sober_a christian_n can_v withstand_v their_o conviction_n i_o shall_v now_o brief_o consider_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v what_o be_v the_o most_o common_a occasion_n of_o or_o excuse_n for_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o think_v of_o a_o great_a many_o i_o shall_v but_o mention_v two_o very_o brief_o as_o be_v i_o think_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n it_o shall_v have_v so_o ill_a a_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a reverence_n and_o esteem_v for_o this_o holy_a feast_n either_o they_o can_v never_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a to_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n or_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o look_v like_o pride_n and_o folly_n to_o think_v that_o we_o must_v be_v worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n they_o must_v all_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v above_o our_o desert_n how_o come_v mankind_n to_o be_v worthy_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v die_v for_o they_o and_o have_v god_n advise_v with_o such_o modest_a sinner_n they_o may_v have_v complemented_a away_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o now_o they_o do_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o his_o holy_a supper_n how_o great_a a_o saint_n soever_o thou_o be_v thou_o can_v never_o merit_v such_o favour_n and_o privilege_n as_o these_o for_o then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o christ_n to_o merit_v for_o thou_o and_o how_o great_a a_o sinner_n soever_o thou_o be_v by_o comply_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v quick_o make_v thyself_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o hearty_o resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o reform_v thy_o life_n and_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n with_o assurance_n to_o receive_v those_o supply_n of_o grace_n which_o may_v enable_v thou_o to_o do_v it_o and_o as_o for_o that_o great_a preparation_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o so_o solemn_a a_o act_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o great_a the_o better_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n plain_o prove_v that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o it_o require_v much_o great_a preparation_n of_o mind_n than_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n this_o holy_a supper_n be_v a_o sacred_a mysterious_a rite_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o give_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o make_v they_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n be_v you_o then_o when_o you_o come_v to_o church_n fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o if_o not_o you_o must_v neglect_v your_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n if_o you_o be_v than_o you_o be_v fit_a to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n to_o give_v virtue_n and_o prevalency_n to_o your_o prayer_n this_o holy_a supper_n convey_v to_o we_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n now_o if_o you_o be_v true_o penitent_a you_o be_v qualify_v to_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n where_o it_o be_v dispense_v if_o you_o earnest_o desire_v the_o divine_a grace_n you_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o come_v but_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o want_n and_o with_o such_o desire_n as_o a_o hungry_a man_n have_v of_o meat_n and_o here_o you_o shall_v be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v and_o without_o such_o preparation_n as_o these_o we_o can_v neither_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o forgive_v our_o sin_n nor_o to_o bestow_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o yet_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o man_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n shall_v be_v unfit_a to_o approach_v his_o table_n 2._o other_o think_v that_o there_o be_v much_o great_a danger_n in_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o than_o in_o a_o unworthy_a performance_n of_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o think_v so_o i_o can_v never_o learn_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v no_o more_o it_o be_v as_o unpardonable_a a_o affront_n to_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o christ_n name_n without_o true_a sorrow_n and_o contrition_n and_o serious_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o praise_n god_n without_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n differ_v not_o at_o all_o from_o feast_v at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o his_o die_a love_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o give_v encouragement_n by_o this_o discourse_n to_o wicked_a man_n to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n such_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v careful_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o sacred_a mystery_n when_o they_o be_v discover_v but_o the_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o those_o man_n who_o have_v such_o clear_a innocent_a conscience_n that_o they_o dare_v pray_v to_o god_n need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o case_n they_o be_v in_o they_o defile_v every_o holy_a duty_n they_o meddle_v with_o and_o be_v in_o perpetual_a danger_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n they_o can_v ask_v his_o pardon_n but_o they_o provoke_v he_o the_o more_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o such_o man_n prayer_n be_v only_o to_o beg_v a_o long_a liberty_n and_o indulgence_n in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o encouragement_n to_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o man_n must_v examine_v himself_o and_o so_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n for_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n very_o right_a but_o not_o to_o dispute_v the_o particular_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n be_v not_o this_o true_a also_o of_o he_o that_o hear_v or_o pray_v unworthy_o do_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o there_o be_v any_o great_a degree_n of_o worthiness_n require_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o there_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n he_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n be_v fit_a to_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o either_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o die_v our_o right_n to_o immortality_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o in_o this_o heavenly_a feast_n as_o you_o have_v already_o see_v and_o it_o be_v equal_o strange_a to_o i_o that_o man_n shall_v content_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o make_v they_o unfit_a to_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o immortal_a life_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o this_o deplorable_a condition_n that_o they_o shall_v neglect_v that_o holy_a feast_n which_o be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a institute_v mean_n of_o convey_v all_o these_o blessing_n to_o they_o finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v by_o richard_n chiswel_o lord_n bacon_n remain_n octavo_fw-la dr._n puller_n discourse_n of_o the_o moderation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n octavo_fw-la dr._n edw._n bagshaw_n discourse_n upon_o select_a text_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o socinian_n octavo_fw-la mr._n rushworth_n historical_a collection_n the_o second_o volume_n folio_n his_o large_a and_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n folio_n remark_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o 3_o first_o century_n wherein_o be_v intersperse_v animadversion_n on_o a_o book_n call_v a_o view_n of_o antiquity_n by_o i._o h._n write_a by_o a._n s._n speculum_fw-la baxterianum_n or_o baxter_n against_o baxter_n quarto_fw-la the_o countryman_n physician_n octavo_fw-la dr._n burlace_n history_n of_o the_o irish_a rebellion_n folio_n a_o apology_n for_o a_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n write_v by_o ma._n clifford_n esq_n twelve_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n concern_v jesuit_n etc._n etc._n explain_v by_o divers_a judgement_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o judge_n with_o other_o observation_n thereupon_o by_o william_n cawley_n esq_n folio_n dr._n burnet_n
of_o external_a worship_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n how_o we_o can_v pray_v either_o with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n since_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o no_o one_o duty_n be_v that_o i_o know_v of_o i_o say_v while_o man_n have_v such_o wild_a unpracticable_a notion_n in_o their_o head_n which_o when_o they_o be_v pursue_v to_o their_o last_o issue_n overthrow_v all_o manner_n of_o external_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o end_n in_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o quakerism_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o comprehension_n and_o concession_n and_o while_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o think_v it_o as_o innocent_a a_o thing_n to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n as_o to_o go_v from_o one_o parish-church_n to_o another_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o will_v never_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v no_o sense_n what_o a_o necessary_a duty_n christian_a communion_n be_v and_o what_o a_o damn_v sin_n schism_n be_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o do_v sincere_o and_o cordial_o desire_v to_o see_v all_o sober_a christian_n unite_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n must_v earnest_o exhort_v persuade_v and_o convince_v as_o well_o as_o yield_v and_o comply_v the_o common_a danger_n we_o be_v all_o in_o from_o the_o grow_a power_n and_o secret_a conspiracy_n of_o the_o popish_a faction_n make_v all_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o call_v aloud_o for_o union_n our_o dissenter_n who_o never_o do_v nor_o be_v ever_o likely_a to_o unite_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o cry_n against_o popery_n and_o their_o design_n of_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n think_v this_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o accomplish_v their_o end_n and_o have_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o libel_v church_n and_o churchman_n to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o state_n this_o have_v put_v many_o worthy_a son_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v impatient_a to_o hear_v their_o mother_n revile_v and_o slander_v upon_o the_o defensive_a part_n to_o vindicate_v the_o reformation_n of_o our_o church_n from_o their_o rude_a calumny_n and_o yet_o to_o express_v their_o readiness_n to_o comply_v and_o unite_v upon_o such_o term_n when_o ever_o public_a authority_n shall_v see_v fit_a as_o will_v not_o utter_o destroy_v our_o constitution_n the_o first_o they_o have_v do_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o sober_a reply_n and_o how_o fruitless_a their_o charity_n be_v in_o attempt_v the_o second_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o will_v convince_v all_o man_n who_o can_v patient_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o term_n of_o concord_n but_o the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o corrupt_a and_o antichristian_a church_n of_o england_n i_o be_o not_o ambitious_a to_o thrust_v myself_o into_o this_o scuffle_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o appear_v as_o a_o disputant_n but_o make_v a_o close_a and_o serious_a application_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o i_o hope_v when_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n be_v a_o little_a over_o may_v prove_v a_o more_o powerful_a conviction_n to_o all_o well-meaning_a man_n than_o the_o best_a and_o most_o unanswerable_a reason_n have_v hitherto_o do_v part_n i._o concern_v those_o who_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n chap._n i._n contain_v a_o address_n and_o exhortation_n to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o religion_n or_o that_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n sect_n i._o some_o proposal_n make_v to_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n 1._o that_o they_o will_v once_o more_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a inclination_n there_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n 3._o that_o they_o will_v not_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n 4._o that_o they_o will_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n first_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o those_o who_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o christian_a assembly_n out_o of_o profaneness_n for_o want_v of_o any_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n first_o the_o speculative_a second_o the_o practical_a atheist_n first_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n despise_v his_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n or_o fear_v or_o religious_a adoration_n those_o indeed_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n may_v in_o prudence_n conceal_v their_o atheism_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n in_o perform_v all_o the_o external_n act_v of_o worship_n but_o yet_o few_o atheist_n have_v so_o much_o wit_n or_o good_a breed_n as_o not_o to_o affront_v the_o universal_a belief_n and_o practice_n of_o mankind_n now_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a dispute_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n nor_o attempt_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o not_o worship_v god_n by_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v this_o require_v a_o large_a discourse_n than_o my_o present_a design_n will_v allow_v and_o have_v be_v already_o do_v more_o than_o once_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o reason_n and_o learning_n by_o much_o better_a pen_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v three_o or_o four_o very_a fair_a and_o reasonable_a proposal_n to_o they_o first_o that_o they_o will_v once_o more_o serious_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a inclination_n there_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o argue_v now_o from_o natural_a notion_n and_o anticipation_n or_o those_o common_a maxim_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o mankind_n because_o the_o atheist_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o be_v only_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o education_n and_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v have_v such_o conceit_n and_o fancy_n in_o our_o head_n if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v they_o though_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o these_o principle_n shall_v first_o come_v to_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o world_n who_o teach_v they_o the_o first_o man_n and_o how_o he_o come_v so_o ready_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o so_o careful_o to_o propagate_v they_o to_o posterity_n and_o it_o seem_v strange_a how_o mankind_n shall_v so_o universal_o assent_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n etc._n etc._n if_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_o agreeable_a to_o the_o make_v and_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o not_o to_o be_v natural_a notion_n but_o i_o say_v to_o let_v pass_v this_o now_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v these_o man_n to_o consult_v a_o little_a with_o the_o inclination_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o natural_a impression_n the_o necessary_a effort_n impetus_fw-la and_o tendency_n of_o nature_n as_o a_o stone_n natural_o fall_v downward_o and_o the_o fire_n as_o natural_o ascend_v now_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o education_n shall_v put_v new_a inclination_n or_o new_a passion_n into_o our_o mind_n education_n may_v direct_v our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o passion_n to_o unnatural_a object_n but_o it_o can_v no_o more_o make_v new_a inclination_n and_o passion_n than_o it_o can_v make_v a_o new_a soul_n now_o among_o all_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n there_o be_v none_o more_o strong_a and_o invincible_a than_o the_o inclination_n to_o religion_n to_o worship_v something_o or_o other_o as_o a_o god_n though_o the_o heathen_n be_v great_o mistake_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o some_o worship_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n the_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o river_n and_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n for_o god_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o universal_a inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o this_o universal_a consent_n in_o religion_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o impulse_n and_o tendency_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n than_o to_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o reason_n always_o join_v the_o act_n and_o the_o object_n together_o but_o natural_a inclination_n be_v a_o blind_a and_o confuse_a principle_n of_o action_n which_o thrust_v forward_o to_o such_o a_o act_n without_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o its_o object_n just_a as_o the_o appetite_n
15._o call_v upon_o i_o and_o i_o will_v answer_v he_o i_o will_v be_v with_o he_o in_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v he_o and_o honour_v he_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o 20._o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o also_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o the_o lord_n preserve_v all_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o the_o wicked_a will_v he_o destroy_v where_o those_o who_o love_n god_n be_v those_o who_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o wicked_a who_o god_n will_v destroy_v be_v those_o who_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o he_o who_o neglect_n or_o despise_v his_o worship_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o psalmist_n describe_v god_n that_o he_o be_v one_o that_o hear_v prayer_n o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n 2._o unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v for_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v bestow_v those_o blessing_n and_o deliverance_n on_o we_o which_o we_o do_v not_o think_v worth_a ask_n or_o will_v not_o own_v he_o to_o have_v the_o disposal_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o pray_v for_o those_o good_a thing_n they_o want_v will_v not_o bless_v god_n for_o give_v they_o and_o no_o wise_a man_n think_v it_o prudent_a to_o place_v his_o favour_n where_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o no_o return_n which_o be_v like_o bury_v good_a seed_n in_o a_o barren_a soil_n that_o deceive_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o husbandman_n god_n indeed_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o then_o he_o expect_v that_o reasonable_a creature_n shall_v beg_v the_o protection_n and_o provision_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a instrument_n of_o government_n as_o it_o keep_v mankind_n under_o a_o constant_a sense_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o in_o a_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o those_o who_o expect_v all_o good_a thing_n from_o god_n dare_v not_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n man_n be_v natural_o ashamed_a of_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o any_o great_a crime_n but_o sneak_v and_o hide_v themselves_o as_o child_n do_v when_o they_o have_v displease_v their_o parent_n and_o dare_v not_o ask_v any_o kindness_n till_o they_o have_v first_o obtain_v their_o pardon_n which_o make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a for_o god_n to_o discountenance_v irreligion_n by_o cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o such_o man_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_v he_o it_o be_v true_a very_o many_o irreligious_a man_n do_v thrive_v in_o this_o world_n and_o arrive_v to_o great_a estate_n and_o to_o great_a honour_n for_o god_n do_v not_o make_v such_o a_o exact_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o life_n as_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o can_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a men._n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o god_n permit_v the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o that_o constant_a providence_n which_o watch_v over_o good_a men._n bad_a man_n may_v advance_v themselves_o by_o injustice_n oppression_n and_o perjury_n but_o they_o be_v not_o advance_v by_o the_o blessing_n but_o by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n for_o god_n never_o bless_v any_o wicked_a art_n and_o therefore_o such_o man_n prosperity_n be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o as_o totter_v as_o the_o throne_n of_o usurper_n for_o though_o they_o have_v a_o good_a title_n with_o respect_n to_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o usurper_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v tumble_v down_o again_o at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o the_o only_a sure_a way_n of_o thrive_a in_o the_o world_n be_v by_o god_n blessing_n these_o be_v the_o only_a last_a and_o durable_a riches_n and_o honour_n which_o be_v free_a from_o such_o vexation_n and_o trouble_n fear_n and_o disappointment_n which_o attend_v on_o unjust_a possession_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o 22._o make_v rich_a and_o he_o add_v no_o sorrow_n with_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o irreligious_a man_n to_o enjoy_v great_a prosperity_n without_o god_n blessing_n and_o those_o who_o like_o this_o way_n may_v take_v it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a uncertain_a and_o a_o very_a slippery_a way_n it_o often_o end_v in_o poverty_n and_o contempt_n or_o lead_v to_o the_o gallow_n or_o man_n lose_v their_o stand_n when_o they_o be_v almost_o get_v up_o to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o precipice_n and_o they_o tumble_v down_o fast_o than_o ever_o they_o get_v up_o but_o those_o who_o desire_n god_n shall_v take_v care_n of_o they_o must_v pray_v to_o he_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o as_o st._n james_n tell_v those_o he_o write_v to_o you_o have_v not_o because_o you_o 2._o ask_v not_o some_o bad_a man_n be_v for_o awhile_o prosperous_a but_o a_o hundred_o for_o one_o be_v miserable_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v secure_a from_o misery_n but_o in_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n second_o there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a danger_n than_o this_o in_o irreligion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o loss_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o eternal_a death_n now_o it_o be_v godliness_n 8._o which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v 12._o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n these_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n without_o perform_v which_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v god_n but_o the_o intemperate_a unrighteous_a ungodly_a man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o the_o punishment_n of_o devil_n to_o outward_a darkness_n where_o there_o be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n for_o evermore_o for_o godliness_n which_o consist_v in_o such_o a_o constant_a sense_n of_o god_n as_o express_v itself_o in_o all_o act_n of_o homage_n worship_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o only_a vital_a principle_n of_o religion_n though_o man_n have_v a_o great_a many_o very_a good_a quality_n and_o sociable_a virtue_n though_o they_o be_v modest_a and_o temperate_a just_a in_o their_o deal_n pitiful_a to_o the_o poor_a of_o a_o liberal_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o promote_a good_a design_n very_o affable_a courteous_a and_o oblige_v in_o their_o conversation_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o god_n as_o these_o man_n have_v not_o who_o neglect_v his_o worship_n all_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o owe_v to_o natural_a temper_n and_o good_a breed_n or_o humane_a policy_n or_o such_o other_o cause_n as_o may_v make_v man_n good_a neighbour_n and_o citizen_n but_o can_v make_v they_o good_a christian_n they_o may_v reap_v some_o temporal_a reward_n of_o these_o virtue_n but_o they_o can_v carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n for_o indeed_o such_o man_n be_v not_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v to_o know_v and_o love_n and_o admire_v and_o praise_v the_o great_a maker_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v who_o have_v not_o a_o quick_a and_o prevail_a sense_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o how_o intolerable_a will_v it_o be_v for_o such_o man_n to_o keep_v a_o eternal_a sabbath_n in_o heaven_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o sing_v his_o praise_n day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o who_o think_v it_o lose_v time_n and_o a_o dry_a insipid_a wearisome_a thing_n to_o worship_n god_n here_o on_o earth_n but_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o penance_n for_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o none_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o heaven_n but_o those_o who_o by_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n on_o earth_n have_v spiritualise_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v religion_n in_o some_o measure_n their_o happiness_n as_o well_o as_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o inconsiderate_a man_n who_o think_v to_o grow_v very_o religious_a and_o to_o repent_v of_o all_o their_o sin_n before_o they_o die_v and_o thereby_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v three_o that_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o irreligion_n of_o a_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v that_o it_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o
world_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o this_o too_o for_o such_o man_n will_v not_o only_o miss_v of_o heaven_n but_o sink_v into_o hell_n a_o place_n of_o endless_a torment_n where_o there_o be_v no_o ease_n and_o no_o hope_n so_o well_o may_v our_o saviour_n ask_v that_o question_n what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n deserve_v more_o of_o our_o care_n and_o industry_n than_o to_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o sincere_a and_o devout_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n those_o person_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v god_n friend_n and_o favourite_n who_o do_v not_o worship_v he_o and_o those_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n who_o can_v relish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n chap._n ii_o concern_v those_o who_o forsake_v christian-assembly_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n several_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mosaic_a worship_n from_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o discipline_n other_o there_o be_v who_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n forsake_v our_o communion_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n they_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n but_o they_o think_v they_o can_v worship_n god_n as_o well_o at_o home_o as_o at_o church_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o place_n which_o make_v their_o prayer_n more_o or_o less_o effectual_a but_o god_n hear_v we_o wherever_o we_o pray_v and_o be_v always_o please_v even_o with_o the_o single_a and_o private_a devotion_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o world_n be_v now_o so_o well_o store_v with_o good_a book_n that_o they_o can_v spend_v their_o time_n in_o read_v at_o home_n to_o as_o good_a purpose_n as_o if_o they_o go_v to_o church_n to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o i_o need_v not_o observe_v how_o many_o there_o be_v who_o act_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n i._n e._n who_o seldom_o or_o never_o come_v to_o church_n though_o how_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n at_o home_n i_o know_v not_o but_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o with_o too_o many_o a_o warm_a bed_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o a_o bottle_n of_o wine_n in_o the_o afternoon_n serve_v instead_o even_o of_o their_o private_a devotion_n now_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o a_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_v this_o be_v i_o shall_v brief_o expostulate_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v as_o they_o say_v that_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n very_o acceptable_o at_o home_n without_o attend_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n suppose_v the_o case_n to_o be_v equal_a in_o itself_o consider_v yet_o i_o beseech_v you_o why_o shall_v you_o prefer_v your_o own_o private_a before_o the_o public_a devotion_n of_o the_o church_n can_v you_o serve_v god_n at_o least_o as_o well_o at_o church_n as_o you_o do_v at_o home_o and_o public_a worship_n have_v be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o religion_n do_v it_o become_v a_o modest_a man_n to_o affront_v so_o general_a a_o custom_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n yet_o at_o least_o have_v no_o hurt_n in_o it_o and_o since_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v not_o only_o consent_v in_o such_o a_o practice_n but_o have_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o pay_v their_o join_a and_o public_a acknowledgement_n to_o their_o universal_a lord_n and_o father_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v these_o man_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n who_o deny_v or_o neglect_v it_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v any_o religious_a man_n to_o oppose_v so_o universal_a a_o belief_n and_o to_o incur_v the_o public_a censure_n of_o insidelity_n and_o irreligion_n especial_o since_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v enjoin_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o to_o neglect_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o public_a wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o though_o other_o thing_n be_v equal_a make_v public_a assembly_n a_o duty_n and_o private_a devotion_n when_o we_o ought_v and_o may_v attend_v on_o public_a assembly_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v take_v it_o well_o of_o any_o man_n how_o devout_a soever_o he_o be_v in_o private_a who_o will_v rather_o affront_v the_o universal_a practice_n found_v upon_o as_o universal_a a_o consent_n of_o mankind_n will_v rather_o be_v think_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o insidel_n will_v rather_o trample_v upon_o all_o humame_n authority_n than_o join_v with_o his_o fellow-creature_n and_o subject_n and_o neighbour_n in_o the_o public_a act_n of_o his_o worship_n put_v the_o case_n any_o of_o you_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o very_a numerous_a offspring_n and_o that_o without_o any_o express_a command_n from_o you_o most_o of_o your_o child_n shall_v agree_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n to_o visit_v you_o together_o once_o a_o week_n to_o ask_v your_o blessing_n and_o pay_v their_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n for_o your_o great_a care_n of_o they_o in_o their_o education_n and_o in_o that_o liberal_a provision_n you_o have_v make_v for_o they_o but_o one_o or_o two_o of_o your_o child_n shall_v choose_v to_o come_v alone_o to_o you_o in_o private_a when_o no_o body_n see_v they_o and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o come_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n though_o they_o be_v censure_v by_o they_o with_o undutifulness_n and_o ingratitude_n for_o such_o a_o neglect_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v none_o of_o you_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o private_a acknowledgement_n from_o those_o who_o refuse_v the_o more_o public_a and_o solemn_a address_n and_o we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o expect_v acceptance_n from_o god_n when_o we_o refuse_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n how_o devout_a soever_o we_o be_v alone_o nay_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o private_a devotion_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o public_a suppose_v they_o be_v perform_v with_o equal_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o mind_n yet_o upon_o this_o account_n public_a worship_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n good_a company_n in_o all_o case_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v we_o great_a briskness_n and_o vigour_n of_o mind_n the_o very_a presence_n of_o devout_a soul_n who_o breath_n forth_o their_o ardent_a desire_n to_o god_n be_v enough_o to_o fire_v our_o cold_a and_o chill_a spirit_n and_o good_a man_n receive_v warmth_n and_o quickness_n from_o each_o other_o and_o grow_v into_o great_a ardour_n and_o transport_n hypocrite_n have_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o devotion_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o good_a company_n but_o good_a man_n themselves_o who_o have_v a_o true_a and_o constant_a sense_n of_o god_n many_o time_n experience_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o this_o respect_n between_o their_o private_a retirement_n and_o the_o more_o public_a and_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o though_o we_o can_v produce_v no_o express_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n yet_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o prevail_v with_o every_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n not_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o religious_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o indeed_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v that_o a_o true_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n do_v private_a devotion_n may_v be_v a_o pretence_n to_o justify_v the_o neglect_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o these_o man_n own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v never_o the_o true_a cause_n for_o man_n who_o do_v hearty_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n will_v choose_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o solemn_a manner_n that_o be_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n but_o yet_o to_o take_v away_o this_o very_a pretence_n from_o they_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v our_o obligation_n to_o public_a worship_n 1._o and_o first_o i_o shall_v argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o it_o now_o worship_n signify_v all_o that_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o immediate_o respect_v god_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o sobriety_n and_o righteousness_n and_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o
communion_n very_o nauseous_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o honest_a mind_n or_o very_o dangerous_a as_o to_o name_v some_o of_o the_o hard_a 1._o the_o case_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o scandalous_a minister_n who_o like_o eli_n son_n make_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n to_o be_v abhor_v i_o be_o in_o great_a hope_n that_o the_o number_n of_o these_o man_n be_v not_o great_a though_o one_o be_v too_o much_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o in_o so_o great_a a_o body_n of_o man_n there_o shall_v be_v none_o let_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n triumph_n in_o this_o and_o increase_v their_o number_n while_o we_o silent_o lament_v it_o but_o when_o this_o be_v the_o case_n i_o think_v every_o good_a man_n shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o his_o superior_n and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v he_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v or_o be_v too_o long_o delay_v he_o must_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o man_n and_o his_o office_n a_o bad_a man_n but_o yet_o a_o legal_a minister_n and_o though_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o so_o holy_a a_o profession_n yet_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o ministry_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o his_o personal_a qualification_n but_o on_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n the_o lewdness_n of_o eli_n son_n though_o it_o give_v great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o israelite_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o forsake_v the_o altar_n of_o god_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n be_v a_o vile_a sort_n of_o people_n but_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n but_o not_o to_o follow_v their_o example_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n seat_n all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o 3_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v but_o do_v not_o after_o their_o work_n for_o they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o and_o upon_o these_o principle_n st._n austin_n dispute_v against_o the_o donatist_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o yet_o if_o in_o such_o case_n a_o serious_a christian_a with_o prudence_n and_o modesty_n and_o with_o as_o little_a noise_n and_o scandal_n as_o may_v be_v preserve_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o neighbour_a minister_n i_o shall_v not_o see_v much_o reason_n to_o blame_v he_o for_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n while_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o only_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o parish_n minister_n upon_o too_o just_a a_o offence_n 2._o the_o case_n of_o a_o ignorant_a minister_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o case_n be_v not_o very_o frequent_a neither_o at_o least_o not_o such_o gross_a ignorance_n as_o shall_v make_v a_o man_n utter_o uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o function_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o all_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n shall_v be_v supply_v with_o learned_a preacher_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o live_n that_o will_v hardly_o find_v bread_n for_o a_o family_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o church_n have_v make_v excellent_a provision_n in_o this_o case_n have_v take_v care_n that_o the_o instruction_n of_o her_o child_n shall_v not_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o personal_a ability_n of_o the_o minister_n our_o liturgy_n be_v the_o same_o whatever_o the_o minister_n ability_n be_v which_o contain_v a_o very_a excellent_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n the_o catechism_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o teach_v the_o child_n contain_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n and_o the_o homily_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o pious_a sermon_n upon_o most_o of_o the_o material_a head_n of_o religion_n that_o though_o the_o minister_n be_v no_o great_a scholar_n if_o he_o be_v but_o honest_a and_o diligent_a in_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n his_o people_n can_v want_v sufficient_a instruction_n and_o this_o one_o instance_n show_v the_o great_a necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o public_a liturgy_n and_o homily_n which_o secure_v the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n in_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n notwithstanding_o the_o personal_a defect_n and_o inability_n of_o the_o minister_n what_o case_n such_o poor_a parish_n be_v in_o when_o these_o provision_n be_v cry_v down_o as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a i_o can_v guess_v 3._o the_o case_n of_o a_o erroneous_a and_o heretical_a minister_n who_o mix_v poison_n with_o his_o doctrine_n and_o corrupt_v the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v any_o christian_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o soul_n think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o perpetual_a danger_n and_o temptation_n of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o consider_v 1._o that_o people_n be_v very_o ill_a judge_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n the_o most_o ancient_a and_o most_o useful_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n have_v sometime_o be_v think_v so_o and_o when_o we_o have_v so_o many_o man_n intent_n and_o zealous_a to_o seduce_v our_o people_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o whisper_v the_o danger_n of_o be_v infect_v by_o a_o corrupt_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n some_o think_v every_o thing_n heresy_n but_o antinomianism_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o a_o good_a life_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a condition_n annex_v to_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n without_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v that_o not_o a_o idle_a and_o notional_a but_o a_o active_a and_o work_a faith_n justify_v that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n not_o as_o a_o proxy_n who_o have_v do_v all_o for_o we_o but_o as_o a_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o mediator_n who_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n and_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o now_o powerful_o intercede_v for_o we_o with_o his_o father_n and_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n in_o we_o these_o and_o such_o like_a doctrine_n be_v by_o some_o man_n reproach_v with_o the_o name_n of_o heresy_n and_o upon_o their_o authority_n believe_v to_o be_v so_o by_o other_o and_o yet_o if_o man_n must_v withdraw_v their_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o heresy_n as_o these_o they_o must_v forsake_v the_o most_o useful_a preacher_n and_o most_o orthodox_n church_n and_o therefore_o 2._o the_o charge_n of_o heresy_n must_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o notorious_a before_o it_o can_v justify_v our_o breach_n of_o communion_n if_o man_n deny_v any_o plain_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o intrust_v the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o they_o for_o they_o be_v at_o best_a but_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o to_o suspect_v man_n of_o heresy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o it_o be_v itself_o a_o very_a great_a fault_n and_o difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n about_o some_o less_o matter_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v always_o like_a to_o differ_v about_o while_o we_o see_v in_o part_n and_o know_v only_o in_o part_n may_v exercise_v mutual_a forbearance_n but_o will_v not_o excuse_v man_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o such_o causeless_a separation_n 3._o where_o the_o presumption_n be_v very_o strong_a we_o must_v appeal_v to_o church_n governor_n to_o detect_v his_o error_n and_o heresy_n if_o he_o have_v any_o and_o to_o secure_v the_o flock_n from_o such_o apparent_a danger_n private_a reformation_n usual_o prove_v more_o fatal_a than_o the_o mischief_n which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o remedy_n and_o what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o ignorant_a minister_n be_v very_o applicable_a to_o this_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o catechism_n can_v be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o great_a heretic_n if_o he_o observe_v his_o rule_n and_o this_o secure_v the_o purity_n of_o worship_n and_o wholesome_a instruction_n and_o as_o for_o his_o sermon_n it_o only_o concern_v man_n to_o be_v wary_a what_o doctrine_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o to_o take_v nothing_o upon_o trust_n but_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o such_o thing_n be_v so_o such_o a_o course_n as_o this_o will_v maintain_v good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o our_o faith_n 4._o when_o the_o bound_n of_o parish_n and_o the_o number_n of_o people_n be_v too_o large_a for_o parochial_a communion_n this_o have_v often_o be_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o justify_v separate_a meeting_n because_o the_o number_n of_o people_n be_v much_o great_a in_o many_o parish_n
witness_n of_o the_o decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n word_n for_o this_o cause_n ought_v the_o woman_n to_o have_v power_n over_o her_o head_n 10_o because_o of_o the_o angel_n he_o be_v a_o discourse_v the_o decency_n of_o man_n pray_v uncover_v and_o woman_n cover_v because_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v undecent_a to_o appear_v with_o her_o head_n uncover_v and_o much_o more_o so_o in_o religious_a assembly_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o decency_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v those_o angel_n who_o attend_v our_o worship_n and_o careful_o observe_v our_o behaviour_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v they_o and_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v if_o we_o reverence_v man_n much_o more_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o the_o angel_n attend_v our_o worship_n and_o that_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o all_o decency_n and_o gravity_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o certain_o do_v man_n hearty_o believe_v and_o serious_o consider_v that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n look_v on_o and_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o every_o action_n and_o be_v great_o offend_v with_o a_o light_n and_o trifle_a carriage_n with_o any_o gesture_n or_o action_n which_o unbecome_v so_o great_a a_o presence_n it_o will_v compose_v they_o to_o great_a seriousness_n and_o devotion_n and_o either_o make_v they_o afraid_a to_o come_v to_o church_n or_o more_o reverend_a when_o they_o do_v chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o nother_n great_a miscarriage_n which_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o who_o do_v not_o forsake_v our_o communion_n be_v a_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o great_a many_o come_v to_o church_n when_o the_o service_n be_v half_o read_v other_o when_o it_o be_v near_o a_o conclusion_n and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a hurt_n in_o it_o neither_o if_o they_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o sermon_n at_o other_o time_n when_o there_o be_v only_o the_o divine_a service_n read_v without_o a_o sermon_n few_o person_n think_v it_o worth_a their_o attendance_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o the_o minister_n laugh_v at_o for_o read_v to_o bare_a wall_n and_o empty_a seat_n these_o thing_n i_o grant_v may_v happen_v sometime_o where_o there_o be_v no_o design_a neglect_n the_o mistake_n of_o time_n may_v occasion_v some_o person_n come_v late_o who_o want_v certain_a notice_n and_o on_o the_o weekday_n necessary_a business_n may_v hinder_v other_o who_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v all_o the_o opportunity_n they_o can_v get_v of_o public_a worship_n but_o where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o reasonable_a excuse_n the_o fault_n be_v very_o great_a though_o few_o people_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o my_o business_n at_o present_a shall_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o neglect_n 1._o if_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n to_o prove_v such_o a_o neglect_n of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n for_o they_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n there_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o receive_v a_o ministerial_a absolution_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n there_o we_o praise_v he_o in_o divine_a hymn_n and_o anthem_n and_o put_v up_o our_o joint_a petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v proper_o divine_a worship_n because_o it_o be_v our_o address_n to_o god_n in_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v or_o preach_v be_v so_o far_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n too_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o our_o desire_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o secondary_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o consist_v in_o hear_v god_n speak_v to_o we_o either_o immediate_o in_o his_o inspire_a word_n or_o mediate_o by_o those_o man_n who_o he_o have_v authorize_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o consist_v in_o our_o offer_v something_o to_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v high_o please_v to_o he_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o devout_a soul_n in_o the_o name_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o mediator_n jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o those_o who_o neglect_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n neglect_v public_a worship_n and_o those_o who_o slight_a the_o opportunity_n of_o public_a prayer_n when_o there_o be_v no_o sermon_n to_o invite_v their_o presence_n plain_o discover_v that_o they_o prefer_v please_v their_o curiosity_n with_o hear_v some_o new_a discourse_n before_o the_o more_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n that_o they_o hear_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n when_o the_o end_n of_o hear_v be_v practice_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o practical_a religion_n be_v the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o because_o some_o man_n think_v they_o worship_v god_n sufficient_o if_o they_o come_v time_n enough_o to_o church_n to_o join_v in_o the_o pulpit_n prayer_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o church_n communion_n principal_o consist_v in_o join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v think_v nor_o do_v they_o intend_v to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o yet_o in_o effect_n do_v so_o while_o they_o neglect_v its_o public_a worship_n for_o church_n communion_n 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