christian_n member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o assembly_n of_o man_n devote_v unto_o christ_n meet_v together_o for_o religious_a worship_n they_o be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o assemble_v with_o it_o that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o christian_n nor_o will_v any_o of_o their_o private_a devotion_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a because_o they_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n who_o very_a be_v consist_v iâ—_n assembly_n and_o not_o in_o separate_a worship_n alone_o by_o ourselves_o which_o private_a worship_n be_v then_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n when_o perform_v by_o a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o be_v by_o onâ—_n who_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a assembly_n by_o which_o he_o procure_v acceptance_n for_o his_o secret_a and_o private_a service_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v moâ—â—_n acceptable_a that_o we_o can_v reasonable_a think_v they_o be_v acceptable_a at_o all_o wheâ—_n they_o be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o otherâ—_n or_o when_o the_o other_o be_v constant_o neglect_v if_o i_o know_v how_o to_o make_v this_o plaineâ—_n i_o will_v do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n 〈◊〉_d great_a importance_n that_o we_o may_v not_o 〈◊〉_d guilty_a of_o neglect_v the_o public_a wâ—â—_n ship_n of_o god_n where_o it_o may_v be_v injoyeâ—_n for_o so_o far_o as_o we_o neglect_v this_o we_o 〈◊〉_d ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v we_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o become_v bare_a natural_a man_n and_o woman_n for_o christian_n be_v make_v to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o a_o body_n of_o which_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v a_o part_n which_o can_v subsist_v but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n perhaps_o this_o will_v be_v better_o understand_v by_o consider_v how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v christian_n which_o be_v not_o bare_o by_o belief_n in_o christ_n but_o by_o receive_v baptism_n where_o profess_v faith_n in_o he_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a society_n and_o communion_n to_o partake_v of_o those_o blessing_n which_o be_v bestow_v by_o christ_n upon_o the_o christian_a fellowship_n but_o then_o we_o must_v continue_v therein_o by_o live_v like_o christians_n and_o particular_o by_o assemble_v together_o continual_o for_o christian_a worship_n otherwise_o we_o renounce_v our_o baptism_n which_o admit_v we_o into_o a_o society_n and_o not_o to_o act_v separately_z by_o ourselves_o alone_o in_o which_o society_n if_o â—ny_a man_n behave_v himself_o so_o scandalous_o that_o he_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o it_o he_o â—s_v deny_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o their_o prayer_n all_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d remain_v so_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o to_o haâ—_n communion_n with_o the_o faithful_a in_o prayâ—_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v admit_v by_o be_v make_v christian_n 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d bar_v when_o they_o be_v turn_v out_o 〈◊〉_d the_o christian_a society_n for_o the_o further_a manifestation_n 〈◊〉_d which_o great_a truth_n which_o i_o have_v thâ—_n explain_v in_o general_a i_o shall_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d low_v chapter_n offer_v several_a paâ—â—â—cular_a consideration_n which_o deserveâ—_n be_v serious_o ponder_v in_o every_o câ—_n stian_n thought_n chap._n xv._o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o founder_n the_o church_n teach_v we_o this_o doctrine_n i._o and_o first_o of_o all_o i_o desire_v it_o 〈◊〉_d be_v consider_v that_o our_o bâ—â—â—sed_a lord_n do_v plain_o suppose_v 〈◊〉_d notion_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v of_o râ—â—â—gious_a assembly_n in_o the_o very_a prayer_n â—he_v teach_v his_o disciple_n the_o first_o word_n of_o which_o be_v our_o father_n not_o my_o father_n be_v a_o indication_n it_o be_v not_o make_v for_o a_o single_a person_n only_o but_o for_o a_o company_n of_o man_n join_v together_o in_o their_o petition_n to_o god_n who_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n by_o this_o expression_n when_o any_o of_o they_o say_v this_o prayer_n alone_o by_o himself_o that_o his_o prayer_n be_v at_o that_o time_n acceptable_a because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o â—olds_v communion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o christian_a brethren_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n give_v why_o we_o say_v our_o father_n even_o in_o our_o closet_n but_o that_o we_o pray_v as_o part_v of_o a_o body_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v hear_v because_o we_o be_v in_o union_n therewith_o and_o not_o divide_v from_o it_o â—nd_v therefore_o stand_v bind_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n to_o communicate_v with_o it_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a office_n when_o it_o meet_v together_o for_o that_o purpose_n two_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o christ_n most_o especial_o promise_v his_o bless_a presence_n in_o such_o public_a assembly_n matth._n xviii_o 20._o for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o 〈◊〉_d midst_n of_o they_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n foâ—_n prayer_n appear_v from_o the_o forego_n verse_n where_o he_o say_v if_o two_o of_o yâ—â—_n agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thiâ—_n they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v etc._n etc._n aâ—_n the_o word_n gather_v together_o shows_z 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o public_a prayer_n such_o as_o use_v to_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n unto_o whiâ—â—_n the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a allude_v aâ—_n two_o or_o three_o so_o gather_v together_o aâ—â—_n put_v for_o any_o number_n whatsoever_o bâ—â—_n rather_o mention_v than_o any_o other_o greâ—ter_a number_n that_o christian_n may_v 〈◊〉_d be_v discourage_v though_o they_o couâ—â—_n meet_v but_o in_o very_o small_a company_n 〈◊〉_d reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o distresâ—_n they_o labour_v under_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o synagogue_n be_v aâ—_n dr._n lightfoot_n and_o other_o have_v observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d less_o the_o number_n of_o 〈◊〉_d person_n 3_o temple-service_n c._n seven_o sect._n 3_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d year_n be_v gather_v together_o it_o wâ—_n no_o assembly_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v aâ—_n prayer_n but_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o hauâ—_n his_o church_n thus_o abridge_v in_o this_o high_a privilege_n of_o prayer_n know_v as_o mr._n thorndike_n observe_v it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o such_o a_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n can_v not_o get_v together_o either_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n which_o scatter_v they_o abroad_o or_o because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o suppose_v only_o two_o or_o three_o as_o yet_o convert_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v who_o if_o they_o do_v unanimous_o agree_v in_o common_a petition_n our_o saviour_n promise_n shall_v find_v notwithstanding_o their_o small_a number_n that_o he_o will_v be_v present_a among_o they_o that_o be_v the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o their_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o common_a prayer_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v present_a with_o a_o good_a christian_a when_o he_o pray_v alone_o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o then_o when_o they_o join_v in_o common_a prayer_n he_o will_v be_v more_o especial_o present_a for_o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v a_o love_n to_o every_o christian_a soul_n and_o delight_n to_o have_v its_o company_n then_o be_v he_o much_o more_o please_v with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o who_o present_v themselves_o together_o to_o seek_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n they_o be_v more_o welcome_a to_o he_o their_o company_n be_v more_o lovely_a the_o sight_n of_o they_o more_o amiable_a and_o they_o be_v more_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o prevail_v for_o great_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o thus_o all_o wise_a christian_n ancient_a and_o modern_a have_v understand_v it_o i_o will_v name_v one_o of_o late_a time_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o the_o ancient_n conventus_fw-la verò_fw-la sacros_fw-la ad_fw-la loca_fw-la condicta_fw-la &_o deputata_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o as_o for_o sacred_a assembly_n in_o place_n appoint_v and_o depute_v for_o that_o purpose_n we_o have_v a_o very_a great_a veneration_n and_o high_o approve_v and_o love_v they_o cùm_fw-la nobis_fw-la conjunctis_fw-la christum_fw-la magis_fw-la adesse_fw-la existimamus_fw-la for_o we_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v more_o present_a with_o we_o when_o we_o be_v meet_v in_o conjunction_n together_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o peter_n martyr_n upon_o gen._n xxviii_o 12._o and_o here_o it_o may_v not_o be_v unfit_a to_o note_v for_o a_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o matter_n
of_o the_o earth_n and_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o ver_fw-la 34_o 35._o and_o then_o conclude_v his_o declaration_n in_o this_o manner_n now_o i_o nabuchadnezzar_n praise_n and_o extol_v and_o honour_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n all_o who_o work_n be_v truth_n and_o his_o way_n judgement_n and_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o pride_n he_o be_v able_a to_o abase_v a_o voice_n worthy_a of_o a_o king_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v publish_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o make_v the_o declaration_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v to_o be_v send_v to_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n that_o dwell_v on_o all_o the_o earth_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o be_v throughout_o all_o his_o wide_a empire_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o his_o authority_n reach_v and_o his_o word_n will_v be_v reverence_v that_o they_o may_v magnify_v this_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o with_o he_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o public_a piece_n of_o devotition_n that_o we_o ever_o read_v be_v perform_v by_o any_o man_n arise_v out_o of_o this_o sense_n with_o which_o he_o be_v possess_v in_o those_o ancient_a time_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v bless_a and_o extol_v public_o among_o and_o by_o all_o people_n to_o who_o he_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o show_v the_o sign_n and_o the_o wonder_n which_o the_o most_o high_a god_n have_v wrought_v towards_o he_o and_o how_o great_a say_v he_o be_v his_o sign_n and_o how_o mighty_a be_v his_o wonder_n ver_fw-la 3._o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o tell_v but_o make_v the_o best_a and_o the_o most_o ample_a declaration_n of_o they_o that_o he_o can_v in_o this_o imperial_a decree_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v proclaim_v every_o where_n by_o all_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v in_o what_o gross_a error_n two_o sort_n of_o people_n live_v first_o they_o who_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v as_o well_o at_o home_n as_o at_o the_o church_n such_o man_n neither_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n nor_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o teach_v they_o quite_o otherwise_o and_o instruct_v they_o also_o to_o frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n where_o they_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v second_o for_o that_o be_v another_o palpable_a error_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o come_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o testify_v that_o we_o do_v not_o forget_v god_n though_o all_o the_o week_n beside_o we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o but_o constant_o neglect_v his_o public_a service_n when_o we_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o and_o have_v leisure_n to_o attend_v it_o we_o forget_v the_o many_o public_a common_a blessing_n we_o daily_o need_v and_o daily_o receive_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o public_o every_o day_n implore_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o our_o common_a prayer_n let_v the_o forego_n consideration_n be_v due_o ponder_v and_o they_o will_v persuade_v you_o both_o out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n honour_n and_o out_o of_o love_n to_o your_o own_o good_a to_o join_v as_o often_o as_o you_o can_v your_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v our_o assembly_n as_o full_a as_o you_o can_v both_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n whereby_o you_o will_v declare_v your_o constant_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v how_o he_o daily_a 〈◊〉_d you_o with_o his_o benefit_n and_o draw_v 〈◊〉_d public_a blessing_n in_o abundance_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n where_o you_o live_v and_o do_v credit_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o alas_o now_o look_v in_o many_o place_n as_o if_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o not_o only_o do_v credit_n to_o it_o but_o both_o help_n to_o support_v it_o and_o also_o promote_v and_o propagate_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o the_o almighty_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unto_o who_o be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n require_v there_o shall_v be_v public_a prayer_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o argument_n whereby_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v most_o of_o all_o move_v to_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n which_o both_o require_v public_a assembly_n and_o make_v the_o service_n perform_v in_o they_o far_o more_o acceptable_a than_o private_a prayer_n can_v be_v and_o here_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v in_o general_a that_o the_o very_a word_n we_o translate_v church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n signify_v in_o the_o greek_a language_n a_o assembly_n a_o company_n of_o person_n meet_v together_o and_o that_o public_o upon_o the_o public_a business_n or_o occasion_n the_o first_o time_n but_o one_o we_o meet_v with_o this_o word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v in_o opposition_n to_o a_o single_a person_n alone_o by_o himself_o or_o to_o one_o or_o two_o more_o beside_o he_o matth._n xviii_o 15_o 16_o 17._o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n which_o sit_v to_o judge_v cause_n and_o unto_o which_o be_v the_o last_o resort_n so_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o signify_v any_o sort_n of_o assembly_n or_o concourse_n of_o people_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n for_o in_o the_o nineteeen_o of_o the_o act_n when_o all_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n and_o run_v together_o into_o the_o theatre_n cry_v up_o diana_n this_o general_a concourse_n be_v thrice_o call_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o assembly_n ver_fw-la 32._o some_o cry_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o for_o the_o assembly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v confuse_v etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 39_o if_o you_o inquire_v of_o other_o matter_n it_o shall_v be_v determine_v in_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n and_o ver_fw-la 41._o have_v thus_o speak_v he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n now_o this_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n church_n the_o christian_a church_n which_o christ_n have_v call_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o he_o to_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o to_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o assembly_n or_o company_n of_o man_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o but_o our_o saviour_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n the_o assembly_n which_o he_o appoint_v be_v not_o to_o meet_v for_o civil_a end_n and_o purpose_n but_o for_o religious_a and_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o devout_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o give_v he_o the_o honour_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n for_o which_o the_o church_n i.e._n christian_n assembly_n be_v found_v it_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o this_o worship_n be_v not_o so_o well_o perform_v alone_o by_o ourselves_o as_o in_o these_o assembly_n for_o here_o we_o act_v most_o like_a christian_n that_o be_v like_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n with_o which_o whosoever_o do_v not_o join_v he_o be_v no_o long_o a_o christian_n because_o he_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o company_n join_v together_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o holy_a duty_n of_o which_o prayer_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n be_v the_o chief_a for_o though_o there_o they_o receive_v christian_a instruction_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a business_n for_o which_o they_o assemble_v as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n word_n to_o timothy_n beforementioned_a 1_o tim._n two_o 1._o if_o we_o can_v make_v christian_a people_n sensible_a of_o this_o they_o will_v immediate_o yield_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o other_o he_o most_o design_n to_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o be_v most_o affect_v towards_o it_o and_o constant_o frequent_v it_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o remain_v insensible_a of_o it_o if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v due_o that_o it_o be_v imply_v in_o their_o be_v
several_a precious_a gum_n make_v no_o other_o perfume_n than_o the_o spice_n will_v have_v do_v have_v they_o be_v burn_v one_o by_o one_o chap._n xvii_o other_o consideration_n to_o strengthen_v this_o argument_n vii_o god_n have_v also_o appoint_v a_o public_a order_n of_o man_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v christian_a assembly_n and_o to_o minister_v therein_o both_o by_o give_v christian_a instruction_n and_o by_o offer_v up_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o god_n and_o bless_v the_o people_n in_o his_o name_n this_o be_v another_o convince_a argument_n both_o that_o christ_n design_v public_a assembly_n because_o he_o have_v appoint_v public_a minister_n to_o officiate_v there_o and_o that_o the_o prayer_n make_v there_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o private_a devotion_n because_o there_o we_o partake_v of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n minister_n the_o benefit_n whereof_o we_o lose_v if_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o what_o we_o do_v at_o home_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o apparent_a in_o the_o holy_a write_n than_o that_o our_o lord_n will_v have_v such_o a_o order_n of_o man_n set_v apart_o for_o his_o divine_a service_n in_o the_o church_n who_o ordination_n by_o his_o special_a appointment_n and_o designation_n be_v a_o assurance_n that_o their_o ministry_n therein_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o well_o when_o they_o offer_v the_o people_n prayer_n to_o he_o and_o bless_v they_o in_o his_o name_n as_o when_o they_o deliver_v his_o word_n to_o the_o people_n and_o teach_v they_o both_o how_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o perform_v all_o other_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n both_o of_o these_o be_v necessary_a and_o their_o office_n be_v design_v for_o both_o but_o especial_o for_o the_o first_o to_o minister_v the_o divine_a service_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v the_o eucharist_n wherein_o they_o dispense_v the_o most_o precious_a token_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o his_o body_n the_o church_n by_o prayer_n and_o by_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o death_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v public_o celebrate_v because_o it_o be_v a_o annunciation_n oâ—_n the_o lord_n death_n wherein_o we_o publish_v and_o show_v it_o forth_o till_o he_o come_v anâ—_n never_o be_v administer_v nor_o can_v be_v bâ—_n any_o other_o person_n but_o those_o who_o oâ—_n lord_n have_v entrust_v to_o be_v steward_n 〈◊〉_d his_o mystery_n for_o who_o prayer_n and_o public_a service_n in_o the_o church_n if_o man_n have_v not_o great_a esteem_n it_o be_v because_o they_o hauâ—_n no_o religion_n or_o no_o true_a knowledge_n thereof_o for_o if_o they_o believe_v thaâ—_n god_n have_v any_o minister_n as_o he_o have_v iâ—_n there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n who_o be_v peculiar_o sanctify_v that_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o his_o service_n they_o will_v believe_v that_o god_n convey_v some_o blessing_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o look_v upoâ—_n their_o ordination_n as_o a_o seal_n that_o he_o whâ—_n have_v thereby_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v instrument_n of_o his_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n will_v by_o these_o instrument_n effect_v the_o thing_n whereunto_o he_o have_v ordain_v they_o and_o particular_o give_v man_n his_o blessing_n by_o their_o mean_n and_o accept_v those_o prayer_n which_o these_o servant_n of_o his_o offer_n up_o unto_o he_o for_o they_o and_o in_o their_o name_n for_o that_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o their_o work_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o st._n james_n v._n 14._o where_o he_o direct_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v when_o any_o man_n be_v sick_a to_o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o which_o no_o less_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a when_o man_n be_v well_o than_o when_o they_o be_v sick_a be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o daily_a ministration_n for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n who_o weak_a prayer_n as_o i_o note_v before_o out_o of_o st._n chrysostome_n be_v help_v by_o the_o strong_a prayer_n of_o god_n minister_n go_v up_o to_o heaven_n together_o with_o they_o all_o christian_n indeed_o be_v call_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o royal_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o pet._n two_o 5_o 9_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o these_o very_a word_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o single_o but_o in_o a_o body_n when_o they_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o together_o with_o he_o that_o minister_n the_o divine_a service_n in_o the_o church_n the_o spiritual_a house_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v in_o which_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n and_o since_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v only_o in_o public_a in_o the_o place_n god_n appoint_v for_o they_o we_o may_v thence_o i_o think_v conclude_v that_o our_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v then_o only_a sacrifice_n when_o make_v in_o our_o assembly_n and_o that_o then_o we_o act_v as_o priest_n unto_o god_n and_o not_o at_o other_o time_n the_o principal_a sacrifice_n of_o christian_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o public_a service_n and_o be_v to_o be_v so_o esteem_v even_o when_o it_o be_v administer_v to_o the_o sick_a in_o private_a who_o receive_v it_o as_o part_v of_o that_o body_n which_o be_v suppose_v continual_o to_o offer_v this_o sacrifice_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a communion_n wherein_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n with_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n a_o commemoration_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o for_o this_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o meet_v as_o frequent_o as_o we_o can_v that_o we_o may_v conjunct_o and_o open_o acknowledge_v this_o benefit_n because_o though_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o immediate_a intention_n of_o this_o action_n it_o have_v respect_n also_o to_o that_o communion_n which_o we_o have_v one_o with_o another_o as_o mutual_a member_n and_o with_o christ_n our_o head_n as_o his_o body_n so_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v it_o be_v not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n 1_o cor._n x._o 16_o 17._o and_o therefore_o since_o we_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n unless_o we_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o and_o we_o be_v not_o knit_v together_o in_o one_o but_o by_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o can_v have_v that_o communion_n but_o by_o assemble_v together_o to_o eat_v of_o one_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o one_o cup_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o there_o be_v the_o great_a necessity_n of_o public_a assembly_n where_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a business_n for_o which_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o body_n as_o oft_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o at_o all_o other_o time_n beseech_v god_n to_o accept_v their_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o perfect_a sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v and_o which_o we_o commemorate_v here_o also_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n censure_n be_v inflict_v upon_o public_a offender_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o apostle_n 1_o corinth_n v._o 4._o as_o well_o as_o from_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n thirty-nine_o cap._n thirty-nine_o and_o many_o such_o like_a thing_n i_o may_v add_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n if_o i_o have_v room_n for_o they_o and_o have_v not_o other_o material_a consideration_n to_o press_v which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v viii_o among_o which_o this_o be_v not_o inconsiderable_a that_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o church_n by_o they_o minister_v be_v so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n that_o the_o angel_n god_n heavenly_a minister_n attend_v in_o such_o holy_a assembly_n and_o make_v a_o part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n st._n paul_n give_v 1_o corinth_n xi_o 10._o why_o a_o woman_n shall_v cover_v her_o head_n in_o time_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v be_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o reverend_a posture_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n who_o presence_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o token_n of_o christ_n bless_a presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o promise_n beforementioned_a matth._n xviii_o 20._o for_o where_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v there_o god_n be_v present_a as_o the_o hebrew_n observe_v and_o not_o without_o good_a ground_n for_o what_o they_o say_v for_o when_o jacob_n see_v angel_n
of_o it_o be_v a_o assembly_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n call_v to_o meet_v together_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v such_o a_o assembly_n call_v to_o join_v together_o in_o worship_v god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n who_o himself_o have_v suppose_v this_o in_o the_o prayer_n he_o give_v his_o disciple_n and_o have_v promise_v his_o special_a presence_n in_o such_o assembly_n which_o the_o apostle_n constant_o hold_v and_o there_o receive_v the_o first_o and_o best_a fruit_n of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o draw_v all_o convert_v every_o where_o into_o the_o same_o bless_a conjunction_n for_o which_o holy_a place_n be_v appoint_v where_o they_o constant_o assemble_v and_o where_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v common_a or_o else_o look_v upon_o as_o of_o little_a value_n where_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o minister_n to_o attend_v and_o there_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n and_o bless_v they_o in_o his_o name_n where_o the_o angel_n also_o be_v present_a and_o delight_n to_o see_v we_o assemble_v that_o we_o may_v maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o company_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n who_o all_o join_v together_o in_o give_v blessing_n and_o praise_v and_o honour_n unto_o he_o who_o we_o worship_n who_o be_v far_o exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_v either_o of_o we_o on_o earth_n or_o of_o they_o in_o heaven_n consider_v i_o say_v all_o this_o and_o then_o think_v what_o a_o error_n they_o live_v in_o who_o make_v little_a or_o no_o account_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o imagine_v they_o can_v pray_v and_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o by_o themselves_o alone_o this_o be_v a_o most_o unchristian_a thought_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o therefore_o ought_v with_o all_o diligence_n to_o be_v explode_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o our_o mind_n as_o for_o those_o who_o do_v not_o bare_o neglect_v the_o public_a service_n but_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o it_o they_o be_v still_o in_o a_o far_o worse_a condition_n have_v break_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o ancient_a church_n think_v so_o heinous_a a_o crime_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o prayer_n as_o a_o abomination_n for_o so_o i_o find_v in_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n 2._o antioch_n canon_n 2._o that_o such_o christian_n be_v condemn_v as_o go_v into_o any_o private_a house_n pray_v together_o with_o those_o who_o will_v not_o join_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n none_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o join_v in_o their_o prayer_n if_o any_o do_v they_o think_v it_o equal_a to_o the_o crime_n of_o communicate_v with_o excommunicate_v person_n the_o like_a i_o find_v in_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n and_o the_o canon_n ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 10._o can._n 33._o can._n 10._o and_o this_o sentence_n of_o those_o council_n be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n who_o maxim_n this_o be_v as_o mr._n thorndike_n 173._o thorndike_n relig._n assembl_n p._n 173._o observe_v he_o that_o dwell_v in_o a_o city_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n and_o pray_v not_o there_o with_o the_o congregation_n this_o be_v he_o who_o be_v call_v a_o bad_a neighbour_n and_o well_o may_v he_o be_v call_v bad_a who_o will_v have_v no_o society_n in_o the_o best_a thing_n who_o cut_v himself_o off_o by_o his_o own_o act_n from_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v not_o afford_v his_o neighbour_n the_o help_n of_o his_o prayer_n who_o live_v as_o if_o the_o world_n can_v be_v govern_v without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a governor_n who_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o holy_a place_n and_o slight_v god_n minister_n who_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o god_n special_a presence_n and_o protection_n and_o defy_v all_o the_o bless_a company_n of_o heaven_n among_o who_o he_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o find_v any_o entertainment_n nor_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o celestial_a habitation_n have_v shut_v himself_o here_o out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o place_n where_o god_n honour_n dwell_v will_v to_o god_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v serious_o and_o deep_o consider_v by_o we_o all_o that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v awake_v to_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a assembly_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v take_v the_o great_a care_n to_o establish_v and_o unto_o which_o he_o have_v also_o grant_v very_o high_a privilege_n lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n through_o man_n idleness_n or_o covetousness_n or_o conceitedness_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n whatsoever_o certain_a it_o be_v if_o we_o have_v a_o hearty_a love_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o understand_v it_o we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v so_o in_o love_n with_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o it_o as_o every_o day_n if_o it_o lay_v in_o our_o power_n to_o go_v into_o god_n house_n and_o there_o recommend_v ourselves_o and_o his_o whole_a church_n to_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o there_o be_v no_o way_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o uphold_v and_o support_v the_o church_n like_v to_o this_o we_o be_v a_o church_n by_o meet_v together_o to_o have_v communion_n in_o the_o same_o prayer_n which_o the_o often_o we_o have_v the_o more_o we_o look_v like_o a_o church_n and_o act_n like_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v combine_v and_o knit_v together_o for_o mutual_a preservation_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o seldomer_n we_o meet_v the_o less_o there_o be_v of_o the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n among_o we_o which_o can_v be_v preserve_v from_o ruin_n when_o the_o public_a assembly_n be_v general_o neglect_v because_o the_o church_n fall_v to_o decay_v by_o that_o very_a neglect_n let_v we_o therefore_o set_v ourselves_o to_o maintain_v the_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n by_o maintain_v public_a assembly_n and_o suffer_v no_o day_n to_o pass_v without_o a_o solemn_a meeting_n in_o as_o full_a a_o body_n as_o we_o can_v make_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o religion_n this_o will_v be_v both_o a_o ornament_n and_o a_o strength_n and_o establishment_n to_o our_o religion_n the_o truth_n which_o we_o profess_v will_v hereby_o be_v both_o honour_a and_o confirm_v and_o appear_v with_o great_a authority_n as_o well_o as_o beauty_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n when_o they_o behold_v the_o multitude_n the_o unanimity_n and_o the_o order_n and_o constancy_n of_o those_o that_o assert_v it_o the_o better_a and_o gentle_a sort_n of_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o win_v to_o join_v with_o we_o and_o they_o who_o heart_n be_v alienate_v from_o we_o will_v be_v the_o less_o incline_v to_o set_v themselves_o against_o we_o and_o for_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n of_o all_o christian_n may_v promise_v it_o to_o themselves_o for_o their_o protection_n against_o all_o their_o adversary_n when_o they_o constant_o and_o earnest_o seek_v it_o with_o their_o joint_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n which_o will_v be_v powerful_a also_o for_o the_o settle_v such_o as_o be_v waver_v in_o their_o religion_n who_o the_o constant_a authority_n likewise_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o faithful_a people_n can_v but_o be_v of_o much_o moment_n to_o contain_v in_o their_o duty_n for_o man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o forsake_v a_o multitude_n when_o they_o easy_o desert_n small_a number_n the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v so_o possess_v with_o this_o sense_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o prayer_n as_o the_o impregnable_a bulwark_n of_o the_o church_n a_o unshaken_a garrison_n terrible_a to_o the_o devil_n and_o salutary_a to_o god_n pious_a worshippper_n d._n worshippper_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n chrysost_o tom._n 1._o p._n 757._o edit_fw-la fr._n d._n in_o so_o much_o that_o st._n basil_n speak_v of_o god_n gather_v the_o water_n together_o which_o he_o call_v sea_n and_o see_v it_o be_v good_a gen._n i._n 16._o fall_n into_o a_o pious_a meditation_n how_o much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o such_o a_o collection_n or_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v fin_fw-fr be_v in_o hexameron_n hom._n four_o sub_fw-la fin_fw-fr in_o which_o the_o mix_a sound_n of_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n make_v a_o noise_n like_o the_o wave_n dash_v against_o the_o shore_n be_v send_v up_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n a_o profound_a calm_a and_o tranquillity_n shall_v preserve_v such_o
imprimatur_fw-la jo._n batte_o aug._n 21._o 1686._o a_o discourse_n concern_v prayer_n especial_o of_o frequent_v the_o daily_o public_a prayer_n in_o two_o part_n by_o simon_n patrick_n d._n d._n now_o lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_n london_n print_v for_o luke_n meredith_n at_o the_o star_n and_o sell_v by_o r._n wilkin_n at_o the_o king_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1693._o the_o introduction_n the_o design_n of_o this_o book_n prayer_n be_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o so_o great_a a_o mean_n both_o to_o work_v use_v to_o preserve_v and_o increase_v all_o manâ—r_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n in_o we_o â—at_a the_o ancient_a christiâ—s_n doubt_v not_o to_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d etc._n st._n chrysost_o l._n i._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a top_n of_o all_o â—od_a thing_n the_o foundation_n and_o the_o root_n of_o a_o useful_a â—e_n the_o fountain_n and_o the_o parent_n â—innumerable_a benefit_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v leave_v â—so_o many_o treatise_n upon_o this_o subâ—t_n and_o that_o we_o find_v it_o so_o oft_o reâ—ted_v in_o their_o sermon_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o they_o do_v on_o purpose_n that_o thâ—_n soul_n of_o their_o people_n may_v receiuâ—_v not_o mere_o a_o light_a tincture_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n 〈◊〉_d chrysostom_n hom._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d phrase_n iâ—_n be_v deep_o dye_v with_o iâ—vnto_o who_o pious_a labour_n which_o goâ—_n man_n have_v imitate_v in_o all_o succee_a age_n if_o i_o be_v now_o add_v in_o a_o smy_a book_n upon_o the_o same_o argument_n i_o hoâ—_n it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v altogether_o unprofitable_a but_o contribute_v something_o the_o growth_n of_o christian_a piety_n by_o stâ—ring_v up_o this_o present_a generation_n to_o â—_o serious_a practice_n of_o this_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v common_o distinguish_v into_o secret_a prayer_n alone_o by_o 〈◊〉_d self_n private_a with_o our_o family_n and_o public_a with_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o christian_a people_n amâ—_n who_o we_o live_v the_o last_o of_o which_o 〈◊〉_d first_o in_o my_o design_n when_o i_o begin_v think_v of_o write_v about_o this_o mattâ—_n because_o common_a prayer_n which_o 〈◊〉_d make_v all_o together_o in_o one_o body_n 〈◊〉_d god_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o the_o â—ost_o prevalent_a and_o yet_o alas_o the_o â—ost_o neglect_a of_o all_o other_o but_o consider_v that_o man_n will_v be_v the_o better_o dispose_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a â—â—rvice_n if_o they_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o custom_n their_o mind_n unto_o devout_a naught_n of_o god_n and_o affection_n toâ—rds_v he_o alone_o by_o themselves_o i_o solve_v to_o premise_v a_o short_a discourse_n â—â—ncerning_v prayer_n in_o general_a with_o special_a respect_n unto_o such_o secret_a incourse_n with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v call_v private_a â—â—ayer_n in_o our_o several_a family_n â—â—e_v needs_o no_o particular_a discourse_n out_o it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o unâ—stood_v by_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v of_o the_o â—er_n two_o especial_o of_o publickâ—â—â—yer_n â—â—â—yer_z who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o supply_v â—n_o we_o can_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o now_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a converse_n â—â—h_v god_n by_o humble_a prayer_n to_o he_o evident_o enjoin_v in_o those_o word_n â—ur_n bless_a saviour_n matth._n vi_fw-la 6._o but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v â—â—ter_v into_o thy_o closet_n etc._n etc._n in_o whâ—â—_n he_o do_v not_o exclude_v pubâ—â—_n prayer_n but_o only_o forbid_v ostentâ—_n in_o it_o and_o command_v we_o out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d to_o god_n not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o popular_a plause_n that_o we_o may_v be_v true_o 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o mere_o think_v so_o to_o 〈◊〉_d our_o heart_n to_o he_o when_o no_o body_n we_o but_o he_o alone_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o intenâ—_n evince_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o eâ—_n christian_n to_o retire_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d business_n and_o from_o company_n 〈◊〉_d he_o may_v pray_v to_o god_n in_o treâ—_n of_o which_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v uâ—â—_n if_o i_o distinct_o show_v first_o theâ—_n ture_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o 〈◊〉_d necessity_n of_o it_o three_o 〈◊〉_d great_a benefit_n we_o may_v deriveâ—_n its_o serious_a performance_n a_o discourse_n concern_v â—rayer_n etc._n etc._n part_n i._n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o duty_n prayer_n in_o the_o strict_a use_n of_o the_o word_n signify_v the_o petition_n we_o make_v to_o god_n either_o for_o the_o bestow_n on_o we_o good_a egg_n or_o the_o avert_n from_o we_o evil_a â—d_a thus_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o praiâ—â—_n of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n from_o â—om_n those_o benefit_n we_o ask_v be_v deriâ—â—_n and_o from_o thanksgiving_n for_o they_o â—en_z they_o be_v confer_v on_o we_o accord_v to_o our_o desire_n which_o though_o â—y_a aught_o to_o accompany_v all_o our_o â—yers_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o pray_v aright_o without_o such_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n incomparable_a perfection_n 〈◊〉_d thankfulness_n to_o he_o for_o his_o benefâ—_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o 〈◊〉_d strict_o and_o proper_o mean_v by_o prâ—â—_n which_o be_v take_v sometime_o in_o a_o striâ—_n sense_n still_o mere_o for_o petitioningâ—_n good_a thing_n and_o so_o be_v distinguiâ—_n by_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n two_o 1._o from_o supplication_n which_o be_v petition_n for_o 〈◊〉_d avert_v evil_a thing_n from_o we_o in_o which_o restrain_a sense_n i_o doâ—_n intend_v to_o treat_v of_o it_o but_o by_o prâ—_n understand_v a_o address_n of_o our_o soâ—_n god_n the_o author_n and_o fountain_n oâ—_n good_a to_o request_v of_o he_o those_o this_o which_o we_o feel_v we_o want_v and_o of_o which_o be_v desirous_a 1._o it_o suppose_v therefore_o first_o 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v in_o want_n for_o if_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d we_o shall_v long_o for_o nothing_o we_o 〈◊〉_d wisdom_n and_o god_n holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d the_o grace_n and_o comfort_n thereof_o together_o with_o his_o pardon_v and_o spaâ—_n mercy_n his_o gracious_a protection_n 〈◊〉_d safeguard_n provision_n for_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o outward_a man_n beâ—_n all_o the_o need_v of_o other_o especial_o god_n church_n and_o of_o that_o church_n kingdom_n in_o particular_a whereof_o we_o be_v now_o immediate_a member_n a_o supply_n of_o all_o which_o we_o will_v either_o receive_v or_o have_v they_o preserve_v to_o we_o if_o we_o already_o enjoy_v these_o blessing_n that_o be_v we_o either_o want_v the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o their_o continuance_n and_o therefore_o we_o ask_v they_o 2._o but_o further_a it_o necessary_o suppose_v also_o that_o we_o have_v a_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o our_o want_n for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v sick_a or_o empty_a yet_o if_o he_o think_v himself_o well_o or_o feel_v no_o hunger_n he_o will_v neither_o call_v for_o his_o physician_n nor_o for_o food_n though_o man_n be_v in_o the_o very_a jaw_n of_o hell_n though_o they_o lie_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n though_o their_o lust_n and_o â—_z tyrannize_v and_o insult_v over_o they_o though_o sin_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v have_v the_o dominion_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o be_v so_o govern_v and_o rule_v by_o viâ—ious_a affection_n and_o desire_n that_o they_o â—re_n no_o better_o than_o slave_n to_o they_o yet_o â—f_o they_o think_v this_o a_o state_n of_o liberty_n and_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n if_o they_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o present_a or_o future_a danger_n they_o will_v never_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n so_o much_o as_o to_o pray_v hearty_o for_o deliverance_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v prâ—_n aright_o we_o must_v be_v possess_v with_o 〈◊〉_d great_a a_o sense_n of_o our_o spiritual_a want_n 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v of_o our_o bodily_a when_o we_o aâ—_n pinch_v and_o press_v with_o they_o wâ—_n must_v make_v our_o soul_n feel_v that_o there_o be_v god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v our_o chief_a good_a and_o that_o in_o conjunction_n with_o he_o consi_v our_o felicity_n and_o that_o it_o can_v 〈◊〉_d any_o way_n attain_v but_o by_o conformity_n 〈◊〉_d he_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o bless_a will_n and_o perceive_v how_o short_a we_o aâ—_n of_o this_o nay_o how_o far_o perhaps_o we_o aâ—_n from_o god_n and_o goodness_n how_o veâ—_n negligent_a we_o have_v be_v in_o our_o duty_n 〈◊〉_d he_o it_o ought_v to_o humble_a and_o abase_v 〈◊〉_d to_o bring_v we_o down_o upon_o our_o knee_n to_o 〈◊〉_d for_o mercy_n and_o excite_v in_o we_o earn_v desire_n after_o he_o and_o after_o righteoâ—ness_n and_o true_a holiness_n as_o that_o aloâ—_n which_o can_v bring_v we_o into_o his_o favour_n in_o short_a our_o soul_n must_v acquaint_v as_o thorough_o with_o their_o state_n and_o
conversant_a in_o this_o duty_n have_v no_o 〈◊〉_d prehension_n at_o all_o but_o be_v perfect_a blind_a and_o stupid_o senseless_a of_o inviâ—_n ble_a and_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n whâ—_n by_o their_o mind_n be_v straighten_a and_o â—rowed_a have_v no_o thought_n beyâ—_n their_o own_o poor_a self_n and_o that_o only_o this_o present_a world_n when_o they_o tâ—_n set_v their_o mind_n to_o a_o holy_a conveâ—_n with_o god_n in_o this_o spiritual_a duty_n this_o mean_n mighty_o widen_v and_o enlarge_v they_o which_o be_v the_o other_o advantage_n i_o mention_v extend_v their_o desire_n and_o care_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v they_o solicitous_a for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o holy_a prayer_n that_o it_o enlarge_v our_o spirit_n so_o far_o as_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o extend_v their_o charity_n to_o all_o man_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n by_o any_o other_o mean_v to_o do_v we_o approach_v unto_o infinity_n and_o immensity_n in_o our_o desire_n and_o wish_n and_o in_o our_o good_a will_n and_o readiness_n to_o benefit_v all_o the_o world_n every_o part_n of_o which_o though_o never_o so_o far_o distant_a from_o we_o we_o may_v help_v this_o way_n and_o express_v our_o affection_n to_o it_o though_o we_o be_v so_o contract_v and_o limit_v in_o all_o other_o ability_n but_o this_o that_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o serve_v they_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o our_o prayer_n alone_o can_v reach_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o country_n nor_o people_n out_o of_o their_o reach_n but_o in_o these_o holy_a desire_n we_o may_v stretch_v forth_o our_o soul_n to_o the_o furthermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n draw_v down_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o by_o which_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o neceâ—ty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o praâ—_n without_o which_o we_o grow_v stranger_n to_o god_n and_o our_o heavenly_a countâ—dull_n earthy_a poor_a spirit_v and_o defâ—cable_a thing_n mind_v only_o our_o silly_a and_o look_v no_o further_a than_o this_o 〈◊〉_d send_v world_n and_o our_o particular_a concern_v therein_o but_o by_o the_o practice_n which_o we_o maintain_v our_o acquaintaâ—_n with_o god_n and_o with_o the_o spiritâ—_n world_n nay_o become_v friend_n of_o gâ—_n and_o grow_v great_a mind_v heavenly_a spritual_a able_a to_o look_v beyond_o our_o liâ—selves_n nay_o beyond_o all_o thing_n visiblâ—large_v comprehensive_a full_a of_o hiâ—_n thought_n and_o lofty_a design_n posset_n with_o divine_a affection_n move_v true_o noble_a end_n fraught_v with_o geâ—rous_a desire_n and_o transcendent_a hopeâ—_n which_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o proportâ—nable_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o conclude_v this_o with_o the_o word_n of_o 〈◊〉_d chrysostome_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o as_o the_o sâ—_n give_v light_a to_o the_o body_n prayer_n do_v to_o the_o soâ—_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o great_a calamâ—_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n that_o he_o see_v not_o the_o sâ—â—_n what_o a_o loss_n be_v it_o to_o a_o christian_n not_o to_o prâ—_n â—â—tinually_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n bring_v the_o â—ight_n of_o christ_n into_o his_o soul_n chap._n vii_o the_o pleasure_n which_o spring_v from_o the_o â—serious_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n the_o great_a man_n just_a now_o name_v will_v have_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o think_v ourselves_o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o that_o we_o be_v perform_v their_o service_n for_o though_o we_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o they_o in_o other_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n diet_n wisdom_n and_o understanding_n yet_o prayer_n be_v the_o common_a employment_n and_o business_n of_o angel_n as_o well_o as_o man_n by_o which_o we_o be_v segregated_a from_o beast_n and_o knit_v to_o the_o angel_n shall_v short_o be_v translate_v into_o their_o polity_n their_o manner_n of_o life_n honour_n nobility_n wisdom_n and_o understanding_n spend_v all_o our_o life_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o very_a leasant_a contemplation_n and_o a_o fit_a introduction_n to_o the_o second_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d dertook_v to_o demonstrate_v how_o 〈◊〉_d fortable_a and_o true_o delightful_a it_o iâ—_n approach_v unto_o god_n in_o such_o 〈◊〉_d thought_n of_o he_o and_o devout_a affâ—â—ons_n to_o he_o as_o we_o be_v suppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d when_o we_o make_v our_o prayer_n with_o â—ses_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o he_o and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v sufficieâ—_n consider_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o deliâ—ful_a employment_n because_o therein_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n as_o i_o have_v alâ—_n saidl_v which_o be_v the_o description_n thâ—ly_a scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o second_o in_o so_o do_v we_o comâ—_n ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concern_v 〈◊〉_d the_o care_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n pâ—_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v a_o greatâ—_n of_o the_o business_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n 1._o the_o former_a of_o these_o may_v â—â—fily_o understand_v by_o consider_v to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n be_v to_o fix_v our_o 〈◊〉_d on_o he_o and_o lay_v open_a our_o soul_n heâ—_n he_o in_o who_o presence_n be_v fullness_n joy_n and_o everflow_a pleasure_n that_o which_o produce_v pleasure_n be_v be_v the_o application_n of_o our_o faculty_n â—sutable_a object_n with_o suitable_a opeâ—ons_n about_o they_o and_o the_o noble_a the_o faculty_n be_v and_o the_o high_a the_o object_n the_o great_a must_v the_o pleasure_n need_v be_v which_o arise_v from_o their_o conjunction_n now_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v the_o high_a power_n which_o we_o have_v and_o god_n be_v the_o high_a object_n on_o which_o our_o mind_n can_v fix_v and_o therefore_o the_o application_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o by_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v their_o operation_n can_v but_o produce_v the_o high_a pleasure_n as_o much_o above_o all_o bodily_a pleasure_n as_o our_o soul_n be_v above_o our_o body_n and_o god_n above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n if_o we_o feel_v no_o such_o pleasure_n in_o our_o approach_n to_o he_o it_o be_v because_o our_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o our_o affection_n towards_o he_o be_v dull_a and_o liveless_a we_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o think_v serious_o of_o he_o when_o we_o fall_v down_o to_o worship_v he_o but_o suffer_v our_o heart_n to_o be_v far_o off_o from_o he_o when_o with_o our_o lip_n we_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o for_o be_v our_o mind_n possess_v with_o settle_a thought_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n all-seeing_a wisdom_n boundless_a goodness_n tender_a mercy_n and_o careful_a providence_n in_o compass_v we_o and_o all_o creature_n bestowâ—_n great_a benefit_n on_o we_o now_o and_o inteâ—ing_v great_a they_o will_v unspeakaâ—_n delight_v we_o the_o small_a glance_n have_v of_o any_o of_o these_o infinite_a perfeâ—ons_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o 〈◊〉_d beginning_n of_o all_o our_o public_a pray_v touch_v we_o if_o we_o mind_v what_o we_o 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o singular_a pleasure_n though_o can_v at_o that_o time_n have_v more_o thaâ—_n short_a thought_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fore_n what_o joy_n may_v we_o not_o receive_v whence_o in_o our_o secret_a and_o retire_a deâ—tions_n when_o we_o may_v stay_v and_o look_v long_o as_o we_o please_v upon_o any_o of_o thâ—_n divine_a attribute_n which_o affect_v 〈◊〉_d heart_n delight_v ourselves_o in_o 〈◊〉_d thought_n either_o of_o his_o power_n whâ—_n nothing_o can_v control_v or_o of_o his_o knowledge_n from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v hiâ—den_v or_o of_o his_o wonderful_a love_n whiâ—_n think_v nothing_o too_o great_a to_o give_v of_o his_o overrule_a providence_n whiâ—_n make_v all_o thing_n work_v together_o 〈◊〉_d good_a to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o or_o of_o 〈◊〉_d impartial_a justice_n which_o in_o due_a seize_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o render_v to_o all_o man_n boâ—â—_n good_a and_o bad_a according_a to_o their_o doing_n and_o when_o these_o pious_a thought_n stir_v up_o in_o we_o the_o passion_n of_o love_n and_o hope_v and_o long_n to_o be_v more_o fill_v with_o such_o delightful_a thought_n of_o he_o and_o affection_n towards_o he_o the_o pleasure_n must_v needs_o be_v exceed_o increase_v as_o every_o one_o may_v be_v convince_v who_o be_v not_o so_o ill-natured_a as_o to_o have_v no_o body_n that_o they_o love_v in_o this_o world_n for_o they_o that_o have_v a_o faithful_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v also_o a_o powerful_a friend_n find_v nothing_o so_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a as_o to_o love_v he_o sincere_o and_o to_o be_v sincere_o belove_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o to_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o ardent_a love_n to_o god_n which_o natural_o make_v we_o hope_v we_o be_v belove_v