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 rise_v and_o once_o every_o time_n he_o go_v to_o rest_v to_o offer_v up_o a_o solemn_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n less_o than_o this_o i_o say_v he_o must_v not_o do_v for_o fear_v he_o break_v the_o commandment_n of_o pray_v frequent_o pray_v continual_o but_o more_o than_o this_o it_o will_v become_v he_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v himself_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o have_v full_o perform_v it_o thus_o again_o to_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o what_o proportion_n of_o our_o substance_n we_o be_v to_o give_v away_o in_o alm_n and_o charity_n be_v not_o where_o set_v down_o but_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o our_o discretion_n now_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o advisable_a to_o give_v liberal_o and_o large_o and_o plentiful_o even_o as_o much_o as_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o family_n can_v allow_v though_o by_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v prove_v to_o have_v give_v in_o great_a abundance_n than_o we_o be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o than_o by_o give_v stingy_o and_o pinch_o now_o and_o then_o a_o little_a pocket_n money_n or_o so_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v trangressor_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o have_v our_o portion_n among_o the_o covetous_a and_o unmerciful_a there_o be_v no_o damage_n come_v to_o a_o man_n by_o do_v the_o former_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a for_o god_n never_o fail_v bounteous_o to_o reward_v the_o bountiful_a hand_n but_o there_o be_v both_o damage_n and_o infinite_a danger_n in_o the_o latter_a and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o practice_v in_o all_o other_o duty_n only_o this_o caution_n we_o must_v take_v along_o with_o we_o that_o we_o be_v always_o so_o to_o proportion_v the_o measure_n of_o every_o single_a duty_n as_o to_o render_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o our_o life_n as_o for_o instance_n we_o 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
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
be_v heal_v and_o that_o a_o end_v be_v put_v to_o our_o unaccountable_a separation_n and_o the_o unchristian_a animosity_n they_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o we_o shall_v all_o join_v together_o in_o one_o communion_n and_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o god_n only_a know_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o hearty_o to_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o in_o our_o place_n and_o station_n to_o contribute_v all_o we_o can_v towards_o it_o it_o be_v this_o consideration_n that_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o choice_n of_o these_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o my_o argument_n at_o this_o time_n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o explain_v the_o duty_n here_o recommend_v by_o reduce_v it_o to_o its_o particular_a rule_n and_o instance_n second_o to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o great_a obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o thing_n viz._n what_o be_v contain_v or_o imply_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o duty_n have_v a_o twofold_a object_n according_a to_o the_o two_o different_a relation_n and_o capacity_n in_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v namely_o the_o church_n our_o common_a mother_n and_o particular_a christian_n our_o brethren_n in_o the_o first_o relation_n we_o be_v consider_v as_o subject_n in_o the_o other_o as_o fellow_n christian_n now_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o former_a the_o peace_n we_o be_v to_o pursue_v imply_v obedience_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o schism_n and_o separation_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o latter_a it_o imply_v mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n in_o opposition_n to_o quarrel_n and_o contention_n so_o that_o you_o see_v my_o business_n upon_o this_o first_o head_n must_v be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o particular_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o what_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n in_o both_o these_o respect_n i_o begin_v with_o what_o be_v due_a from_o we_o to_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o peace_n as_o peace_n stand_v in_o contradistinction_n to_o schism_n and_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v beg_v leave_n to_o discuss_v very_o plain_o and_o particular_o because_o i_o fear_v many_o of_o we_o have_v wrong_a notion_n about_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n that_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o sad_a division_n that_o be_v among_o we_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v comprise_v in_o the_o four_o follow_a proposition_n take_v my_o rise_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o church-society_n the_o first_o proposition_n i_o lay_v down_o be_v this_o that_o every_o christian_a be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o christianity_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v in_o external_n communion_n with_o it_o where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o let_v it_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o the_o method_n which_o our_o saviour_n set_v on_o foot_n for_o our_o salvation_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v we_o as_o single_a person_n as_o join_v together_o in_o one_o common_a society_n it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o gather_v to_o himself_o a_o church_n out_o of_o mankind_n to_o erect_v and_o form_v a_o body_n politic_a of_o which_o himself_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n and_o particular_a christian_n the_o member_n and_o in_o this_o method_n through_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o salvation_n this_o be_v various_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 15.1_o joh._n 15.1_o sometime_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o vine_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o root_n and_o they_o be_v the_o branch_n 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o sometime_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o all_o believer_n the_o member_n and_o according_o what_o ever_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o mankind_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o they_o not_o as_o scatter_v individual_n but_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n 5.25_o eph._n 5.25_o thus_o christ_n love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o 20.28_o act_n 20.28_o christ_n redeem_v the_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n 5.23_o eph._n 5.23_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o church_n with_o many_o passage_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n the_o plain_a consequence_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o every_o person_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n so_o far_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o agreeable_o hereto_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o baptism_n which_o be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o rite_n of_o initiate_a we_o into_o christianity_n be_v in_o scripture_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o rite_n whereby_o we_o be_v enter_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n 12.13_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o thus_o st._n paul_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n now_o than_o it_o be_v thus_o evident_a that_o every_o christian_n as_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n there_o will_v be_v little_a need_n of_o take_v pain_n to_o prove_v that_o every_o such_o person_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v in_o external_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o he_o can_v do_v so_o for_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o this_o church-membership_a do_v imply_v it_o without_o this_o neither_o the_o end_n of_o church-society_n nor_o the_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o we_o there_o from_o can_v be_v attain_v first_o not_o the_o end_v of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o church-society_n be_v the_o more_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n one_o of_o another_o now_o how_o these_o can_v be_v in_o any_o measure_n attain_v without_o associate_a together_o in_o public_a assembly_n and_o mutual_a office_n and_o other_o act_n of_o external_n communion_n with_o one_o another_o can_v any_o way_n be_v imagine_v and_o as_o little_a in_o the_o second_o place_n can_v it_o be_v conceive_v how_o without_o this_o we_o can_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n that_o christ_n have_v make_v over_o to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n and_o without_o doubt_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n to_o unite_v we_o the_o more_o firm_o in_o society_n that_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o ordinary_o convey_v to_o we_o so_o immediate_o by_o god_n but_o that_o there_o must_v intervene_v the_o ministry_n of_o men._n god_n holy_a word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o channel_n in_o which_o they_o be_v derive_v to_o we_o and_o those_o to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v the_o hand_n that_o must_v dispense_v they_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o by_o these_o mean_n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o partake_n of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n lay_v upon_o we_o of_o join_v and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n do_v not_o so_o tie_v himself_o up_o to_o these_o mean_n but_o that_o he_o can_v and_o will_v in_o some_o case_n confer_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o without_o they_o as_o in_o case_n of_o a_o general_n apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n or_o of_o a_o unjust_a excommunication_n or_o any_o other_o case_n where_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v deny_v to_o we_o but_o though_o god_n do_v act_v extraordinary_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n where_o these_o mean_n can_v be_v have_v yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o diminish_v much_o less_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o make_v use_n of_o they_o when_o they_o can_v be_v have_v from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v on_o this_o first_o proposition_n we_o may_v by_o the_o way_n gather_v these_o two_o thing_n i_o only_o name_v they_o 1._o how_o untrue_a their_o position_n be_v that_o maintain_v that_o all_o our_o obligation_n to_o church-communion_n do_v arise_v from_o a_o voluntary_a admission_n
be_v to_o put_v they_o to_o if_o we_o do_v not_o employ_v they_o this_o way_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v better_o for_o they_o that_o we_o be_v much_o worse_o what_o will_v signify_v our_o wit_n and_o good_a humour_n our_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o memory_n our_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n our_o skill_n in_o art_n and_o dexterity_n in_o manage_v business_n our_o wealth_n and_o greatness_n our_o reputation_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n i_o say_v what_o will_v all_o these_o signify_v if_o they_o do_v not_o render_v we_o more_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o that_o which_o set_v the_o price_n and_o value_n upon_o every_o worldly_a blessing_n be_v the_o opportunity_n it_o afford_v we_o of_o do_v good_n to_o do_v good_a seem_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o supreme_a universal_a law_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v support_v and_o take_v that_o away_o all_o will_v present_o fall_v into_o confusion_n and_o perhaps_o if_o it_o be_v particular_o examine_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o all_o the_o other_o natural_a law_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o and_o be_v ultimate_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o natural_a standard_n whereby_o we_o can_v measure_v the_o virtue_n or_o the_o viciousuess_n of_o any_o action_n but_o the_o influence_n that_o it_o have_v to_o promote_v or_o hinder_v the_o do_n of_o good_n this_o be_v that_o that_o seem_v to_o stamp_v virtue_n and_o vice_n to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o great_a work_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o no_o man_n live_v far_a to_o any_o purpose_n than_o as_o he_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o do_v good_n be_v our_o life_n otherwise_o never_o so_o busy_a and_o full_a of_o action_n yet_o if_o other_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o they_o we_o can_v give_v ourselves_o any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o our_o time_n we_o have_v in_o effect_n live_v idle_o and_o do_v nothing_o to_o do_v good_a be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o other_o service_n be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o great_a stress_n upon_o in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v with_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o affectionate_a persuasive_n with_o the_o strong_a argument_n with_o the_o great_a promise_n and_o with_o the_o most_o dreadful_a threaten_n enforce_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v choose_v before_o all_o sacrifice_n and_o all_o relious_a worship_n strict_o so_o call_v to_o be_v serve_v with_o it_o be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v appoint-for_a the_o great_a expression_n both_o of_o our_o thankfulness_n for_o his_o benefit_n and_o of_o our_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o he_o last_o it_o be_v that_o which_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n make_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o old_a law_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o new_a and_o very_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o it_o for_o to_o do_v good_a be_v to_o become_v most_o like_a to_o god_n it_o be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o other_o quality_n give_v we_o the_o great_a resemblance_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n 4.2_o 1_o job_n 4.2_o for_o perfect_a love_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o root_n of_o all_o his_o other_o attribute_n and_o there_o be_v never_o any_o action_n do_v any_o work_n wrought_v by_o he_o throughout_o the_o vast_a tract_n of_o infinite_a space_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o time_n to_o this_o moment_n but_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o a_o instance_n of_o do_v good_a nay_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v the_o most_o severe_a act_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n have_v all_o be_v such_o and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n have_v our_o bless_a lord_n tell_v we_o 45._o mat._n 5.44_o 45._o that_o the_o way_n to_o become_v the_o child_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o with_o the_o same_o freedom_n and_o unreservedness_n that_o god_n make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o of_o this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o be_v the_o most_o illustrious_a example_n that_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o to_o do_v good_a be_v that_o which_o do_v most_o true_o and_o perfect_o render_v we_o the_o disciple_n and_o follower_n of_o jesus_n make_v we_o real_o be_v what_o we_o pretend_v we_o be_v his_o whole_a life_n as_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o be_v but_o a_o continual_a go_v about_o do_v good_n the_o great_a design_n of_o his_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o of_o all_o that_o he_o speak_v and_o of_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o of_o all_o that_o he_o suffer_v upon_o earth_n be_v the_o benefiting_a of_o other_o and_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o as_o the_o great_a distinguish_a badge_n and_o character_n whereby_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v know_v from_o other_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v love_v one_o another_o even_o as_o he_o have_v love_v they_o 35._o joh._n 13.34_o 35._o that_o be_v as_o his_o apostle_n expound_v he_o they_o shall_v love_v and_o do_v good_a to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o brethren_n 3.16_o 1_o joh._n 3.16_o but_o to_o do_v good_a be_v not_o only_o our_o great_a duty_n but_o our_o great_a interest_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v that_o that_o solomon_n chief_o refer_v to_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o render_v his_o be_v in_o the_o world_n happy_a and_o comfortable_a to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n and_o event_n of_o thing_n in_o what_o condition_n or_o circumstance_n soever_o he_o be_v place_v than_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v in_o his_o life_n so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n that_o lay_v out_o himself_o in_o this_o way_n seem_v only_o to_o respect_v the_o good_a of_o other_o people_n yet_o in_o true_a reckon_n he_o most_o consult_v his_o own_o profit_n for_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o natural_a way_n to_o raise_v we_o friend_n who_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o contribute_v their_o endeavour_n to_o the_o further_a our_o honest_a design_n to_o the_o uphold_v and_o secure_v we_o in_o our_o prosperity_n and_o to_o the_o succour_v and_o relieve_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o any_o evil_a circumstance_n such_o be_v the_o contrivance_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o world_n that_o no_o man_n can_v subsist_v of_o himself_o but_o stand_v in_o continual_a need_n of_o other_o both_o for_o their_o comfortable_a society_n and_o their_o necessary_a assistance_n in_o his_o affair_n now_o of_o all_o man_n live_v the_o good_a man_n who_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o oblige_v all_o about_o he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o best_a befriend_v to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o procure_v to_o a_o man_n self_n a_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n desirable_a upon_o many_o account_n so_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a advantage_n to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o his_o secular_a design_n nay_o to_o do_v good_a be_v to_o embalm_v a_o man_n name_n and_o to_o transmit_v it_o with_o a_o grateful_a odour_n to_o posterity_n the_o memory_n of_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v 7_o prov._n 1â—_n 7_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o be_v that_o too_o much_o honour_n can_v not_o be_v give_v to_o the_o name_n of_o those_o that_o have_v do_v good_a in_o their_o generation_n but_o which_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o all_o this_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o most_o certain_a effectual_a mean_n to_o procure_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o entitle_v ourselves_o to_o his_o more_o especial_a care_n and_o providence_n and_o protection_n so_o that_o let_v what_o will_v come_v in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n the_o good_a man_n have_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v at_o least_o be_v tolerable_o well_o with_o he_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v miserable_a trust_v in_o the_o lord_n say_v david_n and_o be_v do_v good_a 3._o psal_n 37._o verse_n 3._o so_o shall_v thou_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n and_o very_o thou_o shall_v be_v feed_v nay_o far_o to_o do_v good_a be_v to_o entail_v a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o child_n after_o we_o 25_o 〈◊〉_d â—_o 25_o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a say_v the_o same_o psalmist_n yet_o see_v i_o never_o the_o righteous_a that_o be_v the_o merciful_a and_o good_a man_n for_o that_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o place_n and_o in_o most_o other_o such_o a_o one_o see_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 and_o discontent_n be_v grow_v and_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o may_v be_v unless_o there_o be_v a_o timely_a stop_n put_v to_o they_o i_o tremble_v to_o think_v with_o man_n difference_n as_o to_o their_o notion_n about_o the_o politic_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v let_v man_n frame_v what_o hypothesis_n they_o please_v about_o government_n though_o i_o do_v not_o like_v they_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o preach_v against_o they_o but_o when_o these_o difference_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o they_o threaten_v both_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n there_o i_o think_v no_o minister_n shall_v be_v silent_a church-division_n god_n know_v we_o have_v and_o have_v always_o have_v too_o many_o but_o it_o be_v very_o grievous_a that_o those_o who_o have_v always_o declare_v themselves_o the_o friend_n of_o our_o church_n and_o enemy_n to_o schism_n shall_v at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n set_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o promote_v a_o separation_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v to_o this_o height_n be_v our_o difference_n come_v some_o people_n among_o we_o that_o former_o be_v very_o zealous_a for_o the_o establish_v worship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a so_o distaste_v with_o it_o that_o they_o make_v a_o scruple_n of_o be_v present_a at_o our_o service_n nay_o some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o declare_v i_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o ground_n open_a war_n against_o we_o and_o set_v up_o separate_a congregation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o have_v schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a worship_n which_o heretofore_o be_v brand_v as_o so_o heinous_a a_o sin_n and_o deserve_o too_o so_o change_v its_o nature_n all_o of_o a_o sudden_a that_o it_o be_v become_v not_o only_o innocent_a but_o a_o duty_n have_v we_o not_o the_o same_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n that_o we_o former_o have_v have_v we_o not_o 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
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 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that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v concern_v sacrifice_n now_o sacrifice_n if_o we_o will_v understand_v they_o right_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o form_n or_o method_n of_o put_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o be_v in_o those_o time_n use_v in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n so_o far_o be_v prayer_n from_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o most_o of_o their_o religion_n consist_v in_o it_o and_o according_o all_o the_o devout_a man_n of_o that_o church_n spend_v much_o of_o their_o time_n in_o this_o exercise_n david_n manner_n be_v to_o pray_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n and_o daniel_n take_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o much_o oblige_v to_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o rather_o than_o break_v his_o custom_n of_o perform_v his_o solemn_a devotion_n three_o time_n a_o day_n he_o will_v expose_v himself_o to_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n nay_o three_o so_o great_a be_v our_o obligation_n to_o frequent_a 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that_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n to_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o for_o his_o benefit_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o a_o man_n as_o man_n the_o natural_a exercise_n of_o those_o faculty_n that_o distinguish_v he_o from_o brute_n creature_n and_o consequent_o those_o that_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a neglect_n of_o this_o what_o must_v be_v say_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o act_n unsuitable_o to_o their_o nature_n and_o be_v degenerate_v into_o a_o sort_n of_o brutishness_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o our_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n be_v many_o and_o great_a and_o such_o as_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o evade_n but_o here_o be_v our_o unhappiness_n that_o those_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v most_o strict_o oblige_v to_o be_v not_o those_o that_o we_o be_v always_o most_o incline_v to_o practice_v there_o may_v be_v something_o in_o the_o most_o indispensable_a duty_n so_o 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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 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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 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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 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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