on_o my_o part_n who_o dare_v offend_v who_o can_v oppose_v i_o for_o be_v we_o so_o wise_a and_o valiant_a as_o not_o to_o affright_v ourselves_o with_o our_o own_o shadow_n we_o shall_v find_v by_o the_o encouragement_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o he_o who_o be_v with_o we_o be_v mighty_a than_o they_o who_o be_v against_o we_o michael_n and_o his_o angel_n be_v not_o only_o more_o powerful_a and_o numerous_a than_o the_o old_a dragon_n and_o his_o suppose_a strength_n but_o also_o more_o love_v and_o careful_a to_o do_v we_o good_a do_v we_o not_o therefore_o look_v through_o the_o discolour_a medium_n of_o our_o own_o pollute_a nature_n be_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o soul_n tincture_v by_o the_o suffusion_n of_o lust_n we_o shall_v soon_o find_v our_o strength_n great_a than_o we_o imagine_v for_o do_v we_o serious_o weigh_v thing_n in_o their_o proper_a balance_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o heroic_a vigour_n in_o all_o goodness_n and_o a_o imbecility_n in_o evil_a only_o 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my_o god_n i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n angel_n and_o saint_n the_o church_n militant_a and_o triumphant_a to_o bear_v witness_n that_o i_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o i_o will_v resist_v their_o temptation_n unto_o my_o last_o breath_n this_o i_o avow_v to_o be_v my_o resolution_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o this_o only_a i_o now_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o my_o god_n and_o be_v initiate_v and_o admit_v a_o member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o i_o call_v my_o conscience_n to_o record_v this_o day_n that_o i_o will_v never_o repent_v of_o this_o promise_n nor_o revoke_v it_o but_o continue_v christ_n faithful_a soldier_n and_o servant_n unto_o my_o life_n end_v so_o help_v i_o o_o my_o god_n amen_o now_o this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o our_o oath_n in_o baptism_n which_o we_o renew_v at_o our_o confirmation_n and_o repeat_v every_o time_n we_o communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o can_v certain_o conclude_v it_o 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perform_v thy_o express_a word_n and_o commandment_n and_o practise_v those_o duty_n our_o preacher_n inculcate_v thou_o must_v assist_v i_o with_o a_o great_a stock_n of_o grace_n than_o hitherto_o thou_o have_v furnish_v i_o withal_o now_o can_v i_o presume_v any_o so_o horrible_o profane_a so_o ridiculous_o wicked_a to_o pray_v after_o this_o method_n and_o utter_o confound_v those_o two_o absolute_o necessary_a part_n of_o repentance_n confession_n and_o contrition_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v it_o the_o great_a sin_n we_o be_v tempt_v to_o commit_v be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o but_o indeed_o god_n will_v be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n and_o find_v clear_a when_o he_o be_v judge_v for_o there_o be_v no_o think_v circumspect_a man_n if_o he_o apply_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n can_v be_v over_o match_v by_o any_o trial_n or_o meet_v a_o temptation_n that_o be_v irresistible_a for_o if_o i_o can_v conquer_v sin_n in_o the_o mountain_n and_o strong_a hold_n i_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o to_o baffle_v he_o in_o the_o plain_n and_o valley_n if_o i_o can_v overcome_v those_o great_a and_o gigantic_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n adultery_n felony_n treason_n and_o the_o like_a why_o may_v i_o not_o escape_v those_o of_o a_o lesser_a magnitude_n such_o as_o pamphlete_n the_o government_n and_o libel_v authority_n such_o as_o lie_v and_o slander_v cheat_v and_o cozen_v back_o bite_v and_o speak_v evil_a one_o of_o another_o shall_v a_o pigmye_n subdue_v the_o crane_n or_o a_o dwarf_n prove_v conqueror_n of_o a_o giant_n can_v i_o go_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o adder_n and_o shall_v a_o frog_n or_o a_o worm_n â—lisorder_v i_o do_v not_o christ_n come_v to_o redeem_v to_o himself_o a_o church_n and_o to_o present_v it_o without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n now_o how_o can_v we_o be_v of_o this_o number_n and_o not_o under_o that_o qualification_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n three_o some_o may_v inquire_v how_o far_o we_o must_v proceed_v in_o righteousness_n that_o we_o may_v get_v a_o conquest_n and_o mastery_n over_o our_o nature_n and_o be_v free_a from_o those_o imbecility_n in_o say_v what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o set_n or_o determinate_a degree_n of_o endeavour_n but_o even_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v or_o be_v able_a there_o be_v no_o size_n or_o standard_n the_o excess_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v monstruous_a but_o religion_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o flawless_a diamond_n where_o bigness_n tax_v the_o value_n and_o the_o unusual_a bulk_n both_o rate_n and_o enhance_v the_o lustre_n and_o the_o price_n to_o give_v god_n all_o that_o i_o can_v be_v the_o great_a command_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o noble_a be_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o admit_v of_o fail_n but_o by_o one_o of_o the_o extreme_n that_o of_o defect_n mediocrity_n which_o in_o other_o passion_n be_v a_o excellency_n be_v here_o a_o imperfection_n it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v too_o loyal_a and_o obedient_a too_o religious_a and_o dutyful_a we_o must_v make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n the_o care_n of_o our_o thought_n our_o only_a concern_v and_o great_a employment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n whatever_o that_o can_v impede_fw-la or_o hinder_v the_o promotion_n and_o growth_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o what_o be_v our_o chief_a righteousness_n better_a than_o menstruous_a rag_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o after_o our_o very_a innocency_n which_o otherwise_o will_v appear_v stain_v may_v through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n prove_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n whatsoever_o thou_o find_v in_o thy_o heart_n to_o do_v perform_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n and_o vigour_n he_o that_o will_v live_v according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o christianity_n must_v bend_v his_o nerve_n and_o sinew_n do_v his_o utmost_a towards_o the_o demolish_n all_o the_o stronghold_n of_o satan_n for_o we_o can_v never_o be_v clean_a and_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n until_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a and_o utmost_a towards_o the_o mortification_n of_o it_o for_o until_o that_o be_v do_v how_o can_v we_o be_v satisfy_v where_o the_o blame_n and_o fault_n rest_v or_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v or_o not_o if_o any_o man_n can_v profess_v that_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o strictness_n of_o conversation_n as_o to_o assert_v that_o he_o have_v endeavour_v to_o husband_n and_o employ_v his_o talon_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o best_a advantage_n that_o he_o have_v endure_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a
beauty_n but_o indeed_o god_n have_v command_v i_o to_o declare_v that_o prayer_n must_v have_v the_o most_o eminent_a nay_o only_a place_n my_o house_n be_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v the_o apostle_n judgement_n when_o there_o be_v the_o high_a necessity_n for_o preach_v for_o then_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v plant_v in_o all_o the_o world_n nevertheless_o though_o it_o be_v then_o most_o useful_a yet_o prayer_n be_v prefer_v before_o it_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n but_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o continual_o unto_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n act_v 6.4_o first_o prayer_n than_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n now_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o their_o day_n the_o argument_n be_v more_o forcible_a in_o we_o because_o the_o gospel_n be_v propagate_v and_o christianity_n full_o settle_v among_o we_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o derogate_a from_o that_o honourable_a employment_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n yet_o i_o be_o more_o than_o convince_v we_o must_v more_o strict_o account_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n than_o of_o preach_v yet_o alas_o we_o think_v we_o may_v be_v remiss_a in_o our_o duty_n of_o come_v to_o church_n if_o our_o ear_n be_v not_o first_o alarm_v with_o the_o loud_a noise_n of_o a_o sermon_n bell_n as_o if_o religion_n consist_v in_o this_o only_a and_o go_v no_o high_a than_o aurium_fw-la tenus_fw-la to_o what_o end_n serve_v preach_v and_o all_o learned_a discourse_n but_o as_o instrument_n and_o mean_n to_o instruct_v we_o to_o pray_v thus_o you_o may_v hear_v st._n paul_n how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n so_o that_o preach_v be_v the_o mean_n to_o direct_v we_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o i_o pray_v tell_v i_o if_o the_o mean_n ought_v to_o be_v magnify_v beyond_o the_o end_n the_o father_n it_o be_v true_a be_v very_o frequent_a in_o such_o pious_a oration_n but_o this_o do_v not_o make_v prayer_n more_o compendious_a for_o in_o the_o day_n of_o chrysostom_n when_o preach_v be_v most_o use_v there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o liturgy_n omit_v but_o now_o prayer_n be_v slender_o respect_v we_o seem_v desirous_a of_o nothing_o but_o preach_v many_o man_n dislike_n to_o that_o incomparable_a common_a prayer_n practise_v in_o the_o church_n pardon_v i_o gentleman_n if_o i_o impute_v it_o to_o those_o of_o our_o function_n for_o how_o can_v we_o presume_v the_o laity_n to_o have_v reverence_n for_o it_o when_o we_o ourselves_o seem_v to_o disow_v it_o by_o cut_v it_o into_o little_a shred_n and_o part_n either_o to_o oblige_v a_o faction_n or_o ease_v ourselves_o but_o do_v we_o all_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o our_o rubric_n as_o our_o oath_n require_v we_o man_n will_v soon_o have_v a_o great_a respect_n for_o it_o and_o we_o for_o what_o can_v create_v great_a distraction_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whilst_o they_o observe_v i_o exact_o conformable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o another_o little_a or_o nothing_o regard_v it_o for_o the_o same_o obligation_n command_v it_o from_o he_o which_o enjoin_v it_o as_o my_o duty_n the_o roman_a devotionals_n it_o be_v true_a retain_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o do_v they_o not_o also_o the_o same_o bible_n sacrament_n and_o other_o holy_a duty_n and_o shall_v i_o deny_v that_o which_o be_v good_a because_o it_o have_v sometime_o be_v mix_v with_o evil_a the_o vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v carry_v to_o babylon_n and_o profane_v by_o belshazzar_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o restore_v and_o consecrate_a by_o ezra_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o common_a prayer-book_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v most_o collect_v from_o the_o roman_a mass_n book_n but_o what_o of_o this_o there_o be_v liturgy_n extant_a in_o the_o church_n before_o the_o mass_n have_v name_n or_o be_v and_o rome_n christian_n be_v much_o elder_a than_o that_o of_o papal_a when_o therefore_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o play_v its_o card_n the_o old_a or_o first_o common_a prayer_n be_v not_o abolish_v only_o mix_v with_o error_n and_o corruption_n which_o blemish_n be_v take_v away_o be_v it_o not_o as_o beautiful_a as_o ever_o this_o than_o be_v the_o pious_a care_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n to_o refine_v it_o from_o its_o dross_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a purity_n retain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v pure_a scripture_n or_o deduct_v therefrom_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n but_o alas_o we_o so_o much_o degenerate_v from_o their_o worthyness_n that_o we_o will_v not_o follow_v the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o they_o we_o be_v for_o new_a light_n and_o invention_n to_o guide_v we_o to_o heaven_n we_o deny_v common_a prayer_n and_o magnify_v the_o sudden_a rapture_n of_o man_n as_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o real_o what_o be_v they_o better_a than_o a_o heap_n of_o nonsense_n in_o cramp_v word_n only_o glaze_v with_o the_o saintlike_a varnish_n of_o a_o cast_v up_o eye_n and_o cant_v tone_n their_o chief_a objection_n against_o the_o liturgy_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o form_n and_o enforce_v by_o authority_n which_o be_v so_o ridiculous_a they_o be_v not_o worthy_a confutation_n for_o what_o prayer_n i_o pray_v best_a adorn_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n those_o which_o be_v shuffle_v together_o by_o chance_n or_o such_o as_o be_v refine_v and_o polish_v who_o pray_v most_o believe_o he_o who_o dige_v what_o he_o pray_v for_o or_o he_o who_o utter_v his_o first_o sense_n and_o thought_n who_o pray_v with_o full_a assurance_n to_o have_v his_o prayer_n hear_v and_o crown_v with_o success_n he_o who_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v his_o petition_n or_o he_o who_o either_o by_o implicit_a devotion_n give_v assent_v to_o all_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o gift_a brother_n or_o else_o suspend_v his_o amen_o when_o he_o hear_v thing_n inconsistent_a with_o his_o reason_n or_o rule_v of_o faith_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o form_n but_o because_o command_v by_o authority_n yet_o that_o very_a command_n lay_v the_o high_a obligation_n for_o our_o obedience_n thereto_o obedience_n say_v samuel_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n the_o levitical_a law_n command_v that_o the_o firstling_n of_o a_o ass_n shall_v be_v redeem_v with_o a_o lamb_n now_o shall_v we_o in_o contempt_n of_o this_o law_n break_v the_o lamb_n neck_n and_o think_v a_o ass_n a_o more_o proper_a offer_n for_o the_o temple_n return_v then_o o_o shunamite_n return_n return_v into_o the_o embrace_n of_o thy_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n for_o she_o be_v all_o fair_a there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o she_o she_o look_v forth_o as_o the_o morning_n fair_a as_o the_o moon_n clear_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n the_o profanation_n of_o the_o church_n you_o have_v make_v it_o etc._n etc._n that_o which_o be_v before_o phraise_v the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n whether_o the_o tribe_n ascend_v as_o to_o the_o pattern_n of_o heaven_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o visit_v it_o it_o be_v neither_o like_a heaven_n nor_o a_o house_n the_o very_a sacrifice_n therein_o have_v need_n of_o a_o expiation_n the_o sanctuary_n itself_o can_v not_o be_v safe_a from_o sacrilegious_a cruelty_n god_n and_o prayer_n be_v both_o drive_v out_o by_o thief_n the_o temple_n be_v not_o bare_o profane_v but_o profane_v in_o the_o most_o heinous_a nature_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o offence_n may_v be_v measure_v by_o the_o harshness_n of_o the_o term_n in_o that_o he_o call_v not_o a_o house_n but_o a_o den_n you_o have_v make_v etc._n etc._n where_o i_o shall_v consider_v when_o the_o church_n be_v make_v a_o den_n and_o then_o second_o who_o be_v the_o thief_n first_o a_o house_n receive_v the_o first_o peep_v forth_o of_o light_n all_o little_a ray_n and_o glimmer_a will_v pierce_v themselves_o in_o but_o as_o for_o a_o den_n it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o horror_n and_o darkness_n and_o the_o church_n may_v well_o be_v compare_v to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v want_v in_o it_o the_o light_n of_o ceremony_n the_o light_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o light_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o priest_n for_o first_o if_o the_o light_n of_o ceremony_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o church_n we_o blow_v out_o the_o light_n that_o be_v shine_v therein_o 1.20_o rom._n 1.20_o be_v not_o sense_n the_o guide_n to_o the_o understanding_n do_v not_o visible_a thing_n direct_v we_o to_o those_o that_o be_v invisible_a can_v
penitent_a people_n let_v a_o poor_a bleed_a church_n let_v a_o poor_a perish_a nation_n take_v shelter_n under_o thy_o wing_n turn_v in_o unto_o we_o o_o repentance_n and_o be_v thou_o visible_a in_o this_o nation_n who_o be_v only_a able_a to_o repair_v the_o mischief_n thereof_o make_v we_o perfect_a ninevite_n that_o the_o cry_n of_o blood_n may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n give_v we_o from_o henceforth_o loyal_o affect_v heart_n that_o we_o may_v be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n clothe_v we_o with_o sackcloth_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v strip_v of_o our_o gorgeous_a apparel_n sprinkle_v we_o with_o ash_n that_o the_o smell_v of_o fire_n may_v be_v no_o long_o in_o our_o dwelling_n enjoin_v we_o to_o fast_o for_o saul_n and_o for_o jonathan_n that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o enjoy_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o labour_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n make_v we_o to_o cry_v mighty_o that_o no_o other_o cry_n may_v be_v hear_v in_o our_o street_n than_o those_o of_o devotion_n for_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n who_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n for_o then_o shall_v peace_n be_v within_o our_o wall_n and_o plentiousness_n within_o our_o palace_n then_o shall_v there_o be_v no_o complain_v nor_o lead_v into_o captivity_n in_o our_o street_n oh_o the_o happiness_n we_o may_v enjoy_v if_o we_o be_v thus_o industrious_a for_o our_o own_o good_a and_o if_o not_o now_o when_o shall_v we_o be_v happy_a when_o we_o live_v under_o so_o gracious_a a_o prince_n that_o for_o virtue_n and_o piety_n he_o be_v second_o to_o none_o but_o charles_n the_o first_o but_o none_o but_o apelles_n can_v draw_v alexander_n picture_n i_o shall_v conclude_v therefore_o humble_o beseech_v god_n to_o grant_v he_o a_o long_a and_o prosperous_a reign_n over_o we_o to_o confound_v the_o subtle_a conspiracy_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o that_o as_o he_o have_v express_v his_o grace_n and_o clemency_n to_o we_o so_o may_v we_o blot_v out_o the_o infamy_n of_o this_o day_n by_o plentiful_a return_n of_o our_o sincere_a loyalty_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o and_o let_v all_o loyal_a and_o well_o affect_a subject_n say_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n god_n save_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n michael_n à _fw-fr plea_n april_n 21_o 1684._o at_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n hold_v there_o by_o the_o archdeacon_n of_o norwich_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 19_o v._n 46th_o it_o be_v write_v my_o house_n be_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n but_o you_o have_v make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n the_o most_o convenient_a place_n for_o judgement_n to_o begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o miscarriage_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n when_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o promote_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o wherein_o consist_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o kingdom_n but_o in_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o justice_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o maintain_v the_o queen_n upon_o her_o throne_n but_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n when_o religion_n then_o begin_v to_o falter_v no_o marvel_n if_o justice_n begin_v to_o swerve_v and_o what_o can_v that_o presage_n but_o he_o eminent_a peril_n and_o downfall_n of_o a_o state_n to_o prevent_v therefore_o the_o ruin_n and_o devastation_n of_o both_o god_n have_v entrust_v the_o royal_a office_n with_o a_o absolute_a supreme_a power_n and_o deposit_v the_o court_n roll_n of_o heaven_n into_o his_o hand_n for_o the_o same_o divine_a providence_n that_o anoint_v he_o king_n proclaim_v he_o also_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o great_a nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o solomon_n build_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o own_o palace_n both_o together_o but_o he_o first_o perfect_v the_o goodly_a fabric_n of_o the_o former_a before_o he_o begin_v to_o erect_v the_o latter_a to_o hint_n to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o temple_n which_o fasten_v the_o royal_a diadem_n upon_o the_o prince_n brow_n though_o we_o urge_v not_o therefore_o the_o great_a aid_n and_o assistance_n to_o the_o crown_n by_o those_o weapon_n of_o the_o church_n praeces_fw-la &_o lacrimae_fw-la yet_o heaven_n have_v so_o provide_v that_o caesar_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v out_o of_o kindness_n to_o himself_o as_o a_o religious_a respect_n to_o promote_v the_o splendour_n of_o religion_n to_o take_v special_a regard_n that_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o convert_v into_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n for_o he_o who_o will_v abuse_v the_o house_n of_o god_n will_v even_o dare_v to_o affront_v majesty_n to_o his_o face_n if_o aaron_n be_v disturb_v in_o his_o office_n how_o can_v moses_n be_v secure_a in_o his_o throne_n or_o how_o can_v aaron_n be_v a_o co-adjutor_a and_o prophet_n unto_o moses_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o shield_n and_o defence_n unto_o his_o brother_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o mitre_n sceptre_n and_o crosier_n be_v mutual_o to_o assist_v each_o other_o for_o like_o twin_n they_o thrive_v and_o fade_v live_v and_o die_v together_o and_o as_o the_o prosperity_n of_o a_o kingdom_n depend_v on_o the_o flourish_a of_o religion_n so_o likewise_o religion_n must_v use_v the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n to_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a the_o primitive_a father_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o a_o young_a birth_n employ_v all_o their_o industry_n and_o care_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v all_o one_o like_o the_o edomite_n to_o race_n and_o demolish_v the_o church_n as_o with_o separatist_n to_o inveigh_v against_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o the_o apostolical_a cannon_n large_o evince_v the_o pain_n and_o industry_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o maintain_v its_o honour_n and_o glory_n they_o therefore_o decree_v that_o episcopal_a assembly_n shall_v be_v hold_v twice_o every_o year_n which_o constitution_n be_v afterward_o reinforce_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o several_a council_n for_o what_o be_v more_o powerful_a to_o preserve_v sanctity_n maintain_v purity_n of_o doctrine_n hinder_v heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o dispensers_n of_o god_n word_n to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o the_o bishop_n to_o provide_v that_o discipline_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o actuate_v those_o law_n which_o otherwise_o will_v die_v abortive_a they_o therefore_o who_o declaim_v against_o hierarchy_n of_o bishop_n strike_v at_o the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n for_o let_v we_o but_o remove_v prelacy_n and_o tell_v i_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v discipline_n and_o that_o be_v go_v what_o will_v become_v of_o religion_n when_o anarchy_n reign_v in_o israel_n than_o every_o man_n do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o prelate_n be_v there_o not_o diversity_n of_o doctrine_n variety_n of_o judgement_n and_o every_o man_n profess_v what_o religion_n he_o please_v but_o see_v there_o be_v bishop_n in_o our_o church_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o religious_a and_o orthodox_n clergy_n where_o lie_v the_o fault_n but_o in_o the_o prelate_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o devout_a and_o conformable_a people_n where_o lie_v the_o fault_n but_o in_o the_o priest_n for_o where_o they_o be_v strict_a and_o careful_a in_o perform_v the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o the_o people_n will_v or_o must_v of_o necessity_n do_v they_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n therefore_o the_o bless_a jesus_n in_o this_o chapter_n when_o he_o see_v the_o city_n he_o weep_v of_o over_o it_o but_o be_v come_v into_o the_o temple_n he_o cast_v out_o they_o who_o sell_v therein_o in_o all_o his_o time_n of_o converse_n with_o mankind_n on_o earth_n he_o never_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o magistrate_n till_o now_o and_o indeed_o what_o place_n more_o fit_a for_o reformation_n to_o begin_v in_o be_v all_o erroneous_a whiggish_a and_o half-conforming_a person_n weed_v out_o of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o employment_n we_o shall_v soon_o find_v religion_n will_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n on_o the_o conformity_n and_o life_n of_o men._n may_v we_o not_o well_o presume_v jerusalem_n to_o be_v out_o of_o course_n and_o order_n when_o there_o be_v such_o great_a disorder_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n when_o thief_n and_o robber_n have_v take_v the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o possession_n and_o sacrilege_n install_v in_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n here_o then_o our_o saviour_n begin_v pass_v by_o the_o sin_n and_o division_n of_o the_o city_n only_o weep_v over_o it_o and_o pity_v it_o but_o punish_v the_o
sin_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o he_o whip_v and_o scourge_v they_o who_o have_v profane_v it_o say_v my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n the_o word_n present_a to_o we_o the_o institution_n and_o profanation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n my_o house_n &c_n &c_n the_o institution_n will_v entertain_v your_o meditation_n with_o three_o particular_n what_o it_o must_v be_v for_o who_o and_o for_o what_o end_n we_o resume_v the_o first_o it_o must_v be_v a_o house_n first_o though_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o though_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o can_v be_v circumscribe_v but_o replenish_v every_o corner_n and_o part_n thereof_o with_o his_o presence_n yet_o still_o he_o have_v ever_o confine_v himself_o to_o some_o one_o particular_a place_n set_z apart_z for_o his_o adoration_n and_o worship_n though_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v man_n ought_v to_o pray_v continual_o and_o in_o every_o place_n nevertheless_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n god_n have_v appoint_v some_o more_o peculiar_a place_n for_o his_o royal_a court_n and_o refidence_n on_o earth_n where_o man_n shall_v offer_v sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o he_o thus_o when_o religion_n be_v but_o in_o its_o infancy_n god_n be_v resort_v to_o in_o a_o remote_a mountain_n or_o some_o neighbour_a grove_n where_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n man_n may_v elevate_v their_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o pleasant_a contemplation_n of_o eternity_n where_o they_o may_v be_v free_v from_o all_o avocation_n have_v no_o encumbrance_n to_o indispose_v their_o mind_n from_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o it_o be_v in_o this_o melancholy_a solitude_n and_o holy_a retirement_n from_o the_o world_n that_o abraham_n solicit_v god_n by_o invocation_n gen._n 21.33_o but_o when_o religion_n begin_v to_o flourish_v these_o grove_n be_v abuse_v by_o gentile_a superstition_n god_n remove_v himself_o into_o a_o tabernacle_n and_o journey_v along_o with_o moses_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o will_v not_o be_v public_o speak_v withal_o until_o solomon_n time_n when_o these_o pilgrim_n have_v complete_v their_o travel_n god_n no_o long_o dwell_v in_o a_o tabernacle_n or_o travel_a temple_n but_o have_v a_o house_n erect_v that_o he_o and_o the_o ark_n of_o his_o strength_n may_v enter_v therein_o and_o solomon_n be_v the_o first_o who_o build_v this_o house_n where_o man_n shall_v make_v their_o address_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n nor_o ever_o read_v i_o any_o deny_v he_o a_o place_n to_o rest_v in_o till_o there_o start_v up_o a_o late_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o will_v make_v god_n but_o their_o inmate_n and_o out_o of_o civil_a courtesy_n grant_v he_o a_o lodging_n like_o the_o poor_a levite_n in_o micha_n house_n or_o the_o man_n of_o god_n in_o the_o shunamite_n little_a chamber_n but_o sir_n god_n command_v i_o to_o declare_v that_o he_o who_o provide_v we_o a_o house_n to_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o the_o air_n and_o fierceness_n of_o beast_n will_v have_v a_o house_n dedicate_v to_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v therein_o yea_o and_o bless_v be_v god_n we_o have_v find_v out_o a_o habitation_n for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o thanks_o to_o the_o devotion_n of_o our_o forefather_n for_o we_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o pull_v down_o than_o to_o build_v and_o if_o so_o how_o great_a be_v our_o backwardness_n to_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v good_a work_n be_v even_o antiquate_v and_o that_o religion_n adjudge_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o least_o chargeable_a to_o man_n it_o be_v strange_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o base_o niggardly_a in_o promote_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n either_o there_o must_v be_v less_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n or_o not_o the_o same_o obligation_n the_o last_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o prompt_v our_o forefather_n have_v the_o same_o force_n and_o argument_n upon_o we_o it_o must_v therefore_o proceed_v from_o our_o low_a esteem_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a be_v that_o we_o imagine_v a_o granary_n or_o stable_a or_o some_o spiritual_a weaver_n parlour_n spacious_a enough_o to_o entertain_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n and_o all_o his_o retinue_n of_o celestial_a courtier_n we_o be_v censure_v superstitious_a if_o we_o be_v not_o direct_a antipode_n to_o the_o pious_a sense_n of_o former_a age_n we_o be_v present_o conclude_v devote_v to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n if_o we_o be_v but_o so_o curious_a as_o to_o make_v god_n house_n handsome_a than_o our_o own_o but_o if_o this_o be_v superstition_n i_o wish_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o my_o soul_n all_o man_n be_v thus_o superstitious_a and_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n if_o this_o be_v superstition_n how_o have_v it_o overspread_v and_o corrupt_v primitive_a christianity_n for_o they_o think_v no_o service_n so_o acceptable_a as_o to_o do_v something_o for_o god_n house_n for_o what_o be_v more_o plain_a man_n have_v but_o small_a respect_n for_o religion_n who_o adorn_v their_o house_n with_o marble_n and_o ivory_n cedar_n and_o tapestry_n and_o see_v god_n house_n lie_v unprovided_a for_o and_o neglect_v whatever_o man_n think_v the_o royal_a prophet_n i_o be_o sure_o be_v of_o another_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n for_o say_v he_o to_o nathan_n see_v now_o i_o dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n but_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n rest_v within_o curtain_n he_o think_v it_o great_a ir-religion_n and_o impiety_n that_o even_o the_o king_n palace_n shall_v be_v more_o glorious_a than_o god_n house_n this_o be_v the_o primary_n reason_n antiquity_n christen_v their_o church_n by_o the_o name_n of_o basilicae_n not_o because_o they_o there_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o because_o of_o their_o beauty_n and_o frame_n how_o magnificent_a and_o noble_a be_v the_o temple_n which_o constantine_n erect_v and_o yet_o how_o far_o surpass_v by_o that_o vast_a one_o constantius_n his_o son_n build_v at_o alexandria_n he_o succeed_v his_o father_n not_o only_o in_o possess_v the_o same_o religion_n but_o also_o in_o his_o great_a care_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o they_o two_o be_v inseparable_a companion_n he_o can_v have_v any_o high_a regard_n for_o religion_n who_o disregard_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v that_o fall_n and_o religion_n can_v stand_v let_v that_o decay_n and_o will_v not_o religion_n perish_v he_o who_o have_v any_o respect_n for_o his_o master_n can_v patient_o behold_v his_o house_n surmount_v by_o a_o hospital_n or_o almshouse_n for_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n can_v my_o devotion_n be_v elevate_v and_o pure_a when_o i_o see_v the_o place_n where_o he_o dwell_v more_o like_o a_o bridewell_n or_o pest-house_n than_o the_o palace_n of_o my_o god_n can_v we_o conceive_v it_o the_o presence-chamber_n of_o heaven_n where_o god_n and_o his_o whole_a train_n of_o bless_a spirit_n be_v more_o immediate_o present_a to_o hear_v and_o observe_v we_o when_o we_o see_v it_o more_o like_o a_o sty_n or_o a_o stable_a rather_o than_o the_o mansion_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o be_v and_o this_o i_o fear_v be_v no_o small_a occasion_n man_n demean_v themselves_o so_o unhandsoms_o and_o rude_o therein_o because_o a_o ordinary_a cottage_n outvie_v it_o in_o spruceness_n and_o neatness_n but_o indeed_o the_o most_o graceful_a ornament_n of_o a_o house_n be_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n therein_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o presume_v the_o church_n be_v not_o style_v curia_n but_o domus_fw-la not_o a_o court_n where_o division_n and_o envy_n be_v nourish_v but_o a_o house_n where_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n meet_v together_o and_o love_n and_o peace_n even_o kiss_v each_o other_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a province_n to_o maintain_v perfect_a unity_n in_o a_o state_n but_o be_v it_o so_o laborious_a to_o preserve_v it_o in_o a_o house_n the_o disturbance_n and_o commotion_n of_o a_o kingdom_n may_v prove_v dangerous_a and_o fatal_a but_o be_v not_o the_o division_n of_o a_o house_n far_o more_o opprobrious_a and_o shameful_a when_o man_n be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o a_o house_n but_o the_o father_n oppose_v the_o son_n and_o the_o son_n studious_a to_o control_v the_o father_n the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o house_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o unity_n and_o order_n maintain_v therein_o but_o not_o a_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o where_o the_o pastor_n be_v against_o the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n endeavour_v to_o oppose_v the_o shepherd_n and_o both_o join_v hand_n in_o hand_n to_o oppugn_v their_o bishop_n and_o ordinary_a they_o who_o consent_v to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o pythagoras_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o two_o devil_n because_o he_o first_o