they_o from_o extravagancy_n and_o at_o once_o to_o make_v our_o devotion_n the_o less_o tedious_a to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n chap._n ii_o of_o several_a other_o instance_n of_o secret_a devotion_n though_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o general_a duty_n of_o religion_n the_o common_a instrument_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o the_o most_o immediate_a address_v to_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o make_v it_o the_o only_a instance_n of_o secret_a devotion_n for_o there_o be_v several_a other_o of_o great_a moment_n among_o which_o i_o reckon_v in_o the_o next_o place_n 2._o study_n and_o meditation_n not_o only_o to_o direct_v and_o assist_v our_o prayer_n of_o which_o i_o say_v something_o before_o but_o especial_o to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v our_o own_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v be_v wise_a and_o consequent_o both_o more_o capable_a of_o do_v god_n better_a service_n in_o this_o world_n and_o also_o fit_a for_o the_o society_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o the_o other_o world_n for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n almighty_n have_v set_v a_o mighty_a value_n upon_o our_o soul_n in_o redeem_v they_o by_o no_o less_o a_o price_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v intolerable_o ingrateful_a towards_o he_o if_o we_o bestow_v no_o cost_n upon_o they_o but_o live_v as_o if_o we_o be_v mere_a matter_n and_o body_n and_o take_v care_n only_o to_o please_v and_o gratify_v our_o sense_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n abandon_v our_o mind_n to_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n to_o sloth_n and_o superstition_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v also_o that_o the_o same_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v by_o the_o same_o purchase_n deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a death_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v keep_v we_o in_o perpetual_a bondage_n and_o so_o have_v contract_v our_o spirit_n and_o render_v our_o very_a self_n so_o inconsiderable_a to_o ourselves_o that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v have_v the_o heart_n to_o take_v any_o care_n of_o himself_o but_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o have_v live_v like_o a_o beast_n because_o he_o expect_v to_o die_v like_o one_o or_o worse_a but_o now_o that_o we_o be_v make_v to_o hope_v for_o immortality_n and_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n a_o man_n shall_v spare_v no_o cost_n no_o labour_n and_o pain_n about_o himself_o since_o he_o may_v reap_v the_o fruit_n and_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o so_o do_v in_o the_o better_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o a_o thousand_o age_n hence_o and_o to_o all_o eternity_n moreover_o the_o same_o divine_a goodness_n have_v design_v we_o to_o a_o glorious_a estate_n of_o happiness_n in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n a_o state_n of_o intellectual_a pleasure_n and_o the_o most_o sublime_a ingredient_n of_o felicity_n which_o a_o dull_a sottish_a and_o sensual_a soul_n can_v never_o be_v capable_a of_o perceive_v if_o he_o be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v more_o than_o brutish_a that_o do_v not_o dispose_v himself_o so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o partake_v of_o that_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n to_o all_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o general_a apostafy_a of_o mankind_n have_v weaken_a our_o nature_n cloud_v our_o understanding_n and_o disorder_v all_o our_o power_n and_o together_o herewith_o the_o foolish_a opinion_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o world_n have_v abuse_v and_o deceive_v we_o yet_o more_o and_o more_o so_o that_o we_o must_v be_v most_o silly_a and_o unhappy_a creature_n if_o we_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o deliver_v and_o disengage_v ourselves_o from_o both_o these_o calamity_n and_o the_o case_n be_v not_o total_o irreparable_a in_o respect_n of_o either_o of_o these_o mischief_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o for_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n recover_v ourselves_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v we_o time_n to_o consider_v in_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n from_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v recollect_v ourselves_o he_o have_v set_v before_o we_o his_o work_n and_o providence_n to_o meditate_v upon_o we_o have_v his_o holy_a scripture_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o guide_v we_o out_o of_o the_o perplex_a state_n of_o thing_n we_o enjoy_v the_o public_a ministry_n and_o abundance_n of_o good_a book_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v those_o scripture_n and_o above_o all_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n against_o the_o weakness_n and_o confusion_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o great_a necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o study_v and_o meditation_n so_o we_o have_v as_o great_a encouragement_n to_o hope_v for_o success_n in_o so_o do_v for_o by_o application_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o mean_n aforesaid_a we_o may_v not_o only_o rid_v ourselves_o of_o that_o wildness_n and_o freity_n which_o be_v ordinary_o upon_o our_o nature_n but_o outgrow_a vulgar_a opinion_n and_o tradition_n and_o come_v to_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o thing_n set_v before_o we_o we_o may_v greaten_v our_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o despise_v those_o little_a thing_n which_o silly_a man_n dote_v upon_o we_o may_v free_v our_o mind_n of_o childish_a fear_n and_o unaccountable_a superstition_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o religion_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o word_n have_v worthy_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o although_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o alike_o capable_a of_o these_o improvement_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o mind_n or_o the_o unhappy_a constitution_n of_o their_o body_n or_o the_o perplex_a condition_n of_o their_o outward_a affair_n yet_o certain_o god_n almighty_n have_v by_o the_o mean_v aforesaid_a put_v it_o into_o every_o man_n power_n to_o be_v wise_a than_o he_o be_v if_o he_o will_v but_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o devout_a man_n be_v sure_a to_o make_v the_o experiment_n to_o further_o he_o the_o more_o wherein_o let_v he_o to_o all_o the_o consideration_n forego_v add_v these_o two_o follow_v first_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v make_v in_o god_n image_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o cultivate_a and_o adorn_v that_o part_n of_o himself_o wherein_o he_o especial_o resemble_v his_o maker_n and_o consequent_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a and_o proper_a instance_n of_o worship_n towards_o god_n to_o improve_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v here_o just_o place_v among_o the_o expression_n of_o devotion_n second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a game_n of_o eternity_n be_v but_o once_o to_o be_v play_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o retrieve_v of_o our_o neglect_n and_o carelessness_n afterward_o therefore_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v play_v it_o intent_o and_o wary_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o redeem_v time_n from_o folly_n and_o sensuality_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o and_o beg_v god_n blessing_n upon_o it_o will_v undoubted_o find_v his_o mind_n enlarge_v his_o life_n more_o regular_a and_o his_o spirit_n more_o comfortable_a which_o be_v all_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o devotion_n 3._o the_o next_o instance_n of_o secret_a devotion_n for_o i_o be_o not_o curious_a in_o what_o order_n i_o place_v they_o shall_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o he_o alone_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o the_o frame_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o he_o and_o stay_v itself_o upon_o he_o in_o all_o exigency_n and_o accident_n and_o passage_n whatsoever_o that_o he_o may_v impute_v nothing_o to_o chance_n fate_n or_o the_o star_n but_o possess_v himself_o with_o a_o deep_a and_o settle_a apprehension_n of_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o god_n in_o all_o revolution_n or_o occurrence_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a and_o real_a honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o it_o set_v god_n always_o before_o we_o and_o place_n he_o continual_o in_o our_o eye_n as_o it_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o his_o dispose_n and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o constant_a gravity_n and_o a_o reverence_n towards_o he_o
one_o against_o the_o other_o for_o certain_o the_o least_o impression_n which_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v make_v upon_o a_o man_n be_v to_o render_v sin_n very_o uneasy_a to_o he_o and_o to_o spoil_v his_o great_a jollity_n forasmuch_o as_o every_o time_n he_o know_o or_o wilful_o commit_v it_o he_o not_o only_a judge_n himself_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n but_o defy_v god_n almighty_a and_o treasure_n up_o against_o himself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o reflection_n on_o this_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o prospect_n of_o death_n very_o terrible_a to_o he_o when_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v into_o plea_n and_o when_o what_o before_o be_v only_o fear_v must_v now_o be_v feel_v and_o undergo_v and_o without_o a_o perpetual_a debauch_n it_o will_v be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o avoid_v think_v of_o this_o unpleasant_a subject_n since_o while_o he_o have_v his_o sense_n about_o he_o he_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n how_o daily_o that_o unacceptable_a guest_n make_v his_o approach_n towards_o he_o and_o if_o death_n be_v terrible_a to_o a_o man_n it_o be_v certain_a thenceforward_o life_n can_v be_v very_o comfortable_a for_o every_o accident_n will_v discompose_v he_o every_o disease_n be_v dread_v by_o he_o as_o the_o harbinger_n of_o that_o king_n of_o terror_n his_o spirit_n be_v convulse_v his_o joy_n be_v blast_v his_o diversion_n afford_v he_o no_o relief_n he_o see_v reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o every_o thing_n and_o be_v tempt_v base_o to_o flatter_v and_o humour_v every_o man_n because_o every_o body_n have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o bring_v upon_o he_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o calamity_n that_o be_v to_o kill_v he_o against_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o protection_n no_o sanctuary_n but_o in_o religion_n if_o the_o sinner_n flee_v not_o to_o that_o he_o perish_v and_o which_o be_v worse_o feel_v himself_o torment_v before_o the_o time_n this_o therefore_o he_o be_v mighty_o press_v to_o do_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o another_o world_n and_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o fear_n even_o of_o hell_n itself_o to_o make_v a_o man_n generous_o good_a because_o it_o only_o cramp_v his_o power_n and_o be_v not_o a_o principle_n of_o action_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o caution_n and_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v to_o will_v make_v he_o less_o evil_a wherein_o the_o first_o work_n of_o religion_n namely_o reformation_n begin_v and_o then_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v hope_n also_o in_o the_o other_o scale_n it_o may_v happy_o not_o end_v there_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o the_o law_n which_o be_v a_o ministry_n of_o fear_n and_o death_n make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v by_o the_o which_o we_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n hebr._n 7._o 19_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o unspeakable_a felicity_n and_o glory_n which_o as_o i_o show_v before_o do_v await_v all_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n forget_v flesh_n and_o infirmity_n to_o despise_v danger_n and_o difficulty_n and_o to_o raise_v he_o above_o himself_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o those_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n do_v make_v a_o man_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n for_o great_a hope_n raise_v brave_a spirit_n and_o effect_v wonder_n the_o mere_a persuasion_n that_o i_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v of_o mighty_a efficacy_n to_o make_v i_o value_v myself_o more_o than_o to_o think_v myself_o make_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o drown_v this_o divine_a particle_n in_o drink_n and_o debauch_n nor_o exert_v it_o only_o in_o folly_n and_o buffoonery_n but_o will_v prompt_v i_o to_o cultivate_v this_o immortal_a part_n to_o furnish_v it_o with_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v it_o the_o better_a in_o another_o world_n to_o subdue_v my_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o i_o may_v learn_v betimes_o to_o live_v like_o a_o angel_n and_o to_o castigate_v my_o anger_n and_o wrath_n and_o fury_n and_o malice_n those_o unsociable_a vice_n that_o i_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o that_o peaceable_a conversation_n and_o everlasting_a friendship_n in_o heaven_n the_o thought_n of_o live_v for_o ever_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o present_a life_n but_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o banish_v all_o servile_a fear_n to_o defy_v danger_n to_o flatter_v no_o body_n folly_n to_o comply_v with_o no_o body_n vice_n but_o to_o dare_v to_o be_v good_a in_o spite_n of_o a_o evil_a age_n and_o bad_a example_n for_o what_o shall_v cow_n he_o that_o have_v this_o armour_n of_o proof_n and_o be_v every_o way_n invulnerable_a the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o inestimable_a good_a thing_n lay_v up_o for_o good_a man_n in_o heaven_n be_v not_o only_o able_a to_o restrain_v sensuality_n rapine_n injustice_n treachery_n but_o to_o make_v self-denial_n very_o easy_a and_o to_o place_v a_o man_n so_o high_a above_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v only_o look_v down_o upon_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n and_o upon_o the_o man_n that_o dote_v upon_o they_o with_o wonder_n and_o pity_n he_o that_o have_v hope_n give_v he_o of_o see_v and_o enjoy_v the_o bless_a jesus_n in_o heaven_n will_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n s_o john_n 1_o epist_n 3._o 3._o find_v himself_o powerful_o oblige_v to_o purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o must_v needs_o find_v great_a inducement_n to_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o according_o chap._n v._o what_o particular_a religion_n we_o shall_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o have_v in_o the_o premise_n discover_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n wisdom_n and_o interest_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o we_o now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v what_o mode_n or_o profession_n of_o religion_n in_o special_a he_o ought_v to_o apply_v himself_o to_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o the_o general_a and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v do_v because_o some_o man_n make_v the_o variety_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n a_o argument_n against_o they_o all_o and_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o form_n of_o it_o that_o they_o can_v easy_o resolve_v which_o to_o addict_v themselves_o to_o these_o man_n as_o they_o think_v very_o wise_o pitch_n upon_o none_o but_o fair_o stand_v neuter_n now_o for_o prevention_n of_o this_o mischief_n as_o well_o as_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o great_a question_n before_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o impious_a but_o a_o very_a foolish_a and_o frantic_a resolution_n to_o stand_v off_o from_o all_o religion_n upon_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v difference_n and_o dispute_n about_o it_o for_o 1._o man_n will_v not_o be_v content_a to_o go_v by_o that_o rule_n in_o other_o case_n no_o man_n will_v conclude_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la or_o right_a and_o wrong_n in_o their_o civil_a interest_n because_o they_o observe_v lawyer_n to_o wrangle_v at_o the_o bar_n or_o to_o give_v different_a opinion_n in_o particular_a case_n nor_o because_o physician_n often_o disagree_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o disease_n will_v any_o discreet_a man_n refuse_v their_o assistance_n and_o resolve_v to_o let_v his_o disease_n take_v its_o course_n this_o objection_n therefore_o of_o sceptical_a man_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a pretence_n make_v use_v of_o to_o countenance_v their_o aversation_n to_o religion_n and_o not_o a_o real_a maxim_n of_o reason_n with_o they_o 2._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v foolish_o or_o malicious_o represent_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o little_a or_o nothing_o in_o dispute_n but_o be_v confess_v and_o agree_v in_o by_o all_o or_o if_o there_o be_v some_o point_n of_o moment_n dispute_v they_o be_v general_o such_o as_o be_v speculative_a not_o matter_n of_o practice_n for_o who_o dispute_v whether_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v whether_o a_o man_n shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o all_o discreet_a and_o well_o dispose_v man_n agree_v let_v the_o sceptical_a person_n therefore_o agree_v to_o these_o too_o and_o practice_v they_o or_o else_o let_v he_o be_v so_o ingenuous_a as_o to_o
hinder_v he_o in_o devotion_n but_o will_v rather_o consider_v his_o own_o strength_n viz._n how_o much_o care_n and_o labour_n he_o can_v undergo_v without_o depression_n of_o his_o spirit_n or_o debase_v his_o mind_n and_o will_v weigh_v the_o danger_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o pleasure_n and_o all_o urement_n of_o riches_n this_o will_v also_o incline_v he_o prudent_o to_o methodize_v his_o affair_n and_o to_o put_v that_o business_n which_o seem_v necessary_a into_o the_o best_a order_n that_o so_o it_o may_v take_v its_o due_a place_n in_o subordination_n to_o his_o great_a concern_v and_o not_o supplant_v or_o interfere_v with_o they_o to_o which_o purpose_n also_o if_o he_o have_v any_o considerable_a matter_n to_o dispose_v of_o he_o will_v think_v it_o convenient_a to_o set_v his_o house_n in_o order_n as_o well_o as_o his_o business_n and_o have_v always_o his_o will_n make_v not_o only_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o effectual_o admonish_v of_o his_o mortality_n and_o be_v provide_v against_o the_o surprisal_n of_o death_n but_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o may_v have_v the_o less_o solicitude_n upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o may_v the_o more_o single_o and_o undistract_o apply_v himself_o to_o his_o main_a business_n and_o then_o 4._o in_o the_o four_o place_n let_v he_o attend_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o syrach_n ecclus._n 2._o 1._o my_o son_n if_o thou_o come_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n prepare_v thy_o soul_n for_o temptation_n that_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v whensoever_o thou_o undertake_v a_o course_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o imagine_v thou_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v it_o without_o sweat_n and_o difficulty_n or_o so_o secure_a as_o to_o think_v of_o obtain_v the_o crown_n without_o a_o conflict_n but_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o temptation_n of_o several_a kind_n and_o arm_v thyself_o according_o especial_o in_o thy_o first_o entrance_n on_o such_o a_o course_n thou_o must_v look_v for_o the_o sharp_a encounter_n for_o thy_o enemy_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o vanquish_v as_o defy_v nor_o be_v they_o either_o so_o fair_a and_o civil_a as_o to_o give_v thou_o scope_n to_o harden_v and_o fortify_v thyself_o in_o thy_o enterprise_n or_o so_o imprudent_a as_o to_o slip_v the_o opportunity_n of_o thy_o weakness_n and_o security_n together_o beginning_n in_o all_o such_o case_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a hazard_n and_o difficulty_n the_o devil_n rage_v most_o at_o first_o out_o of_o indignation_n to_o suffer_v the_o prey_n to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n whereas_o when_o he_o be_v past_a hope_n of_o recover_v it_o he_o have_v more_o wit_n than_o to_o labour_n in_o vain_a and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o trouble_v himself_o to_o tempt_v when_o he_o see_v no_o likelihood_n of_o success_n but_o he_o be_v more_o resolute_a than_o quick_o to_o despair_v or_o give_v over_o his_o siege_n upon_o the_o first_o denial_n of_o his_o summons_n no_o he_o will_v storm_v and_o batter_v thou_o night_n and_o day_n and_o cast_v in_o all_o his_o bomb_n and_o fiery_a dart_n to_o affright_v and_o compel_v thou_o to_o a_o surrender_n and_o for_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o first_o check_n which_o be_v give_v to_o sensual_a inclination_n be_v harsh_a and_o go_v most_o against_o the_o grain_n because_o they_o have_v use_v to_o take_v their_o full_a scope_n and_o swinge_n indeed_o when_o a_o man_n have_v accustom_v they_o to_o denial_n in_o their_o importunity_n they_o by_o degree_n and_o in_o time_n grow_v tame_a and_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o reason_n as_o fire_n be_v extinguish_v by_o be_v suppress_v or_o as_o a_o violent_a torrent_n that_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o new_a channel_n and_o restrain_v its_o ancient_a course_n at_o first_o rage_n and_o foam_n and_o swell_v against_o those_o new_a bank_n though_o at_o length_n it_o cease_v its_o tumult_n and_o run_v along_o quiet_o within_o its_o boundary_n it_o be_v not_o one_o overthrow_n will_v dishearten_v the_o old_a man_n he_o must_v be_v baffle_v and_o vanquish_v over_o and_o over_o before_o he_o will_v cease_v to_o rebel_v nor_o must_v you_o think_v to_o find_v virtue_n easy_a till_o you_o have_v accustom_v yourself_o to_o it_o for_o nothing_o but_o custom_n can_v entire_o subdue_v custom_n wherefore_o till_o that_o be_v introduce_v you_o must_v never_o be_v secure_a but_o always_o upon_o your_o guard_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o world_n the_o first_o rejection_n of_o that_o out_o of_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v perform_v with_o as_o great_a difficulty_n as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o cast_v overboard_o that_o luggage_n which_o otherwise_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v sink_v he_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o exchange_n and_o despise_v what_o before_o he_o admire_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o unburden_v the_o vessel_n and_o a_o long_a dispute_n before_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o lose_v any_o thing_n for_o heaven_n it_o require_v a_o great_a sagacity_n to_o see_v the_o empty_a pageantry_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o slight_a fame_n applause_n riches_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n a_o hard_a piece_n of_o self-denial_n to_o abridge_v himself_o of_o the_o liberty_n other_o man_n take_v a_o great_a mastery_n of_o a_o man_n self_n to_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o charm_n and_o insensible_a of_o all_o the_o caress_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n eye_n and_o thought_n steady_o fix_v upon_o another_o life_n therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v count_v upon_o difficulty_n in_o the_o undertake_n of_o religion_n lest_o when_o it_o come_v upon_o he_o unforeseen_a he_o turn_v recreant_a and_o come_v off_o with_o shame_n and_o loss_n beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v something_o more_o which_o i_o apprehend_v the_o wise_a man_n intend_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a advice_n namely_o that_o he_o that_o resolve_v to_o be_v a_o virtuous_a man_n must_v fortify_v his_o mind_n as_o well_o against_o the_o persuasion_n example_n and_o discouragement_n of_o his_o less_o considerate_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n as_o against_o the_o bitter_a scoff_v and_o reproach_n of_o his_o enemy_n that_o neither_o the_o insensible_a insinuation_n of_o the_o one_o dissolve_v he_o into_o lukewarmness_n and_o remissness_n nor_o the_o rough_a attack_n of_o the_o other_o sink_v his_o spirit_n and_o shake_v his_o resolution_n opposition_n from_o each_o of_o these_o he_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o former_a out_o of_o folly_n or_o else_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n that_o such_o a_o man_n zeal_n may_v not_o reproach_v their_o negligence_n from_o the_o other_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o as_o assailant_n that_o they_o may_v reek_v their_o spite_n upon_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a way_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v provide_v for_o both_o against_o the_o soft_a insinuation_n of_o injudicious_a person_n he_o must_v be_v provide_v by_o be_v gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v eph._n 6._o 14._o that_o be_v he_o must_v establish_v his_o heart_n in_o a_o undoubted_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n by_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n and_o hence_o be_v able_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n and_o if_o this_o do_v not_o ease_v he_o of_o their_o fond_a importunity_n he_o must_v then_o put_v on_o some_o degree_n of_o morosity_n and_o resolve_v with_o david_n 2_o sam._n 6._o 22._o that_o if_o this_o be_v to_o be_v vile_a he_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o vile_a against_o the_o rude_a treatment_n of_o lewd_a and_o malicious_a man_n he_o must_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n advise_v eph._n 6._o 16_o 17._o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o shall_v repel_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o for_o a_o helmet_n the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o object_n of_o both_o those_o he_o will_v be_v able_a generous_o to_o contemn_v all_o obloquy_n and_o reproach_n as_o disdain_v to_o be_v hector_v out_o of_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n for_o altogether_o he_o must_v always_o remember_v that_o self-denial_n be_v the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o he_o that_o have_v not_o so_o learn_v it_o as_o to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n can_v be_v his_o disciple_n 5._o in_o the_o five_o place_n let_v the_o candidate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n take_v care_n that_o he_o do_v not_o precipitate_v himself_o into_o temptation_n
the_o assembly_n of_o god_n servant_n 3._o and_o more_o particular_o let_v he_o not_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v present_v to_o he_o unless_o some_o weighty_a occasion_n hinder_v or_o disable_v he_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o administer_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o often_o as_o it_o hold_v any_o solemn_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o christian_n then_o as_o due_o receive_v it_o as_o they_o come_v to_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o frequency_n of_o it_o abate_v their_o reverence_n to_o it_o but_o high_o increase_v it_o rather_o and_o this_o office_n they_o therefore_o call_v the_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o symbol_n of_o a_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o full_a instance_n of_o that_o society_n to_o have_v be_v keep_v from_o it_o by_o any_o accident_n be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a calamity_n but_o to_o be_v debar_v from_o it_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o dreadful_a to_o they_o as_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n they_o seek_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o with_o tear_n with_o prostration_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n with_o all_o the_o intercession_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o all_o the_o interest_n they_o can_v make_v there_o be_v no_o need_n in_o those_o time_n to_o use_v argument_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o repeat_v exhortation_n to_o press_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o trouble_n in_o answer_v objection_n against_o it_o or_o remove_v impertinent_a scruple_n about_o it_o much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o occasion_n to_o urge_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o by_o humane_a law_n for_o they_o remember_v it_o be_v institute_v by_o their_o saviour_n on_o the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o recommend_v to_o their_o observance_n by_o the_o most_o oblige_a circumstance_n they_o find_v the_o constant_a solemnity_n of_o it_o settle_v in_o all_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v well_o aware_a of_o the_o unspeakable_a comfort_n of_o it_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n hold_v as_o much_o in_o these_o time_n as_o then_o save_v that_o man_n be_v not_o so_o conscientious_a and_o devout_a as_o they_o be_v for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n since_o to_o make_v this_o sacrament_n the_o badge_n and_o cognizance_n of_o her_o member_n until_o of_o late_a those_o have_v pretend_v to_o be_v church_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o order_n nor_o unity_n neither_o sacrament_n administer_v nor_o indeed_o person_n qualify_v to_o administer_v they_o and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n and_o shame_n that_o such_o a_o unhappy_a novelty_n shall_v prescribe_v against_o all_o antiquity_n and_o then_o second_o as_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o sacrament_n by_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o do_v not_o deliver_v himself_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n and_o advice_n so_o as_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o our_o discretion_n or_o courtesy_n to_o observe_v this_o sacrament_n or_o omit_v it_o but_o by_o express_v and_o positive_a command_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o the_o cavil_n against_o mix_a communion_n as_o if_o we_o be_v excuse_v from_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n because_o other_o do_v it_o unworthy_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v because_o some_o do_v it_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o i_o may_v choose_v whether_o i_o will_v do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o as_o i_o say_v here_o be_v a_o express_a command_n that_o we_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o omit_v it_o upon_o any_o such_o pretence_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v i_o be_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v excuse_v for_o when_o our_o lord_n have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n also_o to_o do_v it_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o one_o duty_n will_v not_o excuse_v another_o i._n e._n our_o sin_n of_o unpreparedness_n will_v be_v no_o apology_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o total_a omission_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o whole_a truth_n be_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n require_v of_o we_o one_o express_v and_o the_o other_o imply_v the_o express_a duty_n be_v that_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n the_o imply_v duty_n be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v with_o such_o preparation_n as_o agree_v with_o so_o sacred_a a_o mystery_n both_o these_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v for_o as_o my_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n will_v not_o excuse_v my_o come_n unprepared_o so_o much_o less_o will_v my_o unpreparedness_n excuse_v my_o not_o come_v at_o all_o but_o of_o the_o two_o it_o seem_v far_o the_o more_o pardonable_a to_o come_v though_o somewhat_o unprepared_o than_o not_o to_o come_v because_o of_o unpreparedness_n for_o that_o be_v neither_o to_o come_v nor_o prepare_v neither_o i_o say_v though_o neither_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_o better_a to_o offend_v in_o the_o point_n of_o a_o imply_v duty_n than_o of_o a_o express_a one_o but_o especial_o it_o be_v more_o tolerable_a to_o commit_v one_o sin_n than_o both_o as_o he_o that_o come_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n at_o all_o notorious_o do_v but_o than_o three_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n those_o be_v so_o vast_o great_a that_o the_o man_n be_v as_o well_o insensible_a of_o his_o own_o good_a as_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o wilful_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o commemorate_n the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o that_o holy_a feast_n we_o not_o only_o perform_v a_o office_n of_o obedience_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o saviour_n but_o we_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n which_o afford_v the_o great_a relief_n to_o our_o guilty_a conscience_n that_o can_v be_v and_o together_o herewith_o we_o melt_v our_o own_o heart_n into_o contrition_n fear_n and_o sorrow_n for_o those_o sin_n of_o we_o which_o require_v such_o a_o atonement_n for_o who_o can_v consider_v what_o his_o saviour_n suffer_v and_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v and_o not_o mourn_v hearty_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o his_o danger_n again_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o happy_a estate_n of_o friendship_n with_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o restore_v to_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n moreover_o by_o commemorate_n his_o death_n and_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o we_o fortify_v our_o own_o mind_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o by_o feed_v upon_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n we_o have_v the_o pledge_n of_o our_o own_o resurrection_n and_o immortality_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o though_o in_o so_o copious_a and_o comfortable_a a_o subject_n by_o partake_v of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n we_o become_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o who_o will_v make_v that_o a_o excuse_n for_o omit_v the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o do_v not_o find_v or_o observe_v that_o either_o themselves_o or_o other_o profit_n by_o it_o what_o be_v it_o no_o profit_n that_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n be_v it_o no_o profit_n to_o see_v christ_n crucify_a before_o our_o eye_n and_o to_o see_v he_o pour_v out_o his_o heart_n blood_n for_o sinner_n be_v it_o no_o profit_n to_o be_v make_v ingenuous_o to_o weep_v over_o our_o own_o sin_n be_v it_o no_o privilege_n no_o comfort_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o token_n of_o friendship_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o body_n but_o profit_v something_o more_o or_o less_o by_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o do_v not_o profit_v great_o by_o they_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a naughty_a heart_n indeed_o and_o have_v need_v to_o prepare_v himself_o and_o go_v often_o to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o may_v be_v mend_v but_o however_o let_v the_o good_a christian_n glad_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o this_o holy_a solemnity_n and_o not_o doubt_v to_o find_v comfort_n by_o it_o 4._o as_o for_o the_o other_o office_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o prayer_n