just_o to_o be_v account_v laudable_a for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a line_n and_o main_a part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o direct_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o action_n which_o by_o all_o the_o world_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a to_o be_v laudable_a and_o divine_a such_o as_o be_v justice_n sobriety_n devotion_n and_o charity_n it_o be_v not_o among_o christian_n alone_o that_o such_o action_n be_v esteem_v praiseworthy_a all_o party_n of_o sober_a man_n as_o well_o heathen_n as_o those_o profess_v reveal_v religion_n have_v agree_v in_o this_o common_a sentiment_n in_o the_o veneration_n and_o praise_n of_o all_o such_o virtue_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o even_o when_o the_o heathen_n deride_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o cross_n they_o still_o acknowledge_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o person_n who_o profess_v it_o they_o also_o be_v convince_v that_o all_o those_o moral_a virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o mankind_n only_o in_o this_o they_o disagree_v that_o whereas_o they_o account_v the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o they_o to_o be_v a_o undertake_n possible_a only_o to_o more_o exalt_a mind_n christ_n have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o his_o follower_n although_o even_o this_o difference_n of_o opinion_n can_v not_o but_o raise_v their_o thought_n to_o a_o extreme_a veneration_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n who_o form_v these_o law_n and_o even_o force_v from_o they_o a_o confession_n of_o that_o praise_n which_o be_v due_a to_o such_o a_o institution_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n as_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n fit_v it_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a example_n to_o other_o he_o distinguish_v his_o religion_n from_o all_o other_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o law_n and_o precept_n so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v observe_v they_o must_v distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o more_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o natural_o infer_v in_o the_o twenty_o verse_n except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v the_o exact_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o legal_a institution_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n of_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o other_o ceremony_n which_o abstract_v from_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n have_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o to_o see_v the_o jew_n kill_v their_o sacrifice_v beast_n wash_v their_o body_n often_o or_o circumcise_n themselves_o be_v no_o motive_n of_o holiness_n or_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o religion_n they_o discern_v nothing_o laudable_a in_o all_o this_o and_o be_v rather_o prompt_v to_o pity_v the_o slavery_n than_o to_o imitate_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o service_n whereas_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o christianity_n impose_v be_v amiable_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n ever_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o commendation_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o spectator_n thus_o our_o lord_n fit_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v fail_v of_o its_o design_a end_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o improve_v it_o to_o its_o right_a use_n and_o therein_o have_v lead_v the_o way_n by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o confine_v not_o himself_o to_o a_o desert_n as_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o converse_v in_o their_o city_n and_o more_o frequent_v meeting_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o constant_a piety_n goodness_n and_o charity_n which_o attend_v all_o his_o action_n be_v instruct_v by_o they_o and_o draw_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o he_o indulge_v his_o conversation_n to_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v they_o first_o to_o a_o love_n of_o his_o person_n and_o then_o to_o a_o imitation_n of_o his_o virtue_n he_o disdain_v not_o the_o company_n of_o any_o who_o may_v receive_v advantage_n from_o his_o doctrine_n or_o example_n and_o that_o he_o may_v fit_v his_o life_n for_o a_o universal_a pattern_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n he_o engage_v not_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o extraordinary_a austerity_n as_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o amid_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o strict_a exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n allow_v to_o himself_o the_o innocent_a pleasure_n and_o entertainment_n of_o the_o world_n he_o refuse_v not_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o those_o who_o invite_v he_o to_o splendid_a entertainment_n as_o with_o levi_n and_o zacheus_n nor_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o marriage-feast_n at_o other_o time_n he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v hunger_n and_o cold_a contempt_n and_o the_o vile_a injury_n to_o undergo_v long_o watch_v in_o prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o so_o it_o behove_v he_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o to_o perform_v all_o righteousness_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a exemplar_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n not_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o method_n of_o life_n lest_o thereby_o his_o example_n shall_v become_v deficient_a to_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v engage_v in_o another_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o more_o ordinary_a action_n and_o variety_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o in_o all_o case_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o approve_v and_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o conform_v they_o to_o his_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o doubt_n shall_v arise_v concern_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o example_n both_o the_o observation_n therefore_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v equal_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a engage_v he_o to_o be_v exemplar_n in_o his_o life_n and_o conduct_n and_o thus_o first_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n will_v become_v a_o light_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o each_o other_o our_o lord_n describe_v both_o in_o this_o place_n very_o lively_a you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n verse_n 13._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n will_v remain_v in_o sin_n and_o corruption_n but_o in_o the_o numerous_a society_n which_o i_o shall_v found_v and_o call_v by_o my_o name_n piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a shall_v be_v maintain_v yet_o not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o society_n alone_o but_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v receive_v instruction_n from_o it_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n verse_n 14._o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n remain_v in_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n but_o i_o have_v place_v my_o church_n as_o a_o glorious_a light_n to_o dispel_v this_o darkness_n and_o remove_v this_o ignorance_n that_o so_o all_o who_o do_v but_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n have_v the_o least_o inclination_n to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n may_v there_o discover_v the_o light_n and_o repair_v to_o it_o and_o this_o can_v fail_v to_o take_v effect_n while_o the_o brightness_n of_o this_o light_n shall_v remain_v while_o the_o church_n shall_v continue_v glorious_a and_o unspotted_a while_o the_o member_n of_o it_o shall_v all_o or_o the_o more_o part_n of_o they_o perform_v their_o duty_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v a_o city_n place_v on_o a_o hill_n or_o a_o light_n place_v in_o a_o room_n can_v be_v hide_v if_o indeed_o those_o virtue_n which_o i_o command_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o who_o profess_v my_o name_n if_o justice_n chastity_n beneficence_n and_o other_o mark_n of_o goodness_n be_v indeed_o so_o eminent_o exercise_v by_o so_o numerous_a a_o body_n of_o man_n it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o as_o many_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o darkness_n will_v approach_v to_o this_o light_n or_o if_o through_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n they_o still_o continue_v afar_o off_o however_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v that_o they_o see_v the_o light_n and_o must_v admire_v both_o it_o and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o mean_a christian_n may_v make_v himself_o true_o exemplary_a by_o perform_v his_o duty_n conscientious_o in_o the_o station_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o although_o his_o understanding_n and_o ability_n have_v not_o fit_v he_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o single_o consider_v if_o he_o well_o discharge_v his_o single_a station_n although_o never_o so_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n he_o contribute_v to_o this_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n of_o make_v his_o church_n a_o
to_o learn_v how_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o to_o be_v excite_v to_o it_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o your_o meeting_n in_o this_o holy_a place_n be_v that_o you_o may_v worship_n god_n herein_o but_o how_o can_v you_o be_v say_v to_o worship_v he_o who_o place_n yourselves_o in_o no_o posture_n of_o worship_n who_o express_v no_o concern_v at_o the_o word_n of_o public_a prayer_n join_v not_o in_o they_o nor_o add_v a_o amen_o to_o they_o can_v you_o real_o believe_v stand_v or_o sit_v to_o be_v a_o posture_n of_o worship_n or_o will_v you_o not_o confess_v kneel_v to_o be_v real_o the_o most_o humble_a posture_n and_o if_o so_o sure_o the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v to_o be_v approach_v in_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o devout_a manner_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o correct_v a_o ill_a custom_n study_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n a_o complete_a service_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n to_o attend_v diligent_o to_o they_o to_o join_v devout_o in_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n both_o with_o body_n and_o soul_n since_o both_o be_v create_v by_o he_o so_o shall_v you_o true_o worship_n god_n so_o shall_v you_o entitle_v yourselves_o to_o all_o those_o glorious_a promise_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o true_a piety_n and_o devotion_n obtain_v your_o desire_n and_o save_v your_o soul_n the_o sixteen_o sermon_n preach_v 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o treat_v large_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n enjoin_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v and_o urge_v the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n from_o these_o two_o consideration_n especial_o that_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n and_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n make_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o frequency_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o lay_v open_v the_o advantage_n to_o be_v receive_v from_o prayer_n and_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o that_o so_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o duty_n can_v not_o engage_v yet_o at_o least_o that_o of_o interest_n may_v persuade_v i_o than_o proceed_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o public_a prayer_n have_v first_o prove_v to_o you_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o that_o especial_o and_o therein_o manifest_v how_o much_o great_a the_o obligation_n be_v to_o public_a prayer_n how_o more_o expressive_a of_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n what_o great_a advantage_n it_o bring_v to_o devout_a supplicant_n and_o what_o more_o noble_a promise_n be_v annex_v to_o it_o it_o remain_v now_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v these_o three_o i._o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n every_o where_o ii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n iii_o the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n the_o apostle_n teach_v to_o be_v every_o where_o that_o be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o but_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o any_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v herein_o he_o distinguish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n from_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o the_o more_o solemn_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n nay_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n institute_v by_o himself_o be_v affix_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n where_o the_o priest_n daily_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o perform_v the_o other_o office_n of_o legal_a worship_n and_o adult_v male_n among_o the_o jew_n thrice_o every_o year_n give_v their_o attendance_n this_o be_v both_o easy_a to_o the_o jew_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a dimension_n of_o their_o country_n and_o also_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v they_o from_o relapse_v into_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o will_v not_o have_v be_v avoid_v in_o that_o stiff-necked_a people_n have_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v permit_v to_o they_o in_o many_o separate_a place_n where_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v not_o the_o immediate_a oversight_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v actual_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o corrupt_v their_o religion_n whensoever_o quit_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o begin_v to_o worship_n god_n upon_o every_o high_a hill_n and_o under_o every_o green_a tree_n to_o this_o temple_n therefore_o after_o the_o full_a settlement_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o promise_a land_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o affix_v out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n nor_o be_v any_o expiation_n of_o sin_n provide_v to_o it_o many_o glorious_a promise_n be_v appropriate_v as_o that_o god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n offer_v up_o in_o it_o and_o be_v gracious_a to_o his_o people_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o be_v propagate_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n the_o observation_n of_o this_o institution_n become_v both_o impossible_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o be_v therefore_o abolish_v by_o god_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o he_o be_v thenceforward_o command_v to_o be_v alike_o celebrate_v in_o all_o place_n that_o be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o church_n his_o presence_n be_v not_o confine_v nor_o his_o promise_n annex_v to_o one_o place_n he_o be_v equal_o present_a in_o all_o congregation_n of_o devout_a believer_n and_o receive_v their_o petition_n with_o equal_a favour_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n distinguish_v the_o christian_a from_o the_o jewish_a worship_n direct_v public_a prayer_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o every_o where_o as_o he_o have_v before_o distinguish_v it_o upon_o another_o respect_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o command_v that_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n whereas_o the_o jew_n never_o pray_v for_o any_o but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o communion_n this_o enlargement_n of_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n can_v not_o indeed_o but_o be_v extreme_o surprise_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o which_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v be_v now_o appropriate_v for_o near_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o from_o all_o age_n determine_v to_o enlarge_v his_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o gather_v into_o it_o as_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v both_o by_o precedent_n and_o subsequent_a fact_n provide_v abundant_a reason_n to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o himself_o shall_v not_o always_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v extend_v into_o the_o whole_a earth_n thus_o zeph._n ii_o 11._o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o when_o god_n shall_v found_v the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n than_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o every_o one_o from_o his_o place_n even_o all_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o in_o mal._n i._n 11._o for_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o my_o name_n and_o a_o pure_a offering_n for_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n which_o prophecy_n do_v clear_o instruct_v the_o jew_n that_o when_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o shall_v be_v worship_v alike_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o even_o those_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v incense_n and_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v then_o offer_v up_o from_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o although_o in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a manner_n this_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v appear_v strange_a unto_o the_o jew_n who_o mind_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o
profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o himself_o appear_v from_o that_o frequent_a expression_n employ_v by_o he_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o my_o temple_n sake_n at_o jerusalem_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o god_n shall_v be_v move_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o temple_n sake_n which_o be_v pure_o material_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o merit_n but_o that_o it_o be_v erect_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n by_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o illustrious_a sign_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o that_o nation_n believe_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o while_o that_o fabric_n stand_v consecrate_v to_o his_o name_n and_o prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o in_o it_o to_o he_o it_o can_v not_o be_v dissemble_v that_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o they_o his_o people_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v too_o sad_a and_o yet_o undeniable_a that_o wherever_o the_o solemn_a and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o certain_a and_o fix_a place_n dedicate_v to_o that_o use_n be_v discontinue_v religion_n the_o honour_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n immediate_o decay_v and_o become_v forget_v as_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o wherever_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o church_n have_v be_v take_v from_o christian_n as_o in_o persia_n and_o africa_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v whole_o lose_v in_o one_o or_o two_o generation_n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o greece_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o use_n of_o church_n permit_v to_o they_o have_v continue_v to_o flourish_v and_o retain_v her_o faith_n unshaken_a under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o turk_n although_o continual_o oppress_v discountenance_a injure_a and_o persecute_v by_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o most_o benign_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o he_o suffer_v not_o any_o of_o their_o persecution_n to_o be_v of_o long_a continuance_n but_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n give_v they_o liberty_n therewith_o to_o exercise_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o himself_o in_o public_a solemn_a and_o sacred_a place_n can_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v maintain_v by_o private_a and_o clancular_a meeting_n the_o zeal_n and_o piety_n of_o those_o time_n will_v have_v effect_v it_o yet_o than_o it_o be_v think_v impossible_a to_o perform_v it_o nor_o will_v god_n have_v interpose_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n of_o providence_n to_o restore_v his_o church_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o public_a church_n have_v not_o such_o worship_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o than_o that_o direct_v from_o corner_n of_o private_a house_n and_o therefore_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o storm_n of_o any_o persecution_n blow_v over_o but_o the_o christian_n immediate_o set_v themselves_o to_o erect_v magnificent_a church_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o they_o to_o celebrate_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n not_o that_o god_n hear_v not_o their_o prayer_n direct_v to_o he_o from_o secret_a and_o private_a place_n their_o piety_n patience_n and_o constancy_n deserve_v no_o less_o but_o himself_o receive_v far_o less_o honour_n from_o private_a than_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o own_o names-sake_n as_o he_o frequent_o tell_v the_o jew_n he_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o peace_n and_o quiet_a thus_o the_o jew_n also_o content_v themselves_o to_o worship_n in_o a_o movable_a tabernacle_n while_o they_o travel_v in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o be_v not_o full_o settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o no_o soon_o be_v all_o the_o jebusite_n drive_v out_o of_o the_o land_n but_o david_n prepare_v to_o build_v a_o stately_a temple_n in_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n thus_o the_o erection_n and_o dedication_n of_o church_n be_v not_o only_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o service_n they_o be_v consecrate_v but_o also_o a_o eminent_a monument_n of_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o give_v peace_n and_o quiet_a unto_o the_o church_n procure_v to_o her_o member_n the_o liberty_n of_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o profess_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o in_o public_a the_o magnificence_n of_o these_o fabric_n be_v a_o further_a argument_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o wealth_n and_o plenty_n of_o that_o people_n by_o who_o they_o be_v found_v in_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o remain_v a_o eternal_a mark_n of_o acknowledgement_n that_o both_o peace_n and_o plenty_n proceed_v from_o his_o gift_n to_o who_o name_n they_o be_v sacred_a they_o be_v the_o most_o obvious_a and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o long_a and_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o nation_n and_o the_o devotion_n and_o zeal_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o thereby_o exceed_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o all_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o confine_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o private_a house_n or_o movable_a congregation_n be_v what_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v the_o great_a misfortune_n attend_v their_o persecution_n and_o they_o who_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n pay_v no_o more_o solemn_a worship_n to_o god_n than_o what_o be_v real_o necessary_a to_o pay_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n if_o they_o shall_v indeed_o be_v persecute_v it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a will_v pay_v no_o manner_n of_o worship_n at_o least_o to_o decry_v the_o erection_n and_o consecration_n of_o sacred_a place_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o oppose_v the_o increase_n of_o divine_a honour_n and_o to_o include_v a_o fear_n least_o posterity_n shall_v know_v from_o those_o durable_a fabric_n that_o their_o forefather_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n last_o if_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o place_n solemn_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o use_n and_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v in_o such_o place_n if_o his_o honour_n be_v promote_v by_o erection_n of_o such_o sacred_a building_n and_o keep_v up_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o small_a reverence_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o to_o treat_v they_o as_o unholy_a or_o common_a place_n in_o any_o matter_n be_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o that_o use_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o peculiar_a possession_n and_o to_o deny_v his_o presence_n in_o they_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o external_a act_n of_o reverence_n manifest_v our_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o he_o of_o our_o belief_n in_o he_o to_o who_o honour_n they_o be_v dedicate_v of_o our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o by_o who_o we_o enjoy_v the_o open_a profession_n of_o our_o religion_n of_o our_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v chief_o advance_v and_o maintain_v by_o they_o of_o our_o persuasion_n of_o his_o constant_a and_o immediate_a presence_n in_o they_o that_o veneration_n therefore_o which_o the_o devout_a member_n of_o this_o church_n pay_v to_o sacred_a place_n be_v neither_o the_o effect_n of_o superstition_n nor_o the_o remain_v of_o popery_n but_o arise_v from_o a_o pious_a and_o rational_a persuasion_n of_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o he_o a_o practice_n as_o ancient_a as_o christianity_n itself_o and_o which_o st._n paul_n make_v use_v of_o as_o receive_v and_o confess_v among_o all_o christian_n when_o reprove_v the_o indecency_n commit_v by_o the_o corinthian_n in_o their_o church_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 22._o he_o aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o they_o by_o this_o consideration_n what_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o private_a house_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o speak_v of_o material_a church_n and_o no_o less_o plain_a that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o allow_v by_o they_o that_o so_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a to_o these_o church_n that_o even_o for_o the_o sole_a consideration_n of_o their_o holiness_n no_o indecent_a action_n ought_v to_o be_v commit_v in_o they_o before_o he_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v by_o his_o own_o practice_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o the_o same_o regard_v due_a to_o sacred_a place_n when_o he_o scourge_v the_o money-changer_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n although_o they_o have_v place_v themselves_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a porch_n and_o avenue_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o no_o act_n of_o religious_a and_o public_a worship_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o the_o reason_n he_o assign_v be_v this_o it_o be_v write_v my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o
man_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o they_o and_o be_v never_o withdraw_v from_o we_o nor_o deny_v to_o we_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o man_n can_v claim_v in_o right_a of_o his_o nature_n be_v confer_v only_o to_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n and_o be_v withdraw_v upon_o the_o abuse_n or_o neglect_v of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o conceive_v how_o god_n herein_o influence_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n after_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o even_o finite_a spirit_n can_v effect_v it_o if_o they_o can_v by_o long_a experince_n find_v out_o what_o cogitation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v annex_v to_o such_o motion_n in_o the_o brain_n he_o sure_o who_o do_v at_o first_o unite_v they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o if_o evil_a spirit_n by_o the_o privilege_n of_o immaterial_a being_n can_v communicate_v thought_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o immediate_a influence_n he_o certain_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o can_v do_v much_o more_o he_o may_v proceed_v in_o other_o method_n nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o he_o nor_o himself_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n however_o this_o we_o must_v assure_o believe_v that_o god_n change_v not_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n herein_o in_o violent_o withhold_a our_o will_n from_o consent_v to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o rational_a being_n point_v out_o the_o right_a way_n to_o we_o persuade_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o it_o fixeth_z reward_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o move_v we_o gentle_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o embrace_v it_o but_o after_o all_o will_v not_o forcible_o carry_v we_o into_o it_o and_o thus_o he_o deal_v with_o we_o when_o tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n he_o give_v we_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o withstand_v he_o enlighten_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o full_a prospect_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v withdraw_v the_o will_n from_o his_o solicitation_n but_o after_o all_o leave_v it_o at_o liberty_n and_o await_v the_o issue_n not_o that_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n be_v give_v to_o all_o who_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n but_o that_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o none_o who_o right_o seek_v it_o he_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v not_o earnest_o desire_v if_o it_o be_v not_o thankful_o receive_v if_o it_o be_v not_o sober_o use_v if_o it_o be_v not_o right_o improve_v as_o he_o former_o deliver_v up_o the_o rebellious_a israelite_n to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o imagination_n and_o as_o still_o by_o the_o solemn_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n when_o right_o apply_v wicked_a christian_n be_v deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n to_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will._n another_o method_n whereby_o god_n assist_v mankind_n extraordinary_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v by_o restrain_v his_o force_n and_o limit_v his_o malice_n the_o devil_n can_v perform_v any_o act_n of_o temptation_n without_o the_o ordinary_a permission_n of_o god_n and_o ofttimes_o he_o be_v extraordinary_o restrain_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n from_o tempt_v faithful_a man_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o ability_n to_o endure_v god_n put_v a_o hook_n in_o the_o nose_n of_o this_o leviathan_n and_o fix_v his_o bound_n unto_o he_o how_o far_o he_o shall_v pass_v and_o no_o far_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n where_o he_o determine_v how_o far_o his_o power_n of_o temptation_n shall_v extend_v and_o forbid_v he_o to_o proceed_v any_o far_a than_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a and_o most_o conspicuous_a benefit_n of_o christianity_n that_o by_o the_o reception_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n that_o old_a dragon_n in_o the_o revelation_n be_v chain_v up_o his_o power_n abridge_v his_o malice_n weaken_v before_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o have_v procure_v to_o himself_o a_o universal_a worship_n in_o the_o world_n except_o in_o the_o small_a spot_n of_o judea_n erect_v oracle_n and_o daily_o effect_v lie_v wonder_n man_n be_v from_o their_o infancy_n train_v up_o in_o his_o service_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o their_o education_n if_o any_o oppose_v his_o worship_n he_o be_v present_o decry_v as_o a_o atheist_n as_o a_o introducer_n of_o new_a religion_n obnoxious_a to_o severe_a punishment_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n if_o man_n entertain_v a_o suspicion_n of_o that_o irrational_a worship_n which_o he_o have_v form_v he_o can_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o follower_n by_o seem_a miracle_n fright_v they_o into_o his_o obedience_n by_o prodigy_n keep_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o divinity_n by_o sorcery_n and_o prediction_n all_o this_o be_v then_o permit_v to_o he_o till_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v his_o power_n then_o sensible_o decrease_v until_o the_o open_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o determine_v by_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v then_o remand_v to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n deprive_v of_o the_o power_n of_o work_v apparent_a miracle_n at_o least_o in_o christian_a country_n confine_v to_o secret_a and_o dark_a operation_n only_o and_o even_o those_o in_o great_a measure_n enervate_v and_o defeat_v by_o that_o ordinary_a grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o public_a sacrament_n and_o office_n of_o the_o church_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o add_v somewhat_o of_o the_o assistance_n give_v to_o we_o by_o good_a spirit_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n of_o which_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n do_v particular_o require_v a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n which_o be_v pious_o institute_v by_o the_o church_n in_o commemoration_n of_o those_o many_o and_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a angel_n among_o these_o none_o of_o the_o least_o be_v what_o we_o now_o treat_v of_o their_o assist_v we_o in_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n for_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n for_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v heb._n i._n 14._o they_o apply_v themselves_o with_o unwearied_a diligence_n to_o this_o charitable_a office_n attend_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n countermine_v the_o stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n move_v the_o affection_n promote_a the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n how_o all_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v after_o a_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o the_o method_n whereby_o evil_a spirit_n operate_v in_o our_o soul_n for_o whatsoever_o natural_a power_n these_o possess_v equal_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a angel_n who_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a if_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o move_a matter_n and_o so_o of_o affect_v our_o imagination_n much_o more_o these_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v imprint_v idea_n in_o our_o mind_n by_o immediate_a influence_n much_o more_o these_o who_o pious_a design_n be_v bless_v and_o prosper_v by_o their_o almighty_a patron_n if_o they_o by_o long_a observation_n have_v find_v out_o the_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n these_o possess_v by_o nature_n a_o equal_a knowledge_n and_o have_v obtain_v a_o much_o great_a by_o divine_a communication_n if_o they_o have_v discover_v the_o less_o defensible_a place_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n where_o the_o attempt_n may_v most_o successful_o be_v make_v these_o have_v discern_v the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v most_o persuasive_a to_o every_o single_a man_n and_o fail_v not_o to_o apply_v they_o fit_o if_o they_o prosecute_v their_o hatred_n and_o wicked_a design_n against_o mankind_n with_o unwearied_a malice_n these_o continue_v their_o good_a office_n with_o no_o less_o constant_a diligence_n and_o charity_n if_o they_o be_v render_v vigorous_a and_o powerful_a in_o all_o their_o action_n by_o their_o subtlety_n agility_n long_a experience_n and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n these_o obtain_v the_o same_o faculty_n in_o equal_a perfection_n and_o with_o far_o great_a probability_n of_o success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o therein_o these_o act_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n they_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o these_o with_o a_o constant_a complacency_n and_o prospect_n of_o reward_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o it_o those_o with_o a_o perpetual_a vexation_n as_o know_v the_o increase_n of_o their_o punishment_n do_v attend_v it_o these_o assist_v and_o direct_v by_o god_n those_o restrain_v and_o withheld_a by_o he_o in_o
upon_o his_o constant_a guard_n lest_o he_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v surprise_v and_o sure_o a_o surprise_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v avoid_v where_o so_o many_o passage_n must_v be_v guard_v when_o the_o enemy_n may_v enter_v in_o by_o the_o sense_n or_o imagination_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o external_a object_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o internal_a thought_n and_o all_o these_o as_o numerous_a and_o various_a as_o be_v the_o object_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v or_o about_o which_o they_o be_v employ_v scarce_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v we_o not_o discover_v some_o passion_n predominant_a to_o the_o rest_n and_o which_o may_v he_o be_v allow_v to_o indulge_v he_o will_v confident_o undertake_v for_o the_o good_a behaviour_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o this_o liberty_n christianity_n deny_v to_o he_o enjoin_v he_o a_o universal_a conquest_n of_o all_o his_o passion_n a_o general_a performance_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n forbid_v the_o omission_n of_o any_o one_o duty_n upon_o pain_n of_o incur_v the_o gild_n of_o all_o and_o this_o be_v true_o so_o great_a a_o difficulty_n that_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v any_o far_a reason_n why_o the_o best_a christian_n of_o all_o age_n be_v but_o hardly_o save_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o more_o near_o concern_v we_o i_o will_v mention_v but_o two_o 1._o the_o want_n of_o a_o universal_a example_n and_o 2._o the_o want_n of_o miracle_n by_o these_o the_o ancient_a christian_n convert_v the_o heathen_a world_n and_o through_o want_n of_o these_o we_o be_v almost_o return_v to_o heathenism_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o powerful_a argument_n of_o virtue_n to_o all_o ingenuous_a man_n when_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o retain_v the_o character_n they_o have_v undertake_v without_o a_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o piety_n when_o to_o be_v a_o vicious_a christian_a be_v to_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o world_n when_o vice_n be_v a_o singularity_n and_o dissent_n from_o all_o other_o of_o the_o same_o denomination_n whereas_o in_o latter_a age_n the_o whole_a have_v be_v invert_v the_o character_n universal_o retain_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o a_o pious_a christian_a must_v dissent_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n from_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o virtue_n be_v become_v a_o singularity_n inasmuch_o as_o what_o can_v be_v sufficienty_n lament_v many_o ingenuous_a mind_n have_v be_v betray_v to_o sin_n to_o which_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o incline_v lest_o they_o shall_v appear_v uncivil_a and_o morose_a and_o when_o unlawful_a custom_n can_v acquire_v the_o esteem_n of_o civility_n among_o christian_n we_o can_v but_o confess_v a_o extreme_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v of_o example_n in_o general_a that_o they_o have_v more_o influence_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n than_o reason_n or_o argument_n man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n such_o as_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christendom_n take_v their_o measure_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o as_o man_n do_v of_o the_o law_n of_o any_o country_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n and_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o christianity_n be_v so_o severe_a and_o serious_a a_o matter_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n trifle_n with_o it_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o hope_v for_o impunity_n in_o a_o multitude_n to_o fall_v into_o impiety_n when_o no_o shame_n restrain_v they_o when_o a_o prevail_a example_n lead_v they_o as_o for_o man_n of_o more_o raise_v understanding_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o about_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o even_o those_o escape_n not_o this_o universal_a contagion_n they_o fear_v to_o be_v account_v singular_a be_v force_v to_o dissemble_v and_o perhaps_o at_o last_o to_o stifle_v their_o knowledge_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o such_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n this_o difficulty_n receive_v yet_o far_o aggravation_n if_o we_o reflect_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o our_o own_o gild_n that_o ourselves_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o apostolic_a age_n be_v pure_o extraneous_a for_o which_o those_o christian_n be_v not_o accountable_a they_o bring_v not_o their_o persecution_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o sin_n commit_v before_o conversion_n can_v not_o afterward_o be_v just_o impute_v to_o they_o as_o christian_n whereas_o this_o disadvantage_n we_o now_o complain_v of_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o sin_n commit_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o have_v contribute_v somewhat_o and_o beside_o the_o internal_a gild_n of_o the_o crime_n commit_v have_v upon_o that_o account_n increase_v our_o sin_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o we_o to_o endeavour_v by_o the_o exemplariness_n of_o our_o future_a conduct_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o remove_v this_o difficulty_n and_o retrieve_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o former_a time_n for_o that_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v but_o to_o compensate_a the_o injury_n which_o we_o have_v do_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o our_o sinful_a deportment_n the_o other_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o present_a age_n which_o i_o mention_v the_o want_n of_o miracle_n can_v indeed_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o fault_n of_o we_o nor_o yet_o be_v retrieve_v by_o we_o yet_o a_o sensible_a disadvantage_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v when_o we_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o former_a time_n who_o faith_n and_o zeal_n be_v constant_o awaken_v keep_v up_o and_o enliven_v by_o the_o frequent_a sight_n of_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o they_o expect_v and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v but_o i_o wave_v the_o far_a consideration_n of_o this_o difficulty_n because_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n yet_o this_o use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o it_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o it_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o most_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o have_v so_o contrive_v the_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n that_o both_o of_o they_o have_v very_o near_o equal_a assistance_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o so_o he_o may_v without_o derogation_n to_o his_o justice_n perform_v what_o our_o lord_n promise_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o housholder_n in_o the_o xx._n of_o st._n matthew_n reward_v those_o who_o he_o have_v call_v in_o the_o eleven_o hour_n equal_o with_o those_o who_o he_o have_v hire_v in_o the_o morning_n who_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n which_o the_o father_n general_o expound_v of_o this_o very_a case_n for_o now_o those_o who_o he_o call_v first_o who_o undergo_v such_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o fierce_a persecution_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o faith_n can_v just_o complain_v that_o we_o be_v equal_o reward_v with_o they_o who_o endure_v none_o of_o those_o calamity_n the_o church_n indeed_o in_o latter_a age_n have_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o quiet_n have_v not_o maintain_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o expense_n of_o her_o blood_n so_o neither_o do_v she_o enjoy_v those_o miracle_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o which_o they_o be_v bless_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o eminent_a example_n the_o miracle_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v every_o where_o conspicuous_a the_o apostle_n yet_o alive_a who_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o the_o immediate_a impulse_n of_o god_n and_o even_o after_o their_o death_n the_o same_o gift_n and_o miracle_n be_v continue_v till_o peace_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n all_o these_o advantage_n we_o want_v which_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o security_n we_o have_v which_o be_v deny_v to_o they_o if_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o comparison_n we_o want_v also_o that_o glorious_a example_n of_o universal_a piety_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o their_o day_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o enter_v not_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n with_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o habit_n of_o vice_n with_o which_o they_o do_v they_o feel_v not_o the_o mischief_n of_o a_o ill_a example_n prevail_v among_o christian_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a education_n thus_o god_n have_v most_o wise_o in_o all_o age_n make_v
commandment_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a a_o proposition_n which_o may_v perhaps_o appear_v incredible_a to_o any_o one_o who_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o obedience_n require_v and_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o every_o action_n of_o our_o life_n be_v limit_v and_o regulate_v by_o it_o that_o it_o extend_v not_o to_o the_o outward_a act_n alone_o but_o include_v the_o most_o secret_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n that_o it_o enjoin_v man_n to_o forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o quit_v his_o dear_a affection_n to_o renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o occasion_n even_o life_n itself_o that_o therefore_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v which_o find_v it_o and_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o continual_a war_n against_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n these_o reason_n may_v possible_o affright_v mankind_n from_o take_v such_o a_o severe_a profession_n on_o they_o do_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o experience_n of_o all_o good_a man_n and_o the_o infallible_a asseveration_n of_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o yoke_n far_o from_o be_v insupportable_a be_v light_n and_o easy_a i_o may_v evidence_n this_o by_o many_o reason_n but_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n confine_v myself_o to_o three_o 1._o the_o agreeableness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n 2._o the_o greatness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n 3._o the_o external_a assistance_n afford_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n for_o what_o do_v christianity_n enjoin_v which_o reason_n do_v not_o confirm_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n what_o do_v it_o require_v which_o do_v not_o adorn_v perfect_a and_o exalt_v his_o nature_n the_o sum_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o conserve_v a_o reverend_a conception_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v his_o authority_n and_o prefer_v it_o to_o all_o other_o reason_n to_o exercise_v a_o constant_a temperance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o pleasure_n a_o universal_a charity_n in_o relation_n to_o our_o fellow-member_n to_o be_v just_a and_o true_a to_o oppress_v none_o to_o defraud_v none_o to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o these_o be_v the_o great_a line_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n to_o these_o indeed_o must_v be_v add_v to_o complete_a a_o christian_n faith_n in_o christ_n reliance_n on_o his_o merit_n communion_n with_o he_o in_o those_o external_a sacrament_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v to_o declare_v the_o mutual_a union_n between_o himself_o and_o we_o whereby_o we_o visible_o join_v ourselves_o to_o he_o put_v ourselves_o under_o his_o command_n declare_v confirm_v and_o reiterate_v our_o resolution_n of_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o follow_v his_o direction_n yet_o can_v these_o latter_a scarce_o be_v account_v any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n since_o simple_o consider_v they_o include_v no_o difficulty_n no_o restraint_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o will_v not_o even_o by_o the_o most_o sensual_a person_n be_v account_v any_o yoke_n or_o burden_n but_o as_o they_o be_v so_o many_o mark_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n by_o every_o christian_n to_o observe_v those_o primary_n duty_n which_o we_o before_o mention_v these_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o create_v be_v he_o owe_v obedience_n to_o god_n as_o possess_v the_o use_n of_o freewill_n and_o reason_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o direct_v his_o action_n according_a to_o those_o rule_n which_o reason_n prescribe_v to_o he_o from_o the_o light_n of_o this_o reason_n he_o be_v easy_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o exercise_v all_o those_o virtue_n we_o before_o mention_v that_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o his_o duty_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o oppose_v the_o direction_n of_o his_o reason_n which_o ought_v to_o guide_v he_o and_o over_o turn_v that_o order_n and_o decorum_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o body_n the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o mind_n force_v he_o to_o confess_v his_o dependence_n upon_o some_o great_a be_v convince_v he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o world_n to_o follow_v blind_o the_o inclination_n of_o his_o own_o will_n but_o to_o conform_v himself_o to_o those_o rule_n of_o government_n which_o the_o common_a author_n of_o all_o creature_n have_v establish_v among_o they_o if_o when_o he_o undertake_v any_o action_n or_o form_v any_o resolution_n he_o consult_v his_o reason_n it_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o this_o be_v his_o duty_n that_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o this_o be_v decent_a that_o unfit_a for_o he_o this_o become_v that_o dishonour_v his_o nature_n nay_o whether_o he_o take_v council_n from_o reason_n or_o not_o it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o suggest_v to_o he_o in_o every_o action_n what_o be_v good_a just_a and_o honourable_a what_o impious_a injust_a and_o disgraceful_a to_o he_o now_o all_o these_o natural_a suggestion_n of_o reason_n be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o very_a duty_n which_o make_v up_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ._n the_o action_n and_o rule_n of_o conduct_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o the_o only_a difference_n lie_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n and_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o every_o action_n be_v to_o proceed_v for_o whereas_o nature_n direct_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v perform_v because_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n that_o omit_v because_o repugnant_a to_o it_o christianity_n require_v that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v do_v the_o other_o forbear_v chief_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o conformity_n to_o his_o will_n and_o in_o gratitude_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o redemption_n however_o the_o act_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o do_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o man_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o obedience_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a to_o god_n that_o whatsoever_o oppose_v his_o will_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o denial_n of_o dependence_n on_o he_o that_o the_o appetite_n passion_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o more_o noble_a faculty_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v this_o which_o constitute_v a_o man_n and_o distinguish_v his_o conduct_n from_o that_o of_o beast_n that_o to_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o these_o lust_n to_o gratify_v any_o of_o they_o without_o the_o assent_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o pervert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o violate_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n that_o to_o be_v just_a true_a and_o charitable_a be_v what_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n require_v to_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o conform_v himself_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o it_o that_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o defraud_v or_o injure_v any_o other_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o he_o be_v unworthy_a to_o continue_v his_o station_n among_o man_n all_o this_o natural_a reason_n suggest_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man._n these_o draw_v not_o their_o original_a from_o any_o reveal_v religion_n but_o be_v only_o enforce_v by_o it_o it_o have_v be_v pretend_v indeed_o by_o some_o patron_n of_o atheism_n though_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v believe_v that_o themselves_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o that_o all_o these_o notion_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o precedent_a impression_n of_o some_o reveal_v or_o supposed_o reveal_v religion_n on_o the_o contrary_a all_o age_n and_o nation_n all_o order_n of_o man_n have_v agree_v in_o these_o common_a notion_n which_o can_v possible_o proceed_v from_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o universal_a instinct_n of_o nature_n view_v the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o institute_v religion_n they_o have_v the_o same_o general_a conception_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a which_o we_o have_v look_v back_o into_o the_o most_o ancient_a age_n of_o the_o world_n antecedent_n to_o any_o suppose_a revelation_n the_o same_o idea_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n will_v be_v find_v in_o all_o consult_v the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n they_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o almost_o all_o their_o speculation_n in_o these_o practical_a truth_n they_o all_o agree_v last_o search_v the_o conscience_n of_o every_o single_a man_n and_o because_o you_o can_v discover_v the_o secret_n of_o other_o man_n appeal_v to_o your_o own_o experience_n whether_o every_o action_n be_v not_o attend_v with_o a_o immediate_a approbation_n or_o condemnation_n of_o reason_n
worship_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n all_o which_o put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o if_o all_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n public_a prayer_n be_v more_o eminent_o so_o the_o intention_n of_o private_a prayer_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o obtain_v supply_n to_o the_o want_n of_o the_o petitioner_n and_o then_o to_o worship_v god_n whereas_o in_o public_a prayer_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a design_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o necessity_n but_o a_o secondary_a intention_n so_o that_o to_o intermit_v the_o use_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o pray_v only_o in_o private_a be_v for_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n only_o in_o subordination_n to_o his_o own_o design_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o public_a worship_n and_o prayer_n do_v far_o more_o effectual_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v open_o and_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o all_o other_o confess_v their_o subjection_n to_o god_n magnify_v his_o benefit_n deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n whereas_o he_o who_o confine_v his_o devotion_n to_o a_o closet_n may_v perhaps_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n but_o seem_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v so_o much_o to_o other_o man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o he_o equal_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v also_o violate_v his_o command_n and_o want_v his_o mercy_n the_o psalmist_n therefore_o upon_o the_o receive_n of_o great_a and_o eminent_a benefit_n be_v wont_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v praise_v god_n in_o the_o congregation_n as_o well_o know_v that_o such_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o do_v far_o more_o contribute_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v also_o more_o please_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o god_n receive_v no_o increase_n of_o honour_n from_o our_o praise_n for_o neither_o do_v he_o receive_v any_o such_o advantage_n from_o private_a worship_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v impious_a to_o say_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o man._n but_o by_o public_a worship_n man_n do_v more_o evident_o manifest_v their_o gratitude_n to_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n which_o they_o have_v of_o his_o benefit_n and_o their_o own_o obligation_n than_o by_o private_a prayer_n and_o adoration_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o former_a be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o delight_v in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n which_o good_a can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o procure_v or_o maintain_v but_o by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n one_o part_n of_o which_o be_v a_o just_a return_n of_o gratitude_n and_o worship_n to_o himself_o god_n receive_v not_o increase_v of_o honour_n from_o the_o praise_n of_o angel_n any_o more_o than_o from_o those_o of_o men._n yet_o all_o the_o description_n which_o we_o find_v of_o heaven_n represent_v they_o as_o incessant_o sing_v praise_n to_o their_o great_a creator_n who_o not_o content_a to_o retain_v a_o reverend_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o their_o own_o thought_n communicate_v they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n find_v church_n that_o be_v separate_z society_n of_o man_n unite_v by_o certain_a law_n and_o under_o one_o common_a form_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o adore_v he_o by_o one_o common_a form_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o private_a worship_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o contrive_v and_o find_v church_n by_o wonder_n of_o providence_n as_o he_o have_v that_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n in_o vain_a have_v he_o give_v to_o they_o particular_a law_n and_o annex_v many_o privilege_n and_o promise_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o such_o under_o the_o old_a law_n he_o require_v every_o male_a to_o appear_v before_o he_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n and_o command_v public_a worship_n to_o be_v continual_o pay_v to_o himself_o in_o daily_a sacrifice_n yet_o as_o he_o declare_v although_o he_o care_v not_o for_o ten_o thousand_o bullock_n nor_o for_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o will_v not_o remit_v the_o duty_n and_o adjoin_v reward_n to_o it_o because_o it_o public_o declare_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devout_a sacrificer_n to_o himself_o in_o these_o public_a form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n our_o lord_n while_o one_o earth_n constant_o give_v his_o attendance_n at_o appoint_a time_n after_o his_o ascension_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o apostle_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n frequent_v the_o temple_n at_o the_o usual_a hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o join_v in_o the_o common_a form_n of_o prayer_n there_o make_v use_v of_o although_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o receive_v by_o they_o they_o can_v have_v pour_v out_o extempore_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o devout_a prayer_n than_o those_o receive_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a composition_n if_o then_o god_n so_o strict_o exact_v the_o practice_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o time_n if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o exact_o perform_v it_o if_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n god_n have_v gather_v and_o unite_v a_o church_n under_o common_a law_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o common_a reward_n what_o account_n can_v they_o make_v who_o either_o lie_v aside_o all_o public_a worship_n as_o superfluous_a or_o decry_v the_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n offer_v up_o in_o the_o church_n or_o when_o themselves_o meet_v once_o a_o week_n to_o worship_n god_n place_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o day_n in_o hear_v a_o sermon_n which_o be_v proper_o no_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o only_o a_o exhortation_n to_o and_o direction_n how_o to_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o obligation_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o private_a so_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o one_o be_v far_o great_a than_o to_o the_o other_o our_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n wheresoever_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o christian_n join_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o they_o with_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v own_v they_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n he_o will_v excite_v and_o render_v effectual_a their_o devotion_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o will_v intercede_v with_o god_n for_o the_o grant_v of_o their_o petition_n and_o how_o effectual_a must_v those_o prayer_n be_v wherein_o our_o lord_n himself_o concur_v or_o what_o doubt_n can_v remain_v of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o our_o desire_n when_o he_o be_v present_a with_o we_o all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o assistance_n pardon_v favour_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v ancient_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n worship_v god_n at_o the_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v now_o translate_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o whereas_o among_o they_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o place_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v give_v not_o to_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o same_o privilege_n be_v make_v common_a to_o all_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o christianity_n do_v prevail_v to_o worship_n offer_v up_o from_o public_a place_n alone_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o great_a and_o more_o illustrious_a blessing_n of_o god_n be_v annex_v and_o no_o wonder_n since_o by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n do_v appear_v by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a honour_n of_o god_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n while_o the_o tabernacle_n make_v by_o moses_n and_o afterward_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n stand_v while_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o worship_n be_v perform_v therein_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o the_o jew_n worship_v the_o
true_a god_n that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n when_o the_o people_n general_o forsake_v the_o public_a worship_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n at_o home_n to_o worship_n god_n upon_o every_o high_a hill_n and_o under_o every_o green_a tree_n there_o than_o remain_v no_o far_a evidence_n of_o the_o public_a belief_n or_o religion_n of_o the_o nation_n while_o therefore_o worship_n be_v due_o pay_v by_o they_o in_o the_o place_n appoint_v by_o god_n all_o the_o promise_n blessing_n and_o reward_n mention_v in_o the_o jewish_a covenant_n take_v place_n they_o enjoy_v peace_n security_n and_o abundance_n their_o sin_n be_v expiate_v their_o petition_n grant_v no_o public_a calamity_n do_v attend_v they_o when_o this_o public_a worship_n be_v intermit_v by_o they_o god_n be_v no_o long_o engage_v by_o promise_n to_o protect_v they_o since_o they_o do_v not_o now_o any_o long_o appear_v to_o be_v his_o people_n the_o only_a evidence_n of_o which_o be_v public_a worship_n all_o this_o do_v full_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v the_o public_a prosperity_n or_o misery_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o regular_a observation_n or_o general_a intermission_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o like_a manner_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o more_o eminent_a promise_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n be_v affix_v to_o public_a worship_n since_o by_o this_o alone_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v preserve_v and_o maintain_v among_o we_o if_o man_n shall_v content_v themselves_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o private_a and_o proceed_v no_o far_o it_o can_v never_o appear_v what_o religion_n any_o nation_n profess_v what_o god_n they_o worship_v no_o public_a honour_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v pay_v by_o that_o nation_n to_o he_o and_o consequent_o no_o national_a blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v but_o when_o in_o any_o country_n place_n be_v solemn_o dedicate_v to_o the_o true_a god_n when_o in_o they_o divine_a worship_n be_v constant_o pay_v especial_o if_o this_o worship_n be_v daily_o renew_v if_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n join_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n in_o pay_v the_o same_o worship_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n then_o such_o a_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v national_a then_o all_o those_o expression_n so_o frequent_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n for_o my_o temple_n sake_n and_o lest_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v blaspheme_v among_o the_o heathen_a will_v take_v place_n among_o we_o for_o example_n what_o great_a evidence_n can_v there_o be_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o this_o nation_n than_o that_o in_o this_o sacred_a place_n prayer_n have_v be_v daily_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o many_o age_n together_o such_o sacred_a place_n be_v the_o stand_a monument_n and_o the_o undeniable_a testimony_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o any_o nation_n by_o these_o we_o know_v that_o our_o forefather_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o by_o these_o our_o posterity_n will_v know_v that_o we_o continue_v the_o same_o worship_n by_o this_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v chief_o keep_v up_o in_o any_o country_n and_o since_o he_o have_v affirm_v that_o those_o who_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v then_o only_o can_v we_o rational_o presume_v to_o receive_v from_o god_n public_a and_o national_a blessing_n while_o such_o a_o public_a worship_n be_v due_o maintain_v among_o we_o thus_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o my_o text_n the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n the_o present_a time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v from_o hence_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o indispensable_a and_o constant_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o significant_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v prayer_n that_o public_a prayer_n best_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v also_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n such_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n and_o such_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o let_v we_o now_o look_v upon_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o christian_n and_o more_o particular_o those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n who_o be_v better_a instruct_v and_o have_v great_a advantage_n in_o the_o exact_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o men._n i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o affirm_v yet_o i_o much_o fear_v it_o that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n never_o worship_v god_n in_o private_a although_o no_o necessity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v so_o urgent_a as_o not_o to_o permit_v every_o one_o to_o address_v himself_o daily_o to_o god_n in_o that_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o knowledge_n much_o more_o be_v require_v but_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o those_o which_o frequent_a it_o who_o perform_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v education_n custom_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n oblige_v man_n to_o cease_v from_o labour_n upon_o those_o day_n which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v add_v that_o the_o same_o consideration_n oblige_v they_o to_o frequent_v due_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n upon_o those_o day_n but_o from_o they_o who_o do_v frequent_v it_o as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o irreligion_n we_o expect_v a_o true_a constant_a and_o humble_a devotion_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v and_o deplore_v the_o great_a negligence_n and_o stupid_a carelessness_n of_o many_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a prayer_n many_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o day_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v a_o sermon_n hence_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v if_o they_o enter_v after_o the_o prayer_n be_v begin_v after_o the_o confession_n be_v make_v and_o the_o absolution_n pronounce_v by_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v present_a at_o they_o they_o seem_v irksome_a to_o they_o they_o join_v not_o in_o they_o far_o from_o any_o devotion_n in_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o pay_v any_o bodily_a reverence_n they_o refuse_v to_o kneel_v and_o some_o even_o presume_v to_o sit_v still_o at_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n we_o want_v that_o cheerful_a concurrence_n in_o the_o congregation_n in_o which_o the_o ancient_a christian_n so_o much_o glorify_v say_v that_o a_o amen_o pronounce_v by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v like_o a_o clap_n of_o thunder_n which_o pierce_v heaven_n in_o our_o assembly_n how_o small_a a_o part_n join_v in_o repeat_v the_o common_a form_n of_o confession_n praise_n and_o adoration_n of_o god_n and_o not_o many_o vouchsafe_v to_o add_v a_o amen_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o several_a prayer_n such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o public_a devotion_n at_o this_o time_n lamentable_a indeed_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o such_o as_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o such_o therefore_o let_v i_o address_v myself_o do_v not_o you_o believe_v yourselves_o equal_o oblige_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o other_o be_v not_o you_o also_o create_v by_o he_o and_o still_o depend_v upon_o he_o why_o then_o do_v you_o refuse_v to_o do_v homage_n to_o he_o to_o profess_v public_o your_o subjection_n by_o such_o a_o humble_a posture_n of_o body_n as_o may_v declare_v it_o if_o a_o heathen_a shall_v enter_v into_o our_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o examine_v our_o devotion_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o put_v the_o case_n for_o st._n paul_n before_o put_v it_o to_o the_o corinthian_n what_o will_v he_o say_v when_o he_o shall_v behold_v some_o kneel_v the_o great_a part_n stand_v and_o many_o perhaps_o sâ—tting_v he_o can_v say_v no_o other_o than_o that_o little_a decency_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o religious_a assembly_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o they_o many_o person_n be_v present_a but_o few_o of_o those_o worship_n god_n that_o the_o great_a part_n express_v a_o strange_a unconcernedness_n in_o a_o lazy_a posture_n of_o stand_v and_o that_o some_o seem_v design_o to_o affront_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n by_o sit_v in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n and_o when_o he_o be_v invoke_v let_v not_o these_o reproach_n any_o long_o be_v say_v of_o christian_n who_o want_v no_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o who_o religion_n teach_v they_o the_o contrary_n assure_v yourselves_o that_o it_o be_v not_o listen_v to_o a_o sermon_n which_o can_v suffice_v this_o be_v not_o to_o worship_n god_n but_o only_o
the_o propagation_n of_o it_o afterward_o for_o several_a age_n the_o peaceable_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n seldom_o want_v their_o effect_n in_o private_a christian_n and_o even_o wrought_v so_o far_o in_o public_a society_n profess_v christianity_n that_o for_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o christian_n never_o war_v against_o other_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n nor_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o whole_o expire_v in_o these_o degenerate_a time_n witness_v that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n which_o still_o frequent_a the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o who_o it_o be_v charitable_o be_v to_o suppose_a that_o none_o presume_v to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n without_o a_o entire_a resolution_n of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o maintain_v peace_n with_o all_o men._n the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o angel_n doxology_n be_v goodwill_n towards_o man_n which_o express_v much_o more_o than_o reconciliation_n of_o god_n to_o man_n imply_v no_o less_o than_o his_o favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o they_o use_v the_o very_a same_o word_n in_o the_o original_a which_o god_n do_v of_o his_o son_n when_o he_o say_v of_o he_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o the_o assumption_n of_o the_o humane_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o far_o propitiate_v god_n in_o regard_n to_o man_n that_o he_o not_o only_o forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o but_o also_o admit_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n make_v they_o capable_a of_o even_o preternatural_a happiness_n even_o of_o enjoy_v himself_o in_o heaven_n insomuch_o that_o he_o who_o have_v once_o through_o abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n repent_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v make_v they_o and_o resolve_v that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o they_o do_v now_o adopt_v they_o for_o the_o darling_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o as_o the_o original_a word_n in_o the_o text_n imply_v even_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o vouchsafe_v to_o honour_n they_o by_o join_v it_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o son_n and_o therein_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o degree_n even_o above_o that_o of_o angel_n not_o only_o admit_v they_o to_o that_o pardon_n of_o past_a sin_n which_o be_v never_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o angel_n but_o also_o send_v the_o prince_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n to_o take_v human_a flesh_n upon_o he_o who_o afterward_o ascend_v with_o it_o into_o heaven_n shall_v thereby_o consecrate_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n of_o which_o his_o body_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n and_o thereby_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o glory_n and_o sure_o no_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n or_o of_o his_o delight_n in_o mankind_n can_v be_v desire_v than_o to_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o society_n of_o himself_o in_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o delight_n which_o he_o testify_v to_o take_v in_o his_o belove_a son_n the_o utmost_a reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o he_o advance_v his_o human_a nature_n to_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o heaven_n for_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v place_v there_o from_o all_o age_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n admit_v all_o those_o who_o shall_v imitate_v his_o life_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o glory_n the_o possession_n of_o heaven_n wherewith_o the_o human_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o invest_v be_v a_o argument_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o a_o earnest_a that_o we_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o same_o honour_n for_o christ_n our_o forerunner_n be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o we_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o leave_v without_o other_o visible_a pledge_n of_o the_o same_o hope_n more_o particular_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n wherein_o be_v lively_o represent_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n and_o our_o relation_n to_o it_o the_o bread_n declare_v his_o body_n the_o wine_n his_o blood_n the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n the_o mortality_n of_o his_o body_n the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wine_n the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n to_o purchase_v redemption_n for_o mankind_n the_o distribution_n of_o both_o to_o every_o communicant_a manifest_v that_o they_o be_v peculiar_o concern_v in_o all_o this_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o receive_v his_o figurative_a body_n be_v assure_v of_o obtain_v in_o due_a time_n the_o same_o happiness_n with_o his_o true_a body_n now_o in_o heaven_n by_o these_o figure_n of_o his_o true_a body_n we_o open_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o incarnation_n that_o he_o real_o take_v human_a flesh_n upon_o he_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o not_o only_o in_o appearance_n as_o be_v the_o vain_a imagination_n of_o ancient_a heretic_n for_o that_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o represent_v which_o be_v not_o real_a we_o acknowledge_v his_o divine_a nature_n at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o that_o adoration_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o body_n which_o ought_v to_o accompany_v this_o religious_a action_n we_o profess_v our_o belief_n that_o he_o come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o that_o in_o time_n all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n be_v fullfil_v in_o that_o we_o celebrate_v the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o come_v as_o the_o intention_n and_o the_o office_n of_o this_o festival_n direct_v last_o we_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n if_o we_o do_v all_o this_o with_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o charity_n so_o shall_v we_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o holy_a angel_n to_o renew_v their_o hymn_n to_o sing_v glory_n to_o god_n who_o be_v honour_v by_o this_o devotion_n and_o thankfulness_n of_o his_o servant_n peace_n on_o earth_n wherein_o man_n be_v hereby_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o goodwill_n towards_o man_n who_o be_v hereby_o admit_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o will_v be_v hereafter_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o he_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_n finis_fw-la