of_o old_a i_o mean_v the_o religious_a king_n and_o priest_n and_o prophet_n before_o christ_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v often_o of_o their_o kneel_v down_o and_o sometime_o of_o their_o stand_n up_o but_o never_o of_o their_o sit_v down_o when_o they_o go_v to_o prayer_n thus_o we_o read_v 2_o chr._n 6._o 13._o of_o king_n solomon_n kneel_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n dâ—n_n 6._o 10._o of_o daniel_n be_v kneel_v down_o 3_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v ez._n 9_o 5._o of_o ezrah_n be_v fall_v upon_o his_o knee_n and_o spread_a out_o his_o hand_n to_o the_o lord_n nor_o be_v this_o outward_a reverence_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n before_o christ_n for_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v it_o also_o practise_v as_o well_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o as_o his_o disciple_n for_o luke_n 22._o 41._o it_o be_v say_v jesus_n kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v act_n 7._o 60._o stephen_n kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v for_o his_o murderer_n peter_n in_o like_a manner_n act_n 9_o 40._o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v for_o dorcas_n paul_n also_o as_o it_o be_v say_v act_v 20._o 36._o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v for_o the_o disciple_n at_o miletus_n and_o not_o only_a paul_n himself_o but_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o disciple_n that_o be_v with_o he_o at_o tyre_n upon_o the_o take_a leave_n of_o one_o another_o kneel_v down_o on_o the_o shore_n and_o pray_v act_n 21._o 5._o now_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o we_o do_v now_o adays_o or_o shall_v we_o pretend_v to_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n than_o they_o do_v since_o therefore_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o practise_v outward_a reverence_n in_o prayer_n let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o then_o as_o to_o keep_v off_o your_o hat_n all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v preach_v and_o expound_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o also_o you_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o observe_v and_o do_v for_o still_o you_o shall_v suppose_v yourself_o to_o be_v in_o god_n more_o especial_a presence_n as_o well_o while_n his_o ambassador_n be_v expound_v unto_o you_o the_o scripture_n as_o while_o he_o be_v offer_v up_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o your_o behalf_n if_o therefore_o you_o be_v not_o able_a through_o some_o natural_a infirmity_n to_o be_v bareheaded_a all_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o sermon_n you_o may_v then_o make_v use_n of_o a_o decent_a cap_n for_o though_o the_o head_n be_v partly_o cover_v with_o that_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o common_a cover_n as_o your_o hat_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v account_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o reverence_n among_o man_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o god_n for_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v reverence_v by_o we_o in_o those_o way_n by_o which_o we_o reverence_v one_o another_o as_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o presume_v to_o go_v and_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o earthly_a king_n when_o we_o petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o some_o favour_n to_o be_v grant_v we_o nor_o confident_o put_v on_o our_o hat_n while_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o but_o will_v behave_v ourselves_o with_o that_o humility_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v usual_a in_o those_o case_n so_o neither_o shall_v we_o presume_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o irreverent_o and_o proud_o in_o god_n presence_n but_o beside_o such_o irreverence_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v because_o of_o the_o great_a scandal_n which_o be_v thereby_o give_v to_o those_o of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v true_o devout_a for_o so_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o that_o we_o shall_v give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o last_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o such_o irreverence_n be_v a_o very_a great_a piece_n of_o injustice_n a_o rob_v god_n of_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o for_o as_o he_o make_v and_o do_v preserve_v not_o only_o the_o heart_n but_o the_o outward_a member_n as_o the_o hand_n eye_n tongue_n and_o the_o whole_a man_n so_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v concur_v in_o render_v their_o tribute_n of_o reverence_n and_o service_n to_o he_o and_o thus_o have_v show_v you_o the_o necessity_n of_o reverence_v god_n both_o outward_o in_o your_o body_n and_o inward_o in_o your_o soul_n you_o may_v from_o hence_o learn_v to_o avoid_v the_o two_o dangerous_a extreme_n of_o profaneness_n and_o superstition_n and_o neither_o be_v discourage_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a reverence_n by_o those_o who_o shall_v censure_v you_o for_o be_v formal_a nor_o encourage_v to_o the_o neglect_n of_o inward_a reverence_n by_o those_o who_o place_n the_o whole_a of_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o outward_a show_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v at_o first_o be_v persuade_v at_o all_o time_n when_o you_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o consider_v with_o yourself_o before_o hand_n what_o you_o be_v go_v about_o and_o compose_v your_o thought_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o you_o may_v behave_v yourself_o all_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n with_o all_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o all-seeing_a infinite_o pure_a and_o glorious_a god_n and_o now_o because_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o mistake_n in_o express_v their_o reverence_n in_o public_a worship_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n through_o want_n of_o a_o right_a information_n in_o the_o matter_n to_o prevent_v your_o be_v also_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a i_o shall_v here_o take_v occasion_n to_o let_v you_o know_v wherein_o one_o or_o two_o of_o their_o mistake_n do_v lie_v in_o the_o first_o place_n therefore_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a with_o many_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o confession_n to_o stand_v up_o or_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o absolution_n and_o perhaps_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o stand_n up_o be_v because_o they_o observe_v the_o minister_n do_v so_o whereas_o you_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o one_o which_o there_o be_v for_o the_o other_o for_o as_o to_o the_o minister_n stand_v up_o at_o the_o absolution_n this_o be_v do_v to_o signify_v that_o authority_n by_o which_o he_o pronounce_v to_o those_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v more_o proper_a that_o all_o ministerial_a act_n of_o authority_n shall_v be_v do_v stand_v but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v continue_v kneel_v as_o at_o their_o confession_n and_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o humble_a posture_n of_o penitent_n while_o with_o the_o most_o submissive_a attention_n they_o hear_v god_n gracious_a declaration_n of_o pardon_n pronounce_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v also_o usual_a with_o many_o to_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o communion_n service_n or_o at_o least_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o minister_n begin_v to_o read_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o this_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o use_v to_o do_v because_o they_o observe_v the_o minister_n then_o stand_v up_o but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o so_o here_o again_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o both_o the_o minister_n stand_v up_o because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a gesture_n for_o he_o while_o he_o declare_v the_o law_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o people_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o congregation_n to_o kneel_v because_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o every_o commandment_n they_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o former_a transgressinos_fw-mi and_o for_o grace_n not_o to_o transgress_v again_o say_v lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o keep_v this_o law_n that_o you_o may_v not_o therefore_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o other_o who_o be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o careless_a in_o this_o matter_n you_o may_v do_v well_o to_o ask_v your_o own_o conscience_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o you_o have_v not_o break_v either_o in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n and_o whether_o you_o be_v not_o still_o in_o danger_n of_o transgress_v the_o same_o and_o then_o say_v whether_o you_o have_v not_o need_v with_o all_o humility_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o pray_v unto_o the_o
the_o lord_n will_v not_o do_v it_o for_o he_o see_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o those_o affliction_n which_o be_v befall_v he_o he_o still_o hold_v fast_o his_o integrity_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o david_n unto_o who_o as_o we_o read_v act_v 13._o 22._o the_o lord_n himself_o give_v testimony_n and_o say_v i_o have_v find_v david_n the_o son_n of_o jesse_n a_o man_n after_o my_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v true_a he_o grievous_o offend_v god_n more_o than_o once_o but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n make_v amends_o for_o all_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o his_o hearty_a sorrow_n instead_o of_o innocency_n now_o if_o these_o and_o many_o other_o holy_a man_n under_o the_o law_n be_v able_a through_o the_o divine_a assistance_n so_o to_o walk_v before_o god_n as_o to_o be_v approve_v of_o he_o how_o little_a reason_n have_v we_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o christian_n now_o under_o the_o more_o glorious_a light_n and_o gracious_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n why_o may_v not_o we_o now_o as_o st_n paul_n tell_v we_o he_o do_v exercise_v ourselves_o in_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o be_v able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n but_o as_o st_n paul_n declare_v of_o himself_o phil._n 4._o 13._o so_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v we_o and_o we_o need_v not_o in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o his_o assistance_n upon_o our_o humble_a request_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o same_o so_o that_o now_o my_o son_n you_o see_v how_o reasonable_o those_o people_n argue_v against_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o god_n have_v command_v and_o good_a man_n have_v practise_v let_v no_o man_n therefore_o deceive_v you_o and_o say_v that_o we_o have_v promise_v more_o in_o your_o name_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o you_o to_o perform_v for_o if_o you_o will_v but_o in_o good_a earnest_n oppose_v these_o enemy_n of_o your_o soul_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n you_o will_v find_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n concur_v with_o your_o holy_a resolution_n he_o that_o have_v plant_v these_o thing_n in_o your_o heart_n will_v also_o water_v and_o make_v they_o abundant_o fruitful_a to_o the_o confusion_n of_o satan_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o your_o immortal_a soul_n and_o now_o have_v prove_v unto_o you_o the_o possibility_n of_o keep_v your_o baptismal_a vow_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o 3d_o place_n show_v you_o how_o great_a a_o obligation_n you_o lie_v under_o to_o observe_v it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o may_v produce_v many_o argument_n and_o sundry_a text_n of_o scripture_n but_o because_o i_o rather_o desire_v to_o inform_v your_o judgement_n than_o burden_n your_o memory_n i_o shall_v comprehend_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o i_o can_v you_o must_v therefore_o know_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o that_o your_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v upon_o your_o conscientious_a observation_n of_o this_o vow_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o you_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n without_o repentance_n faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o mat._n 19_o 17._o that_o if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n we_o must_v keep_v the_o commandment_n so_o st_n paul_n have_v tell_v we_o heb._n 11._o 6._o that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v also_o declare_v rom._n 8._o 13._o that_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n we_o do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n we_o shall_v live_v for_o these_o be_v the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o we_o that_o he_o will_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o we_o perform_v our_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o iâ—_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v promise_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o insist_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o because_o in_o all_o covenant_n the_o party_n promise_v any_o benefit_n or_o privilege_n be_v no_o far_o oblige_v to_o make_v they_o good_a than_o the_o other_o party_n perform_v the_o duty_n promise_v and_o require_v on_o his_o part_n so_o that_o as_o you_o love_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v it_o high_o concern_v you_o to_o be_v very_o mindful_a of_o your_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o careful_a to_o observe_v it_o but_o withal_o i_o will_v entreat_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v this_o one_o thing_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o suffer_v the_o curse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n on_o purpose_n to_o purify_v we_o and_o therefore_o shall_v we_o still_o continue_v in_o our_o filthiness_n and_o impurity_n he_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o at_o it_o be_v say_v titus_n 2._o 14._o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o haâ—e_v the_o face_n to_o delight_v in_o sin_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o thus_o prejudiee_n our_o own_o soul_n why_o shall_v we_o destroy_v ourselves_o after_o all_o the_o care_n and_o pain_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v be_v at_o to_o save_v we_o have_v we_o more_o love_n for_o satan_n than_o we_o have_v for_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o scruple_n of_o renounce_v the_o devil_n both_o in_o our_o word_n and_o work_n have_v we_o more_o affection_n for_o sin_n that_o will_v ruin_v we_o than_o for_o holiness_n that_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o save_v we_o through_o christ_n we_o be_v make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n and_o heir_n through_o grace_n of_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o sell_v our_o birthright_n like_o esau_n for_o one_o sinful_a morsel_n and_o to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o evermore_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o my_o son_n to_o lay_v these_o thing_n serious_o to_o heart_n and_o be_v persuade_v so_o to_o lead_v your_o life_n here_o that_o you_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o happy_a in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o as_o you_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15._o last_o if_o you_o â—e_v steadfast_a and_o immovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n you_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v nâ—â—_n be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v certain_a thâ—â—â—_n be_v no_o other_o sacrifice_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n bâ—â—_n that_o of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n which_o can_v be_v â—ufâ—icient_a to_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o yet_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o rom._n 12._o 1._o that_o the_o preâ—enâ—â—ng_v our_o â—_z a_o â—iving_a sacrâ—fice_n holy_a acceptable_a unto_o god_n be_v our_o reasonable_a â—â—_o vice_n so_o that_o although_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o ourselves_o whâ—ch_v we_o ought_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o keep_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n can_v procure_v salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o reception_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o listen_v to_o those_o person_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o argue_v against_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o like_o the_o fainthearted_a israelite_n when_o they_o return_v from_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n cry_v out_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o these_o mighty_a giant_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o keep_v this_o vow_n instead_o of_o give_v a_o ear_n to_o such_o people_n i_o say_v if_o you_o will_v give_v up_o yourself_o in_o earnest_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o hearty_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n though_o you_o may_v probable_o find_v some_o difficulty_n in_o your_o first_o onset_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o when_o once_o you_o be_v get_v into_o the_o way_n of_o it_o you_o will_v find_v
of_o we_o have_v the_o face_n to_o rob_v he_o of_o that_o day_n by_o spend_v it_o any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n satan_n i_o doubt_v not_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o tempt_v you_o sometime_o in_o this_o case_n as_o he_o tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o as_o he_o then_o upbraid_v god_n with_o niggardliness_n in_o that_o he_o have_v not_o give_v they_o freedom_n to_o eat_v of_o all_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o garden_n insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v restraint_v they_o from_o the_o use_n of_o that_o one_o out_o of_o some_o self-end_n for_o say_v the_o serpent_n the_o lord_n do_v know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n you_o eat_v thereof_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n i_o doubt_v not_o i_o say_v but_o as_o satan_n deal_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n so_o may_v he_o deal_v with_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n day_n insinuate_v as_o 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other_o now_o by_o this_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o lord_n expect_v that_o homage_n from_o we_o and_o challenge_v it_o as_o peculiarly_a due_a to_o himself_o because_o his_o honour_n and_o authority_n be_v hereby_o uphold_v great_o in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o at_o all_o time_n to_o glorify_v god_n in_o our_o spirit_n only_o but_o upon_o some_o occasion_n and_o especial_o when_o god_n be_v public_o worship_v by_o we_o we_o ought_v to_o glorify_v he_o in_o our_o body_n also_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o as_o st_n paul_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 20._o be_v because_o he_o have_v not_o only_o create_v but_o redeem_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n say_v he_o therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o in_o your_o spirit_n which_o be_v go_n so_o that_o you_o see_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o devotion_n whereby_o god_n 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next_o place_n take_v notice_n of_o those_o particular_a expression_n of_o reverence_n to_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o to_o all_o which_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a and_o pious_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v conformable_a now_o this_o outward_a reverence_n you_o must_v know_v may_v either_o be_v express_v by_o word_n or_o action_n in_o word_n we_o reverence_n god_n provide_v always_o that_o our_o heart_n go_v along_o with_o our_o tongue_n when_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n unto_o he_o and_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n and_o this_o be_v undoubted_o a_o very_a great_a privilege_n that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n be_v admit_v to_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o offer_v up_o their_o devotion_n unto_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o this_o liberty_n especial_o since_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o testify_v to_o one_o another_o how_o ready_a we_o be_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o people_n bear_v a_o part_n with_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o public_a devotion_n may_v very_o much_o tend_v to_o the_o more_o inflame_a one_o another_o devout_a affection_n and_o to_o the_o better_a fix_v our_o mind_n in_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n upon_o our_o duty_n and_o so_o to_o the_o render_v our_o devotion_n the_o more_o acceptable_a under_o the_o law_n the_o people_n indeed_o be_v to_o bring_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n to_o the_o temple_n but_o the_o priest_n only_o be_v to_o offer_v they_o up_o whereas_o now_o under_o the_o gracious_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o people_n be_v so_o far_o
become_v priest_n unto_o god_n as_o to_o be_v admit_v the_o honour_n of_o bear_v a_o part_n together_o with_o the_o priest_n in_o his_o public_a worship_n and_o to_o this_o great_a privilege_n the_o work_n of_o st._n peter_n as_o i_o suppose_v may_v have_v relation_n 1_o ep._n 2._o 5._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o christian_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o accompany_v the_o minister_n with_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o humble_a voice_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o heavenly_a grace_n as_o in_o repeat_v the_o confession_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n after_o he_o so_o in_o make_v all_o such_o answer_n as_o you_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o rubric_n throughout_o the_o whole_a service_n never_o omit_v to_o say_v amen_o but_o thus_o in_o a_o fervent_a zeal_n shut_v up_o all_o your_o prayer_n and_o because_o i_o find_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v negligent_a in_o this_o to_o the_o end_n that_o you_o may_v not_o follow_v the_o ill_a example_n of_o other_o and_o be_v so_o too_o i_o shall_v now_o take_v occasion_n to_o inform_v you_o right_o in_o this_o matter_n by_o show_v you_o 1._o of_o all_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n amen_o 2._o that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v make_v use_n of_o this_o word_n in_o their_o public_a devotion_n 3._o how_o great_a a_o necessity_n there_o be_v that_o this_o practice_n shall_v bestill_n continue_v among_o we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o to_o this_o word_n amen_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o language_n and_o the_o people_n of_o all_o nation_n upon_o earth_n make_v use_n of_o it_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o it_o be_v chief_o twofold_a oft_o it_o signify_v either_o so_o be_v it_o or_o so_o it_o be_v sometime_o we_o 〈◊〉_d amen_o and_o thereby_o express_v our_o hearty_a desire_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v pray_v for_o may_v be_v grant_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o use_v it_o at_o the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o prayer_n sometime_o also_o we_o use_v this_o word_n to_o testify_v our_o confidence_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o our_o faith_n assure_v ourselves_o thereby_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v be_v certain_o true_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o use_v it_o after_o the_o doxology_n or_o glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o creed_n and_o in_o both_o these_o sense_n we_o find_v it_o use_v in_o scripture_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o by_o observe_v in_o the_o 2d_o place_n that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o their_o public_a devotion_n first_o of_o all_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n we_o read_v nehemiah_n 8._o 6._o that_o when_o ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n the_o great_a god_n all_o the_o people_n answer_v amen_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v also_o lift_v up_o with_o the_o great_a fervency_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o double_v the_o expression_n say_v amen_n amen_n yea_o we_o find_v deut._n 27._o 14._o that_o even_o when_o the_o levite_n do_v use_v to_o perform_v divine_a service_n and_o declare_v the_o curse_n of_o god_n to_o be_v due_a to_o such_o and_o such_o sinner_n the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v to_o answer_v and_o say_v amen_o i._n e._n be_v it_o so_o or_o curse_v be_v the_o man_n who_o do_v those_o thing_n thus_o they_o be_v to_o declare_v their_o abhorrence_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o eminent_o liable_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o if_o all_o of_o we_o be_v due_o sensible_a of_o the_o great_a indignation_n of_o god_n against_o those_o sin_n against_o which_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n be_v denounce_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o care_n of_o fall_v into_o or_o however_o of_o persevere_v impenitent_o in_o any_o of_o those_o sin_n mention_v in_o the_o commination_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v on_o ash-wednesday_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o say_v amen_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o sentence_n as_o many_o do_v fear_v thereby_o to_o call_v for_o a_o curse_n upon_o themselves_o for_o though_o in_o say_v amen_o we_o affirm_v with_o our_o own_o mouth_n the_o curse_n of_o god_n to_o be_v due_a to_o such_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o david_n have_v declare_v p._n 119._o 21._o say_v curse_v be_v all_o they_o that_o do_v err_v from_o thy_o commandment_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v find_v liable_a to_o the_o curse_n if_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o be_v guilty_a and_o persevere_v therein_o impenitent_o whether_o we_o say_v amen_o or_o no_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v accurse_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o as_o we_o read_v mat._n 25._o 41._o then_o shall_v the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n say_v unto_o they_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o say_v amen_o we_o find_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o use_v this_o word_n at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o in_o the_o conclusion_n also_o of_o their_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n as_o we_o read_v 1_o chr._n 16._o 36._o for_o at_o the_o end_n of_o that_o psalm_n which_o daâ—id_v have_v compose_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o temple_n all_o the_o people_n be_v require_v to_o say_v amen_n nor_o be_v it_o use_v by_o the_o jew_n only_o under_o the_o law_n but_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n it_o have_v be_v practise_v also_o by_o he_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v evident_a 1_o cor._n 14._o 16._o for_o there_o st_n paul_n reprove_v those_o who_o pray_v at_o any_o time_n in_o a_o language_n which_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v he_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o that_o practice_n because_o tâ—e_v people_n who_o understand_v not_o the_o language_n can_v not_o say_v amen_o to_o such_o prayer_n they_o can_v tnot_v give_v their_o consent_n to_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n only_o think_v sit_v to_o conclude_v all_o prayer_n with_o this_o word_n but_o our_o saviour_n be_v please_v also_o to_o teach_v we_o so_o to_o do_v for_o mat._n 6._o 13._o we_o find_v the_o lord_n prayer_n conclude_v with_o it_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o god_n people_n both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n so_o it_o have_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ever_o since_o though_o of_o late_a year_n through_o the_o great_a want_n of_o zeal_n and_o true_a devotion_n it_o have_v be_v much_o neglect_v by_o we_o in_o this_o nation_n but_o how_o great_a a_o necessity_n there_o be_v that_o this_o ancient_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o people_n say_v amen_o to_o the_o prayyer_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v continue_v among_o we_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o 3d_o place_n to_o show_v you_o for_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n among_o several_a other_o necessary_o require_v in_o prayer_n to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n viz._n a_o fervent_a desire_n and_o lively_a faith_n we_o give_v a_o testimony_n of_o both_o these_o in_o say_v amen_o but_o in_o neglect_v this_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o bystander_n and_o no_o way_n concern_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v pray_v for_o nor_o in_o the_o service_n which_o be_v perform_v and_o in_o truth_n how_o good_a soever_o the_o prayer_n be_v you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o unless_o you_o hearty_o join_v in_o they_o if_o another_o man_n write_v a_o letter_n in_o your_o name_n you_o ought_v to_o set_v your_o hand_n to_o it_o ot_fw-mi make_v your_o mark_n to_o testify_v your_o consent_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o thus_o if_o the_o minister_n pray_v for_o you_o you_o ought_v to_o set_v your_o hand_n and_o seal_n to_o his_o prayer_n suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o be_v good_a by_o say_v amen_o to_o it_o nor_o shall_v you_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v amen_o to_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o you_o shall_v also_o
take_v delight_n in_o bear_v a_o part_n with_o your_o brethren_n in_o make_v the_o response_n sing_v psalm_n and_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o this_o you_o will_v certain_o do_v when_o once_o you_o have_v get_v your_o heart_n sincere_o affect_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n infinite_a love_n and_o mercy_n towards_o you_o for_o so_o we_o find_v king_n david_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o great_a experience_n which_o he_o have_v of_o god_n love_n to_o he_o influence_v he_o so_o much_o that_o he_o can_v not_o refrain_v from_o sing_v praise_n to_o he_o ps_n 63._o because_o thy_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n my_o lip_n shall_v praise_v thou_o again_o v._n 5._o my_o soul_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n when_o my_o mouth_n praise_v thou_o with_o joyful_a lip_n nor_o do_v that_o pious_a king_n desire_v to_o be_v singular_a in_o this_o matter_n for_o in_o ps_n 95._o v._n 1._o he_o encourage_v all_o other_o to_o the_o like_a practice_n say_v o_o come_v let_v we_o sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o hearty_o rejoice_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o you_o be_v to_o reverence_n god_n by_o open_v your_o lip_n that_o your_o mouth_n may_v show_v forth_o his_o praise_n so_o you_o be_v to_o reverence_v he_o by_o your_o action_n and_o gesture_n as_o by_o lift_v up_o your_o hand_n and_o eye_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n stand_v up_o at_o the_o recital_n of_o the_o creed_n hymn_n and_o gospel_n by_o kneel_v or_o at_o least_o stand_v up_o in_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o keep_v your_o head_n uncover_v all_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o while_o the_o minister_n be_v preach_v i_o say_v that_o you_o be_v to_o kneel_v or_o at_o least_o to_o stand_v up_o in_o time_n of_o prayer_n because_o both_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a man_n but_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o kneel_v be_v much_o more_o commendable_a and_o a_o better_a way_n of_o express_v your_o humility_n than_o stand_v up_o be_v when_o you_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v true_a stand_v up_o in_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o some_o natural_a infirmity_n when_o a_o man_n can_v kneel_v without_o very_o great_a pain_n and_o uneasiness_n or_o when_o a_o congregation_n be_v so_o much_o crowd_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o inconvenient_a or_o impossible_a to_o do_v it_o or_o when_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o as_o it_o do_v of_o the_o minister_n for_o very_o good_a reason_n in_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n even_o when_o the_o people_n be_v require_v to_o kneel_v in_o these_o i_o say_v and_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v some_o other_o the_o like_a case_n to_o pray_v stand_v be_v not_o reprovable_a but_o then_o in_o such_o case_n you_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o give_v some_o other_o demonstration_n of_o your_o humility_n faith_n and_o reverence_n as_o by_o lift_v up_o your_o hand_n and_o eye_n to_o heaven_n by_o smite_v your_o breast_n and_o the_o like_a for_o to_o stand_v up_o all_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n when_o you_o be_v require_v to_o kneel_v down_o and_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o inconvenience_n to_o yourself_o to_o other_o and_o never_o so_o much_o as_o open_v your_o lip_n or_o move_v your_o hand_n and_o eye_n in_o honour_n to_o god_n be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o there_o be_v but_o very_a little_a true_a devotion_n in_o your_o heart_n but_o for_o sit_v still_o all_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n as_o too_o many_o do_v this_o my_o son_n i_o must_v needs_o tell_v you_o be_v not_o only_o the_o great_a irreverence_n but_o a_o most_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a behaviour_n in_o the_o more_o especial_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o how_o much_o soever_o those_o people_n who_o will_v be_v dissuade_v from_o it_o may_v pretend_v to_o honour_n god_n in_o their_o heart_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o dishonour_v he_o before_o man_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v a_o very_a great_a provocation_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v but_o they_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v i_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o judge_v the_o secret_n of_o such_o man_n heart_n but_o let_v they_o ask_v their_o own_o conscience_n what_o the_o reason_n be_v that_o they_o kneel_v down_o to_o prayer_n in_o their_o own_o house_n and_o yet_o fit_v down_o all_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o their_o irreverence_n in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o their_o want_n of_o a_o true_a love_n and_o respect_n for_o the_o public_a service_n and_o if_o so_o where_o be_v their_o sincerity_n for_o as_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suspect_v that_o that_o pretend_v invisible_a piety_n which_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o visible_a purity_n be_v a_o false_a or_o rather_o no_o piety_n at_o all_o and_o that_o those_o person_n who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o serve_v god_n public_o take_v little_a or_o no_o care_n to_o serve_v he_o private_o so_o it_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o charity_n be_v suppose_v that_o those_o person_n who_o refuse_v to_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o outward_a reverence_n of_o their_o body_n in_o the_o public_a congregation_n where_o he_o be_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v honour_v have_v but_o very_o little_a reverence_n towards_o he_o in_o the_o heart_n for_o if_o they_o kneel_v down_o to_o prayer_n in_o their_o own_o house_n out_o of_o a_o hearty_a reverence_n to_o god_n they_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n because_o in_o so_o do_v they_o give_v a_o more_o public_a testimony_n of_o that_o honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o almighty_a it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o in_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n day_n as_o we_o read_v ch._n 1._o 7._o the_o people_n be_v come_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o profaneness_n that_o they_o think_v any_o thing_n be_v good_a enough_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o yet_o still_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a reverence_n for_o he_o and_o his_o worship_n but_o see_v how_o god_n resent_v their_o irreverent_a behaviour_n towards_o he_o a_o son_n say_v he_o honour_v his_o father_n and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o i_o then_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o ordinance_n they_o will_v be_v still_o ready_a to_o vindicate_v themselves_o and_o say_v wherein_o have_v we_o despise_v thy_o name_n and_o wherein_o have_v we_o pollute_v thou_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n tell_v they_o plain_o that_o they_o have_v dishonour_v he_o in_o think_v that_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o offer_v in_o sacrifice_n any_o thing_n as_o they_o think_v be_v good_a enough_o to_o be_v kill_v so_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v they_o consider_v whether_o a_o earthly_a prince_n will_v be_v please_v with_o a_o subject_a that_o shall_v behave_v himself_o towards_o he_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n if_o you_o offer_v the_o blind_a for_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a and_o if_o you_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a offer_v it_o now_o unto_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n here_o you_o see_v that_o however_o some_o people_n may_v pretend_v to_o a_o inward_a reverence_n of_o god_n while_o they_o give_v no_o outward_a testimony_n of_o it_o in_o their_o word_n and_o action_n yet_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o it_o he_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v honour_v by_o those_o way_n which_o our_o superior_n take_v to_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o they_o for_o shall_v these_o person_n behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o earthly_a king_n or_o of_o a_o inferior_a magistrate_n as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n they_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v very_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a and_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v but_o that_o the_o almighty_a god_n will_v in_o like_a manner_n resent_v the_o behaviour_n of_o those_o who_o act_n direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n prescribe_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o his_o worship_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o holy_a man_n
lord_n for_o mercy_n and_o for_o grace_n in_o that_o pious_a ejaculation_n which_o the_o church_n have_v direct_v say_v lord_n have_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o after_o all_o though_o it_o high_o concern_v you_o as_o i_o have_v show_v so_o to_o behave_v yourself_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v offer_v up_o to_o he_o such_o a_o reasonable_a service_n as_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o meditation_n of_o his_o belove_a son_n yet_o i_o must_v withal_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o limit_v your_o devotion_n to_o the_o temple_n you_o must_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o seem_v very_o serious_a there_o if_o at_o other_o time_n you_o be_v vain_a and_o wicked_a if_o you_o desire_v that_o both_o your_o person_n and_o your_o performance_n shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n you_o must_v be_v true_o religious_a at_o all_o time_n and_o the_o zeal_n which_o you_o pretend_v to_o have_v for_o god_n glory_n must_v be_v visible_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o your_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v persuade_v therefore_o to_o remember_v your_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o youth_n have_v a_o care_n of_o think_v as_o too_o many_o do_v that_o you_o have_v still_o time_n enough_o to_o prepare_v yourself_o for_o another_o world_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n know_v how_o soon_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v call_v he_o hence_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a piece_n of_o ill_a husbandry_n that_o you_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o to_o think_v that_o you_o can_v easy_o redeem_v that_o time_n when_o you_o please_v which_o you_o shall_v mortgage_v for_o a_o few_o vain_a and_o insatisfactory_a delight_n there_o be_v too_o many_o i_o doubt_v in_o the_o world_n that_o flatter_v themselves_o and_o think_v that_o they_o go_v upon_o good_a ground_n while_o they_o defer_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n service_n in_o the_o vigour_n of_o their_o youth_n hope_v that_o they_o may_v repent_v when_o they_o see_v their_o own_o time_n but_o my_o son_n i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o although_o god_n have_v promise_v pardon_n to_o all_o the_o true_a penitent_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o particular_o promise_v to_o wâ—it_v on_o any_o man_n leisure_n he_o do_v indeed_o bear_v with_o some_o a_o long_a time_n wait_v for_o their_o conversion_n and_o such_o be_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o he_o do_v sometime_o grant_v repentance_n and_o pardon_n after_o man_n have_v for_o many_o year_n put_v off_o that_o necessary_a duty_n but_o he_o never_o do_v this_o upon_o any_o precontract_n with_o they_o nor_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o provoke_v he_o to_o deny_v his_o favour_n than_o man_n presume_v thus_o to_o dispose_v of_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v offer_v unto_o your_o consideratition_n a_o remarkable_a passage_n 2_o chr._n 33._o where_o we_o find_v that_o the_o lord_n forbear_v king_n manasses_n forty_o year_n and_o at_o length_n upon_o his_o repentance_n pardon_v he_o after_o his_o death_n amon_n his_o son_n reign_v in_o his_o stead_n and_o have_v observe_v it_o be_v like_a how_o merciful_a god_n have_v deal_v with_o his_o father_n he_o presume_v upon_o the_o like_a forbearance_n and_o mercy_n think_v that_o as_o his_o father_n have_v do_v before_o so_o he_o may_v redeem_v the_o offence_n of_o his_o youth_n by_o a_o late_a repentance_n in_o old_a age_n but_o we_o find_v that_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o accept_v of_o amon_n assignment_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o have_v spare_v manasses_n the_o father_n forty_o year_n yet_o he_o cut_v off_o his_o son_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o year_n of_o his_o wicked_a reign_n know_v therefore_o and_o consider_v this_o that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o you_o to_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o religion_n in_o your_o youth_n if_o you_o habituate_v yourself_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o prime_n of_o your_o year_n you_o will_v afterward_o find_v all_o even_o the_o severe_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o sit_v wonderful_a easy_a upon_o your_o mind_n if_o you_o shall_v live_v to_o be_v old_a you_o will_v then_o have_v nothing_o of_o that_o regret_n and_o anxiety_n to_o discompose_v your_o thought_n which_o other_o will_v feel_v who_o have_v neglect_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o their_o youth_n and_o enslave_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n be_v call_v the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v it_o be_v not_o say_v indeed_o for_o what_o reason_n this_o title_n be_v give_v he_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o be_v â—he_v young_a of_o they_o all_o for_o that_o reason_n possible_o jesus_n may_v have_v the_o great_a love_n for_o he_o because_o even_o then_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o youth_n he_o have_v learned_a to_o despise_v all_o the_o bewitch_a vanity_n of_o the_o world_n to_o deny_v himself_o and_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o therefore_o my_o son_n this_o advice_n which_o i_o have_v here_o give_v you_o may_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n prove_v beneficial_a to_o you_o and_o answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v in_o further_a the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n i_o shall_v be_v hearty_o glad_a and_o hope_v that_o both_o you_o and_o i_o shall_v ascribe_v the_o whole_a praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n a_o appendix_n touch_v baptismal_a surety_n be_v very_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v seldom_o any_o thing_n which_o occasion_n great_a dispute_n and_o difference_n between_o many_o minister_n and_o their_o parishioner_n than_o the_o business_n of_o baptismal_a surety_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_o pretend_v by_o some_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o depart_n from_o our_o church_n than_o their_o be_v dissatisfy_v about_o this_o matter_n i_o have_v here_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v something_o in_o reference_n hereunto_o hope_v thereby_o to_o remove_v the_o scruple_n at_o least_o of_o those_o who_o be_v unprejudiced_a and_o well_o mean_v person_n in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o one_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n 2d_o what_o reason_n our_o church_n have_v to_o justify_v the_o use_n of_o they_o 3d._n how_o advantageous_a the_o due_a execution_n of_o this_o office_n may_v be_v both_o to_o surety_n and_o child_n first_o as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n our_o church_n hereby_o understand_v those_o person_n who_o be_v engage_v as_o surety_n to_o the_o church_n by_o solemn_a promise_n at_o the_o baptism_n of_o child_n to_o see_v they_o virtuous_o bring_v up_o to_o lead_v a_o godly_a and_o a_o christian_a life_n so_o that_o although_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o thâ—t_a reason_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o call_v they_o surety_n yet_o to_o let_v they_o know_v how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v affect_v towards_o their_o child_n in_o who_o name_n they_o covenant_n with_o god_n viz._n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o father_n and_o mother_n in_o god_n i_o e._n spiritual_a parent_n and_o affectionate_o concern_v in_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o child_n salvation_n therefore_o they_o be_v call_v godfather_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o way_n of_o express_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o may_v suppose_v the_o ancient_a christian_n at_o first_o receive_v from_o some_o expression_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n as_o when_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v say_v to_o be_v brethren_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v christian_n as_o also_o from_o st._n paul_n way_n of_o speak_v concern_v those_o person_n in_o who_o education_n and_o in_o the_o furtherance_n of_o who_o salvation_n he_o have_v be_v concern_v for_o as_o he_o signify_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o ep._n 4._o 15._o that_o he_o be_v their_o spiritual_a father_n have_v beget_v they_o in_o christ_n jesus_n through_o the_o gospel_n so_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 2._o he_o call_v timothy_n his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o faith_n in_o this_o sense_n also_o he_o call_v onesimus_n his_o son_n ep_v to_o philem_n v._n 10._o i_o beseech_v thou_o for_o my_o son_n onesimus_n who_o i_o have_v beget_v in_o my_o bound_n now_o as_o st_n paul_n be_v father_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o as_o timothy_n and_o onesimus_n be_v his_o son_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n so_o why_o may_v not_o those_o person_n who_o undertake_v the_o office_n of_o surety_n for_o child_n when_o they_o bring_v they_o to_o baptism_n which_o be_v their_o new_a and_o spiritual_a birth_n be_v call_v spiritual_a parent_n or_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o as_o they_o may_v