the_o psalmist_n nay_o with_o our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v i_o will_v declare_v thy_o name_n unto_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o praise_v thou_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n praise_v he_o all_o you_o seed_n of_o jacob_n glorify_v he_o and_o fear_v he_o all_o you_o seed_n of_o israel_n my_o praise_n shall_v be_v of_o thou_o in_o the_o great_a congregation_n i_o will_v pay_v my_o vow_n before_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o psal_n xxii_o 22_o 23_o 25._o i_o will_v praise_v thou_o o_o god_n among_o the_o people_n i_o will_v sing_v unto_o thou_o among_o the_o nation_n for_o thy_o mercy_fw-mi be_v great_a unto_o the_o heaven_n and_o thy_o truth_n unto_o the_o cloud_n psal_n lvii_o 9_o 10._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o dwell_v in_o thy_o house_n they_o will_v be_v still_o praise_v thou_o psal_n lxxxiv_o 4._o the_o dead_a praise_n not_o the_o lord_n neither_o any_o that_o go_v down_o into_o silence_n but_o we_o will_v bless_v the_o lord_n from_o this_o time_n forth_o and_o for_o evermore_o praise_v the_o lord_n psal_n cxv_o 17_o 18._o which_o last_o word_n teach_v we_o that_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o public_a service_n we_o do_v to_o god_n in_o this_o world_n which_o we_o be_v uncapable_a to_o perform_v when_o we_o be_v go_v from_o hence_o then_o the_o time_n be_v pass_v of_o honour_v god_n among_o man_n by_o decâ—â—ring_v the_o sense_n we_o have_v of_o his_o greatness_n and_o speak_v good_a of_o his_o name_n foâ—_n though_o the_o dead_a be_v not_o quite_o silent_a yet_o what_o they_o say_v or_o do_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n where_o we_o muâ—â—_n serve_v god_n while_o we_o live_v or_o else_o noâ—_n at_o all_o which_o be_v a_o new_a consideration_n to_o quicken_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n and_o to_o silence_v all_o those_o objection_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o rise_v in_o our_o heart_n against_o it_o yes_o may_v some_o say_v we_o like_v the_o thing_n you_o press_v but_o be_v against_o the_o way_n of_o do_v it_o in_o this_o church_n in_o which_o some_o be_v distaste_v at_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o at_o that_o form_n wherein_o we_o worship_n god_n and_o he_o alone_o unto_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o form_n of_o prayer_n leave_v in_o this_o church_n they_o that_o destroy_v they_o do_v not_o daily_o hold_v public_a assembly_n nor_o do_v they_o now_o make_v it_o their_o constant_a practice_n which_o give_v we_o too_o much_o cause_n to_o think_v they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v of_o their_o necessity_n but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v suppose_v some_o have_v and_o that_o they_o only_o dislike_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v something_o strange_a that_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o make_v they_o think_v daily_o public_a assembly_n to_o be_v needful_a shall_v not_o also_o reconcile_v they_o to_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v constant_o use_v by_o the_o ancient_a jew_n in_o their_o assembly_n as_o have_v be_v undeniable_o prove_v by_o many_o of_o our_o writer_n and_o be_v prescribe_v by_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o make_v his_o prayer_n i_o have_v show_v for_o the_o public_a service_n in_o which_o he_o join_v with_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o country_n go_v to_o the_o synagogue_n which_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v call_v house_n of_o praise_n 19_o in_o isa_n seven_o 19_o and_o so_o do_v his_o apostle_n who_o themselves_o use_v a_o constant_a form_n of_o praise_n for_o they_o rest_v not_o day_n and_o night_n say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v rev._n four_o 8._o this_o as_o i_o show_v before_o be_v their_o continual_a hymn_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o god_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n usual_a way_n of_o recommend_v the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o they_o have_v their_o form_n of_o prayer_n also_o for_o he_o himself_o constant_o use_v these_o word_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o you_o all_o 2_o thess_n iii._o 17_o 18._o the_o same_o power_n every_o bishop_n have_v in_o his_o church_n to_o compose_v prayer_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o 1_o tim._n two_o 1_o 2._o which_o exhortation_n be_v direct_v not_o to_o the_o people_n but_o to_o timothy_n who_o be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o have_v all_o man_n recommend_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o public_a office_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o intercession_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o king_n especial_o and_o for_o all_o in_o authority_n etc._n etc._n this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v orderly_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n which_o timothy_n we_o may_v well_o think_v compose_v for_o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o prayer_n be_v make_v signify_v as_o literal_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v prayer_n and_o supplication_n compose_v as_o that_o he_o will_v have_v they_o put_v up_o to_o god_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o signify_v both_o first_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v compose_v and_o then_o put_v up_o to_o god_n by_o the_o church_n for_o you_o may_v observe_v further_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o this_o as_o their_o work_n act._n vi_fw-la 4._o where_n have_v bid_v the_o church_n look_v out_o some_o man_n to_o be_v appoint_v to_o attend_v the_o business_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a they_o add_v but_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 they_o make_v the_o prayer_n where_o they_o be_v present_a as_o much_o as_o they_o minister_v the_o word_n which_o be_v further_o manifest_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v call_v the_o apostle_n prayer_n act._n two_o 42._o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n observe_v here_o how_o all_o the_o faithful_a steadfast_o continue_v in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o that_o they_o be_v first_o call_v prayer_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n not_o one_o but_o many_o prayer_n and_o then_o that_o they_o be_v call_v the_o apostle_n prayer_n prayer_n make_v by_o they_o for_o the_o word_n apostle_n in_o the_o beginning_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o three_o thing_n that_o follow_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o first_o to_o the_o apostle_n fellowship_n and_o their_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o their_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v brief_a as_o john_n baptist_n be_v a_o public_a minister_n send_v of_o god_n teach_v his_o disciple_n how_o to_o pray_v and_o our_o bless_a lord_n teach_v his_o apostle_n so_o his_o apostle_n in_o like_a manner_n teach_v those_o who_o they_o convert_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n christ_n have_v leave_v they_o and_o no_o question_n deliver_v the_o same_o power_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v have_v the_o supreme_a guidance_n direction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o compose_v prayer_n suitable_a to_o man_n necessity_n in_o the_o several_a nation_n where_o they_o live_v and_o over_o who_o they_o preside_v it_o may_v be_v think_v indeed_o that_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n they_o have_v in_o those_o day_n supply_v all_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a both_o that_o every_o one_o have_v not_o that_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o they_o also_o who_o have_v be_v to_o be_v so_o order_v and_o regulate_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v serve_v its_o edification_n and_o nothing_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o stand_v know_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n without_o which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v know_v how_o they_o worship_v god_n and_o not_o depend_v mere_o upon_o that_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o be_v not_o constant_a but_o vouchsafe_v only_o on_o some_o special_a occasion_n according_a as_o god_n please_v to_o impart_v it_o which_o be_v not_o say_v arbitrary_o by_o i_o but_o it_o appear_v by_o a_o convince_a argument_n that_o this_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o serve_v the_o constant_a necessity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o some_o particular_a purpose_n for_o they_o who_o have_v it_o can_v not_o make_v other_o understand_v it_o and_o be_v therefore_o direct_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o pray_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o interpret_v that_o other_o may_v reap_v some_o benefit_n
be_v preserve_v but_o a_o sense_n also_o of_o his_o greatness_n and_o magnificence_n as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o be_v also_o breed_v and_o nourish_v in_o man_n mind_n who_o join_v as_o one_o man_n in_o the_o same_o service_n be_v teach_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v but_o what_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n for_o when_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n meet_v together_o even_o as_o many_o as_o a_o spacious_a place_n can_v contain_v to_o worship_v the_o same_o be_v it_o do_v most_o natural_o signify_v and_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o glorious_a who_o so_o many_o own_o for_o their_o lord_n upon_o who_o they_o depend_v for_o all_o they_o have_v or_o can_v have_v which_o be_v not_o signify_v nor_o represent_v when_o only_o one_o or_o two_o or_o a_o few_o pray_v to_o he_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n both_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v public_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o full_a as_o be_v possible_a and_o all_o who_o belong_v to_o they_o shall_v crowd_n unto_o they_o to_o testify_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v there_o worship_v to_o be_v the_o great_a king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v xlvii_o 2._o for_o great_a number_n meet_v together_o to_o do_v their_o homage_n to_o he_o it_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a sign_n that_o can_v be_v contrive_v which_o private_a worship_n be_v not_o that_o we_o take_v he_o to_o be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o above_o all_o good_a unto_o all_o in_o one_o word_n the_o common_a parent_n of_o we_o all_o to_o who_o we_o resort_v for_o his_o blessing_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o public_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o because_o most_o suitable_a to_o his_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n the_o best_a token_n of_o the_o high_a thought_n we_o have_v of_o he_o the_o utmost_a we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v to_o testify_v how_o great_a and_o how_o good_a we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v how_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o help_v we_o all_o as_o be_v equal_o relate_v unto_o all_o and_o the_o more_o meet_a together_o for_o this_o end_n the_o better_a this_o be_v declare_v that_o he_o can_v be_v honour_v and_o glorify_v enough_o but_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o unite_a thought_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o mankind_n can_v they_o be_v assemble_v at_o once_o to_o magnify_v his_o incomparable_a perfection_n nay_o if_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n as_o a_o very_a worthy_a person_n observe_v can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o body_n to_o worship_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o will_v still_o be_v much_o better_a because_o more_o suitable_a to_o his_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n be_v still_o a_o better_a signification_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o of_o his_o vast_a dominion_n which_o he_o govern_v with_o inconceiveable_a wisdom_n and_o take_v care_n of_o with_o a_o most_o provident_a goodness_n and_o though_o no_o one_o place_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v big_a enough_o to_o contain_v so_o much_o as_o one_o nation_n or_o country_n or_o great_a city_n yet_o we_o meet_v in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o worship_n god_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n it_o approach_v something_o near_o unto_o this_o all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o government_n hereby_o set_v forth_o god_n praise_n together_o at_o the_o very_a same_o moment_n and_o in_o the_o like_a though_o not_o the_o very_a same_o individual_a place_n where_o they_o uniform_o acknowledge_v he_o with_o joint_a consent_n to_o be_v their_o common_a preserver_n and_o benefactor_n which_o be_v far_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o most_o excellent_a nature_n than_o the_o single_a or_o private_a application_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a declaration_n make_v what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o all_o but_o only_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o one_o or_o for_o a_o few_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o universal_a church_n ancient_o observe_v certain_a set_v hour_n of_o prayer_n that_o all_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n join_v together_o to_o glorify_v god_n and_o some_o of_o they_o 35._o they_o origen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d n._n 33_o 35._o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o angelical_a host_n be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o hour_n take_v that_o time_n to_o join_v their_o prayer_n and_o praise_n with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n for_o common_a reason_n lead_v they_o to_o this_o thought_n that_o those_o noble_a creature_n be_v high_o concern_v to_o set_v forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o god_n majesty_n who_o as_o he_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n so_o have_v the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o praise_n to_o which_o creature_n can_v reach_v give_v unto_o he_o when_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n combine_v together_o at_o once_o to_o worship_n he_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n though_o many_o of_o they_o particular_o concern_v himself_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o chief_a musician_n for_o the_o public_a service_n as_o the_o way_n to_o make_v his_o praise_n glorious_a so_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v in_o lxvi_o psalm_n which_o begin_v with_o a_o desire_n that_o all_o land_n will_v make_v a_o joyful_a noise_n unto_o god_n and_o sing_v forth_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n and_o make_v his_o praise_n glorious_a that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o do_v something_o suitable_a to_o the_o surpass_a glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o great_a say_v he_o elsewhere_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n xlviii_o psal_n 1._o he_o be_v not_o great_o praise_v suitable_o to_o his_o greatness_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o that_o place_n where_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o to_o praise_v he_o no_o the_o very_a private_a blessing_n bestow_v on_o david_n he_o will_v have_v public_o celebrate_v by_o all_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o only_o say_v i_o will_v bless_v the_o lord_n at_o all_o time_n his_o praise_n shall_v be_v continual_o in_o my_o mouth_n my_o soul_n shall_v make_v she_o boast_v of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n but_o add_v o_o magnify_v the_o lord_n with_o i_o and_o let_v we_o exalt_v his_o name_n together_o xxxiv_o psal_n 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o therefore_o much_o more_o be_v the_o common_a blessing_n pour_v on_o they_o all_o to_o be_v thus_o acknowledge_v and_o his_o praise_n sing_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n as_o the_o word_n be_v cxlix_o psal_n 1._o that_o be_v by_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n nay_o by_o all_o the_o people_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o he_o speak_v cxvii_o psal_n o_o praise_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o nation_n praise_v he_o all_o you_o people_n etc._n etc._n which_o st._n paul_n show_v in_o the_o xv_o rom._n 11._o be_v accomplish_v when_o the_o gentile_n submit_v themselves_o to_o christ_n and_o become_v member_n of_o his_o church_n therein_o to_o praise_v he_o continual_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n iii_o in_o which_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n will_v not_o only_o be_v preserve_v suitable_a to_o his_o most_o excellent_a greatness_n and_o goodness_n but_o preserve_v pure_a and_o sincere_a free_a from_o those_o dangerous_a mixture_n which_o may_v soon_o creep_v into_o it_o to_o corrupt_v and_o embase_v it_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v worship_v only_o in_o private_a where_o every_o man_n may_v frame_v conceit_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n agreeable_a to_o his_o own_o inclination_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o way_n to_o prevent_v or_o correct_v they_o as_o by_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n into_o which_o error_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o admit_v because_o man_n be_v natural_o careful_a about_o that_o which_o they_o expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n not_o be_v willing_a themselves_o to_o appear_v before_o other_o with_o such_o neglect_n as_o they_o be_v sometime_o find_v in_o when_o they_o be_v alone_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n dangerous_a admit_v there_o it_o will_v soon_o be_v discover_v and_o if_o not_o redress_v yet_o oppose_v by_o good_a man_n as_o all_o corruption_n have_v be_v at_o their_o first_o appearance_n though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o have_v prevail_v they_o begin_v in_o private_a and_o from_o thence_o by_o degree_n adventurnd_a to_o appear_v in_o public_a where_o they_o will_v have_v appear_v soon_o if_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n or_o of_o christian_a people_n have_v not_o be_v against_o they_o there_o
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 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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
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 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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 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