any_o of_o our_o better_n without_o salute_v they_o or_o some_o way_n or_o other_o testify_v our_o respect_n to_o they_o though_o they_o have_v no_o way_n particular_o oblige_v we_o but_o if_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o they_o for_o our_o daily_a bread_n to_o come_v into_o their_o presence_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o or_o their_o bounty_n to_o we_o will_v be_v intolerable_a how_o much_o more_o intolerable_a therefore_o must_v it_o be_v to_o pass_v by_o god_n almighty_a day_n after_o day_n nay_o to_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n continual_o as_o indeed_o we_o always_o be_v and_o yet_o neither_o to_o pay_v any_o homage_n or_o reverence_n to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v our_o supreme_a lord_n nor_o to_o make_v any_o acknowledgement_n as_o he_o be_v our_o daily_a preserver_n and_o benefactor_n if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o ingenuity_n we_o shall_v blush_v to_o think_v of_o pass_v a_o day_n without_o several_a time_n lift_v up_o our_o mind_n and_o do_v our_o respect_n to_o almighty_a 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that_o they_o oblige_v we_o to_o no_o less_o than_o pray_v always_o pray_v without_o cease_v they_o use_v likewise_o abundance_n of_o other_o expression_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n they_o bid_v we_o every_o where_o to_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o make_v our_o supplication_n know_v unto_o god_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o and_o to_o watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o express_a command_n for_o prayer_n in_o that_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n the_o prophet_n do_v over_o and_o over_o again_o enjoin_v it_o as_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o those_o that_o live_v without_o pray_v be_v by_o those_o inspire_a writer_n rank_v among_o the_o atheist_n 53.1.4_o psalm_n 53.1.4_o and_o as_o for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n itself_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o observe_v 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discharge_n it_o the_o mean_a capacity_n the_o most_o un-improved_n understanding_n if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o honest_a heart_n may_v perform_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o learnede_a man_n in_o the_o world_n it_o require_v no_o labour_n or_o toil._n the_o feeble_a and_o most_o dis-spirited_n body_n that_o can_v but_o lift_v up_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o direct_a wish_n thither_o do_v it_o as_o effectual_o as_o the_o most_o vigorous_a constitution_n it_o do_v not_o go_v against_o the_o grain_n of_o any_o natural_a inclination_n nor_o put_v the_o body_n to_o any_o pain_n or_o hardship_n nor_o do_v it_o contradict_v any_o appetite_n or_o affection_n that_o nature_n have_v implant_v in_o we_o no_o humour_n but_o either_o the_o sottish_a or_o the_o malicious_a the_o brutish_a or_o the_o devilish_a be_v distaste_v by_o it_o it_o put_v we_o to_o no_o charge_n or_o expense_n in_o the_o world_n save_v that_o of_o our_o thought_n yet_o that_o be_v the_o noble_a way_n of_o spend_v they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o employ_v thus_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o they_o will_v be_v employ_v much_o worse_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o consumptive_a of_o our_o time_n for_o we_o may_v attend_v this_o work_n when_o we_o be_v a_o do_v other_o business_n and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o full_a of_o business_n but_o he_o have_v abundance_n of_o vacant_a space_n which_o he_o will_v not_o know_v how_o to_o fill_v up_o to_o any_o good_a purpose_n unless_o he_o have_v learn_v this_o art_n of_o save_v time_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o easy_a natural_a inoffensive_a duty_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o so_o easy_a it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o selfish_a man_n if_o he_o be_v to_o make_v his_o own_o term_n with_o
god_n and_o his_o providence_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o sinfullness_n and_o weakness_n and_o manifold_a necessity_n and_o a_o entire_a humble_a constant_a dependence_n upon_o the_o divine_a goodness_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o soul_n as_o this_o i_o take_v that_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o consist_v second_o to_o pray_v always_o likewise_o import_v that_o upon_o every_o solemn_a occasion_n we_o shall_v actual_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n seek_v help_n from_o he_o in_o all_o the_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n we_o happen_v into_o render_v our_o acknowledgement_n for_o every_o good_a that_o arrive_v to_o we_o in_o our_o life_n and_o implore_v his_o protection_n his_o guidance_n his_o blessing_n upon_o we_o in_o every_o work_n of_o moment_n that_o we_o go_v about_o three_o it_o import_v far_a that_o we_o shall_v at_o least_o twice_o every_o day_n either_o in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a offer_v up_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n unto_o god_n lesle_n than_o this_o i_o think_v this_o phrase_n of_o pray_v always_o as_o likewise_o that_o other_o expression_n of_o st._n paul_n 17._o 1_o thess_n v._o 17._o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v without_o cease_v less_o than_o this_o i_o say_v they_o can_v signify_v but_o how_o much_o more_o i_o now_o inquire_v not_o it_o be_v indeed_o very_o probable_a as_o interpreter_n have_v note_v that_o these_o expression_n be_v borrow_v from_o and_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n among_o the_o jew_n every_o day_n twice_o that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n be_v offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o temple_n to_o which_o the_o devout_a people_n resort_v which_o sacrifice_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o continual_a sacrifice_n the_o daily_a sacrifice_n the_o never-ceasing_a sacrifice_n and_o this_o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o the_o occasional_a sacrifice_n which_o pious_a person_n use_v to_o bring_v thither_o if_o now_o this_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o these_o expression_n we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o pray_v always_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v to_o pray_v continual_o unless_o we_o do_v at_o least_o twice_o every_o day_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n offer_v up_o our_o solemn_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n but_o four_o to_o pray_v always_o and_o not_o to_o faint_v imply_v great_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n in_o our_o prayer_n it_o import_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o faint_o address_v to_o god_n but_o with_o affection_n and_o fervour_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o our_o want_n and_o a_o serious_a and_o fix_a attention_n to_o what_o we_o be_v about_o and_o with_o very_o ardent_a desire_n and_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o that_o grace_n or_o that_o pardon_n or_o that_o blessing_n that_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o this_o be_v that_o kind_n of_o prayer_n which_o st._n james_n styles_n the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n which_o 16._o ch._n v._o 16._o he_o say_v avail_v much_o last_o to_o pray_v always_o and_o not_o to_o faint_v import_v continuance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o our_o prayer_n that_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v by_o fit_n and_o start_v and_o then_o intermit_v our_o devotion_n but_o constant_o keep_v up_o the_o fervour_n of_o our_o mind_n towards_o god_n not_o give_v over_o our_o prayer_n 12.12_o rom._n 12.12_o though_o we_o have_v not_o a_o return_n of_o they_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o expect_v but_o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n 6.18_o eph._n 6.18_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o be_v comprise_v in_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n now_o to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n hereof_o to_o you_o and_o to_o offer_v some_o argument_n to_o persuade_v every_o one_o thus_o to_o pray_v always_o and_o not_o to_o faint_v be_v that_o which_o i_o design_v in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n have_v general_o so_o great_a a_o aversion_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n they_o be_v very_o hardly_o get_v to_o it_o they_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o pretence_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v excuse_v from_o it_o and_o when_o they_o do_v come_v to_o perform_v their_o devotion_n which_o among_o many_o be_v not_o often_o than_o the_o law_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n oblige_v they_o to_o how_o soon_o be_v they_o weary_a of_o they_o how_o little_o do_v they_o attend_v to_o the_o siness_n they_o be_v about_o as_o if_o indeed_o prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a burden_n that_o god_n can_v lay_v upon_o human_a nature_n whereas_o in_o truth_n if_o our_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o give_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o consider_v thing_n equal_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o work_n that_o a_o man_n can_v apply_v himself_o to_o no_o action_n that_o he_o can_v perform_v to_o which_o there_o be_v great_a invitation_n great_a motive_n nay_o i_o be_v go_v to_o say_v great_a temptation_n of_o all_o sort_n than_o to_o this_o of_o prayer_n suppose_v one_o will_v set_v himself_o to_o persuade_v any_o of_o we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o particular_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o recommend_v to_o we_o what_o more_o effectual_a method_n can_v he_o take_v for_o the_o carry_v of_o his_o point_n than_o to_o lay_v before_o we_o the_o common_a head_n of_o argument_n by_o which_o all_o mankind_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o undertake_v any_o business_n or_o action_n and_o then_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o thing_n he_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o be_v recommendable_a upon_o all_o these_o account_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n fit_a and_o decent_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v do_v nay_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n we_o be_v oblige_v in_o duty_n to_o do_v even_o so_o far_o oblige_v that_o we_o act_n against_o our_o nature_n if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o nor_o have_v we_o any_o just_a exception_n against_o it_o it_o be_v the_o most_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v put_v we_o to_o no_o manner_n of_o trouble_n or_o pain_n or_o self-denial_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o it_o be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o high_o creditable_a and_o honourable_a and_o which_o be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n we_o shall_v receive_v from_o it_o be_v extreme_o great_a in_o all_o respect_n if_o now_o i_o say_v a_o man_n can_v make_v all_o these_o thing_n good_a of_o the_o point_n he_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o sure_o all_o the_o world_n must_v account_v we_o out_o of_o our_o wit_n if_o we_o do_v not_o follow_v his_o advice_n yet_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v evident_o make_v to_o appear_v be_v true_a of_o prayer_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n than_o of_o most_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n what_o therefore_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o this_o exercise_n to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n thereof_o to_o we_o that_o it_o have_v not_o and_o what_o must_v be_v conclude_v of_o we_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o our_o neglect_v of_o it_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o these_o several_a particular_n first_o of_o all_o do_v it_o recommend_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o practice_n that_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o decent_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v do_v then_o certain_o we_o must_v needs_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o point_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v more_o become_v we_o nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o undecent_a or_o more_o unreasonable_a than_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o that_o we_o who_o do_v continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o shall_v ever_o and_o anon_o be_v look_v up_o to_o he_o and_o express_v that_o dependence_n be_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o we_o who_o every_o moment_n experience_n a_o thousand_o instance_n of_o his_o kindness_n partake_v of_o a_o thousand_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o he_o and_o must_v perish_v the_o next_o minute_n unless_o they_o be_v continue_v to_o we_o be_v it_o not_o high_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a i_o say_v that_o we_o shall_v take_v notice_n at_o least_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o this_o our_o benefactor_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o ill_a manner_n to_o pass_v by_o our_o prince_n or_o even_o
ardent_a love_n and_o charity_n set_v ourselves_o not_o to_o seek_v his_o own_o but_o every_o man_n another_o good_a as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v 10.24_o 1_o cor._n 10.24_o second_o if_o the_o do_v good_a be_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n as_o have_v be_v represent_v what_o must_v we_o say_v of_o those_o man_n that_o frame_v to_o themselves_o model_n of_o christianity_n without_o put_v this_o duty_n into_o its_o notion_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v obtain_v in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v make_v up_o of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n mystery_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o charity_n and_o good_a work_n nay_o have_v we_o not_o hear_v of_o a_o sort_n of_o christianity_n the_o very_a perfection_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o disparage_v this_o duty_n of_o do_v good_a as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a cry_v it_o down_o as_o a_o heathen_a virtue_n a_o poor_a blind_a piece_n of_o morality_n a_o thing_n that_o will_v no_o way_n further_o our_o salvation_n nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o it_o often_o prove_v a_o hindrance_n to_o it_o by_o take_v we_o off_o from_o that_o full_a reliance_n and_o recumbency_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n only_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n but_o o_o how_o contrary_a be_v these_o doctrine_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n how_o wide_o different_a a_o thing_n do_v they_o make_v christianity_n to_o be_v from_o what_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o take_v our_o notion_n of_o it_o from_o their_o sermon_n and_o practice_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o that_o go_v about_o do_v good_a himself_o make_v it_o his_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o his_o life_n shall_v set_v so_o light_a by_o it_o in_o we_o that_o be_v his_o follower_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o that_o so_o often_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o do_v good_a 13.2.13_o 1_o tim._n 6.18_o 1_o pet._n 4.8_o 1_o cor._n 13.2.13_o to_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v fervent_a charity_n among_o ourselves_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o faith_n be_v nothing_o all_o knowledge_n of_o mystery_n be_v nothing_o all_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v nothing_o but_o that_o charity_n be_v all_o in_o all_o i_o say_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v think_v do_v good_a so_o insignificant_a so_o unprofitable_a nay_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n as_o these_o i_o speak_v of_o do_v represent_v it_o but_o i_o need_v not_o far_o reprove_v these_o opinion_n because_o i_o hope_v they_o find_v but_o few_o patron_n but_o this_o serious_o aught_o to_o be_v reprove_v among_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o do_v not_o general_o lay_v that_o stress_n upon_o this_o duty_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o be_v ready_a enough_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o obligation_n to_o do_v good_a and_o count_v it_o a_o very_a commendable_a thing_n and_o a_o work_n that_o god_n will_v bless_v they_o the_o better_a for_o yet_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o make_v it_o a_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o think_v they_o may_v be_v religious_a and_o serve_v god_n without_o it_o if_o they_o be_v but_o sober_a in_o their_o life_n and_o just_a in_o their_o deal_n and_o come_v to_o church_n at_o the_o usual_a time_n they_o have_v religion_n enough_o to_o carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o continue_v covetous_a and_o hard_a and_o uncharitable_a without_o bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o their_o wealth_n or_o their_o power_n and_o interest_n or_o their_o part_n and_o industry_n or_o their_o other_o talent_n commit_v to_o they_o for_o the_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n far_o be_v it_o from_o any_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o determine_v what_o virtue_n or_o degree_n of_o they_o be_v precise_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o what_o virtue_n or_o degree_n of_o they_o a_o man_n may_v safe_o be_v without_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o charity_n and_o do_v good_a be_v none_o of_o those_o that_o can_v be_v spare_v the_o scripture_n have_v every_o where_o declare_v these_o quality_n to_o be_v as_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n as_o any_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n nay_o if_o we_o will_v consult_v st._n matth._n 25._o where_o the_o process_n of_o the_o general_n judgement_n be_v describe_v we_o shall_v find_v these_o to_o be_v the_o great_a point_n that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n man_n shall_v be_v examine_v upon_o and_o upon_o which_o the_o whole_a case_n of_o their_o eternal_a state_n will_v turn_v so_o that_o if_o we_o take_v the_o scripture_n for_o our_o guide_n these_o man_n at_o last_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v much_o mistake_v and_o to_o have_v make_v a_o very_a false_a judgement_n both_o of_o religion_n and_o of_o their_o own_o condition_n three_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v about_o do_v good_a we_o may_v gather_v wherein_o that_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o aspire_v after_o do_v consist_v it_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a life_n to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n as_o other_o man_n do_v and_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o follow_v our_o employment_n and_o take_v care_n of_o our_o family_n and_o do_v good_a office_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o discharge_v all_o other_o duty_n that_o our_o relation_n to_o the_o public_a require_v of_o we_o or_o to_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o quit_v all_o our_o secular_a concernment_n and_o whole_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o those_o other_o exercise_n of_o religion_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o latter_a kind_n of_o life_n be_v so_o magnify_v by_o the_o romanist_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o that_o it_o have_v engross_v to_o itself_o the_o name_n of_o religious_a none_o among_o they_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v style_v religious_a person_n but_o those_o that_o cloister_n up_o themselves_o in_o a_o monastery_n but_o whatever_o excellence_n may_v be_v pretend_v in_o this_o course_n of_o life_n it_o certain_o fall_v much_o short_a of_o that_o which_o be_v lead_v in_o a_o public_a way_n he_o serve_v god_n best_o that_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o his_o generation_n and_o no_o prayer_n or_o fast_n or_o mortification_n be_v near_o so_o acceptable_a a_o sacrifice_n to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o to_o do_v good_a in_o our_o life_n it_o be_v true_a to_o keep_v within_o door_n and_o to_o attend_v our_o devotion_n though_o those_o that_o be_v in_o appearance_n most_o abstract_v from_o the_o world_n be_v not_o always_o the_o most_o devout_a person_n i_o say_v this_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o the_o safe_a a_o man_n be_v not_o then_o expose_v so_o much_o to_o temptation_n he_o may_v with_o less_o difficulty_n preserve_v his_o innocence_n but_o where_o be_v the_o praise_n of_o such_o a_o virtue_n virtue_n be_v then_o most_o glorious_a and_o shall_v be_v most_o reward_v when_o it_o meet_v with_o most_o trial_n and_o opposition_n and_o as_o for_o the_o bravery_n of_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o pomp_n of_o it_o which_o they_o so_o magnify_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n alas_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o effect_n of_o pusillanimity_n and_o love_n of_o our_o ease_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v free_a from_o care_n and_o burden_n than_o of_o any_o true_a nobleness_n of_o mind_n if_o we_o will_v live_v to_o excellent_a purpose_n indeed_o if_o we_o will_v show_v true_a bravery_n of_o spirit_n and_o true_a piety_n towards_o god_n let_v we_o live_v as_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v let_v we_o not_o fly_v temptation_n but_o overcome_v they_o let_v we_o not_o sit_v at_o home_n amuse_v ourselves_o with_o our_o please_a contemplation_n when_o we_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o beneficial_a abroad_o let_v we_o so_o order_v our_o devotion_n towards_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o promote_a our_o worldly_a business_n and_o affair_n and_o do_v good_a among_o man_n let_v we_o take_v our_o fit_a time_n of_o retirement_n and_o abstraction_n that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o free_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o our_o soul_n before_o he_o but_o let_v this_o be_v only_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v appear_v abroad_o again_o more_o brisk_a and_o lively_a in_o vanquish_a the_o temptation_n that_o come_v in_o our_o way_n and_o more_o prompt_a and_o ready_o dispose_v to_o every_o good_a work_n this_o be_v to_o imitate_v our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o walk_v as_o we_o have_v he_o for_o a_o example_n this_o be_v a_o life_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o contrivance_n and_o the_o genius_n of_o his_o religion_n
of_o the_o covetous_a that_o god_n abhor_v they_o 10.3_o psal_n 10.3_o which_o imply_v the_o utmost_a aversion_n that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n or_o thing_n the_o uncharitable_a and_o hard_a heart_a man_n god_n have_v declare_v he_o will_v have_v no_o mercy_n on_o 2.13_o jam._n 2.13_o but_o they_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n that_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n four_o and_o last_o a_o necessity_n there_o be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n shall_v do_v good_a and_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n etc._n etc._n upon_o their_o own_o account_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o tie_n upon_o they_o yet_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n will_v oblige_v they_o to_o it_o i_o meddle_v not_o here_o how_o far_o in_o point_n of_o worldly_a interest_n they_o be_v concern_v to_o be_v charitable_a though_o even_o the_o motive_n draw_v from_o hence_o be_v very_o considerable_a for_o certain_o charity_n be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o to_o preserve_v and_o secure_v to_o they_o what_o they_o have_v and_o to_o make_v they_o enjoy_v it_o more_o comfortable_o but_o also_o to_o increase_v their_o store_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o poor_a for_o what_o he_o give_v away_o in_o useful_a charity_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o thrive_v better_a for_o it_o god_n seldom_o fail_v in_o this_o world_n ample_o to_o repay_v what_o be_v thus_o lend_v to_o he_o beside_o the_o other_o blessing_n that_o accompany_v his_o store_n and_o go_v along_o with_o it_o to_o his_o child_n after_o he_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v solemn_o promise_v and_o in_o the_o ordinary_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n we_o see_v it_o general_o make_v good_a whereas_o to_o the_o greedy_a and_o penurious_a man_n all_o thing_n fall_v out_o quite_o contrary_a he_o may_v have_v wealth_n but_o he_o have_v little_a comfort_n in_o it_o for_o a_o curse_n general_o attend_v it_o of_o which_o he_o feel_v the_o sad_a effect_n in_o a_o various_o miserable_a and_o vexatious_a life_n and_o often_o in_o either_o have_v none_o or_o a_o unfortunate_a posterity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o mean_v to_o insist_v on_o this_o world_n last_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n how_o we_o fare_v in_o it_o but_o we_o have_v soul_n that_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o if_o therefore_o man_n have_v any_o kindness_n for_o they_o if_o they_o mean_v not_o to_o be_v undo_v to_o all_o eternity_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o shall_v do_v good_a with_o what_o they_o have_v o_o that_o uncharitable_a rich_a man_n will_v think_v upon_o that_o woe_n that_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v against_o they_o 6.24_o luke_n 6.24_o wo_n unto_o you_o that_o be_v rich_a for_o you_o have_v receive_v your_o consolation_n o_o that_o they_o will_v serious_o consider_v and_o often_o remember_v those_o word_n of_o abraham_n to_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n 16.25_o luk._n 16.25_o son_n say_v he_o remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o lazarus_n evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v not_o that_o it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o be_v rich_a or_o to_o have_v good_a thing_n in_o our_o life_n no_o it_o be_v the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o their_o wealth_n to_o which_o those_o that_o have_v it_o be_v too_o frequent_o prone_a and_o their_o not_o employ_v it_o to_o those_o purpose_n of_o do_v good_a for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v these_o thing_n that_o bring_v these_o curse_n upon_o they_o and_o real_o make_v it_o easy_o without_o a_o hyperbole_n for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n luke_n 18.25_o certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o one_o sin_n that_o can_v be_v name_v do_v more_o fatal_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n than_o this_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o we_o never_o find_v the_o prophet_n or_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o list_n of_o those_o black_a crime_n that_o will_v involve_v all_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o in_o inevitable_a destruction_n but_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o covetousness_n and_o all_o the_o attendant_n of_o it_o among_o they_o as_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v nay_o so_o great_a be_v this_o sin_n of_o uncharitableness_n and_o not_o do_v good_a with_o our_o wealth_n that_o god_n in_o the_o final_a sentence_n that_o he_o shall_v pass_v upon_o wicked_a man_n to_o their_o condemnation_n at_o the_o last_o day_n seem_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o other_o sin_n and_o crime_n of_o their_o life_n but_o only_o to_o censure_v they_o for_o this_o etc._n matth._n 25.31_o etc._n etc._n thus_o we_o find_v that_o when_o the_o king_n have_v gathare_v all_o nation_n before_o he_o come_v to_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n upon_o those_o on_o his_o left_a hand_n who_o be_v those_o that_o be_v doom_v to_o everlasting_a fire_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o their_o criminal_a action_n they_o be_v not_o condemn_v for_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n for_o unbelief_n and_o irreligion_n for_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n though_o any_o of_o these_o be_v enough_o to_o damn_v a_o man_n but_o mere_o for_o their_o not_o do_v good_a for_o their_o not_o relieve_v the_o necessitous_a and_o excercise_v other_o act_n of_o charity_n when_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n since_o now_o from_o these_o consideration_n it_o do_v appear_v how_o necessary_a how_o indispensable_a a_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o do_v good_a with_o what_o we_o have_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o distribute_v and_o willing_a to_o communicate_v let_v i_o at_o this_o time_n charge_v all_o of_o you_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n as_o you_o will_v not_o be_v unthankful_a to_o your_o great_a benefactor_n nor_o unjust_a to_o your_o neighbour_n as_o you_o have_v any_o piety_n towards_o god_n or_o any_o care_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n that_o you_o put_v 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spirit_n that_o first_o begin_v they_o and_o with_o all_o devotion_n to_o put_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o all_o those_o now_o alive_a that_o have_v be_v promoter_n and_o encourager_n of_o such_o good_a work_n and_o last_o with_o all_o cheerfulness_n and_o diligence_n to_o follow_v these_o pattern_n by_o liberal_o contribute_v to_o their_o maintenance_n and_o advancement_n these_o be_v the_o public_a bank_n and_o treasury_n in_o which_o we_o may_v safe_o lodge_v that_o money_n which_o we_o lend_v out_o to_o god_n and_o may_v from_o he_o expect_v the_o interest_n o_o what_o comfort_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o ourselves_o that_o portion_n of_o good_n that_o god_n have_v in_o his_o providence_n dispense_v to_o i_o i_o have_v neither_o keep_v unprofitable_o in_o a_o napkin_n nor_o squander_v it_o away_o upon_o my_o lust_n but_o part_n of_o it_o i_o have_v put_v out_o towards_o the_o restore_a my_o miserable_a 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have_v not_o set_v down_o rule_n about_o the_o particular_a measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v advisable_v rather_o to_o do_v more_o than_o we_o be_v perhaps_o precise_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o we_o have_v perform_v our_o duty_n than_o by_o be_v scanty_a in_o our_o obedience_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o duty_n thus_o for_o instance_n our_o lord_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v often_o and_o solemn_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v but_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v any_o where_o tell_v we_o how_o often_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v only_o they_o have_v bid_v we_o pray_v frequent_o in_o this_o case_n now_o a_o man_n that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o perform_v his_o duty_n will_v take_v all_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o list_v up_o holy_a hand_n and_o devout_a affection_n to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n however_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v at_o least_o once_o every_o time_n he_o 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must_v not_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o prayer_n as_o to_o hinder_v the_o pursuit_n of_o our_o calling_n and_o necessary_a business_n we_o must_v so_o give_v alm_n as_o yet_o to_o leave_v ourselves_o enough_o to_o pay_v every_o one_o their_o own_o and_o to_o make_v a_o competent_a provision_n for_o our_o family_n but_o let_v we_o but_o take_v care_n to_o secure_v this_o and_o then_o we_o can_v easy_o exceed_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o any_o duty_n the_o more_o we_o pray_v and_o the_o more_o we_o give_v alm_n still_o the_o better_a and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o duty_n but_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o be_v we_o to_o practice_v in_o matter_n of_o liberty_n there_o the_o rule_n be_v rather_o to_o take_v less_o than_o be_v allow_v we_o than_o to_o take_v all_o rather_o to_o abridge_v ourselves_o of_o our_o lawful_a liberty_n than_o by_o do_v all_o that_o we_o may_v lawful_o do_v endanger_z our_o fall_n into_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o harm_n at_o all_o in_o depart_v from_o our_o right_n and_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v indulge_v we_o but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a harm_n in_o extend_v they_o beyond_o their_o bound_n there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o not_o gratify_v our_o desire_n and_o appetite_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n they_o crave_v which_o be_v allowable_a and_o which_o we_o be_v permit_v to_o gratify_v they_o in_o but_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a evil_n in_o gratify_v they_o in_o unlawful_a forbid_a instance_n and_o therefore_o every_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v on_o the_o safe_a side_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o do_v more_o than_o he_o shall_v do_v he_o will_v not_o always_o do_v all_o that_o he_o may_v do_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o man_n that_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o use_v his_o liberty_n to_o the_o utmost_a stretch_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o regard_v nothing_o more_o in_o his_o action_n than_o just_a that_o he_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o some_o direct_a sin_n that_o man_n can_v always_o be_v innocent_a but_o will_v be_v draw_v into_o a_o hundred_o irregularity_n and_o miscarriage_n thus_o for_o example_n he_o that_o use_v himself_o to_o eat_v or_o to_o drink_v to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o temperance_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o such_o a_o one_o will_v now_o and_o then_o be_v unavoidable_o overtake_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o gluttony_n or_o drunkenness_n he_o that_o will_v use_v all_o the_o liberty_n that_o the_o law_n allow_v he_o for_o the_o make_v advantage_n to_o himself_o in_o his_o trade_n or_o his_o deal_n with_o other_o man_n such_o a_o one_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o avoid_v the_o just_a imputation_n of_o be_v in_o many_o instance_n a_o oppressor_n or_o a_o hard_a conscienced_a man._n the_o safe_a way_n therefore_o if_o we_o mean_v to_o preserve_v our_o virtue_n amid_o the_o multitude_n of_o snare_n and_o temptation_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o set_v bound_n even_o to_o our_o lawful_a liberty_n to_o keep_v our_o action_n within_o such_o a_o compass_n as_o not_o to_o come_v even_o near_o the_o confine_n of_o vice_n and_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o point_n and_o that_o often_o a_o undiscernible_a one_o that_o distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o what_o be_v unlawful_a yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n in_o what_o be_v lawful_a that_o be_v if_o i_o gratify_v my_o appetite_n but_o a_o little_a i_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o if_o i_o gratify_v they_o more_o i_o may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a likewise_o but_o he_o show_v the_o most_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n that_o in_o his_o action_n take_v but_o a_o little_a of_o this_o latitude_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n keep_v himself_o at_o a_o good_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o be_v vicious_a and_o criminal_a iii_o but_o three_o and_o last_o to_o what_o degree_n soever_o we_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o liberty_n yet_o at_o all_o time_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o begin_v to_o doubt_v or_o fear_v we_o have_v go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o lawful_o can_v go_v it_o be_v then_o high_a time_n to_o break_v off_o and_o to_o proceed_v no_o far_o this_o be_v the_o last_o rule_n i_o have_v to_o offer_v upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o thus_o also_o wherever_o we_o have_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n or_o doubt_n whether_o a_o thing_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o this_o doubt_n or_o suspicion_n be_v of_o itself_o reason_n enough_o to_o make_v we_o forbear_v that_o thing_n unless_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n or_o a_o great_a charity_n to_o be_v serve_v by_o the_o do_n of_o it_o which_o may_v in_o reason_n overbalance_n the_o suspicion_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n thus_o in_o matter_n of_o recreation_n if_o we_o have_v the_o least_o doubt_n whether_o this_o or_o the_o other_o pleasure_n or_o divertisement_n be_v innocent_a and_o lawful_a why_o that_o be_v argument_n enough_o without_o more_o ado_n to_o make_v we_o forbear_v it_o though_o perhaps_o we_o see_v other_o use_v it_o without_o scruple_n thus_o in_o matter_n of_o temperance_n when_o we_o first_o begin_v to_o suspect_v that_o we_o have_v drink_v as_o much_o as_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o let_v we_o by_o all_o mean_n leave_v off_o and_o break_v from_o the_o company_n thus_o in_o matter_n of_o sobriety_n when_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o we_o be_v come_v up_o to_o the_o full_a bound_n of_o the_o christian_a gravity_n and_o modesty_n and_o that_o any_o degree_n more_o of_o pomp_n or_o bravery_n in_o our_o garb_n or_o in_o our_o attendance_n or_o in_o our_o equipage_n will_v
religious_a posture_n of_o mind_n but_o upon_o the_o plain_a natural_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o constant_o stand_v incline_v to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n a_o man_n that_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o live_v honest_o and_o religious_o may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n at_o a_o hour_n warning_n and_o be_v a_o worthy_a receiver_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o man_n that_o live_v a_o careless_a or_o a_o sensual_a life_n may_v set_v apart_o a_o whole_a week_n or_o a_o whole_a month_n for_o the_o exercise_v repentance_n and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o communion_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o worthy_a a_o receiver_n as_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v a_o worthy_a receiver_n too_o provide_v he_o be_v real_o honest_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o matter_n he_o go_v about_o and_o provide_v that_o he_o remember_v his_o vow_n afterward_o and_o do_v not_o sink_v again_o into_o his_o former_a state_n of_o carelessness_n and_o sensuality_n but_o to_o return_v to_o my_o point_n i_o do_v very_o think_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o scruple_n that_o be_v common_o entertain_v among_o we_o about_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v without_o ground_n or_o reason_n and_o that_o every_o well_o dispose_v person_n that_o have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o that_o action_n but_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o express_v his_o belief_n and_o hope_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o he_o may_v as_o safe_o at_o any_o time_n come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o he_o may_v come_v to_o church_n to_o say_v his_o prayer_n and_o if_o the_o case_n be_v so_o as_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v then_o of_o what_o a_o mighty_a privilege_n and_o benefit_n do_v they_o deprive_v themselves_o who_o when_o they_o have_v so_o many_o opportunity_n do_v so_o seldom_o join_v in_o that_o solemn_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o as_o i_o say_v be_v design_v for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o the_o word_n o_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n let_v i_o beg_v of_o you_o not_o to_o be_v stranger_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o i_o need_v not_o beg_v it_o of_o you_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o will_v not_o whensoever_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o put_v it_o into_o your_o heart_n serious_o to_o mind_v the_o concernment_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o to_o be_v hearty_o sensible_a of_o the_o need_v you_o stand_v in_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o pure_a life_n i_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o in_o the_o six_o place_n to_o leave_v with_o you_o and_o i_o have_v do_v it_o be_v not_o indeed_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n i_o have_v last_o recommend_v to_o you_o that_o be_v a_o mean_n or_o instrument_n of_o grow_v more_o virtuous_a but_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a virtue_n itself_o and_o i_o do_v therefore_o recommend_v it_o to_o you_o because_o it_o be_v at_o all_o time_n useful_a at_o all_o time_n seasonable_a but_o more_o especial_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o now_o and_o that_o be_v that_o you_o will_v walk_v in_o love_n and_o study_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o live_v in_o all_o dutiful_a subjection_n to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o you_o and_o endeavour_v in_o your_o public_a station_n to_o promote_v the_o public_a happiness_n and_o tranquillity_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a but_o by_o no_o mean_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n or_o to_o be_v any_o way_n concern_v with_o they_o that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n ever_o to_o engage_v in_o any_o party_n oâ—_n faction_n and_o least_o of_o all_o any_o faction_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o state-point_n i_o be_o sorry_a the_o posture_n of_o thing_n among_o we_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o mention_v this_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a to_o what_o a_o height_n our_o animosity_n 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the_o same_o article_n and_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n public_o own_v and_o profess_a and_o teach_v without_o the_o least_o alteration_n have_v we_o not_o the_o same_o liturgy_n the_o same_o office_n and_o prayer_n use_v every_o day_n that_o have_v always_o be_v what_o be_v there_o then_o to_o ground_v a_o separation_n upon_o yes_o but_o the_o name_n in_o the_o prayer_n be_v change_v and_o we_o can_v pray_v for_o those_o that_o be_v now_o in_o authority_n as_o we_o can_v for_o those_o that_o be_v heretofore_o but_o how_o unreasoanble_a be_v this_o when_o st._n paul_n have_v bid_v we_o to_o put_v up_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o intercession_n for_o all_o man_n especial_o for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n do_v he_o make_v any_o restriction_n any_o distinction_n what_o king_n or_o what_o person_n in_o authority_n we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o what_o not_o do_v he_o not_o express_o say_v we_o must_v pray_v for_o all_o man_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o do_v not_o the_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o exhortation_n imply_v as_o much_o if_o his_o word_n do_v not_o namely_o that_o we_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n but_o i_o pray_v consider_v what_o this_o doctrine_n lead_v to_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v good_a divinity_n then_o farewell_n all_o the_o obligation_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n among_o christian_n for_o what_o government_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v not_o meet_v with_o such_o subject_n as_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o it_o and_o if_o that_o dissatisfaction_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o break_v communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n what_o ligament_n have_v we_o to_o tie_v christian_n together_o what_o will_v become_v of_o hold_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o but_o endless_a schism_n and_o separation_n but_o further_a i_o wish_v these_o person_n will_v consider_v what_o a_o unaccountable_a humour_n it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o mere_a point_n of_o state_n great_a revolution_n have_v happen_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o country_n and_o we_o have_v frequent_a instance_n of_o they_o in_o story_n but_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_o find_v that_o ever_o any_o christian_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n upon_o account_n of_o they_o still_o they_o keep_v unanimous_o to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o their_o worship_n and_o never_o concern_v themselves_o far_a in_o the_o turn_v of_o state_n how_o great_a soever_o they_o be_v than_o peaceable_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o power_n in_o be_v and_o hearty_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n so_o to_o
be_v thereby_o make_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n which_o without_o it_o perhaps_o may_v have_v be_v a_o cross_n and_o a_o affliction_n it_o be_v prayer_n by_o which_o every_o thing_n and_o every_o action_n be_v sanctify_v to_o believer_n i_o may_v name_v several_a other_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o be_v reap_v from_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o those_o that_o i_o have_v mention_v may_v i_o think_v if_o they_o be_v consider_v be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v it_o to_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v the_o least_o kindness_n for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o burden_n your_o memory_n with_o heap_v up_o more_o motive_n only_o one_o thing_n i_o desire_v leave_n to_o press_v a_o little_a more_o earnest_o and_o particular_o than_o i_o have_v yet_o do_v and_o that_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o constant_a prayer_n in_o order_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v any_o of_o you_o here_o present_a in_o good_a earnest_n mean_v to_o live_v as_o you_o shall_v do_v do_v you_o real_o intend_v or_o desire_v to_o endeavour_v after_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n as_o will_v be_v available_a for_o the_o save_v your_o soul_n everlasting_o if_o you_o do_v not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v the_o persuade_v you_o to_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o you_o do_v then_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o you_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n otherwise_o you_o will_v never_o do_v your_o business_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o dare_v assure_v you_o if_o you_o do_v thus_o practice_v you_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o attain_v the_o end_n you_o aim_v at_o these_o three_o thing_n i_o dare_v lay_v down_o for_o truth_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a that_o live_v without_o constant_a pray_v second_o whoever_o be_v good_a at_o the_o present_a yet_o if_o he_o disuse_n himself_o in_o this_o point_n he_o will_v not_o continue_v good_a long_o and_o last_o whoever_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o pray_v frequent_o and_o hearty_o and_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v though_o he_o can_v at_o present_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o long_o to_o continue_v bad_a he_o will_v certain_o at_o last_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o his_o lust_n and_o evil_a habit_n so_o that_o prayer_n be_v both_o the_o mean_n without_o which_o virtue_n can_v be_v attain_v and_o the_o mean_n that_o never_o fail_v of_o attain_v it_o and_o the_o security_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v attain_v of_o these_o three_o thing_n very_o brief_o and_o i_o have_v do_v first_o i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o virtuous_a man_n that_o live_v without_o pray_v i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o some_o who_o make_v no_o great_a conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o live_v in_o a_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o it_o may_v so_o far_o retain_v the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o those_o notion_n may_v to_o far_o influence_n their_o action_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v notorious_o and_o scandalous_o vicious_a it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v not_o lie_v nor_o cheat_v nor_o oppress_v any_o one_o it_o may_v be_v they_o do_v not_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n nor_o will_v be_v engage_v in_o any_o design_n or_o action_n that_o be_v apparent_o base_a or_o dishonourable_a but_o all_o this_o while_n these_o man_n be_v far_o from_o be_v virtuous_a in_o the_o sense_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o for_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o virtue_n as_o recommend_v we_o to_o god_n such_o a_o virtue_n as_o will_v be_v effectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o other_o world_n now_o to_o such_o a_o virtue_n as_o this_o there_o go_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o universal_a care_n over_o all_o our_o action_n a_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o frame_v all_o our_o conversation_n suitable_o and_o conformable_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o how_o can_v any_o man_n think_v he_o take_v care_n of_o this_o that_o know_o and_o willing_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a contradiction_n to_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o our_o saviour_n religion_n our_o whole_a duty_n be_v make_v up_o but_o of_o three_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n live_v sober_o with_o respect_n to_o himself_o righteous_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o pious_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n suppose_v now_o that_o a_o man_n take_v care_n of_o the_o two_o former_a that_o be_v of_o do_v his_o duty_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o neighbour_n which_o yet_o i_o believe_v never_o any_o man_n do_v that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o neglect_v his_o prayer_n but_o suppose_v a_o man_n can_v satisfy_v himself_o as_o to_o these_o two_o point_n of_o his_o duty_n yet_o if_o he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o three_o that_o be_v of_o piety_n towards_o god_n as_o no_o man_n can_v make_v conscience_n of_o that_o who_o make_v it_o no_o matter_n of_o conscience_n whether_o he_o say_v his_o prayer_n or_o no_o in_o what_o sense_n or_o notion_n can_v this_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n or_o to_o lead_v a_o virtuous_a life_n certain_o in_o no_o sense_n at_o all_o for_o as_o to_o one_o three_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o be_v indeed_o as_o considerable_a at_o least_o if_o not_o more_o than_o either_o of_o the_o other_o he_o be_v a_o notorious_a transgressor_n and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o unjust_a though_o he_o be_v not_o debauch_v yet_o want_v piety_n towards_o god_n he_o be_v impious_a and_o that_o will_v as_o certain_o damn_v he_o as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o either_o therefore_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o may_v be_v virtue_n such_o virtue_n as_o will_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n without_o piety_n or_o that_o there_o may_v be_v piety_n without_o ever_o pray_v or_o worship_v god_n neither_o of_o which_o i_o believe_v will_v be_v easy_o affirm_v or_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o pray_v there_o be_v no_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o no_o salvation_n but_o beside_o we_o all_o know_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n such_o a_o life_n as_o our_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o and_o which_o alone_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o we_o all_o know_v likewise_o that_o these_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v come_v by_o but_o by_o earnest_n and_o affectionate_a and_o constant_a prayer_n how_o therefore_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o very_o serious_a and_o frequent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n he_o may_v indeed_o by_o his_o own_o study_n and_o for_o his_o own_o interest_n possess_v himself_o of_o such_o good_a quality_n as_o may_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o world_n and_o recommend_v he_o to_o all_o about_o he_o but_o the_o inward_a principle_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n he_o can_v have_v because_o he_o do_v not_o practice_v the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o alone_o that_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o but_o second_o let_v a_o man_n at_o present_a be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n of_o soul_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o preserve_v himself_o in_o that_o state_n without_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n if_o a_o man_n once_o begin_v to_o neglect_v his_o prayer_n or_o to_o grow_v more_o dull_a and_o remiss_a in_o they_o or_o more_o averse_a to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o decline_a condition_n as_o to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o as_o that_o neglect_v or_o that_o dulness_n or_o that_o aversion_n increase_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n do_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o condition_n abate_v also_o and_o when_o once_o it_o be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n with_o he_o that_o the_o flame_n of_o devotion_n be_v quite_o extinguish_v in_o his_o heart_n so_o that_o he_o can_v live_v and_o enjoy_v himself_o without_o any_o converse_n or_o intercourse_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n he_o may_v from_o that_o period_n date_n the_o loss_n of_o his_o spiritual_a life_n he_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o sensual_a natural_a man_n alive_a to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o his_o lust_n but_o perfect_o dead_a to_o god_n the_o plain_a english_a be_v prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v as_o necessary_a a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o god_n in_o which_o
our_o spiritual_a life_n consist_v as_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o union_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o which_o our_o natural_a life_n consist_v and_o we_o may_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o keep_v our_o body_n alive_a without_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a use_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v as_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o keep_v our_o soul_n alive_a to_o god_n without_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n this_o may_v to_o some_o appear_v strange_a doctrine_n but_o i_o do_v believe_v i_o may_v appeal_v to_o experience_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nay_o i_o dare_v put_v the_o question_n to_o any_o one_o that_o ever_o take_v any_o serious_a care_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o to_o please_v god_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o find_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v so_o as_o i_o have_v represent_v have_v not_o such_o always_o find_v that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v up_o the_o fervour_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o devotion_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v constant_a and_o diligent_a in_o their_o prayer_n and_o other_o holy_a exercise_n so_o long_v nothing_o can_v hurt_v they_o so_o long_o they_o have_v always_o maintain_v their_o post_n and_o rather_o grow_v better_o than_o worse_o and_o though_o they_o have_v sometime_o be_v foul_o overtake_v by_o some_o sin_n that_o they_o resolve_v against_o yet_o that_o relapse_n have_v do_v they_o no_o mischief_n their_o continuance_n in_o their_o prayer_n have_v be_v a_o antidote_n against_o the_o malignity_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o they_o have_v present_o weather_v it_o out_o and_o suffer_v no_o ill_a consequence_n by_o it_o but_o it_o have_v rather_o make_v they_o more_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o and_o more_o careful_a of_o their_o action_n afterward_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v they_o not_o always_o find_v that_o when_o once_o they_o begin_v to_o abate_v of_o the_o fervour_n of_o their_o devotion_n when_o once_o they_o begin_v to_o pray_v seldomer_n or_o with_o more_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n they_o than_o begin_v to_o live_v more_o loose_o and_o careless_o to_o be_v more_o dull_a and_o sluggish_a towards_o every_o good_a work_n till_o perhaps_o by_o degree_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n wear_v off_o from_o their_o spirit_n and_o they_o in_o a_o manner_n have_v return_v to_o a_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a life_n nay_o have_v they_o not_o often_o find_v that_o when_o it_o have_v be_v their_o misfortune_n to_o break_v loose_a from_o their_o duty_n and_o sink_v for_o some_o time_n into_o a_o state_n of_o carelessness_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o own_o vow_n and_o resolution_n as_o it_o have_v sometime_o happen_v to_o very_o good_a man_n i_o say_v have_v they_o not_o often_o find_v that_o this_o their_o go_v backward_o in_o goodness_n be_v occasion_v pure_o and_o sole_o by_o the_o intermission_n of_o their_o devotion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a reason_n or_o account_v to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o their_o fall_n but_o only_o that_o through_o sluggishness_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n they_o have_v neglect_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n so_o earnest_o and_o so_o frequent_o as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v i_o be_o confident_a a_o great_a many_o can_v say_v this_o out_o of_o their_o own_o experience_n so_o that_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o have_v good_a hope_n towards_o god_n it_o concern_v he_o as_o he_o love_v his_o soul_n as_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o past_a labour_n and_o endeavour_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o all_o mean_n possible_a to_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o a_o devout_a frame_n and_o whatever_o come_v of_o it_o not_o to_o grow_v cold_a or_o languid_a in_o his_o prayer_n or_o to_o omit_v or_o disuse_n they_o either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o but_o three_o and_o last_o to_o conclude_v all_o there_o be_v this_o far_a to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n namely_o that_o whoever_o make_v conscience_n of_o say_v his_o prayer_n frequent_o and_o hearty_o and_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v though_o he_o be_v not_o good_a at_o the_o present_a yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o long_o to_o continue_v bad_a he_o will_v at_o last_o certain_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o all_o his_o lust_n and_o evil_a habit_n and_o attain_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n this_o necessary_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v a_o course_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n can_v consist_v together_o one_o will_v necessary_o destroy_v the_o other_o pray_v will_n either_o make_v a_o man_n leave_v sin_v as_o a_o pious_a man_n of_o our_o own_o use_v to_o say_v or_o sin_v will_v make_v a_o man_n leave_v pray_v but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o prayer_n that_o be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o heartiness_n and_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o conscience_n for_o as_o for_o those_o formal_a prayer_n that_o be_v make_v out_o of_o custom_n or_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o education_n or_o for_o the_o serve_v some_o worldly_a end_n of_o interest_n or_o reputation_n or_o the_o like_a god_n respect_v they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o impertinent_a tattle_n of_o fool_n all_o those_o of_o we_o therefore_o that_o mean_a and_o design_n to_o be_v good_a though_o we_o be_v not_o so_o already_o let_v we_o above_o all_o thing_n take_v care_n to_o mind_v our_o prayer_n let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o private_a let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o our_o family_n and_o let_v we_o join_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o can_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o best_a method_n we_o can_v take_v for_o the_o reform_v our_o life_n and_o for_o the_o gow_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o more_o we_o practise_v it_o the_o better_a we_o shall_v like_v it_o and_o if_o we_o persevere_v therein_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o both_o in_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v receive_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o vanquish_a all_o our_o lust_n and_o corruption_n and_o in_o the_o blessing_n we_o shall_v procure_v from_o god_n both_o to_o our_o self_n and_o our_o family_n and_o all_o our_o affair_n and_o concernment_n and_o last_o in_o the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la