conversant_a in_o this_o duty_n have_v no_o 〈◊〉_d prehension_n at_o all_o but_o be_v perfect_a blind_a and_o stupid_o senseless_a of_o inviâ—_n ble_a and_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n whâ—_n by_o their_o mind_n be_v straighten_a and_o â—rowed_a have_v no_o thought_n beyâ—_n their_o own_o poor_a self_n and_o that_o only_o this_o present_a world_n when_o they_o tâ—_n set_v their_o mind_n to_o a_o holy_a conveâ—_n with_o god_n in_o this_o spiritual_a duty_n this_o mean_n mighty_o widen_v and_o enlarge_v they_o which_o be_v the_o other_o advantage_n i_o mention_v extend_v their_o desire_n and_o care_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v they_o solicitous_a for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o holy_a prayer_n that_o it_o enlarge_v our_o spirit_n so_o far_o as_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o extend_v their_o charity_n to_o all_o man_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n by_o any_o other_o mean_v to_o do_v we_o approach_v unto_o infinity_n and_o immensity_n in_o our_o desire_n and_o wish_n and_o in_o our_o good_a will_n and_o readiness_n to_o benefit_v all_o the_o world_n every_o part_n of_o which_o though_o never_o so_o far_o distant_a from_o we_o we_o may_v help_v this_o way_n and_o express_v our_o affection_n to_o it_o though_o we_o be_v so_o contract_v and_o limit_v in_o all_o other_o ability_n but_o this_o that_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o serve_v they_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o our_o prayer_n alone_o can_v reach_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o country_n nor_o people_n out_o of_o their_o reach_n but_o in_o these_o holy_a desire_n we_o may_v stretch_v forth_o our_o soul_n to_o the_o furthermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n draw_v down_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o by_o which_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o neceâ—ty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o praâ—_n without_o which_o we_o grow_v stranger_n to_o god_n and_o our_o heavenly_a countâ—dull_n earthy_a poor_a spirit_v and_o defâ—cable_a thing_n mind_v only_o our_o silly_a and_o look_v no_o further_a than_o this_o 〈◊〉_d send_v world_n and_o our_o particular_a concern_v therein_o but_o by_o the_o practice_n which_o we_o maintain_v our_o acquaintaâ—_n with_o god_n and_o with_o the_o spiritâ—_n world_n nay_o become_v friend_n of_o gâ—_n and_o grow_v great_a mind_v heavenly_a spritual_a able_a to_o look_v beyond_o our_o liâ—selves_n nay_o beyond_o all_o thing_n visiblâ—large_v comprehensive_a full_a of_o hiâ—_n thought_n and_o lofty_a design_n posset_n with_o divine_a affection_n move_v true_o noble_a end_n fraught_v with_o geâ—rous_a desire_n and_o transcendent_a hopeâ—_n which_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o proportâ—nable_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o conclude_v this_o with_o the_o word_n of_o 〈◊〉_d chrysostome_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o as_o the_o sâ—_n give_v light_a to_o the_o body_n prayer_n do_v to_o the_o soâ—_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o great_a calamâ—_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n that_o he_o see_v not_o the_o sâ—â—_n what_o a_o loss_n be_v it_o to_o a_o christian_n not_o to_o prâ—_n â—â—tinually_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n bring_v the_o â—ight_n of_o christ_n into_o his_o soul_n chap._n vii_o the_o pleasure_n which_o spring_v from_o the_o â—serious_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n the_o great_a man_n just_a now_o name_v will_v have_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o think_v ourselves_o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o that_o we_o be_v perform_v their_o service_n for_o though_o we_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o they_o in_o other_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n diet_n wisdom_n and_o understanding_n yet_o prayer_n be_v the_o common_a employment_n and_o business_n of_o angel_n as_o well_o as_o man_n by_o which_o we_o be_v segregated_a from_o beast_n and_o knit_v to_o the_o angel_n shall_v short_o be_v translate_v into_o their_o polity_n their_o manner_n of_o life_n honour_n nobility_n wisdom_n and_o understanding_n spend_v all_o our_o life_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o very_a leasant_a contemplation_n and_o a_o fit_a introduction_n to_o the_o second_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d dertook_v to_o demonstrate_v how_o 〈◊〉_d fortable_a and_o true_o delightful_a it_o iâ—_n approach_v unto_o god_n in_o such_o 〈◊〉_d thought_n of_o he_o and_o devout_a affâ—â—ons_n to_o he_o as_o we_o be_v suppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d when_o we_o make_v our_o prayer_n with_o â—ses_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o he_o and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v sufficieâ—_n consider_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o deliâ—ful_a employment_n because_o therein_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n as_o i_o have_v alâ—_n saidl_v which_o be_v the_o description_n thâ—ly_a scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o second_o in_o so_o do_v we_o comâ—_n ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concern_v 〈◊〉_d the_o care_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n pâ—_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v a_o greatâ—_n of_o the_o business_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n 1._o the_o former_a of_o these_o may_v â—â—fily_o understand_v by_o consider_v to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n be_v to_o fix_v our_o 〈◊〉_d on_o he_o and_o lay_v open_a our_o soul_n heâ—_n he_o in_o who_o presence_n be_v fullness_n joy_n and_o everflow_a pleasure_n that_o which_o produce_v pleasure_n be_v be_v the_o application_n of_o our_o faculty_n â—sutable_a object_n with_o suitable_a opeâ—ons_n about_o they_o and_o the_o noble_a the_o faculty_n be_v and_o the_o high_a the_o object_n the_o great_a must_v the_o pleasure_n need_v be_v which_o arise_v from_o their_o conjunction_n now_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v the_o high_a power_n which_o we_o have_v and_o god_n be_v the_o high_a object_n on_o which_o our_o mind_n can_v fix_v and_o therefore_o the_o application_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o by_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v their_o operation_n can_v but_o produce_v the_o high_a pleasure_n as_o much_o above_o all_o bodily_a pleasure_n as_o our_o soul_n be_v above_o our_o body_n and_o god_n above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n if_o we_o feel_v no_o such_o pleasure_n in_o our_o approach_n to_o he_o it_o be_v because_o our_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o our_o affection_n towards_o he_o be_v dull_a and_o liveless_a we_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o think_v serious_o of_o he_o when_o we_o fall_v down_o to_o worship_v he_o but_o suffer_v our_o heart_n to_o be_v far_o off_o from_o he_o when_o with_o our_o lip_n we_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o for_o be_v our_o mind_n possess_v with_o settle_a thought_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n all-seeing_a wisdom_n boundless_a goodness_n tender_a mercy_n and_o careful_a providence_n in_o compass_v we_o and_o all_o creature_n bestowâ—_n great_a benefit_n on_o we_o now_o and_o inteâ—ing_v great_a they_o will_v unspeakaâ—_n delight_v we_o the_o small_a glance_n have_v of_o any_o of_o these_o infinite_a perfeâ—ons_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o 〈◊〉_d beginning_n of_o all_o our_o public_a pray_v touch_v we_o if_o we_o mind_v what_o we_o 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o singular_a pleasure_n though_o can_v at_o that_o time_n have_v more_o thaâ—_n short_a thought_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fore_n what_o joy_n may_v we_o not_o receive_v whence_o in_o our_o secret_a and_o retire_a deâ—tions_n when_o we_o may_v stay_v and_o look_v long_o as_o we_o please_v upon_o any_o of_o thâ—_n divine_a attribute_n which_o affect_v 〈◊〉_d heart_n delight_v ourselves_o in_o 〈◊〉_d thought_n either_o of_o his_o power_n whâ—_n nothing_o can_v control_v or_o of_o his_o knowledge_n from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v hiâ—den_v or_o of_o his_o wonderful_a love_n whiâ—_n think_v nothing_o too_o great_a to_o give_v of_o his_o overrule_a providence_n whiâ—_n make_v all_o thing_n work_v together_o 〈◊〉_d good_a to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o or_o of_o 〈◊〉_d impartial_a justice_n which_o in_o due_a seize_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o render_v to_o all_o man_n boâ—â—_n good_a and_o bad_a according_a to_o their_o doing_n and_o when_o these_o pious_a thought_n stir_v up_o in_o we_o the_o passion_n of_o love_n and_o hope_v and_o long_n to_o be_v more_o fill_v with_o such_o delightful_a thought_n of_o he_o and_o affection_n towards_o he_o the_o pleasure_n must_v needs_o be_v exceed_o increase_v as_o every_o one_o may_v be_v convince_v who_o be_v not_o so_o ill-natured_a as_o to_o have_v no_o body_n that_o they_o love_v in_o this_o world_n for_o they_o that_o have_v a_o faithful_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v also_o a_o powerful_a friend_n find_v nothing_o so_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a as_o to_o love_v he_o sincere_o and_o to_o be_v sincere_o belove_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o to_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o ardent_a love_n to_o god_n which_o natural_o make_v we_o hope_v we_o be_v belove_v
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d num._n 39_o and_o pray_v â—ot_n in_o vain_a but_o obtain_v what_o he_o ask_v and_o without_o prayer_n â—ould_v not_o we_o may_v well_o think_v obtain_v â—t_a which_o of_o we_o can_v be_v so_o negligent_a as_o â—ot_n to_o pray_v for_o to_o what_o end_n can_v we_o think_v be_v â—ll_o this_o do_v by_o he_o but_o to_o show_v we_o â—he_v obligation_n of_o humane_a nature_n â—nd_v to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o our_o dependence_n on_o god_n and_o that_o we_o can_v have_v nothing_o without_o his_o will_n and_o that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a our_o will_n shâ—â—_n be_v whole_o regulate_v by_o he_o he_o 〈◊〉_d not_o all_o this_o bare_o to_o give_v we_o a_o exaple_n but_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v know_v that_o no_o man_n though_o never_o perfect_a can_v live_v to_o god_n with_o pray_v to_o he_o chap._n iu._n other_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a nausity_n of_o prayer_n vi_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o we_o furtâ—_n to_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v 〈◊〉_d point_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v we_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o convince_a 〈◊〉_d monstration_n of_o its_o great_a necessity_n we_o will_v judge_v of_o thing_n according_a the_o account_n which_o god_n make_v of_o theâ—_n who_o lest_o this_o duty_n shall_v not_o be_v wâ—_n do_v lend_v we_o his_o power_n to_o perform_v acceptable_o unto_o he_o and_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d suffer_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o wait_v upon_o â—o_o no_o purpose_n nay_o shall_v it_o follow_v we_o continual_o and_o urge_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n inspire_v we_o with_o good_a thought_n and_o exciting_a pious_a desire_n â—nd_v we_o refuse_v to_o be_v lead_v and_o conduct_v â—y_a its_o holy_a motion_n this_o be_v as_o unnatural_a as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o soul_n and_o â—ever_o think_v to_o have_v a_o tongue_n and_o never_o speak_v eye_n and_o a_o power_n to_o see_v and_o never_o open_v they_o vii_o it_o be_v as_o considerable_a also_o that_o â—e_n have_v appoint_v his_o son_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o he_o in_o â—he_n heaven_n which_o suppose_v both_o that_o we_o will_v do_v this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v for_o otherwise_o we_o make_v void_a this_o new_a office_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o god_n the_o father_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o tendere_a compassion_n have_v create_v we_o make_v he_o a_o advocate_n without_o client_n a_o intercessor_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o wait_v in_o vain_a for_o our_o petition_n good_a lord_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o ignorant_a or_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o account_v themselves_o christian_n and_o never_o or_o seldom_o lift_v up_o their_o mind_n 〈◊〉_d heart_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o heaven_n 〈◊〉_d feel_v any_o need_n of_o his_o patronage_n 〈◊〉_d make_v use_v of_o his_o most_o powerful_a interâ—_n for_o the_o obtain_v any_o blessing_n 〈◊〉_d they_o which_o they_o can_v have_v unâ—â—_n they_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n they_o in_o his_o prevail_a name_n and_o alone_o viii_o the_o necessity_n also_o of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d be_v understand_v by_o the_o frequent_a injection_n we_o meet_v withal_o in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o pray_v always_o pray_v wâ—â—out_a cease_v and_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o i_o have_v beâ—â—noted_a which_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o â—â—ness_n of_o such_o importance_n that_o we_o can_v subsist_v without_o it_o but_o must_v useâ—_n as_o constant_o as_o we_o do_v our_o meat_n aâ—_n drink_v or_o rather_o more_o constant_o be_v of_o such_o great_a concernment_n thâ—_n it_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o our_o very_a breath_n the_o incense_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o 〈◊〉_d john_n teach_v we_o viij_o revel_v 3._o represent_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n noâ—_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unworthy_a our_o observaâ—_n on_o to_o note_n that_o whereas_o the_o shew-breâ—_a whereby_o a_o acknowledgement_n wâ—_n make_v as_o some_o think_v that_o they_o receive_v all_o their_o food_n from_o god_n be_v renew_v and_o set_v upon_o the_o holy_a table_n in_o â—he_n sanctuary_n but_o once_o every_o week_n â—nd_v the_o lamp_n in_o the_o temple_n which_o â—â—gnified_v perhaps_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n be_v dress_v once_o every_o day_n the_o incense_n which_o certain_o signify_v their_o prayer_n be_v renew_v by_o god_n order_n twice_o every_o day_n and_o offer_v upon_o the_o altar_n morning_n and_o evening_n which_o may_v suggest_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o â—â—ght_n to_o be_v more_o sensible_a of_o the_o need_n â—e_v have_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o â—rayer_n than_o of_o the_o need_n of_o our_o daily_a â—ood_n but_o especial_o of_o prayer_n though_o we_o read_v often_o yet_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n to_o â—ray_v often_o ix_o for_o it_o be_v our_o main_a security_n our_o â—reat_a safeguard_n our_o refuge_n and_o place_n â—f_a retreat_n in_o all_o the_o danger_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v expose_v in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o only_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a armour_n but_o set_v also_o in_o the_o last_o place_n as_o that_o which_o complete_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n vi_fw-la ephes_n 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o st._n chrysostome_n oâ—â—_n speak_v xi_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n thirty_o in_o gen._n cap._n xi_o for_o prayer_n 〈◊〉_d mighty_a weapon_n a_o powerful_a defence_n wâ—â—_n out_o which_o no_o manâ—_n be_v able_a to_o stand_v â—maintain_v his_o grounâ—_n against_o the_o assault_n temptation_n nor_o oâ—_n come_v his_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o which_o we_o lie_v hold_v upon_o the_o arm_n of_o almighty_a for_o our_o defence_n and_o succoâ—_n and_o engage_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o with_o we_o and_o assure_v ourselves_o if_o right_o manage_v it_o of_o a_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d ctory_n for_o herein_o we_o employ_v all_o the_o othâ—â—_n part_n of_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n whâ—_n the_o apostle_n there_o require_v we_o to_o 〈◊〉_d unto_o we_o and_o to_o put_v on_o we_o we_o our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o our_o faith_n our_o love_n and_o our_o hâ—_n and_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o word_n of_o gâ—â—_n particular_o to_o his_o precious_a promise_n and_o declare_v our_o sincere_a affection_n to_o righteousness_n and_o our_o upright_a into_o tion_n to_o persist_v and_o continue_v â—_z by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n which_o we_o employ_v so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a because_o by_o prayer_n all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v continual_o exercise_v and_o keep_v in_o ure_n the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n be_v gird_v close_o to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v make_v more_o expedite_a and_o ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o encounter_v with_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n x._o whence_o it_o be_v you_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o holy_a man_n who_o live_v the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n can_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o omit_v it_o i_o will_v give_v but_o one_o instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n who_o when_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o command_n of_o a_o great_a king_n to_o forbear_v pray_v to_o his_o god_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 30_o day_n dare_v not_o consent_v to_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o yet_o daniel_n be_v a_o good_a subject_n as_o well_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v very_o sensible_a what_o ready_a obedience_n ought_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o king_n and_o how_o necessary_a this_o obedience_n be_v where_o a_o contrary_a antecedent_n necessity_n do_v not_o â—e_n upon_o he_o to_o obey_v god_n especial_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v enjoin_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o death_n and_o when_o his_o sovereign_n do_v not_o require_v a_o total_a forbearance_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o only_o for_o a_o liâ—â—ted_a time_n and_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v he_o câ—â—_n rather_o to_o lose_v the_o favour_n of_o his_o prinâ—â—_n who_o have_v be_v very_o kind_a to_o he_o nayâ—_n lose_v his_o life_n as_o well_o as_o his_o honour_n and_o more_o than_o that_o to_o be_v throw_v in_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n there_o to_o be_v tear_v piece_n and_o devour_v by_o those_o ravenâ—_n beast_n than_o to_o omit_v his_o constant_a devotion_n to_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o history_n of_o his_o admirable_a â—â—ty_n vi_fw-la dan._n 10._o when_o daniel_n know_v 〈◊〉_d this_o decree_n be_v sign_v mark_v that_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o his_o window_n 〈◊〉_d open_a towards_o jerusalem_n he_o kneel_v 〈◊〉_d his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n 〈◊〉_d do_v afore_o time_n which_o show_v that_o in_o his_o opiniâ—â—_n it_o be_v more_o necessary_a
your_o sin_n such_o petition_n the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v so_o powerful_a that_o they_o suppose_v they_o can_v obtain_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o combine_v as_o it_o be_v together_o to_o seek_v his_o favour_n in_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n 39_o apolog._n cap._n 39_o coimus_fw-la ad_fw-la deâ—um_fw-la ut_fw-la quasi_fw-la manu_fw-la facta_fw-la precationibus_fw-la ambiamus_fw-la etc._n etc._n say_v tertullian_n we_o come_v by_o troop_n to_o make_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o be_v band_v as_o it_o be_v together_o we_o may_v with_o a_o strong_a hand_n sue_v to_o he_o for_o his_o favour_n haec_fw-la vis_fw-la deo_fw-la grata_fw-la est_fw-la this_o violence_n be_v grateful_a unto_o god_n it_o be_v a_o force_n which_o he_o love_v and_o such_o press_a supplicant_n be_v welcome_a to_o his_o majesty_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n ambrose_n speak_v in_o his_o book_n of_o repentance_n as_o mr._n hooker_n have_v observe_v many_o of_o the_o mean_a be_v gather_v together_o unanimous_o become_v great_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o prayer_n of_o many_o shall_v be_v contemn_v which_o be_v a_o notion_n so_o much_o root_v in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n that_o they_o have_v a_o opinion_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v always_o hear_v 173._o rel._n assembl_n p._n 173._o but_o not_o so_o the_o prayer_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o private_a as_o mr._n thorndike_n observe_v out_o of_o maimonides_n but_o we_o have_v no_o neeed_o of_o their_o opinion_n or_o any_o one_o else_o to_o justify_v this_o that_o there_o be_v the_o great_a force_n in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o many_o join_v their_o desire_n in_o the_o same_o petition_n for_o st._n paul_n who_o may_v presume_v to_o have_v as_o much_o power_n with_o god_n upon_o his_o own_o single_a interest_n in_o he_o as_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o yet_o think_v the_o prayer_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n will_v do_v he_o more_o service_n and_o therefore_o frequent_o beg_v of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o will_v assist_v he_o with_o their_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o he_o thus_o he_o write_v to_o the_o roman_n xv_o 30_o 31._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n observe_v how_o passionate_o he_o desire_v this_o that_o you_o strive_v together_o with_o i_o it_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o phrase_n as_o that_o i_o mention_v of_o tertullia_n in_o your_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o i_o that_o i_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o they_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o judaea_n and_o that_o my_o service_n which_o i_o have_v for_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n i_o 11._o you_o also_o help_v together_o by_o prayer_n for_o we_o that_o for_o the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o many_o person_n thanks_o may_v be_v give_v by_o many_o on_o our_o behalf_n where_o he_o plain_o acknowledge_v it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o his_o advantage_n if_o many_o do_v contribute_v their_o help_n both_o in_o prayer_n and_o in_o thanksgiving_n on_o his_o behalf_n nay_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a he_o think_v to_o preacâ—_n the_o gospel_n better_o and_o with_o more_o authority_n as_o well_o as_o freedom_n if_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o christian_a people_n be_v not_o want_v on_o his_o behalf_n four_o coloâ—â—_n 2_o 3_o 4._o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o watch_v in_o the_o same_o with_o thanksgiving_n withâ—â—_n pray_v also_o for_o we_o that_o god_n will_v opeâ—_n unto_o we_o a_o door_n of_o utterance_n to_o speak_v thâ—_n mystery_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o i_o be_o iâ—_n bond_n that_o i_o may_v make_v it_o manifest_a as_o aught_o to_o speak_v behold_v how_o solicitous_a st._n paul_n be_v to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n common_a prayer_n and_o hoâ—_n great_a a_o man_n be_v he_o inferior_a to_o none_o but_o rather_o as_o st._n chrysostoâ—_n describe_v he_o zebed_n he_o hom._n xxxiii_o tom._n 1._o de_fw-fr petitione_n filiorum_fw-la zebed_n the_o 〈◊〉_d best_o of_o man_n the_o teacher_n 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n who_o speedy_o pass_v as_o if_o he_o have_v have_v winâ—â—_n over_o sea_n and_o land_n that_o choose_a vessel_n the_o spokesman_n of_o christ_n to_o espouse_v sâ—â—_n to_o he_o the_o planter_n of_o church_n thâ—_n wise_a masterbuilder_n the_o preacher_n 〈◊〉_d racer_n etc._n etc._n who_o left_a monument_n of_o 〈◊〉_d virtue_n all_o the_o world_n over_o who_o 〈◊〉_d snatch_v into_o the_o three_o heaven_n before_o 〈◊〉_d resurrection_n who_o be_v take_v up_o into_o paradise_n who_o god_n make_v partaker_n of_o iâ—_n effable_a mystery_n who_o receive_v a_o more_o abundant_a grace_n and_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o this_o man_n beg_v for_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v unless_o he_o be_v commend_v by_o they_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n a_o sign_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o most_o efficacious_a for_o though_o god_n as_o grotius_n excellent_o observe_v upon_o xviii_o matth._n 19_o ofttime_n grant_v to_o one_o man_n prayer_n that_o which_o he_o ask_v yet_o to_o many_o who_o unanimous_o join_v in_o the_o same_o petition_n he_o give_v both_o more_o willing_o and_o more_o large_o and_o more_o speedy_o which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o unanswerable_a reason_n why_o the_o public_a prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n that_o all_o may_v join_v in_o desire_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o by_o their_o unite_a desire_n prevail_v for_o the_o great_a blessing_n hear_v st._n chrysostome_n who_o word_n upon_o the_o 2_o cor._n viij_o 24._o cor._n hom._n xviii_o in_o 2_o cor._n marvellous_o illustrate_v this_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v where_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o show_v to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v send_v a_o proof_n of_o their_o love_n before_o the_o church_n he_o interpret_v it_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o then_o add_v and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n for_o great_a be_v the_o power_n of_o a_o assembly_n or_o of_o the_o church_n behold_v what_o their_o prayer_n can_v do_v it_o loose_v the_o bond_n of_o peter_n and_o it_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o paul_n they_o that_o be_v about_o to_o be_v ordain_v therefore_o beg_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o like_a manner_n for_o those_o who_o be_v possess_v and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o penance_n prayer_n be_v make_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o by_o the_o priest_n only_o they_o all_o say_v one_o and_o the_o same_o prayer_n a_o prayer_n full_a of_o compassion_n for_o in_o this_o the_o people_n be_v concern_v as_o well_o as_o the_o priest_n they_o pray_v for_o he_o as_o he_o for_o they_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o and_o they_o answer_v and_o with_o thy_o spirit_n and_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o they_o pray_v with_o the_o priest_n when_o they_o send_v up_o the_o holy_a hymn_n of_o the_o church_n in_o common_a with_o the_o cherubim_n and_o the_o power_n above_o this_o that_o good_a father_n repeat_v very_o often_o and_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v imprint_v in_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o do_v sink_v down_o into_o all_o our_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d antioch_n hom._n iii._o ad_fw-la pop_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n can_v do_v much_o when_o we_o offer_v up_o those_o prayer_n with_o a_o afflict_a soul_n and_o with_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n cant._n l._n viij_o p._n 424._o edit_fw-la cant._n the_o same_o origen_n tell_v celsus_n in_o word_n worthy_a to_o be_v remember_v if_o when_o two_o of_o we_o on_o earth_n agree_v together_o to_o ask_v any_o thing_n 19_o matth._n xviii_o 19_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o father_n of_o the_o just_a who_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o god_n delight_v in_o the_o symphony_n and_o agreement_n of_o rational_a creature_n and_o be_v displease_v with_o their_o discord_n and_o disagreement_n what_o may_v we_o not_o expect_v if_o not_o only_o as_o now_o a_o very_a few_o but_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n agree_v together_o to_o sue_v for_o the_o divine_a favour_n they_o may_v pray_v to_o he_o that_o say_v heretofore_o to_o the_o hebrew_n when_o the_o egyptian_n pursue_v they_o the_o lord_z shall_v fight_v for_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v hold_v your_o peace_n exod._n fourteen_o 14._o and_o pray_v most_o unanimous_o obtain_v great_a victory_n than_o moses_n then_o do_v by_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o help_v iii_o but_o further_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o much_o our_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n be_v natural_o inflame_v by_o public_a assembly_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a power_n in_o prayer_n for_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_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 the_o earth_n and_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o ver_fw-la 34_o 35._o and_o then_o conclude_v his_o declaration_n in_o this_o manner_n now_o i_o nabuchadnezzar_n praise_n and_o extol_v and_o honour_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n all_o who_o work_n be_v truth_n and_o his_o way_n judgement_n and_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o pride_n he_o be_v able_a to_o abase_v a_o voice_n worthy_a of_o a_o king_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v publish_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o make_v the_o declaration_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v to_o be_v send_v to_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n that_o dwell_v on_o all_o the_o earth_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o be_v throughout_o all_o his_o wide_a empire_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o his_o authority_n reach_v and_o his_o word_n will_v be_v reverence_v that_o they_o may_v magnify_v this_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o with_o he_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o public_a piece_n of_o devotition_n that_o we_o ever_o read_v be_v perform_v by_o any_o man_n arise_v out_o of_o this_o sense_n with_o which_o he_o be_v possess_v in_o those_o ancient_a time_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v bless_a and_o extol_v public_o among_o and_o by_o all_o people_n to_o who_o he_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o show_v the_o sign_n and_o the_o wonder_n which_o the_o most_o high_a god_n have_v wrought_v towards_o he_o and_o how_o great_a say_v he_o be_v his_o sign_n and_o how_o mighty_a be_v his_o wonder_n ver_fw-la 3._o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o tell_v but_o make_v the_o best_a and_o the_o most_o ample_a declaration_n of_o they_o that_o he_o can_v in_o this_o imperial_a decree_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v proclaim_v every_o where_n by_o all_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v in_o what_o gross_a error_n two_o sort_n of_o people_n live_v first_o they_o who_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v as_o well_o at_o home_n as_o at_o the_o church_n such_o man_n neither_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n nor_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o teach_v they_o quite_o otherwise_o and_o instruct_v they_o also_o to_o frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n where_o they_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v second_o for_o that_o be_v another_o palpable_a error_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o come_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o testify_v that_o we_o do_v not_o forget_v god_n though_o all_o the_o week_n beside_o we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o but_o constant_o neglect_v his_o public_a service_n when_o we_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o and_o have_v leisure_n to_o attend_v it_o we_o forget_v the_o many_o public_a common_a blessing_n we_o daily_o need_v and_o daily_o receive_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o public_o every_o day_n implore_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o our_o common_a prayer_n let_v the_o forego_n consideration_n be_v due_o ponder_v and_o they_o will_v persuade_v you_o both_o out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n honour_n and_o out_o of_o love_n to_o your_o own_o good_a to_o join_v as_o often_o as_o you_o can_v your_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v our_o assembly_n as_o full_a as_o you_o can_v both_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n whereby_o you_o will_v declare_v your_o constant_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v how_o he_o daily_a 〈◊〉_d you_o with_o his_o benefit_n and_o draw_v 〈◊〉_d public_a blessing_n in_o abundance_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n where_o you_o live_v and_o do_v credit_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o alas_o now_o look_v in_o many_o place_n as_o if_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o not_o only_o do_v credit_n to_o it_o but_o both_o help_n to_o support_v it_o and_o also_o promote_v and_o propagate_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o the_o almighty_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unto_o who_o be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n require_v there_o shall_v be_v public_a prayer_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o argument_n whereby_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v most_o of_o all_o move_v to_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n which_o both_o require_v public_a assembly_n and_o make_v the_o service_n perform_v in_o they_o far_o more_o acceptable_a than_o private_a prayer_n can_v be_v and_o here_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v in_o general_a that_o the_o very_a word_n we_o translate_v church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n signify_v in_o the_o greek_a language_n a_o assembly_n a_o company_n of_o person_n meet_v together_o and_o that_o public_o upon_o the_o public_a business_n or_o occasion_n the_o first_o time_n but_o one_o we_o meet_v with_o this_o word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v in_o opposition_n to_o a_o single_a person_n alone_o by_o himself_o or_o to_o one_o or_o two_o more_o beside_o he_o matth._n xviii_o 15_o 16_o 17._o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n which_o sit_v to_o judge_v cause_n and_o unto_o which_o be_v the_o last_o resort_n so_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o signify_v any_o sort_n of_o assembly_n or_o concourse_n of_o people_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n for_o in_o the_o nineteeen_o of_o the_o act_n when_o all_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n and_o run_v together_o into_o the_o theatre_n cry_v up_o diana_n this_o general_a concourse_n be_v thrice_o call_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o assembly_n ver_fw-la 32._o some_o cry_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o for_o the_o assembly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v confuse_v etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 39_o if_o you_o inquire_v of_o other_o matter_n it_o shall_v be_v determine_v in_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n and_o ver_fw-la 41._o have_v thus_o speak_v he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n now_o this_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n church_n the_o christian_a church_n which_o christ_n have_v call_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o he_o to_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o to_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o assembly_n or_o company_n of_o man_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o but_o our_o saviour_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n the_o assembly_n which_o he_o appoint_v be_v not_o to_o meet_v for_o civil_a end_n and_o purpose_n but_o for_o religious_a and_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o devout_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o give_v he_o the_o honour_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n for_o which_o the_o church_n i.e._n christian_n assembly_n be_v found_v it_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o this_o worship_n be_v not_o so_o well_o perform_v alone_o by_o ourselves_o as_o in_o these_o assembly_n for_o here_o we_o act_v most_o like_a christian_n that_o be_v like_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n with_o which_o whosoever_o do_v not_o join_v he_o be_v no_o long_o a_o christian_n because_o he_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o company_n join_v together_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o holy_a duty_n of_o which_o prayer_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n be_v the_o chief_a for_o though_o there_o they_o receive_v christian_a instruction_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a business_n for_o which_o they_o assemble_v as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n word_n to_o timothy_n beforementioned_a 1_o tim._n two_o 1._o if_o we_o can_v make_v christian_a people_n sensible_a of_o this_o they_o will_v immediate_o yield_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o other_o he_o most_o design_n to_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o be_v most_o affect_v towards_o it_o and_o constant_o frequent_v it_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o remain_v insensible_a of_o it_o if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v due_o that_o it_o be_v imply_v in_o their_o be_v
that_o the_o great_a blessing_n have_v then_o be_v bestow_v when_o god_n people_n be_v at_o their_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v a_o mighty_a argument_n to_o frequent_v they_o in_o hope_n then_o to_o prevail_v far_o more_o than_o we_o can_v in_o our_o private_a address_n to_o he_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o example_n of_o it_o be_v many_o particular_o in_o 2_o king_n three_o 9_o 10._o where_o you_o read_v that_o the_o host_n of_o three_o king_n be_v ready_a to_o perish_v both_o man_n and_o beast_n for_o want_v of_o water_n and_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n undertake_v to_o furnish_v they_o therewith_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o morning_n when_o the_o meat-offering_a be_v offer_v which_o be_v the_o time_n when_o all_o the_o people_n be_v at_o their_o prayer_n in_o the_o temple_n there_o come_v water_n by_o the_o way_n of_o edom_n and_o the_o country_n be_v fill_v with_o water_n ver_fw-la 20._o why_o do_v it_o come_v at_o this_o time_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o but_o to_o honour_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o to_o let_v they_o know_v what_o great_a benefit_n they_o may_v receive_v thereby_o if_o devout_o attend_v and_o when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assembly_n at_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o captivity_n yet_o they_o pray_v then_o private_o with_o respect_n to_o it_o as_o member_n of_o that_o church_n god_n be_v please_v to_o answer_v their_o petition_n at_o that_o very_a hour_n when_o public_a prayer_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v at_o that_o place_n for_o it_o be_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o evening_n oblation_n that_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n be_v cause_v to_o fly_v swift_o to_o daniel_n as_o he_o be_v speak_v and_o pray_v and_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n israel_n and_o present_v his_o supplication_n before_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n dan._n ix_o 20_o 21._o and_o the_o tiding_n he_o bring_v he_o be_v the_o most_o joyful_a that_o ever_o have_v be_v hear_v for_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o same_o angel_n afterward_o bring_v to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n you_o may_v observe_v god_n send_v his_o angel_n to_o bring_v st._n peter_n out_o of_o prison_n after_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o herod_n and_o from_o all_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n while_o many_o be_v gather_v together_o pray_v act._n twelve_o 12._o we_o read_v in_o the_o 5._o ver_fw-la that_o prayer_n be_v make_v without_o cease_v or_o instant_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n be_v make_v of_o the_o church_n unto_o god_n for_o he_o and_o in_o the_o very_a time_n when_o many_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v gather_v together_o that_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o common_a prayer_n god_n send_v salvation_n to_o he_o upon_o which_o word_n st._n chrysostome_n occasional_o reflect_v cry_v out_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o available_a for_o peter_n if_o it_o rescue_v he_o out_o of_o prison_n who_o be_v a_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o thou_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o its_o power_n but_o despise_v it_o and_o set_v it_o at_o nought_o by_o thy_o neglect_n of_o it_o what_o excuse_n can_v thou_o make_v for_o this_o especial_o 〈◊〉_d hom._n iii._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o if_o there_o be_v a_o sermon_n we_o see_v a_o crowd_n of_o people_n and_o the_o church_n as_o full_a as_o it_o can_v hold_v o_o say_v one_o i_o can_v pray_v at_o home_n but_o i_o can_v hear_v sermon_n no_o where_n but_o in_o the_o church_n vain_a man_n thou_o deceive_v thyself_o thou_o can_v indeed_o pray_v at_o home_n but_o thou_o can_v not_o pray_v so_o as_o thou_o do_v in_o the_o church_n where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o father_n where_o a_o cry_n be_v send_v up_o to_o god_n with_o one_o accord_n thou_o will_v not_o have_v such_o audience_n when_o thou_o beseeche_v the_o lord_n by_o thyself_o as_o when_o thou_o pray_v with_o thy_o brethren_n for_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d something_o more_o in_o this_o viz._n the_o concord_n the_o conspiration_n and_o harmony_n of_o many_o in_o the_o same_o petition_n the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o therefore_o the_o priest_n preside_v in_o those_o assembly_n that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o multitude_n which_o be_v weak_a may_v by_o the_o help_n of_o they_o which_o be_v strong_a go_v together_o with_o they_o into_o heaven_n add_v to_o this_o what_o good_a do_v a_o sermon_n do_v when_o prayer_n be_v not_o yoke_v with_o it_o first_o prayer_n and_o then_o the_o word_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v act._n vi_fw-la 4._o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n thus_o st._n paul_n do_v pray_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o epistle_n that_o the_o light_n of_o prayer_n like_o a_o torch_n may_v usher_v in_o the_o word_n and_o if_o thou_o do_v accustom_v thyself_o to_o pray_v with_o exact_a diligence_n thou_o will_v less_o need_v the_o instruction_n of_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n god_n himself_o illuminate_n thy_o mind_n without_o his_o assistance_n and_o if_o thou_o think_v thy_o prayer_n alone_o to_o be_v of_o such_o force_n how_o powerful_a must_v it_o be_v when_o join_v with_o a_o multitude_n this_o be_v far_o more_o nervous_a and_o there_o be_v great_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n in_o it_o than_o in_o that_o which_o be_v make_v at_o home_n and_o in_o private_a so_o st._n paul_n think_v when_o he_o say_v he_o who_o have_v deliver_v and_o do_v deliver_v we_o trust_v will_v yet_o deliver_v we_o you_o also_o help_v together_o by_o prayer_n for_o we_o 2_o corinth_n i._o 10_o 11._o so_o st._n peter_n also_o get_v out_o of_o prison_n for_o earnest_a prayer_n be_v make_v without_o cease_v of_o the_o church_n unto_o god_n for_o he_o chap._n xvi_o which_o be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o christian_n iii_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o observe_v be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o encouragement_n he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o expect_v his_o bless_a presence_n among_o they_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o christ_n disciple_n immediate_o upon_o their_o master_n ascension_n unto_o heaven_n assemle_v themselves_o together_o for_o common_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o so_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act._n i._n 12_o etc._n etc._n that_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v go_v out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o the_o angel_n have_v tell_v they_o whither_o he_o be_v go_v they_o return_v unto_o jerusalem_n and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v in_o they_o go_v up_o into_o a_o upper_a room_n the_o place_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v present_o of_o christian_a worship_n and_o all_o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o with_o his_o brethren_n it_o be_v in_o their_o assembly_n we_o read_v in_o st._n john_n where_o our_o saviour_n often_o appear_v to_o they_o present_o after_o his_o resurrection_n joh._n xx_o 19.26_o and_o we_o may_v well_o think_v it_o be_v for_o devotion_n that_o they_o assemble_v for_o it_o be_v on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n but_o here_o we_o read_v express_o after_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n what_o they_o do_v in_o those_o assembly_n in_o which_o there_o be_v one_o day_n a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o meet_v together_o they_o make_v solemn_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o new_a apostle_n to_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n act._n i._n 15.24_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o remarkable_a you_o find_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n that_o when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o sudden_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n this_o great_a gift_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o gather_v a_o church_n in_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o have_v begin_v to_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o thereabouts_o come_v down_o upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o one_o place_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o mention_v before_o where_o they_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o place_n where_o they_o assemble_v immediate_o after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o i_o say_v just_a now_o and_o in_o all_o
in_o a_o vision_n ascend_v and_o descend_v upon_o a_o ladder_n which_o stand_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o reach_v unto_o heaven_n he_o say_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v awake_a how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n that_o be_v with_o what_o reverence_n shall_v i_o behave_v myself_o here_o this_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n he_o conclude_v god_n to_o be_v present_a because_o the_o angel_n be_v who_o be_v his_o minister_n and_o attendant_n and_o according_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o intend_v to_o signify_v a_o divine_a presence_n among_o we_o when_o we_o be_v reverent_o assemble_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o holy_a place_n which_o the_o ancient_a christian_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o singular_a encouragement_n to_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a prayer_n because_o then_o a_o christian_a pray_v with_o the_o angel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n as_o already_o 746._o l._n seven_o strom._n p._n 746._o especial_o at_o that_o time_n equal_a even_o to_o a_o angel_n and_o will_v not_o be_v out_o of_o the_o precinct_n of_o those_o holy_a guardian_n when_o he_o pray_v alone_o but_o then_o also_o have_v their_o company_n of_o which_o origen_n have_v a_o set_a discourse_n in_o his_o book_n of_o prayer_n late_o publish_v 20._o part._n 2da_o num._n 20._o where_o mention_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n among_o other_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n incamp_v round_o about_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o etc._n etc._n he_o thus_o proceed_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o when_o many_o be_v assemble_v together_o sincere_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o angel_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o there_o pitch_v his_o tent_n together_o with_o he_o that_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o custody_n so_o as_o to_o make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o double_a church_n where_o the_o saint_n be_v gather_v together_o one_o church_n of_o man_n and_o another_o church_n of_o angel_n ix_o but_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o in_o it_o yet_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o on_o earth_n which_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n shall_v invite_v we_o unto_o the_o public_a service_n for_o how_o do_v we_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o if_o we_o join_v not_o with_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v of_o christian_n who_o be_v all_o a_o holy_a people_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o their_o solemn_a dedication_n to_o he_o in_o their_o baptism_n and_o by_o their_o holy_a profession_n and_o meet_v together_o continual_o for_o holy_a office_n which_o if_o any_o man_n forsake_v he_o be_v no_o long_o holy_a but_o profane_a renounce_v so_o far_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o teach_v he_o to_o keep_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n by_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o prayer_n especial_o in_o the_o eucharist_n which_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n by_o partake_v of_o which_o we_o have_v the_o near_a communion_n also_o one_o with_o another_o be_v make_v one_o body_n as_o i_o have_v say_v already_o by_o partake_v all_o of_o that_o one_o bread_n 1_o cor._n x._o 17._o communion_n indeed_o or_o fellowship_n be_v in_o one_o place_n make_v a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n act._n two_o 42._o and_o signify_v some_o think_v communicate_v to_o each_o other_o necessity_n which_o notion_n of_o communion_n if_o we_o understand_v to_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o creed_n it_o make_v no_o less_o to_o my_o purpose_n than_o the_o other_o for_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o be_v do_v in_o their_o public_a assembly_n whereby_o their_o communicate_v to_o the_o need_v of_o their_o brethren_n become_v a_o acceptable_a offer_n unto_o god_n together_o with_o their_o prayer_n this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o 1_o cor._n xuj_o 1_o 2._o where_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o collection_n for_o the_o saint_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o business_n of_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n both_o there_o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n when_o they_o do_v not_o forget_v this_o well-pleasing_a sacrifice_n as_o it_o be_v call_v heb._n xiii_o 16._o but_o acknowledge_v god_n bounty_n to_o themselves_o by_o the_o relief_n they_o send_v to_o other_o and_o by_o such_o a_o public_a contribution_n maintain_v also_o a_o sense_n and_o fellow-feeling_n of_o one_o another_o condition_n and_o make_v a_o profession_n that_o they_o all_o belong_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n though_o never_o so_o far_o distant_a one_o from_o another_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o lose_v when_o we_o join_v not_o together_o in_o such_o action_n of_o piety_n whereby_o brotherly_o love_n and_o kindnese_n be_v likewise_o nourish_v and_o we_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o the_o tender_a affection_n while_o we_o look_v upon_o one_o another_o not_o only_o as_o child_n of_o the_o same_o common_a father_n but_o as_o limb_n of_o the_o same_o body_n who_o natural_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o whether_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n suffer_v with_o it_o or_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n rejoice_v with_o it_o 1_o corinth_n twelve_o 25_o 26._o in_o this_o brotherly_a love_n and_o in_o the_o same_o faith_n some_o think_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n entire_o consist_v but_o they_o shall_v consider_v that_o this_o brotherly_a love_n and_o care_n flow_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o consist_v therefore_o in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o every_o member_n with_o the_o rest_n and_o keep_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o the_o common_a office_n of_o religion_n in_o christian_a assembly_n from_o which_o whosoever_o depart_v or_o refuse_v to_o join_v therein_o he_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o though_o he_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n alone_o which_o be_v do_v in_o those_o assembly_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n who_o look_v upon_o such_o a_o man_n as_o go_v from_o he_o by_o go_v from_o his_o body_n the_o church_n x._o i_o will_v add_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o be_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n be_v a_o public_a service_n and_o they_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n separately_z there_o but_o join_v together_o in_o his_o praise_n this_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o st._n john_n rev._n seven_o 11._o where_o after_o a_o great_a multitude_n have_v be_v represent_v to_o he_o which_o no_o man_n can_v number_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n who_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n and_o before_o the_o lamb_n cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n and_o say_v salvation_n to_o our_o god_n which_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o unto_o the_o lamb_n whereby_o no_o doubt_n be_v signify_v the_o service_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o angel_n also_o stand_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n and_o about_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o fall_v before_o the_o throne_n on_o their_o face_n and_o worship_v god_n say_v amen_n blessing_n and_o glory_n and_o wisdom_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o may_v be_v unto_o our_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o they_o say_v that_o be_v amen_n to_o the_o christian_a service_n and_o also_o add_v their_o own_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o one_o body_n for_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o all_o angel_n as_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v let_v this_o be_v serious_o ponder_v and_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o approach_v as_o near_o unto_o they_o as_o we_o can_v by_o join_v as_o they_o do_v in_o one_o society_n of_o the_o church_n to_o worship_n god_n for_o so_o do_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o society_n also_o of_o the_o holy_a angel_n as_o the_o angel_n st._n john_n here_o inform_v we_o do_v to_o the_o society_n of_o christian_a worshipper_n they_o and_o we_o make_v but_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n in_o who_o god_n have_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n both_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o this_o unity_n consist_v it_o be_v manifest_a by_o this_o vision_n of_o st._n john_n in_o their_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o holy_a office_n which_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n where_o it_o be_v become_v most_o perfect_o one_o do_v most_o sacred_o keep_v and_o preserve_v chap._n xviii_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o four_o forego_v chapter_n with_o some_o inference_n from_o thence_o lay_v now_o all_o these_o thing_n together_o that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o very_a notion_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 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