by_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n they_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o the_o other_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a and_o intimate_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o consequent_o of_o this_o they_o give_v the_o great_a assurance_n to_o our_o own_o heart_n of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o comfortable_a for_o public_a devotion_n may_v possible_o have_v a_o great_a alloy_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o may_v owe_v itself_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n or_o to_o public_a fame_n and_o reputation_n but_o he_o that_o worship_v god_n in_o secret_a where_o and_o when_o no_o eye_n be_v privy_a but_o only_o that_o of_o god_n almighty_n be_v secure_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o mean_a or_o sinister_a end_n in_o so_o do_v nothing_o can_v move_v he_o to_o this_o but_o the_o mere_a reverence_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o forementioned_a passage_n mat._n 6._o 6._o lay_n a_o emphasis_n upon_o those_o word_n thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o add_v this_o encouragement_n of_o such_o address_n to_o god_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v thou_o open_o upon_o all_o which_o consideration_n let_v the_o man_n who_o either_o value_v god_n glory_n or_o his_o own_o improvement_n peace_n and_o comfort_n or_o indeed_o who_o make_v any_o pretence_n to_o religion_n strict_o make_v conscience_n of_o and_o constant_o practice_v secret_a devotion_n the_o nature_n extent_n manner_n instance_n and_o circumstance_n whereof_o i_o be_o now_o further_o to_o explain_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o and_o i_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o so_o principal_a a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o as_o i_o note_v before_o it_o be_v ordinary_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a i_o mean_v prayer_n to_o god_n touch_v the_o secret_a exercise_n whereof_o let_v the_o good_a christian_a take_v these_o follow_a direction_n first_o let_v he_o not_o fail_v night_n and_o morning_n at_o least_o solemn_o and_o devout_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n divers_a holy_a man_n we_o read_v of_o who_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o zeal_n or_o urgency_n of_o the_o occasion_n for_o it_o have_v prescribe_v to_o themselves_o strict_a measure_n than_o this_o particular_o david_n say_v he_o will_v worship_v god_n seven_o time_n in_o a_o day_n and_o daniel_n custom_n be_v to_o do_v it_o three_o time_n a_o day_n dan._n 6._o 10._o as_o seem_v also_o to_o have_v be_v that_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o less_o than_o twice_o a_o day_n i_o can_v find_v to_o agree_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o good_a man_n unless_o either_o sickness_n disable_v they_o or_o some_o very_a extraordinary_a occasion_n divert_v they_o and_o it_o be_v wondrous_o fit_a and_o decorous_a that_o we_o who_o owe_v our_o whole_a time_n to_o god_n shall_v pay_v he_o the_o tribute_n of_o devote_v those_o critical_a period_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v evening_n and_o morning_n to_o he_o especial_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n these_o two_o point_n of_o time_n be_v attend_v with_o namely_o in_o the_o evening_n have_v finish_v the_o course_n of_o that_o day_n and_o reflect_v upon_o our_o infirmity_n in_o it_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v by_o how_o many_o fail_n we_o have_v just_o incur_v god_n displeasure_n if_o he_o shall_v severe_o animadvert_v upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o we_o must_v needs_o also_o be_v sensible_a both_o how_o many_o danger_n we_o have_v escape_v by_o his_o providence_n and_o how_o many_o instance_n of_o blessing_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o his_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o have_v reason_n to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n and_o especial_o be_v then_o also_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o sleep_v when_o above_o all_o time_n we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o own_o keep_n and_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o thousand_o danger_n from_o thief_n from_o malicious_a man_n from_o violent_a element_n of_o wind_n fire_n and_o water_n from_o the_o erterprise_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o frightful_a dream_n and_o our_o own_o foolish_a imagination_n in_o which_o and_o sundry_a other_o respect_n no_o man_n know_v what_o a_o night_n may_v bring_v forth_o and_o in_o consideration_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o stupid_o secure_a and_o foolhardy_a person_n that_o do_v not_o think_v it_o high_o to_o be_v his_o interest_n by_o peculiar_a address_n to_o recommend_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o concern_v to_o the_o watchful_a eye_n of_o providence_n which_o neither_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n have_v not_o only_o by_o the_o guard_n of_o holy_a angel_n be_v preserve_v from_o all_o those_o danger_n which_o may_v have_v surprise_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o when_o our_o sense_n be_v so_o lock_v up_o that_o we_o can_v not_o help_v ourselves_o but_o refresh_v and_o recruit_v in_o all_o our_o power_n by_o that_o admirable_a divine_a opiate_n sleep_n nothing_o less_o can_v become_v we_o than_o to_o consecrate_v anew_o all_o these_o restore_v power_n to_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n by_o hearty_a adoration_n beside_o this_o we_o be_v then_o sensible_a that_o we_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a scene_n of_o business_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o innumerable_a accident_n danger_n difficulty_n and_o temptation_n none_o of_o which_o we_o be_v match_n for_o without_o divine_a assistance_n and_o have_v therefore_o need_v to_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o good_a providence_n before_o we_o encounter_v they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o timidity_n or_o superstitious_a fear_n but_o just_a wisdom_n not_o to_o dare_v either_o to_o go_v to_o bed_n or_o to_o set_v our_o foot_n out_o of_o door_n till_o we_o have_v recommend_v ourselves_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o prayer_n and_o by_o so_o do_v as_o aforesaid_a we_o maintain_v the_o juge_fw-fr sacrificium_fw-la and_o in_o god_n gracious_a interpretation_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v continual_o and_o to_o consecrate_v our_o whole_a time_n to_o he_o and_o beside_o we_o keep_v up_o a_o lively_a and_o constant_a sense_n of_o he_o upon_o our_o heart_n second_o let_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o duty_n be_v do_v fervent_o as_o well_o as_o constant_o and_o frequent_o not_o formal_o and_o customary_o without_o life_n and_o feel_n of_o what_o a_o man_n be_v about_o or_o with_o wander_a thought_n and_o distract_v affection_n but_o with_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v flat_a and_o remiss_a in_o these_o special_a approach_n to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v much_o worse_o and_o even_o loose_a and_o atheistical_a upon_o other_o occasion_n for_o these_o secret_a duty_n be_v the_o special_a instrument_n and_o exercise_n of_o raise_v our_o heart_n towards_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o nick_n up_o of_o our_o watch_n to_o that_o cue_n in_o which_o we_o will_v have_v it_o go_v in_o the_o more_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o it_o be_v principal_o concern_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o all_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n but_o the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o piety_n lie_v in_o these_o secret_a duty_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v discharge_v with_o the_o quick_a sense_n and_o most_o inflame_a affection_n insomuch_o that_o a_o man_n must_v not_o think_v he_o have_v acquit_v himself_o when_o he_o have_v repeat_v such_o or_o so_o many_o prayer_n until_o he_o find_v also_o his_o heart_n warm_v and_o his_o temper_n of_o mind_n raise_v and_o improve_v by_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o let_v he_o in_o the_o entrance_n upon_o these_o retirement_n place_v himself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o this_o may_v give_v check_n to_o all_o levity_n of_o spirit_n and_o wander_a of_o thought_n and_o make_v he_o grave_a and_o reverential_a let_v he_o also_o all_o along_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o either_o beg_v of_o god_n or_o return_v thanks_o for_o that_o this_o may_v render_v he_o ardent_a in_o his_o desire_n and_o affectionate_a in_o his_o praise_n and_o while_o he_o persevere_fw-la in_o these_o duty_n let_v he_o join_v with_o they_o reading_z and_o meditation_n not_o only_o to_o fix_v his_o mind_n but_o to_o prevent_v barrenness_n and_o to_o impreganate_n and_o enrich_v his_o soul_n with_o divine_a notion_n and_o affection_n to_o this_o end_n three_o let_v he_o take_v care_n
that_o he_o tempt_v not_o himself_o to_o flatness_n by_o a_o affect_a length_n of_o these_o holy_a duty_n for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o indevout_a temper_n to_o be_v too_o compendious_a and_o concise_a in_o they_o as_o if_o we_o grudge_v the_o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n and_o although_o it_o be_v also_o irreverent_a towards_o god_n to_o be_v so_o short_a and_o abrupt_a as_o if_o we_o brief_o dictate_v to_o he_o what_o we_o will_v have_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n to_o be_v impertinent_o tedious_a with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v we_o without_o many_o word_n or_o will_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o tedious_a importunity_n beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o often_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o that_o our_o body_n can_v always_o correspond_v with_o our_o mind_n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o affect_v the_o prolong_n of_o our_o devotion_n be_v to_o lose_v in_o the_o intention_n what_o we_o get_v in_o the_o extension_n of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v sure_a either_o to_o make_v we_o go_v unwilling_o to_o our_o duty_n or_o to_o perform_v it_o very_o superficial_o in_o either_o of_o which_o circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a we_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o god_n or_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o comfortable_a reflection_n afterward_o upon_o such_o performance_n the_o measure_n of_o devotion_n therefore_o be_v not_o express_o prescribe_v by_o god_n but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o a_o prudent_a respect_n to_o the_o peculiar_a constitution_n of_o the_o person_n the_o condition_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o the_o extraordinariness_n of_o the_o occasion_n and_o to_o go_v about_o to_o exceed_v these_o bound_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o intemperate_a zeal_n which_o be_v never_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o be_v so_o far_o injurious_a to_o a_o man_n self_n that_o it_o manifest_o hinder_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o promote_v to_o these_o i_o add_v four_o let_v not_o the_o devout_a man_n be_v very_o curious_a or_o sollicitious_a about_o the_o from_o or_o expression_n of_o his_o secret_a duty_n i_o mean_v whether_o his_o prayer_n be_v read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n or_o be_v the_o present_a conception_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o from_o a_o understand_a soul_n and_o a_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a heart_n for_o these_o be_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n look_v at_o and_o wherein_o his_o honour_n be_v direct_o concern_v and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v no_o value_n for_o eloquence_n of_o speech_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o neither_o have_v he_o for_o strength_n of_o memory_n or_o for_o pregnancy_n and_o variety_n of_o fancy_n on_o the_o other_o but_o only_o as_o i_o say_v that_o we_o worship_v he_o with_o our_o understanding_n and_o do_v not_o like_a parrot_n utter_a word_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o notion_n that_o we_o bring_v a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n as_o sensible_a of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o a_o heart_n serious_o affect_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o value_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v conversant_a about_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o compose_a form_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o public_a worship_n where_o as_o i_o note_v before_o the_o dignity_n and_o credit_n of_o religion_n be_v concern_v and_o that_o perhaps_o in_o private_a duty_n our_o present_a conception_n may_v most_o please_v and_o affect_v ourselves_o but_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n especial_o in_o these_o secret_a duty_n depend_v neither_o upon_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o upon_o those_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n aforesaid_a wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n cheat_v himself_o into_o a_o opinion_n that_o those_o heat_n of_o fancy_n or_o transport_v of_o affection_n which_o sometime_o happen_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v instance_n of_o real_a and_o extraordinary_a devotion_n or_o that_o because_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n or_o book_n may_v perhaps_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o flight_n therefore_o those_o duty_n be_v dead_a and_o formal_a forasmuch_o as_o those_o service_n may_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n which_o be_v less_o pleasant_a to_o ourselves_o since_o it_o be_v not_o those_o sudden_a flash_n but_o a_o constant_a and_o even_a servour_n of_o piety_n which_o he_o have_v regard_n to_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o another_o advice_n namely_o five_o let_v the_o pious_a man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o that_o he_o be_v never_o to_o lay_v aside_o or_o intermit_v the_o regular_a course_n of_o a_o daily_a devotion_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o but_o especial_o not_o upon_o the_o absurd_a pretext_n of_o await_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cease_v not_o to_o move_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o move_v sensible_o and_o to_o make_v violent_a impression_n upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n till_o he_o be_v so_o jog_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o it_o will_v never_o pray_v at_o all_o and_o indeed_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o expect_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o what_o need_n of_o it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o put_v we_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a service_n than_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v some_o special_a mandate_n or_o impulse_n upon_o our_o spirit_n from_o he_o which_o may_v both_o warrant_v the_o enterprise_n and_o quicken_v we_o in_o the_o prosecution_n but_o in_o ordinary_a duty_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v sufficient_a and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o that_o do_v but_o pretend_v to_o wait_v for_o a_o spirit_n in_o excuse_n of_o his_o own_o atheism_n unbelief_n or_o intolerable_a slothfulness_n and_o in_o so_o do_v lay_v himself_o open_a to_o a_o evil_a spirit_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o check_v and_o withdraw_v man_n from_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o sad_a and_o common_a experience_n that_o from_o wait_v for_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n man_n very_o usual_o grow_v first_o to_o frequent_a omission_n then_o to_o carelessness_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o it_o therefore_o let_v not_o any_o man_n slight_a a_o regular_a and_o methodical_a devotion_n as_o a_o mere_a formal_a and_o customary_a thing_n since_o this_o be_v the_o very_a attainment_n of_o piety_n when_o that_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n become_v also_o in_o a_o good_a sense_n customary_a and_o habitual_a and_o he_o that_o out_o of_o such_o a_o temper_n perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n constant_o and_o reverent_o give_v far_o great_a proof_n of_o sincere_a christianity_n than_o he_o that_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o do_v they_o with_o great_a heat_n and_o transport_v but_o needs_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o be_v jog_v and_o provoke_v to_o the_o performance_n six_o to_o all_o these_o i_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o it_o be_v very_o advisable_v though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o in_o these_o secret_a devotion_n a_o man_n shall_v where_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o privacy_n and_o without_o ostentation_n or_o such_o other_o impediment_n pray_v vocal_o and_o audible_o for_o although_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o observe_v all_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o affection_n before_o we_o express_v they_o and_o therefore_o need_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v interpret_v our_o mind_n to_o he_o by_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v employ_v all_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n we_o have_v in_o his_o service_n our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o lip_n as_o well_o as_o our_o heart_n beside_o though_o we_o can_v affect_v god_n with_o the_o tone_n and_o accent_n of_o our_o speech_n yet_o we_o often_o time_n affect_v our_o own_o heart_n the_o more_o and_o raise_v they_o a_o note_n high_o in_o concord_n with_o the_o elevation_n of_o our_o voice_n but_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v be_v this_o viz._n by_o the_o harmony_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o voice_n our_o heart_n be_v as_o it_o be_v charm_v into_o the_o great_a composure_n and_o intention_n upon_o that_o we_o be_v about_o and_o so_o whereas_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a complaint_n especial_o of_o melancholy_a and_o thoughtful_a person_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o rove_v and_o wander_v in_o these_o secret_a duty_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o mean_v we_o have_v it_o very_o much_o in_o our_o power_n to_o keep_v
homage_n and_o attendance_n that_o have_v lay_v infinite_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o he_o that_o have_v consider_v and_o forecast_v all_o our_o circumstance_n business_n difficulty_n temptation_n and_o excuse_n he_o that_o observe_v our_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o himself_o he_o that_o can_v be_v deceive_v will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o be_v no_o accepter_n of_o person_n he_o i_o say_v have_v make_v no_o such_o exception_n or_o exemption_n in_o this_o great_a concern_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v mention_v without_o great_a unreasonableness_n nor_o rely_v upon_o without_o horrible_a danger_n if_o indeed_o eternity_n be_v the_o peculiar_a concern_v of_o a_o certain_a sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n only_o or_o if_o old_a man_n only_o die_v and_o none_o else_o or_o if_o rich_a man_n can_v be_v content_v that_o only_a poor_a man_n shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n than_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n may_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o devotion_n but_o otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o great_a absurdity_n that_o can_v be_v to_o hope_v for_o the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n what_o though_o old_a man_n must_v die_v yet_o will_v not_o young_a man_n quick_o come_v to_o be_v old_a man_n too_o at_o least_o if_o they_o do_v not_o die_v first_o and_o what_o if_o man_n of_o retire_a life_n have_v more_o leisure_n for_o devotion_n and_o more_o time_n to_o spend_v in_o it_o yet_o be_v any_o man_n so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o but_o that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v spare_v some_o time_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o eternity_n what_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o churchman_n have_v peculiar_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o necessity_n of_o practise_v it_o be_v common_a to_o other_o with_o themselves_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o it_o peculiar_a to_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o all_o it_o be_v true_a poor_a man_n and_o man_n in_o adversity_n be_v just_o accusable_a of_o intolerable_a sottishness_n if_o they_o who_o be_v frown_v upon_o by_o the_o world_n do_v not_o seek_v to_o repair_v their_o unhappiness_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o rich_a man_n and_o those_o in_o prosperity_n be_v as_o just_o to_o be_v upbraid_v with_o disingenuity_n and_o base_a ingratitude_n if_o they_o be_v not_o devout_a towards_o he_o that_o have_v deal_v so_o bountiful_o with_o they_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o calling_n or_o condition_n of_o man_n but_o under_o it_o they_o may_v if_o they_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o it_o very_o affectionate_o attend_v upon_o religion_n consistent_o enough_o with_o all_o other_o lawful_a business_n or_o occasion_n almighty_a wisdom_n have_v not_o so_o ill_o contrive_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o necessity_n that_o business_n shall_v supplant_v religion_n or_o religion_n entrench_v upon_o business_n nor_o if_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v be_v these_o two_o kind_a of_o affair_n so_o contrary_a or_o do_v devotion_n take_v up_o so_o much_o time_n or_o so_o much_o exhaust_v man_n spirit_n but_o with_o a_o good_a zeal_n and_o a_o little_a forecast_n both_o may_v be_v carry_v on_o together_o or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n will_v indeed_o weary_v our_o body_n or_o the_o secure_n of_o heaven_n will_v disorder_v and_o a_o little_a incommode_v our_o secular_a interest_n yet_o neither_o be_v life_n so_o certain_a nor_o the_o present_a world_n so_o considerable_a nor_o heaven_n so_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a a_o interest_n as_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o put_v himself_o to_o some_o trouble_n for_o the_o latter_a as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o former_a and_o as_o there_o want_v not_o reason_n for_o this_o course_n so_o neither_o be_v example_n want_v in_o this_o kind_n where_o man_n that_o may_v have_v make_v such_o excuse_n as_o aforesaid_a as_o just_o as_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o have_v notwithstanding_o quit_v and_o disdain_v they_o all_o and_o apply_v themselves_o remarkable_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o devotion_n for_o if_o riches_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o worldly_a care_n and_o business_n which_o usual_o attend_v they_o be_v a_o just_a excuse_n from_o attendance_n upon_o religion_n than_o job_n may_v have_v claim_v exemption_n who_o be_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o all_o the_o east_n and_o yet_o the_o devout_a too_o his_o thousand_o of_o sheep_n and_o ox_n and_o camel_n his_o abundance_n of_o servant_n his_o numerous_a family_n and_o the_o care_n of_o all_o these_o do_v not_o tempt_v he_o to_o the_o intermission_n of_o one_o day_n devotion_n if_o either_o the_o temptation_n and_o pleasure_n of_o youth_n or_o the_o voluptuousness_n of_o a_o court_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o example_n of_o profaneness_n or_o the_o care_n of_o a_o prime_a minister_n of_o state_n or_o the_o jealousy_n of_o a_o favourite_n can_v all_o together_o have_v amount_v to_o a_o just_a dispensation_n from_o the_o strictness_n of_o religion_n then_o daniel_n who_o be_v in_o all_o those_o circumstance_n may_v have_v plead_v it_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n may_v have_v retrencht_v his_o conscience_n and_o intermit_v his_o pray_v three_o time_n a_o day_n especial_o when_o he_o know_v his_o enemy_n watch_v advantage_n against_o he_o in_o this_o particular_a if_o the_o general_a licence_n of_o soldier_n the_o temptation_n such_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o necessity_n they_o often_o be_v press_v with_o or_o the_o sudden_a avocation_n they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o can_v make_v a_o tolerable_a apology_n for_o profaneness_n or_o a_o excuse_n for_o irreligion_n than_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o have_v be_v excuse_v from_o pray_v to_o god_n continual_o and_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n nay_o last_o if_o either_o the_o state_n and_o grandeur_n or_o the_o prerogative_n of_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n if_o the_o impunity_n of_o a_o king_n or_o the_o glory_n and_o affluence_n of_o a_o kingdom_n nay_o if_o either_o interest_n of_o state_n or_o weight_n of_o affair_n the_o care_n and_o policy_n of_o government_n have_v be_v all_o together_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o dispensation_n from_o the_o strict_a obligation_n of_o religion_n than_o david_n may_v have_v pretend_v to_o it_o in_o abatement_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o of_o his_o constant_a and_o ardent_a devotion_n but_o all_o these_o holy_a man_n consider_v that_o god_n be_v a_o great_a majesty_n not_o to_o be_v trifle_v with_o and_o a_o impartial_a judge_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n that_o eternity_n be_v of_o more_o consequence_n than_o the_o present_a life_n and_o heaven_n better_o than_o this_o world_n and_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v a_o eternal_a interest_n to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o management_n of_o temporal_a affair_n that_o contrariwise_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o effectual_a way_n to_o succeed_v in_o the_o latter_a as_o by_o a_o diligent_a prosecution_n of_o the_o former_a but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o inexcusableness_n of_o a_o total_a and_o final_a omission_n of_o it_o will_v notwithstanding_o make_v it_o to_o be_v only_o the_o business_n of_o old_a age_n or_o a_o sickbed_n these_o although_o by_o the_o folly_n and_o sloth_n of_o man_n they_o have_v too_o many_o follower_n in_o their_o opinion_n yet_o certain_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o inexcusable_a of_o all_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v such_o a_o hypothesis_n passable_a with_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o must_v not_o only_o suppose_v several_a very_o uncertain_a thing_n which_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v have_v the_o confidence_n or_o rather_o madness_n to_o presume_v upon_o but_o the_o very_a supposition_n itself_o imply_v divers_a other_o thing_n so_o base_a and_o disingenuous_a as_o no_o good_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o first_o they_o make_v very_o bold_a and_o desperate_a supposition_n as_o for_o example_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o old_a age_n and_o die_v by_o a_o leisurely_o and_o linger_a sickness_n that_o god_n will_v then_o accept_v of_o man_n return_n and_o repentance_n who_o never_o stop_v in_o their_o career_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n till_o death_n arrest_v they_o that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o repentance_n what_o time_n they_o prefix_v to_o he_o or_o that_o they_o can_v repent_v when_o they_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o most_o weighty_a affair_n when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n and_o the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o business_n can_v be_v transact_v when_o their_o strength_n and_o spirit_n be_v exhaust_v and_o to_o say_v
improve_v his_o stewardship_n in_o this_o particular_a last_o in_o a_o family_n there_o be_v common_o some_o who_o under_o the_o general_a relation_n of_o friend_n or_o acquaintance_n be_v either_o resident_a in_o it_o or_o at_o least_o hospitable_o entertain_v by_o it_o now_o as_o this_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o the_o person_n treat_v so_o it_o give_v some_o authority_n to_o he_o who_o treat_v they_o and_o consequent_o as_o such_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a towards_o man_n for_o the_o scandal_n and_o misdemeanour_n of_o his_o guest_n so_o be_v he_o much_o more_o responsible_a to_o god_n for_o any_o profaneness_n they_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o his_o divine_a majesty_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o every_o man_n be_v king_n in_o his_o own_o family_n may_v give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o oblige_v those_o who_o be_v under_o his_o protection_n to_o pay_v he_o allegiance_n and_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n with_o he_o especial_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v this_o because_o the_o four_o commandment_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o use_v this_o authority_n not_o only_o over_o our_o son_n and_o daughter_n our_o man-servant_n and_o maid-servant_n but_o over_o all_o those_o that_o be_v within_o our_o gate_n but_o so_o much_o in_o the_o general_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o particular_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o family_n of_o which_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iu._n of_o family_n duty_n in_o special_a in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o family_n that_o beside_o closet-devotion_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o beside_o public_a worship_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v anon_o once_o a_o day_n at_o the_o least_o they_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n i_o say_v once_o a_o day_n at_o the_o least_o in_o favour_n of_o man_n occasion_n and_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n of_o some_o family_n be_v it_o not_o for_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o fit_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v prayer_n morning_n and_o evening_n as_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o most_o pious_a family_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v wonderful_o decent_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o family_n shall_v once_o in_o the_o day_n meet_v together_o and_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o any_o excuse_n shall_v be_v plead_v or_o admit_v in_o this_o case_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o every_o several_a family_n be_v a_o peculiar_a body_n or_o society_n which_o have_v its_o distinct_a circumstance_n effect_n and_o consideration_n it_o have_v its_o respective_a needs_o to_o be_v supply_v and_o therefore_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a request_n to_o god_n as_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o continue_v it_o in_o health_n to_o settle_v concord_n and_o unity_n among_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o that_o the_o whole_a may_v enjoy_v prosperity_n and_o safety_n from_o thief_n from_o fire_n and_o other_o danger_n and_o every_o such_o society_n have_v also_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a mercy_n to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o as_o namely_o for_o success_n in_o affair_n for_o quiet_a habitation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o molest_v with_o ill_a neighbour_n nor_o vex_v with_o law-suit_n for_o hopeful_a child_n faithful_a servant_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o several_a of_o these_o respect_v a_o man_n may_v be_v well_o and_o comfortable_a in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o yet_o be_v unhappy_a in_o the_o society_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o society_n or_o family_n may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o general_n and_o yet_o a_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v in_o ill_a circumstance_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v just_a reason_n of_o address_n and_o acknowledgement_n to_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o family_n and_o by_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o conjunction_n as_o well_o as_o by_o every_o single_a person_n apart_o and_o in_o his_o closet_n and_o though_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v some_o family_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o person_n who_o can_v apt_o and_o proper_o represent_v the_o peculiar_a concern_v of_o it_o to_o the_o almighty_a and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o there_o be_v no_o form_n of_o prayer_n at_o hand_n that_o will_v express_v all_o the_o respective_a circumstance_n of_o such_o a_o society_n yet_o they_o may_v lift_v up_o their_o heart_n and_o voice_n together_o in_o a_o general_a form_n and_o supply_v with_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n whatsoever_o be_v want_v in_o the_o expression_n and_o as_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o such_o family_n worship_n so_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o expect_v it_o will_v be_v singular_o successful_a when_o the_o whole_a community_n join_v together_o and_o present_v themselves_o and_o their_o tribute_n of_o praise_n before_o the_o lord_n no_o question_n but_o the_o very_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v high_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o when_o with_o prostrate_a body_n devout_a heart_n and_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n they_o combine_v together_o to_o importune_v and_o as_o it_o be_v besiege_v the_o almighty_a they_o can_v fail_v of_o a_o blessing_n or_o however_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o such_o person_n and_o a_o great_a security_n to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v thus_o joint_o and_o solemn_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a protection_n beside_o that_o this_o course_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o conciliate_v peace_n and_o love_n and_o kindness_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o body_n and_o to_o knit_v their_o heart_n to_o one_o another_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o accustom_v to_o unite_v their_o heart_n and_o join_v their_o hand_n in_o god_n service_n and_o conspire_v to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o great_a indearment_n of_o affection_n perhaps_o some_o man_n will_v now_o say_v there_o be_v no_o express_a scripture_n which_o require_v of_o man_n this_o daily_a office_n of_o family_n prayer_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o what_o if_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n see_v there_o be_v so_o apparent_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o god_n who_o consider_v that_o he_o give_v law_n to_o reasonable_a man_n do_v not_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o prescribe_v every_o thing_n in_o particular_a especial_o in_o natural_a worship_n where_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n may_v supply_v he_o with_o direction_n what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n beside_o second_o as_o i_o discourse_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v a_o stingy_a and_o narrow-souled_a trick_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o no_o true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n to_o stand_v upon_o so_o strict_a term_n in_o our_o piety_n as_o to_o require_v a_o express_a command_n in_o particular_a for_o that_o which_o be_v admirable_o good_a in_o the_o general_n and_o have_v also_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a man_n as_o this_o have_v be_v but_o after_o all_o i_o will_v in_o the_o last_o place_n crave_v leave_v to_o ask_v those_o man_n a_o plain_a question_n who_o insist_v upon_o more_o express_a proof_n of_o family_n prayer_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o whether_o they_o think_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o public_a worship_n require_v of_o man_n if_o they_o do_v then_o let_v they_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o public_a society_n than_o that_o of_o family_n namely_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o either_o public_a worship_n must_v be_v this_o of_o family_n or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o to_o enlighten_v they_o in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o passage_n gen._n 4._o 26._o when_o seth_n have_v enos_n bear_v to_o he_o it_o be_v say_v then_o begin_v man_n to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o there_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o family_n in_o the_o pious_a line_n of_o seth_n then_o present_o they_o set_v up_o god_n worship_n in_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o beginning_n of_o secret_a worship_n for_o no_o doubt_n but_o seth_n be_v careful_a of_o that_o before_o enos_n be_v bear_v nor_o be_v it_o proper_o public_a or_o ecclesiastic_a worship_n for_o in_o that_o minority_n of_o the_o world_n there_o neither_o be_v nor_o as_o yet_o can_v be_v any_o church_n establish_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n therefore_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o family_n worship_n be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o be_v of_o family_n themselves_o or_o let_v pious_a and_o
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
especial_o let_v he_o remember_v to_o frequent_v they_o constant_o and_o entire_o by_o constancy_n of_o attendance_n upon_o public_a worship_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o apply_v himself_o to_o it_o on_o the_o sunday_n or_o lord_n day_n but_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n if_o there_o be_v opportunity_n and_o by_o entireness_n of_o god_n service_n i_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n both_o to_o go_v at_o the_o beginning_n and_o to_o join_v in_o it_o both_o morning_n and_o evening_n that_o by_o all_o together_o he_o may_v not_o only_o sure_a himself_o and_o his_o own_o conscience_n of_o his_o heartiness_n and_o sincerity_n but_o demonstrate_v to_o all_o about_o he_o the_o great_a sense_n he_o have_v of_o the_o moment_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o serve_n of_o god_n as_o of_o great_a consequence_n than_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o frequent_v the_o public_a prayer_n every_o day_n where_o they_o be_v to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o character_n of_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o 2._o that_o among_o other_o instance_n of_o devotion_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o which_o can_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o his_o daily_a frequent_v the_o public_a prayer_n because_o his_o private_a prayer_n can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o to_o make_v his_o character_n but_o most_o express_o it_o be_v say_v of_o all_o that_o believe_v act_v 2._o 46._o that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v needs_o principal_o have_v reference_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o if_o any_o man_n be_v so_o put_v to_o it_o that_o he_o can_v spare_v one_o hour_n in_o a_o day_n to_o do_v public_a honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o unbelief_n in_o his_o providence_n as_o well_o as_o want_v of_o love_n to_o he_o if_o a_o man_n can_v trust_v god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o hope_v that_o such_o a_o time_n spend_v in_o his_o service_n shall_v be_v recompense_v by_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o day_n or_o however_o a_o good_a christian_a will_v be_v well_o content_v and_o glad_o sacrifice_v so_o much_o of_o his_o secular_a interest_n as_o this_o come_v to_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o for_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n go_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o shameful_a neglect_n which_o several_a person_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o will_v not_o altogether_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o will_v come_v common_o so_o late_o that_o they_o not_o only_o lose_v part_n of_o the_o prayer_n but_o enter_v very_o abrupt_o and_o irreverent_o upon_o that_o which_o they_o partake_v of_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o man_n may_v sometime_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o time_n or_o divert_v from_o his_o intention_n by_o some_o emergency_n but_o to_o be_v frequent_o tardy_a be_v a_o argument_n that_o he_o love_v something_o better_a than_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n for_o doubtless_o a_o good_a christian_n will_v ordinary_o choose_v rather_o to_o stay_v for_o the_o minister_n than_o that_o the_o public_a office_n shall_v stay_v for_o he_o and_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o spend_v a_o little_a time_n in_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v his_o heart_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n than_o either_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o divine_a presence_n rude_o or_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o by_o half_n and_o as_o for_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o this_o instance_n of_o devotion_n viz._n the_o resort_v both_o to_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n it_o be_v observable_a act_n 3._o 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o nine_o hour_n which_o be_v both_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o frequent_v the_o evening_n service_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o morning_n and_o also_o a_o example_n of_o observe_v the_o just_a and_o state_v time_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v become_v every_o good_a christian_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o such_o a_o precedent_n especial_o see_v the_o gospel_n worship_n which_o we_o resort_v to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o excellent_a and_o comfortable_a than_o the_o jewish_a be_v which_o those_o holy_a man_n thus_o careful_o frequent_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o 5._o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v that_o in_o all_o these_o public_a approach_n to_o god_n house_n we_o be_v to_o express_v a_o great_a reverence_n towards_o the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v that_o we_o ought_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o think_v worthy_o of_o he_o and_o prostrate_v all_o the_o inward_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o but_o that_o in_o our_o outward_a man_n in_o our_o carriage_n and_o bodily_a deportment_n we_o express_v a_o awful_a regard_n to_o he_o by_o all_o such_o gesture_n and_o sign_n as_o according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n be_v take_v to_o betoken_v the_o high_a reverence_n and_o observance_n such_o as_o stand_v kneeling_z bowing_z and_o prostration_n of_o ourselves_o before_o he_o for_o though_o the_o heart_n be_v that_o which_o god_n principal_o look_v at_o yet_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o make_v our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n and_o we_o hope_v he_o will_v save_v both_o he_o therefore_o expect_v we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o both_o with_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o our_o body_n which_o be_v his_o and_o which_o he_o have_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 20._o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v such_o a_o nearness_n and_o sympathy_n between_o our_o body_n and_o spirit_n that_o they_o ordinary_o move_v by_o consent_n and_o draw_v one_o another_o into_o compliance_n insomuch_o that_o he_o who_o true_o bow_v his_o soul_n to_o god_n can_v scarce_o forbear_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o he_o also_o and_o he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o he_o be_v by_o that_o very_a motion_n of_o his_o body_n in_o some_o measure_n put_v in_o mind_n to_o entertain_v reverential_a thought_n and_o affection_n towards_o he_o and_o this_o care_n of_o bodily_a worship_n be_v the_o more_o important_a in_o public_a service_n and_o especial_o in_o god_n house_n because_o as_o i_o note_v before_o then_o and_o there_o his_o honour_n and_o grandeur_n be_v concern_v and_o any_o indecent_a carriage_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o contempt_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o carriage_n which_o in_o secret_a worship_n may_v admit_v of_o excuse_n will_v in_o public_a be_v intolerable_a profaneness_n wherefore_o let_v not_o the_o pious_a man_n be_v affright_v by_o any_o one_o out_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o bodily_a reverence_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o superstition_n which_o be_v become_v a_o bugbear_n by_o which_o weak_a man_n be_v make_v afraid_a of_o every_o instance_n of_o a_o decorous_a or_o generous_a devotion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o culpable_a superstition_n in_o our_o worship_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o true_a object_n for_o it_o and_o while_o we_o use_v not_o such_o expression_n of_o our_o devotion_n as_o he_o have_v forbid_v but_o this_o of_o bodily_a reverence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v that_o it_o be_v express_o require_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o have_v be_v constant_o practise_v by_o all_o holy_a man_n nor_o let_v the_o fancy_n of_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n require_v under_o the_o gospel_n beguile_v any_o man_n into_o a_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n of_o bodily_a reverence_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o although_o the_o christian_a religion_n raise_v man_n inward_a devotion_n high_o yet_o it_o abate_v nothing_o of_o outward_a adoration_n but_o rather_o when_o it_o require_v the_o former_a shall_v be_v more_o intense_a and_o affectionate_a it_o suppose_v the_o other_o shall_v be_v answerable_a because_o it_o be_v natural_a so_o to_o be_v for_o this_o be_v the_o accessary_n can_v but_o follow_v the_o principal_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o possibility_n that_o more_o stress_n may_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o shadow_n than_o the_o substance_n and_o some_o man_n may_v hope_v to_o compliment_n god_n almighty_a out_o of_o his_o right_n to_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o address_n of_o their_o body_n but_o the_o fault_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o the_o latter_a but_o too_o little_a of_o the_o former_a and_o the_o good_a christian_a therefore_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o join_v both_o together_o and_o as_o he_o will_v come_v to_o god_n house_n with_o the_o most_o elevate_a affection_n so_o he_o will_v
express_v his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o he_o and_o the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o the_o lowly_a posture_n of_o his_o body_n 6._o next_o to_o this_o let_v the_o pious_a man_n think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o pay_v some_o measure_n of_o reverence_n to_o god_n minister_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n take_v special_a care_n of_o the_o respect_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o minister_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o maintenance_n for_o indeed_o all_o contumely_n towards_o they_o redound_v upon_o himself_o and_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v very_o full_a and_o express_v in_o this_o particular_a they_o be_v those_o that_o watch_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o must_v give_v account_n for_o they_o they_o be_v god_n ambassador_n and_o worker_n together_o with_o he_o those_o by_o who_o hand_n he_o pardon_v and_o bless_v his_o people_n and_o therefore_o he_o hold_v they_o as_o the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o those_o who_o slight_a they_o that_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n on_o earth_n affront_v he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n but_o among_o the_o many_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o thessaly_n 1._o ep._n 5._o 13._o be_v very_o considerable_a the_o word_n be_v these_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v those_o who_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n the_o last_o word_n be_v so_o emphatical_a they_o can_v be_v express_v in_o english_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o give_v they_o great_a esteem_n than_o otherwise_o be_v due_a to_o they_o for_o their_o work_n and_o office_n sake_n i._n e._n to_o value_v they_o above_o their_o part_n and_o merit_n and_o quality_n in_o other_o respect_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n and_o for_o their_o office_n and_o usefulness_n towards_o our_o soul_n and_o indeed_o touch_v that_o last_o particular_a it_o be_v evident_a in_o experience_n that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n be_v such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o esteem_n for_o their_o minister_n not_o only_o that_o they_o may_v encourage_v his_o study_n and_o sweeten_v his_o labour_n to_o he_o but_o that_o they_o may_v render_v themselves_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o follow_v his_o counsel_n and_o receive_a benefit_n by_o his_o instruction_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o that_o slight_a and_o vilify_v the_o person_n of_o such_o neither_o do_v nor_o possible_o can_v ordinary_o receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n 4._o 4._o speak_v of_o a_o profligate_n and_o hopeless_a sort_n of_o people_n use_v this_o expression_n this_o people_n be_v as_o those_o that_o strive_v with_o the_o priest_n q._n d._n they_o be_v not_o only_o horrible_o vicious_a and_o profane_a but_o they_o be_v incorrigible_a too_o therefore_o the_o pious_o dispose_v man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o reverence_v god_n minister_n both_o for_o god_n sake_n and_o his_o own_o too_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o another_o duty_n of_o kind_a to_o the_o former_a viz._n 7._o that_o the_o good_a christian_a account_n it_o a_o office_n of_o public_a piety_n as_o well_o as_o of_o common_a justice_n to_o pay_v true_o and_o faithful_o his_o tithe_n and_o church_n due_n to_o the_o minister_n this_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v by_o the_o expression_n of_o double_a honour_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n require_v that_o they_o which_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n shall_v live_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o god_n himself_o settle_v the_o provision_n for_o his_o minister_n he_o do_v it_o most_o ample_o and_o honourable_o and_o under_o the_o gospel_n pious_a antiquity_n take_v care_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o ministry_n thereof_o shall_v be_v liberal_o endow_v till_o the_o envy_n and_o rapacity_n of_o aftertime_n deprive_v it_o of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o its_o right_n but_o now_o after_o those_o depredation_n it_o will_v be_v a_o horrible_a sin_n and_o shame_n to_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o any_o part_n of_o that_o remainder_n or_o fraudulent_o to_o diminish_v or_o impair_v it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v any_o right_n to_o it_o as_o have_v neither_o purchase_v it_o nor_o hire_v it_o nor_o have_v it_o descend_v upon_o he_o by_o inheritance_n the_o church_n due_a be_v a_o reserve_a estate_n or_o a_o rent-charge_n upon_o every_o private_a estate_n and_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o it_o be_v what_o pious_a ancestry_n consecrate_v to_o this_o use_n and_o therefore_o no_o part_n of_o it_o can_v be_v invade_v intercept_v or_o encroach_v upon_o without_o sacrilege_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o need_v no_o more_o than_o to_o observe_v the_o common_a success_n of_o such_o man_n as_o purloin_v from_o the_o church_n and_o as_o their_o own_o phrase_n be_v be_v always_o pinch_v on_o the_o parson_n side_n they_o be_v general_o a_o querulous_a uneasy_a lean_a hungry_a and_o unthrifty_a sort_n of_o people_n god_n almighty_n blow_v upon_o and_o blast_v their_o other_o labour_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o accurse_a thing_n in_o their_o tent_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o thrive_v for_o the_o present_a yet_o one_o time_n or_o other_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n will_v take_v hold_n of_o and_o fire_v their_o nest_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o that_o be_v just_a to_o god_n in_o this_o particular_a ordinary_o find_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o success_n of_o their_o affair_n and_o they_o be_v common_o cheerful_a in_o their_o spirit_n and_o prosperous_a in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o good_a christian_a will_v not_o need_v these_o argument_n for_o he_o love_v god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o his_o minister_n and_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o he_o that_o reap_v spiritual_a thing_n ought_v liberal_o to_o sow_v temporal_a thing_n at_o least_o he_o will_v rather_o abridge_v himself_o than_o wrong_v the_o church_n although_o it_o may_v be_v never_o so_o cleverly_o do_v under_o the_o countenance_n of_o a_o corrupt_a custom_n or_o prescription_n so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o 8._o in_o the_o eight_o place_n he_o will_v be_v a_o example_n of_o pious_a munificence_n and_o put_v himself_o to_o some_o voluntary_a cost_n for_o the_o ornament_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o public_a service_n may_v be_v perform_v with_o gravity_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n for_o he_o think_v it_o very_o fit_a that_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v worship_v with_o sincerity_n and_o devotion_n but_o with_o grandeur_n and_o magnificence_n he_o will_v not_o therefore_o humour_v the_o profaneness_n of_o degenerate_a time_n so_o much_o as_o to_o forswear_v building_n of_o church_n if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n nor_o much_o less_o will_v be_v backward_o or_o stingy_a in_o repair_v of_o they_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o he_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o let_v god_n house_n lie_v waste_v when_o he_o build_v his_o own_o nor_o frame_v his_o mind_n to_o think_v that_o be_v good_a enough_o for_o the_o use_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o can_v not_o be_v content_v with_o for_o his_o private_a accommodation_n if_o better_a be_v in_o his_o power_n and_o therefore_o will_v in_o all_o parish-meeting_n about_o these_o matter_n vote_v for_o god_n against_o his_o own_o purse_n for_o he_o be_v of_o david_n mind_n who_o have_v no_o fancy_n for_o a_o cheap_a religion_n nor_o will_v serve_v god_n with_o that_o which_o cost_v he_o nothing_o 1_o chron._n 21._o 24._o and_o as_o he_o psal_n 84._o verse_n 5_o 6_o 7._o bless_v those_o that_o take_v pain_n to_o repair_v the_o way_n and_o to_o make_v the_o passage_n easy_a towards_o god_n house_n at_o jerusalem_n so_o the_o pious_a christian_a will_v endeavour_v by_o his_o counsel_n and_o example_n that_o the_o whole_a external_a face_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v lightsome_a beautiful_a and_o decorous_a in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o dwell_v to_o the_o end_n that_o not_o only_o his_o animal_n spirit_n may_v the_o more_o cheerful_o comply_v with_o the_o devotion_n of_o his_o mind_n but_o that_o those_o also_o may_v be_v invite_v to_o frequent_a god_n house_n and_o worship_n who_o have_v not_o yet_o experiment_v the_o spiritual_a ravishment_n of_o it_o in_o further_a pursuance_n whereof_o 9_o the_o pious_a man_n we_o speak_v of_o will_v together_o with_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a allurement_n use_v also_o his_o utmost_a endeavour_n by_o