his_o grace_n john_n ld._n arch-bpp_a of_o canterbury_n aetat_fw-la 64_o ano_fw-la 1694_o six_o sermon_n i._o of_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n ii_o of_o family-religion_n iii_o iu._n v._o of_o education_n of_o child_n vi_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a piety_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jury_n in_o london_n by_o his_o grace_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o b._n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal-exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n m_o dc_o xc_o iu._n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n be_v i_o hope_v for_o the_o remainder_n of_o my_o life_n release_v from_o that_o irksome_a and_o unpleasant_a work_n of_o controversy_n and_o wrangle_a about_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o turn_v my_o thought_n to_o something_o more_o agreeable_a to_o my_o temper_n and_o of_o a_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o human_a society_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v no_o intention_n to_o reflect_v upon_o any_o that_o stand_v up_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o contend_v earnest_o for_o it_o endeavour_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o reclaim_v those_o that_o be_v in_o error_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o a_o very_a good_a man_n may_v upon_o several_a occasion_n be_v almost_o unavoidable_o engage_v in_o controversy_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o head_n clear_a and_o cool_a enough_o so_o as_o to_o be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o notion_n and_o temper_n in_o that_o hot_a kind_n of_o service_n he_o may_v therein_o do_v considerable_a advantage_n to_o the_o truth_n though_o a_o man_n that_o have_v once_o draw_v blood_n in_o controversy_n as_o mr._n mede_n express_v it_o be_v seldom_o know_v ever_o perfect_o to_o recover_v his_o own_o good_a temper_n afterward_o for_o this_o reason_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v very_o willing_a when_o his_o lord_n come_v to_o be_v find_v so_o do_v and_o as_o it_o be_v beat_v his_o fellow-servant_n and_o all_o controversy_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o manage_v be_v little_o better_a a_o good_a man_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n reek_v hot_a from_o a_o sharp_a contention_n with_o a_o perverse_a adversary_n and_o not_o a_o little_a out_o of_o countenance_n to_o find_v himself_o in_o this_o temper_n translate_v into_o the_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a region_n of_o the_o bless_a where_o nothing_o but_o perfect_a charity_n and_o good_a will_v reign_v for_o ever_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n do_v by_o that_o question_n of_o he_o where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o this_o wrangle_a work_n have_v place_n only_o in_o this_o world_n and_o upon_o this_o earth_n where_o only_o there_o be_v a_o dust_n to_o be_v raise_v but_o will_v have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o other_o but_o whether_o st._n paul_n intend_v this_o or_o not_o the_o thing_n it_o sâ—lf_o i_o think_v be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o other_o world_n all_o thing_n will_v be_v clear_a and_o past_a dispute_n to_o be_v sure_a among_o the_o bless_a and_o probable_o also_o among_o the_o miserable_a unless_o fierce_a and_o furious_a contention_n with_o great_a heat_n without_o light_n about_o thing_n of_o no_o moment_n and_o concernment_n to_o they_o shall_v be_v design_v for_o a_o part_n of_o their_o torment_n as_o to_o the_o follow_a sermon_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o the_o style_n of_o they_o be_v more_o loose_a and_o full_a of_o word_n than_o be_v agreeable_a to_o just_a and_o exact_a discourse_n but_o so_o i_o think_v the_o style_n of_o popular_a sermon_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o mend_v this_o matter_n choose_v rather_o that_o they_o shall_v appear_v in_o that_o native_a simplicity_n in_o which_o so_o many_o year_n ago_o they_o be_v first_o frame_v than_o dress_v up_o with_o too_o much_o care_n and_o art_n as_o they_o be_v i_o hope_v the_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a reader_n will_v take_v they_o in_o good_a part_n and_o i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o respective_a duty_n treat_v on_o in_o the_o follow_a sermon_n will_v be_v persuade_v so_o to_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n as_o to_o put_v they_o effectual_o in_o practice_n that_o how_o much_o soever_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v be_v almost_o utter_o to_o be_v despair_v of_o we_o may_v yet_o have_v a_o more_o comfortable_a prospect_n of_o future_a time_n by_o see_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o better_a world_n begin_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n here_o mention_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v know_v god_n and_o the_o child_n yet_o unborn_a may_v fear_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v sensible_a how_o fast_o the_o infirmity_n of_o age_n be_v come_v upon_o i_o and_o therefore_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o who_o providence_n have_v place_v i_o in_o the_o station_n wherein_o i_o be_o whilst_o it_o be_v day_n because_o the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v i_o know_v very_o well_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a charge_n my_o own_o manifold_a defect_n and_o how_o unequal_a my_o best_a ability_n be_v for_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o it_o but_o i_o do_v not_o feel_v this_o so_o sensible_o as_o i_o now_o do_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v make_v some_o small_a amends_o for_o great_a fail_n i_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o place_v the_o break_a hour_n i_o have_v to_o spare_v from_o almost_o perpetual_a business_n of_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o than_o in_o prepare_v something_o for_o the_o public_a that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o recover_v the_o decay_a piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o present_a age_n in_o which_o iniquity_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v grow_v so_o cold_a to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v choose_v to_o publish_v these_o plain_a sermon_n and_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o serious_a perusal_n and_o faithful_a practice_n both_o of_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n commit_v to_o my_o charge_n earnest_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o by_o his_o blessing_n they_o may_v prove_v effectual_a to_o that_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v sincere_o design_v concern_v resolution_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n lawrence_z jury_n june_n the_o 3_o d._n 1684._o josh._n xxiv_o 15._o but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n after_o joshua_n have_v bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o it_o his_o great_a desire_n be_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n namely_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n who_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o give_v they_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o good_a land_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o now_o find_v himself_o weak_a and_o decline_a be_v a_o hundred_o and_o ten_o year_n old_a and_o fear_v leâ—t_v after_o his_o death_n the_o people_n shall_v fall_v off_o from_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n he_o like_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a governor_n consider_v with_o himself_o what_o course_n he_o have_v best_a to_o take_v to_o keep_v they_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o prevent_v their_o defection_n to_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o call_v a_o general_a assembly_n of_o all_o israel_n chap._n 23._o v._o 1._o that_o be_v of_o the_o elder_n and_o head_n and_o judge_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o several_a tribe_n and_o in_o a_o very_a wise_a and_o eloquent_a speech_n represent_v to_o they_o in_o what_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n god_n have_v drive_v out_o the_o â—_z before_o they_o much_o great_a and_o strong_a nation_n than_o they_o and_o have_v give_v they_o their_o land_n to_o possess_v it_o and_o in_o a_o word_n have_v perform_v punctual_o all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a heed_n to_o themselves_o to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o which_o the_o lord_n
your_o god_n promise_v you_o so_o shall_v the_o lord_n bring_v upon_o you_o all_o evil_a thing_n until_o he_o have_v destroy_v you_o from_o off_o this_o good_a land_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n have_v give_v you_o chap._n 23._o 15._o after_o this_o he_o call_v they_o together_o a_o second_o time_n and_o give_v they_o a_o brief_a historical_a account_n and_o deduction_n of_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o father_n from_o the_o day_n of_o abraham_n who_o he_o have_v call_v out_o from_o among_o his_o idolatrous_a kindred_n and_o countryman_n unto_o that_o day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o he_o earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o for_o his_o particular_a satisfaction_n before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n solemn_o to_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v for_o ever_o serve_v god_n and_o forsake_v the_o service_n of_o idol_n now_o therefore_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o put_v away_o the_o god_n which_o your_o father_n serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o egypt_n and_o serve_v you_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o in_o the_o text_n by_o a_o very_a elegant_a scheme_n of_o speech_n he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v once_o more_o set_v they_o at_o liberty_n and_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o engage_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o covenant_n before_o he_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o free_a choice_n and_o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o god_n who_o your_o father_n serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n or_o the_o god_n of_o the_o amorites_n in_o who_o land_n you_o dwell_v not_o that_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v serve_v the_o true_a god_n or_o not_o but_o to_o insinuate_v to_o they_o that_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v their_o free_a choice_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v those_o real_a advantage_n on_o its_o side_n that_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v refer_v to_o any_o considerate_a man_n choice_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o after_o all_o the_o demonstration_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o miraculous_a presence_n among_o you_o and_o the_o mighty_a obligation_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o you_o by_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n by_o so_o outstretched_a a_o arm_n and_o by_o drive_v out_o the_o nation_n before_o you_o and_o give_v you_o their_o land_n to_o possess_v if_o after_o all_o this_o you_o can_v think_v it_o â—it_n to_o quit_v the_o service_n of_o this_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o you_o have_v subdue_v those_o vanquish_a and_o baffle_v deity_n if_o you_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a so_o to_o do_v but_o sure_o you_o can_v then_o take_v your_o choice_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v and_o to_o direct_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n he_o declare_v to_o they_o his_o own_o resolution_n which_o he_o hope_n will_v also_o be_v they_o and_o as_o he_o have_v heretofore_o be_v their_o captain_n so_o now_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o example_n but_o whether_o they_o will_v follow_v he_o or_o not_o he_o for_o his_o part_n be_v fix_v and_o immovable_a in_o this_o resolution_n but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n in_o effect_n he_o tell_v they_o i_o have_v propose_v the_o best_a religion_n to_o your_o choice_n and_o i_o can_v but_o think_v nay_o i_o can_v but_o hope_n that_o you_o will_v all_o steadfast_o adhere_v to_o it_o it_o be_v so_o reasonable_a and_o wise_a so_o much_o your_o interest_n and_o your_o happiness_n to_o do_v it_o but_o if_o you_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o if_o you_o shall_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n so_o wilful_a and_o so_o wicked_a as_o not_o to_o embrace_v it_o though_o you_o shall_v all_o make_v another_o choice_n and_o run_v away_o from_o the_o true_a god_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n i_o for_o my_o part_n be_o steadfast_o resolve_v what_o to_o do_v in_o a_o case_n so_o manifest_a in_o a_o matter_n so_o reasonable_a no_o number_n no_o example_n shall_v prevail_v with_o i_o to_o the_o contrary_a i_o will_v if_o need_v be_v stand_v alone_o in_o that_o which_o be_v so_o evident_o and_o unquestionable_o right_a and_o though_o this_o whole_a nation_n shall_v revolt_v all_o at_o once_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o i_o be_v the_o only_a family_n leave_v in_o all_o israel_n nay_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o continue_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n i_o will_v still_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n i_o will_v still_o persist_v in_o this_o resolution_n and_o act_n according_a to_o it_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n a_o resolution_n true_o worthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n and_o so_o good_a a_o man_n in_o which_o he_o be_v a_o double_a pattern_n to_o we_o first_o of_o the_o brave_a resolution_n of_o a_o good_a man_n namely_o that_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n second_o of_o the_o pious_a care_n of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o master_n of_o a_o family_n to_o train_v up_o those_o under_o his_o charge_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n by_o god_n assistance_n treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o i._o of_o the_o brave_a resolution_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n say_v joshua_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n joshua_n here_o put_v the_o case_n at_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n that_o not_o only_o the_o great_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o egyptian_n and_o chaldean_n and_o all_o the_o lesser_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o in_o who_o land_n they_o dwell_v be_v all_o long_a since_o revolt_v to_o idolatry_n and_o pretend_v great_a antiquity_n and_o long_a prescription_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n but_o he_o suppose_v yet_o further_o that_o the_o only_a true_a and_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n shall_v likewise_o general_o revolt_v and_o forsake_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o cleave_v to_o the_o service_n of_o idol_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n if_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o to_o happen_v he_o declare_v his_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o though_o all_o other_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o it_o that_o he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o resolution_n and_o the_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o resolution_n from_o the_o objection_n to_o which_o this_o singular_a and_o peremptory_a kind_n of_o resolution_n may_v seem_v liable_a first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o resolution_n and_o the_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o one_a the_o matter_n of_o this_o resolution_n joshua_n here_o resolve_v that_o if_o need_n be_v and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o pass_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o or_o with_o very_a few_o adhere_n to_o he_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a supposition_n of_o a_o impossible_a case_n which_o can_v never_o happen_v for_o it_o may_v and_o have_v real_o and_o in_o fact_n happen_v in_o several_a age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a apostasy_n of_o some_o great_a part_n of_o god_n church_n from_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o idolatry_n
single_a argument_n as_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o undeniable_a and_o be_v so_o be_v a_o full_a justification_n not_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o reformation_n which_o she_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v within_o herself_o from_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o likewise_o of_o particular_a person_n who_o have_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n in_o any_o of_o the_o popish_a country_n yea_o though_o that_o single_a person_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o any_o other_o church_n that_o be_v free_a from_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n and_o which_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o as_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n for_o if_o any_o church_n fall_v off_o to_o idolatry_n every_o good_a 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practice_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v on_o all_o hand_n i_o think_v deny_v but_o that_o any_o particular_a church_n may_v fall_v into_o such_o error_n and_o practice_n be_v i_o think_v as_o universal_o grant_v only_o in_o this_o case_n they_o demand_v to_o have_v the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n except_v and_o why_o i_o pray_v because_o though_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v also_o the_o universal_a church_n if_o this_o can_v be_v and_o good_a sense_n can_v be_v make_v of_o a_o particular-universal_a church_n than_o the_o roman_a church_n may_v demand_v this_o high_a privilege_n of_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o fate_n of_o all_o other_o church_n but_o if_o the_o roman-catholick_n that_o be_v a_o particular-universal_a church_n be_v a_o gross_a and_o palpable_a contradiction_n than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o more_o pretence_n to_o this_o privilege_n than_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n whatsoever_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o some_o man_n talk_v of_o these_o matter_n at_o that_o rate_n as_o if_o a_o man_n who_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o quit_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n that_o he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n of_o join_v himself_o to_o any_o other_o communion_n he_o ought_v in_o that_o case_n to_o give_v over_o all_o thought_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o be_v so_o conceit_v and_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o think_v of_o go_v to_o heaven_n alone_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v without_o doubt_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n to_o despise_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o break_v off_o from_o it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o can_v continue_v in_o it_o without_o sin_n but_o if_o thing_n shall_v once_o come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o we_o must_v either_o disobey_v god_n for_o company_n or_o stand_v alone_o in_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o we_o ought_v most_o certain_o to_o obey_v god_n whatever_o come_v of_o it_o and_o to_o profess_v his_o truth_n whether_o any_o body_n else_o will_v join_v with_o we_o in_o that_o profession_n or_o not_o and_o they_o who_o speak_v otherwise_o condemn_v the_o whole_a reformation_n and_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v that_o martin_n luther_n have_v do_v a_o very_a ill_a thing_n in_o break_v off_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o no_o body_n else_o will_v have_v join_v with_o he_o in_o that_o honest_a design_n and_o yet_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o i_o hope_v god_n will_v have_v give_v he_o the_o grace_n and_o courage_n to_o have_v stand_v alone_o in_o so_o good_a and_o glorious_a a_o cause_n and_o to_o have_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o it_o and_o for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n upon_o great_a deliberation_n shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v drown_v than_o to_o be_v save_v either_o by_o a_o plank_n or_o a_o small_a boat_n or_o to_o be_v carry_v into_o the_o harbour_n any_o other_o way_n than_o in_o a_o great_a ship_n of_o so_o many_o hundred_o tun_n in_o short_a a_o good_a man_n must_v resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o to_o profess_v his_o truth_n though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v happen_v to_o do_v otherwise_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o preserve_v his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v he_o have_v engage_v his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v take_v care_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n or_o other_o some_o person_n that_o shall_v make_v a_o sincere_a profession_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o preserve_v any_o one_o part_n of_o his_o church_n from_o such_o error_n and_o corruption_n as_o may_v oblige_v all_o good_a man_n to_o quit_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o part_n yea_o tho_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o they_o may_v not_o know_v whither_o to_o resort_v for_o actual_a communion_n with_o any_o other_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o some_o particular_a person_n during_o the_o reign_n and_o rage_n of_o popery_n in_o these_o western_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o result_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o all_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o wellgrounded_n belief_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o justice_n of_o our_o reformation_n from_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o not_o only_o to_o profess_v and_o promise_v as_o peter_n do_v to_o our_o lord_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i_o but_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o and_o even_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o whatever_o trial_n god_n may_v permit_v any_o of_o we_o to_o fall_v into_o to_o take_v up_o the_o pious_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o whatever_o other_o do_v we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v conclude_v my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o first_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n with_o the_o exhortation_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n 1._o v._n 27._o only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o your_o adversary_n which_o to_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o you_o of_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o god_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n namely_o the_o pious_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n that_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n and_o which_o indeed_o i_o chief_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o this_o text_n namely_o the_o pious_a câ—re_n of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o mâ—ster_n of_o a_o family_n to_o train_v up_o those_o under_o his_o charge_n in_o the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o but_o defer_v it_o to_o some_o other_o opportunity_n consider_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v
the_o weed_n of_o corn_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a piece_n of_o good_a husbandry_n vice_n like_o ill_a weed_n grow_v apace_o and_o if_o they_o once_o take_v to_o the_o soil_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o extirpate_v and_o kill_v they_o but_o if_o we_o watch_v they_o and_o cut_v they_o up_o assoon_o as_o they_o appear_v this_o will_v discourage_v the_o root_n and_o make_v it_o die_v therefore_o take_v great_a heed_n that_o your_o child_n be_v not_o habituate_v and_o accustom_v to_o any_o evil_a course_n a_o vice_n that_o be_v of_o any_o considerable_a growth_n and_o continuance_n will_v soon_o grow_v obstinate_a and_o have_v once_o spread_v its_o root_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o clear_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o a_o child_n may_v be_v so_o long_o neglect_v till_o he_o be_v overgrow_v with_o vice_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o may_v be_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o parent_n ever_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o good_a fruit_n if_o it_o once_o gain_v upon_o the_o deprave_a disposition_n of_o child_n it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n caution_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n which_o they_o who_o go_v on_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n will_v most_o certain_o be_v we_o shall_v observe_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o child_n and_o kill_v those_o young_a serpent_n assoon_o as_o they_o stir_v lest_o they_o bite_v they_o to_o death_n four_o bring_v they_o assoon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n where_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o more_o especial_a presence_n and_o blessing_n it_o be_v in_o zion_n the_o place_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n where_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o blessing_n even_o life_n for_o evermore_o there_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v of_o grace_n in_o we_o this_o be_v the_o pool_n where_o the_o angel_n use_v to_o come_v and_o to_o move_v the_o water_n bring_v your_o child_n hither_o where_o if_o they_o diligent_o attend_v they_o may_v meet_v with_o a_o opportunity_n of_o be_v heal_v and_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o church_n call_v they_o frequent_o to_o a_o account_n of_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v there_o this_o will_v make_v they_o both_o to_o attend_v more_o diligent_o to_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o to_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o their_o memory_n with_o great_a care_n and_o will_v fix_v it_o there_o so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o deep_a and_o more_o last_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n five_o be_v careful_a more_o especial_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n in_o such_o instance_n as_o their_o understanding_n and_o age_n be_v capable_a of_o teach_v they_o some_o short_a and_o proper_a form_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n to_o be_v say_v by_o they_o devout_o upon_o their_o knee_n in_o private_a at_o least_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n a_o great_a many_o child_n neglect_v this_o not_o from_o any_o ill_a disposition_n of_o mind_n but_o because_o no_o body_n take_v care_n to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o put_v upon_o do_v it_o the_o habit_n and_o custom_n of_o any_o thing_n will_v after_o a_o little_a while_n make_v that_o easy_a and_o delightful_a enough_o which_o they_o can_v afterward_o be_v bring_v to_o without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n knowledge_n and_o practice_n do_v mutuallyâ—_n promote_v and_o help_v forward_o one_o another's_o knowledge_n prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o practice_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o perfect_a knowledge_n in_o any_o kind_n mere_a speculation_n be_v a_o very_a raw_a and_o rude_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o true_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n which_o be_v get_v by_o practice_n and_o experience_n the_o most_o exact_a skill_n in_o geography_n be_v nothing_o compare_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o man_n who_o beside_o the_o speculative_a part_n have_v travel_v over_o and_o careful_o view_v the_o country_n he_o have_v read_v of_o the_o most_o know_a man_n in_o the_o art_n and_o rule_n of_o navigation_n be_v no_o body_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o experience_a pilot_n and_o seaman_n because_o knowledge_n perfect_v by_o practice_n be_v as_o much_o different_a from_o mere_a speculation_n as_o the_o skill_n of_o do_v a_o thing_n be_v from_o be_v tell_v how_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o man_n may_v easy_o mistake_v rule_n but_o frequent_a practice_n and_o experience_n be_v seldom_o deceive_v give_v i_o a_o man_n that_o constant_o do_v a_o thing_n well_o and_o that_o shall_v satisfy_v i_o that_o he_o know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o that_o say_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v my_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o be_v a_o clear_a determination_n of_o this_o matter_n namely_o that_o they_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n best_o who_o be_v most_o careful_a to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v what_o god_n be_v be_v to_o transcribe_v his_o perfection_n in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v therefore_o when_o the_o mind_n of_o child_n be_v once_o thorough_o possess_v with_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v bend_v all_o our_o endeavour_n to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o know_v let_v they_o rather_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v well_o than_o to_o talk_v well_o rather_o to_o avoid_v what_o be_v evil_a in_o all_o its_o shape_n and_o appearance_n and_o to_o practice_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o it_o than_o to_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n job_n 28._o 28._o hereby_o â—aith_o st._n john_n we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 3_o 4._o xenophon_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o persian_n instead_o of_o make_v their_o child_n learned_a teach_v they_o to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o instead_o of_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o fine_a speculation_n teach_v they_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n and_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o wise_a and_o valiant_a just_a and_o temperate_a lycurgus_n also_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lacedaemonian_a commonwealth_n take_v no_o care_n about_o learning_n but_o only_o about_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o child_n though_o i_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o care_n of_o both_o be_v best_a and_o that_o learning_n will_v very_o much_o help_v to_o form_v the_o manner_n of_o child_n and_o to_o make_v they_o both_o wise_a and_o better_a man_n and_o therefore_o with_o the_o leave_n of_o so_o great_a and_o wise_a a_o lawgiver_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o his_o institutionâ—_n because_o learning_n if_o it_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o only_o a_o ornament_n but_o a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o better_a government_n of_o any_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n six_o there_o must_v be_v great_a care_n and_o diligence_n use_v in_o this_o whole_a business_n of_o education_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n there_o must_v be_v line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a as_o the_o prophet_n express_v it_o isa_n 28._o 10._o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n must_v be_v instill_a and_o drop_v into_o they_o by_o such_o degree_n and_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v they_o for_o child_n be_v narrow-mouthed_a vessel_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n can_v be_v pour_v into_o they_o at_o once_o and_o they_o must_v also_o be_v accustom_v to_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n by_o degree_n till_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n have_v take_v root_n and_o they_o be_v well_o settle_v and_o confirm_v in_o a_o good_a course_n now_o this_o require_v constant_a attendance_n and_o even_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o husbandman_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o labour_n in_o some_o child_n the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_v fall_v into_o a_o great_a depth_n of_o earth_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o a_o â—low_a disclosure_n and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o