Selected quad for the lemma: christian_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
christian_n call_v church_n congregation_n 1,735 5 9.2238 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B10013 Advice to readers of the common prayer, and the people attending the same. With a preface concerning divine worship. Humbly offered to consideration, for promoting the greater decency and solemnity in performing the offices of God's publick worship, administered according to the order established by law amongst us / by a well-meaning (though unlearned) layick of the Church of England. T.S. T. S. (Thomas Seymour) 1691 (1691) Wing S2829; ESTC R183777 88,165 210

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

the_o public_a assembly_n prayer_n have_v be_v ordinary_o use_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o extempore_o way_n except_o by_o inspire_a person_n as_o before_o that_o that_o way_n can_v not_o have_v be_v alter_v so_o universal_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o use_n of_o form_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o same_o either_o in_o history_n or_o by_o tradition_n but_o second_o not_o only_o in_o that_o we_o use_v a_o form_n but_o in_o that_o we_o use_v such_o form_n wherein_o we_o have_v the_o most_o communion_n with_o other_o christian_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o very_a word_n we_o speak_v we_o use_v the_o psalm_n of_o david_n which_o as_o they_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o jew_n so_o also_o of_o christian_n we_o use_v also_o that_o excellent_a form_n the_o te_fw-la deum_fw-la which_o have_v be_v use_v very_o ancient_o and_o receive_v of_o abundance_n of_o church_n into_o their_o public_a liturgy_n so_o the_o three_o creed_n and_o the_o collect_v before_o the_o epistle_n and_o gospel_n and_o the_o gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la and_o most_o part_n of_o our_o service_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a and_o general_o receive_v form_n of_o prayer_n that_o can_v be_v find_v with_o accommodation_n to_o the_o present_a time_n three_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n we_o have_v communion_n most_o full_o with_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o we_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o government_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o with_o all_o of_o that_o congregation_n we_o present_o join_v with_o in_o public_a worship_n whereas_o in_o the_o other_o way_n we_o have_v no_o certain_a communion_n but_o only_o with_o the_o minister_n because_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o any_o one_o in_o the_o congregation_n approve_v of_o all_o he_o say_v nor_o it_o may_v be_v can_v we_o neither_o and_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o minister_n himself_o may_v speak_v that_o for_o want_v of_o premeditation_n which_o he_o on_o second_o thought_n may_v not_o approve_v himself_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v so_o full_a communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o way_n as_o in_o we_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o hint_n to_o beget_v a_o good_a opinion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o our_o establish_a order_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o despise_v any_o that_o have_v a_o true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o desire_v to_o honour_n and_o glorify_v he_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o think_v most_o acceptable_a to_o he_o what_o mistake_v soever_o misinformation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o converse_v may_v subject_v they_o unto_o and_o i_o hope_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o i_o will_v not_o reproach_v my_o fervent_a desire_n to_o promote_v piety_n in_o the_o way_n i_o best_o approve_v and_o that_o which_o i_o be_o many_o way_n oblige_v to_o choose_v before_o any_o other_o and_o if_o what_o i_o have_v write_v will_v persuade_v they_o to_o make_v a_o honest_a trial_n not_o by_o stand_v at_o gaze_n to_o see_v what_o we_o do_v or_o sit_v by_o as_o unconcerned_a in_o the_o worship_n we_o offer_v to_o god_n by_o the_o common-prayer_n while_o they_o only_o wait_v for_o the_o preacher_n they_o desire_v to_o hear_v but_o by_o join_v hearty_o with_o we_o according_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o this_o paper_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o they_o will_v soon_o leave_v wonder_v at_o my_o fervency_n in_o this_o way_n but_o if_o some_o shall_v through_o misguide_a zeal_n or_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o party_n fall_v foul_a on_o i_o for_o commend_v what_o they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o deprave_v i_o be_o content_a to_o suffer_v as_o my_o saviour_n do_v while_o the_o reproach_n of_o those_o that_o reproach_n god_n in_o condemn_v what_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n he_o approve_v fall_v upon_o i_o and_o if_o those_o that_o approve_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v make_v hereby_o the_o more_o fervent_a and_o devout_a in_o attend_v thereupon_o i_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o my_o labour_n and_o suffering_n for_o their_o sake_n and_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v be_v so_o when_o they_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o way_n devotion_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o ill_a man_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o such_o on_o both_o side_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o that_o here_o be_v no_o discouragement_n give_v to_o the_o weak_a and_o bashful_a by_o exemplify_a a_o way_n of_o devotion_n that_o be_v above_o their_o reach_n nor_o any_o temptation_n to_o the_o bold_a and_o self-conceited_a to_o aspire_v to_o thing_n too_o high_a for_o they_o to_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n that_o therein_o nothing_o but_o principle_n of_o truth_n that_o tend_v to_o piety_n charity_n obedience_n to_o superior_n meekness_n moderation_n and_o peaceableness_n among_o ourselves_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v insinuate_v into_o our_o mind_n that_o hereby_o we_o shall_v be_v great_o assist_v in_o holy_a meditation_n while_o our_o mind_n will_v he_o store_v with_o abundance_n of_o excellent_a matter_n for_o the_o same_o and_o in_o educate_v our_o child_n religious_o in_o keep_v our_o family_n in_o unity_n and_o order_n and_o perform_v the_o worship_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o and_o the_o many_o other_o great_a benefit_n that_o we_o shall_v experience_n in_o a_o devout_a attendance_n on_o the_o daily_a service_n of_o god_n in_o public_a appoint_v by_o this_o church_n by_o which_o consideration_n they_o will_v also_o be_v more_o confirm_v in_o their_o love_n hereunto_o and_o excite_v to_o become_v example_n to_o other_o who_o will_v be_v more_o effectual_o draw_v to_o their_o duty_n by_o observe_v the_o devout_a and_o frequent_a practice_n of_o this_o way_n of_o piety_n than_o by_o disputation_n about_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o like_a to_o preserve_v this_o church_n against_o the_o design_n of_o its_o enemy_n on_o both_o hand_n than_o such_o exemplary_a frequency_n of_o attendance_n and_o fervency_n of_o true_a devotion_n in_o those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o the_o child_n thereof_o the_o effect_n of_o which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o ensue_a advice_n both_o to_o reader_n and_o people_n while_o this_o sheet_n be_v print_v i_o be_v tell_v by_o a_o friend_n that_o he_o hear_v the_o learned_a dr._n beveridge_n in_o a_o sermon_n on_o titus_n 2.12_o march_n 26._o declare_v that_o the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n worship_n be_v express_v honour_n and_o respect_n by_o bow_v the_o head_n and_o shoulder_n and_o that_o this_o action_n as_o it_o have_v ancient_o be_v use_v in_o sacred_a office_n to_o signify_v our_o adoration_n of_o almighty_a god_n so_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o decent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n now_o i_o be_v much_o please_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o person_n public_o declare_v just_a at_o the_o come_n out_o of_o this_o book_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o knowledge_n or_o intimation_n of_o give_v countenance_n to_o my_o undertake_n in_o this_o preface_n since_o that_o i_o hear_v the_o say_a doctor_n read_v prayer_n at_o one_o of_o the_o lent-sermon_n at_o his_o church_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o such_o a_o perfect_a exemplification_n of_o what_o i_o advise_v in_o the_o book_n that_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v learn_v all_o from_o his_o practice_n though_o i_o never_o hear_v he_o before_o and_o i_o have_v great_a hope_n that_o the_o example_n of_o one_o so_o eminent_o pious_a and_o learned_a of_o so_o excellent_a a_o temper_n and_o such_o unwearied_a labour_n in_o the_o ministry_n may_v do_v more_o towards_o introduce_v seriousness_n and_o reverence_n in_o divine_a worship_n than_o these_o paper_n can_v do_v themselves_o wherefore_o i_o have_v venture_v without_o his_o knowledge_n to_o propose_v his_o example_n in_o conjunction_n with_o my_o endeavour_n humble_o beg_v his_o pardon_n if_o he_o be_v offend_v to_o have_v his_o name_n mention_v by_o so_o unworthy_a a_o pen._n some_o consideration_n offer_v to_o reader_n and_o people_n direction_n for_o reader_n he_o that_o will_v perform_v this_o service_n as_o he_o ought_v must_v first_o be_v prepare_v with_o true_a devotion_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o spirit_n two_o thing_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o first_o that_o the_o expression_n of_o devotion_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o worship_n second_o that_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a for_o the_o reader_n to_o make_v such_o expression_n if_o he_o have_v not_o real_a devotion_n in_o himself_o for_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v a_o
the_o high_a dignity_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n i_o say_v he_o that_o consider_v this_o i_o hope_v will_v think_v as_o i_o do_v i_o know_v prejudice_n hinder_v man_n from_o observe_v what_o be_v excellent_a in_o any_o thing_n but_o especial_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o be_v not_o use_v to_o but_o as_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v deny_v that_o god_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v worship_v so_o where_o man_n be_v not_o prejudice_v i_o very_o believe_v they_o will_v think_v that_o in_o no_o way_n they_o can_v do_v it_o better_o there_o be_v something_o also_o to_o be_v infer_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n from_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o gospel-time_n and_o our_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o that_o spirit_n there_o be_v some_o phrase_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o think_v have_v be_v pervert_v to_o a_o wrong_a sense_n such_o as_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n worship_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n which_o i_o think_v may_v better_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o worship_a god_n as_o reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o respect_n foremention_v or_o else_o to_o our_o worship_a god_n in_o faith_n and_o fervency_n in_o unity_n and_o unanimity_n without_o distinction_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o spirituality_n without_o legal_a type_n and_o figure_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n merit_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o bloody_a sacrifice_n of_o atonement_n for_o acceptance●_n with_o god_n in_o the_o legal_a worship_n and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n whereof_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v author_n and_o by_o who_o gift_n and_o power_n they_o be_v confirm_v i_o say_v better_o refer_v to_o these_o thing_n than_o to_o pray_v without_o study_n or_o a_o prepare_a form_n only_o by_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o if_o those_o expression_n have_v any_o relation_n to_o pray_v by_o any_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o be_v their_o pray_v in_o language_n they_o have_v never_o learn_v or_o in_o expression_n that_o be_v above_o any_o attainment_n they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v by_o ordinary_a mean_n it_o must_v be_v appliable_a only_o unto_o that_o time_n for_o however_o a_o opinion_n have_v be_v insinuate_v of_o late_a of_o a_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a assistance●_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o have_v give_v confidence_n to_o many_o who_o be_v natural_o unable_a for_o the_o same_o to_o venture_v on_o it_o and_o that_o even_o in_o public_a administration_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o religion_n and_o just_a offence_n of_o all_o wise_a man_n yet_o i_o think_v none_o will_v dare_v to_o affirm_v that_o any_o christian_a or_o minister_n have_v any_o promise_n from_o god_n of_o such_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o may_v make_v it_o to_o be_v true_o say_v that_o be_v pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o sense_n abovementioned_a but_o now_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n as_o i_o first_o interpret_v it_o of_o pray_v as_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v appliable_a to_o all_o time_n and_o person_n and_o this_o i_o think_v to_o be_v do_v as_o in_o the_o forementioned_a respect_n of_o worship_v the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n as_o god-man_n so_o also_o when_o our_o prayer_n be_v order_v for_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o faith_n and_o fervency_n and_o of_o the_o unity_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o i_o think_v we_o be_v order_v for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n our_o faith_n be_v help_v by_o the_o assurance_n that_o we_o ask_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o second_o by_o the_o frequent_a mention_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o word_n which_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o and_o use_v such_o form_n as_o have_v be_v compose_v by_o man_n famous_a in_o the_o church_n and_o approve_v by_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o for_o many_o age_n when_o our_o prayer_n be_v order_v with_o great_a advice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v most_o learned_a among_o ourselves_o be_v also_o such_o as_o be_v orderly_o call_v to_o direct_v the_o public_a ministration_n in_o sacred_a thing_n and_o when_o they_o be_v approve_v by_o all_o the_o christian_n unite_v into_o one_o national_a church_n under_o one_o civil_a government_n which_o approbation_n be_v declare_v by_o the_o representatives_n of_o both_o clergy_n and_o laity_n with_o who_o advice_n they_o be_v by_o law_n establish_v and_o when_o we_o ourselves_o may_v consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o same_o before_o we_o use_v they_o have_v they_o in_o our_o book_n to_o read_v at_o any_o time_n certain_o we_o may_v on_o all_o these_o account_n he_o more_o assure_v that_o we_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o ought_v than_o when_o we_o join_v in_o a_o prayer_n we_o never_o hear_v before_o and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o sudden_a conception_n of_o a_o private_a minister_n as_o the_o use_n be_v with_o those_o that_o be_v against_o our_o way_n and_o final_o the_o frequent_a mention_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o our_o brief_n collect_v be_v more_o helpful_a to_o our_o belief_n that_o we_o shall_v find_v acceptance_n for_o christ_n sake_n than_o when_o it_o be_v only_o once_o at_o the_o end_n of_o a_o long_a continue_a prayer_n if_o my_o own_o experience_n and_o that_o of_o wise_a man_n do_v not_o deceive_v i_o and_o second_o for_o fervency_n we_o have_v great_a help_n also_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o earnestness_n in_o praise_v god_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o no_o need_n of_o attend_v to_o hear_v what_o be_v speak_v that_o we_o may_v judge_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o join_v in_o it_o or_o not_o and_o when_o we_o know_v the_o prayer_n beforehand_o we_o can_v joy●_n with_o the_o minister_n and_o congregation_n though_o w●_n hear_v not_o every_o word_n that_o be_v read_v and_o the_o briefness_n of_o the_o prayer_n be_v compose_v of_o such_o weighty_a and_o comprehensive_a expression_n help_v more_o to_o true_a fervency_n than_o long_a prayer_n though_o the_o novelty_n and_o variety_n may_v more_o work_v on_o man_n fancy_n then_o three_o the_o unity_n and_o fellowship_n o●_n the_o spirit_n be_v hereby_o assist_v i_o mean_v that_o unity_n and_o fellowship_n which_o that_o spirit_n of_o go●_n have_v constitute_v by_o who_o we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o make_v to_o drink_v in_o to_o one_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v oblige_v to_o all_o possible_a concord_n and_o agreement_n both_o external_a and_o internal_a for_o first_o we_o agree_v with_o the_o saint_n of_o all_o age_n in_o this_o that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o prepare_a form_n and_o not_o by_o the_o present_a conception_n of_o the_o administrator_n for_o i_o can_v understand_v that_o either_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o the_o christian_a do_v ever_o administer_v their_o public_a worship_n in_o any_o other_o way_n except_o what_o those_o person_n do_v who_o be_v divine_o inspire_v as_o many_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n who_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o prophecy_n when_o they_o utter_v such_o excellent_a psalm_n or_o prayer_n extempore_o of_o which_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n to_o i_o that_o in_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n all_o thing_n at_o this_o day_n be_v administer_v by_o form_n and_o in_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o have_v not_o be_v account_v enthusiastical_a the_o same_o way_n be_v ever_o observe_v or_o at_o least_o none_o can_v deny_v that_o it_o now_o be_v so_o in_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n except_o those_o congregation_n unite_v in_o some_o odd_a opinion_n that_o do_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n the_o only_a considerable_a body_n of_o these_o that_o ever_o admit_v the_o other_o way_n of_o administration_n be_v the_o scot_n former_o and_o the_o english_a in_o the_o late_a distraction_n but_o on_o many_o account_v that_o admission_n can_v be_v esteem_v a_o orderly_a settlement_n or_o excuse_v they_o from_o schism_n though_o it_o be_v by_o the_o prevail_a party_n now_o since_o it_o have_v scarce_o ever_o be_v know_v in_o matter_n sacred_a and_o of_o long_a custom_n that_o great_a alteration_n have_v be_v make_v but_o with_o great_a opposition_n and_o commotion_n i_o conclude_v that_o if_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n in_o their_o synagogue_n or_o of_o the_o christian_a worship_n in_o
ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o they_o that_o have_v time_n and_o will_n to_o attend_v they_o they_o have_v other_o thing_n to_o do_v or_o have_v rather_o be_v idle_a than_o to_o be_v at_o divine_a service_n seek_v his_o blessing_n own_v his_o providence_n and_o adore_v his_o holiness_n they_o hope_v to_o do_v well_o enough_o without_o god_n and_o practical_o say_v to_o he_o as_o herbert_n express_v it_o we_o know_v where_o we_o can_v better_o be_v than_o to_o serve_v thou_o or_o rather_o as_o in_o the_o prophet_n we_o be_v lord_n we_o will_v not_o come_v to_o thou_o what_o be_v the_o almighty_a that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o and_o what_o profit_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o we_o call_v upon_o he_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n we_o will_v not_o trouble_v our_o head_n with_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v best_a honour_n and_o please_v he_o give_v we_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o take_v those_o of_o the_o next_o who_o will_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o will_v first_o speak_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o make_v they_o hear_v i_o will_v but_o ask_v they_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o almighty_a god_n whether_o they_o will_v endure_v to_o be_v so_o slight_v i_o know_v their_o pride_n will_v help_v here_o to_o show_v they_o their_o own_o folly_n in_o think_v to_o escape_v god_n vengeance_n while_o they_o contemn_v his_o worship_n will_v he_o that_o be_v god_n from_o everlasting_a he_o that_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o nothing_o at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n be_v disappoint_v of_o the_o honour_n for_o which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o still_o govern_v this_o world_n and_o that_o by_o such_o a_o worm_n as_o man_n and_o not_o vindicate_v the_o same_o will_v he_o not_o take_v that_o glory_n by_o his_o just_a punishment_n which_o they_o will_v not_o give_v in_o the_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n can_v the_o proud_a think_v to_o resist_v omnipotency_n or_o fly_v from_o omniscience_n nay_o if_o god_n shall_v do_v no_o more_o but_o withdraw_v his_o divine_a influence_n we_o and_o all_o we_o so_o love_v and_o honour_n above_o he_o perish_v together_o and_o can_v we_o hope_v god_n will_v attend_v we_o with_o his_o gracious_a influence_n who_o will_v not_o attend_v he_o with_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n or_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o we_o believe_v almighty_a god_n take_v not_o this_o for_o any_o affront_n but_o rather_o esteem_v the_o zeal_n i_o here_o commend_v to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o supererogation_a certain_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n when_o sickness_n or_o sorrow_n make_v we_o sober_a and_o especial_o when_o we_o approach_v to_o death_n or_o judgement_n i_o never_o know_v any_o that_o talk_v at_o this_o rate_n but_o that_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o have_v confess_v that_o such_o word_n come_v not_o from_o their_o reason_n or_o conscience_n but_o from_o their_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o that_o they_o be_v force_v sometime_o to_o have_v a_o secret_a reverence_n for_o devout_a man_n and_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o their_o neglect_n of_o god_n service_n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o consult_v his_o own_o reason_n or_o god_n word_n but_o must_v think_v god_n high_o value_v his_o honour_n and_o that_o we_o do_v he_o honour_n most_o immediate_o in_o this_o way_n and_o if_o man_n be_v not_o careful_a to_o honour_v he_o in_o this_o they_o mean_v it_o in_o nothing_o else_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n worship_n have_v ever_o be_v esteem_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o what_o we_o true_o call_v religion_n that_o those_o who_o be_v record_v for_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n in_o scripture_n have_v be_v the_o great_a lover_n of_o god_n house_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o it_o be_v the_o place_n where_o his_o honour_n dwell_v and_o because_o they_o be_v enamour_a of_o the_o beauty_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n shine_v there_o in_o his_o premise_n desire_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o his_o wisdom_n there_o appear_v in_o his_o law_n to_o be_v assist_v and_o comfort_v by_o his_o grace_n exhibit_v in_o his_o sacrament_n and_o prepare_v for_o heavenly_a glory_n by_o these_o holy_a exercise_n of_o his_o worship_n this_o make_v they_o love_v the_o place_n where_o they_o may_v see_v and_o enjoy_v he_o to_o these_o great_a purpose_n again_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o consider_v man_n that_o it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n that_o man_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o worship_n and_o praise_v his_o maker_n at_o lest_o nothing_o that_o may_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o chief_a happiness_n in_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o cumbersome_a labour_n and_o care_n and_o all_o distract_n prosecution_n and_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v then_o continual_o attend_v divine_a office_n as_o that_o which_o be_v our_o only_a perfect_a bliss_n and_o felicity_n and_o therefore_o shall_v esteem_v ourselves_o the_o more_o happy_a for_o have_v a_o recess_n from_o worldly_a business_n now_o that_o we_o may_v more_o free_o and_o frequent_o attend_v divine_a office_n again_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n who_o first_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o create_v again_o his_o church_n and_o people_n that_o they_o may_v be_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n eph._n 1._o and_o all_o christian_a assembly_n be_v so_o constitute_v and_o holy_a office_n appoint_v therein_o that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o therefore_o for_o man_n to_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o member_n of_o such_o assembly_n and_o yet_o despise_v public_a worship_n be_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o church_n which_o have_v well_o appoint_v these_o daily_a office_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n to_o the_o divine_a prescription_n and_o to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o mankind_n and_o require_v our_o attendance_n upon_o they_o when_o ever_o we_o can_v redeem_v time_n from_o the_o business_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o maintenance_n and_o the_o recreation_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o health_n both_o which_o be_v allow_v in_o most_o case_n for_o our_o excuse_n and_o those_o that_o will_v think_v of_o more_o i_o believe_v will_v find_v themselves_o mistake_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n these_o thing_n and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v of_o like_a nature_n be_v so_o evident_a i_o must_v believe_v these_o kind_n of_o man_n that_o think_v our_o daily_a attendance_n at_o prayer_n be_v be_v righteous_a over_o much_o be_v not_o move_v hereunto_o by_o any_o thing_n of_o reason_n or_o sober_a consideration_n but_o be_v whole_o influence_v by_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n or_o other_o carnal_a affection_n which_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a faculty_n and_o make_v they_o live_v more_o of_o the_o animal_n than_o the_o divine_a life_n i._n e._n more_o like_a beast_n than_o man_n and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v such_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o other_o language_n from_o they_o for_o the_o carnal_a mind_n a_o man_n that_o discourse_v as_o a_o mere_a animal_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a for_o i_o to_o say_v any_o more_o to_o they_o then_o earnest_o to_o desire_v they_o to_o pluck_v out_o the_o beam_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o shall_v they_o see_v clear_o to_o pluck_v out_o the_o mote_n that_o be_v in_o their_o brother_n for_o a_o extreme_a in_o this_o matter_n if_o any_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v guilty_a thereof_o be_v no_o more_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o total_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o his_o public_a worship_n than_o a_o mote_n to_o a_o beam_n as_o they_o will_v find_v at_o the_o last_o the_o second_o sort_n to_o who_o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o and_o for_o who_o sake_n i_o chief_o undertake_v this_o work_n be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o love_n for_o these_o holy_a office_n and_o daily_o frequent_v they_o to_o who_o my_o earnest_a request_n be_v that_o they_o will_v persist_v in_o the_o good_a way_n they_o have_v begin_v attend_v to_o the_o best_a manner_n of_o performance_n and_o make_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n answer_v to_o their_o devotion_n herein_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o such_o who_o do_v understand_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o our_o public_a service_n be_v first_o order_v and_o have_v take_v up_o this_o practice_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n will_v easy_o and_o effectual_o
it_o but_o since_o they_o that_o be_v against_o we_o on_o both_o side_n be_v so_o earnest_a in_o defend_v their_o own_o way_n and_o reproach_v we_o the_o minister_n shall_v not_o be_v remiss_a in_o counter-working_a such_o ill_a design_n by_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o convince_v demonstration_n join_v with_o fervency_n and_o importunity_n of_o persuasion_n in_o their_o preach_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o here_o i_o must_v first_o observe_v that_o general_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n how_o excellent_o and_o passionate_o soever_o deliver_v by_o our_o minister_n though_o they_o may_v make_v they_o admire_v and_o follow_v and_o that_o by_o man_n of_o several_a persuasion_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o have_v the_o effect_n such_o shall_v intend_v if_o man_n mind_n be_v corrupt_v with_o false_a notion_n about_o the_o exercise_v and_o express_v of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n but_o as_o the_o best_a food_n may_v do_v man_n hurt_v by_o reason_n of_o ill_a humour_n in_o the_o stomach_n so_o may_v such_o good_a doctrine_n through_o ill_a principle_n in_o the_o understanding_n such_o as_o think_v the_o best_a way_n to_o be_v holy_a be_v to_o consecrate_v themselves_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o heretic_n as_o the_o papist_n or_o of_o such_o as_o will_v not_o let_v christ_n rule_v over_o they_o as_o some_o enthusiast_n believe_v that_o as_o the_o levite_n be_v by_o moses_n command_v to_o consecrate_v themselves_o every_o man_n on_o his_o son_n and_o on_o his_o brother_n that_o have_v commit_v idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o calf_n so_o they_o may_v consecrate_v themselves_o by_o this_o and_o such_o as_o think_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n lie_v in_o distinction_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o in_o their_o garb_n and_o garment_n or_o in_o strictness_n in_o some_o indifferent_a and_o apocryphal_a observance_n not_o enjoin_v by_o god_n nor_o the_o church_n nay_o if_o they_o think_v it_o lie_v in_o be_v above_o ordinance_n and_o reject_v both_o the_o sacrament_n in_o rail_v against_o god_n minister_n and_o censure_v all_o their_o neighbour_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o sect_n and_o call_v we_o all_o ignoramus_n and_o persecutor_n or_o which_o be_v most_o my_o subject_n in_o condemn_v all_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o all_o superiority_n among_o minister_n as_o popish_a and_o anti-christian_n and_o applaud_a independency_n as_o the_o only_a scriptural_a church-government_n and_o the_o exit_fw-la tempore_fw-la way_n as_o the_o only_a acceptable_a mode_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o in_o public_a as_o well_o as_o private_a i_o say_v all_o these_o and_o whatever_o other_o of_o like_a kind_n of_o which_o there_o be_v abundance_n in_o the_o world_n when_o they_o hear_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o passionate_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n in_o general_a term_n they_o make_v the_o application_n to_o zeal_n in_o their_o own_o way_n wherefore_o i_o think_v those_o minister_n who_o believe_v that_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n we_o may_v exercise_n the_o most_o fervent_a devotion_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o most_o pleasant_a communion_n of_o saint_n in_o holy_a worship_n and_o also_o prosecute_v the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n in_o a_o way_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o way_n wherein_o man_n pride_n themselves_o i_o say_v those_o minister_n that_o believe_v this_o as_o all_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o especial_o those_o concern_v in_o its_o government_n i_o hope_v very_o do_v shall_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o preach_v up_o piety_n in_o general_n but_o shall_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o make_v such_o particular_a application_n to_o a_o devout_a and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o common_a prayer_n as_o a_o principal_a act_n of_o it_o as_o may_v prevent_v such_o abuse_n of_o their_o sermon_n by_o man_n of_o ill_a principle_n and_o make_v they_o most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o this_o church_n if_o we_o observe_v the_o sermon_n and_o book_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n on_o this_o subject_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o all_o their_o discourse_n of_o piety_n have_v always_o a_o secret_a and_o very_o frequent_o a_o open_a relation_n to_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o very_o bad_a reflection_n on_o we_o as_o be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o pageantry_n and_o ostentation_n of_o devotion_n and_o mere_a formality_n and_o outside_n without_o that_o life_n and_o power_n which_o make_v it_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o that_o such_o devotion_n be_v no_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v true_o regenerate_v and_o his_o elect_a people_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o confirm_v their_o disciple_n in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o so_o much_o as_o try_v we_o and_o shall_v the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n be_v outdo_v by_o those_o they_o account_v schismatic_n do_v not_o the_o ancient_a orderly_a and_o solemn_a way_n of_o our_o church_n deserve_v as_o much_o zeal_n as_o the_o novel_a way_n cry_v up_o with_o they_o be_v not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n as_o much_o concern_v in_o be_v devout_a in_o our_o way_n as_o in_o they_o be_v not_o a_o great_a love_n to_o the_o common_a prayer_n a_o delight_n to_o attend_v constant_o on_o the_o office_n thereof_o and_o a_o fervent_a devotion_n therein_o as_o good_a a_o sign_n of_o true_a grace_n as_o the_o love_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n and_o a_o delight_n in_o go_v frequent_o to_o private_a meeting_n be_v not_o the_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o our_o way_n especial_o by_o those_o that_o profess_v to_o approve_v the_o order_n we_o have_v for_o it_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o deadly_a state_n of_o carnal-mindedness_a and_o unregenerateness_n from_o which_o man_n must_v be_v convert_v except_o they_o will_v be_v damn_v and_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o in_o their_o way_n all_o man_n know_v that_o no_o way_n or_o mode_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o good_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v think_v good_a christian_n mere_o for_o be_v educate_v therein_o and_o profess_v to_o approve_v the_o same_o but_o such_o education_n and_o profession_n will_v aggravate_v their_o sin_n if_o they_o be_v not_o serious_a in_o that_o way_n of_o religion_n they_o approve_v and_o so_o will_v the_o excellency_n and_o goodness_n thereof_o if_o they_o slight_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n who_o must_v bear_v the_o blame_n for_o ever_o if_o god_n be_v dishonour_v or_o soul_n damn_v through_o their_o default_n consider_v this_o and_o persuade_v man_n to_o a_o great_a love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o worship_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o church_n and_o so_o to_o order_v their_o concern_v with_o relation_n thereunto_o that_o they_o may_v approve_v themselves_o true_o convert_v and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v seriousness_n in_o religion_n that_o speak_v man_n true_a christian_n and_o this_o join_v with_o constant_a attendancy_n on_o religious_a duty_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o be_v their_o security_n against_o apostasy_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o i_o must_v say_v this_o that_o however_o there_o may_v be_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v some_o of_o all_o the_o different_a way_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o be_v true_o convert_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o none_o that_o i_o have_v know_v be_v better_a christian_n than_o they_o who_o be_v serious_a and_o true_o devout_a in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o hypocrite_n that_o seem_v so_o and_o be_v not_o among_o we_o as_o well_o as_o other_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o sincere_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sure_a minister_n shall_v think_v it_o their_o glory_n and_o joy_n when_o they_o can_v bring_v man_n from_o a_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a state_n to_o that_o which_o be_v true_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_a it_o have_v be_v some_o grief_n to_o i_o to_o see_v that_o minister_n on_o both_o extreme_n shall_v outdo_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n those_o of_o the_o papist_n seem_v to_o exult_v not_o only_a when_o they_o can_v bring_v one_o of_o our_o religion_n over_o to_o their_o church_n but_o when_o any_o of_o their_o own_o turn_n from_o a_o worldly_a secular_a life_n to_o that_o which_o they_o call_v religious_a and_o spiritual_a and_o the_o separatist_n not_o only_o pretend_v to_o leave_v we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o devote_v themselves_o to_o god_n but_o to_o set_v up_o their_o meeting_n on_o purpose_n to_o call_v other_o to_o a_o more_o spiritual_a life_n in_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o rejoice_v great_o in_o their_o success_n therein_o and_o in_o nothing_o do_v they_o more_o glory_n over_o we_o than_o in_o outdo_v we_o in_o seriousness_n