by_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n they_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o the_o other_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a and_o intimate_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o consequent_o of_o this_o they_o give_v the_o great_a assurance_n to_o our_o own_o heart_n of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o comfortable_a for_o public_a devotion_n may_v possible_o have_v a_o great_a alloy_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o may_v owe_v itself_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n or_o to_o public_a fame_n and_o reputation_n but_o he_o that_o worship_v god_n in_o secret_a where_o and_o when_o no_o eye_n be_v privy_a but_o only_o that_o of_o god_n almighty_n be_v secure_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o mean_a or_o sinister_a end_n in_o so_o do_v nothing_o can_v move_v he_o to_o this_o but_o the_o mere_a reverence_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o forementioned_a passage_n mat._n 6._o 6._o lay_n a_o emphasis_n upon_o those_o word_n thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o add_v this_o encouragement_n of_o such_o address_n to_o god_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v thou_o open_o upon_o all_o which_o consideration_n let_v the_o man_n who_o either_o value_v god_n glory_n or_o his_o own_o improvement_n peace_n and_o comfort_n or_o indeed_o who_o make_v any_o pretence_n to_o religion_n strict_o make_v conscience_n of_o and_o constant_o practice_v secret_a devotion_n the_o nature_n extent_n manner_n instance_n and_o circumstance_n whereof_o i_o be_o now_o further_o to_o explain_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o and_o i_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o so_o principal_a a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o as_o i_o note_v before_o it_o be_v ordinary_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a i_o mean_v prayer_n to_o god_n touch_v the_o secret_a exercise_n whereof_o let_v the_o good_a christian_a take_v these_o follow_a direction_n first_o let_v he_o not_o fail_v night_n and_o morning_n at_o least_o solemn_o and_o devout_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n divers_a holy_a man_n we_o read_v of_o who_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o zeal_n or_o urgency_n of_o the_o occasion_n for_o it_o have_v prescribe_v to_o themselves_o strict_a measure_n than_o this_o particular_o david_n say_v he_o will_v worship_v god_n seven_o time_n in_o a_o day_n and_o daniel_n custom_n be_v to_o do_v it_o three_o time_n a_o day_n dan._n 6._o 10._o as_o seem_v also_o to_o have_v be_v that_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o less_o than_o twice_o a_o day_n i_o can_v find_v to_o agree_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o good_a man_n unless_o either_o sickness_n disable_v they_o or_o some_o very_a extraordinary_a occasion_n divert_v they_o and_o it_o be_v wondrous_o fit_a and_o decorous_a that_o we_o who_o owe_v our_o whole_a time_n to_o god_n shall_v pay_v he_o the_o tribute_n of_o devote_v those_o critical_a period_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v evening_n and_o morning_n to_o he_o especial_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n these_o two_o point_n of_o time_n be_v attend_v with_o namely_o in_o the_o evening_n have_v finish_v the_o course_n of_o that_o day_n and_o reflect_v upon_o our_o infirmity_n in_o it_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v by_o how_o many_o fail_n we_o have_v just_o incur_v god_n displeasure_n if_o he_o shall_v severe_o animadvert_v upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o we_o must_v needs_o also_o be_v sensible_a both_o how_o many_o danger_n we_o have_v escape_v by_o his_o providence_n and_o how_o many_o instance_n of_o blessing_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o his_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o have_v reason_n to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n and_o especial_o be_v then_o also_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o sleep_v when_o above_o all_o time_n we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o own_o keep_n and_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o thousand_o danger_n from_o thief_n from_o malicious_a man_n from_o violent_a element_n of_o wind_n fire_n and_o water_n from_o the_o erterprise_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o frightful_a dream_n and_o our_o own_o foolish_a imagination_n in_o which_o and_o sundry_a other_o respect_n no_o man_n know_v what_o a_o night_n may_v bring_v forth_o and_o in_o consideration_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o stupid_o secure_a and_o foolhardy_a person_n that_o do_v not_o think_v it_o high_o to_o be_v his_o interest_n by_o peculiar_a address_n to_o recommend_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o concern_v to_o the_o watchful_a eye_n of_o providence_n which_o neither_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n have_v not_o only_o by_o the_o guard_n of_o holy_a angel_n be_v preserve_v from_o all_o those_o danger_n which_o may_v have_v surprise_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o when_o our_o sense_n be_v so_o lock_v up_o that_o we_o can_v not_o help_v ourselves_o but_o refresh_v and_o recruit_v in_o all_o our_o power_n by_o that_o admirable_a divine_a opiate_n sleep_n nothing_o less_o can_v become_v we_o than_o to_o consecrate_v anew_o all_o these_o restore_v power_n to_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n by_o hearty_a adoration_n beside_o this_o we_o be_v then_o sensible_a that_o we_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a scene_n of_o business_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o innumerable_a accident_n danger_n difficulty_n and_o temptation_n none_o of_o which_o we_o be_v match_n for_o without_o divine_a assistance_n and_o have_v therefore_o need_v to_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o good_a providence_n before_o we_o encounter_v they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o timidity_n or_o superstitious_a fear_n but_o just_a wisdom_n not_o to_o dare_v either_o to_o go_v to_o bed_n or_o to_o set_v our_o foot_n out_o of_o door_n till_o we_o have_v recommend_v ourselves_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o prayer_n and_o by_o so_o do_v as_o aforesaid_a we_o maintain_v the_o juge_fw-fr sacrificium_fw-la and_o in_o god_n gracious_a interpretation_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v continual_o and_o to_o consecrate_v our_o whole_a time_n to_o he_o and_o beside_o we_o keep_v up_o a_o lively_a and_o constant_a sense_n of_o he_o upon_o our_o heart_n second_o let_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o duty_n be_v do_v fervent_o as_o well_o as_o constant_o and_o frequent_o not_o formal_o and_o customary_o without_o life_n and_o feel_n of_o what_o a_o man_n be_v about_o or_o with_o wander_a thought_n and_o distract_v affection_n but_o with_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v flat_a and_o remiss_a in_o these_o special_a approach_n to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v much_o worse_o and_o even_o loose_a and_o atheistical_a upon_o other_o occasion_n for_o these_o secret_a duty_n be_v the_o special_a instrument_n and_o exercise_n of_o raise_v our_o heart_n towards_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o nick_n up_o of_o our_o watch_n to_o that_o cue_n in_o which_o we_o will_v have_v it_o go_v in_o the_o more_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o it_o be_v principal_o concern_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o all_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n but_o the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o piety_n lie_v in_o these_o secret_a duty_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v discharge_v with_o the_o quick_a sense_n and_o most_o inflame_a affection_n insomuch_o that_o a_o man_n must_v not_o think_v he_o have_v acquit_v himself_o when_o he_o have_v repeat_v such_o or_o so_o many_o prayer_n until_o he_o find_v also_o his_o heart_n warm_v and_o his_o temper_n of_o mind_n raise_v and_o improve_v by_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o let_v he_o in_o the_o entrance_n upon_o these_o retirement_n place_v himself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o this_o may_v give_v check_n to_o all_o levity_n of_o spirit_n and_o wander_a of_o thought_n and_o make_v he_o grave_a and_o reverential_a let_v he_o also_o all_o along_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o either_o beg_v of_o god_n or_o return_v thanks_o for_o that_o this_o may_v render_v he_o ardent_a in_o his_o desire_n and_o affectionate_a in_o his_o praise_n and_o while_o he_o persevere_fw-la in_o these_o duty_n let_v he_o join_v with_o they_o reading_z and_o meditation_n not_o only_o to_o fix_v his_o mind_n but_o to_o prevent_v barrenness_n and_o to_o impreganate_n and_o enrich_v his_o soul_n with_o divine_a notion_n and_o affection_n to_o this_o end_n three_o let_v he_o take_v care_n
for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o stout_o and_o brave_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o lay_v it_o upon_o we_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v as_o cautious_a and_o timorous_a of_o draw_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v seldom_o separate_a from_o the_o last_o for_o he_o that_o know_v how_o to_o encounter_v a_o danger_n will_v not_o ordinary_o thrust_v himself_o into_o it_o and_o usual_o those_o who_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o run_v themselves_o into_o difficulty_n show_v as_o little_a courage_n and_o conduct_n in_o conflict_v with_o they_o as_o they_o do_v discretion_n in_o the_o adventure_n upon_o they_o and_o no_o wonder_n see_v in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o god_n protection_n trust_v to_o themselves_o and_o then_o they_o can_v in_o reason_n expect_v other_o than_o to_o be_v desert_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o such_o unwarrantalbe_n enterprise_v let_v the_o pious_o dispose_v man_n therefore_o not_o be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o try_v experiment_n upon_o himself_o lest_o he_o buy_v his_o knowledge_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o too_o great_a a_o hazard_n let_v he_o not_o go_v too_o near_a sin_n in_o confidence_n that_o he_o can_v divide_v by_o a_o hair_n and_o come_v off_o clever_o enough_o for_o instance_n let_v he_o not_o nibble_n at_o a_o oath_n nor_o mince_v the_o matter_n of_o profaneness_n nor_o drink_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o sobriety_n nor_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o justice_n in_o his_o deal_n for_o he_o know_v not_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n nor_o consider_v the_o slippery_a ground_n he_o stand_v upon_o that_o will_v thus_o venture_v to_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o his_o liberty_n nor_o let_v he_o provoke_v enemy_n to_o himself_o by_o intemperate_a zeal_n as_o if_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o meet_v with_o opposition_n enough_o without_o his_o own_o procure_n nor_o the_o world_n have_v malice_n enough_o unless_o he_o inflame_v and_o exasperate_v it_o especial_o let_v he_o not_o thrust_v himself_o into_o lewd_a company_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n and_o stability_n for_o he_o have_v no_o sufficient_a apprehension_n of_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o by_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a imprudence_n tempt_v he_o to_o tempt_v himself_o nay_o nor_o do_v he_o seem_v to_o hate_v and_o abominate_a sin_n so_o absolute_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o love_v the_o vicinage_n and_o neighbourhood_n of_o it_o what_o the_o wise_a man_n therefore_o advise_v prov._n 5._o 8._o concern_v the_o whorish_a woman_n be_v very_o applicable_a to_o this_o case_n remove_v thy_o way_n far_o from_o she_o and_o come_v not_o near_o the_o door_n of_o her_o house_n and_o so_o also_o he_o say_v of_o flagitious_a man_n chap._n 4._o 14_o 15._o enter_v not_o into_o the_o path_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o go_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o evil_a man_n avoid_v it_o pass_v not_o by_o it_o turn_v from_o it_o and_o pass_v away_o for_o he_o that_o go_v ordinary_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o a_o precipice_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n sometime_o or_o other_o to_o fall_v in_o and_o he_o that_o nibble_v at_o the_o bait_n will_v one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v take_v with_o the_o hook_n 6._o six_o and_o last_o as_o a_o discreet_a man_n and_o concern_v for_o eternal_a life_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v overdare_n and_o confident_a in_o his_o approach_n towards_o sin_n and_o danger_n so_o neither_o ought_v he_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o be_v timorous_a and_o straitlaced_n in_o thing_n eminent_o and_o unquestionable_o good_a whether_o it_o be_v in_o instance_n of_o devotion_n towards_o god_n or_o of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n of_o himself_o or_o in_o act_n of_o charity_n towards_o other_o for_o in_o all_o these_o there_o be_v such_o a_o scope_n and_o latitude_n as_o that_o a_o brave_a and_o noble_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n may_v and_o will_v distinguish_v itself_o from_o a_o narrow_a and_o stingy_a temper_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o they_o for_o example_n such_o a_o man_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o neither_o will_v nor_o aught_o to_o confine_v his_o devotion_n to_o such_o strict_a and_o precise_a measure_n as_o that_o he_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o omission_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o will_v contrariwise_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o spend_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a of_o his_o time_n in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o such_o other_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o apply_v somewhat_o more_o than_o the_o just_a ten_o or_o tithe_v of_o his_o increase_n to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o religion_n nor_o will_v he_o grudge_v to_o deny_v himself_o upon_o weighty_a occasion_n some_o of_o that_o pleasure_n which_o at_o other_o time_n he_o can_v allow_v himself_o without_o sin_n or_o if_o occasion_n be_v he_o will_v give_v alm_n not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o superfluity_n of_o his_o estate_n but_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o ability_n perhaps_o beyond_o his_o convenience_n for_o these_o thing_n though_o general_o consider_v they_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o express_a duty_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a mere_o because_o they_o be_v not_o command_v so_o long_o as_o the_o species_n and_o kind_a of_o they_o be_v command_v and_o beside_o such_o extraordinary_a expression_n of_o obedience_n to_o a_o general_a command_n be_v very_o fit_a to_o demonstrate_v our_o love_n to_o god_n our_o gratitude_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a bounty_n towards_o we_o and_o our_o value_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n see_v that_o by_o such_o instance_n especial_o we_o show_v that_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n and_o that_o we_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o the_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o though_o it_o will_v not_o be_v express_o a_o sin_n to_o omit_v any_o one_o of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n aforesaid_a yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o palpable_a argument_n of_o a_o narrow_a heart_n towards_o god_n to_o yield_v no_o such_o instance_n at_o all_o and_o can_v but_o proceed_v from_o very_o culpable_a superstition_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o so_o do_v nay_o more_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v barren_a of_o such_o fruit_n and_o careless_a of_o such_o performance_n be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o folly_n and_o imprudence_n towards_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o comfort_n which_o our_o heart_n may_v receive_v by_o such_o generosity_n for_o although_o by_o no_o after_o act_n of_o we_o how_o excellent_a soever_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o make_v any_o proper_a amends_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o our_o former_a offence_n and_o omission_n yet_o by_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o we_o speak_v of_o we_o show_v ourselves_o sensible_a of_o those_o miscarriage_n and_o that_o we_o be_v under_o remorse_n for_o they_o and_o we_o give_v proof_n that_o we_o true_o love_v god_n though_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o desire_v to_o obtain_v his_o favour_n by_o the_o most_o costly_a oblation_n upon_o all_o which_o account_v it_o seem_v very_o adviseable_a that_o he_o who_o set_v his_o face_n towards_o heaven_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_v and_o enlarge_v his_o heart_n this_o way_n and_o not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v cramp_v and_o contract_v by_o any_o odd_a opinion_n to_o the_o contrary_n whereas_o therefore_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o fancy_n a_o frugal_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o according_o inquire_v for_o the_o minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la as_o we_o say_v or_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o if_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v divide_v by_o a_o hair_n and_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o no_o more_o piety_n than_o will_v just_o carry_v they_o out_o of_o danger_n they_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v that_o they_o seek_v after_o impossibility_n and_o contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o will_v have_v fire_n without_o heat_n religion_n without_o devotion_n piety_n without_o affection_n holiness_n without_o zeal_n or_o that_o they_o desire_v to_o fear_n god_n but_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o love_v he_o to_o speak_v plain_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o goodness_n be_v never_o seek_v after_o but_o in_o a_o ill_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o by_o a_o cowardly_a and_o hypocritical_a heart_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v find_v with_o comfort_n for_o the_o essence_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o discoverable_a without_o the_o fruit_n than_o a_o body_n without_o its_o accident_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o obtain_v true_a comfort_n in_o our_o soul_n viz._n either_o by_o our_o daily_a
that_o he_o tempt_v not_o himself_o to_o flatness_n by_o a_o affect_a length_n of_o these_o holy_a duty_n for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o indevout_a temper_n to_o be_v too_o compendious_a and_o concise_a in_o they_o as_o if_o we_o grudge_v the_o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n and_o although_o it_o be_v also_o irreverent_a towards_o god_n to_o be_v so_o short_a and_o abrupt_a as_o if_o we_o brief_o dictate_v to_o he_o what_o we_o will_v have_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n to_o be_v impertinent_o tedious_a with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v we_o without_o many_o word_n or_o will_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o tedious_a importunity_n beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o often_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o that_o our_o body_n can_v always_o correspond_v with_o our_o mind_n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o affect_v the_o prolong_n of_o our_o devotion_n be_v to_o lose_v in_o the_o intention_n what_o we_o get_v in_o the_o extension_n of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v sure_a either_o to_o make_v we_o go_v unwilling_o to_o our_o duty_n or_o to_o perform_v it_o very_o superficial_o in_o either_o of_o which_o circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a we_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o god_n or_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o comfortable_a reflection_n afterward_o upon_o such_o performance_n the_o measure_n of_o devotion_n therefore_o be_v not_o express_o prescribe_v by_o god_n but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o a_o prudent_a respect_n to_o the_o peculiar_a constitution_n of_o the_o person_n the_o condition_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o the_o extraordinariness_n of_o the_o occasion_n and_o to_o go_v about_o to_o exceed_v these_o bound_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o intemperate_a zeal_n which_o be_v never_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o be_v so_o far_o injurious_a to_o a_o man_n self_n that_o it_o manifest_o hinder_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o promote_v to_o these_o i_o add_v four_o let_v not_o the_o devout_a man_n be_v very_o curious_a or_o sollicitious_a about_o the_o from_o or_o expression_n of_o his_o secret_a duty_n i_o mean_v whether_o his_o prayer_n be_v read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n or_o be_v the_o present_a conception_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o from_o a_o understand_a soul_n and_o a_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a heart_n for_o these_o be_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n look_v at_o and_o wherein_o his_o honour_n be_v direct_o concern_v and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v no_o value_n for_o eloquence_n of_o speech_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o neither_o have_v he_o for_o strength_n of_o memory_n or_o for_o pregnancy_n and_o variety_n of_o fancy_n on_o the_o other_o but_o only_o as_o i_o say_v that_o we_o worship_v he_o with_o our_o understanding_n and_o do_v not_o like_a parrot_n utter_a word_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o notion_n that_o we_o bring_v a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n as_o sensible_a of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o a_o heart_n serious_o affect_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o value_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v conversant_a about_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o compose_a form_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o public_a worship_n where_o as_o i_o note_v before_o the_o dignity_n and_o credit_n of_o religion_n be_v concern_v and_o that_o perhaps_o in_o private_a duty_n our_o present_a conception_n may_v most_o please_v and_o affect_v ourselves_o but_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n especial_o in_o these_o secret_a duty_n depend_v neither_o upon_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o upon_o those_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n aforesaid_a wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n cheat_v himself_o into_o a_o opinion_n that_o those_o heat_n of_o fancy_n or_o transport_v of_o affection_n which_o sometime_o happen_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v instance_n of_o real_a and_o extraordinary_a devotion_n or_o that_o because_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n or_o book_n may_v perhaps_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o flight_n therefore_o those_o duty_n be_v dead_a and_o formal_a forasmuch_o as_o those_o service_n may_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n which_o be_v less_o pleasant_a to_o ourselves_o since_o it_o be_v not_o those_o sudden_a flash_n but_o a_o constant_a and_o even_a servour_n of_o piety_n which_o he_o have_v regard_n to_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o another_o advice_n namely_o five_o let_v the_o pious_a man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o that_o he_o be_v never_o to_o lay_v aside_o or_o intermit_v the_o regular_a course_n of_o a_o daily_a devotion_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o but_o especial_o not_o upon_o the_o absurd_a pretext_n of_o await_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cease_v not_o to_o move_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o move_v sensible_o and_o to_o make_v violent_a impression_n upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n till_o he_o be_v so_o jog_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o it_o will_v never_o pray_v at_o all_o and_o indeed_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o expect_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o what_o need_n of_o it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o put_v we_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a service_n than_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v some_o special_a mandate_n or_o impulse_n upon_o our_o spirit_n from_o he_o which_o may_v both_o warrant_v the_o enterprise_n and_o quicken_v we_o in_o the_o prosecution_n but_o in_o ordinary_a duty_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v sufficient_a and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o that_o do_v but_o pretend_v to_o wait_v for_o a_o spirit_n in_o excuse_n of_o his_o own_o atheism_n unbelief_n or_o intolerable_a slothfulness_n and_o in_o so_o do_v lay_v himself_o open_a to_o a_o evil_a spirit_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o check_v and_o withdraw_v man_n from_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o sad_a and_o common_a experience_n that_o from_o wait_v for_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n man_n very_o usual_o grow_v first_o to_o frequent_a omission_n then_o to_o carelessness_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o it_o therefore_o let_v not_o any_o man_n slight_a a_o regular_a and_o methodical_a devotion_n as_o a_o mere_a formal_a and_o customary_a thing_n since_o this_o be_v the_o very_a attainment_n of_o piety_n when_o that_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n become_v also_o in_o a_o good_a sense_n customary_a and_o habitual_a and_o he_o that_o out_o of_o such_o a_o temper_n perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n constant_o and_o reverent_o give_v far_o great_a proof_n of_o sincere_a christianity_n than_o he_o that_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o do_v they_o with_o great_a heat_n and_o transport_v but_o needs_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o be_v jog_v and_o provoke_v to_o the_o performance_n six_o to_o all_o these_o i_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o it_o be_v very_o advisable_v though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o in_o these_o secret_a devotion_n a_o man_n shall_v where_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o privacy_n and_o without_o ostentation_n or_o such_o other_o impediment_n pray_v vocal_o and_o audible_o for_o although_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o observe_v all_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o affection_n before_o we_o express_v they_o and_o therefore_o need_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v interpret_v our_o mind_n to_o he_o by_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v employ_v all_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n we_o have_v in_o his_o service_n our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o lip_n as_o well_o as_o our_o heart_n beside_o though_o we_o can_v affect_v god_n with_o the_o tone_n and_o accent_n of_o our_o speech_n yet_o we_o often_o time_n affect_v our_o own_o heart_n the_o more_o and_o raise_v they_o a_o note_n high_o in_o concord_n with_o the_o elevation_n of_o our_o voice_n but_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v be_v this_o viz._n by_o the_o harmony_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o voice_n our_o heart_n be_v as_o it_o be_v charm_v into_o the_o great_a composure_n and_o intention_n upon_o that_o we_o be_v about_o and_o so_o whereas_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a complaint_n especial_o of_o melancholy_a and_o thoughtful_a person_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o rove_v and_o wander_v in_o these_o secret_a duty_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o mean_v we_o have_v it_o very_o much_o in_o our_o power_n to_o keep_v
improve_v his_o stewardship_n in_o this_o particular_a last_o in_o a_o family_n there_o be_v common_o some_o who_o under_o the_o general_a relation_n of_o friend_n or_o acquaintance_n be_v either_o resident_a in_o it_o or_o at_o least_o hospitable_o entertain_v by_o it_o now_o as_o this_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o the_o person_n treat_v so_o it_o give_v some_o authority_n to_o he_o who_o treat_v they_o and_o consequent_o as_o such_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a towards_o man_n for_o the_o scandal_n and_o misdemeanour_n of_o his_o guest_n so_o be_v he_o much_o more_o responsible_a to_o god_n for_o any_o profaneness_n they_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o his_o divine_a majesty_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o every_o man_n be_v king_n in_o his_o own_o family_n may_v give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o oblige_v those_o who_o be_v under_o his_o protection_n to_o pay_v he_o allegiance_n and_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n with_o he_o especial_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v this_o because_o the_o four_o commandment_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o use_v this_o authority_n not_o only_o over_o our_o son_n and_o daughter_n our_o man-servant_n and_o maid-servant_n but_o over_o all_o those_o that_o be_v within_o our_o gate_n but_o so_o much_o in_o the_o general_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o particular_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o family_n of_o which_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iu._n of_o family_n duty_n in_o special_a in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o family_n that_o beside_o closet-devotion_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o beside_o public_a worship_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v anon_o once_o a_o day_n at_o the_o least_o they_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n i_o say_v once_o a_o day_n at_o the_o least_o in_o favour_n of_o man_n occasion_n and_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n of_o some_o family_n be_v it_o not_o for_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o fit_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v prayer_n morning_n and_o evening_n as_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o most_o pious_a family_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v wonderful_o decent_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o family_n shall_v once_o in_o the_o day_n meet_v together_o and_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o any_o excuse_n shall_v be_v plead_v or_o admit_v in_o this_o case_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o every_o several_a family_n be_v a_o peculiar_a body_n or_o society_n which_o have_v its_o distinct_a circumstance_n effect_n and_o consideration_n it_o have_v its_o respective_a needs_o to_o be_v supply_v and_o therefore_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a request_n to_o god_n as_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o continue_v it_o in_o health_n to_o settle_v concord_n and_o unity_n among_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o that_o the_o whole_a may_v enjoy_v prosperity_n and_o safety_n from_o thief_n from_o fire_n and_o other_o danger_n and_o every_o such_o society_n have_v also_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a mercy_n to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o as_o namely_o for_o success_n in_o affair_n for_o quiet_a habitation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o molest_v with_o ill_a neighbour_n nor_o vex_v with_o law-suit_n for_o hopeful_a child_n faithful_a servant_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o several_a of_o these_o respect_v a_o man_n may_v be_v well_o and_o comfortable_a in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o yet_o be_v unhappy_a in_o the_o society_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o society_n or_o family_n may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o general_n and_o yet_o a_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v in_o ill_a circumstance_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v just_a reason_n of_o address_n and_o acknowledgement_n to_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o family_n and_o by_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o conjunction_n as_o well_o as_o by_o every_o single_a person_n apart_o and_o in_o his_o closet_n and_o though_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v some_o family_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o person_n who_o can_v apt_o and_o proper_o represent_v the_o peculiar_a concern_v of_o it_o to_o the_o almighty_a and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o there_o be_v no_o form_n of_o prayer_n at_o hand_n that_o will_v express_v all_o the_o respective_a circumstance_n of_o such_o a_o society_n yet_o they_o may_v lift_v up_o their_o heart_n and_o voice_n together_o in_o a_o general_a form_n and_o supply_v with_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n whatsoever_o be_v want_v in_o the_o expression_n and_o as_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o such_o family_n worship_n so_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o expect_v it_o will_v be_v singular_o successful_a when_o the_o whole_a community_n join_v together_o and_o present_v themselves_o and_o their_o tribute_n of_o praise_n before_o the_o lord_n no_o question_n but_o the_o very_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v high_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o when_o with_o prostrate_a body_n devout_a heart_n and_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n they_o combine_v together_o to_o importune_v and_o as_o it_o be_v besiege_v the_o almighty_a they_o can_v fail_v of_o a_o blessing_n or_o however_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o such_o person_n and_o a_o great_a security_n to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v thus_o joint_o and_o solemn_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a protection_n beside_o that_o this_o course_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o conciliate_v peace_n and_o love_n and_o kindness_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o body_n and_o to_o knit_v their_o heart_n to_o one_o another_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o accustom_v to_o unite_v their_o heart_n and_o join_v their_o hand_n in_o god_n service_n and_o conspire_v to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o great_a indearment_n of_o affection_n perhaps_o some_o man_n will_v now_o say_v there_o be_v no_o express_a scripture_n which_o require_v of_o man_n this_o daily_a office_n of_o family_n prayer_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o what_o if_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n see_v there_o be_v so_o apparent_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o god_n who_o consider_v that_o he_o give_v law_n to_o reasonable_a man_n do_v not_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o prescribe_v every_o thing_n in_o particular_a especial_o in_o natural_a worship_n where_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n may_v supply_v he_o with_o direction_n what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n beside_o second_o as_o i_o discourse_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v a_o stingy_a and_o narrow-souled_a trick_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o no_o true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n to_o stand_v upon_o so_o strict_a term_n in_o our_o piety_n as_o to_o require_v a_o express_a command_n in_o particular_a for_o that_o which_o be_v admirable_o good_a in_o the_o general_n and_o have_v also_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a man_n as_o this_o have_v be_v but_o after_o all_o i_o will_v in_o the_o last_o place_n crave_v leave_v to_o ask_v those_o man_n a_o plain_a question_n who_o insist_v upon_o more_o express_a proof_n of_o family_n prayer_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o whether_o they_o think_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o public_a worship_n require_v of_o man_n if_o they_o do_v then_o let_v they_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o public_a society_n than_o that_o of_o family_n namely_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o either_o public_a worship_n must_v be_v this_o of_o family_n or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o to_o enlighten_v they_o in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o passage_n gen._n 4._o 26._o when_o seth_n have_v enos_n bear_v to_o he_o it_o be_v say_v then_o begin_v man_n to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o there_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o family_n in_o the_o pious_a line_n of_o seth_n then_o present_o they_o set_v up_o god_n worship_n in_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o beginning_n of_o secret_a worship_n for_o no_o doubt_n but_o seth_n be_v careful_a of_o that_o before_o enos_n be_v bear_v nor_o be_v it_o proper_o public_a or_o ecclesiastic_a worship_n for_o in_o that_o minority_n of_o the_o world_n there_o neither_o be_v nor_o as_o yet_o can_v be_v any_o church_n establish_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n therefore_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o family_n worship_n be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o be_v of_o family_n themselves_o or_o let_v pious_a and_o
especial_o let_v he_o remember_v to_o frequent_v they_o constant_o and_o entire_o by_o constancy_n of_o attendance_n upon_o public_a worship_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o apply_v himself_o to_o it_o on_o the_o sunday_n or_o lord_n day_n but_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n if_o there_o be_v opportunity_n and_o by_o entireness_n of_o god_n service_n i_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n both_o to_o go_v at_o the_o beginning_n and_o to_o join_v in_o it_o both_o morning_n and_o evening_n that_o by_o all_o together_o he_o may_v not_o only_o sure_a himself_o and_o his_o own_o conscience_n of_o his_o heartiness_n and_o sincerity_n but_o demonstrate_v to_o all_o about_o he_o the_o great_a sense_n he_o have_v of_o the_o moment_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o serve_n of_o god_n as_o of_o great_a consequence_n than_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o frequent_v the_o public_a prayer_n every_o day_n where_o they_o be_v to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o character_n of_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o 2._o that_o among_o other_o instance_n of_o devotion_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o which_o can_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o his_o daily_a frequent_v the_o public_a prayer_n because_o his_o private_a prayer_n can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o to_o make_v his_o character_n but_o most_o express_o it_o be_v say_v of_o all_o that_o believe_v act_v 2._o 46._o that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v needs_o principal_o have_v reference_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o if_o any_o man_n be_v so_o put_v to_o it_o that_o he_o can_v spare_v one_o hour_n in_o a_o day_n to_o do_v public_a honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o unbelief_n in_o his_o providence_n as_o well_o as_o want_v of_o love_n to_o he_o if_o a_o man_n can_v trust_v god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o hope_v that_o such_o a_o time_n spend_v in_o his_o service_n shall_v be_v recompense_v by_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o day_n or_o however_o a_o good_a christian_a will_v be_v well_o content_v and_o glad_o sacrifice_v so_o much_o of_o his_o secular_a interest_n as_o this_o come_v to_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o for_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n go_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o shameful_a neglect_n which_o several_a person_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o will_v not_o altogether_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o will_v come_v common_o so_o late_o that_o they_o not_o only_o lose_v part_n of_o the_o prayer_n but_o enter_v very_o abrupt_o and_o irreverent_o upon_o that_o which_o they_o partake_v of_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o man_n may_v sometime_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o time_n or_o divert_v from_o his_o intention_n by_o some_o emergency_n but_o to_o be_v frequent_o tardy_a be_v a_o argument_n that_o he_o love_v something_o better_a than_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n for_o doubtless_o a_o good_a christian_n will_v ordinary_o choose_v rather_o to_o stay_v for_o the_o minister_n than_o that_o the_o public_a office_n shall_v stay_v for_o he_o and_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o spend_v a_o little_a time_n in_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v his_o heart_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n than_o either_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o divine_a presence_n rude_o or_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o by_o half_n and_o as_o for_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o this_o instance_n of_o devotion_n viz._n the_o resort_v both_o to_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n it_o be_v observable_a act_n 3._o 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o nine_o hour_n which_o be_v both_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o frequent_v the_o evening_n service_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o morning_n and_o also_o a_o example_n of_o observe_v the_o just_a and_o state_v time_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v become_v every_o good_a christian_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o such_o a_o precedent_n especial_o see_v the_o gospel_n worship_n which_o we_o resort_v to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o excellent_a and_o comfortable_a than_o the_o jewish_a be_v which_o those_o holy_a man_n thus_o careful_o frequent_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o 5._o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v that_o in_o all_o these_o public_a approach_n to_o god_n house_n we_o be_v to_o express_v a_o great_a reverence_n towards_o the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v that_o we_o ought_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o think_v worthy_o of_o he_o and_o prostrate_v all_o the_o inward_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o but_o that_o in_o our_o outward_a man_n in_o our_o carriage_n and_o bodily_a deportment_n we_o express_v a_o awful_a regard_n to_o he_o by_o all_o such_o gesture_n and_o sign_n as_o according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n be_v take_v to_o betoken_v the_o high_a reverence_n and_o observance_n such_o as_o stand_v kneeling_z bowing_z and_o prostration_n of_o ourselves_o before_o he_o for_o though_o the_o heart_n be_v that_o which_o god_n principal_o look_v at_o yet_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o make_v our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n and_o we_o hope_v he_o will_v save_v both_o he_o therefore_o expect_v we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o both_o with_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o our_o body_n which_o be_v his_o and_o which_o he_o have_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 20._o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v such_o a_o nearness_n and_o sympathy_n between_o our_o body_n and_o spirit_n that_o they_o ordinary_o move_v by_o consent_n and_o draw_v one_o another_o into_o compliance_n insomuch_o that_o he_o who_o true_o bow_v his_o soul_n to_o god_n can_v scarce_o forbear_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o he_o also_o and_o he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o he_o be_v by_o that_o very_a motion_n of_o his_o body_n in_o some_o measure_n put_v in_o mind_n to_o entertain_v reverential_a thought_n and_o affection_n towards_o he_o and_o this_o care_n of_o bodily_a worship_n be_v the_o more_o important_a in_o public_a service_n and_o especial_o in_o god_n house_n because_o as_o i_o note_v before_o then_o and_o there_o his_o honour_n and_o grandeur_n be_v concern_v and_o any_o indecent_a carriage_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o contempt_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o carriage_n which_o in_o secret_a worship_n may_v admit_v of_o excuse_n will_v in_o public_a be_v intolerable_a profaneness_n wherefore_o let_v not_o the_o pious_a man_n be_v affright_v by_o any_o one_o out_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o bodily_a reverence_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o superstition_n which_o be_v become_v a_o bugbear_n by_o which_o weak_a man_n be_v make_v afraid_a of_o every_o instance_n of_o a_o decorous_a or_o generous_a devotion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o culpable_a superstition_n in_o our_o worship_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o true_a object_n for_o it_o and_o while_o we_o use_v not_o such_o expression_n of_o our_o devotion_n as_o he_o have_v forbid_v but_o this_o of_o bodily_a reverence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v that_o it_o be_v express_o require_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o have_v be_v constant_o practise_v by_o all_o holy_a man_n nor_o let_v the_o fancy_n of_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n require_v under_o the_o gospel_n beguile_v any_o man_n into_o a_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n of_o bodily_a reverence_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o although_o the_o christian_a religion_n raise_v man_n inward_a devotion_n high_o yet_o it_o abate_v nothing_o of_o outward_a adoration_n but_o rather_o when_o it_o require_v the_o former_a shall_v be_v more_o intense_a and_o affectionate_a it_o suppose_v the_o other_o shall_v be_v answerable_a because_o it_o be_v natural_a so_o to_o be_v for_o this_o be_v the_o accessary_n can_v but_o follow_v the_o principal_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o possibility_n that_o more_o stress_n may_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o shadow_n than_o the_o substance_n and_o some_o man_n may_v hope_v to_o compliment_n god_n almighty_a out_o of_o his_o right_n to_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o address_n of_o their_o body_n but_o the_o fault_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o the_o latter_a but_o too_o little_a of_o the_o former_a and_o the_o good_a christian_a therefore_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o join_v both_o together_o and_o as_o he_o will_v come_v to_o god_n house_n with_o the_o most_o elevate_a affection_n so_o he_o will_v
the_o formal_a act_n of_o a_o part_n with_o the_o observance_n of_o abundance_n of_o nice_a rite_n ceremony_n and_o punctilio_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n which_o look_v beautiful_o and_o promise_n fair_o in_o public_a but_o be_v forget_v or_o lay_v aside_o at_o home_n nor_o be_v it_o immure_v in_o a_o closet_n and_o never_o suffer_v to_o take_v the_o air_n in_o conversation_n to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a morality_n nor_o mere_a devotion_n but_o both_o these_o in_o conjunction_n together_o with_o all_o that_o be_v brave_a and_o noble_a and_o wise_a and_o good_a all_o that_o can_v better_v the_o mind_n and_o temper_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o all_o that_o can_v improve_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n all_o this_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o religion_n especial_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v phil._n 4._o 8._o final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a or_o grave_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a or_o friendly_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v of_o these_o thing_n i._n e._n count_v they_o branch_n of_o christianity_n for_o true_a religion_n be_v nothing_o less_o nothing_o i_o mean_v of_o no_o narrow_a extent_n than_o a_o wise_a and_o worthy_a conduct_n and_o manage_v of_o a_o man_n self_n in_o all_o those_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o namely_o towards_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o the_o just_a province_n of_o religion_n but_o i_o can_v neither_o think_v it_o possible_a to_o handle_v all_o the_o part_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o subject_n in_o this_o short_a treatise_n nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o apprehend_v the_o discourse_n of_o they_o all_o to_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o those_o for_o who_o use_n i_o principal_o intend_v these_o paper_n therefore_o omit_v but_o not_o exclude_v all_o other_o branch_n of_o religion_n i_o will_v here_o only_o speak_v of_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o secret_a devotion_n or_o those_o act_n of_o piety_n which_o be_v transact_v only_o between_o almighty_a god_n and_o a_o man_n own_a soul_n second_o of_o private_a piety_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o particular_a family_n three_o of_o the_o more_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o concern_v a_o man_n govern_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o consult_v the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o parish_n wherein_o he_o live_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n of_o secret_a or_o closet_n devotion_n that_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a branch_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o necessary_a and_o universal_a duty_n appear_v by_o the_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 6._o 6._o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v the_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n who_o be_v in_o secret_a etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v not_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n to_o forbid_v or_o put_v a_o slight_a upon_o all_o but_o closet_n devotion_n for_o he_o himself_o frequent_o pray_v public_o and_o teach_v his_o disciple_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o though_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o closet_n do_v he_o intend_v to_o confine_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o strict_a formality_n of_o a_o closet_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o field_n or_o in_o any_o recess_n or_o place_n of_o secrecy_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o himself_o practise_v nor_o last_o though_o he_o use_v the_o word_n prayer_n only_o do_v he_o make_v that_o strict_o take_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o secret_a piety_n for_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a speech_n also_o to_o express_v all_o the_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n by_o the_o name_n of_o prayer_n whether_o they_o be_v praise_n or_o adoration_n or_o confession_n or_o thanksgiving_n or_o meditation_n or_o self-examination_n all_o therefore_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v be_v to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o secret_a devotion_n as_o well_o as_o public_a and_o to_o press_v that_o upon_o his_o disciple_n which_o the_o hypocrisy_n and_o ostentation_n of_o the_o pharisee_n have_v lay_v aside_o because_o in_o truth_n they_o seek_v not_o god_n glory_n but_o their_o own_o and_o this_o be_v further_a recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o whatsoever_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n otherwise_o there_o have_v perhaps_o be_v those_o who_o under_o some_o pretence_n or_o other_o have_v neglect_v family_n worship_n and_o those_o also_o who_o have_v be_v abase_v by_o some_o scruple_n into_o a_o omission_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o i_o very_o think_v that_o none_o but_o flat_a atheist_n or_o gross_a hypocrite_n which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v ever_o dispense_v with_o themselves_o in_o the_o common_a and_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o secret_a worship_n for_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o much_o less_o have_v any_o worthy_a apprehension_n of_o he_o but_o it_o natural_o put_v he_o upon_o some_o act_n or_o other_o of_o adoration_n towards_o he_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o exercise_n be_v to_o the_o body_n it_o may_v live_v and_o subsist_v though_o not_o long_o and_o healthful_o without_o it_o but_o secret_a devotion_n be_v like_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o lung_n without_o which_o a_o man_n be_v present_o choke_v up_o and_o destroy_v if_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o move_v towards_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o circulation_n return_v in_o praise_n all_o those_o benefit_n which_o it_o continual_o receive_v from_o he_o it_o be_v stifle_v by_o repletion_n and_o if_o by_o prayer_n he_o do_v not_o breathe_v out_o his_o grief_n and_o as_o it_o be_v ventilate_v his_o spirit_n he_o be_v strangle_v by_o his_o own_o melancholy_n for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o religious_a office_n can_v make_v a_o supply_n in_o these_o case_n because_o every_o man_n have_v his_o secret_a sin_n to_o confess_v to_o god_n which_o it_o be_v ordinary_o unsafe_a to_o make_v other_o man_n privy_a to_o and_o his_o peculiar_a infirmity_n and_o temptation_n his_o grief_n and_o burden_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o lay_v open_a to_o man_n see_v only_a god_n can_v relieve_v they_o and_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v sundry_a personal_a mercy_n and_o savour_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o answer_n of_o his_o prayer_n which_o require_v a_o personal_a acknowledgement_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o the_o open_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n be_v common_o attend_v with_o such_o affection_n and_o passionate_a expression_n as_o will_v be_v indecent_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v very_o become_v towards_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o last_o thing_n we_o find_v 1_o sam._n 1._o 13._o hannah_n be_v think_v to_o be_v drink_v by_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n eli_n the_o priest_n when_o yet_o as_o the_o truth_n appear_v afterward_o he_o see_v in_o she_o only_o the_o devout_a symptom_n of_o a_o sorrowful_a spirit_n beside_o these_o act_n of_o secret_a worship_n be_v very_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o public_a worship_n both_o as_o they_o dispose_v and_o fit_v a_o man_n heart_n for_o it_o before_o he_o enter_v upon_o it_o by_o compose_v the_o thought_n and_o raise_v the_o affection_n and_o as_o they_o make_v application_n of_o it_o afterward_o press_v home_n upon_o the_o conscience_n the_o instruction_n there_o receive_v and_o improve_n and_o confirm_v into_o a_o stable_a resolution_n those_o good_a affection_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o it_o insomuch_o that_o that_o man_n will_v either_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o god_n public_a service_n or_o no_o suitable_a temper_n in_o it_o or_o be_v little_a the_o better_a after_o it_o that_o have_v not_o first_o fit_v and_o prepare_v his_o heart_n for_o it_o by_o secret_a devotion_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o true_a reason_n as_o well_o of_o the_o lamentable_a unprofitableness_n as_o of_o the_o common_a irreverence_n of_o public_a performance_n because_o man_n rush_v into_o god_n house_n without_o the_o due_a preface_n of_o secret_a preparation_n and_o they_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o god_n when_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n never_o attend_v to_o or_o improve_n those_o good_a motion_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v kindle_v in_o they_o moreover_o these_o devout_a office_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o supplant_v and_o supersede_n the_o public_a as_o we_o have_v intimate_v already_o and_o shall_v demonstrate_v at_o large_a by_o and_o
ingenious_a person_n consider_v of_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 11._o 1._o where_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o find_v our_o saviour_n be_v at_o prayer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o secret_a prayer_n but_o with_o his_o disciple_n be_v more_o than_o probable_a since_o they_o be_v present_a at_o they_o and_o according_o when_o he_o have_v conclude_v one_o of_o they_o ask_v he_o to_o instruct_v they_o how_o to_o pray_v now_o if_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v then_o here_o be_v our_o saviour_n example_n for_o what_o we_o be_v discourse_v of_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o disciple_n with_o who_o he_o be_v at_o prayer_n be_v his_o family_n but_o that_o which_o i_o observe_v further_o be_v they_o ask_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n teach_v his_o disciple_n that_o be_v to_o prescribe_v they_o a_o form_n wherein_o they_o who_o be_v his_o family_n may_v join_v together_o as_o the_o family_n or_o disciple_n of_o john_n do_v or_o not_o only_o to_o pray_v several_o or_o secret_o but_o in_o conjunction_n and_o society_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n gratify_v they_o in_o by_o prescribe_v to_o they_o the_o well-known_a and_o admirable_a form_n in_o which_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v further_a remarkable_a to_o this_o purpose_n first_o that_o the_o prayer_n be_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n which_o render_v it_o far_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o social_a office_n for_o though_o some_o other_o account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o his_o use_v that_o number_n yet_o nothing_o be_v so_o natural_a as_o this_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v intimate_v second_o the_o very_a petition_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v consider_v will_v incline_v a_o man_n to_o think_v that_o though_o the_o prayer_n be_v contrive_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o fit_v other_o purpose_n yet_o it_o be_v primary_o intend_v for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o family_n or_o society_n especial_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o of_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n be_v but_o so_o much_o for_o that_o 2._o the_o next_o instance_n of_o family_n duty_n be_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o other_o day_n and_o time_n set_v apart_o for_o his_o service_n as_o for_o the_o lord_n day_n though_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o as_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n which_o be_v our_o saturday_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o christian_n at_o all_o so_o neither_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o observe_v any_o day_n with_o that_o sabbatical_a nicety_n and_o strictness_n which_o for_o special_a reason_n be_v require_v of_o that_o people_n yet_o that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v observe_v pious_o and_o devout_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o it_o principal_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o we_o make_v it_o a_o day_n peculiar_a for_o the_o office_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n as_o other_o day_n be_v for_o common_a and_o secular_a affair_n for_o though_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v carry_v on_o every_o day_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o be_v a_o profane_a day_n indeed_o in_o which_o god_n have_v not_o some_o share_n allow_v for_o his_o service_n yet_o as_o god_n have_v not_o require_v that_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o those_o day_n but_o after_o a_o little_a of_o the_o time_n be_v consecrate_v to_o he_o the_o residue_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o life_n so_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n we_o be_v allow_v to_o consult_v our_o infirmity_n to_o provide_v for_o necessity_n and_o to_o do_v work_n of_o humanity_n or_o mercy_n but_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o the_o day_n be_v religion_n and_o to_o that_o the_o main_a of_o it_o must_v be_v apply_v and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o this_o namely_o by_o this_o interruption_n of_o the_o course_n of_o worldly_a affair_n in_o some_o measure_n to_o take_v our_o heart_n off_o from_o they_o for_o we_o shall_v hardly_o avoid_v sink_v absolute_o into_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o a_o continual_a course_n and_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o certain_a interval_n of_o time_n to_o retreat_n from_o they_o and_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o thing_n of_o another_o nature_n by_o which_o mean_v also_o we_o begin_v to_o practice_v a_o heavenly_a sabbatism_n and_o inure_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n to_o those_o spiritual_a employment_n which_o we_o be_v to_o enter_v upon_o and_o be_v everlasting_o perform_v in_o another_o world_n let_v therefore_o the_o pious_a man_n thus_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n by_o apply_v it_o to_o holy_a use_n that_o be_v beside_o public_a worship_n to_o read_v meditation_n sing_v of_o psalm_n and_o grave_a discourse_n of_o religion_n and_o let_v he_o according_a as_o he_o have_v warrant_n from_o the_o four_o commandment_n oblige_v all_o those_o within_o his_o gate_n to_o do_v so_o too_o and_o not_o only_o restrain_v his_o family_n from_o common_a labour_n but_o from_o lightness_n and_o folly_n tipple_a and_o gossip_v idle_a visit_n and_o impertinent_a talk_n of_o news_n and_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o be_v as_o much_o in_o earnest_n about_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n on_o that_o day_n as_o they_o be_v about_o their_o business_n or_o pleasure_n on_o other_o day_n as_o for_o other_o holy_a day_n set_v apart_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v very_o good_a use_n to_o be_v make_v of_o they_o too_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o great_a festival_n be_v the_o ignorant_a man_n gospel_n and_o bring_v to_o his_o mind_n all_o the_o great_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o god_n have_v not_o so_o strict_o task_v we_o to_o the_o labour_n of_o six_o day_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v better_o please_v if_o we_o now_o and_o then_o apply_v some_o of_o they_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o make_v a_o sally_n towards_o heaven_n but_o then_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o day_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v mere_o a_o relaxation_n from_o servile_a work_n nor_o much_o less_o a_o dispensation_n for_o looseness_n and_o profaneness_n but_o god_n must_v be_v serve_v on_o they_o with_o great_a diligence_n than_o can_v be_v ordinary_o expect_v on_o other_o day_n and_o this_o be_v another_o branch_n of_o the_o pious_a man_n duty_n in_o his_o family_n 3._o there_o be_v another_o thing_n i_o will_v mention_v in_o the_o three_o place_n among_o family_n exercise_n which_o i_o do_v not_o call_v a_o necessary_a duty_n but_o will_v offer_v it_o to_o consideration_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o adviseable_a in_o some_o case_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o family_n piety_n that_o in_o every_o family_n where_o it_o can_v be_v do_v some_o person_n shall_v be_v encourage_v to_o take_v note_n of_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o church_n and_o repeat_v they_o at_o home_n forasmuch_o as_o this_o course_n will_v not_o only_o afford_v a_o very_a seasonable_a and_o excellent_a entertainment_n for_o the_o family_n in_o the_o interval_n of_o public_a worship_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n but_o will_v also_o be_v very_o advantageous_a both_o to_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o the_o minister_n it_o will_v encourage_v he_o to_o study_v and_o to_o deliver_v weighty_a thing_n when_o he_o see_v his_o word_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o perish_v in_o the_o hear_n and_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o air_n but_o be_v review_v and_o consider_v of_o by_o which_o mean_v one_o sermon_n will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o two_o and_o may_v serve_v according_o for_o the_o people_n it_o will_v put_v the_o most_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o they_o upon_o consider_v and_o endeavour_v to_o remember_v and_o make_v something_o of_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o when_o they_o observe_v that_o some_o of_o the_o able_a of_o the_o congregation_n think_v it_o worth_a their_o pain_n to_o take_v so_o exact_a notice_n of_o it_o as_o to_o write_v it_o down_o at_o least_o they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o snore_v and_o yawn_v when_o other_o be_v so_o intent_n and_o serious_a and_o as_o for_o the_o family_n in_o which_o the_o repetition_n be_v make_v they_o will_v have_v further_a occasion_n to_o observe_v with_o what_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n the_o doctrine_n be_v infer_v from_o the_o text_n opportunity_n to_o weigh_v the_o argument_n use_v to_o enforce_v it_o and_o be_v put_v upon_o make_v application_n of_o all_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n but_o i_o foresee_v several_a objection_n such_o as_o they_o be_v will_v be_v make_v against_o this_o it_o will_v be_v say_v this_o course_n be_v unfashionable_a and_o puritanical_a that_o experience_n have_v discover_v that_o write_n after_o sermon_n have_v teach_v man_n to_o be_v conceit_v and_o captious_a and_o