs_o be_v more_o acceptable_a than_o that_o of_o private_a place_n christ_n say_v indeed_o to_o confound_v hypocrite_n seek_v praise_n of_o man_n when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o shut_v thy_o door_n etc._n etc._n never_o intend_v to_o confine_v man_n to_o their_o chamber_n in_o pray_v but_o to_o cut_v off_o ostentation_n in_o prayer_n which_o yet_o may_v be_v avoid_v in_o public_a prayer_n the_o devil_n therefore_o envy_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n in_o faith_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o one_o another_o and_o a_o more_o powerful_a access_n to_o god_n and_o a_o more_o prosperous_a success_n of_o public_a prayer_n there_o offer_v must_v needs_o have_v a_o finger_n in_o that_o sacrilegious_a doctrine_n of_o detract_n from_o the_o honour_n and_o efficacy_n of_o public_a prayer_n in_o match_v private_a with_o it_o 2._o they_o say_v god_n be_v in_o all_o place_n that_o he_o be_v they_o say_v god_n dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n they_o say_v god_n can_v hear_v we_o in_o all_o place_n at_o home_n as_o well_o as_o at_o church_n and_o in_o private_a as_o well_o as_o in_o public_a and_o in_o say_v this_o and_o the_o like_a they_o say_v they_o know_v not_o what_o for_o do_v god_n dwell_v in_o closet_n or_o hall_n or_o parlour_n or_o kitchen_n and_o do_v he_o not_o dwell_v in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n be_v it_o not_o say_v express_o of_o the_o temple_n that_o it_o be_v the_o place_n where_o his_o honour_n dwell_v psalm_n 26._o 8._o psalm_n 29._o 9_o and_o be_v not_o there_o express_a promise_v fix_v there_o above_o other_o place_n if_o it_o be_v say_v those_o thing_n be_v jewish_a let_v they_o tell_v i_o if_o they_o be_v not_o gentile_a also_o if_o among_o all_o nation_n civilise_v and_o profess_v religion_n and_o among_o all_o christian_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o permit_v to_o have_v public_a place_n they_o carry_v not_o their_o sacrifice_n to_o they_o to_o be_v tender_v to_o god_n and_o shall_v private_a sense_n of_o ignorant_a person_n in_o the_o scripture_n presume_v upon_o without_o knowledge_n or_o ground_n preponderate_a all_o these_o and_o hereunto_o not_o to_o repeat_v here_o what_o have_v elsewhere_o be_v more_o full_o discuss_v we_o may_v add_v the_o mock_n which_o be_v too_o often_o put_v upon_o god_n and_o religion_n by_o this_o opinion_n so_o that_o very_o often_o god_n be_v not_o worship_v at_o all_o in_o private_a by_o divers_a who_o plead_v for_o such_o private_a worship_n which_o be_v secure_o pass_v over_o uncensured_a because_o no_o man_n can_v witness_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o i_o may_v say_v safe_o no_o man_n general_o make_v a_o great_a conscience_n of_o worship_v in_o their_o proper_a season_n in_o private_a than_o they_o who_o most_o frequent_a the_o public_a worship_n for_o private_a worship_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o a_o auxiliarie_n and_o supply_v of_o what_o we_o can_v not_o perform_v public_o which_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v god_n will_v accept_v of_o when_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o such_o a_o false_a foundation_n as_o make_v private_a equal_a to_o common_a prayer_n joint_o with_o other_o or_o to_o such_o public_a prayer_n which_o in_o god_n house_n be_v by_o private_a and_o single_a person_n make_v to_o god_n agreeable_a to_o the_o primitive_a practice_n of_o christian_n so_o early_o as_o they_o have_v such_o place_n to_o pray_v in_o and_o never_o lay_v down_o but_o where_o a_o unlucky_a and_o precipitant_a zeal_n against_o a_o scandalous_a religion_n hurry_v man_n forward_o to_o divers_a unwarrantable_a alteration_n in_o religion_n not_o in_o one_o church_n nor_o one_o age_n receive_v and_o practise_v 3._o and_o against_o this_o make_v nothing_o what_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n but_o teach_v how_o we_o shall_v pray_v wherever_o and_o whenever_o we_o pray_v that_o be_v lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v rather_o pray_v any_o where_n than_o not_o where_o but_o not_o exclude_v prerogative_n of_o some_o place_n above_o other_o they_o write_v of_o lombard_n that_o be_v reproach_v by_o the_o devil_n for_o pray_v in_o a_o house_n of_o office_n a_o unseemly_a place_n for_o so_o holy_a a_o action_n as_o a_o man_n may_v think_v he_o answer_v he_o here_o and_o any_o where_o else_o i_o may_v pray_v unto_o my_o god_n which_o be_v most_o true_a in_o some_o case_n but_o it_o be_v not_o true_a therefore_o that_o one_o place_n be_v not_o better_a than_o another_o to_o pray_v in_o or_o that_o all_o be_v alike_o to_o god_n in_o all_o 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of_o himself_o that_o infallible_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v while_o he_o remain_v very_o deficient_a in_o the_o common_a and_o know_v duty_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a mistake_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o office_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v ourselves_o but_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o be_v his_o will_n and_o what_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o he_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n and_o holy_a life_n prescribe_v by_o he_o so_o that_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n be_v godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v be_v a_o confluence_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v reckon_v up_o by_o st._n peter_n where_o he_o counsel_v 2_o epist_n 1_o 5_o 6._o to_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n 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of_o you_o have_v a_o servant_n plough_v or_o feed_v cattle_n will_v say_v unto_o he_o by_o and_o by_o when_o he_o be_v come_v from_o the_o field_n go_v and_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o will_v not_o rather_o say_v unto_o he_o make_v ready_a wherewith_o i_o may_v sup_v and_o gird_v thyself_o and_o serve_v i_o and_o afterward_o thou_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v which_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o suffice_v not_o present_o to_o take_v up_o our_o rest_n of_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o faith_n special_a so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v call_v home_o to_o god_n from_o the_o wide_a and_o wild_a conversation_n in_o the_o field_n of_o this_o world_n but_o must_v yet_o far_o attend_v the_o service_n god_n have_v for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o then_o to_o expect_v his_o far_a favour_n of_o a_o eternal_a rest_n 5._o and_o because_o among_o various_a acceptation_n in_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o sometime_o 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thorough_o to_o attend_v to_o good_a work_n and_o act_n of_o mercy_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n and_o not_o to_o think_v to_o commute_v with_o god_n that_o when_o he_o require_v private_a or_o public_a worship_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o as_o well_o and_o perhaps_o better_a to_o read_v certain_a chapter_n in_o the_o bible_n or_o to_o be_v present_a and_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o when_o god_n call_v to_o perform_v good_a deed_n of_o charity_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o be_v at_o charge_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o exceed_v in_o read_v and_o pray_v suppose_v such_o cheap_a part_n of_o splendid_a profession_n will_v answer_v all_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o necessitous_a neighbour_n whereas_o it_o be_v one_o principal_a point_n of_o true_a christian_a illumination_n by_o faith_n to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n say_v coloss_n 4._o 12._o stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o effect_v whereof_o faith_n be_v ordain_v and_o give_v we_o by_o god_n as_o a_o tool_n and_o engine_n not_o as_o the_o work_n itself_o 6._o and_o therefore_o the_o ancient_a and_o more_o experience_a father_n we_o read_v of_o handsome_o and_o true_o reprove_v the_o mistake_n of_o three_o well_o incline_v novice_n in_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o piety_n when_o the_o first_o declare_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n say_v with_o expectation_n of_o applause_n i_o have_v get_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n by_o heart_n then_o say_v the_o old_a man_n thou_o have_v pour_v out_o many_o word_n into_o the_o air_n intend_v he_o shall_v understand_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o very_o small_a purpose_n without_o proportionable_a act_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o second_o say_v i_o have_v write_v over_o all_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n then_o say_v the_o ancient_a father_n thou_o have_v fill_v thy_o window_n with_o store_n of_o paper_n and_o the_o three_o glory_v that_o the_o grass_n grow_v on_o his_o hearth_n imply_v how_o much_o cold_a and_o hunger_n he_o have_v suffer_v be_v answer_v by_o the_o same_o person_n then_o have_v thou_o drive_v away_o hospitality_n intimate_v that_o no_o man_n abound_v in_o some_o good_a duty_n must_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v thereby_o make_v compensation_n for_o such_o defect_n in_o other_o grace_n wilful_o neglect_v be_v better_a inform_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o knowledge_n and_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v entrust_v with_o we_o by_o god_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o and_o as_o david_n practice_n be_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o all_o god_n command_n without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n psal_n 119._o 6._o 7._o against_o this_o if_o it_o chance_v to_o be_v object_v what_o vulgar_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v answer_v without_o great_a difficulty_n that_o perfection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o christian_a religion_n above_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n science_n or_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o integrity_n or_o of_o part_n which_o st._n paul_n to_o philemon_n ver_fw-la 6._o call_v communication_n of_o faith_n become_v effectual_a by_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o every_o good_a thing_n so_o that_o not_o one_o virtue_n or_o duty_n prescribe_v to_o a_o true_a christian_a must_v be_v want_v to_o the_o true_a believer_n however_o the_o degree_n of_o those_o virtue_n may_v be_v and_o general_o be_v imperfect_a and_o yet_o again_o have_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v initiate_v into_o all_o christian_a virtue_n we_o be_v not_o there_o to_o rest_v as_o if_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o must_v prosecute_v those_o mean_a yet_o good_a beginning_n till_o we_o arrive_v to_o that_o pitch_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o only_o have_v a_o sound_n firm_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o some_o be_v please_v in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o call_v faith_n justify_v but_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v for_o its_o object_n truth_n and_o that_o as_o relate_v to_o all_o man_n but_o hope_n have_v for_o its_o object_n good_a and_o that_o as_o pertain_v to_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o nature_n be_v the_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o foresay_a good_a as_o true_o belong_v unto_o we_o and_o thereby_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v 1_o epist_n 3._o 19_o we_o assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o not_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a
proper_a cause_n of_o christian_a illumination_n be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o some_o principal_a head_n be_v here_o give_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o useful_a distinction_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o learned_a not_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o unlearned_a into_o the_o matter_n or_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n propound_v to_o our_o assent_n by_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o faith_n enable_v we_o to_o believe_v thing_n so_o reveal_v and_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o very_o expedient_a for_o the_o better_a inform_v every_o plain_a and_o sincere_a capacity_n to_o make_v some_o recital_n of_o those_o thing_n our_o faith_n christian_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o principal_o by_o revelation_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o be_v silent_a herein_o any_o more_o than_o st._n luke_n be_v in_o write_v his_o gospel_n luke_n 1._o 1._o for_o as_o much_o as_o many_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o set_v forth_o in_o order_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o we_o because_o several_a form_n and_o phrase_n may_v help_v towards_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o end_n of_o believe_v and_o illumination_n 2._o and_o here_o first_o of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o believe_v the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o other_o discovery_n make_v to_o man_n when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n say_v ch._n 11._o v._n 25._o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o reveal_v they_o to_o babe_n not_o that_o christ_n malign_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o other_o but_o that_o he_o admire_v the_o privilege_n confer_v by_o god_n upon_o his_o mean_a flock_n and_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v and_o how_o and_o to_o who_o reveal_v st._n paul_n certify_v we_o 1_o corinth_n 2._o 6_o 7_o 8_o say_v howbeit_o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a yet_o not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o come_v to_o naught_o but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n to_o our_o glory_n for_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god._n mean_v hereby_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o whatever_o knowledge_n man_n may_v attain_v to_o in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n revelation_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o pleasure_n concern_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o be_v and_o our_o service_n of_o he_o and_o salvation_n by_o he_o discovery_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o we_o some_o other_o way_n than_o by_o our_o natural_a reason_n darken_v by_o our_o own_o apostasy_n and_o infatuation_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a bible_n may_v be_v call_v one_o entire_a book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o jew_n have_v receive_v many_o thing_n from_o god_n which_o be_v deny_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o christian_a have_v receive_v from_o god_n more_o clear_a dispensation_n and_o sublime_a than_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o jew_n for_o he_o behold_v thing_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o the_o other_o face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n themselves_o and_o not_o the_o dark_a shadow_n which_o be_v to_o flee_v away_o at_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n whereupon_o st._n peter_n 1_o ep._n 1._o 5._o tell_v we_o of_o god_n elect_n that_o they_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o last_o time_n which_o last_o time_n be_v the_o same_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o those_o last_o day_n be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n unto_o we_o and_o not_o these_o last_o day_n fancy_v by_o some_o 3._o now_o notwithstanding_o innumerable_a be_v the_o divine_a document_n and_o notice_n extraordinary_o deliver_v through_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o especial_o there_o be_v a_o fair_a catalogue_n give_v we_o heb._n 11._o of_o the_o singular_a virtue_n and_o use_n of_o faith_n in_o reveal_v divine_a thing_n yet_o because_o we_o now_o speak_v chief_o to_o babe_n in_o christ_n or_o st._n john_n little_a child_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o assist_v the_o weak_a without_o offence_n of_o the_o strong_a in_o give_v some_o special_a instance_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o green_a christian_a be_v either_o actual_o improve_v or_o improveable_a to_o a_o great_a degree_n than_o can_v ready_o be_v find_v in_o alien_n from_o christ_n 4._o there_o have_v be_v in_o former_a year_n some_o lead_a man_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o learned_a who_o have_v collect_v ten_o several_a and_o considerable_a ground_n in_o which_o all_o religion_n concur_v and_o this_o be_v the_o ingenious_a contrivance_n of_o bibliander_n since_o which_o divers_a with_o tolerable_a design_n but_o i_o fear_v with_o no_o good_a event_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a have_v in_o these_o very_a late_a year_n write_v about_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n manifest_v by_o natural_a light_n hope_v it_o may_v be_v to_o beget_v a_o better_a opinion_n in_o many_o rank_a rationalist_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o perhaps_o they_o consider_v not_o what_o evil_a consequence_n follow_v from_o hence_o viz._n that_o the_o very_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v hereby_o weaken_a and_o more_o slight_v as_o judge_v from_o hence_o not_o to_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o common_o be_v receive_v for_o revelation_n divine_a and_o that_o these_o writing_n we_o call_v scripture_n be_v divine_o reveal_v be_v the_o most_o fundamental_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o to_o make_v credible_a by_o sundry_a topic_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v always_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o it_o be_v still_o of_o the_o modern_a not_o illaudable_a but_o to_o offer_v demonstration_n and_o those_o such_o upon_o which_o they_o will_v constrain_v belief_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n be_v to_o cause_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o rest_n on_o that_o totter_a and_o unstable_a foundation_n and_o of_o divine_a to_o dilute_v our_o faith_n into_o humane_a persuasion_n all_o superior_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o strong_a stay_n than_o such_o a_o bottom_n will_v allow_v they_o 5._o and_o i_o must_v confess_v for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v please_v with_o the_o pretend_a golden_a say_n of_o pythagoras_n or_o the_o divine_a sentence_n of_o plato_n seneca_n and_o especial_o that_o moderne_a vapourer_n or_o rather_o vapour_n itself_o hierocles_n and_o such_o as_o eunapius_n present_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o rather_o turn_v my_o stomach_n at_o their_o emulation_n of_o christian_a perfection_n thereby_o to_o lessen_v the_o value_n of_o christian_a religion_n itself_o than_o draw_v i_o to_o affect_v or_o admire_v they_o for_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 1._o 14._o tell_v we_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o stand_v and_o again_o that_o our_o faith_n itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god._n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o humane_a reason_n thus_o come_v officious_o to_o the_o aid_n of_o divine_a faith_n unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_a mind_n about_o the_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o faith_n will_v in_o the_o end_n prove_v so_o saucy_a and_o domineer_a as_o to_o give_v law_n to_o faith_n and_o like_o ivy_n which_o cling_v to_o the_o tree_n for_o a_o subsistence_n will_v weaken_v it_o and_o suck_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o it_o in_o time_n herein_o therefore_o consist_v the_o very_a soul_n or_o as_o scholastical_a man_n speak_v the_o very_a formal_a reason_n of_o christian_a faith_n illuminate_v otherwise_o than_o the_o humane_a light_n of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o have_v not_o see_v by_o sense_n nor_o learned_a by_o experience_n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n we_o now_o be_v possess_v of_o be_v the_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o holy_a conversation_n