to_o begin_v and_o end_v the_o day_n with_o god_n this_o will_v antidote_n and_o fortify_v thy_o soul_n against_o the_o contagion_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o sinner_n ecclesiastical_a history_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o st._n origen_n fall_v into_o that_o great_a sin_n of_o offer_v incense_n to_o a_o idol-god_n that_o morning_n he_o go_v forth_o before_o he_o have_v perform_v his_o private_a devotion_n we_o be_v never_o safe_a either_o from_o sin_n or_o danger_n but_o when_o under_o the_o over-shadowing_a care_n and_o providential_a wing_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o engage_v god_n almighty_n care_n over_o we_o and_o concern_v for_o we_o by_o prayer_n we_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o he_o we_o lay_v open_v our_o soul_n before_o he_o we_o recomend_v ourselves_o unto_o he_o which_o give_v our_o mind_n the_o sweet_a and_o most_o solid_a satisfaction_n that_o whatever_o providence_n befall_v we_o be_v certain_o intend_v by_o a_o unerring_a wisdom_n for_o our_o good_a and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n now_o in_o order_n to_o your_o glorify_v almighty_a god_n in_o secret_a duty_n let_v the_o follow_a direction_n be_v observe_v 1._o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v private_a in_o thy_o private_a duty_n let_v it_o be_v true_a secret_a prayer_n and_o not_o have_v its_o name_n for_o nought_o remember_v our_o saviour_n advice_n st._n matth._n 6.6_o enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n when_o thou_o pray_v and_o shut_v thy_o door_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o shut_v it_o so_o close_o that_o no_o wind_n of_o vain_a glory_n may_v either_o get_v out_o or_o come_v in_o some_o hypocrite_n pray_v in_o secret_n but_o as_o they_o handle_v the_o matter_n they_o be_v not_o secret_a in_o their_o closet_n like_o the_o hen_n that_o go_v into_o a_o private_a place_n to_o lay_v her_o egg_n but_o by_o she_o cackle_v tell_v all_o the_o house_n both_o where_o she_o be_v and_o what_o she_o be_v about_o rather_o than_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o vanity_n shut_v the_o door_n of_o thy_o lip_n as_o well_o as_o of_o thy_o closet_n not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v the_o voice_n in_o private_a prayer_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o for_o ostentation_n to_o be_v overhear_v by_o other_o yea_o and_o useful_a also_o as_o it_o help_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o prevent_v wander_a thought_n and_o likewise_o quicken_v the_o affection_n by_o raise_v they_o up_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o pitch_n of_o fervency_n christian_n prudence_n therefore_o must_v direct_v thou_o what_o be_v best_a in_o this_o case_n 2._o look_v that_o thou_o be_v free_a and_o open_a with_o almighty_a god_n in_o private_a duty_n come_v not_o to_o god_n in_o secret_n and_o then_o conceal_v thy_o secret_n from_o he_o lay_v open_a thy_o very_a heart_n and_o spread_v all_o thy_o secret_a sin_n before_o he_o and_o be_v sure_a to_o hide_v nothing_o from_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o free_a to_o confess_v never_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v be_v faithful_a to_o forgive_v prayer_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n because_o a_o gracious_a person_n make_v know_v all_o its_o want_n and_o grief_n to_o god_n and_o do_v this_o with_o much_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n very_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o almighty_a god_n resent_v more_o unkind_o at_o his_o people_n hand_n than_o their_o attempt_n to_o conceal_v either_o their_o their_o secret_n sin_n or_o their_o secret_a want_n from_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v ready_a so_o gracious_o to_o pardon_v the_o one_o and_o so_o merciful_o to_o supply_v the_o other_o 3._o make_v use_n of_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o fit_a season_n for_o secret-prayer_n and_o take_v heed_n that_o one_o duty_n do_v not_o interfere_v with_o another_o either_o with_o family-prayer_n or_o with_o publick-worship_n the_o beauty_n of_o christianity_n consist_v in_o the_o harmony_n of_o a_o christian_a obedience_n but_o the_o devil_n take_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n in_o put_v person_n upon_o set_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n at_o variance_n one_o against_o another_o look_v also_o that_o thy_o closet-devotion_n do_v not_o interfere_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o thy_o particular_a call_v god_n allow_v time_n for_o the_o shop_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o closet_n as_o thou_o be_v to_o shut_v thy_o closet-door_n to_o pray_v so_o to_o open_v thy_o shop_n window_n for_o work_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o faithful_a in_o the_o one_o we_o can_v expect_v his_o presence_n in_o the_o other_o go_v then_o oh_o christian_n into_o thy_o closet_n before_o thou_o go_v into_o thy_o shop_n or_o else_o thou_o be_v a_o atheist_n but_o when_o thou_o have_v be_v with_o god_n there_o attend_v with_o faithfulness_n the_o business_n of_o thy_o call_v or_o else_o thou_o be_v a_o hyyocrite_n he_o that_o say_v be_v fervent_a in_o prayer_n also_o say_v be_v not_o slothful_a in_o business_n 4._o take_v heed_n that_o your_o frequent_a performance_n of_o secret_a duty_n do_v not_o degenerate_a into_o a_o lifeless_a formality_n what_o we_o do_v very_o frequent_o we_o be_v prone_a to_o do_v very_o careless_o it_o be_v exceed_o hard_a not_o to_o grow_v formal_a in_o those_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o endeavour_v therefore_o with_o your_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o fervour_n of_o your_o affection_n in_o your_o daily_a approach_n to_o god_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o pray_v often_o rather_o than_o very_o long_o for_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v long_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o not_o to_o slacken_v our_o affection_n our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o we_o find_v pray_v often_o yea_o and_o use_v the_o same_o word_n in_o prayer_n st._n matth._n 26.44_o 5._o rest_v not_o upon_o it_o as_o a_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o thy_o sincerity_n thou_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o secret_a duty_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o hypocrisy_n to_o creep_v into_o the_o closet_n as_o for_o the_o frog_n to_o get_v into_o pharaoh_n bedchamber_n a_o man_n may_v perform_v secret-duty_n and_o yet_o indulge_v himself_o in_o many_o secret_a sin_n but_o if_o thou_o delight_v in_o search_a duty_n as_o well_o as_o secret_n in_o the_o close_a examination_n of_o thy_o heart_n in_o the_o impartial_a try_v of_o thy_o way_n in_o serious_a meditation_n of_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n so_o as_o to_o deter_v thou_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o know_a sin_n this_o will_v afford_v thou_o a_o good_a ground_n of_o hope_n that_o thy_o heart_n be_v upright_o in_o god_n sight_n 6._o let_v not_o business_n divert_v thou_o let_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o own_o weakness_n and_o want_n of_o ability_n discourage_v thou_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o secret_a duty_n especial_o from_o pray_v daily_o by_o thyself_o alone_o confess_v all_o thy_o sin_n and_o lay_v open_a all_o thy_o want_n before_o almighty_a god_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n thou_o be_v able_a and_o question_v not_o the_o acceptance_n of_o thy_o worthless_a service_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o worthy_a mediator_n and_o rather_o than_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o own_o weakness_n and_o want_n of_o expression_n shall_v tempt_v thou_o to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n a_o morning_n prayer_n for_o a_o private_a person_n oh_o eternal_a and_o ever_o bless_a god_n thou_o be_v in_o thyself_o infinite_o glorious_a in_o the_o son_n of_o thy_o love_n transcendent_o gracious_a in_o all_o humility_n i_o bow_v at_o thy_o foot_n adore_v thy_o divine_a majesty_n by_o who_o power_n i_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n and_o by_o who_o providence_n i_o have_v be_v preserve_v to_o this_o moment_n i_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o have_v be_v estrange_v from_o thou_o even_o from_o the_o womb_n for_o i_o bring_v a_o sinful_a nature_n into_o the_o world_n with_o i_o from_o whence_o all_o actual_a transgression_n hauâ—_n fly_v and_o proceed_v as_o impure_a stream_n from_o a_o pollute_a fountain_n oh_o lord_n humble_a i_o and_o that_o great_o for_o my_o original_a gild_n for_o the_o folly_n of_o my_o childhood_n for_o the_o vanity_n and_o impiety_n of_o my_o youth_n for_o the_o transgression_n and_o provocation_n of_o my_o riper_n year_n give_v i_o a_o particular_a sight_n of_o they_o work_v in_o my_o soul_n a_o ingenious_a and_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o they_o a_o impartial_a hatred_n and_o enmity_n against_o they_o accept_v of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o thy_o son_n as_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n to_o thy_o justice_n for_o all_o that_o wrong_v i_o have_v do_v to_o the_o holiness_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o enable_v i_o by_o faith_n to_o repose_v the_o entire_a trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o my_o soul_n on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o oh_o let_v thy_o holy_a spirit_n
thyself_o and_o other_o the_o benefit_n of_o thy_o attendance_n on_o he_o in_o holy_a duty_n 4._o labour_v to_o preserve_v family-peace_n if_o you_o will_v acceptable_o perform_v family-prayer_n agree_v together_o in_o love_n that_o your_o prayer_n be_v not_o hinder_v this_o be_v certain_a that_o religion_n and_o the_o power_n of_o holiness_n can_v never_o thrive_v or_o prosper_v in_o that_o family_n where_o discord_n and_o contention_n dwell_v you_o may_v as_o well_o hope_v to_o live_v together_o comfortable_o in_o a_o house_n on_o fire_n as_o pray_v together_o acceptable_o when_o your_o spirit_n be_v inflame_v with_o passion_n or_o imbitter_v with_o prejudice_n one_o against_o another_o nay_o very_o the_o body_n may_v as_o well_o thrive_v in_o a_o fever_n as_o such_o a_o family_n grow_v in_o grace_n as_o the_o fire_n in_o the_o bone_n must_v be_v quench_v and_o the_o body_n bring_v to_o its_o natural_a temper_n and_o disposition_n before_o it_o can_v thrive_v and_o grow_v healthy_a so_o these_o unkindly_a heat_n must_v be_v quench_v in_o a_o family_n before_o religion_n can_v thrive_v or_o prosper_v that_o family_n will_v be_v unsuccessful_a in_o pray_v that_o be_v much_o squabble_n and_o brawl_v often_o contend_v with_o and_o clash_v against_o one_o another_o 5._o take_v heed_n of_o set_v up_o family-worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o public_a worship_n or_o to_o suffer_v the_o one_o to_o interfere_v with_o the_o other_o we_o can_v say_v our_o prayer_n say_v some_o in_o the_o chimny-corner_n what_o need_v we_o go_v to_o church_n to_o do_v it_o but_o at_o this_o rate_n all_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o holy_a christian_n a_o privilege_n worth_a thy_o prize_v how_o do_v the_o presence_n of_o devout_a soul_n sometime_o fire_n and_o inflame_v our_o cold_a spirit_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o grow_v into_o great_a ardour_n and_o transport_v of_o zeal_n thus_o the_o divine_a herbert_n sweet_o express_v it_o though_o private_a prayer_n be_v a_o brave_a design_n yet_o public_a have_v more_o promise_n more_o love_n etc._n etc._n leave_v there_o thy_o six_o and_o seven_o to_o pray_v with_o most_o for_o where_o most_o pray_v be_v heaven_n god_n allow_v you_o time_n both_o for_o publick-worship_n and_o family-duty_n he_o expect_v the_o joint_a performance_n of_o both_o from_o you_o let_v piety_n and_o prudence_n so_o guide_v and_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o management_n of_o both_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v and_o your_o soul_n improve_v by_o both_o 6._o let_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o own_o weakness_n or_o want_v of_o gift_n and_o part_n etc._n etc._n discourage_v thou_o from_o the_o daily_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o pray_v in_o and_o with_o thy_o family_n but_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n set_v about_o it_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n thou_o be_v able_a and_o he_o will_v pardon_v thy_o weakness_n and_o accept_v thy_o sincerity_n it_o be_v not_o enlarge_v part_n and_o gift_n and_o florid_n expression_n that_o almighty_a god_n look_v at_o but_o a_o humble_a penitent_n break_a and_o believe_a heart_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o the_o quaint_a note_n of_o the_o nightingale_n but_o the_o mournful_a tone_n of_o the_o dove_n that_o find_v the_o best_a acceptance_n study_v your_o sin_n your_o want_n and_o mercy_n and_o get_v a_o sense_n of_o all_o these_o upon_o your_o heart_n and_o you_o will_v be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o express_v your_o desire_n to_o almighty_a god_n but_o if_o after_o all_o the_o want_n of_o suitable_a expression_n do_v discourage_v thou_o from_o pray_v before_o other_o in_o thy_o family_n make_v use_n of_o some_o of_o those_o many_o good_a book_n of_o devotion_n which_o be_v among_o we_o or_o if_o you_o have_v none_o of_o they_o and_o be_v so_o poor_a that_o you_o can_v purchase_v they_o make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n to_o express_v your_o family-wants_a in_o to_o almighty_a god_n morning_n and_o evening_n a_o family_n prayer_n for_o the_o moan_a oh_o eternal_a ever-glorious_a ever-gracious_a and_o merciful_a lord_n our_o god_n thou_o fille_v the_o heaven_n with_o thy_o glory_n the_o earth_n with_o thy_o goodness_n and_o all_o place_n with_o the_o immensity_n of_o thy_o presence_n we_o pray_v thou_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o thy_o great_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n that_o whenever_o we_o come_v before_o thou_o we_o may_v sanctify_v thy_o name_n in_o all_o our_o religious_a address_n to_o thou_o we_o holy_o admire_v and_o humble_o adore_v thy_o divine_a goodness_n towards_o we_o in_o this_o invaluable_a privilege_n of_o our_o admission_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n which_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o faith_n in_o who_o mediation_n it_o be_v that_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n now_o unto_o thou_o beseech_v thou_o for_o his_o satisfaction_n sake_n to_o pardon_v our_o iniquity_n and_o for_o his_o intercession_n sake_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n it_o be_v oh_o lord_n the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o morning_n to_o give_v glory_n to_o thy_o name_n by_o a_o free_a penitent_a acknowledgement_n and_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o gild_n which_o have_v render_v we_o all_o justy_a liable_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o thy_o wrath_n and_o curse_n particular_o we_o lament_v before_o god_n the_o want_n of_o the_o original_a purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o loss_n of_o thy_o divine_a image_n which_o be_v enstamp_v upon_o our_o soul_n in_o their_o first_o creation_n oh_o how_o have_v we_o by_o our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n forefeit_v his_o favour_n and_o lose_v his_o likeness_n be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n because_o child_n of_o disobedience_n help_v we_o also_o to_o lie_v low_a at_o thy_o foot_n in_o a_o sorrowful_a fight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o manifold_a actual_a transgression_n and_o provocation_n of_o our_o life_n humble_v we_o great_o for_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o indecency_n of_o our_o childhood_n for_o the_o vanity_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o our_o riper_n year_n for_o our_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o of_o knowledge_n of_o weakness_n and_o of_o wilfulness_n of_o omission_n and_o of_o commission_n against_o thy_o law_n and_o against_o thy_o gospel_n against_o the_o motion_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o check_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n we_o lament_v and_o bewail_v they_o all_o in_o thy_o presence_n they_o be_v our_o grief_n and_o our_o shame_n and_o the_o burden_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n almighty_n pardon_v they_o unto_o we_o blot_v they_o out_o of_o thy_o book_n bury_v they_o in_o our_o saviour_n grave_n that_o they_o may_v never_o arise_v more_o either_o in_o this_o world_n to_o shame_v we_o or_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v to_o condemn_v we_o and_o as_o we_o humble_o implore_v thy_o pardon_v mercy_n for_o the_o error_n of_o our_o life_n past_a so_o we_o do_v importunate_o beg_v the_o aid_n of_o thy_o divine_a grace_n to_o empower_v we_o against_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v let_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o we_o in_o thy_o gospel_n teach_v every_o one_o of_o we_o practical_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o god_n almighty_n keep_v it_o in_o the_o purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o ever_o to_o continue_v faithful_a to_o he_o that_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n we_o may_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o continue_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n we_o may_v lay_v hold_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n prepare_v and_o sit_v we_o for_o thy_o whole_a providential_a will_n and_o pleasure_n we_o pray_v thou_o compose_v our_o mind_n in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n to_o a_o quiet_a and_o steady_a dependence_n on_o thy_o good_a providence_n that_o we_o may_v be_v solicitous_o careful_a or_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o condition_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n let_v we_o make_v our_o request_n know_v to_o god_n mind_v we_o of_o our_o mortality_n and_o let_v we_o never_o be_v forgetful_a of_o our_o latter_a end_n help_v we_o practical_o to_o understand_v how_o frail_a we_o be_v and_o let_v we_o wise_o prepare_v for_o that_o great_a change_n of_o we_o which_o will_v translate_v every_o soul_n of_o we_o into_o a_o unchangeable_a and_o everlasting_a state_n extend_v thy_o goodness_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n pity_v the_o deplorable_a ruin_n of_o mankind_n think_v upon_o the_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o vision_n and_o where_o ever_o thou_o have_v a_o church_n plant_v perpetual_o watch_v over_o it_o and_o be_v a_o protection_n
come_v 3._o let_v secret_a prayer_n by_o yourself_o alone_o be_v constant_o perform_v before_o the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n be_v undertake_v it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o go_v from_o prayer_n to_o business_n than_o from_o business_n to_o prayer_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o mind_n freedom_n from_o distract_n thought_n because_o also_o if_o the_o world_n get_v the_o start_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o morning_n it_o be_v hard_a for_o religion_n to_o overtake_v the_o world_n all_o the_o day_n after_o 4._o let_v family_n worship_n be_v perform_v constant_o and_o seasonable_o at_o that_o hour_n which_o be_v free_a in_o regard_n of_o interruption_n and_o look_v that_o it_o be_v reverent_o and_o spiritual_o perform_v call_v not_o then_o for_o the_o cushion_n when_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o the_o pillow_n 5._o then_o set_v about_o and_o follow_v the_o labour_n of_o your_o call_v with_o diligence_n and_o industry_n he_o that_o say_v be_v servant_n in_o prayer_n say_v also_o be_v not_o slothful_a in_o business_n rom._n 12._o and_o let_v the_o day_n be_v spend_v in_o your_o call_v watchful_o watch_v your_o company_n you_o converse_v with_o and_o the_o corruption_n which_o you_o find_v stir_v in_o you_o but_o especial_o watch_v against_o those_o temptation_n which_o the_o company_n you_o be_v with_o the_o place_n you_o be_v in_o or_o the_o work_n and_o call_v you_o be_v about_o may_v expose_v you_o to_o or_o lay_v you_o under_o 6._o when_o about_o your_o call_v if_o alone_o improve_v the_o time_n in_o fruitful_a meditation_n and_o holy_a ejaculation_n or_o short_a prayer_n which_o be_v no_o hindrance_n at_o all_o to_o your_o worldly_a business_n if_o in_o company_n in_o such_o profitable_a discourse_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o make_v thyself_o and_o other_o both_o wise_a and_o better_o 7._o in_o do_v your_o duty_n in_o the_o labour_n of_o your_o call_v humble_o depend_v upon_o god_n fatherly_a care_n for_o a_o comfortable_a subsistence_n for_o thyself_o and_o family_n and_o compose_v thy_o mind_n in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n to_o a_o quiet_a and_o steady_a dependence_n on_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v anxious_o careful_a for_o nothing_o but_o cast_v all_o your_o care_n upon_o he_o that_o care_v for_o you_o 8._o heedful_o observe_v all_o the_o passage_n of_o divine_a providence_n daily_o both_o towards_o thyself_o and_o other_o and_o those_o providential_a dispensation_n which_o thou_o can_v not_o thorough_o understand_v awful_o admire_v 9_o in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o all_o company_n remember_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v continual_o as_o under_o the_o view_n of_o his_o all-seeing_a and_o observe_v eye_n often_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v every_o where_o present_a and_o then_o you_o will_v study_v to_o be_v every_o where_fw-mi holy_a 10._o walk_v every_o day_n with_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o preciousness_n swiftness_n and_o irrecoverableness_n of_o your_o time_n and_o resolve_v to_o spend_v it_o in_o nothing_o which_o you_o dare_v not_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o in_o nothing_o which_o you_o know_v must_v be_v repent_v of_o before_o you_o dye_v in_o nothing_o which_o you_o will_v not_o be_v find_v do_v if_o death_n shall_v surprise_v you_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o 11._o look_v every_o day_n to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o respective_a duty_n of_o your_o several_a relation_n as_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n and_o remember_v that_o much_o of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o relative_n duty_n 12._o in_o the_o evening_n retire_v and_o take_v a_o view_n of_o your_o action_n the_o day_n past_a examine_v what_o good_a you_o have_v either_o do_v or_o receive_v and_o bewail_v it_o as_o a_o day_n lose_v in_o which_o you_o have_v not_o either_o profit_v other_o or_o advantage_v yourself_o chap._n iu._n of_o glorify_v god_n in_o our_o natural_a action_n viz._n in_o our_o eat_v drink_v and_o sleep_v it_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n 1._o cor._n 10.31_o that_o whether_o we_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatever_o we_o do_v to_o do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n plain_o imply_v that_o a_o christian_n ought_v to_o perform_v his_o natural_a action_n to_o spiritual_a purpose_n and_o whilst_o he_o be_v feed_v his_o body_n must_v have_v a_o eye_n at_o his_o serve_v of_o god_n eat_v and_o and_z drinking_z to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o not_o to_o the_o gratify_n of_o our_o lust_n our_o lawful_a comfort_n without_o watchfulness_n become_v our_o great_a snare_n the_o first_o sin_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v enter_v the_o world_n by_o eat_v our_o first_o parent_n please_v their_o appetite_n to_o their_o ruin_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v their_o posterity_n afraid_a of_o all_o sinful_a excess_n to_o prevent_v which_o let_v the_o follow_a rule_n be_v remember_v and_o observe_v 1._o raise_v not_o any_o perplex_v scruple_n about_o what_o you_o be_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o only_o to_o your_o own_o vexation_n remember_v christ_n have_v take_v away_o that_o distinction_n of_o meat_n clean_a and_o unclean_a which_o be_v of_o old_a among_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o liberty_n of_o feed_v upon_o all_o the_o good_a creature_n of_o god_n with_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n 1_o tim._n 4.4_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n which_o hint_n a_o second_o rule_n 2._o look_v that_o your_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v blessed_v and_o sanctify_v to_o you_o by_o prayer_n and_o tanksgiving_n sit_v not_o down_o to_o your_o food_n as_o a_o beast_n to_o his_o fodder_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o hand_n that_o provide_v it_o for_o you_o our_o meat_n do_v not_o nourish_v we_o by_o its_o own_o power_n but_o by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n though_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o creature_n yet_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o to_o feed_v on_o they_o before_o he_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o they_o st._n mark_n 6.41_o remember_v that_o the_o creature_n on_o your_o table_n be_v god_n creature_n and_o if_o you_o convert_v they_o to_o your_o own_o use_n without_o ask_v god_n leave_n you_o be_v bold_a usurper_n 3._o eat_v and_o drink_v as_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o view_n of_o god_n we_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o forget_v god_n at_o our_o meal_n feed_v ourselves_o without_o fear_n now_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n eye_n upon_o we_o will_v remedy_n this_o it_o be_v a_o memorable_a expression_n which_o you_o have_v in_o exod._n 18._o v._o 12._o and_o aron_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n come_v to_o eat_v bread_n with_o moses_n father-in-law_n before_o god_n where_o observe_v 1_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o courtesy_n 2._o the_o graciousness_n of_o their_o carriage_n their_o courtesy_n be_v great_a though_o jethro_n be_v a_o stranger_n and_o no_o israelite_n yet_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n honour_v he_o with_o their_o company_n and_o their_o carriage_n be_v gracious_a they_o come_v to_o eat_v bread_n with_o he_o before_o god_n that_o be_v in_o gloriam_fw-la &_o honorem_fw-la dei_fw-la say_v one_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n they_o receive_v their_o sustenance_n as_o in_o god_n sight_n and_o cause_v their_o provision_n to_o tend_v to_o god_n praise_n 4._o remember_v that_o reason_n and_o not_o appetite_n be_v to_o be_v our_o guide_n and_o rule_n both_o for_o the_o quantity_n and_o quality_n of_o our_o meat_n and_o drink_v not_o what_o appetite_n like_v best_a but_o what_o reason_n and_o judgement_n tell_v you_o be_v best_a aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o you_o meat_n and_o drink_n have_v destroy_v more_o thousand_o than_o ever_o poison_n do_v because_o person_n be_v not_o so_o fearful_a of_o these_o as_o they_o be_v of_o that_o if_o the_o brute_n creature_n at_o any_o time_n eat_v or_o drink_v to_o any_o degree_n of_o excess_n it_o be_v to_o satisfy_v their_o nature_n not_o to_o gratify_v their_o lust_n but_o what_o a_o abominable_a shame_n be_v it_o for_o man_n instead_o of_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n to_o be_v enslave_v by_o his_o lust_n and_o to_o have_v his_o sensitive_a appetite_n command_v his_o rational_a faculty_n 5._o take_v heed_n of_o make_v thy_o table_n a_o snare_n either_o to_o thyself_o or_o other_o this_o be_v do_v two_o way_n 1._o when_o our_o meal_n be_v incentives_n to_o sin_n and_o our_o food_n be_v make_v fuel_n for_o our_o lust_n the_o flesh_n be_v a_o enemy_n too_o strong_a for_o we_o when_o we_o take_v away_o its_o armour_n and_o fight_v against_o it_o but_o much_o more_o so_o when_o we_o ourselves_o put_v weapon_n into_o its_o hand_n and_o provide_v it_o
and_o keep_v they_o in_o such_o a_o holy_a humble_a joyful_a thankful_a frame_n and_o posture_n that_o god_n may_v have_v the_o glory_n and_o we_o the_o comfort_n of_o all_o our_o religious_a address_n to_o he_o and_o attendence_n upon_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinance_n 3._o keep_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o thy_o heart_n when_o thou_o be_v engage_v in_o any_o religious_a duty_n never_o be_v our_o heart_n so_o apt_a to_o wander_v as_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o therefore_o they_o require_v a_o strong_a guard_n how_o very_o backward_o be_v the_o heart_n to_o duty_n how_o natural_o dead_a and_o dull_a in_o duty_n how_o soon_o weary_a of_o duty_n how_o many_o pretence_n will_v our_o heart_n make_v to_o cause_v we_o to_o omit_v holy_a performance_n or_o to_o render_v we_o heedless_a and_o lifeless_a in_o they_o therefore_o as_o good_a nehemiah_n when_o building_n do_v work_n and_o watch_n watch_z and_o work_n so_o must_v we_o in_o duty_n pray_v and_o watch_n watch_z and_o pray_v 4._o make_v conscience_n of_o glorify_v god_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o partiality_n be_v hateful_a to_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v all_o a_o divine_a stamp_n upon_o they_o many_o complain_v of_o their_o deadness_n in_o prayer_n and_o dulness_n unto_o the_o word_n who_o never_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n wonder_v not_o at_o it_o god_n will_v not_o meet_v thou_o in_o one_o ordinance_n if_o thou_o neglecte_v he_o in_o another_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v and_o bind_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o this_o or_o that_o duty_n but_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o almighty_a god_n be_v please_v to_o communicate_v himself_o with_o great_a variety_n to_o his_o child_n at_o one_o time_n in_o this_o ordinance_n at_o another_o time_n in_o that_o on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o attend_v upon_o all_o conscientious_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n 5._o look_v that_o in_o all_o thy_o religious_a duty_n thou_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o holy_a alacrity_n with_o a_o spiritual_a delight_n and_o joy_n joy_n suit_v no_o person_n so_o well_o as_o a_o christian_a and_o at_o no_o season_n so_o well_o as_o when_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o religious_a duty_n we_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o it_o isa_n 12._o v._n 3._o with_o joy_n shall_v you_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n and_o we_o have_v also_o a_o promise_v make_v unto_o it_o isa_n 64.5_o thou_o meet_v he_o that_o rejoice_v and_o work_v rightevousness_n that_o be_v thou_o accepte_v he_o 6._o look_v that_o thy_o end_n in_o attend_v upon_o religious_a duty_n be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n end_n in_o appoint_v of_o they_o namely_o first_o that_o by_o they_o we_o shall_v pay_v our_o homage_n to_o he_o as_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o second_o that_o through_o they_o he_o may_v communicate_v his_o spiritual_a blessing_n into_o his_o people_n bosom_n 7._o above_o all_o take_v care_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o blot_v thy_o holy_a and_o religious_a duty_n by_o a_o wicked_a and_o unholy_a life_n if_o thou_o intend_v to_o foul_a thy_o hand_n with_o sin_n black_a work_n on_o the_o weekday_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o thou_o to_o wash_v they_o with_o prayer_n on_o the_o lordsday_n a_o little_a seem_a zeal_n at_o thy_o devotion_n in_o the_o church_n will_v not_o guild_v over_o the_o week_n miscarriage_n in_o thy_o shop_n nor_o atone_v for_o thy_o pride_n and_o passion_n for_o thy_o deceit_n and_o fraud_n for_o thy_o riot_n and_o excess_n chap._n viii_o of_o glorify_v god_n in_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o person_n who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n upon_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v and_o glorify_v their_o great_a creator_n by_o a_o constant_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n over_o they_o and_o their_o continual_a dependency_n upon_o he_o now_o much_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n this_o glorify_v god_n much_o more_o than_o any_o private_a address_n from_o the_o family_n or_o the_o closet_n both_o as_o it_o create_v a_o great_a veneration_n and_o esteem_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o also_o because_o public_a and_o solemn_a adoration_n be_v the_o most_o illustrious_a testimony_n we_o can_v render_v to_o god_n of_o our_o homage_n to_o he_o beside_o how_o reasonable_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v own_v the_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n not_o but_o that_o a_o christian_a honour_n god_n high_o and_o serve_v he_o acceptable_o by_o his_o family-duty_n and_o closet-devotion_n but_o we_o do_v much_o more_o glorify_v he_o by_o our_o public_a address_n then_o we_o honour_v god_n eminent_o when_o we_o let_v other_o see_v conspicuous_o the_o high_a esteem_n we_o have_v of_o his_o excellency_n and_o cause_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o praise_n to_o be_v hear_v among_o men._n the_o honour_n that_o be_v do_v to_o person_n among_o man_n be_v not_o do_v in_o secret_a but_o be_v always_o a_o public_a thing_n honour_v i_o before_o the_o elder_n of_o my_o people_n say_v saul_n to_o samuel_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o honour_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n when_o other_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o esteem_n which_o we_o have_v of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n by_o our_o reverend_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o in_o his_o public_a worship_n to_o excite_v you_o therefore_o to_o a_o diligent_a and_o daily_a attendance_n upon_o god_n in_o his_o public_a worship_n as_o you_o have_v opportunity_n consider_v 1._o that_o public_a worship_n glorify_v god_n most_o 2._o he_o accept_v it_o best_o 1._o public_a worship_n glorify_v god_n most_o because_o hereby_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v best_a keep_v up_o and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v lose_v if_o the_o public_a assembly_n fall_v religion_n can_v long_o stand_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o closet_n will_v not_o do_v this_o because_o it_o be_v unseen_a what_o we_o do_v alone_o no_o body_n see_v nor_o be_v it_o intend_v that_o they_o shall_v and_o therefore_o that_o can_v induce_v other_o to_o the_o same_o way_n of_o glorify_v god_n but_o when_o man_n see_v a_o body_n of_o christian_n assemble_v together_o in_o a_o humble_a manner_n with_o pious_a devotion_n and_o submissive_a reverence_n with_o bend_a knee_n and_o eye_n lift_v to_o heaven_n pay_v their_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n to_o the_o author_n of_o their_o be_v this_o strike_v man_n with_o a_o certain_a awe_n and_o support_v the_o belief_n both_o of_o god_n existence_n and_o penâ—ficence_n also_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o see_v a_o great_a multitude_n of_o poor_a people_n constant_o wait_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o a_o house_n we_o present_o conclude_v that_o some_o great_a and_o good_a man_n dwell_v there_o who_o the_o poor_a wait_n upon_o thus_o do_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o pious_a christian_n spread_v the_o fame_n of_o god_n extraordinary_a goodness_n far_o and_o near_o whereas_o when_o few_o or_o none_o tread_v in_o the_o court_n of_o his_o house_n which_o be_v build_v to_o contain_v a_o multitude_n of_o worshipper_n and_o to_o represent_v the_o inconceivable_a greatness_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v therein_o worship_v this_o very_a much_o damp_n the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o represent_v he_o after_o a_o poor_a and_o contemptible_a fashion_n oh_o how_o unsuitable_a then_o be_v it_o that_o the_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o superexcellent_a and_o transcendent_a be_v as_o god_n be_v shall_v be_v confine_v to_o our_o closet_n and_o private_a house_n when_o it_o be_v much_o more_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n that_o we_o magnify_v and_o praise_v he_o as_o open_o and_o as_o public_o as_o possible_a we_o can_v that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o worship_n some_o little_a petty_a deity_n but_o the_o almighty_a and_o universal_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n 2._o as_o public_a worship_n glorify_v god_n most_o so_o he_o accept_v it_o best_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o almighty_a god_n more_o delight_n in_o than_o in_o the_o joint_a prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o his_o people_n psal_n 87.2_o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n no_o doubt_v the_o prayer_n which_o good_a man_n put_v up_o to_o almighty_a god_n from_o under_o their_o private_a roof_n be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o if_o a_o christian_n single_a voice_n in_o prayer_n be_v so_o sweet_a what_o
be_v the_o church_n choir_n the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o good_a man_n in_o consort_n together_o a_o father_n be_v glad_a to_o see_v any_o one_o of_o his_o child_n at_o his_o house_n and_o make_v he_o welcome_a when_o he_o visit_v he_o but_o when_o they_o meet_v all_o together_o there_o then_o be_v the_o feast_n and_o splendid_a entertainment_n very_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n child_n be_v the_o emblem_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o devout_a soul_n when_o join_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n look_n upon_o himself_o as_o in_o the_o very_a suburb_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o near_a approach_n that_o he_o can_v make_v to_o that_o glorify_a society_n on_o this_o side_n glory_n in_o order_n to_o your_o profitable_a attendance_n upon_o god_n in_o his_o public_a worship_n let_v the_o follow_a direction_n be_v observe_v by_o you_o 1._o come_v always_o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o tarry_v constant_o till_o all_o be_v end_v neither_o come_v late_o nor_o run_v away_o early_o before_o the_o blessing_n be_v give_v which_o many_o careless_a people_n rude_o do_v as_o if_o they_o be_v as_o glad_a to_o get_v out_o of_o god_n house_n as_o out_o of_o a_o prison_n those_o two_o pious_a and_o useful_a man_n who_o memory_n you_o of_o this_o place_n have_v such_o a_o deserve_a veneration_n for_o mr._n rogers_n sometime_o your_o minister_n and_o mr._n hildersham_n the_o one_o in_o his_o exposition_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o other_o in_o his_o lecture_n on_o st._n john_n do_v give_v frequent_a advice_n to_o their_o people_n not_o only_o to_o come_v at_o the_o beginning_n but_o before_o the_o beginning_n of_o public_a worship_n it_o become_v the_o people_n say_v they_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o minister_n rather_o than_o the_o minister_n to_o stay_v for_o the_o people_n think_v not_o then_o that_o you_o be_v time_n enough_o at_o church_n if_o you_o get_v to_o the_o sermon_n though_o you_o miss_v the_o prayer_n for_o they_o prepare_v you_o for_o the_o word_n and_o sanctify_v the_o word_n unto_o you_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o profit_v by_o one_o ordinance_n to_o neglect_v another_o 2._o enter_v the_o public_a assembly_n awful_o and_o reverent_o presume_v not_o to_o come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o you_o do_v into_o a_o playhouse_n or_o dancing-school_n laugh_v and_o toy_v nor_o to_o go_v out_o of_o it_o as_o such_o but_o labour_n for_o a_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o god_n impress_v upon_o your_o mind_n and_o to_o get_v your_o heart_n possess_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o that_o god_n who_o you_o be_v addressing_z yourselves_o unto_o 3._o when_o present_a in_o the_o public_a assembly_n join_v uniform_o with_o the_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n it_o make_v much_o for_o the_o comeliness_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n worship_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o order_n when_o the_o congregation_n pray_v hear_v kneel_v and_o sing_v together_o as_o if_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v but_o one_o man_n 4._o look_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o the_o reverence_n of_o your_o body_n do_v always_o accompany_v each_o other_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n particular_o in_o prayer_n look_v that_o your_o soul_n ascend_v with_o every_o petition_n that_o be_v put_v up_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o let_v the_o posture_n of_o thy_o body_n declare_v the_o veneration_n of_o thy_o soul_n to_o that_o end_n always_o kneel_v at_o prayer_n if_o with_o any_o conveniency_n you_o can_v this_o posture_n of_o kneel_v and_o sometime_o of_o lie_v prostrate_a upon_o the_o face_n in_o prayer_n be_v constant_o use_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v never_o acquaint_v with_o any_o other_o posture_n except_o only_o betwixt_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n when_o in_o memory_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o stand_v as_o for_o such_o among_o we_o who_o rude_o sit_v at_o prayer_n it_o show_v that_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o possess_v with_o a_o awful_a sense_n of_o that_o vast_a and_o infinite_a distance_n and_o disproportion_n that_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o sit_v no_o where_n appear_v in_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v use_v as_o a_o pray_v posture_n as_o for_o that_o one_o text_n 2_o sam._n 7._o v._n 18._o that_o david_n sit_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v etc._n etc._n it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v read_v david_n abode_n or_o stay_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o be_v render_v 1_o sam._n 1.22_o nor_o be_v it_o with_o i_o supposeable_a that_o david_n will_v present_v his_o supplication_n to_o almighty_a god_n in_o such_o a_o saucy_a manner_n as_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v one_o of_o his_o own_o subject_n to_o present_v a_o petition_n to_o himself_o a_o prince_n will_v not_o like_o a_o irreverent_a behaviour_n from_o his_o servant_n in_o his_o bedchamber_n where_o none_o beside_o himself_o be_v witness_n to_o it_o much_o less_o will_v he_o bear_v it_o in_o his_o presence-chamber_n where_o he_o sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n before_o a_o multitude_n of_o his_o subject_n 5._o therefore_o to_o compose_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o to_o regulate_v the_o behaviour_n of_o your_o body_n while_o you_o be_v attend_v upon_o almighty_a god_n in_o his_o public_a ordinaces_n often_o remember_v the_o several_a eye_n that_o be_v upon_o you_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o you_o namely_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o god_n the_o observe_v eye_n of_o conscience_n the_o vigilant_a eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o malignant_a eye_n of_o satan_n 6._o never_o attend_v upon_o almighty_a god_n in_o public_a duty_n before_o you_o have_v wait_v upon_o he_o in_o your_o private_a devotion_n enter_v your_o closet_n before_o you_o enter_v into_o god_n house_n and_o there_o first_o consider_v and_o then_o pray_v consider_v with_o thyself_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o thou_o be_v about_o to_o engage_v in_o consider_v the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o a_o opportunity_n for_o thy_o soul_n which_o thou_o be_v that_o day_n entrust_v with_o but_o especial_o reflect_v often_o upon_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o long_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o plentiful_a mean_n of_o grace_n afford_v to_o thou_o next_o bow_v thy_o knee_n to_o almighty_a god_n in_o prayer_n humble_o implore_v his_o gracious_a presence_n with_o thou_o and_o assistance_n of_o thou_o in_o thy_o private_a preparation_n and_o in_o thy_o public_a administration_n also_o remember_v that_o as_o thou_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o thyself_o at_o the_o ordinance_n without_o god_n assistance_n so_o god_n will_v do_v nothing_o for_o thou_o by_o the_o ordinance_n without_o thy_o endeavour_n the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o former_a will_v stir_v thou_o up_o to_o a_o more_o fervent_a supplication_n for_o and_o a_o more_o importunate_a expectation_n of_o help_n from_o heaven_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o latter_a will_v excite_v our_o diligence_n and_o care_n both_o in_o our_o preparation_n for_o and_o attendance_n upon_o all_o the_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a institution_n of_o almighty_a god_n take_v therefore_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o thy_o way_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o grace_n and_o never_o go_v forth_o out_o of_o thy_o own_o house_n without_o preparation_n and_o prayer_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o let_v such_o of_o you_o as_o plead_v to_o i_o want_v of_o ability_n to_o express_v your_o desire_n to_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a prayer_n or_o some_o other_o compose_v to_o your_o hand_n both_o in_o your_o closet_n alone_o and_o also_o in_o your_o family_n change_v only_o the_o person_n according_a as_o you_o pray_v by_o yourself_o alone_o or_o together_o with_o your_o household_n a_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v on_o the_o lordsday_n morning_n or_o at_o any_o other_o time_n before_o we_o go_v forth_o to_o public_a worship_n oh_o almighty_a and_o most_o glorious_a lord_n god_n who_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o thy_o saint_n and_o to_o be_v have_v in_o reverence_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v round_o about_o thou_o althô_o thou_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o all_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n above_o all_o the_o adoration_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o thy_o creature_n yet_o such_o be_v thy_o astonish_a kindness_n and_o condescension_n as_o not_o only_o to_o indulge_v we_o a_o liberty_n of_o access_n unto_o thou_o but_o also_o to_o account_v thyself_o high_o honour_v by_o we_o when_o we_o come_v into_o thy_o presence_n to_o celebrate_v thy_o praise_n and_o to_o renew_v our_o acquaintance_n and_o communion_n with_o thou_o in_o the_o public_a duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o thy_o worship_n
and_o service_n in_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n in_o a_o cheerful_a compliance_n with_o our_o duty_n and_o in_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o privilege_n we_o desire_v to_o go_v forth_o this_o day_n to_o worship_v at_o they_o footstool_n and_o to_o pay_v our_o vow_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n god_n almighty_a pardon_n to_o we_o all_o the_o error_n of_o our_o life_n past_a and_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o stand_v this_o day_n as_o a_o partition-wall_n betwixt_o thy_o majesty_n and_o our_o soul_n to_o hinder_v either_o the_o ascent_n of_o our_o prayer_n up_o to_o god_n or_o the_o descent_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o mercy_n upon_o us._n help_v we_o serious_o to_o consider_v now_o our_o face_n be_v towards_o thy_o house_n who_o word_n it_o be_v we_o be_v go_v forth_o to_o hear_v who_o work_n it_o be_v we_o be_v about_o and_o unto_o who_o we_o must_v all_o render_v a_o strict_a and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v a_o very_a sudden_a account_n for_o all_o opportunity_n and_o season_n of_o grace_n we_o be_v entrust_v with_o let_v we_o hear_v that_o word_n of_o thou_o which_o shall_v be_v either_o read_v or_o preach_v this_o 〈…〉_o deemer_n not_o worth_a rememembr_v by_o we_o or_o if_o we_o have_v not_o whole_o neglect_v that_o sacred_a ordinance_n we_o have_v not_o so_o grow_v in_o the_o grace_n and_o comfort_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n by_o it_o as_o we_o may_v have_v do_v forgive_v unto_o we_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o day_n more_o especial_o pardon_v to_o we_o the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o holy_a thing_n our_o unpreparedness_n for_o our_o backwardness_n to_o our_o deadness_n and_o dullness_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o high_a and_o holy_a duty_n we_o have_v this_o day_n be_v engage_v in_o let_v our_o person_n and_o performance_n find_v a_o gracious_a acceptance_n with_o thou_o in_o and_z through_o our_o worthy_a mediator_n for_o his_o sake_n receive_v we_o and_o we_o into_o thy_o protection_n this_o night_n may_v we_o lie_v down_o in_o thy_o fear_n arise_v in_o thy_o favour_n and_o our_o rest_n be_v make_v refresh_v to_o we_o and_o we_o thereby_o the_o better_a enable_v to_o serve_v thou_o in_o our_o several_a vocation_n and_o calling_n the_o day_n that_o be_v approach_v extend_v thy_o compassion_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n pity_v the_o deplorable_a ruin_n of_o mankind_n send_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o gospel_n into_o the_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o vision_n especial_o remember_v thy_o church_n wheresoever_o disperse_v or_o however_o distress_v be_v a_o perpetual_a protection_n and_o defence_n to_o â—hat_n part_n of_o thy_o church_n which_o thy_o own_o right_a hand_n have_v plant_v and_o hitherto_o so_o miraculous_o preserve_v in_o these_o nation_n to_o which_o we_o belong_v we_o thank_v thou_o for_o all_o the_o wonderful_a appearance_n of_o thy_o power_n and_o goodness_n towards_o we_o and_o we_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o establish_v we_o upon_o such_o foundation_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n that_o it_o may_v never_o more_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o our_o restless_a adversary_n to_o disturb_v we_o god_n almighty_a guide_n and_o guard_n bless_v and_o protect_v thou_o anoint_v servant_n our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o lady_n king_n william_n and_z queen_n marry_o let_v their_o day_n on_o earth_n be_v like_o the_o day_n of_o heaven_n many_o and_o happy_a and_o after_o a_o long_a and_o a_o religious_a reign_n upon_o a_o peaceable_a and_o unmolested_a throne_n may_v god_n crown_v they_o with_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o glorious_a and_o bless_a immortality_n bless_v they_o and_o we_o in_o all_o their_o royal_a relation_n with_o all_o the_o nobility_n the_o judge_n magistrate_n gentry_n and_o commonalty_n of_o this_o land_n and_o grant_v they_o all_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n to_o fear_n god_n to_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o love_v one_o another_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o all_o bless_v all_o those_o that_o administer_v unto_o thou_o in_o holy_a thing_n and_o let_v all_o the_o governor_n and_o pastor_n of_o thy_o church_n further_a the_o edification_n of_o it_o by_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n but_o especial_o bless_v the_o ministry_n of_o thy_o servant_n in_o this_o town_n and_o make_v it_o successful_a for_o the_o conversion_n edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o that_o sit_v under_o it_o remember_v all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n and_o dispense_v thy_o mercy_n suitable_o to_o their_o various_a necessity_n do_v good_a to_o all_o our_o friend_n relation_n and_o acquaintance_n pardon_v and_o forgive_v our_o enemy_n and_o do_v more_o abundant_o for_o we_o we_o and_o all_o thou_o above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o ask_v or_o worthy_a to_o receive_v for_o christ_n sake_n in_o who_o name_n and_o word_n we_o far_o call_v upon_o thou_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o hymn_n or_o psalm_n of_o praise_n for_o the_o lordsday_n this_o be_v the_o day_n the_o lord_n own_o day_n a_o day_n of_o holy_a rest_n oh_o teach_v our_o soul_n to_o rest_n from_o sin_n that_o rest_n will_v please_v thou_o best_o this_o be_v the_o day_n thy_o day_n oh_o lord_n on_o which_o thou_o do_v arise_v for_o sinner_n have_v make_v thyself_o a_o sinless_a sacrifice_n thou_o thou_o alone_o redeem_a haste_n our_o soul_n from_o deadly_a thrall_n with_o no_o less_o price_n than_o precious_a blood_n the_o purchase_n of_o we_o all_o have_v thou_o not_o die_v we_o have_v not_o live_v but_o die_v eternal_o we_o will_v live_v to_o he_o that_o die_v for_o we_o and_o poise_n his_o name_n on_o high_a thou_o do_v indeed_o but_o rise_v again_o and_o do_v ascend_v on_o high_a that_o we_o poor_a sinner_n lose_v and_o dead_a may_v live_v eternal_o thy_o blood_n be_v shed_v instead_o of_o we_o thy_o soul_n our_o gild_n do_v bear_v thou_o take_v our_o sin_n give_v we_o thyself_o thy_o love_n be_v beyond_o compare_n welcome_o and_o dear_a unto_o my_o soul_n be_v thy_o most_o holy_a day_n but_o what_o a_o sabbath_n shall_v i_o keep_v with_o thou_o my_o god_n for_o aye_o i_o come_v i_o wait_v i_o hear_v i_o pray_v thy_o footstep_n lord_n i_o trace_v i_o joy_v to_o think_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o see_v my_o saviour_n face_n these_o be_v my_o preparation-day_n and_o when_o my_o soul_n be_v dress_v these_o sabbath_n shall_v deliver_v i_o to_o my_o eternal_a rest_n chap._n ix_o of_o glorify_v god_n in_o family_n worship_n man_n chief_n prerogative_n and_o dignity_n which_o he_o have_v to_o glory_n of_o be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a creature_n in_o the_o visible_a world_n make_v to_o worship_n and_o enjoy_v his_o great_a creator_n all_o the_o creature_n be_v servant_n but_o man_n be_v only_o a_o priest_n to_o god_n they_o obey_v their_o maker_n he_o only_o worship_n he_o this_o worship_n under_o the_o law_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a place_n to_o wit_n the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o temple_n the_o tabernacle_n be_v a_o ambulatory_a temple_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v a_o stand_a tabernacle_n into_o which_o they_o be_v of_o old_a require_v to_o repair_v and_o where_o almighty_a god_n promise_v to_o accept_v they_o but_o under_o the_o gospel_n almighty_a god_n have_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v so_o then_o a_o christian_n private_a house_n be_v his_o chapel_n of_o ease_n in_o which_o almighty_a god_n allow_v he_o the_o liberty_n and_o enjoin_v he_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_v with_o his_o household_n and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o religious_a householder_n have_v in_o all_o age_n constant_o and_o conscientious_o perform_v this_o duty_n devout_a cornelius_n his_o family_n religion_n stand_v upon_o record_n act_v 10.2_o he_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n that_o be_v he_o reveree_v and_o worship_v he_o it_o be_v add_v that_o he_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o sure_o he_o that_o be_v so_o charitable_a at_o his_o door_n to_o refresh_v the_o pinch_a bowel_n of_o his_o poor_a neighbour_n can_v not_o be_v so_o cruel_a to_o his_o relation_n soul_n within_o his_o house_n as_o to_o lock_v up_o his_o religion_n in_o a_o closet_n from_o they_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o worship_v god_n daily_o in_o and_o with_o your_o family_n consider_v 1._o the_o right_n which_o almighty_a god_n have_v to_o your_o family-worship_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o he_o stand_v in_o to_o your_o family_n he_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o your_o family_n the_o continual_a preserver_n of_o they_o and_o a_o daily_a benefactor_n to_o they_o the_o very_a be_v of_o your_o family_n as_o such_o be_v from_o the_o
in_o compassion_n to_o our_o infirmity_n have_v command_v we_o to_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o hymn_n or_o song_n of_o praise_n for_o the_o morning_n lord_z for_o the_o mercy_n of_o this_o night_n my_o humble_a thanks_o i_o pay_v and_o unto_o thou_o i_o dedicate_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o day_n my_o god_n be_v with_o i_o all_o this_o night_n and_o give_v i_o sweet_a repose_n my_o god_n do_v watch_n even_o whilst_o i_o sleep_v or_o i_o have_v never_o rose_n how_o many_o groan_v and_o wish_v for_o sleep_n until_o they_o wish_v for_o day_n weary_a both_o of_o their_o bed_n and_o life_n whilst_o i_o secur_o lay_v whilst_o i_o do_v sleep_n all_o danger_n sleep_v no_o thief_n do_v i_o affright_v those_o evening_n wolf_n those_o beast_n of_o prey_n disturber_n of_o the_o night_n no_o rage_a flame_n nor_o storm_n do_v rend_v the_o house_n that_o i_o be_v in_o i_o hear_v no_o dreadful_a cry_n without_o nor_o doleful_n groan_v within_o what_o terror_n have_v i_o '_o escape_v this_o night_n which_o have_v on_o other_o fall_v my_o body_n may_v have_v sleep_v its_o last_o my_o soul_n have_v wake_v in_o hell_n let_v this_o day_n praise_v thou_o oh_o my_o god_n and_o so_o let_v all_o my_o day_n and_o oh_o let_v my_o eternal_a day_n be_v thy_o eternal_a praise_n a_o hymn_n or_o song_n of_o praise_n for_o the_o evening_n my_o god_n my_o only_a help_n and_o hope_n my_o strong_a and_o sure_a defence_n for_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o this_o day_n i_o bless_v thy_o providence_n lord_n in_o the_o day_n thou_o be_v about_o the_o path_n wherein_o i_o tread_v now_o in_o the_o night_n when_o i_o lie_v down_o be_v thou_o about_o my_o bed_n this_o day_n god_n be_v my_o son_n and_o shield_n my_o keeper_n and_o my_o guide_n his_o care_n be_v on_o my_o frailty_n show_v his_o mercy_n multiply_v minute_n and_o mercy_n multiply_v have_v make_v up_o all_o this_o day_n minute_n come_v quick_a but_o mercy_n be_v more_o swift_a and_o free_a than_o they_o new_a time_n new_a favour_n and_o new_a joy_n do_v a_o new_a song_n require_v till_o i_o shall_v praise_v the_o as_o i_o will_v accept_v my_o heart_n desire_n now_o for_o a_o close_a of_o this_o advice_n to_o family-governour_n concern_v their_o performance_n of_o family_n worship_n i_o shall_v only_o subjoin_v this_o one_o cautionary_a direction_n take_v heed_n of_o rest_v in_o thy_o family-duty_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v thou_o a_o saint_n and_o evidence_n thou_o a_o sincere_a christian_a because_o thou_o be_v frequent_a in_o family-duty_n alas_o a_o man_n may_v set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o house_n and_o yet_o not_o enthrone_v god_n in_o his_o heart_n the_o duty_n itself_o be_v good_a but_o the_o bare_a performance_n of_o it_o will_v not_o demonstrate_v thou_o to_o be_v so_o look_v therefore_o how_o thou_o daily_o walk_v as_o well_o as_o how_o thou_o pray_v if_o thou_o mean_v to_o foul_a thy_o hand_n with_o sin_n black_a work_n in_o the_o day_n it_o be_v gross_a hypocrisy_n to_o pretend_v to_o wash_v they_o by_o prayer_n in_o the_o morning_n it_o be_v sad_a to_o pretend_v to_o religion_n in_o the_o house_n and_o to_o practice_v deceit_n and_o fraud_n in_o the_o shop_n oh_o how_o many_o begin_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o keep_v the_o devil_n compain_n sin_n all_o the_o day_n after_o the_o neglect_n of_o family_n duty_n will_v certain_o bespeak_v thou_o a_o bad_a man_n but_o the_o most_o constant_a performance_n of_o they_o without_o a_o life_n suitable_a to_o they_o will_v never_o prove_v thou_o a_o good_a man._n chap._n x._o of_o glorify_v god_n in_o secret_a duty_n great_a be_v the_o condescension_n of_o almighty_a god_n in_o hold_v communion_n with_o his_o church_n in_o their_o public_a assembly_n when_o with_o unite_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n they_o make_v their_o solemne_v address_n to_o he_o but_o oh_o how_o adorable_a be_v his_o condescend_v love_n in_o stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o maintain_v a_o holy_a fellowship_n and_o sweet_a communion_n with_o a_o single_a christian_a in_o his_o closet-devotion_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o in_o heaven_n when_o we_o shall_v put_v on_o our_o robe_n of_o glory_n that_o he_o will_v take_v we_o into_o his_o royal_a presence_n and_o admit_v we_o there_o to_o the_o sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o face_n and_o favour_n but_o will_v he_o now_o while_o we_o be_v clad_v with_o rag_n of_o mortality_n and_o before_o our_o grave_a clothes_n be_v throw_v off_o entertain_v we_o also_o as_o his_o friend_n and_o indulge_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o give_v he_o a_o visit_n in_o the_o remote_a corner_n of_o our_o house_n very_o such_o astonish_a love_n and_o stupendous_a condescension_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v admire_v than_o express_v by_o we_o now_o there_o be_v several_a secret_a duty_n incumbent_a upon_o christian_n which_o almighty_a god_n upon_o our_o humble_a application_n to_o he_o will_v afford_v we_o the_o sweet_a influence_n the_o secret_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o as_o namely_o 1._o holy_a and_o devout_a meditation_n when_o the_o soul_n retire_v from_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o serious_a and_o solemn_a manner_n set_v itself_o to_o think_v upon_o god_n to_o contemplate_v his_o glorious_a attribute_n to_o ruminate_v upon_o his_o gracious_a promise_n to_o admire_v his_o wonderful_a word_n and_o work_n 2._o serious_n self-examination_n by_o which_o we_o make_v a_o daily_a enquiry_n into_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o thereby_o arrive_v at_o a_o well-grounded_n kowledge_v of_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n by_o compare_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n with_o the_o holy_a rule_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o observe_v their_o sincere_a conformity_n thereunto_o 3._o secret_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v constant_o and_o seasonable_o twice_o a_o day_n as_o soon_o as_o thou_o arise_v out_o of_o thy_o bed_n in_o the_o morning_n begin_v the_o day_n with_o god_n and_o make_v a_o most_o hearty_a tender_v of_o yourself_o to_o his_o service_n and_o glory_n before_o you_o set_v about_o any_o worldly-business_n and_o never_o think_v of_o put_v off_o your_o clothes_n to_o lie_v down_o at_o night_n before_o you_o have_v commend_v yourselves_o and_o all_o you_o unto_o his_o merciful_a protection_n for_o your_o encouragement_n hereunto_o you_o have_v the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o you_o find_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n pray_v alone_o st._n mark_v 1.35_o and_o late_o in_o the_o evening_n st._n matth._n 14.23_o and_o that_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n usual_a practice_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o st._n luke_n 22.39_o compare_v with_o st._n luke_n 21.27_o thus_o christ_n sanctify_v this_o duty_n by_o his_o own_o example_n and_o have_v by_o his_o promise_n annex_v a_o gracious_a reward_n to_o the_o faithful_a do_v of_o it_o st._n matth._n 6.6_o all_o this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v when_o he_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o now_o that_o he_o be_v ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v he_o appoint_v our_o intercessor_n there_o if_o we_o send_v up_o no_o prayer_n to_o he_o to_o be_v present_v by_o he_o to_o the_o father_n beside_o this_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o daily_a want_n one_o will_v think_v shall_v sufficient_o excite_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n we_o stand_v in_o continual_a need_n of_o god_n or_o if_o we_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o want_v nothing_o yet_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v that_o we_o hold_v all_o we_o call_v we_o by_o the_o mere_a mercy_n of_o god_n shall_v move_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o and_o to_o pay_v our_o homage_n and_o adoration_n to_o he_o add_v to_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o way_n to_o make_v almighty_a god_n entire_o our_o friend_n as_o by_o commend_v ourselves_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n to_o he_o with_o a_o pious_a trust_n in_o his_o mercy_n and_o a_o entire_a devote_v of_o ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n and_o glory_n but_o oh_o how_o inexpressible_a will_v be_v the_o comfort_n of_o go_v to_o god_n as_o a_o acquaintance_n when_o we_o be_v go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n if_o we_o can_v true_o say_v as_o that_o devout_a man_n dr._n preston_n do_v a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n i_o shall_v change_v my_o place_n but_o not_o my_o company_n how_o joyful_o may_v we_o hope_v and_o comfortable_o expect_v to_o go_v to_o god_n when_o we_o die_v with_o who_o we_o hold_v a_o constant_a good_a correspondence_n and_o maintain_v a_o sweet_a familiarity_n while_o we_o live_v let_v these_o consideration_n brief_o hint_v to_o thy_o thought_n work_v in_o thou_o a_o pious_a resolution_n
of_o interest_n for_o by_o a_o due_a approach_n to_o our_o lord_n table_n our_o baptismal_a vow_n be_v renew_v our_o weak_a faith_n strengthen_v our_o languish_a love_n inflame_v our_o desire_n after_o christ_n enlarge_v our_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n heighten_v fresh_a power_n against_o and_o victory_n over_o sin_n obtain_v our_o present_a joy_n and_o comfort_n multiply_v and_o our_o future_a hope_n of_o heaven_n advance_v oh_o how_o unkind_a then_o be_v they_o to_o their_o saviour_n and_o also_o cruel_a to_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o live_v all_o their_o day_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o engage_v unite_n quicken_a confirm_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o all_o the_o melt_a entreaty_n and_o passionate_a importunity_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n can_v never_o prevail_v upon_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o advantageous_a duty_n 3._o but_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o several_a plea_n and_o pretence_n which_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o person_n though_o profess_v christianity_n do_v make_v for_o this_o notorious_a neglect_n of_o their_o die_a lord_n command_n 1._o plea_n or_o excuse_v make_v by_o some_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a dread_a and_o solemnity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n these_o put_v their_o saviour_n off_o with_o a_o compliment_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o privilege_n be_v too_o great_a the_o dignity_n too_o high_a and_o the_o ordinance_n too_o solemn_a for_o they_o to_o approach_v unto_o answer_n this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o you_o shall_v approach_v the_o ordinance_n with_o preparation_n and_o care_n but_o no_o argument_n at_o all_o why_o you_o shall_v turn_v your_o back_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o a_o king_n shall_v invite_v and_o command_v you_o to_o pay_v attendance_n at_o court_n upon_o his_o person_n and_o you_o very_o grave_o tell_v he_o that_o be_v too_o high_a a_o honour_n for_o person_n of_o your_o rank_n you_o will_v therefore_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o his_o person_n violate_v his_o precept_n and_o at_o once_o affront_v his_o authority_n and_o contemn_v his_o kindness_n know_v then_o that_o the_o reverence_n which_o our_o saviour_n expect_v to_o his_o holy_a institution_n be_v a_o reverence_n of_o obedience_n that_o man_n have_v a_o due_a sense_n upon_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o sacrament_n who_o be_v careful_a to_o approach_v it_o with_o all_o the_o humility_n and_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n which_o become_v pollute_v dust_n and_o ash_n but_o such_o a_o superstitious_a sort_n of_o reverence_n as_o make_v man_n afraid_a of_o do_v their_o duty_n be_v dishonour_v to_o god_n and_o detrimental_a to_o themselves_o 2._o plea_n be_v that_o of_o unworthiness_n we_o be_v unworthy_a to_o come_v and_o therefore_o afraid_a to_o come_v for_o he_o that_o eat_v unworthy_o eat_v his_o own_o damnation_n therefore_o we_o will_v be_v of_o the_o safe_a side_n and_o prevent_v come_v unworthy_o by_o keep_v away_o and_o not_o come_v at_o all_o answer_v 1._o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a worthiness_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o sacrament_n a_o worthiness_n of_o merit_n and_o a_o worthiness_n of_o meetness_n if_o by_o be_v worthy_a you_o mean_v the_o former_a a_o worthiness_n of_o merit_n by_o which_o you_o deserve_v to_o be_v entertain_v at_o christ_n table_n in_o that_o sense_n not_o only_o the_o holy_a saint_n on_o earth_n but_o the_o high_a angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v unworthy_a of_o this_o privilege_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o worthiness_n of_o meetness_n which_o import_v such_o a_o fitness_n and_o preparation_n of_o soul_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o christ_n will_v accept_v a_o beggar_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o your_o alm_n yet_o you_o will_v not_o account_v it_o humility_n but_o pride_n in_o he_o to_o refuse_v your_o alm_n when_o entreat_v to_o accept_v they_o upon_o pretence_n of_o be_v unworthy_a of_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n be_v in_o god_n account_n our_o great_a worthiness_n 2._o whereas_o thou_o please_v thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v on_o the_o safe_a side_n by_o keep_v away_o from_o the_o ordinance_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a mistake_n because_o the_o guilt_n and_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a refuse_v be_v certain_o as_o great_a or_o great_a than_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v for_o not_o to_o come_v at_o all_o be_v a_o bold_a affront_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n a_o mighty_a contempt_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o cast_n off_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v a_o renounce_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o a_o quit_v all_o claim_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v they_o in_o the_o gospel_n who_o make_v light_n of_o christ_n invitation_n to_o the_o marriage-supper_n escape_v any_o better_a than_o he_o that_o come_v without_o the_o wedding-garment_n be_v they_o not_o both_o destroy_v they_o for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o he_o for_o his_o disrespect_n 3._o plea_n be_v that_o of_o unfitness_n and_o unpreparedness_n my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o say_v the_o sinner_n that_o i_o be_o unfit_a to_o come_v to_o this_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v better_o stay_v away_o answer_v 1._o who_o fault_n be_v it_o that_o thou_o be_v unfit_a it_o must_v be_v either_o god_n fault_n or_o thy_o own_o can_v thou_o dare_v thou_o say_v it_o be_v god_n fault_n when_o he_o be_v willing_a both_o to_o assist_v and_o accept_v thou_o when_o he_o offer_v thou_o his_o assist_v grace_n but_o thou_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o accept_v it_o but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v thou_o unfit_a be_v it_o not_o some_o sin_n that_o you_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o do_v not_o conscience_n tell_v you_o that_o you_o live_v a_o bad_a life_n that_o there_o be_v some_o sensual_a lust_n which_o you_o indulge_v and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v you_o unfit_a to_o come_v and_o afraid_a to_o come_v 2._o if_o you_o be_v unfit_a for_o this_o ordinance_n you_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o die_v you_o pretend_v you_o must_v stay_v all_o the_o day_n of_o your_o life_n till_o you_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n but_o will_v death_n stay_v for_o you_o till_o you_o be_v prepare_v for_o that_o when_o death_n call_v appear_v you_o must_v at_o god_n tribunal_n whether_o fit_a or_o not_o fit_a now_o what_o be_v it_o that_o prepare_v you_o for_o death_n be_v it_o not_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n this_o will_v fit_v you_o for_o the_o sacrament_n and_o without_o this_o you_o can_v never_o be_v fit_a for_o heaven_n nor_o hope_v to_o come_v there_o 3._o speak_v sincere_o do_v you_o ever_o go_v about_o to_o make_v yourself_o fit_a do_v thou_o ever_o spend_v a_o day_n in_o thy_o closet_n in_o search_v for_o and_o find_v out_o thy_o sin_n in_o confess_v and_o bewail_v of_o they_o in_o resolve_v against_o they_o in_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v they_o do_v ever_o you_o repair_v to_o your_o minister_n and_o desire_v his_o assistance_n in_o fit_v you_o for_o the_o ordinance_n if_o not_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o very_a case_n of_o many_o good_a good_a what_o horrid_a hypocrisy_n be_v this_o to_o offer_v it_o as_o a_o reasonable_a excuse_n that_o thou_o be_v unfit_a when_o thou_o do_v never_o in_o thy_o whole_a life_n once_o attempt_v or_o endeavour_v to_o make_v thyself_o fit_a unfit_a thou_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o sacrament_n but_o for_o every_o holy_a duty_n also_o unfit_a to_o pray_v unfit_a to_o hear_v and_o unfit_a thou_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o without_o thy_o own_o endeavour_n to_o make_v thyself_o fit_a for_o almighty_a god_n never_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n to_o maintain_v sloath._n if_o thou_o say_v thou_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o god_n i_o reply_v that_o god_n will_v do_v nothing_o without_o thou_o use_v a_o faithful_a endeavour_n to_o prepare_v thyself_o and_o thy_o god_n will_v both_o assist_v thou_o and_o accept_v thou_o also_o but_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n to_o think_v of_o excuse_v one_o fault_n with_o another_o 4._o plea_n alas_o say_v some_o we_o be_v poor_a ignorant_a creature_n we_o be_v never_o book-learnt_a and_o therefore_o want_v the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a answer_v 1._o if_o thou_o be_v whole_o and_o gross_o ignorant_a in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n thy_o ignorance_n be_v dangerous_a and_o damnable_a such_o as_o will_v shut_v thou_o out_o of_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o debar_v thou_o from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o why_o do_v thou_o rest_v content_v with_o thy_o ignorance_n why_o do_v you_o not_o repair_v to_o your_o spiritual_a guide_n for_o private_a instruction_n who_o will_v thank_v you_o for_o such_o a_o