christian_n member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o assembly_n of_o man_n devote_v unto_o christ_n meet_v together_o for_o religious_a worship_n they_o be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o assemble_v with_o it_o that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o christian_n nor_o will_v any_o of_o their_o private_a devotion_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a because_o they_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n who_o very_a be_v consist_v iâ—_n assembly_n and_o not_o in_o separate_a worship_n alone_o by_o ourselves_o which_o private_a worship_n be_v then_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n when_o perform_v by_o a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o be_v by_o onâ—_n who_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a assembly_n by_o which_o he_o procure_v acceptance_n for_o his_o secret_a and_o private_a service_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v moâ—â—_n acceptable_a that_o we_o can_v reasonable_a think_v they_o be_v acceptable_a at_o all_o wheâ—_n they_o be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o otherâ—_n or_o when_o the_o other_o be_v constant_o neglect_v if_o i_o know_v how_o to_o make_v this_o plaineâ—_n i_o will_v do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n 〈◊〉_d great_a importance_n that_o we_o may_v not_o 〈◊〉_d guilty_a of_o neglect_v the_o public_a wâ—â—_n ship_n of_o god_n where_o it_o may_v be_v injoyeâ—_n for_o so_o far_o as_o we_o neglect_v this_o we_o 〈◊〉_d ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v we_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o become_v bare_a natural_a man_n and_o woman_n for_o christian_n be_v make_v to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o a_o body_n of_o which_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v a_o part_n which_o can_v subsist_v but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n perhaps_o this_o will_v be_v better_o understand_v by_o consider_v how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v christian_n which_o be_v not_o bare_o by_o belief_n in_o christ_n but_o by_o receive_v baptism_n where_o profess_v faith_n in_o he_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a society_n and_o communion_n to_o partake_v of_o those_o blessing_n which_o be_v bestow_v by_o christ_n upon_o the_o christian_a fellowship_n but_o then_o we_o must_v continue_v therein_o by_o live_v like_o christians_n and_o particular_o by_o assemble_v together_o continual_o for_o christian_a worship_n otherwise_o we_o renounce_v our_o baptism_n which_o admit_v we_o into_o a_o society_n and_o not_o to_o act_v separately_z by_o ourselves_o alone_o in_o which_o society_n if_o â—ny_a man_n behave_v himself_o so_o scandalous_o that_o he_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o it_o he_o â—s_v deny_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o their_o prayer_n all_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d remain_v so_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o to_o haâ—_n communion_n with_o the_o faithful_a in_o prayâ—_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v admit_v by_o be_v make_v christian_n 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d bar_v when_o they_o be_v turn_v out_o 〈◊〉_d the_o christian_a society_n for_o the_o further_a manifestation_n 〈◊〉_d which_o great_a truth_n which_o i_o have_v thâ—_n explain_v in_o general_a i_o shall_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d low_v chapter_n offer_v several_a paâ—â—â—cular_a consideration_n which_o deserveâ—_n be_v serious_o ponder_v in_o every_o câ—_n stian_n thought_n chap._n xv._o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o founder_n the_o church_n teach_v we_o this_o doctrine_n i._o and_o first_o of_o all_o i_o desire_v it_o 〈◊〉_d be_v consider_v that_o our_o bâ—â—â—sed_a lord_n do_v plain_o suppose_v 〈◊〉_d notion_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v of_o râ—â—â—gious_a assembly_n in_o the_o very_a prayer_n â—he_v teach_v his_o disciple_n the_o first_o word_n of_o which_o be_v our_o father_n not_o my_o father_n be_v a_o indication_n it_o be_v not_o make_v for_o a_o single_a person_n only_o but_o for_o a_o company_n of_o man_n join_v together_o in_o their_o petition_n to_o god_n who_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n by_o this_o expression_n when_o any_o of_o they_o say_v this_o prayer_n alone_o by_o himself_o that_o his_o prayer_n be_v at_o that_o time_n acceptable_a because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o â—olds_v communion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o christian_a brethren_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n give_v why_o we_o say_v our_o father_n even_o in_o our_o closet_n but_o that_o we_o pray_v as_o part_v of_o a_o body_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v hear_v because_o we_o be_v in_o union_n therewith_o and_o not_o divide_v from_o it_o â—nd_v therefore_o stand_v bind_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n to_o communicate_v with_o it_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a office_n when_o it_o meet_v together_o for_o that_o purpose_n two_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o christ_n most_o especial_o promise_v his_o bless_a presence_n in_o such_o public_a assembly_n matth._n xviii_o 20._o for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o 〈◊〉_d midst_n of_o they_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n foâ—_n prayer_n appear_v from_o the_o forego_n verse_n where_o he_o say_v if_o two_o of_o yâ—â—_n agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thiâ—_n they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v etc._n etc._n aâ—_n the_o word_n gather_v together_o shows_z 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o public_a prayer_n such_o as_o use_v to_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n unto_o whiâ—â—_n the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a allude_v aâ—_n two_o or_o three_o so_o gather_v together_o aâ—â—_n put_v for_o any_o number_n whatsoever_o bâ—â—_n rather_o mention_v than_o any_o other_o greâ—ter_a number_n that_o christian_n may_v 〈◊〉_d be_v discourage_v though_o they_o couâ—â—_n meet_v but_o in_o very_o small_a company_n 〈◊〉_d reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o distresâ—_n they_o labour_v under_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o synagogue_n be_v aâ—_n dr._n lightfoot_n and_o other_o have_v observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d less_o the_o number_n of_o 〈◊〉_d person_n 3_o temple-service_n c._n seven_o sect._n 3_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d year_n be_v gather_v together_o it_o wâ—_n no_o assembly_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v aâ—_n prayer_n but_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o hauâ—_n his_o church_n thus_o abridge_v in_o this_o high_a privilege_n of_o prayer_n know_v as_o mr._n thorndike_n observe_v it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o such_o a_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n can_v not_o get_v together_o either_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n which_o scatter_v they_o abroad_o or_o because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o suppose_v only_o two_o or_o three_o as_o yet_o convert_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v who_o if_o they_o do_v unanimous_o agree_v in_o common_a petition_n our_o saviour_n promise_n shall_v find_v notwithstanding_o their_o small_a number_n that_o he_o will_v be_v present_a among_o they_o that_o be_v the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o their_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o common_a prayer_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v present_a with_o a_o good_a christian_a when_o he_o pray_v alone_o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o then_o when_o they_o join_v in_o common_a prayer_n he_o will_v be_v more_o especial_o present_a for_o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v a_o love_n to_o every_o christian_a soul_n and_o delight_n to_o have_v its_o company_n then_o be_v he_o much_o more_o please_v with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o who_o present_v themselves_o together_o to_o seek_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n they_o be_v more_o welcome_a to_o he_o their_o company_n be_v more_o lovely_a the_o sight_n of_o they_o more_o amiable_a and_o they_o be_v more_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o prevail_v for_o great_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o thus_o all_o wise_a christian_n ancient_a and_o modern_a have_v understand_v it_o i_o will_v name_v one_o of_o late_a time_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o the_o ancient_n conventus_fw-la verò_fw-la sacros_fw-la ad_fw-la loca_fw-la condicta_fw-la &_o deputata_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o as_o for_o sacred_a assembly_n in_o place_n appoint_v and_o depute_v for_o that_o purpose_n we_o have_v a_o very_a great_a veneration_n and_o high_o approve_v and_o love_v they_o cùm_fw-la nobis_fw-la conjunctis_fw-la christum_fw-la magis_fw-la adesse_fw-la existimamus_fw-la for_o we_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v more_o present_a with_o we_o when_o we_o be_v meet_v in_o conjunction_n together_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o peter_n martyr_n upon_o gen._n xxviii_o 12._o and_o here_o it_o may_v not_o be_v unfit_a to_o note_v for_o a_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o matter_n
be_v preserve_v but_o a_o sense_n also_o of_o his_o greatness_n and_o magnificence_n as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o be_v also_o breed_v and_o nourish_v in_o man_n mind_n who_o join_v as_o one_o man_n in_o the_o same_o service_n be_v teach_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v but_o what_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n for_o when_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n meet_v together_o even_o as_o many_o as_o a_o spacious_a place_n can_v contain_v to_o worship_v the_o same_o be_v it_o do_v most_o natural_o signify_v and_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o glorious_a who_o so_o many_o own_o for_o their_o lord_n upon_o who_o they_o depend_v for_o all_o they_o have_v or_o can_v have_v which_o be_v not_o signify_v nor_o represent_v when_o only_o one_o or_o two_o or_o a_o few_o pray_v to_o he_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n both_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v public_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o full_a as_o be_v possible_a and_o all_o who_o belong_v to_o they_o shall_v crowd_n unto_o they_o to_o testify_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v there_o worship_v to_o be_v the_o great_a king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v xlvii_o 2._o for_o great_a number_n meet_v together_o to_o do_v their_o homage_n to_o he_o it_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a sign_n that_o can_v be_v contrive_v which_o private_a worship_n be_v not_o that_o we_o take_v he_o to_o be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o above_o all_o good_a unto_o all_o in_o one_o word_n the_o common_a parent_n of_o we_o all_o to_o who_o we_o resort_v for_o his_o blessing_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o public_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o because_o most_o suitable_a to_o his_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n the_o best_a token_n of_o the_o high_a thought_n we_o have_v of_o he_o the_o utmost_a we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v to_o testify_v how_o great_a and_o how_o good_a we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v how_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o help_v we_o all_o as_o be_v equal_o relate_v unto_o all_o and_o the_o more_o meet_a together_o for_o this_o end_n the_o better_a this_o be_v declare_v that_o he_o can_v be_v honour_v and_o glorify_v enough_o but_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o unite_a thought_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o mankind_n can_v they_o be_v assemble_v at_o once_o to_o magnify_v his_o incomparable_a perfection_n nay_o if_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n as_o a_o very_a worthy_a person_n observe_v can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o body_n to_o worship_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o will_v still_o be_v much_o better_a because_o more_o suitable_a to_o his_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n be_v still_o a_o better_a signification_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o of_o his_o vast_a dominion_n which_o he_o govern_v with_o inconceiveable_a wisdom_n and_o take_v care_n of_o with_o a_o most_o provident_a goodness_n and_o though_o no_o one_o place_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v big_a enough_o to_o contain_v so_o much_o as_o one_o nation_n or_o country_n or_o great_a city_n yet_o we_o meet_v in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o worship_n god_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n it_o approach_v something_o near_o unto_o this_o all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o government_n hereby_o set_v forth_o god_n praise_n together_o at_o the_o very_a same_o moment_n and_o in_o the_o like_a though_o not_o the_o very_a same_o individual_a place_n where_o they_o uniform_o acknowledge_v he_o with_o joint_a consent_n to_o be_v their_o common_a preserver_n and_o benefactor_n which_o be_v far_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o most_o excellent_a nature_n than_o the_o single_a or_o private_a application_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a declaration_n make_v what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o all_o but_o only_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o one_o or_o for_o a_o few_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o universal_a church_n ancient_o observe_v certain_a set_v hour_n of_o prayer_n that_o all_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n join_v together_o to_o glorify_v god_n and_o some_o of_o they_o 35._o they_o origen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d n._n 33_o 35._o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o angelical_a host_n be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o hour_n take_v that_o time_n to_o join_v their_o prayer_n and_o praise_n with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n for_o common_a reason_n lead_v they_o to_o this_o thought_n that_o those_o noble_a creature_n be_v high_o concern_v to_o set_v forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o god_n majesty_n who_o as_o he_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n so_o have_v the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o praise_n to_o which_o creature_n can_v reach_v give_v unto_o he_o when_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n combine_v together_o at_o once_o to_o worship_n he_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n though_o many_o of_o they_o particular_o concern_v himself_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o chief_a musician_n for_o the_o public_a service_n as_o the_o way_n to_o make_v his_o praise_n glorious_a so_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v in_o lxvi_o psalm_n which_o begin_v with_o a_o desire_n that_o all_o land_n will_v make_v a_o joyful_a noise_n unto_o god_n and_o sing_v forth_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n and_o make_v his_o praise_n glorious_a that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o do_v something_o suitable_a to_o the_o surpass_a glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o great_a say_v he_o elsewhere_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n xlviii_o psal_n 1._o he_o be_v not_o great_o praise_v suitable_o to_o his_o greatness_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o that_o place_n where_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o to_o praise_v he_o no_o the_o very_a private_a blessing_n bestow_v on_o david_n he_o will_v have_v public_o celebrate_v by_o all_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o only_o say_v i_o will_v bless_v the_o lord_n at_o all_o time_n his_o praise_n shall_v be_v continual_o in_o my_o mouth_n my_o soul_n shall_v make_v she_o boast_v of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n but_o add_v o_o magnify_v the_o lord_n with_o i_o and_o let_v we_o exalt_v his_o name_n together_o xxxiv_o psal_n 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o therefore_o much_o more_o be_v the_o common_a blessing_n pour_v on_o they_o all_o to_o be_v thus_o acknowledge_v and_o his_o praise_n sing_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n as_o the_o word_n be_v cxlix_o psal_n 1._o that_o be_v by_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n nay_o by_o all_o the_o people_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o he_o speak_v cxvii_o psal_n o_o praise_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o nation_n praise_v he_o all_o you_o people_n etc._n etc._n which_o st._n paul_n show_v in_o the_o xv_o rom._n 11._o be_v accomplish_v when_o the_o gentile_n submit_v themselves_o to_o christ_n and_o become_v member_n of_o his_o church_n therein_o to_o praise_v he_o continual_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n iii_o in_o which_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n will_v not_o only_o be_v preserve_v suitable_a to_o his_o most_o excellent_a greatness_n and_o goodness_n but_o preserve_v pure_a and_o sincere_a free_a from_o those_o dangerous_a mixture_n which_o may_v soon_o creep_v into_o it_o to_o corrupt_v and_o embase_v it_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v worship_v only_o in_o private_a where_o every_o man_n may_v frame_v conceit_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n agreeable_a to_o his_o own_o inclination_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o way_n to_o prevent_v or_o correct_v they_o as_o by_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n into_o which_o error_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o admit_v because_o man_n be_v natural_o careful_a about_o that_o which_o they_o expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n not_o be_v willing_a themselves_o to_o appear_v before_o other_o with_o such_o neglect_n as_o they_o be_v sometime_o find_v in_o when_o they_o be_v alone_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n dangerous_a admit_v there_o it_o will_v soon_o be_v discover_v and_o if_o not_o redress_v yet_o oppose_v by_o good_a man_n as_o all_o corruption_n have_v be_v at_o their_o first_o appearance_n though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o have_v prevail_v they_o begin_v in_o private_a and_o from_o thence_o by_o degree_n adventurnd_a to_o appear_v in_o public_a where_o they_o will_v have_v appear_v soon_o if_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n or_o of_o christian_a people_n have_v not_o be_v against_o they_o there_o
of_o the_o earth_n and_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o ver_fw-la 34_o 35._o and_o then_o conclude_v his_o declaration_n in_o this_o manner_n now_o i_o nabuchadnezzar_n praise_n and_o extol_v and_o honour_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n all_o who_o work_n be_v truth_n and_o his_o way_n judgement_n and_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o pride_n he_o be_v able_a to_o abase_v a_o voice_n worthy_a of_o a_o king_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v publish_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o make_v the_o declaration_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v to_o be_v send_v to_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n that_o dwell_v on_o all_o the_o earth_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o be_v throughout_o all_o his_o wide_a empire_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o his_o authority_n reach_v and_o his_o word_n will_v be_v reverence_v that_o they_o may_v magnify_v this_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o with_o he_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o public_a piece_n of_o devotition_n that_o we_o ever_o read_v be_v perform_v by_o any_o man_n arise_v out_o of_o this_o sense_n with_o which_o he_o be_v possess_v in_o those_o ancient_a time_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v bless_a and_o extol_v public_o among_o and_o by_o all_o people_n to_o who_o he_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o show_v the_o sign_n and_o the_o wonder_n which_o the_o most_o high_a god_n have_v wrought_v towards_o he_o and_o how_o great_a say_v he_o be_v his_o sign_n and_o how_o mighty_a be_v his_o wonder_n ver_fw-la 3._o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o tell_v but_o make_v the_o best_a and_o the_o most_o ample_a declaration_n of_o they_o that_o he_o can_v in_o this_o imperial_a decree_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v proclaim_v every_o where_n by_o all_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v in_o what_o gross_a error_n two_o sort_n of_o people_n live_v first_o they_o who_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v as_o well_o at_o home_n as_o at_o the_o church_n such_o man_n neither_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n nor_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o teach_v they_o quite_o otherwise_o and_o instruct_v they_o also_o to_o frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n where_o they_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v second_o for_o that_o be_v another_o palpable_a error_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o come_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o testify_v that_o we_o do_v not_o forget_v god_n though_o all_o the_o week_n beside_o we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o but_o constant_o neglect_v his_o public_a service_n when_o we_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o and_o have_v leisure_n to_o attend_v it_o we_o forget_v the_o many_o public_a common_a blessing_n we_o daily_o need_v and_o daily_o receive_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o public_o every_o day_n implore_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o our_o common_a prayer_n let_v the_o forego_n consideration_n be_v due_o ponder_v and_o they_o will_v persuade_v you_o both_o out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n honour_n and_o out_o of_o love_n to_o your_o own_o good_a to_o join_v as_o often_o as_o you_o can_v your_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v our_o assembly_n as_o full_a as_o you_o can_v both_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n whereby_o you_o will_v declare_v your_o constant_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v how_o he_o daily_a 〈◊〉_d you_o with_o his_o benefit_n and_o draw_v 〈◊〉_d public_a blessing_n in_o abundance_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n where_o you_o live_v and_o do_v credit_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o alas_o now_o look_v in_o many_o place_n as_o if_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o not_o only_o do_v credit_n to_o it_o but_o both_o help_n to_o support_v it_o and_o also_o promote_v and_o propagate_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o the_o almighty_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unto_o who_o be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n require_v there_o shall_v be_v public_a prayer_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o argument_n whereby_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v most_o of_o all_o move_v to_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n which_o both_o require_v public_a assembly_n and_o make_v the_o service_n perform_v in_o they_o far_o more_o acceptable_a than_o private_a prayer_n can_v be_v and_o here_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v in_o general_a that_o the_o very_a word_n we_o translate_v church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n signify_v in_o the_o greek_a language_n a_o assembly_n a_o company_n of_o person_n meet_v together_o and_o that_o public_o upon_o the_o public_a business_n or_o occasion_n the_o first_o time_n but_o one_o we_o meet_v with_o this_o word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v in_o opposition_n to_o a_o single_a person_n alone_o by_o himself_o or_o to_o one_o or_o two_o more_o beside_o he_o matth._n xviii_o 15_o 16_o 17._o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n which_o sit_v to_o judge_v cause_n and_o unto_o which_o be_v the_o last_o resort_n so_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o signify_v any_o sort_n of_o assembly_n or_o concourse_n of_o people_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n for_o in_o the_o nineteeen_o of_o the_o act_n when_o all_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n and_o run_v together_o into_o the_o theatre_n cry_v up_o diana_n this_o general_a concourse_n be_v thrice_o call_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o assembly_n ver_fw-la 32._o some_o cry_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o for_o the_o assembly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v confuse_v etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 39_o if_o you_o inquire_v of_o other_o matter_n it_o shall_v be_v determine_v in_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n and_o ver_fw-la 41._o have_v thus_o speak_v he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n now_o this_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n church_n the_o christian_a church_n which_o christ_n have_v call_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o he_o to_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o to_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o assembly_n or_o company_n of_o man_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o but_o our_o saviour_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n the_o assembly_n which_o he_o appoint_v be_v not_o to_o meet_v for_o civil_a end_n and_o purpose_n but_o for_o religious_a and_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o devout_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o give_v he_o the_o honour_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n for_o which_o the_o church_n i.e._n christian_n assembly_n be_v found_v it_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o this_o worship_n be_v not_o so_o well_o perform_v alone_o by_o ourselves_o as_o in_o these_o assembly_n for_o here_o we_o act_v most_o like_a christian_n that_o be_v like_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n with_o which_o whosoever_o do_v not_o join_v he_o be_v no_o long_o a_o christian_n because_o he_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o company_n join_v together_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o holy_a duty_n of_o which_o prayer_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n be_v the_o chief_a for_o though_o there_o they_o receive_v christian_a instruction_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a business_n for_o which_o they_o assemble_v as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n word_n to_o timothy_n beforementioned_a 1_o tim._n two_o 1._o if_o we_o can_v make_v christian_a people_n sensible_a of_o this_o they_o will_v immediate_o yield_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o other_o he_o most_o design_n to_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o be_v most_o affect_v towards_o it_o and_o constant_o frequent_v it_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o remain_v insensible_a of_o it_o if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v due_o that_o it_o be_v imply_v in_o their_o be_v
that_o the_o great_a blessing_n have_v then_o be_v bestow_v when_o god_n people_n be_v at_o their_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v a_o mighty_a argument_n to_o frequent_v they_o in_o hope_n then_o to_o prevail_v far_o more_o than_o we_o can_v in_o our_o private_a address_n to_o he_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o example_n of_o it_o be_v many_o particular_o in_o 2_o king_n three_o 9_o 10._o where_o you_o read_v that_o the_o host_n of_o three_o king_n be_v ready_a to_o perish_v both_o man_n and_o beast_n for_o want_v of_o water_n and_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n undertake_v to_o furnish_v they_o therewith_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o morning_n when_o the_o meat-offering_a be_v offer_v which_o be_v the_o time_n when_o all_o the_o people_n be_v at_o their_o prayer_n in_o the_o temple_n there_o come_v water_n by_o the_o way_n of_o edom_n and_o the_o country_n be_v fill_v with_o water_n ver_fw-la 20._o why_o do_v it_o come_v at_o this_o time_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o but_o to_o honour_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o to_o let_v they_o know_v what_o great_a benefit_n they_o may_v receive_v thereby_o if_o devout_o attend_v and_o when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assembly_n at_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o captivity_n yet_o they_o pray_v then_o private_o with_o respect_n to_o it_o as_o member_n of_o that_o church_n god_n be_v please_v to_o answer_v their_o petition_n at_o that_o very_a hour_n when_o public_a prayer_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v at_o that_o place_n for_o it_o be_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o evening_n oblation_n that_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n be_v cause_v to_o fly_v swift_o to_o daniel_n as_o he_o be_v speak_v and_o pray_v and_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n israel_n and_o present_v his_o supplication_n before_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n dan._n ix_o 20_o 21._o and_o the_o tiding_n he_o bring_v he_o be_v the_o most_o joyful_a that_o ever_o have_v be_v hear_v for_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o same_o angel_n afterward_o bring_v to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n you_o may_v observe_v god_n send_v his_o angel_n to_o bring_v st._n peter_n out_o of_o prison_n after_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o herod_n and_o from_o all_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n while_o many_o be_v gather_v together_o pray_v act._n twelve_o 12._o we_o read_v in_o the_o 5._o ver_fw-la that_o prayer_n be_v make_v without_o cease_v or_o instant_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n be_v make_v of_o the_o church_n unto_o god_n for_o he_o and_o in_o the_o very_a time_n when_o many_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v gather_v together_o that_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o common_a prayer_n god_n send_v salvation_n to_o he_o upon_o which_o word_n st._n chrysostome_n occasional_o reflect_v cry_v out_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o available_a for_o peter_n if_o it_o rescue_v he_o out_o of_o prison_n who_o be_v a_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o thou_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o its_o power_n but_o despise_v it_o and_o set_v it_o at_o nought_o by_o thy_o neglect_n of_o it_o what_o excuse_n can_v thou_o make_v for_o this_o especial_o 〈◊〉_d hom._n iii._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o if_o there_o be_v a_o sermon_n we_o see_v a_o crowd_n of_o people_n and_o the_o church_n as_o full_a as_o it_o can_v hold_v o_o say_v one_o i_o can_v pray_v at_o home_n but_o i_o can_v hear_v sermon_n no_o where_n but_o in_o the_o church_n vain_a man_n thou_o deceive_v thyself_o thou_o can_v indeed_o pray_v at_o home_n but_o thou_o can_v not_o pray_v so_o as_o thou_o do_v in_o the_o church_n where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o father_n where_o a_o cry_n be_v send_v up_o to_o god_n with_o one_o accord_n thou_o will_v not_o have_v such_o audience_n when_o thou_o beseeche_v the_o lord_n by_o thyself_o as_o when_o thou_o pray_v with_o thy_o brethren_n for_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d something_o more_o in_o this_o viz._n the_o concord_n the_o conspiration_n and_o harmony_n of_o many_o in_o the_o same_o petition_n the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o therefore_o the_o priest_n preside_v in_o those_o assembly_n that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o multitude_n which_o be_v weak_a may_v by_o the_o help_n of_o they_o which_o be_v strong_a go_v together_o with_o they_o into_o heaven_n add_v to_o this_o what_o good_a do_v a_o sermon_n do_v when_o prayer_n be_v not_o yoke_v with_o it_o first_o prayer_n and_o then_o the_o word_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v act._n vi_fw-la 4._o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n thus_o st._n paul_n do_v pray_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o epistle_n that_o the_o light_n of_o prayer_n like_o a_o torch_n may_v usher_v in_o the_o word_n and_o if_o thou_o do_v accustom_v thyself_o to_o pray_v with_o exact_a diligence_n thou_o will_v less_o need_v the_o instruction_n of_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n god_n himself_o illuminate_n thy_o mind_n without_o his_o assistance_n and_o if_o thou_o think_v thy_o prayer_n alone_o to_o be_v of_o such_o force_n how_o powerful_a must_v it_o be_v when_o join_v with_o a_o multitude_n this_o be_v far_o more_o nervous_a and_o there_o be_v great_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n in_o it_o than_o in_o that_o which_o be_v make_v at_o home_n and_o in_o private_a so_o st._n paul_n think_v when_o he_o say_v he_o who_o have_v deliver_v and_o do_v deliver_v we_o trust_v will_v yet_o deliver_v we_o you_o also_o help_v together_o by_o prayer_n for_o we_o 2_o corinth_n i._o 10_o 11._o so_o st._n peter_n also_o get_v out_o of_o prison_n for_o earnest_a prayer_n be_v make_v without_o cease_v of_o the_o church_n unto_o god_n for_o he_o chap._n xvi_o which_o be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o christian_n iii_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o observe_v be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o encouragement_n he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o expect_v his_o bless_a presence_n among_o they_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o christ_n disciple_n immediate_o upon_o their_o master_n ascension_n unto_o heaven_n assemle_v themselves_o together_o for_o common_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o so_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act._n i._n 12_o etc._n etc._n that_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v go_v out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o the_o angel_n have_v tell_v they_o whither_o he_o be_v go_v they_o return_v unto_o jerusalem_n and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v in_o they_o go_v up_o into_o a_o upper_a room_n the_o place_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v present_o of_o christian_a worship_n and_o all_o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o with_o his_o brethren_n it_o be_v in_o their_o assembly_n we_o read_v in_o st._n john_n where_o our_o saviour_n often_o appear_v to_o they_o present_o after_o his_o resurrection_n joh._n xx_o 19.26_o and_o we_o may_v well_o think_v it_o be_v for_o devotion_n that_o they_o assemble_v for_o it_o be_v on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n but_o here_o we_o read_v express_o after_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n what_o they_o do_v in_o those_o assembly_n in_o which_o there_o be_v one_o day_n a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o meet_v together_o they_o make_v solemn_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o new_a apostle_n to_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n act._n i._n 15.24_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o remarkable_a you_o find_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n that_o when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o sudden_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n this_o great_a gift_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o gather_v a_o church_n in_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o have_v begin_v to_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o thereabouts_o come_v down_o upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o one_o place_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o mention_v before_o where_o they_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o place_n where_o they_o assemble_v immediate_o after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o i_o say_v just_a now_o and_o in_o all_o
likelihood_n the_o place_n where_o our_o lord_n eat_v his_o last_o supper_n with_o they_o before_o his_o passion_n they_o do_v not_o look_v for_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o their_o closet_n but_o expect_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o to_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o word_n iu._n and_o according_o you_o may_v further_o note_v that_o all_o they_o who_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o to_o own_o christ_n jesus_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n immediate_o join_v themselves_o to_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o communion_n with_o they_o thus_o you_o read_v how_o upon_o that_o very_a day_n when_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o preach_v thereupon_o unto_o all_o they_o can_v meet_v withal_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o many_o as_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v believe_v on_o christ_n be_v baptise_a that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v this_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n ver_fw-la 41_o 42._o which_o be_v repeat_v again_o ver_fw-la 46._o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n worship_v god_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n at_o home_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a christian_a worship_n wherein_o they_o join_v together_o in_o their_o own_o assembly_n and_o here_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o when_o their_o number_n be_v increase_v from_o three_o to_o five_o thousand_o and_o there_o be_v a_o new_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enable_v more_o beside_o those_o on_o who_o it_o fall_v at_o first_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n this_o descent_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n when_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o for_o that_o purpose_n read_v act._n four_o where_o you_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v let_v go_v from_o their_o imprisonment_n they_o go_v unto_o their_o own_o company_n ver_fw-la 23._o and_o report_v all_o that_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o which_o when_o the_o company_n hear_v they_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n to_o god_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o say_v lord_n thou_o be_v god_n which_o have_v make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o in_o they_o be_v etc._n etc._n grant_v unto_o thy_o servant_n that_o with_o all_o boldness_n they_o may_v speak_v thy_o word_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 24_o 25_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v ver_fw-la 31._o the_o place_n be_v shake_v where_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o for_o prayer_n you_o plain_o see_v and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o they_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o boldness_n and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n so_o in_o all_o other_o place_n where_o they_o settle_v a_o church_n it_o be_v for_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o shall_v assemble_v to_o worship_n god_n together_o by_o christ_n jesus_n this_o be_v the_o very_a first_o or_o principal_a thing_n they_o ordain_v in_o such_o church_n as_o those_o word_n to_o timothy_n which_o i_o have_v often_o name_v sufficient_o testify_v 1_o tim._n two_o 1._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o first_o of_o all_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n etc._n etc._n which_o assembly_n the_o apostle_n require_v christian_n not_o to_o forsake_v no_o not_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n heb._n x._o 25._o for_o that_o you_o may_v note_v as_o i_o pass_v along_o be_v to_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a word_n for_o 26._o for_o as_o to_o become_v a_o christian_a be_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o christian_a society_n in_o such_o action_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o that_o you_o read_v of_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v convert_v assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v to_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n act._n ix_o 26._o so_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v thus_o join_v in_o christian_a communion_n be_v to_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v make_v all_o that_o belong_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v a_o church_n that_o be_v as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o divine_a office_n v._o and_o that_o they_o may_v so_o do_v there_o be_v it_o may_v further_o be_v observe_v a_o certain_a place_n appoint_v for_o their_o assembly_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assembly_n but_o they_o must_v be_v hold_v somewhere_o or_o other_o and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v hold_v with_o any_o certainty_n unless_o the_o place_n be_v determine_v and_o know_v to_o be_v design_v for_o that_o purpose_n of_o this_o we_o read_v so_o frequent_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n any_o shall_v make_v a_o question_n of_o it_o i_o mention_v before_o the_o upper_a room_n act._n i._n 11._o where_o the_o apostle_n assemble_v immediate_o after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n which_o mr._n mede_n etc._n mede_n book_n two_o p._n 408_o etc._n etc._n have_v abundant_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o settle_a place_n of_o their_o holy_a assembly_n where_o as_o i_o say_v they_o be_v assemble_v again_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n act._n two_o 1._o and_o the_o next_o day_n after_o four_o 31._o and_o be_v the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v continue_v daily_o break_v bread_n at_o home_n act._n two_o 46._o nor_o be_v this_o peculiar_a to_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o other_o city_n they_o have_v the_o like_a for_o at_o troas_n also_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o a_o upper_a chamber_n act._n xx_o 8._o and_o at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 18_o 20._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o their_o come_n together_o in_o the_o church_n and_o into_o one_o place_n which_o he_o distinguish_v from_o their_o own_o home_n ver_fw-la 34._o and_o again_o fourteen_o 23._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o place_n where_o they_o common_o assemble_v for_o divine_a worship_n and_o so_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 1_o tim._n two_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v speak_v say_v beza_n in_o opposition_n to_o assemble_v only_o at_o god_n house_n at_o jerusalem_n unto_o which_o man_n be_v no_o long_o confine_v but_o may_v assemble_v in_o any_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o house_n appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n so_o he_o expound_v those_o word_n every_o where_o omnem_fw-la locum_fw-la sacris_fw-la coetibus_fw-la destinatum_fw-la every_o place_n appoint_v or_o set_v apart_o for_o holy_a assembly_n to_o meet_v in_o for_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o speak_v of_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o common_a meeting_n thus_o st._n basil_n many_o age_n before_o he_o explain_v the_o apostle_n word_n viij_o l._n 2._o de_fw-la baptismo_fw-la resp_n ad_fw-la q._n viij_o in_o answer_n to_o those_o who_o urge_v they_o to_o prove_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o as_o well_o perform_v any_o where_o as_o the_o church_n no_o such_o matter_n these_o word_n in_o every_o place_n do_v not_o comprehend_v such_o place_n as_o be_v employ_v in_o common_a use_n and_o in_o profane_a or_o perhaps_o filthy_a affair_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n but_o enlarge_v the_o service_n of_o god_n beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o jerusalem_n unto_o any_o place_n in_o the_o world_n which_o according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n about_o sacrifice_n be_v reverent_o devote_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o sacred_a performance_n of_o the_o glorious_a mystery_n and_o that_o these_o place_n thus_o design_v for_o holy_a assembly_n be_v separate_v from_o common_a use_n and_o set_v apart_o only_o for_o this_o be_v never_o doubt_v till_o this_o last_o age_n of_o fancy_n and_o vain_a conceit_n which_o have_v imagine_v the_o separation_n of_o place_n to_o divine_a service_n only_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a legal_a institution_n that_o be_v ordain_v mere_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o make_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o afterward_o the_o temple_n such_o a_o holy_a place_n whereas_o they_o be_v so_o make_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o only_o make_v more_o holy_a and_o separate_a than_o any_o other_o place_n by_o the_o residence_n of_o a_o visible_a majesty_n and_o glory_n there_o otherwise_o there_o be_v holy_a that_o be_v separated_z places_z before_o that_o time_n though_o not_o
several_a precious_a gum_n make_v no_o other_o perfume_n than_o the_o spice_n will_v have_v do_v have_v they_o be_v burn_v one_o by_o one_o chap._n xvii_o other_o consideration_n to_o strengthen_v this_o argument_n vii_o god_n have_v also_o appoint_v a_o public_a order_n of_o man_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v christian_a assembly_n and_o to_o minister_v therein_o both_o by_o give_v christian_a instruction_n and_o by_o offer_v up_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o god_n and_o bless_v the_o people_n in_o his_o name_n this_o be_v another_o convince_a argument_n both_o that_o christ_n design_v public_a assembly_n because_o he_o have_v appoint_v public_a minister_n to_o officiate_v there_o and_o that_o the_o prayer_n make_v there_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o private_a devotion_n because_o there_o we_o partake_v of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n minister_n the_o benefit_n whereof_o we_o lose_v if_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o what_o we_o do_v at_o home_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o apparent_a in_o the_o holy_a write_n than_o that_o our_o lord_n will_v have_v such_o a_o order_n of_o man_n set_v apart_o for_o his_o divine_a service_n in_o the_o church_n who_o ordination_n by_o his_o special_a appointment_n and_o designation_n be_v a_o assurance_n that_o their_o ministry_n therein_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o well_o when_o they_o offer_v the_o people_n prayer_n to_o he_o and_o bless_v they_o in_o his_o name_n as_o when_o they_o deliver_v his_o word_n to_o the_o people_n and_o teach_v they_o both_o how_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o perform_v all_o other_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n both_o of_o these_o be_v necessary_a and_o their_o office_n be_v design_v for_o both_o but_o especial_o for_o the_o first_o to_o minister_v the_o divine_a service_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v the_o eucharist_n wherein_o they_o dispense_v the_o most_o precious_a token_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o his_o body_n the_o church_n by_o prayer_n and_o by_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o death_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v public_o celebrate_v because_o it_o be_v a_o annunciation_n oâ—_n the_o lord_n death_n wherein_o we_o publish_v and_o show_v it_o forth_o till_o he_o come_v anâ—_n never_o be_v administer_v nor_o can_v be_v bâ—_n any_o other_o person_n but_o those_o who_o oâ—_n lord_n have_v entrust_v to_o be_v steward_n 〈◊〉_d his_o mystery_n for_o who_o prayer_n and_o public_a service_n in_o the_o church_n if_o man_n have_v not_o great_a esteem_n it_o be_v because_o they_o hauâ—_n no_o religion_n or_o no_o true_a knowledge_n thereof_o for_o if_o they_o believe_v thaâ—_n god_n have_v any_o minister_n as_o he_o have_v iâ—_n there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n who_o be_v peculiar_o sanctify_v that_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o his_o service_n they_o will_v believe_v that_o god_n convey_v some_o blessing_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o look_v upoâ—_n their_o ordination_n as_o a_o seal_n that_o he_o whâ—_n have_v thereby_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v instrument_n of_o his_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n will_v by_o these_o instrument_n effect_v the_o thing_n whereunto_o he_o have_v ordain_v they_o and_o particular_o give_v man_n his_o blessing_n by_o their_o mean_n and_o accept_v those_o prayer_n which_o these_o servant_n of_o his_o offer_n up_o unto_o he_o for_o they_o and_o in_o their_o name_n for_o that_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o their_o work_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o st._n james_n v._n 14._o where_o he_o direct_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v when_o any_o man_n be_v sick_a to_o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o which_o no_o less_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a when_o man_n be_v well_o than_o when_o they_o be_v sick_a be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o daily_a ministration_n for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n who_o weak_a prayer_n as_o i_o note_v before_o out_o of_o st._n chrysostome_n be_v help_v by_o the_o strong_a prayer_n of_o god_n minister_n go_v up_o to_o heaven_n together_o with_o they_o all_o christian_n indeed_o be_v call_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o royal_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o pet._n two_o 5_o 9_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o these_o very_a word_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o single_o but_o in_o a_o body_n when_o they_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o together_o with_o he_o that_o minister_n the_o divine_a service_n in_o the_o church_n the_o spiritual_a house_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v in_o which_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n and_o since_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v only_o in_o public_a in_o the_o place_n god_n appoint_v for_o they_o we_o may_v thence_o i_o think_v conclude_v that_o our_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v then_o only_a sacrifice_n when_o make_v in_o our_o assembly_n and_o that_o then_o we_o act_v as_o priest_n unto_o god_n and_o not_o at_o other_o time_n the_o principal_a sacrifice_n of_o christian_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o public_a service_n and_o be_v to_o be_v so_o esteem_v even_o when_o it_o be_v administer_v to_o the_o sick_a in_o private_a who_o receive_v it_o as_o part_v of_o that_o body_n which_o be_v suppose_v continual_o to_o offer_v this_o sacrifice_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a communion_n wherein_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n with_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n a_o commemoration_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o for_o this_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o meet_v as_o frequent_o as_o we_o can_v that_o we_o may_v conjunct_o and_o open_o acknowledge_v this_o benefit_n because_o though_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o immediate_a intention_n of_o this_o action_n it_o have_v respect_n also_o to_o that_o communion_n which_o we_o have_v one_o with_o another_o as_o mutual_a member_n and_o with_o christ_n our_o head_n as_o his_o body_n so_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v it_o be_v not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n 1_o cor._n x._o 16_o 17._o and_o therefore_o since_o we_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n unless_o we_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o and_o we_o be_v not_o knit_v together_o in_o one_o but_o by_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o can_v have_v that_o communion_n but_o by_o assemble_v together_o to_o eat_v of_o one_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o one_o cup_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o there_o be_v the_o 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church_n by_o they_o minister_v be_v so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n that_o the_o angel_n god_n heavenly_a minister_n attend_v in_o such_o holy_a assembly_n and_o make_v a_o part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n st._n paul_n give_v 1_o corinth_n xi_o 10._o why_o a_o woman_n shall_v cover_v her_o head_n in_o time_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v be_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o reverend_a posture_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n who_o presence_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o token_n of_o christ_n bless_a presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o promise_n beforementioned_a matth._n xviii_o 20._o for_o where_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v there_o god_n be_v present_a as_o the_o hebrew_n observe_v and_o not_o without_o good_a ground_n for_o what_o they_o say_v for_o when_o jacob_n see_v angel_n
of_o it_o be_v a_o assembly_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n call_v to_o meet_v together_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v such_o a_o assembly_n call_v to_o join_v together_o in_o worship_v god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n who_o himself_o have_v suppose_v this_o in_o the_o prayer_n he_o give_v his_o disciple_n and_o have_v promise_v his_o special_a presence_n in_o such_o assembly_n which_o the_o apostle_n constant_o hold_v and_o there_o receive_v the_o first_o and_o best_a fruit_n of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o draw_v all_o convert_v every_o where_o into_o the_o same_o bless_a conjunction_n for_o which_o holy_a place_n be_v appoint_v where_o they_o constant_o assemble_v and_o where_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v common_a or_o else_o look_v upon_o as_o of_o little_a value_n where_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o minister_n to_o attend_v and_o there_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n and_o bless_v they_o in_o his_o name_n where_o the_o angel_n also_o be_v present_a and_o delight_n to_o see_v we_o assemble_v that_o we_o may_v maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o company_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n who_o all_o join_v together_o in_o give_v blessing_n and_o praise_v and_o honour_n unto_o he_o who_o we_o worship_n who_o be_v far_o exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_v either_o of_o we_o on_o earth_n or_o of_o they_o in_o heaven_n consider_v i_o say_v all_o this_o and_o then_o think_v what_o a_o error_n they_o live_v in_o who_o make_v little_a or_o no_o account_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o imagine_v they_o can_v pray_v and_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o by_o themselves_o alone_o this_o be_v a_o most_o unchristian_a thought_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o therefore_o ought_v with_o all_o diligence_n to_o be_v explode_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o 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can._n 10._o and_o this_o sentence_n of_o those_o council_n be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n who_o maxim_n this_o be_v as_o mr._n thorndike_n 173._o thorndike_n relig._n assembl_n p._n 173._o observe_v he_o that_o dwell_v in_o a_o city_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n and_o pray_v not_o there_o with_o the_o congregation_n this_o be_v he_o who_o be_v call_v a_o bad_a neighbour_n and_o well_o may_v he_o be_v call_v bad_a who_o will_v have_v no_o society_n in_o the_o best_a thing_n who_o cut_v himself_o off_o by_o his_o own_o act_n from_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v not_o afford_v his_o neighbour_n the_o help_n of_o his_o prayer_n who_o live_v as_o if_o the_o world_n can_v be_v govern_v without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a governor_n who_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o holy_a place_n and_o slight_v god_n minister_n who_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o god_n special_a presence_n and_o protection_n and_o defy_v all_o the_o bless_a company_n of_o heaven_n among_o who_o he_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o find_v any_o entertainment_n nor_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o celestial_a habitation_n have_v shut_v himself_o here_o out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o place_n where_o god_n honour_n dwell_v will_v to_o god_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v serious_o and_o deep_o consider_v by_o we_o all_o that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v awake_v to_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a assembly_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v take_v the_o great_a care_n to_o establish_v and_o unto_o which_o he_o have_v also_o grant_v very_o high_a privilege_n lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n through_o man_n idleness_n or_o covetousness_n or_o conceitedness_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n whatsoever_o certain_a it_o be_v if_o we_o have_v a_o hearty_a love_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o understand_v it_o we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v so_o in_o love_n with_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o it_o as_o every_o day_n if_o it_o lay_v in_o our_o power_n to_o go_v into_o god_n house_n and_o there_o recommend_v ourselves_o and_o his_o whole_a church_n to_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o there_o be_v no_o way_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o uphold_v and_o support_v the_o church_n like_v to_o this_o we_o be_v a_o church_n by_o meet_v together_o to_o have_v communion_n in_o the_o same_o prayer_n which_o the_o often_o we_o have_v the_o more_o we_o look_v like_o a_o church_n and_o act_n like_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v combine_v and_o knit_v together_o for_o mutual_a preservation_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o seldomer_n we_o meet_v the_o less_o there_o be_v of_o the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n among_o we_o which_o can_v be_v preserve_v from_o ruin_n when_o the_o public_a 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alienate_v from_o we_o will_v be_v the_o less_o incline_v to_o set_v themselves_o against_o we_o and_o for_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n of_o all_o christian_n may_v promise_v it_o to_o themselves_o for_o their_o protection_n against_o all_o their_o adversary_n when_o they_o constant_o and_o earnest_o seek_v it_o with_o their_o joint_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n which_o will_v be_v powerful_a also_o for_o the_o settle_v such_o as_o be_v waver_v in_o their_o religion_n who_o the_o constant_a authority_n likewise_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o faithful_a people_n can_v but_o be_v of_o much_o moment_n to_o contain_v in_o their_o duty_n for_o man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o forsake_v a_o multitude_n when_o they_o easy_o desert_n small_a number_n the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v so_o possess_v with_o this_o sense_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o prayer_n as_o the_o impregnable_a bulwark_n of_o the_o church_n a_o unshaken_a garrison_n terrible_a to_o the_o devil_n and_o salutary_a to_o god_n pious_a worshippper_n d._n worshippper_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n chrysost_o tom._n 1._o p._n 757._o edit_fw-la fr._n d._n in_o so_o much_o that_o st._n basil_n speak_v of_o god_n gather_v the_o water_n together_o which_o he_o call_v sea_n and_o see_v it_o be_v good_a gen._n i._n 16._o fall_n into_o a_o pious_a meditation_n how_o much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o such_o a_o collection_n or_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v fin_fw-fr be_v in_o hexameron_n hom._n four_o sub_fw-la fin_fw-fr in_o which_o the_o mix_a sound_n of_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n make_v a_o noise_n like_o the_o wave_n dash_v against_o the_o shore_n be_v send_v up_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n a_o profound_a calm_a and_o tranquillity_n shall_v preserve_v such_o
expose_v we_o to_o contempt_n and_o loathe_n to_o harden_v man_n heart_n against_o a_o just_a reformation_n to_o make_v those_o who_o be_v reform_v grow_v sick_a and_o weary_a and_o ashamed_a of_o the_o distract_a unsetledness_n and_o ungovernableness_n of_o such_o people_n who_o like_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v unlike_a to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o this_o last_o unhappy_a age._n this_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o can_v lead_v man_n to_o destroy_v the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v by_o his_o blood_n which_o it_o be_v evident_a can_v be_v preserve_v much_o less_o promote_v but_o by_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o those_o who_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o adhere_v close_o to_o such_o a_o authentic_a constitution_n as_o that_o of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o the_o apostle_n declare_v nothing_o to_o the_o people_n but_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o always_o have_v such_o governor_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n and_o degree_n to_o other_o minister_n as_o we_o have_v such_o prayer_n such_o hymn_n in_o a_o word_n such_o a_o face_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v here_o see_v in_o this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n and_o may_v be_v see_v bless_a be_v god_n in_o other_o reform_a church_n particular_o in_o those_o call_v lutheran_n who_o as_o chemnitius_n tell_v we_o have_v have_v solemn_a prayer_n every_o day_n and_o much_o after_o the_o same_o order_n that_o be_v observe_v in_o we_o his_o word_n be_v these_o populus_fw-la singulis_fw-la diebus_fw-la bis_fw-la certa_fw-la hora_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o people_n assemble_v every_o day_n twice_o at_o a_o certain_a hour_n ult_n exam._n council_n trident._n pars_fw-la four_o cap._n ult_n morning_n and_o evening_n and_o after_o the_o sing_n of_o some_o psalm_n lesson_n be_v read_v in_o order_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o new_a and_o the_o assembly_n conclude_v always_o with_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o hymn_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o beside_o the_o people_n come_v together_o every_o week_n on_o some_o certain_a day_n in_o great_a multitude_n to_o make_v public_a and_o solemn_a supplication_n which_o be_v call_v litany_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v to_o relate_v how_o they_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o upon_o special_a festival_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v on_o the_o nativity_n circumcision_n etc._n etc._n in_o short_a on_o all_o the_o day_n now_o observe_v by_o our_o church_n o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o we_o as_o instead_o of_o wrangle_a and_o dispute_v serious_o to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n we_o can_v of_o such_o bless_a opportunity_n as_o god_n still_o afford_v unto_o we_o of_o meet_v together_o every_o day_n for_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n especial_o upon_o litany_n day_n when_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o full_a congregation_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a devotion_n one_o of_o those_o day_n at_o least_o i_o shall_v think_v every_o devout_a christian_a may_v easy_o see_v there_o be_v great_a cause_n to_o set_v apart_o every_o week_n for_o fast_v and_o humiliation_n together_o with_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o he_o will_v turn_v away_o his_o anger_n from_o we_o man_n be_v natural_o too_o backward_o i_o know_v to_o such_o holy_a employment_n and_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o high_o value_v without_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o join_v frequent_o in_o the_o holy_a office_n thereof_o let_v that_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n be_v add_v to_o all_o the_o motive_n i_o have_v use_v in_o this_o book_n to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o the_o constant_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a shame_n to_o we_o if_o when_o they_o who_o religion_n be_v a_o false_a worship_n have_v their_o constant_a daily_o service_n and_o attend_v upon_o it_o we_o who_o have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v less_o regard_n unto_o it_o by_o which_o mean_v their_o religion_n how_o corrupt_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o we_o though_o never_o so_o pure_a must_v needs_o fall_v to_o decay_v for_o they_o that_o love_v the_o religion_n they_o profess_v though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o sincere_a and_o perfect_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v yet_o never_o fail_v to_o reap_v all_o the_o benefit_n which_o it_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o they_o keep_v their_o religion_n by_o their_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o it_o and_o diligence_n in_o it_o whereas_o the_o best_a and_o sound_a religion_n profess_v by_o those_o who_o bear_v not_o the_o like_a affection_n to_o it_o yield_v those_o who_o thus_o retain_v it_o little_a or_o no_o benefit_n as_o mr._n hooker_n have_v observe_v and_o by_o degree_n be_v lose_v for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a regard_n and_o earnest_a affection_n to_o it_o we_o see_v this_o verify_v in_o pagan_n turk_n and_o heretic_n who_o zealous_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o so_o continue_v their_o sect._n how_o come_v their_o religion_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o have_v frequent_a assembly_n and_o we_o to_o make_v we_o neglect_v they_o but_o that_o they_o keep_v up_o their_o love_n to_o their_o religion_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o we_o have_v lose_v our_o first_o love_n and_o so_o endanger_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o have_v we_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o it_o to_o attend_v upon_o its_o public_a office_n that_o be_v the_o very_a first_o thing_n to_o which_o religion_n incline_v we_o and_o there_o to_o attend_v with_o all_o seriousness_n both_o to_o the_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v then_o read_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o our_o religion_n have_v go_v to_o decay_v because_o we_o have_v not_o mind_v public_a assembly_n daily_o but_o where_o they_o be_v keep_v up_o they_o be_v empty_a and_o thin_a or_o when_o they_o be_v full_a there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o natural_a sign_n of_o devotion_n in_o too_o many_o people_n which_o be_v among_o all_o nation_n bend_v knee_n hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n nay_o they_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o read_v but_o pass_v it_o by_o as_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v fancy_v i_o suppose_v it_o be_v never_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o when_o it_o be_v preach_v that_o be_v speak_v without_o book_n these_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o all_o nor_o i_o hope_v of_o most_o among_o we_o but_o i_o have_v observe_v some_o of_o they_o especial_o the_o last_o of_o whisper_a together_o all_o the_o time_n the_o scripture_n be_v read_v as_o if_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o empty_a sound_n in_o so_o many_o person_n from_o who_o understanding_n one_o will_v expect_v better_a thing_n that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o unbecoming_a behaviour_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n where_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o awaken_v all_o his_o minister_n to_o perform_v their_o duty_n with_o careful_a diligence_n and_o all_o his_o people_n to_o accompany_v they_o reverent_o in_o continual_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o great_a name_n the_o credit_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n the_o honour_n of_o this_o church_n the_o increase_n of_o all_o true_a godliness_n and_o virtue_n among_o we_o and_o the_o furtherance_n thereby_o of_o our_o joyful_a account_n and_o happy_a meeting_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n the_o end_n errata_fw-la page_n 30._o l._n 24._o d._n he_o p._n 33._o l._n 20._o for_o create_v r._n erect_v p._n 53._o l._n ult_n for_o enable_v r._n ennoble_v p._n 59_o l._n 7._o r._n two_o this._n p._n 65._o l._n 11._o for_o it_o r._n he_o p._n 106._o l._n 17._o d._n also_o p._n 121._o l._n 3._o after_o yet_o add_v p._n 123._o l._n 9_o after_o 19_o add_v p._n 168._o l._n 1._o for_o time_n r._n time_n p._n 170._o l._n 22._o for_o rule_n r._n rule_n p._n 184._o l._n 25._o r._n be_v as_o well_o perform_v any_o where_o as_o in_o the_o church_n p._n 185._o l._n 3._o r._n enlarge_v the_o content_n the_o introduction_n part_n i._n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n page_n 10_o chap._n iii_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n about_o this_o matter_n especial_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n page_n 22_o chap._n iu_o other_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o prayer_n page_n 32_o chap._n v._o some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o forego_n consideration_n page_n 39_o chap._n vi_o the_o honour_n god_n do_v we_o in_o admit_v we_o into_o his_o presence_n page_n 49_o chap._n vii_o the_o pleasure_n which_o spring_v from_o the_o serious_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n page_n 61_o chap._n viii_o the_o great_a benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o serious_a prayer_n to_o god_n 74_o chap._n ix_o the_o three_o forego_v chapter_n improve_v page_n 85_o part_n ii_o chap._n x._o public_a prayer_n the_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o other_o page_n 95_o chap._n xi_o god_n be_v most_o honour_a by_o public_a prayer_n page_n 99_o chap._n xii_o public_a prayer_n most_o advantageous_a unto_o we_o page_n 115_o chap._n xiii_o public_a prayer_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n page_n 135_o chap._n fourteen_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n require_v there_o shall_v be_v public_a prayer_n page_n 162_o chap._n xv._o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n teach_v we_o this_o doctrine_n page_n 168_o chap._n xvi_o which_o be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o christian_n page_n 177_o chap._n xvii_o other_o consideration_n to_o strengthen_v this_o argument_n page_n 192_o chap._n xviii_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o four_o fore_v chapter_n with_o some_o inference_n from_o thence_o page_n 206_o chap._n xix_o of_o daily_o public_a assembly_n and_o of_o hour_n and_o gesture_n of_o prayer_n page_n 222_o chap._n xx._n some_o objection_n remove_v page_n 244_o the_o end_n