be_v preserve_v but_o a_o sense_n also_o of_o his_o greatness_n and_o magnificence_n as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o be_v also_o breed_v and_o nourish_v in_o man_n mind_n who_o join_v as_o one_o man_n in_o the_o same_o service_n be_v teach_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v but_o what_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n for_o when_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n meet_v together_o even_o as_o many_o as_o a_o spacious_a place_n can_v contain_v to_o worship_v the_o same_o be_v it_o do_v most_o natural_o signify_v and_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o glorious_a who_o so_o many_o own_o for_o their_o lord_n upon_o who_o they_o depend_v for_o all_o they_o have_v or_o can_v have_v which_o be_v not_o signify_v nor_o represent_v when_o only_o one_o or_o two_o or_o a_o few_o pray_v to_o he_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n both_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v public_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o full_a as_o be_v possible_a and_o all_o who_o belong_v to_o they_o shall_v crowd_n unto_o they_o to_o testify_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v there_o worship_v to_o be_v the_o great_a king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v xlvii_o 2._o for_o great_a number_n meet_v together_o to_o do_v their_o homage_n to_o he_o it_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a sign_n that_o can_v be_v contrive_v which_o private_a worship_n be_v not_o that_o we_o take_v he_o to_o be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o above_o all_o good_a unto_o all_o in_o one_o word_n the_o common_a parent_n of_o we_o all_o to_o who_o we_o resort_v for_o his_o blessing_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o public_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o because_o most_o suitable_a to_o his_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n the_o best_a token_n of_o the_o high_a thought_n we_o have_v of_o he_o the_o utmost_a we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v to_o testify_v how_o great_a and_o how_o good_a we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v how_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o help_v we_o all_o as_o be_v equal_o relate_v unto_o all_o and_o the_o more_o meet_a together_o for_o this_o end_n the_o better_a this_o be_v declare_v that_o he_o can_v be_v honour_v and_o glorify_v enough_o but_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o unite_a thought_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o mankind_n can_v they_o be_v assemble_v at_o once_o to_o magnify_v his_o incomparable_a perfection_n nay_o if_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n as_o a_o very_a worthy_a person_n observe_v can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o body_n to_o worship_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o will_v still_o be_v much_o better_a because_o more_o suitable_a to_o his_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n be_v still_o a_o better_a signification_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o of_o his_o vast_a dominion_n which_o he_o govern_v with_o inconceiveable_a wisdom_n and_o take_v care_n of_o with_o a_o most_o provident_a goodness_n and_o though_o no_o one_o place_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v big_a enough_o to_o contain_v so_o much_o as_o one_o nation_n or_o country_n or_o great_a city_n yet_o we_o meet_v in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o worship_n god_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n it_o approach_v something_o near_o unto_o this_o all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o government_n hereby_o set_v forth_o god_n praise_n together_o at_o the_o very_a same_o moment_n and_o in_o the_o like_a though_o not_o the_o very_a same_o individual_a place_n where_o they_o uniform_o acknowledge_v he_o with_o joint_a consent_n to_o be_v their_o common_a preserver_n and_o benefactor_n which_o be_v far_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o most_o excellent_a nature_n than_o the_o single_a or_o private_a application_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a declaration_n make_v what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o all_o but_o only_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o one_o or_o for_o a_o few_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o universal_a church_n ancient_o observe_v certain_a set_v hour_n of_o prayer_n that_o all_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n join_v together_o to_o glorify_v god_n and_o some_o of_o they_o 35._o they_o origen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d n._n 33_o 35._o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o angelical_a host_n be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o hour_n take_v that_o time_n to_o join_v their_o prayer_n and_o praise_n with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n for_o common_a reason_n lead_v they_o to_o this_o thought_n that_o those_o noble_a creature_n be_v high_o concern_v to_o set_v forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o god_n majesty_n who_o as_o he_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n so_o have_v the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o praise_n to_o which_o creature_n can_v reach_v give_v unto_o he_o when_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n combine_v together_o at_o once_o to_o worship_n he_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n though_o many_o of_o they_o particular_o concern_v himself_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o chief_a musician_n for_o the_o public_a service_n as_o the_o way_n to_o make_v his_o praise_n glorious_a so_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v in_o lxvi_o psalm_n which_o begin_v with_o a_o desire_n that_o all_o land_n will_v make_v a_o joyful_a noise_n unto_o god_n and_o sing_v forth_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n and_o make_v his_o praise_n glorious_a that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o do_v something_o suitable_a to_o the_o surpass_a glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o great_a say_v he_o elsewhere_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n xlviii_o psal_n 1._o he_o be_v not_o great_o praise_v suitable_o to_o his_o greatness_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o that_o place_n where_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o to_o praise_v he_o no_o the_o very_a private_a blessing_n bestow_v on_o david_n he_o will_v have_v public_o celebrate_v by_o all_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o only_o say_v i_o will_v bless_v the_o lord_n at_o all_o time_n his_o praise_n shall_v be_v continual_o in_o my_o mouth_n my_o soul_n shall_v make_v she_o boast_v of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n but_o add_v o_o magnify_v the_o lord_n with_o i_o and_o let_v we_o exalt_v his_o name_n together_o xxxiv_o psal_n 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o therefore_o much_o more_o be_v the_o common_a blessing_n pour_v on_o they_o all_o to_o be_v thus_o acknowledge_v and_o his_o praise_n sing_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n as_o the_o word_n be_v cxlix_o psal_n 1._o that_o be_v by_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n nay_o by_o all_o the_o people_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o he_o speak_v cxvii_o psal_n o_o praise_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o nation_n praise_v he_o all_o you_o people_n etc._n etc._n which_o st._n paul_n show_v in_o the_o xv_o rom._n 11._o be_v accomplish_v when_o the_o gentile_n submit_v themselves_o to_o christ_n and_o become_v member_n of_o his_o church_n therein_o to_o praise_v he_o continual_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n iii_o in_o which_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n will_v not_o only_o be_v preserve_v suitable_a to_o his_o most_o excellent_a greatness_n and_o goodness_n but_o preserve_v pure_a and_o sincere_a free_a from_o those_o dangerous_a mixture_n which_o may_v soon_o creep_v into_o it_o to_o corrupt_v and_o embase_v it_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v worship_v only_o in_o private_a where_o every_o man_n may_v frame_v conceit_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n agreeable_a to_o his_o own_o inclination_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o way_n to_o prevent_v or_o correct_v they_o as_o by_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n into_o which_o error_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o admit_v because_o man_n be_v natural_o careful_a about_o that_o which_o they_o expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n not_o be_v willing_a themselves_o to_o appear_v before_o other_o with_o such_o neglect_n as_o they_o be_v sometime_o find_v in_o when_o they_o be_v alone_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n dangerous_a admit_v there_o it_o will_v soon_o be_v discover_v and_o if_o not_o redress_v yet_o oppose_v by_o good_a man_n as_o all_o corruption_n have_v be_v at_o their_o first_o appearance_n though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o have_v prevail_v they_o begin_v in_o private_a and_o from_o thence_o by_o degree_n adventurnd_a to_o appear_v in_o public_a where_o they_o will_v have_v appear_v soon_o if_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n or_o of_o christian_a people_n have_v not_o be_v against_o they_o there_o
want_v â—â—thing_v yet_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v that_o we_o â—old_a all_o we_o call_v we_o by_o the_o mere_a mercy_n 〈◊〉_d god_n shall_v powerful_o move_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o and_o to_o pay_v he_o our_o â—â—mage_n of_o thanks_o and_o praise_n and_o â—â—ble_v ourselves_o before_o his_o majesty_n as_o â—â—â—hing_v without_o he_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o â—â—nour_n and_o singular_a favour_n we_o shall_v â—â—â—k_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o sacred_a â—â—sence_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o shall_v â—eem_v it_o do_v we_o enjoy_v the_o same_o priâ—â—â—edge_n with_o earthly_a prince_n into_o â—â—ose_a presence_n we_o shall_v not_o think_v â—e_n can_v come_v too_o oft_o if_o they_o will_v â—â—â—mit_v it_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v ambitious_a way_n to_o stand_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o â—â—â—k_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o high_o dignify_v if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o maâ—â—_n we_o their_o familiar_n let_v we_o not_o then_o bâ—_n perverse_a as_o to_o live_v as_o we_o think_v 〈◊〉_d lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v we_o injury_n or_o lay_v a_o heavy_a burden_n oâ—_n when_o he_o require_v we_o to_o attend_v hiâ—_n that_o be_v when_o he_o bid_v we_o come_v to_o he_o 〈◊〉_d first_o ask_v and_o then_o receive_v his_o blessâ—â—â—_n look_v upon_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 〈◊〉_d observe_v how_o constant_a and_o unweaâ—_n he_o be_v in_o this_o holy_a duty_n how_o â—â—â—…quently_o he_o go_v alone_o by_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o to_o impâ—â—…_n his_o continue_a presence_n with_o he_o 〈◊〉_d diligent_o he_o go_v to_o the_o temple_n 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o synagogue_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o countâ—_n how_o he_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d common_a benefit_n how_o much_o timâ—_n spend_v public_o and_o private_o inâ—_n company_n with_o what_o strong_a crieâ—_n call_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o day_n oâ—_n flesh_n with_o what_o submission_n 〈◊〉_d what_o reverence_n with_o what_o repeâ—â—…_n importunity_n and_o then_o think_v 〈◊〉_d yourselves_o be_v you_o in_o less_o want_n oâ—_n help_v of_o god_n than_o our_o bless_a sauâ—â—â—â—_n be_v can_v you_o live_v well_o enough_o wâ—â—â—out_a pray_v to_o he_o when_o his_o only_a 〈◊〉_d ten_o son_n can_v not_o why_o do_v you_o not_o 〈◊〉_d go_v to_o he_o with_o fervent_a desire_n â—y_a do_v you_o not_o imitate_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o frequency_n of_o your_o address_n to_o what_o purpose_n have_v god_n give_v 〈◊〉_d his_o holy_a spirit_n if_o you_o will_v not_o â—y_a its_o motion_n to_o what_o end_n be_v the_o use_v jesus_n appoint_v to_o be_v your_o interâ—or_n if_o you_o will_v send_v up_o no_o prayer_n â—e_v present_v by_o he_o in_o the_o court_n of_o â—â—ven_n why_o do_v he_o call_v upon_o you_o â—ray_v always_o if_o you_o need_v not_o pray_v at_o 〈◊〉_d consider_v all_o these_o argument_n 〈◊〉_d again_o how_o naked_a you_o be_v withâ—â—_n this_o divine_a armour_n to_o defend_v you_o 〈◊〉_d all_o god_n grace_n languish_v and_o die_v â—his_n do_v not_o continual_o maintain_v 〈◊〉_d how_o good_a man_n have_v think_v it_o â—â—er_v not_o to_o live_v than_o not_o to_o pray_v and_o 〈◊〉_d thanks_o to_o the_o god_n of_o their_o life_n 〈◊〉_d they_o will_v prevail_v with_o you_o not_o to_o be_v â—â—gers_n unto_o this_o heavenly_a imployâ—t_n a_o employment_n wherein_o you_o will_v 〈◊〉_d much_o comfort_n and_o no_o less_o success_n â—â—u_o do_v not_o negligent_o discharge_v it_o 〈◊〉_d god_n have_v a_o love_n to_o soul_n and_o greatâ—esires_v their_o improvement_n he_o will_v â—e_v they_o advance_v even_o unto_o his_o likeâ—â—_n in_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n and_o true_a holiness_n else_o he_o will_v 〈◊〉_d invite_v they_o and_o call_v upon_o they_o 〈◊〉_d do_v to_o fix_v their_o eye_n upon_o himâ—_n will_v not_o have_v give_v they_o suchâ—_n and_o assistance_n and_o discover_v sâ—_n wonderful_a love_n unto_o they_o as_o he_o 〈◊〉_d manifest_v in_o the_o son_n of_o his_o lâ—_n christ_n jesus_n the_o heathen_a thought_n it_o sufficieâ—_n desire_n god_n to_o hear_v they_o out_o of_o love_n he_o bear_v to_o immortal_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d they_o cry_v unto_o he_o so_o i_o find_v one_o 〈◊〉_d ing_z in_o a_o ancient_a greek_a poet_n â—_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d harken_v unto_o i_o o_o father_n thou_o 〈◊〉_d wonder_v of_o mankind_n who_o take_v a_o sâ—_n care_n of_o a_o everliving_a soul_n but_o we_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n moâ—_n build_v our_o hope_n upon_o and_o may_v 〈◊〉_d hear_v we_o o_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n who_o have_v astonish_v we_o witâ—_n wonder_n of_o thy_o love_n in_o he_o hear_v we_o of_o the_o love_n thou_o bear_v unto_o the_o son_n 〈◊〉_d love_n hear_v we_o for_o his_o sake_n whoâ—_n down_o his_o life_n to_o redeem_v our_o imâ—â—_n soul_n who_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v 〈◊〉_d â—ession_n for_o we_o thou_o who_o have_v bestow_v already_o so_o surprise_v a_o gift_n without_o our_o ask_v hear_v we_o and_o give_v we_o what_o we_o ask_v of_o â—ee_o when_o we_o ask_v it_o in_o his_o name_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o and_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o â—ith_o he_o thou_o will_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n chap._n vi_o the_o honour_n god_n do_v we_o in_o admit_v we_o into_o his_o presence_n among_o other_o false_a conceit_n which_o man_n have_v of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayâ—â—o_n god_n these_o two_o be_v very_o prejudical_a to_o its_o performance_n first_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o only_o as_o a_o â—y_a lay_v upon_o they_o by_o god_n mere_a â—ill_n and_o pleasure_n which_o may_v be_v â—â—red_v there_o be_v no_o real_a need_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o that_o god_n will_v we_o it_o and_o have_v ordain_v it_o second_o they_o imagine_v thereupon_o â—â—t_v he_o be_v behold_v to_o they_o for_o what_o â—ey_n do_v and_o that_o they_o have_v perform_v such_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o service_n to_o â—m_n when_o they_o have_v pray_v a_o while_n â—â—t_v they_o thereby_o obtain_v a_o dispensation_n to_o do_v their_o own_o will_n when_o 〈◊〉_d have_v satisfy_v he_o to_o rectify_v the_o first_o of_o thesis_n stake_n i_o have_v show_v this_o to_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d ral_a duty_n and_o not_o mere_o bind_v 〈◊〉_d we_o by_o a_o positive_a law_n a_o duty_n sâ—_n say_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d than_o command_v for_o it_o arise_v 〈◊〉_d our_o be_v god_n creature_n whâ—_n therefore_o bind_v to_o acknowledge_v 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o wait_v upon_o he_o continual_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o necessity_n froâ—_n bounty_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v proceâ—_n correct_v the_o second_o mistake_n and_o 〈◊〉_d by_o also_o further_o confirm_v what_o 〈◊〉_d say_v concern_v the_o necessity_n oâ—_n duty_n by_o show_v that_o this_o be_v 〈◊〉_d from_o be_v a_o burden_n lay_v upon_o 〈◊〉_d his_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n or_o anâ—_n service_n whereby_o we_o oblige_v he_o oâ—_n cure_v a_o indulgence_n or_o connivanâ—_n what_o we_o do_v contrary_a to_o his_o wâ—_n other_o thing_n that_o in_o truth_n the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v do_v entire_o to_o ourselves_o 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n can_v profit_v he_o 〈◊〉_d intend_v hereby_o to_o make_v we_o real_o 〈◊〉_d nay_o excellent_a creature_n who_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o info_o lie_v behold_v to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v 〈◊〉_d we_o to_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o call_v he_o our_o father_n this_o i_o shall_v demonstrate_v by_o represent_v first_o how_o honourable_a and_o excellent_a a_o employment_n this_o be_v second_o how_o comfortable_a and_o true_o delightful_a when_o perform_v as_o it_o ought_v three_o how_o beneficial_a both_o to_o make_v and_o preserve_v we_o such_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o desire_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n in_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o reader_n sensible_a that_o this_o duty_n which_o our_o own_o necessity_n call_v for_o and_o exact_v of_o we_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a employment_n for_o it_o be_v the_o ascent_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o god_n as_o the_o ancient_a christian_n describe_v it_o a_o familiar_a converse_n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n a_o holy_a discourse_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o the_o withdraw_a of_o our_o mind_n from_o this_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o above_o which_o it_o raise_v our_o thought_n and_o lift_v they_o up_o unto_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a good_a into_o who_o company_n it_o bring_v we_o and_o set_v we_o in_o his_o bless_a presence_n that_o he_o may_v lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n upon_o we_o for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o expression_n our_o deep_a humility_n yet_o thereby_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o the_o high_a top_n of_o
to_o tell_v he_o our_o thought_n but_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o they_o before_o they_o be_v form_v and_o therefore_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v that_o we_o may_v tell_v our_o thought_n unto_o other_o and_o make_v they_o understand_v that_o we_o be_v religious_o affect_v towards_o he_o who_o if_o he_o have_v intend_v religion_n shall_v be_v only_o a_o private_a business_n may_v have_v make_v we_o without_o tongue_n because_o he_o need_v no_o language_n to_o acquaint_v he_o with_o our_o desire_n but_o hear_v our_o very_a thought_n and_o perceive_v the_o most_o inward_a motion_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o have_v power_n to_o express_v in_o word_n not_o that_o he_o may_v understand_v we_o but_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v our_o sense_n and_o know_v that_o we_o be_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o the_o same_o devotion_n towards_o he_o whence_o david_n call_v his_o tongue_n his_o glory_n lvii_o psal_n 8._o because_o therewith_o he_o glorify_a god_n and_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v ver_fw-la 9_o praise_v god_n among_o the_o people_n and_o sing_v unto_o he_o among_o the_o nation_n this_o st_n paul_n suppose_v when_o he_o say_v prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n because_o if_o they_o be_v he_o that_o be_v not_o learn_v in_o that_o tongue_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o say_v amen_o 1_o corinth_n fourteen_o 16._o which_o word_n amen_o be_v then_o it_o seem_v pronounce_v at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o prayer_n by_o the_o whole_a company_n for_o who_o the_o public_a minister_n speak_v to_o god_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v their_o mouth_n in_o what_o he_o say_v but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o order_v to_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v distinct_o know_v by_o every_o body_n what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v impossible_a if_o they_o have_v all_o speak_v together_o yet_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o signify_v and_o declare_v that_o he_o speak_v their_o sense_n by_o say_v amen_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o prayer_n he_o make_v which_o be_v as_o much_o in_o effect_n as_o if_o they_o have_v say_v every_o word_n of_o it_o themselves_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v they_o approve_v of_o and_o consent_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o every_o one_o do_v so_o audible_o that_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o a_o church_n it_o imitate_v the_o voice_n of_o thunder_n as_o st._n hierom_n tell_v we_o and_o very_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n that_o we_o do_v not_o all_o thus_o join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n at_o this_o day_n not_o only_o by_o our_o bodily_a presence_n but_o with_o our_o tongue_n which_o ought_v to_o express_v our_o consent_n to_o those_o petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o we_o all_o iii_o and_o there_o be_v a_o further_a reason_n for_o common_a prayer_n beâ—â—â—â—_n the_o blessing_n we_o enjoy_v in_o common_a together_o be_v far_o great_a than_o those_o we_o enjoy_v single_o and_o distinct_a one_o from_o another_o we_o all_o breath_n in_o one_o common_a air_n and_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o one_o common_a light_n the_o heaven_n drop_v their_o fatness_n in_o common_a upon_o every_o man_n field_n and_o pasture_n and_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o great_a blessing_n of_o order_n and_o government_n the_o benefit_n of_o which_o we_o all_o enjoy_v by_o be_v knit_v in_o the_o same_o society_n undeâ—_n the_o same_o governor_n make_v it_o highâ—_n reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v join_v or_o self_n together_o as_o one_o man_n to_o acknowledge_v these_o common_a blessing_n which_o make_v we_o all_o happy_a for_o be_v make_v for_o society_n and_o enjoy_v innumerable_a benefit_n thereby_o which_o this_o be_v not_o a_o place_n to_o mention_v particular_o we_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o have_v if_o we_o do_v not_o thiâ—â—_n ourselves_o bind_v to_o give_v god_n thanâ—_n for_o they_o in_o one_o body_n beg_v 〈◊〉_d pardon_n for_o their_o abuse_n and_o beseech_v their_o continuance_n i_o name_v not_o now_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o all_o which_o be_v the_o redemptionâ—_n mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o whiâ—â—_n not_o a_o few_o particular_a person_n but_o aâ—â—_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v thâ—_n common_a salvation_n as_o st._n judas_n call_v 〈◊〉_d because_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o next_o head_n where_o we_o shall_v consider_v mankind_n aâ—_n church_n bind_v to_o bless_v god_n above_o a_o thing_n for_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o lord_n jesâ—_n let_v we_o look_v at_o present_a only_o to_o the_o visible_a heaven_n which_o encircle_v we_o aâ—â—_n and_o proclaim_v aloud_o as_o the_o psalm_n speak_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n throughout_o the_o world_n behold_v the_o sun_n that_o great_a minister_n of_o god_n which_o preach_v as_o i_o may_v say_v every_o where_o and_o publish_v not_o to_o one_o place_n or_o country_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a earth_n the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o a_o private_a whisper_n but_o a_o public_a cry_n which_o the_o heavenly_a body_n make_v there_o be_v neither_o speech_n nor_o language_n but_o their_o voice_n be_v hear_v among_o they_o their_o sound_n be_v go_v out_o into_o all_o land_n and_o their_o word_n into_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o praise_n to_o be_v hear_v as_o much_o and_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a who_o have_v appoint_v such_o illustrious_a creature_n to_o do_v we_o perpetual_a service_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a pslamist_n when_o he_o call_v upon_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a to_o praise_v the_o lord_n psal_n cxlviii_o that_o be_v he_o excite_v himself_o and_o other_o to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o they_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o praise_n which_o they_o continual_o give_v he_o his_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n that_o be_v which_o they_o declare_v and_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n for_o they_o speak_v to_o all_o as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v to_o one_o the_o most_o excellent_a immense_a greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o in_o wisdom_n also_o have_v make_v they_o all_o and_o this_o we_o ought_v as_o public_o to_o declare_v it_o be_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n but_o only_o live_v according_o which_o this_o also_o teach_v we_o and_o make_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o may_v eternal_o praise_v he_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a discourse_n 〈◊〉_d remember_v in_o st._n chrysostome_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o his_o ix_o homily_n upon_o genesis_n where_o show_v how_o god_n have_v prefer_v mankind_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n he_o conclude_v with_o this_o exhortation_n let_v we_o therefore_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o all_o these_o benefit_n he_o have_v heap_v on_o we_o this_o be_v no_o grievous_a no_o burdensome_a thing_n which_o he_o expect_v from_o we_o for_o what_o trouble_n be_v there_o in_o testify_v our_o sense_n of_o his_o love_a kindness_n in_o confess_v out_o obligation_n in_o return_v our_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n for_o they_o 〈◊〉_d which_o he_o who_o be_v all-sufficient_a iâ—_n himself_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o but_o we_o ought_v to_o learn_v thereby_o to_o love_v the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a and_o not_o to_o be_v ungrateful_a but_o study_v to_o live_v suitable_a to_o such_o a_o careful_a providence_n over_o we_o let_v we_o not_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v negligent_a in_o this_o but_o think_v with_o ourselves_o continual_o both_o what_o the_o common_a benefit_n be_v we_o all_o enjoy_v and_o the_o private_a one_o which_o he_o have_v confer_v upon_o any_o of_o we_o both_o those_o which_o be_v manifest_a and_o confess_v by_o all_o and_o those_o which_o be_v conceal_v perhaps_o and_o proper_a to_o ourselves_o alone_o and_o by_o all_o let_v we_o excite_v ourselves_o to_o give_v he_o thanks_o which_o be_v the_o great_a sacrifice_n the_o most_o perfect_a oblation_n especial_o when_o we_o all_o join_v together_o i_o may_v add_v to_o confess_v his_o goodness_n and_o declare_v the_o wonder_n he_o do_v for_o the_o child_n of_o men._n and_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v these_o thing_n continual_o in_o mind_n and_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o meanness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o immenseness_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n how_o he_o govern_v we_o and_o dispense_v his_o blessing_n to_o we_o not_o regard_v what_o our_o sin_n deserve_v but_o what_o be_v become_v his_o
which_o the_o kingdom_n be_v lay_v and_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v erect_v or_o be_v erect_v can_v stand_v when_o this_o be_v go_v now_o as_o religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o uphold_v state_n and_o kingdom_n so_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o uphold_v religion_n let_v the_o public_a assembly_n cease_v and_o religion_n will_v not_o long_o stand_v but_o we_o shall_v soon_o lose_v it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o to_o join_v in_o the_o common_a office_n of_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v tempt_v to_o have_v the_o less_o concern_v for_o one_o another_o safety_n and_o happiness_n when_o we_o be_v not_o tie_v together_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n in_o which_o when_o we_o hearty_o join_v to_o serve_v god_n it_o make_v we_o look_v upon_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n dear_a to_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n of_o we_o all_o and_o therefore_o dear_a to_o one_o another_o this_o the_o psalmist_n represent_v when_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o cxxxiii_o psal_n behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n he_o will_v have_v all_o the_o israelite_n to_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o brethren_n be_v all_o descend_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o stock_n and_o have_v also_o the_o same_o god_n for_o their_o father_n and_o then_o they_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n not_o mere_o when_o they_o live_v love_o and_o unanimous_o pursue_v the_o same_o common_a interest_n for_o the_o common_a good_a but_o then_o especial_o when_o they_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o place_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o one_o soul_n which_o link_v they_o close_o than_o any_o other_o bond_n can_v do_v and_o provide_v best_a for_o their_o common_a security_n for_o it_o appear_v by_o what_o follow_v he_o chief_o aim_v at_o this_o assemble_v themselves_o unanimous_o together_o as_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n o_o how_o good_a and_o pleasant_a be_v it_o for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v even_o together_o i._n e._n to_o meet_v all_o at_o god_n house_n as_o common_a to_o they_o all_o nothing_o more_o delightful_a than_o to_o behold_v such_o a_o general_a assembly_n which_o he_o illustrate_v by_o two_o similitude_n first_o of_o the_o precious_a ointment_n which_o run_v down_o from_o the_o head_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o the_o very_a skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o then_o by_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n which_o make_v the_o hill_n of_o hermon_n and_o the_o mountain_n of_o zion_n nigh_o to_o which_o the_o temple_n stand_v exceed_v fruitful_a and_o then_o in_o conclusion_n he_o add_v the_o reason_n why_o this_o be_v so_o joyful_a a_o sight_n and_o so_o beneficial_a for_o there_o the_o lord_n command_v the_o blessing_n even_o life_n for_o ever_o more_o he_o pour_v down_o his_o blessing_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o the_o heaven_n do_v the_o dew_n and_o as_o the_o precious_a ointment_n run_v down_o from_o aaron_n head_n upon_o a_o people_n that_o be_v thus_o unanimous_o join_v together_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n who_o only_o can_v make_v they_o happy_a that_o be_v mean_v by_o life_n and_o can_v make_v they_o so_o for_o evermore_o in_o order_n to_o which_o he_o take_v care_v his_o divine_a service_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o perform_v in_o the_o temple_n whither_o they_o be_v to_o resort_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o they_o and_o i_o can_v think_v it_o fall_v out_o by_o chance_n that_o next_o to_o the_o psalm_n now_o mention_v be_v immediate_o place_v a_o solemn_a exhortation_n in_o the_o cxxxiu_o ps_n unto_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o attend_v constant_o upon_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n there_o to_o praise_v the_o lord_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o to_o give_v a_o blessing_n to_o his_o people_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o prosperity_n out_o of_o zion_n as_o that_o psalm_n conclude_v i_o end_v this_o with_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o public_a body_n aught_o to_o serve_v it_o the_o best_a we_o can_v now_o all_o the_o service_n we_o do_v as_o member_n of_o it_o be_v public_a service_n which_o be_v far_o more_o worthy_a than_o what_o we_o act_n for_o ourselves_o private_o and_o distinct_o as_o much_o as_o a_o whole_a society_n exceed_v the_o worth_n of_o any_o one_o man_n in_o it_o and_o what_o service_n be_v there_o we_o can_v do_v it_o like_v to_o that_o of_o maintain_v god_n true_a religion_n by_o serious_a attendance_n with_o due_a care_n and_o frequency_n upon_o the_o public_a office_n thereof_o whereby_o we_o shall_v exceed_o promote_v the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o and_o maintain_v society_n itself_o by_o which_o we_o be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v in_o safety_n and_o prosperity_n for_o by_o do_v public_a honour_n to_o god_n we_o shall_v draw_v down_o public_a blessing_n upon_o ourselves_o god_n himself_o will_v bless_v we_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v he_o will_v bless_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n both_o small_a and_o great_a the_o lord_n shall_v increase_v you_o more_o and_o more_o you_o and_o your_o child_n you_o be_v the_o bless_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n cxv_o psal_n 13_o 14_o 15._o observe_v the_o title_n he_o give_v himself_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o suitable_a to_o his_o superexcellent_a and_o transcendent_a majesty_n to_o have_v his_o worship_n confine_v to_o your_o closet_n or_o to_o your_o private_a house_n but_o make_v it_o as_o public_a as_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v which_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o in_o that_o spacious_a temple_n of_o his_o as_o the_o ancient_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v the_o world_n of_o which_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o imitation_n he_o be_v to_o be_v magnify_v and_o praise_v as_o open_o and_o with_o as_o great_a multitude_n as_o can_v possible_o meet_v together_o that_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 universal_a lord_n of_o all_o thus_o i_o be_o fall_v upon_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o i_o begin_v which_o can_v be_v too_o often_o press_v and_o have_v a_o close_a connexion_n with_o this_o other_o which_o i_o have_v now_o handle_v for_o he_o have_v form_v we_o to_o live_v together_o in_o society_n and_o to_o keep_v close_o unite_v in_o one_o body_n for_o our_o common_a safety_n and_o preservation_n teach_v we_o thereby_o to_o own_v he_o as_o the_o common_a parent_n of_o we_o all_o and_o to_o contrive_v the_o best_a way_n we_o can_v whereby_o we_o may_v acknowledge_v he_o so_o to_o be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n like_o this_o of_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o great_a multitude_n that_o can_v assemble_v to_o magnify_v and_o praise_v he_o with_o one_o voice_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o declare_v the_o wonder_n he_o do_v for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n commend_v ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concern_v unto_o his_o most_o powerful_a protection_n by_o who_o king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v justice_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o their_o guidance_n and_o direction_n protection_n and_o safety_n and_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o collect_n for_o our_o king_n to_o be_v the_o high_a and_o mighty_a king_n of_o king_n lord_n of_o lord_n the_o only_a ruler_n of_o prince_n who_o from_o his_o throne_n behold_v all_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o they_o be_v all_o as_o the_o prophet_n most_o admirable_o express_v it_o as_o nothing_o less_o than_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n in_o comparison_n with_o his_o incomprehensible_a greatness_n who_o as_o that_o great_a king_n nabuchadnezzar_n public_o acknowledge_v and_o desire_v all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o high_a god_n who_o kingdom_n be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o his_o dominion_n be_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n so_o he_o begin_v the_o proclamation_n he_o cause_v to_o be_v make_v of_o his_o humble_a devotion_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o who_o he_o have_v be_v abase_v as_o low_a as_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n dan._n four_o 2_o 3._o after_o which_o he_o tell_v all_o the_o world_n i_o bless_v the_o most_o high_a and_o i_o praise_v and_o honour_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o who_o dominion_n be_v a_o everlasting_a dominion_n and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v repute_v as_o nothing_o and_o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n
of_o it_o be_v a_o assembly_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n call_v to_o meet_v together_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v such_o a_o assembly_n call_v to_o join_v together_o in_o worship_v god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n who_o himself_o have_v suppose_v this_o in_o the_o prayer_n he_o give_v his_o disciple_n and_o have_v promise_v his_o special_a presence_n in_o such_o assembly_n which_o the_o apostle_n constant_o hold_v and_o there_o receive_v the_o first_o and_o best_a fruit_n of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o draw_v all_o convert_v every_o where_o into_o the_o same_o bless_a conjunction_n for_o which_o holy_a place_n be_v appoint_v where_o they_o constant_o assemble_v and_o where_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v common_a or_o else_o look_v upon_o as_o of_o little_a value_n where_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o minister_n to_o attend_v and_o there_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n and_o bless_v they_o in_o his_o name_n where_o the_o angel_n also_o be_v present_a and_o delight_n to_o see_v we_o assemble_v that_o we_o may_v maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o company_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n who_o all_o join_v together_o in_o give_v blessing_n and_o praise_v and_o honour_n unto_o he_o who_o we_o worship_n who_o be_v far_o exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_v either_o of_o we_o on_o earth_n or_o of_o they_o in_o heaven_n consider_v i_o say_v all_o this_o and_o then_o think_v what_o a_o error_n they_o live_v in_o who_o make_v little_a or_o no_o account_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o imagine_v they_o can_v pray_v and_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o by_o themselves_o alone_o this_o be_v a_o most_o unchristian_a thought_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o therefore_o ought_v with_o all_o diligence_n to_o be_v explode_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o our_o mind_n as_o for_o those_o who_o do_v not_o bare_o neglect_v the_o public_a service_n but_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o it_o they_o be_v still_o in_o a_o far_o worse_a condition_n have_v break_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o ancient_a church_n think_v so_o heinous_a a_o crime_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o prayer_n as_o a_o abomination_n for_o so_o i_o find_v in_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n 2._o antioch_n canon_n 2._o that_o such_o christian_n be_v condemn_v as_o go_v into_o any_o private_a house_n pray_v together_o with_o those_o who_o will_v not_o join_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n none_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o join_v in_o their_o prayer_n if_o any_o do_v they_o think_v it_o equal_a to_o the_o crime_n of_o communicate_v with_o excommunicate_v person_n the_o like_a i_o find_v in_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n and_o the_o canon_n ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 10._o can._n 33._o can._n 10._o and_o this_o sentence_n of_o those_o council_n be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n who_o maxim_n this_o be_v as_o mr._n thorndike_n 173._o thorndike_n relig._n assembl_n p._n 173._o observe_v he_o that_o dwell_v in_o a_o city_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n and_o pray_v not_o there_o with_o the_o congregation_n this_o be_v he_o who_o be_v call_v a_o bad_a neighbour_n and_o well_o may_v he_o be_v call_v bad_a who_o will_v have_v no_o society_n in_o the_o best_a thing_n who_o cut_v himself_o off_o by_o his_o own_o act_n from_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v not_o afford_v his_o neighbour_n the_o help_n of_o his_o prayer_n who_o live_v as_o if_o the_o world_n can_v be_v govern_v without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a governor_n who_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o holy_a place_n and_o slight_v god_n minister_n who_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o god_n special_a presence_n and_o protection_n and_o defy_v all_o the_o bless_a company_n of_o heaven_n among_o who_o he_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o find_v any_o entertainment_n nor_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o celestial_a habitation_n have_v shut_v himself_o here_o out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o place_n where_o god_n honour_n dwell_v will_v to_o god_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v serious_o and_o deep_o consider_v by_o we_o all_o that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v awake_v to_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a assembly_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v take_v the_o great_a care_n to_o establish_v and_o unto_o which_o he_o have_v also_o grant_v very_o high_a privilege_n lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n through_o man_n idleness_n or_o covetousness_n or_o conceitedness_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n whatsoever_o certain_a it_o be_v if_o we_o have_v a_o hearty_a love_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o understand_v it_o we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v so_o in_o love_n with_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o it_o as_o every_o day_n if_o it_o lay_v in_o our_o power_n to_o go_v into_o god_n house_n and_o there_o recommend_v ourselves_o and_o his_o whole_a church_n to_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o there_o be_v no_o way_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o uphold_v and_o support_v the_o church_n like_v to_o this_o we_o be_v a_o church_n by_o meet_v together_o to_o have_v communion_n in_o the_o same_o prayer_n which_o the_o often_o we_o have_v the_o more_o we_o look_v like_o a_o church_n and_o act_n like_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v combine_v and_o knit_v together_o for_o mutual_a preservation_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o seldomer_n we_o meet_v the_o less_o there_o be_v of_o the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n among_o we_o which_o can_v be_v preserve_v from_o ruin_n when_o the_o public_a assembly_n be_v general_o neglect_v because_o the_o church_n fall_v to_o decay_v by_o that_o very_a neglect_n let_v we_o therefore_o set_v ourselves_o to_o maintain_v the_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n by_o maintain_v public_a assembly_n and_o suffer_v no_o day_n to_o pass_v without_o a_o solemn_a meeting_n in_o as_o full_a a_o body_n as_o we_o can_v make_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o religion_n this_o will_v be_v both_o a_o ornament_n and_o a_o strength_n and_o establishment_n to_o our_o religion_n the_o truth_n which_o we_o profess_v will_v hereby_o be_v both_o honour_a and_o confirm_v and_o appear_v with_o great_a authority_n as_o well_o as_o beauty_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n when_o they_o behold_v the_o multitude_n the_o unanimity_n and_o the_o order_n and_o constancy_n of_o those_o that_o assert_v it_o the_o better_a and_o gentle_a sort_n of_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o win_v to_o join_v with_o we_o and_o they_o who_o heart_n be_v alienate_v from_o we_o will_v be_v the_o less_o incline_v to_o set_v themselves_o against_o we_o and_o for_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n of_o all_o christian_n may_v promise_v it_o to_o themselves_o for_o their_o protection_n against_o all_o their_o adversary_n when_o they_o constant_o and_o earnest_o seek_v it_o with_o their_o joint_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n which_o will_v be_v powerful_a also_o for_o the_o settle_v such_o as_o be_v waver_v in_o their_o religion_n who_o the_o constant_a authority_n likewise_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o faithful_a people_n can_v but_o be_v of_o much_o moment_n to_o contain_v in_o their_o duty_n for_o man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o forsake_v a_o multitude_n when_o they_o easy_o desert_n small_a number_n the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v so_o possess_v with_o this_o sense_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o prayer_n as_o the_o impregnable_a bulwark_n of_o the_o church_n a_o unshaken_a garrison_n terrible_a to_o the_o devil_n and_o salutary_a to_o god_n pious_a worshippper_n d._n worshippper_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n chrysost_o tom._n 1._o p._n 757._o edit_fw-la fr._n d._n in_o so_o much_o that_o st._n basil_n speak_v of_o god_n gather_v the_o water_n together_o which_o he_o call_v sea_n and_o see_v it_o be_v good_a gen._n i._n 16._o fall_n into_o a_o pious_a meditation_n how_o much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o such_o a_o collection_n or_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v fin_fw-fr be_v in_o hexameron_n hom._n four_o sub_fw-la fin_fw-fr in_o which_o the_o mix_a sound_n of_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n make_v a_o noise_n like_o the_o wave_n dash_v against_o the_o shore_n be_v send_v up_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n a_o profound_a calm_a and_o tranquillity_n shall_v preserve_v such_o
assemble_v and_o to_o pour_v down_o his_o blessing_n on_o such_o as_o can_v but_o will_v be_v with_o they_o and_o all_o this_o it_o become_v we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o humble_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o invitation_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o psalmist_n which_o be_v recite_v every_o day_n at_o morning_n prayer_n o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n the_o christian_a church_n have_v never_o be_v acquaint_v with_o any_o other_o posture_n but_o this_o of_o kneel_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n save_v only_o between_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 which_o be_v the_o common_a posture_n of_o prayer_n among_o the_o jew_n except_o in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o distress_n when_o they_o also_o fall_v upon_o their_o knee_n dan._n ix_o 20._o nay_o when_o they_o will_v express_v the_o great_a submission_n lowliness_n reverence_n and_o fear_v they_o fall_v upon_o their_o face_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v just_a before_o his_o agony_n matth._n xxvi_o 39_o a_o posture_n far_o more_o remote_a from_o they_o who_o sit_v at_o their_o prayer_n which_o no_o man_n dare_v do_v who_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o awful_a sense_n of_o his_o distance_n from_o god_n and_o consider_v how_o mean_a a_o creature_n he_o be_v and_o how_o unworthy_a to_o receive_v the_o small_a favour_n from_o his_o hand_n in_o short_a we_o may_v say_v to_o such_o man_n as_o malachi_n do_v to_o those_o who_o bring_v vile_a offering_n unto_o the_o altar_n with_o a_o little_a alteration_n go_v now_o to_o thy_o governor_n and_o petition_n he_o in_o this_o posture_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v of_o thy_o person_n no_o man_n have_v the_o face_n to_o present_v himself_o unto_o his_o prince_n in_o this_o saucy_a manner_n especial_o when_o he_o come_v to_o beg_v mercy_n of_o he_o and_o pray_v he_o to_o spare_v his_o life_n which_o he_o have_v forfeit_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v none_o of_o we_o venture_v to_o approach_v thus_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n the_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n but_o cast_v down_o ourselves_o with_o such_o lowly_a reverence_n before_o he_o as_o may_v testify_v that_o we_o worship_v the_o most_o high_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v indeed_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v bow_v his_o knee_n to_o god_n when_o he_o be_v lame_a of_o the_o gout_n or_o lie_v sick_a of_o a_o fever_n or_o some_o other_o disease_n etc._n etc._n but_o set_v such_o case_n aside_o bend_v of_o the_o knee_n be_v necessary_a say_v origen_n 20._o origen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o pars_fw-la n_n 20._o who_o word_n these_o be_v when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o accuse_v himself_o of_o his_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o humble_o to_o ask_v pardon_n for_o they_o and_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v cure_v of_o they_o nature_n incline_v we_o to_o it_o if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o our_o condition_n though_o we_o have_v no_o instruction_n about_o it_o no_o example_n to_o move_v we_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o we_o divest_v ourselves_o even_o of_o humanity_n when_o we_o be_v so_o rude_a as_o to_o sit_v at_o prayer_n unless_o we_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a either_o to_o fall_v on_o our_o knee_n or_o stand_v before_o the_o divine_a majesty_n then_o indeed_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a he_o will_v not_o reject_v our_o prayer_n whatsoever_o the_o posture_n of_o our_o body_n be_v but_o hear_v they_o as_o he_o do_v st._n paul_n when_o he_o pray_v and_o praise_v god_n in_o prison_n with_o his_o foot_n in_o the_o stock_n and_o hezekiah_n who_o lie_v on_o his_o bed_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o cry_v to_o he_o and_o the_o thief_n who_o pray_v as_o he_o hang_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o find_v favour_n with_o he_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n in_o the_o place_n now_o name_v i_o will_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n calvin_n who_o express_o determine_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o pray_v always_o and_o without_o cease_v have_v not_o respect_n to_o our_o own_o private_a prayer_n only_o 29._o l._n iii._o instit_fw-la cap._n xx_o sect._n 29._o but_o to_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n also_o with_o which_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o join_v we_o may_v conclude_v he_o not_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v alone_o either_o secret_o or_o at_o home_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o that_o neglect_v to_o pray_v alone_o and_o private_o may_v be_v think_v to_o put_v up_o vain_a prayer_n though_o he_o frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n because_o he_o respect_v more_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n than_o the_o secret_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n lest_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v fall_v into_o contempt_n god_n have_v adorn_v they_o with_o splendid_a eulogy_n especial_o when_o he_o call_v the_o temple_n a_o house_n of_o prayer_n isa_n lvi_o 7._o for_o by_o this_o speech_n he_o instruct_v we_o that_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v the_o office_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o that_o the_o faithful_a may_v exercise_v themselves_o with_o one_o consent_n the_o temple_n be_v erect_v and_o lift_v up_o to_o they_o like_o a_o banner_n that_o they_o may_v all_o resort_n unto_o it_o psal_n lxv_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v also_o a_o famous_a promise_n add_v ver_fw-la 1._o praise_n expect_v thou_o o_o god_n in_o zion_n and_o unto_o thou_o shall_v the_o vow_n be_v perform_v in_o jerusalem_n in_o which_o word_n the_o prophet_n admonish_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v never_o in_o vain_a because_o god_n perpetual_o administer_v to_o his_o people_n matter_n of_o sing_v his_o praise_n with_o joy_n which_o thing_n if_o they_o be_v well_o weigh_v they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o zeal_n of_o those_o who_o now_o languish_v and_o have_v not_o concern_v at_o all_o for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o our_o religion_n especial_o if_o they_o will_v observe_v and_o mark_v first_o with_o what_o earnest_a long_n holy_a man_n desire_v to_o come_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n when_o by_o any_o impediment_n they_o be_v keep_v from_o they_o read_v psal_n lxxxiv_o 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o david_n passionate_a breathe_n xxvii_o 4._o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o second_o with_o what_o joyful_a heart_n they_o receive_v all_o invitation_n to_o they_o psal_n cxxii_o 1_o 2._o i_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v we_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o foot_n shall_v stand_v within_o thy_o gate_n o_o jerusalem_n chap._n xx._n some_o objection_n remove_v when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n i_o can_v but_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v void_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o very_o defective_a in_o it_o who_o have_v so_o little_a regard_n to_o his_o honour_n as_o not_o to_o love_v the_o place_n where_o his_o honour_n dwell_v and_o where_o praise_n wait_v for_o he_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v in_o the_o place_n now_o name_v that_o be_v where_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n be_v extol_v his_o wonderful_a work_n be_v magnify_v his_o benefit_n acknowledge_v and_o psalm_n sing_v in_o honour_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o solemn_a assembly_n for_o man_n hear_v nothing_o more_o willing_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o their_o parent_n there_o they_o delight_v to_o be_v and_o be_v never_o weary_a of_o their_o attendance_n there_o where_o the_o noble_a act_n of_o their_o ancestor_n be_v recite_v with_o song_n or_o speech_n in_o their_o commendation_n and_o therefore_o with_o much_o more_o diligence_n shall_v we_o run_v thither_o without_o cease_v where_o man_n speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o of_o the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o declare_v the_o love_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v know_v his_o mighty_a act_n and_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o his_o kingdom_n utter_v abundant_o the_o memory_n of_o his_o great_a goodness_n and_o sing_v of_o his_o righteousness_n though_o alas_o who_o can_v utter_v the_o mighty_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v show_v forth_o all_o his_o praise_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v elsewhere_o his_o benefit_n towards_o we_o be_v immense_o great_a and_o can_v worthy_o be_v praise_v by_o we_o but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v that_o we_o may_v pursue_v what_o we_o ought_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o god_n let_v we_o say_v and_o sing_v again_o with_o