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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
christian_n call_v church_n society_n 1,435 5 9.0715 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41441 The old religion demonstrated in its principles, and described in the life and practice thereof Goodman, John, 1625 or 6-1690. 1684 (1684) Wing G1111; ESTC R2856 107,253 396

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the_o assembly_n of_o god_n servant_n 3._o and_o more_o particular_o let_v he_o not_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v present_v to_o he_o unless_o some_o weighty_a occasion_n hinder_v or_o disable_v he_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o administer_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o often_o as_o it_o hold_v any_o solemn_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o christian_n then_o as_o due_o receive_v it_o as_o they_o come_v to_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o frequency_n of_o it_o abate_v their_o reverence_n to_o it_o but_o high_o increase_v it_o rather_o and_o this_o office_n they_o therefore_o call_v the_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o symbol_n of_o a_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o full_a instance_n of_o that_o society_n to_o have_v be_v keep_v from_o it_o by_o any_o accident_n be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a calamity_n but_o to_o be_v debar_v from_o it_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o dreadful_a to_o they_o as_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n they_o seek_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o with_o tear_n with_o prostration_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n with_o all_o the_o intercession_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o all_o the_o interest_n they_o can_v make_v there_o be_v no_o need_n in_o those_o time_n to_o use_v argument_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o repeat_v exhortation_n to_o press_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o trouble_n in_o answer_v objection_n against_o it_o or_o remove_v impertinent_a scruple_n about_o it_o much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o occasion_n to_o urge_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o by_o humane_a law_n for_o they_o remember_v it_o be_v institute_v by_o their_o saviour_n on_o the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o recommend_v to_o their_o observance_n by_o the_o most_o oblige_a circumstance_n they_o find_v the_o constant_a solemnity_n of_o it_o settle_v in_o all_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v well_o aware_a of_o the_o unspeakable_a comfort_n of_o it_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n hold_v as_o much_o in_o these_o time_n as_o then_o save_v that_o man_n be_v not_o so_o conscientious_a and_o devout_a as_o they_o be_v for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n since_o to_o make_v this_o sacrament_n the_o badge_n and_o cognizance_n of_o her_o member_n until_o of_o late_a those_o have_v pretend_v to_o be_v church_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o order_n nor_o unity_n neither_o sacrament_n administer_v nor_o indeed_o person_n qualify_v to_o administer_v they_o and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n and_o shame_n that_o such_o a_o unhappy_a novelty_n shall_v prescribe_v against_o all_o antiquity_n and_o then_o second_o as_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o sacrament_n by_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o do_v not_o deliver_v himself_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n and_o advice_n so_o as_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o our_o discretion_n or_o courtesy_n to_o observe_v this_o sacrament_n or_o omit_v it_o but_o by_o express_v and_o positive_a command_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o the_o cavil_n against_o mix_a communion_n as_o if_o we_o be_v excuse_v from_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n because_o other_o do_v it_o unworthy_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v because_o some_o do_v it_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o i_o may_v choose_v whether_o i_o will_v do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o as_o i_o say_v here_o be_v a_o express_a command_n that_o we_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o omit_v it_o upon_o any_o such_o pretence_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v i_o be_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v excuse_v for_o when_o our_o lord_n have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n also_o to_o do_v it_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o one_o duty_n will_v not_o excuse_v another_o i._n e._n our_o sin_n of_o unpreparedness_n will_v be_v no_o apology_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o total_a omission_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o whole_a truth_n be_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n require_v of_o we_o one_o express_v and_o the_o other_o imply_v the_o express_a duty_n be_v that_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n the_o imply_v duty_n be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v with_o such_o preparation_n as_o agree_v with_o so_o sacred_a a_o mystery_n both_o these_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v for_o as_o my_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n will_v not_o excuse_v my_o come_n unprepared_o so_o much_o less_o will_v my_o unpreparedness_n excuse_v my_o not_o come_v at_o all_o but_o of_o the_o two_o it_o seem_v far_o the_o more_o pardonable_a to_o come_v though_o somewhat_o unprepared_o than_o not_o to_o come_v because_o of_o unpreparedness_n for_o that_o be_v neither_o to_o come_v nor_o prepare_v neither_o i_o say_v though_o neither_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_o better_a to_o offend_v in_o the_o point_n of_o a_o imply_v duty_n than_o of_o a_o express_a one_o but_o especial_o it_o be_v more_o tolerable_a to_o commit_v one_o sin_n than_o both_o as_o he_o that_o come_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n at_o all_o notorious_o do_v but_o than_o three_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n those_o be_v so_o vast_o great_a that_o the_o man_n be_v as_o well_o insensible_a of_o his_o own_o good_a as_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o wilful_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o commemorate_n the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o that_o holy_a feast_n we_o not_o only_o perform_v a_o office_n of_o obedience_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o saviour_n but_o we_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n which_o afford_v the_o great_a relief_n to_o our_o guilty_a conscience_n that_o can_v be_v and_o together_o herewith_o we_o melt_v our_o own_o heart_n into_o contrition_n fear_n and_o sorrow_n for_o those_o sin_n of_o we_o which_o require_v such_o a_o atonement_n for_o who_o can_v consider_v what_o his_o saviour_n suffer_v and_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v and_o not_o mourn_v hearty_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o his_o danger_n again_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o happy_a estate_n of_o friendship_n with_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o restore_v to_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n moreover_o by_o commemorate_n his_o death_n and_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o we_o fortify_v our_o own_o mind_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o by_o feed_v upon_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n we_o have_v the_o pledge_n of_o our_o own_o resurrection_n and_o immortality_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o though_o in_o so_o copious_a and_o comfortable_a a_o subject_n by_o partake_v of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n we_o become_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o who_o will_v make_v that_o a_o excuse_n for_o omit_v the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o do_v not_o find_v or_o observe_v that_o either_o themselves_o or_o other_o profit_n by_o it_o what_o be_v it_o no_o profit_n that_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n be_v it_o no_o profit_n to_o see_v christ_n crucify_a before_o our_o eye_n and_o to_o see_v he_o pour_v out_o his_o heart_n blood_n for_o sinner_n be_v it_o no_o profit_n to_o be_v make_v ingenuous_o to_o weep_v over_o our_o own_o sin_n be_v it_o no_o privilege_n no_o comfort_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o token_n of_o friendship_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o body_n but_o profit_v something_o more_o or_o less_o by_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o do_v not_o profit_v great_o by_o they_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a naughty_a heart_n indeed_o and_o have_v need_v to_o prepare_v himself_o and_o go_v often_o to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o may_v be_v mend_v but_o however_o let_v the_o good_a christian_n glad_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o this_o holy_a solemnity_n and_o not_o doubt_v to_o find_v comfort_n by_o it_o 4._o as_o for_o the_o other_o office_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o prayer_n
instruct_v moreover_o it_o be_v also_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o this_o church_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o and_o catholic_n embrace_v all_o the_o true_a believer_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o body_n and_o his_o spouse_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o every_o man_n who_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n which_o flow_v from_o he_o must_v be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o body_n and_o thereby_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o by_o conjunction_n with_o that_o which_o be_v otherwise_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v than_o by_o join_v with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n where_o it_o have_v please_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o settle_v our_o abode_n and_o habitation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o parish_n and_o neighbourhood_n where_o we_o dwell_v for_o without_o this_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o may_v retain_v the_o fame_n faith_n in_o our_o heart_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o we_o can_v perform_v the_o office_n of_o member_n nor_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n the_o result_n be_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v ordinary_o every_o christian_n duty_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o christianity_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o officer_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o order_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n among_o which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v place_v he_o i_o say_v ordinary_o because_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n among_o who_o a_o man_n life_n may_v be_v heretical_a in_o their_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a in_o their_o worship_n and_o then_o it_o will_v not_o be_v his_o sin_n but_o his_o duty_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o but_o bate_v that_o case_n and_o where_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a and_o the_o worship_n free_a from_o idolatry_n i_o see_v not_o what_o else_o can_v acquit_v he_o of_o schism_n that_o separate_v or_o what_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o join_v with_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o conjunction_n with_o that_o particular_a society_n or_o member_n of_o it_o where_o he_o be_v place_v therefore_o let_v not_o the_o good_a christian_n without_o flat_a necessity_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o particular_a church_n lest_o by_o so_o do_v he_o lose_v the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o let_v it_o be_v his_o care_n and_o endeavour_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n that_o there_o may_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o this_o purpose_n let_v he_o not_o hearken_v to_o the_o fond_a pretence_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o double_a refine_a worship_n or_o to_o the_o vain_a boast_n of_o great_a edification_n in_o other_o assembly_n for_o beside_o that_o a_o man_n may_v just_o expect_v most_o of_o god_n blessing_n upon_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v most_o his_o duty_n to_o apply_v himself_o unto_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o if_o such_o suggestion_n be_v attend_v to_o it_o will_v be_v flat_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o unity_n or_o order_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n nay_o these_o conceit_n will_v not_o only_o distract_v and_o confound_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o serve_v to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o endless_a dispute_n and_o their_o heart_n with_o perpetual_a scruple_n about_o purity_n of_o administration_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v rest_v no_o where_o but_o under_o pretence_n of_o soar_v high_a and_o high_o shall_v ramble_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o high_a attainment_n of_o spirituality_n nor_o let_v he_o give_v ear_n to_o any_o peevish_a insinuation_n against_o the_o church_n and_o public_a worship_n upon_o account_n that_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n make_v use_v of_o which_o be_v only_o of_o humane_a institution_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a to_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v be_v well_o please_v with_o humility_n peaceableness_n and_o obedience_n to_o humane_a law_n but_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v without_o some_o observance_n that_o have_v no_o high_a original_n than_o humane_a institution_n but_o against_o these_o and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a principle_n of_o separation_n let_v he_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v himself_o first_o by_o dismiss_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o the_o unnecessary_a scrupulosity_n of_o a_o melancholy_a temper_n and_o above_o all_o acquit_v himself_o of_o pride_n and_o pragmaticalness_n and_o then_o he_o will_v easy_o and_o comfortable_o comply_v with_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o pursuance_n whereof_o 2._o he_o must_v diligent_o frequent_v all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o society_n whether_o it_o be_v prayer_n preach_v or_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a shame_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n who_o care_v not_o how_o little_a or_o how_o seldom_o he_o come_v at_o it_o and_o who_o slight_v the_o advantage_n of_o its_o communion_n for_o such_o a_o man_n however_o he_o may_v hector_n and_o swagger_v for_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n manifest_o betray_v that_o all_o be_v but_o humour_n or_o interest_n and_o no_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o real_o he_o do_v more_o dishonour_n to_o that_o society_n than_o the_o profess_a schismatic_a do_v or_o can_v do_v for_o beside_o that_o he_o incourage_v they_o in_o their_o contempt_n of_o it_o and_o discourage_v good_a man_n in_o their_o zeal_n for_o it_o he_o foment_n the_o suspicion_n of_o atheistical_a man_n that_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o politic_a trick_n to_o catch_v silly_a person_n with_o while_o those_o that_o be_v privy_a to_o the_o plot_n keep_v out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o he_o defeat_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o baulk_v his_o own_o conscience_n if_o he_o have_v any_o and_o aggravate_v his_o own_o damnation_n which_o be_v all_o very_a sad_a thing_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o blessing_n and_o comfort_n of_o frequent_v the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o many_o and_o great_a that_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o any_o man_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o communion_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o neglect_v the_o particular_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o church_n be_v god_n house_n where_o he_o be_v especial_o present_a and_o where_o we_o meet_v he_o and_o place_n ourselves_o under_o his_o eye_n and_o observation_n and_o from_o whence_o he_o usual_o dispense_v his_o favour_n it_o be_v a_o great_a furtherance_n of_o our_o zeal_n and_o piety_n to_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o one_o another_o where_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a fervour_n and_o devotion_n in_o one_o powerful_o strike_v and_o affect_n other_o there_o be_v also_o a_o extraordinary_a majesty_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v not_o only_o fit_v to_o our_o peculiar_a condition_n but_o authoritative_o pronounce_v and_o apply_v to_o our_o conscience_n by_o god_n messenger_n above_o all_o in_o prayer_n when_o our_o petition_n and_o request_n be_v not_o only_o put_v up_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o his_o own_o minister_n appoint_v for_o this_o purpose_n but_o our_o weakness_n be_v relieve_v our_o spirit_n encourage_v and_o we_o be_v enable_v notwithstanding_o our_o private_a meanness_n or_o guilt_n to_o hope_v for_o acceptance_n and_o success_n in_o our_o desire_n by_o the_o concurrent_a devotion_n of_o so_o many_o holy_a man_n as_o there_o join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o suit_n and_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o who_o unite_a importunity_n besieges_fw-fr heaven_n and_o prevail_v with_o almighty_a goodness_n for_o a_o blessing_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n permit_v the_o private_a exercise_n of_o piety_n itself_o such_o as_o prayer_n read_v or_o meditation_n to_o supersede_n or_o hinder_v his_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n see_v that_o as_o these_o yield_v more_o public_a honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n so_o they_o be_v more_o effectual_a for_o our_o own_o benefit_n much_o less_o let_v sloth_n or_o too_o great_a eagerness_n upon_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n make_v we_o forget_v or_o neglect_v they_o but_o least_o of_o all_o let_v any_o lukewarm_a indifferency_n or_o atheistical_a carelessness_n seize_v upon_o any_o man_n in_o this_o particular_a but_o let_v the_o man_n who_o glory_v to_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v find_v there_o in_o
the_o old_a religion_n demonstrate_v in_o its_o principle_n and_o describe_v in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n thereof_o jerem._n vi_fw-la 16._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n stand_v you_o in_o the_o way_n and_o see_v and_o ask_v for_o the_o old_a path_n where_o be_v the_o good_a way_n and_o walk_v therein_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n for_o your_o soul_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o amen-corner_n mdclxxxiv_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o pious_a reader_n good_a reader_n thou_o be_v here_o present_v with_o a_o new_a book_n concern_v the_o old_a religion_n as_o therefore_o thou_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v thy_o curiosity_n shall_v here_o be_v gratify_v with_o new_a notion_n for_o i_o be_o not_o describe_v a_o new_a way_n to_o heaven_n but_o direct_v thou_o in_o the_o good_a old_a way_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v mark_v out_o and_o which_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v all_o along_o walk_v in_o so_o neither_o be_v thou_o to_o think_v thyself_o disappoint_v if_o thou_o meet_v not_o with_o a_o discourse_n modish_o dress_v up_o with_o all_o the_o fashionable_a ornament_n of_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n for_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v thou_o though_o that_o will_v have_v be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n and_o perhaps_o may_v without_o any_o great_a difficulty_n have_v be_v comply_v with_o yet_o it_o will_v neither_o have_v suit_v so_o well_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n i_o be_o upon_o nor_o especial_o have_v fit_v the_o person_n for_o who_o sake_n this_o little_a book_n be_v write_v that_o therefore_o which_o i_o here_o pretend_v and_o which_o i_o hope_v thou_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o in_o the_o paper_n before_o thou_o be_v first_o a_o brief_a but_o plain_a and_o substantial_a proof_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n second_o a_o discovery_n and_o confutation_n of_o several_a vulgar_a opinion_n which_o deform_v the_o beauty_n and_o defeat_v the_o efficacy_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a and_o last_o a_o clear_a description_n a_o rational_a deduction_n and_o a_o serious_a inculcation_n of_o the_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o that_o religion_n wherein_o either_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n our_o own_o comfort_n or_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n be_v principal_o concern_v as_o for_o the_o management_n of_o these_o point_n though_o i_o have_v not_o give_v countenance_n to_o this_o discourse_n by_o citation_n of_o author_n nor_o either_o adorn_v the_o text_n with_o fine_a say_n nor_o the_o margin_n with_o great_a name_n yet_o i_o hope_v thou_o will_v find_v a_o vein_n of_o sound_a reason_n in_o it_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n run_v quite_o through_o it_o i_o assure_v thou_o i_o have_v deal_v sincere_o and_o conscientious_o herein_o i_o have_v impartial_o consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o best_a understanding_n god_n have_v give_v i_o and_o i_o here_o set_v before_o thou_o though_o not_o the_o product_n yet_o the_o result_n of_o many_o year_n observation_n consideration_n and_o experience_n and_o so_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o god_n blessing_n and_o thy_o candid_a acceptance_n farewell_o the_o content_n part_n i._o a_o introduction_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a life_n chap._n i._n the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n p._n 9_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o religion_n in_o another_o world_n p._n 21_o chap._n iv._o of_o the_o great_a influence_n and_o mighty_a efficacy_n of_o believe_a heaven_n and_o hell_n or_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n p._n 38_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o religion_n or_o what_o particular_a religion_n a_o man_n shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o p._n 55_o chap._n vi_o more_o particular_a direction_n for_o the_o settle_v a_o man_n mind_n in_o religion_n p._n 71_o chap._n vii_o caution_n against_o some_o opinion_n which_o be_v hindrance_n both_o of_o a_o holy_a and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a life_n p._n 85_o chap._n viii_o direction_n for_o the_o effectual_a prosecution_n of_o religion_n p._n 139_o part_n ii_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a live_n chap._n i._o of_o secret_a devotion_n and_o particular_o of_o secret_a prayer_n p._n 181_o chap._n ii_o of_o several_a other_o instance_n of_o secret_a devotion_n p._n 209_o chap._n iii_o of_o private_a devotion_n or_o family-piety_n in_o general_n p._n 235_o chap._n iv._o of_o family_n duty_n in_o special_a p._n 254_o chap._n v._o of_o family-discipline_n or_o by_o what_o mean_v a_o family_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o religion_n p._n 281_o chap._n vi_o of_o public_a piety_n and_o particular_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n p._n 301_o chap._n vii_o of_o civil_a piety_n or_o how_o a_o man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o promote_v god_n honour_n and_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o parish_n consider_v only_o as_o a_o civil_a society_n or_o neighbourhood_n p._n 346_o a_o introduction_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o a_o comfortable_a life_n chap._n i._n the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o book_n of_o book_n and_o treasury_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n express_v itself_o thus_o concern_v religion_n psal_n iii_o v._n 10._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o keep_v his_o commandment_n eccles_n 12._o 13._o let_v we_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n or_o business_n of_o man_n s_o t_o luke_n 13._o 23._o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a phil._n 2._o 12._o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a etc._n etc._n 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a s_o t_o mat._n 6._o 33._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o you_o s_o t_o john_n 6._o 27._o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o eternal_a life_n s_o t_o mat._n 16._o 26._o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n by_o all_o which_o and_o abundance_n of_o other_o such_o like_a passage_n it_o appear_v that_o religion_n be_v as_o much_o our_o interest_n as_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o piety_n and_o care_n of_o another_o world_n be_v not_o only_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o his_o imposition_n upon_o we_o but_o the_o upshot_n and_o result_n of_o the_o best_a and_o true_a wisdom_n for_o wisdom_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o sceptical_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n but_o in_o a_o determinate_a knowledge_n and_o resolution_n what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v not_o in_o a_o superficial_a smattering_n of_o many_o thing_n but_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o just_a nature_n value_n and_o moment_n of_o they_o not_o in_o a_o endless_a hunt_n after_o curiosity_n but_o to_o know_v where_o to_o stick_v and_o fasten_v not_o in_o pill_v a_o flint_n or_o laborious_a beat_n out_o of_o unprofitable_a difficulty_n but_o in_o apply_v a_o man_n self_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v savoury_a and_o useful_a not_o in_o trick_n of_o wit_n sophistry_n or_o eloquence_n and_o least_o of_o all_o in_o a_o jest_n or_o a_o repartee_n but_o to_o discover_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o propound_v to_o a_o man_n self_n as_o his_o end_n and_o design_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v to_o attain_v it_o to_o have_v great_a thing_n in_o a_o man_n thought_n and_o to_o despise_v and_o scorn_v little_a and_o petty_a design_n in_o a_o word_n to_o see_v a_o great_a way_n before_o he_o and_o to_o be_v well_o provide_v for_o the_o future_a now_o all_o this_o be_v verify_v in_o religion_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o here_o a_o man_n mind_n be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o great_a thought_n and_o sublimest_n object_n god_n and_o eternity_n he_o take_v care_n to_o secure_v the_o main_a stake_n his_o own_o soul_n he_o employ_v himself_o about_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n by_o inquire_v about_o another_o world_n he_o give_v proof_n of_o the_o great_a foresight_n in_o consider_v of_o it_o he_o give_v evidence_n of_o a_o sagacious_a temper_n in_o resolve_v upon_o it_o he_o show_v judgement_n in_o pursue_v it_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v he_o
persuasion_n encouragement_n and_o all_o other_o fit_a mean_n to_o prevail_v with_o the_o whole_a neighbourhood_n or_o parish_n to_o frequent_v the_o church_n for_o as_o he_o will_v not_o go_v to_o heaven_n alone_o nay_o know_v assure_o he_o shall_v not_o come_v there_o if_o he_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v other_o along_o with_o he_o so_o neither_o be_v he_o content_v to_o feed_v upon_o the_o fatness_n of_o god_n house_n alone_o but_o will_v have_v other_o partake_v with_o he_o he_o have_v a_o holy_a indignation_n to_o observe_v theater_n to_o be_v fill_v exchange_n and_o market_n throng_v and_o god_n house_n unfurnished_v with_o guest_n he_o wonder_v at_o the_o inconsiderateness_n of_o man_n who_o incur_v such_o a_o guilt_n by_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o pity_v their_o folly_n that_o deny_v themselves_o so_o many_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n as_o god_n house_n afford_v above_o any_o other_o place_n of_o resort_n whatsoever_o beside_o he_o consider_v that_o not_o only_a god_n be_v more_o honour_a by_o a_o general_a confluence_n to_o his_o service_n but_o that_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v more_o enlarge_a and_o cheerful_a and_o his_o affection_n more_o raise_v as_o it_o be_v move_v in_o consort_n when_o there_o be_v a_o brave_a concourse_n in_o divine_a office_n psal_n 122._o 1_o 2._o i_o rejoice_v say_v the_o holy_a man_n when_o they_o say_v come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o foot_n shall_v stand_v within_o thy_o gate_n o_o jerusalem_n well-disposed_n person_n it_o seem_v then_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v upon_o and_o provoke_v one_o another_o and_o to_o flock_v together_o in_o company_n towards_o the_o temple_n and_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a spectacle_n to_o the_o psalmist_n to_o behold_v it_o and_o let_v good_a christian_n be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n since_o our_o church_n and_o worship_n be_v so_o incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o they_o what_o be_v it_o that_o a_o zealous_a jew_n can_v provoke_v his_o neighbour_n to_o go_v up_o to_o the_o temple_n for_o to_o see_v a_o beast_n slay_v and_o a_o smoke_n make_v with_o the_o fat_a and_o entrail_n or_o to_o muse_v upon_o the_o obscure_a hieroglyphic_n in_o the_o fabric_n the_o utensil_n the_o ornament_n and_o service_n of_o that_o house_n but_o a_o christian_n go_v to_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n to_o see_v heaven_n open_v in_o all_o its_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v show_v the_o way_n thither_o therefore_o he_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a odds_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o who_o have_v so_o much_o prudence_n and_o charity_n as_o to_o render_v he_o serviceable_a among_o his_o neighbour_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n will_v jog_v and_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n of_o go_v to_o the_o church_n by_o wise_a and_o manly_a discourse_n and_o friendly_a and_o familiar_a exhortation_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o scandal_n to_o religion_n and_o discouragement_n to_o the_o minister_n by_o the_o people_n remissness_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n and_o benefit_n of_o diligent_a attendance_n and_o he_o will_v with_o the_o same_o zeal_n and_o care_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v their_o objection_n and_o remove_v their_o scruple_n about_o it_o and_o especial_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v common_o better_a take_v and_o sink_v deep_a into_o such_o man_n as_o need_v it_o when_o it_o be_v do_v not_o only_o by_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v presume_v by_o these_o incogitant_fw-la person_n to_o do_v it_o for_o his_o interest_n or_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o person_n or_o profession_n but_o by_o those_o who_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n with_o themselves_o to_o all_o this_o the_o pious_a man_n aforesaid_a will_v wise_o improve_v the_o interest_n of_o his_o charity_n to_o oblige_v the_o poor_a sort_n to_o their_o duty_n dispense_n most_o liberal_o to_o they_o who_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o follow_v his_o counsel_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o for_o the_o middle_a sort_n of_o man_n he_o will_v trade_v and_o buy_v and_o sell_v upon_o choice_n with_o those_o that_o be_v best_a affect_v to_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o if_o all_o this_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o that_o he_o can_v prevail_v upon_o all_o yet_o 10._o in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v at_o least_o to_o over-rule_v his_o own_o family_n that_o they_o shall_v universal_o and_o constant_o frequent_v the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o neighbourhood_n this_o i_o have_v show_v before_o every_o governor_n of_o a_o family_n have_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o do_v and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n afford_v we_o several_a instance_n of_o the_o efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n among_o the_o rest_n by_o virtue_n hereof_o joshua_n undertake_v for_o his_o house_n that_o they_o shall_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o cornelius_n prevail_v upon_o those_o under_o he_o so_o that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n and_o indeed_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o very_a sorry_a account_n of_o his_o family_n if_o he_o can_v oblige_v they_o to_o go_v to_o church_n with_o he_o for_o we_o find_v by_o woeful_a experience_n that_o where_o under_o pretence_n of_o scruple_n about_o the_o public_a worship_n inferior_n have_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o exemption_n and_o be_v permit_v to_o resort_v to_o conventicle_n the_o effect_n have_v be_v that_o such_o person_n have_v not_o only_o grow_v captious_a and_o insolent_a and_o by_o degree_n to_o despise_v their_o superior_n but_o have_v by_o this_o mean_v get_v from_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o governor_n have_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o run_v into_o debauchery_n therefore_o let_v the_o pious_a man_n strict_o charge_v himself_o thus_o far_o and_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o very_o insignificant_a in_o his_o place_n if_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o public_a honour_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o to_o bring_v his_o family_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n chap._n vii_o of_o civil_a piety_n or_o how_o a_o good_a man_n may_v carry_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o promote_v god_n honour_n and_o the_o public_a good_a together_o with_o his_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o parish_n consider_v only_o as_o a_o civil_a society_n or_o neighbourhood_n when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 5._o 13._o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o direct_v himself_o only_o to_o his_o apostle_n or_o to_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n as_o some_o have_v imagine_v but_o to_o all_o his_o disciple_n in_o general_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o beatitude_n which_o he_o pronounce_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o his_o other_o discourse_n pursuant_n of_o they_o which_o immediate_o precede_v these_o word_n apparent_o concern_v all_o christian_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v qualify_v for_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a also_o by_o s._n luke_n chap._n 14._o compare_v the_o 25_o verse_n with_o the_o 32._o that_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n to_o apply_v this_o title_n of_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o true_a christian_n and_o then_o the_o importance_n of_o that_o expression_n will_v be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o activity_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o passive_a innocency_n and_o that_o they_o escape_v the_o contagion_n of_o evil_a example_n nor_o be_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o temptation_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o they_o must_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o better_a and_o improve_v the_o state_n of_o mankind_n to_o influence_n upon_o it_o to_o season_n and_o preserve_v other_o from_o corruption_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o nor_o be_v this_o activity_n of_o true_a christianity_n to_o be_v strict_o confine_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o display_v itself_o mere_o in_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n proper_o consider_v for_o as_o our_o saviour_n design_v not_o only_o to_o show_v man_n a_o way_n to_o another_o world_n above_o but_o also_o to_o amend_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o present_a world_n below_o and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o more_o quiet_a and_o comfortable_a habitation_n so_o doubtless_o when_o he_o call_v his_o disciple_n the_o salt_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n he_o intend_v to_o require_v that_o every_o good_a man_n shall_v within_o his_o whole_a sphere_n endeavour_v to_o promote_v humanity_n morality_n and_o the_o civil_a and_o political_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n the_o