acknowledge_v it_o be_v only_o his_o unwillingness_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n which_o make_v he_o pretend_v to_o stumble_v at_o dispute_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o even_o those_o who_o differ_v and_o dispute_v in_o several_a point_n agree_v notwithstanding_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o safe_a course_n to_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n in_o religion_n forasmuch_o as_o particular_a dispute_n about_o it_o prove_v undeniable_o this_o in_o the_o general_n that_o by_o confession_n of_o all_o party_n there_o be_v great_a moment_n in_o it_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o either_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o shall_v trouble_v themselves_o and_o raise_v such_o heat_n about_o it_o but_o that_o both_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o great_a consequence_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o be_v it_o which_o make_v they_o be_v so_o nice_a curious_a and_o critical_a about_o the_o very_a punctilio_n of_o it_o but_o four_o and_o last_o it_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o that_o stand_v neutral_a and_o hold_v off_o from_o all_o religion_n upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o mistake_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o persuasion_n run_v into_o the_o most_o fatal_a mistake_n of_o all_o and_o be_v of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o most_o desperate_a condition_n for_o whatsoever_o become_v of_o other_o man_n under_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n or_o a_o false_a opinion_n he_o be_v certain_o a_o lose_a man_n who_o have_v no_o zeal_n or_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o persuasion_n can_v be_v right_a and_o therefore_o some_o must_v miscarry_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o real_a foundation_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n as_o we_o have_v see_v it_o be_v evident_a the_o sceptist_n can_v be_v save_v whoever_o be_v damn_v who_o entertain_v no_o persuasion_n at_o all_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v better_a uncertain_o to_o err_v than_o certain_o to_o perish_v so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o wise_a course_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o someway_o notwithstanding_o the_o dispute_n than_o grave_o to_o doubt_v ourselves_o into_o hell_n by_o a_o fantastical_a neutrality_n but_o than_o second_o as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a and_o absurd_a resolution_n to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n for_o fear_v we_o shall_v mistake_v the_o right_n it_o be_v not_o much_o better_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v such_o latitudinarian_o as_o to_o think_v it_o indifferent_a what_o religion_n a_o man_n be_v of_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v zealous_a and_o devout_a in_o his_o way_n unless_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o broad_a way_n be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n which_o be_v most_o certain_o false_a i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a religion_n indeed_o which_o be_v not_o better_a than_o none_o at_o all_o as_o the_o faint_v hope_n be_v better_a than_o utter_a desperation_n and_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o without_o fervour_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o a_o man_n persuasion_n no_o religion_n be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a and_o orthodox_n will_v signify_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o a_o man_n of_o a_o devout_a temper_n have_v the_o ground_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o foundation_n for_o good_a institution_n to_o work_v upon_o yet_o notwithstanding_o religion_n speak_v something_o more_o than_o to_o be_v in_o earnest_n and_o piety_n require_v more_o than_o a_o good_a intention_n for_o unless_o that_o honest_a temper_n be_v cultivate_v and_o improve_v it_o will_v bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o wild_a fruit_n that_o zeal_n must_v be_v govern_v and_o conduct_v by_o good_a principle_n or_o it_o will_v betray_v a_o man_n to_o presumption_n to_o superstition_n and_o to_o a_o thousand_o irregularity_n we_o be_v set_v to_o run_v a_o race_n towards_o heaven_n but_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v not_o only_a speed_n but_o the_o keep_n the_o exact_a course_n withal_o that_o entitle_v to_o the_o reward_n he_o that_o run_v wrong_a the_o more_o have_v he_o make_v the_o worse_a be_v his_o speed_n for_o he_o have_v the_o more_o to_o undo_v again_o nor_o be_v this_o any_o reflection_n upon_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o consequent_o very_o pitiful_a to_o the_o well-meant_a error_n of_o mankind_n for_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o he_o be_v wise_a and_o great_a and_o just_a also_o not_o so_o soft_a and_o fond_a as_o to_o be_v please_v with_o whatsoever_o be_v well_o mean_v towards_o he_o or_o to_o be_v content_v with_o whatever_o man_n fancy_n no_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o his_o own_o and_o require_v and_o expect_v those_o be_v comply_v withal_o by_o such_o as_o he_o reward_v with_o eternal_a life_n therefore_o the_o question_n which_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o be_v very_o serious_a and_o necessary_a viz._n how_o amid_o such_o variety_n of_o persuasion_n or_o form_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n a_o man_n may_v make_v a_o right_a choice_n and_o know_v which_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a he_o ought_v to_o determine_v himself_o upon_o but_o the_o assoil_a of_o it_o can_v be_v difficult_a forasmuch_o as_o if_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v in_o his_o own_o way_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o must_v have_v take_v some_o course_n or_o other_o for_o the_o discovery_n and_o interpret_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o rule_n to_o govern_v their_o devotion_n by_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o dispute_n that_o there_o be_v three_o and_o but_o three_o thing_n which_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o probability_n pretend_v to_o give_v we_o aim_v in_o this_o case_n viz._n natural_a light_n the_o spirit_n or_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o difficulty_n come_v to_o this_o point_n which_o of_o these_o three_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o namely_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o natural_a reason_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o discover_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o also_o of_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n so_o as_o to_o lay_v a_o general_a foundation_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v brief_o show_v already_o but_o it_o can_v neither_o discover_v all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n because_o he_o be_v infinite_a and_o beyond_o our_o comprehension_n nor_o much_o less_o penetrate_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o counsel_n or_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n because_o as_o we_o also_o note_v before_o he_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o have_v no_o necessary_a measure_n but_o free_o choose_v as_o it_o please_v he_o and_o therefore_o as_o no_o man_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o so_o much_o less_o can_v any_o man_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n till_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v it_o now_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o please_v and_o propitiate_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o we_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o know_v what_o will_v full_o do_v that_o by_o natural_a reason_n consequent_o not_o only_o the_o old_a philosopher_n but_o the_o modern_a theist_n and_o that_o sect_n of_o man_n call_v quaker_n who_o pretend_v to_o attain_v happiness_n by_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n or_o the_o light_n within_o they_o must_v miserable_o be_v bewilder_v while_o they_o follow_v so_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a a_o guide_n as_o for_o the_o second_o namely_o a_o private_a spirit_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v conduct_v man_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v lead_v they_o by_o his_o own_o immediate_a hand_n from_o time_n to_o time_n dictate_v his_o own_o will_n to_o their_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o question_n but_o that_o sometime_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n he_o have_v do_v so_o in_o former_a time_n but_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v his_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a course_n be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v not_o only_o because_o we_o can_v now_o observe_v that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n either_o have_v experience_n of_o or_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o because_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o immediate_a revelation_n can_v be_v of_o no_o further_a use_n than_o to_o that_o particular_a person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v in_o regard_n it_o will_v be_v like_o the_o white_a stone_n rev._n 2._o 17._o which_o no_o man_n know_v what_o be_v
do_v not_o consider_v what_o satisfaction_n in_o these_o matter_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o afford_v or_o for_o man_n to_o require_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o the_o great_a god_n shall_v gratify_v the_o humour_n and_o curiosity_n of_o his_o creature_n nor_o that_o they_o shall_v peremptory_o prescribe_v to_o he_o it_o be_v fit_a indeed_o for_o his_o goodness_n to_o give_v we_o assurance_n in_o these_o important_a affair_n but_o he_o think_v good_a to_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n and_o we_o will_v have_v our_o sense_n convince_v which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v we_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n but_o our_o own_o eye_n second_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v what_o evidence_n the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n will_v admit_v of_o that_o require_v such_o inducement_n as_o may_v encourage_v good_a and_o discourage_v evil_a such_o as_o may_v provoke_v we_o to_o choose_v the_o one_o and_o to_o avoid_v the_o other_o not_o such_o as_o will_v over_o bear_v our_o choice_n and_o necessary_o determine_v we_o religion_n require_v such_o argument_n as_o may_v improve_v humane_a nature_n not_o supersede_n or_o destroy_v it_o and_o it_o be_v best_o promote_v by_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o wherein_o a_o man_n conflict_n with_o some_o difficulty_n exercise_n self-denial_n modesty_n humility_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n it_o consist_v in_o a_o prudent_a estimate_n of_o all_o circumstance_n a_o discretion_n and_o judgement_n to_o value_v thing_n in_o reversion_n and_o be_v worth_a nothing_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o ingredient_n in_o it_o as_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o a_o virtuous_a choice_n all_o which_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o present_a or_o expose_v to_o our_o sense_n three_o nor_o do_v the_o man_n that_o talk_v at_o this_o rate_n so_o much_o as_o understand_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o heart_n so_o well_o as_o to_o know_v what_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prevail_v with_o they_o they_o fancy_n if_o they_o have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o be_v spectator_n of_o a_o miracle_n actual_o wrought_v it_o will_v unquestionable_o lead_v they_o to_o assent_v and_o yet_o we_o see_v those_o that_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o abundance_n of_o such_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o they_o imagine_v that_o if_o they_o have_v see_v the_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v incredulous_a yet_o there_o be_v multitude_n that_o all_o those_o thing_n wrought_v nothing_o upon_o and_o assure_o as_o abraham_n tell_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o last_o mention_v passage_n of_o st._n luke_n if_o man_n hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i._n e._n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v upon_o such_o satisfaction_n as_o god_n give_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o believe_v upon_o such_o other_o as_o their_o curiosity_n or_o capricious_a humour_n demand_n no_o not_o if_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o same_o unwillingness_n which_o be_v in_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o evidence_n which_o they_o have_v will_v follow_v they_o still_o and_o the_o same_o captious_a temper_n will_v except_v against_o their_o own_o demand_n and_o find_v evasion_n if_o their_o very_a eye_n be_v gratify_v for_o faith_n can_v be_v extort_a from_o man_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n make_v he_o believe_v that_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o it_o last_o nor_o do_v they_o understand_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o these_o inducement_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o we_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o principal_o consider_v in_o this_o place_n if_o indeed_o the_o object_n of_o these_o passion_n or_o the_o thing_n expect_v in_o another_o world_n be_v mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a there_o be_v then_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o great_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o despise_v a_o present_a world_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o heaven_n or_o suppose_v the_o object_n as_o great_a as_o we_o can_v if_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v childish_a and_o vain_a i._n e._n our_o fear_n be_v panic_n and_o unaccountable_a and_o our_o hope_n mere_a sanguine_a dream_n and_o romantic_a fancy_n than_o it_o be_v just_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o if_o almighty_a god_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o religion_n he_o shall_v give_v we_o better_o evidence_n but_o if_o both_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v fear_v or_o expect_v in_o another_o world_n be_v vast_o great_a and_o concern_v if_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v real_a and_o also_o the_o evidence_n or_o assurance_n of_o their_o reality_n be_v reasonable_a too_o than_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o madness_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o they_o by_o neglect_n of_o religion_n while_o we_o fond_o cavil_v to_o have_v our_o humour_n satisfy_v now_o that_o these_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o indeed_o as_o well_o ground_v as_o hope_n and_o fear_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v i_o have_v show_v already_o forasmuch_o as_o if_o there_o be_v more_o evidence_n than_o there_o be_v they_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v hope_n and_o fear_n and_o will_v be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o sense_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n thus_o hope_v for_o and_o fear_v or_o expect_v be_v of_o so_o unspeakable_a moment_n as_o that_o if_o the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v less_o than_o it_o be_v it_o will_v be_v all_o the_o wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o they_o will_v easy_o appear_v by_o this_o short_a and_o faint_a representation_n that_o which_o good_a man_n hope_v for_o and_o that_o which_o god_n almighty_a promise_n they_o in_o the_o other_o world_n be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o be_v raise_v up_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o any_o pain_n sickness_n want_n or_o infirmity_n of_o body_n with_o mind_n secure_a from_o danger_n free_a from_o temptation_n void_a of_o care_n incapable_a of_o fear_n error_n or_o disorder_n together_o with_o serenity_n of_o spirit_n peace_n of_o conscience_n unspeakable_a joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o in_o the_o society_n of_o glorious_a angel_n and_o good_a man_n make_v perfect_a where_o also_o they_o shall_v partake_v of_o a_o felicity_n as_o great_a as_o divine_a goodness_n can_v design_n as_o his_o wisdom_n can_v contrive_v and_o his_o power_n effect_n for_o their_o entertainment_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o which_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v wicked_a man_n ground_n to_o expect_v and_o fear_v be_v that_o they_o also_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o again_o from_o the_o grave_a and_o then_o be_v expose_v open_o before_o all_o the_o world_n their_o hypocrisy_n lewdness_n folly_n and_o ingratitude_n be_v prove_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o thereupon_o be_v condemn_v to_o utter_v darkness_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o abandon_v of_o god_n and_o good_a man_n and_o to_o become_v the_o company_n indeed_o but_o the_o sport_n and_o triumph_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n who_o shall_v make_v they_o the_o subject_n of_o their_o malice_n and_o tyranny_n and_o there_o live_v under_o the_o perpetual_a anguish_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o short_a full_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o almighty_a which_o like_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n shall_v prey_v upon_o they_o and_o burn_v they_o without_o remedy_n or_o remission_n of_o torment_n who_o now_o can_v doubt_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o incline_v they_o to_o religion_n for_o can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o manly_a discretion_n as_o to_o despise_v such_o a_o happiness_n as_o be_v promise_v to_o good_a man_n or_o so_o destitute_a of_o all_o sense_n as_o to_o be_v content_a to_o dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n which_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o wicked_a man_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o felix_n a_o loose_a and_o debauch_a man_n tremble_v when_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o he_o of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v act_v 24._o 25._o and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a and_o prodigious_a fool-hardiness_n if_o any_o man_n that_o live_v without_o regard_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n happen_v to_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v a_o convulsion_n within_o himself_o like_o that_o of_o belshazzar_n dan._n 5._o 6._o when_o he_o see_v the_o finger_n of_o a_o hand_n write_v upon_o the_o wall_n against_o he_o of_o who_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o thereupon_o his_o countenance_n be_v change_v his_o thought_n trouble_v he_o the_o joint_n of_o his_o loin_n be_v loose_v and_o his_o knee_n smite_v
for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o stout_o and_o brave_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o lay_v it_o upon_o we_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v as_o cautious_a and_o timorous_a of_o draw_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v seldom_o separate_a from_o the_o last_o for_o he_o that_o know_v how_o to_o encounter_v a_o danger_n will_v not_o ordinary_o thrust_v himself_o into_o it_o and_o usual_o those_o who_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o run_v themselves_o into_o difficulty_n show_v as_o little_a courage_n and_o conduct_n in_o conflict_v with_o they_o as_o they_o do_v discretion_n in_o the_o adventure_n upon_o they_o and_o no_o wonder_n see_v in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o god_n protection_n trust_v to_o themselves_o and_o then_o they_o can_v in_o reason_n expect_v other_o than_o to_o be_v desert_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o such_o unwarrantalbe_n enterprise_v let_v the_o pious_o dispose_v man_n therefore_o not_o be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o try_v experiment_n upon_o himself_o lest_o he_o buy_v his_o knowledge_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o too_o great_a a_o hazard_n let_v he_o not_o go_v too_o near_a sin_n in_o confidence_n that_o he_o can_v divide_v by_o a_o hair_n and_o come_v off_o clever_o enough_o for_o instance_n let_v he_o not_o nibble_n at_o a_o oath_n nor_o mince_v the_o matter_n of_o profaneness_n nor_o drink_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o sobriety_n nor_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o justice_n in_o his_o deal_n for_o he_o know_v not_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n nor_o consider_v the_o slippery_a ground_n he_o stand_v upon_o that_o will_v thus_o venture_v to_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o his_o liberty_n nor_o let_v he_o provoke_v enemy_n to_o himself_o by_o intemperate_a zeal_n as_o if_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o meet_v with_o opposition_n enough_o without_o his_o own_o procure_n nor_o the_o world_n have_v malice_n enough_o unless_o he_o inflame_v and_o exasperate_v it_o especial_o let_v he_o not_o thrust_v himself_o into_o lewd_a company_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n and_o stability_n for_o he_o have_v no_o sufficient_a apprehension_n of_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o by_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a imprudence_n tempt_v he_o to_o tempt_v himself_o nay_o nor_o do_v he_o seem_v to_o hate_v and_o abominate_a sin_n so_o absolute_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o love_v the_o vicinage_n and_o neighbourhood_n of_o it_o what_o the_o wise_a man_n therefore_o advise_v prov._n 5._o 8._o concern_v the_o whorish_a woman_n be_v very_o applicable_a to_o this_o case_n remove_v thy_o way_n far_o from_o she_o and_o come_v not_o near_o the_o door_n of_o her_o house_n and_o so_o also_o he_o say_v of_o flagitious_a man_n chap._n 4._o 14_o 15._o enter_v not_o into_o the_o path_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o go_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o evil_a man_n avoid_v it_o pass_v not_o by_o it_o turn_v from_o it_o and_o pass_v away_o for_o he_o that_o go_v ordinary_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o a_o precipice_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n sometime_o or_o other_o to_o fall_v in_o and_o he_o that_o nibble_v at_o the_o bait_n will_v one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v take_v with_o the_o hook_n 6._o six_o and_o last_o as_o a_o discreet_a man_n and_o concern_v for_o eternal_a life_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v overdare_n and_o confident_a in_o his_o approach_n towards_o sin_n and_o danger_n so_o neither_o ought_v he_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o be_v timorous_a and_o straitlaced_n in_o thing_n eminent_o and_o unquestionable_o good_a whether_o it_o be_v in_o instance_n of_o devotion_n towards_o god_n or_o of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n of_o himself_o or_o in_o act_n of_o charity_n towards_o other_o for_o in_o all_o these_o there_o be_v such_o a_o scope_n and_o latitude_n as_o that_o a_o brave_a and_o noble_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n may_v and_o will_v distinguish_v itself_o from_o a_o narrow_a and_o stingy_a temper_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o they_o for_o example_n such_o a_o man_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o neither_o will_v nor_o aught_o to_o confine_v his_o devotion_n to_o such_o strict_a and_o precise_a measure_n as_o that_o he_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o omission_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o will_v contrariwise_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o spend_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a of_o his_o time_n in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o such_o other_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o apply_v somewhat_o more_o than_o the_o just_a ten_o or_o tithe_v of_o his_o increase_n to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o religion_n nor_o will_v he_o grudge_v to_o deny_v himself_o upon_o weighty_a occasion_n some_o of_o that_o pleasure_n which_o at_o other_o time_n he_o can_v allow_v himself_o without_o sin_n or_o if_o occasion_n be_v he_o will_v give_v alm_n not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o superfluity_n of_o his_o estate_n but_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o ability_n perhaps_o beyond_o his_o convenience_n for_o these_o thing_n though_o general_o consider_v they_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o express_a duty_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a mere_o because_o they_o be_v not_o command_v so_o long_o as_o the_o species_n and_o kind_a of_o they_o be_v command_v and_o beside_o such_o extraordinary_a expression_n of_o obedience_n to_o a_o general_a command_n be_v very_o fit_a to_o demonstrate_v our_o love_n to_o god_n our_o gratitude_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a bounty_n towards_o we_o and_o our_o value_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n see_v that_o by_o such_o instance_n especial_o we_o show_v that_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n and_o that_o we_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o the_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o though_o it_o will_v not_o be_v express_o a_o sin_n to_o omit_v any_o one_o of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n aforesaid_a yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o palpable_a argument_n of_o a_o narrow_a heart_n towards_o god_n to_o yield_v no_o such_o instance_n at_o all_o and_o can_v but_o proceed_v from_o very_o culpable_a superstition_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o so_o do_v nay_o more_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v barren_a of_o such_o fruit_n and_o careless_a of_o such_o performance_n be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o folly_n and_o imprudence_n towards_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o comfort_n which_o our_o heart_n may_v receive_v by_o such_o generosity_n for_o although_o by_o no_o after_o act_n of_o we_o how_o excellent_a soever_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o make_v any_o proper_a amends_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o our_o former_a offence_n and_o omission_n yet_o by_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o we_o speak_v of_o we_o show_v ourselves_o sensible_a of_o those_o miscarriage_n and_o that_o we_o be_v under_o remorse_n for_o they_o and_o we_o give_v proof_n that_o we_o true_o love_v god_n though_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o desire_v to_o obtain_v his_o favour_n by_o the_o most_o costly_a oblation_n upon_o all_o which_o account_v it_o seem_v very_o adviseable_a that_o he_o who_o set_v his_o face_n towards_o heaven_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_v and_o enlarge_v his_o heart_n this_o way_n and_o not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v cramp_v and_o contract_v by_o any_o odd_a opinion_n to_o the_o contrary_n whereas_o therefore_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o fancy_n a_o frugal_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o according_o inquire_v for_o the_o minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la as_o we_o say_v or_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o if_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v divide_v by_o a_o hair_n and_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o no_o more_o piety_n than_o will_v just_o carry_v they_o out_o of_o danger_n they_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v that_o they_o seek_v after_o impossibility_n and_o contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o will_v have_v fire_n without_o heat_n religion_n without_o devotion_n piety_n without_o affection_n holiness_n without_o zeal_n or_o that_o they_o desire_v to_o fear_n god_n but_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o love_v he_o to_o speak_v plain_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o goodness_n be_v never_o seek_v after_o but_o in_o a_o ill_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o by_o a_o cowardly_a and_o hypocritical_a heart_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v find_v with_o comfort_n for_o the_o essence_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o discoverable_a without_o the_o fruit_n than_o a_o body_n without_o its_o accident_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o obtain_v true_a comfort_n in_o our_o soul_n viz._n either_o by_o our_o daily_a
his_o closet_n and_o depart_v out_o of_o god_n presence_n till_o he_o have_v affect_v himself_o with_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o contrition_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o prostrate_v himself_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o strong_a and_o earnest_a cry_n for_o pardon_n and_o until_o he_o have_v confirm_v his_o heart_n in_o a_o resolution_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o more_o strict_a obedience_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o let_v he_o do_v this_o often_o that_o he_o may_v not_o run_v up_o too_o big_a a_o score_n and_o so_o either_o his_o heart_n become_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o his_o conscience_n be_v so_o affright_v with_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o guilt_n that_o like_o a_o bankrupt_a he_o be_v tempt_v to_o decline_v look_v into_o his_o account_n because_o he_o can_v have_v no_o comfortable_a prospect_n of_o they_o or_o run_v away_o from_o god_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o desperation_n instead_o of_o run_v to_o he_o by_o repentance_n let_v he_o i_o say_v do_v this_o often_o not_o by_o chance_n or_o unwilling_o but_o frequent_o and_o periodical_o set_v time_n be_v appoint_v for_o it_o and_o though_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o impose_v a_o burden_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o ordinary_o very_o adviseable_a that_o this_o be_v do_v once_o a_o month_n viz._n while_o a_o man_n have_v his_o past_a action_n and_o carriage_n in_o remembrance_n and_o can_v take_v a_o just_a account_n of_o himself_o but_o especial_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o against_o the_o time_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o then_o will_v be_v extraordinary_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a for_o these_o two_o thing_n self-examination_n and_o partake_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v marvellous_o suit_v and_o answer_v to_o each_o other_o the_o former_a prepare_v a_o man_n heart_n for_o that_o sacred_a solemnity_n and_o that_o holy_a solemnity_n seal_v to_o he_o the_o pardon_n of_o those_o sin_n he_o have_v discover_v and_o repent_v of_o in_o secret_a but_o whether_o this_o work_n of_o self-reflection_n and_o ransack_v a_o man_n own_o heart_n in_o secret_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o period_n it_o be_v wonderful_o useful_a that_o it_o be_v serious_o and_o conscientious_o practise_v some_o time_n or_o other_o forasmuch_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v a_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a life_n without_o it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o seem_v equal_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v continue_v to_o be_v a_o evil_a man_n who_o habitual_o and_o sincere_o practise_v it_o for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o effectual_a to_o preserve_v a_o estate_n from_o be_v squander_v away_o extravagant_o as_o the_o keep_n constant_a and_o strict_a account_n of_o receipt_n and_o expense_n so_o there_o be_v no_o method_n more_o powerful_a to_o restrain_v sin_n than_o this_o of_o self-examination_n the_o very_a search_v into_o our_o heart_n jog_n and_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o that_o be_v rouse_v will_v be_v a_o faithful_a monitor_n of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v amiss_o the_o mere_a prospect_n of_o which_o will_v make_v a_o man_n very_o uneasy_a by_o the_o fear_n and_o horror_n that_o attend_v it_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o silly_a motive_n upon_o which_o a_o man_n be_v induce_v to_o sin_n will_v fill_v he_o with_o ingenuous_a shame_n and_o indignation_n and_o the_o easiness_n which_o he_o can_v but_o find_v of_o withstand_v such_o motion_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v provoke_v he_o to_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n in_o a_o word_n the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o disease_n be_v a_o great_a step_n to_o the_o cure_n and_o a_o heart_n well_o search_v be_v half_o heal_v but_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o another_o instance_n of_o great_a affinity_n with_o what_o we_o have_v now_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o last_o excercise_n of_o secret_a devotion_n which_o i_o will_v here_o make_v mention_n of_o viz._n 6._o trial_n of_o our_o proficiency_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n this_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v scarce_o any_o otherway_v discernible_a but_o by_o its_o progress_n and_o in_o that_o it_o make_v man_n daily_o better_a and_o better_o for_o the_o essence_n of_o thing_n be_v indiscernible_a and_o a_o man_n may_v endless_o dispute_v with_o himself_o whether_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o he_o till_o he_o put_v all_o out_o of_o controversy_n by_o the_o fruit_n and_o improvement_n of_o such_o a_o vital_a principle_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v extreme_o necessary_a if_o we_o will_v arrive_v at_o spiritual_a comfort_n that_o we_o make_v experiment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o this_o particular_a which_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v do_v than_o by_o retirement_n into_o the_o cabinet_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o diligent_a compare_v ourselves_o both_o with_o ourselves_o and_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o common_a estimation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a fallacious_a and_o improper_a measure_n of_o divine_a life_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n for_o they_o be_v privy_a to_o our_o end_n and_o design_n and_o to_o all_o our_o circumstance_n as_o well_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v nor_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o if_o they_o be_v secret_o examine_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v impartial_o consult_v if_o we_o will_v indeed_o know_v ourselves_o and_o be_v able_a to_o prejudge_v our_o own_o condition_n now_o the_o testimony_n which_o our_o heart_n can_v give_v we_o of_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o increase_a length_n of_o our_o prayer_n nor_o mere_o from_o the_o passion_n and_o earnestness_n of_o they_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o latter_a may_v proceed_v from_o some_o peculiar_a temper_n of_o body_n or_o outward_a accident_n nor_o upon_o our_o affectionate_a hear_n of_o sermon_n for_o the_o stony_a ground_n receive_v the_o seed_n with_o joy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a ground_n nor_o yet_o upon_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a scrupulosity_n of_o conscience_n especial_o in_o small_a matter_n for_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o ignorance_n superstition_n or_o hypocrisy_n but_o the_o safe_a decision_n of_o this_o great_a case_n whether_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n or_o no_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o examine_v our_o heart_n in_o such_o point_n as_o these_o follow_v viz._n whether_o we_o be_v more_o constant_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n than_o former_o whether_o we_o be_v more_o exact_a and_o regular_a in_o our_o life_n daily_o whether_o our_o heart_n be_v more_o in_o heaven_n than_o they_o be_v wont_a and_o that_o we_o have_v arrive_v at_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o we_o be_v more_o dead_a to_o temptation_n especial_o in_o the_o case_n of_o such_o sin_n as_o agree_v with_o our_o constitution_n and_o circumstance_n whether_o affliction_n be_v more_o easy_a than_o it_o use_v to_o be_v and_o we_o can_v better_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n whether_o we_o be_v more_o conscientious_a of_o secret_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o no_o eye_n of_o man_n can_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o upbraid_v we_o for_o whether_o we_o be_v more_o sagacious_a in_o apprehend_v and_o more_o careful_a of_o improve_n opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a than_o heretofore_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o we_o be_v grow_v more_o meek_a more_o humble_a and_o obedient_a to_o our_o superior_n etc._n etc._n if_o upon_o due_a inquiry_n oru_a heart_n can_v answer_v affirmative_o for_o we_o in_o such_o point_n as_o these_o than_o we_o may_v comfortable_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a which_o be_v of_o unspeakable_a consequence_n to_o we_o to_o be_v substantial_o resolve_v of_o self-examination_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a particular_n as_o the_o only_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v its_o share_n in_o our_o closet_n devotion_n chap._n iii_o of_o family-piety_n in_o general_n though_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o his_o other_o perfection_n together_o with_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o obnoxiousness_n to_o he_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o so_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v the_o immediate_a and_o principal_a object_n of_o it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o
improve_v his_o stewardship_n in_o this_o particular_a last_o in_o a_o family_n there_o be_v common_o some_o who_o under_o the_o general_a relation_n of_o friend_n or_o acquaintance_n be_v either_o resident_a in_o it_o or_o at_o least_o hospitable_o entertain_v by_o it_o now_o as_o this_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o the_o person_n treat_v so_o it_o give_v some_o authority_n to_o he_o who_o treat_v they_o and_o consequent_o as_o such_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a towards_o man_n for_o the_o scandal_n and_o misdemeanour_n of_o his_o guest_n so_o be_v he_o much_o more_o responsible_a to_o god_n for_o any_o profaneness_n they_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o his_o divine_a majesty_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o every_o man_n be_v king_n in_o his_o own_o family_n may_v give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o oblige_v those_o who_o be_v under_o his_o protection_n to_o pay_v he_o allegiance_n and_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n with_o he_o especial_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v this_o because_o the_o four_o commandment_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o use_v this_o authority_n not_o only_o over_o our_o son_n and_o daughter_n our_o man-servant_n and_o maid-servant_n but_o over_o all_o those_o that_o be_v within_o our_o gate_n but_o so_o much_o in_o the_o general_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o particular_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o family_n of_o which_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iu._n of_o family_n duty_n in_o special_a in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o family_n that_o beside_o closet-devotion_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o beside_o public_a worship_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v anon_o once_o a_o day_n at_o the_o least_o they_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n i_o say_v once_o a_o day_n at_o the_o least_o in_o favour_n of_o man_n occasion_n and_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n of_o some_o family_n be_v it_o not_o for_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o fit_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v prayer_n morning_n and_o evening_n as_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o most_o pious_a family_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v wonderful_o decent_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o family_n shall_v once_o in_o the_o day_n meet_v together_o and_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o any_o excuse_n shall_v be_v plead_v or_o admit_v in_o this_o case_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o every_o several_a family_n be_v a_o peculiar_a body_n or_o society_n which_o have_v its_o distinct_a circumstance_n effect_n and_o consideration_n it_o have_v its_o respective_a needs_o to_o be_v supply_v and_o therefore_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a request_n to_o god_n as_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o continue_v it_o in_o health_n to_o settle_v concord_n and_o unity_n among_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o that_o the_o whole_a may_v enjoy_v prosperity_n and_o safety_n from_o thief_n from_o fire_n and_o other_o danger_n and_o every_o such_o society_n have_v also_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a mercy_n to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o as_o namely_o for_o success_n in_o affair_n for_o quiet_a habitation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o molest_v with_o ill_a neighbour_n nor_o vex_v with_o law-suit_n for_o hopeful_a child_n faithful_a servant_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o several_a of_o these_o respect_v a_o man_n may_v be_v well_o and_o comfortable_a in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o yet_o be_v unhappy_a in_o the_o society_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o society_n or_o family_n may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o general_n and_o yet_o a_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v in_o ill_a circumstance_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v just_a reason_n of_o address_n and_o acknowledgement_n to_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o family_n and_o by_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o conjunction_n as_o well_o as_o by_o every_o single_a person_n apart_o and_o in_o his_o closet_n and_o though_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v some_o family_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o person_n who_o can_v apt_o and_o proper_o represent_v the_o peculiar_a concern_v of_o it_o to_o the_o almighty_a and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o there_o be_v no_o form_n of_o prayer_n at_o hand_n that_o will_v express_v all_o the_o respective_a circumstance_n of_o such_o a_o society_n yet_o they_o may_v lift_v up_o their_o heart_n and_o voice_n together_o in_o a_o general_a form_n and_o supply_v with_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n whatsoever_o be_v want_v in_o the_o expression_n and_o as_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o such_o family_n worship_n so_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o expect_v it_o will_v be_v singular_o successful_a when_o the_o whole_a community_n join_v together_o and_o present_v themselves_o and_o their_o tribute_n of_o praise_n before_o the_o lord_n no_o question_n but_o the_o very_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v high_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o when_o with_o prostrate_a body_n devout_a heart_n and_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n they_o combine_v together_o to_o importune_v and_o as_o it_o be_v besiege_v the_o almighty_a they_o can_v fail_v of_o a_o blessing_n or_o however_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o such_o person_n and_o a_o great_a security_n to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v thus_o joint_o and_o solemn_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a protection_n beside_o that_o this_o course_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o conciliate_v peace_n and_o love_n and_o kindness_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o body_n and_o to_o knit_v their_o heart_n to_o one_o another_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o accustom_v to_o unite_v their_o heart_n and_o join_v their_o hand_n in_o god_n service_n and_o conspire_v to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o great_a indearment_n of_o affection_n perhaps_o some_o man_n will_v now_o say_v there_o be_v no_o express_a scripture_n which_o require_v of_o man_n this_o daily_a office_n of_o family_n prayer_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o what_o if_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n see_v there_o be_v so_o apparent_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o god_n who_o consider_v that_o he_o give_v law_n to_o reasonable_a man_n do_v not_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o prescribe_v every_o thing_n in_o particular_a especial_o in_o natural_a worship_n where_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n may_v supply_v he_o with_o direction_n what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n beside_o second_o as_o i_o discourse_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v a_o stingy_a and_o narrow-souled_a trick_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o no_o true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n to_o stand_v upon_o so_o strict_a term_n in_o our_o piety_n as_o to_o require_v a_o express_a command_n in_o particular_a for_o that_o which_o be_v admirable_o good_a in_o the_o general_n and_o have_v also_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a man_n as_o this_o have_v be_v but_o after_o all_o i_o will_v in_o the_o last_o place_n crave_v leave_v to_o ask_v those_o man_n a_o plain_a question_n who_o insist_v upon_o more_o express_a proof_n of_o family_n prayer_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o whether_o they_o think_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o public_a worship_n require_v of_o man_n if_o they_o do_v then_o let_v they_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o public_a society_n than_o that_o of_o family_n namely_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o either_o public_a worship_n must_v be_v this_o of_o family_n or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o to_o enlighten_v they_o in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o passage_n gen._n 4._o 26._o when_o seth_n have_v enos_n bear_v to_o he_o it_o be_v say_v then_o begin_v man_n to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o there_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o family_n in_o the_o pious_a line_n of_o seth_n then_o present_o they_o set_v up_o god_n worship_n in_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o beginning_n of_o secret_a worship_n for_o no_o doubt_n but_o seth_n be_v careful_a of_o that_o before_o enos_n be_v bear_v nor_o be_v it_o proper_o public_a or_o ecclesiastic_a worship_n for_o in_o that_o minority_n of_o the_o world_n there_o neither_o be_v nor_o as_o yet_o can_v be_v any_o church_n establish_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n therefore_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o family_n worship_n be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o be_v of_o family_n themselves_o or_o let_v pious_a and_o