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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
nature_n world_n worship_n worship_v 366 4 8.1074 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59850 A practical discourse of religious assemblies by Will. Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1681 (1681) Wing S3322; ESTC R27485 148,095 402

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of_o hunger_n which_o do_v not_o direct_v to_o any_o particular_a sort_n of_o food_n but_o only_o to_o eat_v for_o these_o natural_a inclination_n be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n with_o our_o natural_a passion_n which_o be_v not_o design_v to_o direct_v we_o what_o to_o do_v that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o wise_a consideration_n but_o to_o excite_v we_o more_o vigorous_o to_o action_n by_o a_o natural_a kind_n of_o thirst_n and_o appetite_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n act_v very_o foolish_o who_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o their_o passion_n without_o expect_v the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o reason_n so_o do_v those_o man_n who_o follow_v their_o natural_a inclination_n without_o direct_v they_o to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o this_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n how_o the_o inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n may_v be_v natural_a and_o yet_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o worship_v those_o thing_n for_o god_n which_o be_v no_o god_n and_o in_o worship_v a_o great_a many_o false_a god_n instead_o of_o one_o true_a god_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o what_o we_o call_v idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o when_o we_o prove_v against_o the_o atheist_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v from_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o worship_v some_o god_n or_o other_o which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n they_o present_o reply_v that_o this_o argument_n will_v prove_v idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n also_o to_o be_v natural_a since_o mankind_n be_v not_o more_o universal_o agree_v in_o worship_v a_o god_n than_o they_o be_v in_o worship_v many_o false_a go_n now_o though_o this_o be_v false_a for_o the_o world_n be_v never_o without_o some_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n the_o maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o most_o prevail_a time_n of_o paganism_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n a_o great_a potent_a and_o flourish_a people_n be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o there_o be_v several_a very_o good_a answer_n return_v to_o this_o objection_n by_o learned_a man_n yet_o i_o confess_v none_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o clear_a than_o this_o i_o have_v now_o hint_v the_o difference_n between_o natural_a inclination_n and_o natural_a reason_n natural_a inclination_n work_v more_o necessary_o and_o to_o this_o we_o owe_v the_o universal_a consent_n in_o religious_a worship_n but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n mankind_n be_v to_o receive_v their_o direction_n concern_v the_o object_n and_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o natural_a reason_n which_o will_v discover_v the_o true_a god_n to_o they_o if_o they_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o it_o but_o they_o may_v choose_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o exercise_v their_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a god_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o heathen_n do_v not_o for_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v inexcusable_a rom._n 1._o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n and_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a superstition_n which_o show_v how_o the_o consent_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o natural_a inclination_n prove_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o nature_n when_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o great_a many_o false_a god_n can_v prove_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o neglect_v the_o direction_n of_o natural_a reason_n or_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o when_o man_n so_o vast_o differ_v in_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n but_o so_o universal_o agree_v in_o pay_v divine_a honour_n to_o some_o be_v or_o other_o this_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o mere_a custom_n or_o education_n or_o natural_a reason_n for_o then_o they_o will_v agree_v as_o well_o in_o the_o object_n and_o nature_n as_o in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o a_o natural_a inclination_n to_o religion_n not_o govern_v and_o conduct_v by_o right_a reason_n and_o i_o shall_v observe_v further_o that_o natural_a inclination_n and_o passion_n be_v only_o according_a to_o the_o original_a design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o our_o wise-maker_n subservient_fw-fr to_o right_a reason_n and_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o natural_a inclination_n be_v a_o necessary_a spring_n of_o motion_n and_o action_n when_o mere_a dry_a reason_n in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n will_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a quickness_n and_o vigour_n in_o pursue_v its_o command_n hence_o i_o say_v these_o natural_a inclination_n to_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o visible_a in_o all_o mankind_n do_v plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n imprint_v upon_o man_n mind_n for_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o natural_a inclination_n be_v there_o no_o natural_a knowledge_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v they_o no_o more_o than_o there_o will_v be_v of_o our_o natural_a passion_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o desire_v and_o love_n be_v there_o no_o natural_a object_n proportion_v to_o such_o passion_n and_o therefore_o such_o natural_a inclination_n plain_o prove_v that_o those_o notion_n mankind_n always_o have_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o mere_a education_n but_o of_o nature_n for_o if_o one_o be_v natural_a both_o must_v be_v so_o natural_a inclination_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o no_o better_o than_o a_o blind_a impetus_fw-la must_v have_v some_o natural_a knowledge_n to_o guide_v they_o for_o what_o the_o atheist_n say_v that_o we_o owe_v the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n only_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o our_o parent_n and_o tutor_n when_o we_o be_v child_n and_o that_o this_o belief_n take_v so_o early_o a_o possession_n of_o our_o mind_n grow_v up_o into_o such_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la that_o we_o mistake_v it_o for_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o that_o our_o inclination_n to_o religion_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o this_o belief_n be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o say_v that_o our_o natural_a passion_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o desire_v be_v not_o implant_v in_o our_o nature_n but_o be_v only_o owe_v to_o the_o impression_n of_o external_n object_n and_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v light_n and_o external_n object_n to_o be_v see_v a_o man_n will_v see_v without_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n may_v hear_v without_o ear_n for_o what_o our_o sense_n be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o inclination_n and_o passion_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o external_n impression_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o quick_a perception_n of_o they_o no_o belief_n or_o opinion_n whatsoever_o can_v put_v any_o new_a inclination_n into_o our_o mind_n to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a inclination_n to_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o excite_v some_o inclination_n which_o lay_v dormant_a in_o we_o and_o which_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o before_o but_o to_o put_v new_a inclination_n into_o we_o be_v to_o create_v new_a power_n and_o faculty_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o since_o this_o inclination_n to_o religion_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o so_o universal_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o can_v result_v from_o any_o notion_n and_o opinion_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n from_o without_o nor_o do_v at_o all_o depend_v on_o they_o for_o some_o man_n can_v baffle_v their_o reason_n and_o think_v they_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v all_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n when_o they_o can_v silence_v and_o conquer_v their_o inclination_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o worship_v he_o this_o the_o atheist_n feel_v and_o endeavour_n to_o laugh_v away_o as_o a_o mere_a childish_a superstition_n whereas_o be_v this_o inclination_n owe_v to_o opinion_n and_o prejudice_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v more_o strong_a and_o more_o last_a than_o such_o a_o belief_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o if_o our_o modern_a atheist_n who_o pretend_v such_o a_o intimate_a knowledge_n and_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o nature_n will_v be_v persuade_v serious_o to_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n if_o they_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o natural_a language_n and_o interpretation_n of_o those_o strong_a impression_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o feel_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n it_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o
i_o can_v imagine_v what_o they_o have_v reasonable_o to_o object_n against_o this_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v have_v no_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n for_o those_o who_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n can_v believe_v themselves_o accountable_a to_o any_o but_o themselves_o in_o these_o matter_n while_o they_o conceal_v their_o own_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o be_v they_o deny_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o civility_n and_o respect_n to_o man_n to_o common_a and_o receive_v opinion_n and_o to_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o may_v be_v very_o great_a for_o who_o know_v how_o god_n may_v work_v upon_o their_o mind_n at_o such_o a_o time_n how_o they_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o observe_v the_o great_a and_o public_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o christian_a assembly_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o this_o must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o a_o dream_n and_o fancy_n who_o know_v how_o god_n may_v direct_v the_o preacher_n and_o put_v such_o word_n into_o his_o mouth_n as_o may_v pierce_v their_o soul_n and_o dispel_v those_o mist_n and_o fog_n which_o cloud_v their_o understanding_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o public_a instruction_n which_o be_v very_o often_o the_o cause_n but_o be_v a_o very_a unlikely_a cure_n of_o atheism_n but_o last_o i_o think_v at_o least_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o modest_a as_o not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o fulsome_a and_o nauseous_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n of_o our_o day_n to_o turn_v great_a reformer_n of_o religion_n to_o set_v up_o a_o mighty_a cry_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o whatever_o reformation_n of_o 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of_o the_o evil_a the_o danger_n the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n of_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o prepare_v for_o a_o eternal_a state_n now_o the_o natural_a method_n of_o proceed_v be_v first_o to_o convince_v and_o then_o to_o persuade_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o man_n i_o shall_v represent_v to_o they_o the_o evil_a danger_n and_o folly_n of_o this_o first_o the_o evil_a and_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o now_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o these_o man_n profess_v to_o believe_v every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a sin_n to_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v his_o worship_n 1._o for_o irreligion_n be_v as_o great_a if_o not_o a_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n and_o contempt_n of_o he_o than_o atheism_n itself_o a_o atheist_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o irreligious_a man_n contemn_v and_o 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to_o admire_v that_o which_o be_v great_a nor_o to_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o to_o fear_v and_o reverence_n that_o which_o be_v powerful_a for_o our_o passion_n be_v natural_o determine_v to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o not_o to_o discover_v those_o perfection_n which_o be_v notorious_a and_o visible_a be_v a_o reproach_n to_o our_o understanding_n and_o not_o to_o love_v or_o fear_v and_o admire_v they_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n be_v account_v dulness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o a_o vicious_a defect_n in_o our_o will_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o all_o perfection_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o some_o proportionable_a respect_n and_o therefore_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n natural_o challenge_v the_o high_a veneration_n since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o natural_a relation_n between_o natural_a perfection_n and_o
name_n of_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n divide_v the_o several_a duty_n of_o religion_n into_o three_o part_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n 12._o and_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v to_o honour_v he_o all_o the_o several_a act_n of_o worship_n honour_n god_n as_o they_o signify_v our_o great_a sense_n and_o devout_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v power_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n our_o dependence_n on_o he_o submission_n to_o he_o trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o such_o as_o be_v great_a and_o venerable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n prayer_n praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o the_o like_a now_o every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o honour_n be_v always_o the_o great_a the_o more_o public_a it_o be_v that_o he_o who_o have_v great_a and_o admire_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v this_o to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n honour_v god_n a_o 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they_o bind_v to_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n natural_a reason_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o give_v a_o great_a awe_n and_o solemnity_n to_o it_o for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o man_n be_v make_v a_o sociable_a creature_n for_o every_o thing_n else_o but_o only_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v his_o high_a end_n and_o great_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o if_o man_n unite_v themselves_o into_o society_n for_o civil_a order_n and_o government_n it_o be_v as_o high_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v unite_v for_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v that_o body_n politic_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v though_o it_o be_v a_o old_a maxim_n of_o government_n that_o religion_n be_v the_o sure_a bond_n and_o cement_n of_o civil_a society_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a blessing_n we_o be_v to_o praise_n god_n for_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o in_o common_a with_o other_o or_o all_o mankind_n such_o as_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o blessing_n of_o peace_n and_o plenty_n deliverance_n from_o enemy_n the_o advantage_n of_o good_a government_n and_o all_o other_o national_a mercy_n and_o above_o all_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o god_n be_v defraud_v of_o his_o glory_n if_o our_o acknowledgement_n be_v not_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blessing_n be_v for_o private_a praise_n be_v not_o just_o return_v nor_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o public_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o psalmist_n celebrate_v the_o public_a mercy_n of_o god_n he_o invite_v all_o israel_n to_o join_v in_o his_o praise_n praise_v you_o the_o lord_n sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n 2._o a_o new_a song_n and_o his_o praise_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n let_v israel_n rejoice_v in_o he_o that_o make_v he_o let_v the_o child_n of_o zion_n be_v joyful_a in_o their_o king_n and_o all_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o mankind_n who_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o object_n and_o nature_n of_o their_o worship_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o make_v their_o worship_n public_a and_o solemn_a and_o such_o a_o universal_a consent_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o that_o worship_n be_v which_o god_n himself_o institute_v and_o ordain_v and_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a instance_n in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o be_v typical_a also_o of_o the_o christian._n now_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o every_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o god_n command_v by_o moses_n be_v of_o a_o public_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o public_a manner_n
age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o under_o all_o form_n of_o religion_n whatever_o religious_a rite_n be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o unbecoming_a the_o seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n natural_a reason_n condemn_v as_o idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a but_o whatever_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v condemn_v that_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o the_o law_n and_o voice_n of_o nature_n at_o least_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o some_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v not_o make_v so_o by_o positive_a law_n and_o institution_n but_o to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n or_o to_o pay_v such_o a_o false_a worship_n to_o the_o true_a god_n as_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o his_o nature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n consist_v in_o false_a notion_n repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o worship_n and_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n in_o use_v or_o not_o use_v very_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o by_o a_o abuse_a fancy_n and_o ill_o instruct_v conscience_n they_o imprint_v either_o a_o religious_a or_o sinful_a character_n upon_o they_o either_o think_v they_o shall_v please_v god_n or_o fear_v they_o shall_v displease_v he_o by_o do_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a but_o according_a as_o they_o be_v use_v and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a advance_v towards_o satisfy_v man_n mind_n in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o religious_a ceremony_n which_o though_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o order_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v no_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v forbid_v by_o any_o plain_a positive_a law_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o superior_n as_o will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v second_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o only_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o present_a debate_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n do_v no_o more_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n than_o they_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n let_v we_o all_o serious_o consider_v how_o we_o shall_v answer_v disobedience_n to_o our_o governor_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o such_o account_n as_o these_o to_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_n the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v you_o what_o that_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o sober_a liturgy_n or_o decent_a ceremony_n 2._o what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o countenance_n both_o 1._o what_o the_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v religion_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n he_o seem_v principal_o to_o design_n 1._o to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n 2._o to_o strip_v it_o of_o all_o type_n and_o shadow_n 3._o to_o deliver_v religion_n from_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o superstitious_a observance_n 4._o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o substance_n circumstance_n and_o appendage_n of_o religion_n between_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o moral_a and_o the_o instrumental_a and_o external_n part_n of_o worship_n 1._o our_o saviour_n great_a design_n be_v to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n the_o jewish_a worship_n consist_v in_o so_o many_o external_a rite_n and_o usage_n in_o wash_n purification_n sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o the_o like_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o place_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o homage_n of_o the_o external_a man._n if_o they_o do_v but_o worship_n god_n at_o the_o right_a place_n and_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o take_v little_a care_n of_o inward_a devotion_n but_o now_o our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oppose_v to_o external_a and_o bodily_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a worship_n god_n can_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o either_o to_o a_o typical_a worship_n of_o which_o more_o present_o or_o to_o such_o external_a worship_n as_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o man_n draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v offer_v up_o a_o devout_a soul_n to_o god_n in_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n if_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n so_o far_o we_o do_v not_o contradict_v or_o oppose_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o if_o man_n do_v sink_v down_o into_o a_o external_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o never_o raise_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o owe_v either_o to_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n but_o to_o a_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a mind_n extemporary_a and_o conceive_a prayer_n have_v indeed_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o for_o i_o suppose_v few_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o inspiration_n and_o though_o extemporary_a prayer_n may_v more_o heat_v the_o fancy_n there_o may_v be_v more_o serious_a devotion_n and_o piety_n in_o use_v a_o form_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n without_o set_v our_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n what_o to_o say_v a_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v as_o much_o a_o form_n and_o do_v as_o much_o confine_n and_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o all_o but_o the_o speaker_n as_o a_o book-prayer_n do_v and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a devotion_n at_o best_a which_o owe_v its_o heat_n and_o passion_n not_o to_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o god_n but_o to_o a_o musical_a voice_n earnestness_n in_o the_o speaker_n surprise_v invention_n or_o popular_a rhetoric_n 2._o our_o saviour_n design_n be_v to_o strip_v religion_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n he_o do_v not_o indeed_o do_v this_o while_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n because_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n be_v not_o end_v all_o thing_n be_v not_o fulfil_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o state_n till_o christ_n die_v nor_o do_v his_o apostle_n do_v it_o immediate_o at_o least_o not_o in_o all_o place_n but_o yield_v to_o jewish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o indulge_v jewish_n convert_v in_o their_o observation_n of_o circumcision_n and_o other_o moysaicall_a rite_n tho_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o gentile_a church_n to_o be_v bring_v under_o that_o bondage_n which_o occasion_v a_o great_a many_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n but_o the_o abrogation_n of_o moysaicall_a and_o typical_a ceremony_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o prohibition_n of_o all_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o christian_a worship_n because_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v very_o different_a the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n be_v type_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o to_o retain_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a nature_n &_o use_n be_v to_o deny_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n for_o when_o the_o antitype_n appear_v there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o use_n of_o a_o type_n but_o now_o a_o few_o innocent_a ceremony_n which_o be_v neither_o burdensome_a for_o their_o number_n to_o encumber_v religion_n and_o clog_n and_o shackle_v our_o devotion_n nor_o signify_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n &_o design_n of_o christianity_n but_o add_v to_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n and_o may_v withal_o suggest_v pious_a and_o devout_a thought_n to_o we_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o a_o typical_a nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n together_o with_o the_o
great_a concernment_n pag._n 104_o chap._n ii_o concern_v public_a worship_n pag._n 110_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o private_a though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n pag._n 111_o public_a worship_n a_o great_a honour_n to_o god_n than_o private_a devotion_n pag._n 116_o external_n worship_n must_v be_v public_a pag._n 118_o god_n be_v a_o public_a benefactor_n and_o therefore_o public_a worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o pag._n 120_o public_a worship_n institute_v by_o god_n under_o the_o law_n pag._n 122_o and_o by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n require_v it_o pag._n 125_o this_o prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o sacrament_n pag._n 126_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 130_o and_o from_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n pag._n 133_o and_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o prince_n to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v religion_n pag._n 134_o chap._n iii_o section_n 1._o concern_v those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o pag._n 138_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n pag._n 139_o 1._o whether_o they_o separate_v upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n the_o difference_n between_o private_a opinion_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o use_n of_o this_o distinction_n ibid._n 2._o whether_o they_o consider_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n pag._n 151_o 3._o whether_o they_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a pag._n 156_o 4._o how_o they_o come_v to_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a pag._n 156_o 5._o whether_o they_o ever_o impartial_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n pag._n 170_o 6._o how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o governor_n pag._n 184_o section_n 2._o some_o general_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o some_o have_v entertain_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pag._n 188_o 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n pag._n 190_o 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n pag._n 193_o 3._o from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n pag._n 207_o 4._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o and_o best_a church_n pag._n 208_o section_n 3._o a_o answer_n to_o some_o popular_a cavil_n pag._n 215_o concern_v will-worship_n pag._n 216_o concern_v superstition_n pag._n 222_o the_o church_n of_o england_n charge_v with_o idolatry_n pag._n 235_o and_o with_o popery_n pag._n 236_o part_n ii_o chap._n i._n concern_v parochial_a communion_n chap._n ii_o concern_v irreverence_n in_o worship_n 267_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n 281_o chap._n iu_o concern_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n 289_o chap._n v._o concern_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n 296_o chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n errata_fw-la page_n 6._o line_n 26_o read_v apollo_n p._n 9_o l._n 13._o r._n and_o that_o none_o p._n 18._o l._n 15._o r._n that_o they_o either_o p._n 50._o l._n 14._o f._n we_o r._n be_v p._n 105._o l._n 18._o r._n you_o will_v p._n 124._o l._n 26._o r._n who_o p._n 164._o l._n 9_o r._n fell_a p._n 185._o l._n 2._o r._n they_o p._n 208._o l._n 6._o r._n so_o p._n 212._o l._n 11._o f._n if_o r._n that_o p._n 219._o l._n 24._o r._n now_o though_o p._n 224._o l._n 12_o 13._o r._n difficult_a p._n 230._o l._n 5._o r._n have_v p._n 331._o l._n 18._o f._n rule_n r._n rite_n p._n 346._o l._n 28._o f._n truth_n r._n faith_n a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n the_o introduction_n 1._o contain_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a assembly_n for_o public_a worship_n 2._o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n 3._o the_o seasonableness_n of_o such_o a_o discourse_n 1._o religion_n be_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o mankind_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o have_v god_n the_o most_o excellent_a be_v for_o its_o immediate_a object_n this_o be_v the_o work_n and_o constant_a employment_n of_o angel_n and_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n who_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o his_o presence_n admire_v his_o essential_a glory_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o sing_v eternal_a hallelujah_n to_o he_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o unruly_a passion_n and_o appetite_n to_o govern_v and_o though_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v transform_v into_o a_o pure_a flame_n of_o divine_a love_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o charity_n in_o pity_v and_o relieve_v one_o another_o where_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a good_n indeed_o in_o this_o world_n temperance_n and_o charity_n be_v no_o christian_a virtue_n but_o as_o they_o be_v act_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v as_o they_o flow_v from_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o veneration_n for_o he_o for_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v sober_a and_o to_o be_v charitable_a upon_o some_o mean_a consideration_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o god_n as_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o be_v to_o serve_v ourselves_o or_o our_o friend_n or_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o we_o do_v out_o of_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o god_n be_v in_o some_o respect_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o it_o be_v to_o honour_v the_o deity_n which_o may_v as_o effectual_o be_v do_v by_o action_n as_o by_o word_n verbal_a praise_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o god_n be_v mere_a lip-labour_n and_o formal_a compliment_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o and_o produce_v no_o answerable_a effect_n in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o vital_a sense_n of_o god_n as_o excite_v in_o we_o devout_a affection_n and_o discover_v itself_o in_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n but_o yet_o that_o which_o we_o more_o strict_o call_v worship_n be_v the_o most_o visible_a and_o solemn_a expression_n of_o our_o honour_n for_o god_n when_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o when_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n for_o what_o sincere_a worshipper_n can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o to_o break_v his_o law_n and_o contemn_v his_o authority_n and_o despise_v his_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o vain_a and_o hypocritical_a semblance_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o some_o bad_a man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o flatter_v god_n be_v call_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n it_o be_v only_o a_o external_a imitation_n of_o religious_a worship_n without_o that_o powerful_a sense_n of_o god_n which_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o true_o devout_a and_o pious_a men._n and_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o most_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n so_o public_a worship_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a worship_n as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o hereafter_o indeed_o the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o hold_v public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n be_v the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o the_o church_n whereon_o all_o church-authority_n depend_v as_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v and_o prove_v by_o a_o assembly_n learned_a man_n of_o our_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o authority_n to_o take_v in_o and_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o be_v do_v by_o baptism_n the_o second_o by_o church-censure_n the_o high_a of_o which_o be_v excommunication_n which_o debar_v man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n make_v forsake_v christian_n assembly_n either_o to_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n or_o at_o least_o a_o fair_a step_n towards_o it_o he_o exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o 23._o faith_n without_o waver_v that_o be_v to_o continue_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o give_v they_o this_o caution_n not_o
god_n open_a their_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o adore_v that_o god_n who_o make_v they_o and_o cure_v their_o soul_n of_o that_o most_o fatal_a and_o mortal_a disease_n which_o make_v they_o beast_n here_o and_o devil_n hereafter_o second_o another_o proposal_n i_o will_v make_v to_o these_o man_n be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o impudent_o attempt_v to_o laugh_v god_n and_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o will_v not_o make_v sport_n with_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o man_n account_v sacred_a that_o they_o will_v not_o profane_v the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o turn_v they_o into_o ridicule_n or_o obscene_a and_o impious_a burlesque_fw-la this_o possible_o will_v be_v think_v a_o very_a odd_a proposal_n to_o these_o man_n who_o think_v it_o the_o only_a way_n to_o justify_v their_o atheism_n by_o make_v religion_n look_v ridiculous_o but_o yet_o have_v i_o to_o deal_v with_o reasonable_a man_n though_o they_o be_v atheist_n i_o will_v not_o despair_v of_o convince_a they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o proposal_n for_o first_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o law_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a manner_n require_v from_o they_o no_o well-bred_a man_n will_v choose_v to_o put_v a_o public_a affront_n upon_o his_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n though_o he_o see_v they_o daily_o guilty_a of_o great_a folly_n and_o indiscretion_n the_o law_n of_o conversation_n require_v we_o to_o treat_v all_o man_n with_o just_a respect_n though_o their_o understanding_n be_v of_o different_a make_v and_o size_n and_o their_o fortune_n and_o way_n of_o life_n very_o different_a from_o our_o own_o much_o less_o than_o can_v a_o modest_a man_n endure_v the_o thought_n of_o affront_a mankind_n or_o laugh_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v receive_v or_o establish_v by_o a_o universal_a consent_n though_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n be_v as_o very_o a_o dream_n and_o fancy_n as_o the_o tale_n of_o faries_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a reverence_n due_a to_o humane_a nature_n at_o least_o from_o man_n and_o since_o all_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n except_v some_o few_o wise_a and_o cautious_a atheist_n have_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o have_v honour_v he_o with_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o be_v of_o god_n though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o nay_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n but_o to_o public_a government_n in_o all_o nation_n one_o religion_n or_o other_o be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n so_o that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o only_o laugh_v at_o the_o dream_n and_o dotage_n of_o single_a man_n but_o at_o the_o unite_a counsel_n and_o most_o mature_a resolve_n of_o all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a boldness_n but_o of_o very_o little_a wit_n or_o manner_n a_o modest_a man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v his_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n when_o he_o find_v himself_o oppose_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o world_n but_o if_o this_o do_v not_o make_v he_o of_o the_o common_a opinion_n yet_o at_o least_o he_o will_v not_o rude_o contradict_v it_o but_o not_o only_o the_o wisdom_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n be_v affront_v by_o these_o man_n when_o they_o laugh_v at_o such_o public_a constitution_n at_o religion_n consider_v as_o establish_v by_o law_n so_o much_o do_v such_o man_n recede_v from_o the_o hobbs_n principle_n of_o their_o great_a master_n who_o though_o he_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o religion_n in_o itself_o yet_o think_v it_o something_o considerable_a when_o it_o become_v the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n nor_o authority_n of_o law_n can_v command_v respect_n from_o some_o man_n without_o a_o vigorous_a execution_n of_o they_o and_o that_o will_v soon_o teach_v they_o better_a manner_n than_o ever_o they_o will_v learn_v in_o the_o school_n of_o atheism_n nay_o to_o laugh_v at_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o at_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o to_o affront_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o government_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o sage_a philosopher_n and_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a man_n of_o all_o age_n among_o all_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n no_o man_n express_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o epicurus_n indeed_o deny_v his_o providence_n which_o be_v only_o a_o more_o civil_a way_n of_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n though_o he_o pretend_v to_o worship_v he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o infinite_a but_o idle_a and_o unactive_a perfection_n socrates_n die_v a_o martyr_n for_o religion_n and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n do_v both_o acknowledge_v a_o supreme_a be_v and_o the_o late_a philosopher_n though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v not_o question_v but_o there_o be_v one_o so_o that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v not_o the_o mistake_n mere_o of_o a_o few_o ignorant_a unphilosophical_a head_n but_o have_v in_o all_o age_n have_v such_o learned_a patron_n as_o at_o least_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v laugh_v at_o by_o man_n of_o the_o least_o modesty_n and_o good_a breed_n second_o i_o will_v desire_v these_o man_n to_o consider_v how_o little_a they_o consult_v their_o own_o reputation_n in_o laugh_v at_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o very_a silly_a thing_n for_o some_o few_o man_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a to_o think_v to_o out-laugh_v all_o the_o world_n the_o loud_a laughter_n will_v always_o be_v on_o that_o side_n right_a or_o wrong_n where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a number_n though_o indeed_o all_o man_n have_v such_o a_o veneration_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o such_o abuse_n and_o affront_v of_o religion_n do_v not_o so_o much_o provoke_v man_n to_o laughter_n as_o to_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n and_o indignation_n no_o man_n can_v endure_v with_o patience_n to_o hear_v that_o expose_v to_o contempt_n which_o he_o admire_v and_o adore_v such_o atheistical_a scoffer_n be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n all_o man_n but_o such_o like_o themselves_o abhor_v and_o scorn_v they_o fly_v their_o company_n hate_v their_o very_a name_n as_o traitor_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o great_a pest_n of_o humane_a conversation_n and_o the_o reproach_n and_o shame_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o can_v any_o wise_a man_n let_v his_o opinion_n be_v what_o they_o will_v who_o design_n to_o live_v happy_o in_o this_o world_n as_o methinks_v those_o above_o all_o other_o shall_v desire_v who_o expect_v nothing_o hereafter_o think_v this_o the_o best_a way_n to_o happiness_n to_o forfeit_v the_o love_n and_o friendship_n of_o all_o man_n who_o love_n and_o worship_n god_n or_o make_v any_o show_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a number_n that_o he_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n banish_v himself_o from_o humane_a conversation_n or_o render_v it_o very_o unpleasant_a and_o uneasy_a i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o expect_v to_o gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o great_a wit_n and_o very_o cunning_a man_n by_o unsettle_v foundation_n and_o break_v a_o merry_a jest_n upon_o religion_n but_o they_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v judge_n of_o these_o matter_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o look_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o god_n as_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a a_o truth_n that_o that_o man_n infallible_o forfeit_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o understanding_n who_o set_v up_o for_o atheism_n atheist_n may_v make_v a_o scene_n and_o theatre_n for_o themselves_o and_o admire_v and_o applaud_v one_o another_o but_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n despise_v they_o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a depth_n and_o 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purpose_n to_o trouble_v their_o head_n about_o any_o form_n of_o religion_n for_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v after_o all_o and_o they_o have_v as_o good_a be_v of_o no_o religion_n as_o not_o of_o the_o right_n but_o if_o these_o man_n do_v but_o wise_o consider_v of_o what_o infinite_a concernment_n true_a religion_n be_v they_o will_v conclude_v quite_o otherwise_o that_o see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o dispute_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o will_v use_v the_o great_a diligence_n and_o honesty_n to_o find_v it_o out_o and_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v pardon_v those_o mistake_v which_o be_v mere_o the_o error_n of_o their_o understanding_n when_o they_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n who_o be_v not_o bias_v by_o interest_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v a_o false_a religion_n upon_o a_o design_n will_v be_v accept_v for_o his_o sincerity_n and_o devotion_n by_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a 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knee_n and_o lie_v prostrate_a in_o the_o dust_n before_o he_o do_v thou_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o reserve_v this_o work_n for_o thy_o last_o breath_n when_o thou_o be_v so_o hasty_a to_o procure_v a_o pardon_n from_o thy_o prince_n when_o thou_o have_v only_o forfeit_v a_o perish_a estate_n or_o a_o mortal_a life_n i_o think_v i_o shall_v see_v thou_o run_v with_o all_o speed_n to_o church_n for_o fear_v thou_o shall_v come_v too_o late_o to_o offer_v up_o thy_o confession_n and_o prayer_n with_o the_o congregation_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n minister_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o pray_v for_o thou_o and_o to_o receive_v that_o revive_a absolution_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o humble_a penitent_n confess_v and_o pray_v sinner_n and_o since_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n our_o manifold_a and_o great_a sin_n may_v just_o discourage_v we_o from_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o god_n god_n have_v in_o infinite_a mercy_n provide_v a_o great_a highpriest_n 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his_o worship_n to_o beg_v the_o supply_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o who_o ask_v he_o and_o when_o we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n how_o liable_a we_o be_v to_o the_o assault_n of_o temptation_n and_o how_o easy_o we_o be_v conquer_v by_o they_o and_o know_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v ever_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n unless_o we_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v any_o man_n who_o love_v his_o soul_n expose_v himself_o naked_a and_o unarm_v to_o a_o tempt_a world_n and_o devil_n without_o so_o much_o as_o beg_v the_o auxiliary_a force_n and_o divine_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o we_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v but_o shall_v never_o have_v without_o you_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o help_n and_o assistance_n to_o promote_v your_o secular_a interest_n when_o a_o city_n be_v besiege_v by_o powerful_a and_o numerous_a enemy_n they_o send_v ambassador_n to_o their_o ally_n and_o confederate_n and_o will_v never_o want_v help_n for_o want_n of_o ask_v it_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o become_v the_o triumph_n and_o the_o scorn_n and_o a_o prey_n to_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o want_v of_o cry_v to_o god_n to_o save_v we_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n our_o bless_a lord_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v the_o holy_a feast_n of_o his_o sacramental_a body_n and_o blood_n as_o a_o conveyance_n of_o new_a life_n and_o grace_n to_o we_o and_o have_v those_o man_n any_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o any_o honour_n for_o their_o crucify_a lord_n who_o deny_v themselves_o so_o inestimable_a a_o privilege_n of_o feast_v on_o the_o symbol_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n which_o seal_v to_o all_o
worthy_a communicant_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o more_o firm_o unite_v they_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o actuate_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ._n thus_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o very_o unmindful_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o god_n in_o great_a goodness_n have_v appoint_v a_o whole_a order_n of_o man_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o to_o mind_v we_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v and_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o attend_v their_o instruction_n and_o though_o i_o hope_v in_o such_o a_o age_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o christian_n so_o know_v that_o they_o need_v not_o be_v teach_v their_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v 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to_o love_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o great_a concernment_n in_o the_o world_n than_o this_o for_o to_o love_v our_o soul_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o love_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o man_n the_o body_n be_v only_o the_o organ_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o earthly_a tabernacle_n wherein_o it_o dwell_v in_o this_o state_n of_o its_o pilgrimage_n but_o it_o be_v our_o soul_n only_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n or_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a so_o be_v the_o man_n and_o all_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v happy_a this_o they_o seek_v with_o unwearied_a endeavour_n this_o make_v all_o that_o bustle_n and_o stir_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o all_o man_n be_v a_o catch_n after_o happiness_n and_o scramble_n for_o it_o why_o then_o you_o say_v what_o be_v the_o 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run_v headlong_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n with_o themselves_o i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n lest_o tell_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v be_v call_v bitterness_n and_o rail_a for_o some_o man_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o vile_a and_o lewd_a practice_n as_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o hear_v of_o again_o and_o think_v themselves_o slander_v if_o they_o do_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o a_o tender_a conscience_n never_o teach_v man_n to_o revile_v and_o reproach_v their_o governor_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o infamous_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n ever_o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n st._n jude_n give_v a_o great_a many_o hard_a word_n to_o some_o man_n in_o his_o day_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o apply_v to_o any_o in_o we_o who_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n yet_o 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our_o worship_n and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a worship_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n thus_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o to_o argue_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o 24._o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o thus_o the_o wise_a man_n argue_v god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o 2._o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o brief_o to_o our_o present_a case_n can_v any_o man_n who_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v be_v displease_v with_o his_o creature_n for_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanks-givings_a to_o he_o in_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a form_n of_o word_n can_v god_n be_v please_v with_o the_o volubility_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o quickness_n of_o fancy_n or_o variety_n of_o invention_n more_o than_o with_o devout_a affection_n than_o with_o a_o soul_n inflame_v with_o divine_a love_n and_o possess_v with_o a_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o offer_v up_o itself_o to_o he_o in_o few_o grave_n and_o considerate_a word_n will_v a_o father_n reject_v the_o petition_n of_o his_o child_n if_o as_o often_o as_o he_o want_v require_v he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n when_o he_o ask_v the_o same_o thing_n do_v a_o prince_n like_o a_o long_a extemporary_a harangue_n when_o his_o subject_n come_v to_o beg_v a_o boon_n of_o he_o or_o a_o short_a and_o well_o compose_v petition_n the_o wise_a man_n i_o be_o sure_a tell_v we_o that_o few_o and_o become_v word_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o more_o expressive_a of_o that_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v only_o a_o external_a signification_n of_o the_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n prayer_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o mankind_n 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our_o supreme_a lawgiver_n and_o discover_v his_o will_n to_o we_o partly_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o partly_o by_o revelation_n shall_v be_v angry_a with_o his_o creature_n for_o follow_v the_o best_a reason_n they_o have_v nay_o for_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o public_a reason_n and_o authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n whoever_o only_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n must_v certain_o judge_v it_o fit_a to_o meditate_v before_o hand_n and_o to_o take_v word_n with_o we_o when_o we_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n than_o to_o venture_v say_v any_o thing_n which_o come_v next_o and_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n condemn_v any_o external_a ceremony_n for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o a_o useful_a signification_n but_o have_v teach_v all_o mankind_n to_o use_v they_o in_o all_o
of_o external_a worship_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n how_o we_o can_v pray_v either_o with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n since_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o no_o one_o duty_n be_v that_o i_o know_v of_o i_o say_v while_o man_n have_v such_o wild_a unpracticable_a notion_n in_o their_o head_n which_o when_o they_o be_v pursue_v to_o their_o last_o issue_n overthrow_v all_o manner_n of_o external_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o end_n in_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o quakerism_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o comprehension_n and_o concession_n and_o while_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o think_v it_o as_o innocent_a a_o thing_n to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n as_o to_o go_v from_o one_o parish-church_n to_o another_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o will_v never_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v no_o sense_n what_o a_o necessary_a duty_n christian_a communion_n be_v and_o what_o a_o damn_v sin_n schism_n be_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o do_v sincere_o and_o cordial_o desire_v to_o see_v all_o sober_a christian_n unite_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n must_v earnest_o exhort_v persuade_v and_o convince_v as_o well_o as_o yield_v and_o comply_v the_o common_a danger_n we_o be_v all_o in_o from_o the_o grow_a power_n and_o secret_a conspiracy_n of_o the_o popish_a faction_n make_v all_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o call_v aloud_o for_o union_n our_o dissenter_n who_o never_o do_v nor_o be_v ever_o likely_a to_o unite_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o cry_n against_o popery_n and_o their_o design_n of_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n think_v this_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o accomplish_v their_o end_n and_o have_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o libel_v church_n and_o churchman_n to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o state_n this_o have_v put_v many_o worthy_a son_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v impatient_a to_o hear_v their_o mother_n revile_v and_o slander_v upon_o the_o defensive_a part_n to_o vindicate_v the_o reformation_n of_o our_o church_n from_o their_o rude_a calumny_n and_o yet_o to_o express_v their_o readiness_n to_o comply_v and_o unite_v upon_o such_o term_n when_o ever_o public_a authority_n shall_v see_v fit_a as_o will_v not_o utter_o destroy_v our_o constitution_n the_o first_o they_o have_v do_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o sober_a reply_n and_o how_o fruitless_a their_o charity_n be_v in_o attempt_v the_o second_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o will_v convince_v all_o man_n who_o can_v patient_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o term_n of_o concord_n but_o the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o corrupt_a and_o antichristian_a church_n of_o england_n i_o be_o not_o ambitious_a to_o thrust_v myself_o into_o this_o scuffle_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o appear_v as_o a_o disputant_n but_o make_v a_o close_a and_o serious_a application_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o i_o hope_v when_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n be_v a_o little_a over_o may_v prove_v a_o more_o powerful_a conviction_n to_o all_o well-meaning_a man_n than_o the_o best_a and_o most_o unanswerable_a reason_n have_v hitherto_o do_v part_n i._o concern_v those_o who_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n chap._n i._n contain_v a_o address_n and_o exhortation_n to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o religion_n or_o that_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n sect_n i._o some_o proposal_n make_v to_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n 1._o that_o they_o will_v once_o more_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a inclination_n there_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n 3._o that_o they_o will_v not_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n 4._o that_o they_o will_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n first_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o those_o who_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o christian_a assembly_n out_o of_o profaneness_n for_o want_v of_o any_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n first_o the_o speculative_a second_o the_o practical_a atheist_n first_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n despise_v his_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n or_o fear_v or_o religious_a adoration_n those_o indeed_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n may_v in_o prudence_n conceal_v their_o atheism_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n in_o perform_v all_o the_o external_n act_v of_o worship_n but_o yet_o few_o atheist_n have_v so_o much_o wit_n or_o good_a breed_n as_o not_o to_o affront_v the_o universal_a belief_n and_o practice_n of_o mankind_n now_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a dispute_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n nor_o attempt_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o not_o worship_v god_n by_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v this_o require_v a_o large_a discourse_n than_o my_o present_a design_n will_v allow_v and_o have_v be_v already_o do_v more_o than_o once_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o reason_n and_o learning_n by_o much_o better_a pen_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v three_o or_o four_o very_a fair_a and_o reasonable_a proposal_n to_o they_o first_o that_o they_o will_v once_o more_o serious_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a inclination_n there_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o argue_v now_o from_o natural_a notion_n and_o anticipation_n or_o those_o common_a maxim_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o mankind_n because_o the_o atheist_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o be_v only_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o education_n and_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v have_v such_o conceit_n and_o fancy_n in_o our_o head_n if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v they_o though_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o these_o principle_n shall_v first_o come_v to_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o world_n who_o teach_v they_o the_o first_o man_n and_o how_o he_o come_v so_o ready_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o so_o careful_o to_o propagate_v they_o to_o posterity_n and_o it_o seem_v strange_a how_o mankind_n shall_v so_o universal_o assent_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n etc._n etc._n if_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_o agreeable_a to_o the_o make_v and_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o not_o to_o be_v natural_a notion_n but_o i_o say_v to_o let_v pass_v this_o now_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v these_o man_n to_o consult_v a_o little_a with_o the_o inclination_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o natural_a impression_n the_o necessary_a effort_n impetus_fw-la and_o tendency_n of_o nature_n as_o a_o stone_n natural_o fall_v downward_o and_o the_o fire_n as_o natural_o ascend_v now_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o education_n shall_v put_v new_a inclination_n or_o new_a passion_n into_o our_o mind_n education_n may_v direct_v our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o passion_n to_o unnatural_a object_n but_o it_o can_v no_o more_o make_v new_a inclination_n and_o passion_n than_o it_o can_v make_v a_o new_a soul_n now_o among_o all_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n there_o be_v none_o more_o strong_a and_o invincible_a than_o the_o inclination_n to_o religion_n to_o worship_v something_o or_o other_o as_o a_o god_n though_o the_o heathen_n be_v great_o mistake_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o some_o worship_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n the_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o river_n and_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n for_o god_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o universal_a inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o this_o universal_a consent_n in_o religion_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o impulse_n and_o tendency_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n than_o to_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o reason_n always_o join_v the_o act_n and_o the_o object_n together_o but_o natural_a inclination_n be_v a_o blind_a and_o confuse_a principle_n of_o action_n which_o thrust_v forward_o to_o such_o a_o act_n without_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o its_o object_n just_a as_o the_o appetite_n
consist_v in_o such_o bold_a allusion_n as_o any_o man_n may_v make_v who_o have_v neither_o modesty_n nor_o grace_n and_o those_o man_n who_o have_v no_o way_n to_o show_v their_o wit_n but_o by_o abuse_v their_o maker_n have_v nothing_o to_o boast_v of_o but_o the_o very_a scum_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o wit._n three_o these_o man_n shall_v consider_v what_o mischief_n they_o may_v do_v to_o public_a society_n by_o laugh_v at_o religion_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n for_o religion_n be_v the_o firm_a bond_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o if_o once_o man_n shall_v cast_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nothing_o but_o external_a fear_n and_o power_n can_v restrain_v and_o govern_v they_o atheism_n be_v a_o secret_a which_o he_o who_o have_v it_o aught_o in_o prudence_n and_o interest_n to_o keep_v to_o himself_o for_o a_o atheist_n can_v never_o mend_v his_o condition_n but_o may_v great_o injure_v himself_o by_o propagate_a atheism_n all_o the_o end_v he_o can_v serve_v by_o atheism_n he_o enjoy_v in_o great_a perfection_n while_o no_o man_n understand_v the_o secret_a but_o himself_o for_o the_o only_a end_n he_o can_v propose_v in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n to_o have_v no_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o his_o sensual_a enjoyment_n but_o what_o caution_n and_o interest_n suggest_v that_o he_o may_v satisfy_v his_o lust_n by_o any_o mean_n so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v secure_v himself_o from_o present_a danger_n now_o when_o he_o be_v a_o atheist_n alone_o he_o have_v great_a advantage_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n because_o they_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o unequal_a a_o match_n as_o to_o fight_v with_o a_o man_n who_o hand_n be_v tie_v when_o your_o own_o be_v free_a but_o now_o if_o he_o shall_v by_o his_o wit_n and_o learning_n proselyte_n a_o whole_a nation_n to_o atheism_n hell_n will_v break_v loose_a upon_o earth_n and_o he_o may_v soon_o find_v himself_o expose_v to_o all_o those_o violence_n and_o injury_n which_o he_o now_o secure_o practice_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v any_o wickedness_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o but_o only_o the_o fear_n of_o humane_a power_n this_o world_n will_v quick_o prove_v a_o very_a miserable_a state_n and_o scene_z of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n of_o rape_n and_o adultery_n of_o violence_n and_o rapine_n of_o blood_n and_o murder_n especial_o if_o the_o great_a leviathan_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o sovereign_a power_n understand_v his_o own_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o his_o atheistical_a subject_n do_v they_o so_o that_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v think_v it_o his_o interest_n to_o promote_v atheism_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v his_o interest_n to_o deride_v religion_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n four_o another_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v at_o least_o be_v modest_a atheist_n be_v for_o fear_v that_o they_o shall_v find_v a_o god_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o to_o be_v perfect_o secure_a that_o there_o be_v none_o though_o they_o think_v they_o can_v answer_v all_o the_o argument_n whereby_o man_n prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a they_o pretend_v to_o though_o they_o know_v how_o to_o make_v a_o world_n without_o god_n and_o can_v laugh_v at_o the_o silly_a cheat_n which_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o mankind_n by_o some_o cunning_a statesman_n who_o invent_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o religion_n to_o make_v their_o government_n more_o easy_a and_o secure_a yet_o after_o all_o they_o dare_v not_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o till_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o can_v never_o be_v perfect_o secure_a that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o lest_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n they_o shall_v offer_v as_o few_o affront_v to_o he_o as_o may_v be_v here_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v when_o he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o so_o many_o way_n of_o know_v he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a affront_n without_o any_o other_o additional_a aggravation_n but_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a incurable_a ignorance_n which_o make_v man_n atheist_n the_o fault_n be_v much_o less_o than_o when_o they_o express_v so_o much_o scorn_v and_o contempt_n of_o the_o very_a name_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o this_o look_n like_o a_o profess_a enmity_n to_o the_o deity_n that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o ignorant_a of_o he_o for_o want_n of_o sufficient_a evidence_n but_o that_o they_o hate_v and_o despise_v the_o least_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o such_o a_o be_v as_o man_n call_v god_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o separate_v the_o 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if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a all_o mankind_n have_v reason_n to_o wish_v it_o be_v true_a what_o more_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a be_v can_v there_o possible_o be_v than_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a holy_a and_o just_a be_v who_o make_v and_o who_o take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n who_o govern_v the_o world_n with_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o a_o parent_n and_o take_v care_n not_o only_o of_o the_o great_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n but_o of_o every_o particular_a creature_n how_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a soever_o it_o appear_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n what_o man_n who_o love_v himself_o can_v forbear_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v one_o on_o who_o he_o may_v secure_o trust_v and_o depend_v in_o all_o event_n and_o what_o be_v more_o worthy_a of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n than_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v so_o perfect_a and_o glorious_a a_o be_v to_o pay_v our_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o our_o great_a maker_n and_o constant_a benefactor_n which_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o love_v reverence_n and_o obey_v the_o most_o lovely_a excellent_a powerful_a wise_a and_o holy_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o noble_a than_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o live_v happy_o a_o few_o year_n in_o this_o world_n but_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o a_o thing_n so_o agreeable_a to_o those_o vehement_a desire_n of_o immortality_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o our_o nature_n and_o do_v so_o raise_v our_o mind_n above_o the_o mean_a and_o beggarly_a enjoyment_n of_o sense_n that_o it_o make_v a_o truly-religious_a man_n almost_o as_o much_o differ_v from_o earthly_a man_n and_o sottish_a atheist_n as_o a_o man_n differ_v from_o a_o beast_n here_o certain_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v contemptible_a nothing_o but_o what_o deserve_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o though_o the_o atheist_n may_v think_v that_o we_o be_v mistake_v in_o all_o this_o yet_o we_o can_v say_v that_o we_o have_v make_v a_o foolish_a choice_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o second_o proposal_n to_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o put_v public_a affront_v upon_o god_n and_o religion_n three_o if_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v can_v persuade_v these_o man_n to_o treat_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n with_o some_o external_a modesty_n and_o respect_n my_o next_o proposal_n to_o they_o shall_v be_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n and_o indeed_o they_o can_v do_v this_o unless_o they_o will_v set_v up_o for_o atheism_n and_o open_o profess_v it_o or_o at_o least_o bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o great_a suspicion_n of_o it_o now_o
the_o natural_a passion_n of_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o praise_v he_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_n whatever_o wisdom_n power_n or_o goodness_n be_v see_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o vast_a and_o beautiful_a world_n whatever_o perfection_n be_v bestow_v on_o any_o creature_n must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o great_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o see_v any_o curious_a piece_n of_o paint_v without_o admire_v and_o praise_v the_o skill_n of_o the_o painter_n and_o that_o man_n be_v very_o unjust_a as_o well_o as_o very_o senseless_a who_o can_v look_v upon_o this_o world_n so_o wonderful_a for_o its_o unknown_a extent_n exquisite_a contrivance_n beauty_n uniformity_n infinite_a number_n variety_n and_o perfection_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n and_o not_o adore_v and_o worship_v that_o god_n who_o make_v all_o this_o the_o order_n beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o material_a being_n be_v visible_a demostration_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o their_o invisible_a cause_n and_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a work_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v to_o discover_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o work_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o with_o the_o humble_a and_o devout_a adoration_n and_o if_o it_o be_v unjust_a to_o defraud_v man_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o wise_n and_o great_a and_o good_a action_n it_o be_v much_o great_a injustice_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a and_o independent_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v to_o defraud_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v more_o particular_o that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v god_n creature_n who_o owe_v our_o be_v to_o he_o that_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v this_o make_v it_o a_o natural_a debt_n to_o praise_v and_o adore_v the_o god_n who_o make_v we_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v to_o worship_n and_o fall_v 6._o down_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n know_v you_o that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v 4._o god_n it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o we_o be_v his_o people_n and_o the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n enter_v into_o his_o gate_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o into_o his_o court_n with_o praise_n be_v thankful_a unto_o he_o and_o bless_v his_o name_n for_o since_o god_n make_v we_o he_o have_v a_o natural_a right_n and_o interest_n in_o we_o and_o may_v challenge_v our_o homage_n and_o obedience_n as_o a_o just_a debt_n entail_v upon_o our_o nature_n thus_o god_n argue_v a_o son_n honour_v his_o father_n 6._o and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o then_o i_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 that_o be_v there_o be_v at_o least_o as_o much_o natural_a justice_n in_o pay_v all_o homage_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n as_o it_o be_v account_v among_o man_n for_o child_n to_o honour_v their_o parent_n and_o servant_n their_o master_n and_o therefore_o let_v any_o man_n who_o will_v but_o allow_v god_n the_o same_o right_n in_o his_o creature_n which_o he_o himself_o challenge_v in_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n judge_v how_o unseemly_a and_o unnatural_a it_o be_v to_o refuse_v to_o love_n and_o honour_n and_o worship_v the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o be_v who_o plant_v a_o vineyard_n and_o eat_v not_o of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v and_o adore_v by_o those_o creature_n who_o his_o own_o hand_n have_v make_v and_o fashion_v so_o that_o upon_o all_o account_n god_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o our_o homage_n and_o worship_n and_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v we_o from_o pay_v this_o debt_n unless_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v under_o some_o natural_a incapacity_n to_o do_v it_o but_o indeed_o this_o be_v a_o debt_n which_o we_o be_v all_o able_a to_o pay_v for_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n endow_v we_o with_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o discover_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o work_n and_o to_o understand_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o and_o with_o such_o a_o principle_n of_o will_n and_o choice_n as_o can_v act_v free_o and_o with_o such_o inward_a passion_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n fear_v and_o reverence_n hope_n and_o affiance_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v wrought_v up_o to_o the_o high_a strain_n of_o devotion_n he_o have_v give_v we_o eye_n to_o contemplate_v this_o beautiful_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o tongue_n to_o speak_v his_o praise_n and_o publish_v all_o his_o mighty_a work_n so_o that_o mankind_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o curious_a and_o diligent_a observer_n of_o god_n work_n and_o to_o speak_v of_o his_o glory_n which_o lay_v a_o new_a obligation_n on_o we_o and_o give_v god_n a_o natural_a title_n to_o our_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o make_v we_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n we_o live_v now_o in_o such_o a_o busy_a world_n where_o we_o find_v so_o many_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o provide_v food_n and_o raiment_n and_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o this_o mortal_a state_n or_o it_o may_v be_v to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o ambition_n and_o lust_n that_o we_o can_v find_v very_o little_a time_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o least_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o do_v but_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o original_a work_n and_o employment_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n for_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o mankind_n have_v preserve_v their_o innocence_n and_o continue_v in_o paradise_n where_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o clothes_n and_o feed_v on_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o garden_n which_o grow_v of_o itself_o without_o plough_v or_o sow_v and_o be_v fit_a for_o food_n without_o any_o art_n of_o cookery_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o bodily_a employment_n but_o to_o look_v to_o the_o garden_n which_o neither_o require_v much_o labour_n nor_o take_v up_o much_o time_n but_o be_v like_o those_o innocent_a diversion_n we_o now_o use_v to_o recreate_v and_o unbend_v our_o mind_n with_o now_o i_o say_v in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o which_o be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o mankind_n how_o can_v man_n spend_v their_o time_n but_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n work_n and_o in_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n and_o in_o adore_v the_o great_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n give_v man_n such_o a_o active_a and_o busy_a mind_n to_o dissolve_v in_o sloth_n which_o be_v so_o uneasy_a a_o state_n that_o paradise_n itself_o can_v be_v no_o happiness_n upon_o these_o term_n or_o that_o god_n design_v he_o for_o a_o atheistical_a philosopher_n to_o admire_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n without_o adore_v the_o wise_a creator_n indeed_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a that_o so_o vast_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o mind_n such_o active_a and_o boundless_a passion_n as_o god_n have_v endow_v mankind_n withal_o shall_v be_v whole_o design_v for_o no_o high_a employment_n than_o to_o qualify_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o ploughman_n or_o a_o mechanic_n or_o to_o speak_v the_o great_a thing_n at_o once_o to_o be_v a_o prince_n or_o a_o minister_n of_o state_n such_o a_o mind_n as_o come_v so_o near_o infinity_o as_o that_o of_o man_n be_v certain_o design_v for_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o knowledge_n love_n and_o admiration_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o if_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o end_n for_o which_o creature_n be_v make_v by_o the_o end_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o serve_v it_o be_v evident_a man_n be_v make_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o he_o be_v fit_v with_o such_o endowment_n and_o perfection_n of_o mind_n as_o qualify_v he_o to_o be_v a_o worshipper_n and_o if_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v than_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o noble_a employment_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o consequent_o the_o last_o and_o high_a end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v make_v nay_o we_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o man_n be_v not_o only_o capable_a of_o worship_v god_n but_o no_o other_o creature_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n be_v he_o and_o he_o only_o
be_v capable_a of_o this_o work_n whence_o again_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n make_v man_n for_o his_o peculiar_a service_n and_o glory_n unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v make_v a_o world_n and_o place_n no_o creature_n in_o it_o who_o proper_a business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o know_v and_o worship_v his_o wise_a maker_n and_o bountiful_a lord_n man_n be_v the_o priest_n of_o nature_n who_o offer_v up_o the_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n to_o god_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o religious_a worship_n be_v a_o natural_a debt_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o god_n do_v expect_v and_o exact_v the_o payment_n of_o it_o from_o we_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v live_v according_a to_o the_o most_o perfect_a constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a rule_n of_o our_o action_n to_o serve_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v make_v for_o god_n do_v not_o make_v such_o and_o such_o nature_n for_o nothing_o either_o to_o be_v unemployed_a or_o employ_v to_o other_o or_o to_o less_o and_o mean_a purpose_n than_o they_o be_v design_v for_o and_o beside_o this_o we_o have_v frequent_a and_o express_v command_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o that_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o his_o will._n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a of_o precept_n exhortation_n and_o reproof_n about_o this_o matter_n that_o i_o need_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o prove_v so_o acknowledge_v a_o truth_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o irreligion_n as_o be_v the_o high_a injustice_n to_o our_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n three_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o irreligion_n of_o deny_v or_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sordid_a ingratitude_n now_o ingratitude_n be_v injustice_n too_o but_o it_o be_v injustice_n to_o a_o benefactor_n that_o be_v it_o consist_v in_o violate_v all_o those_o obligation_n which_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o as_o injustice_n proper_o so_o call_v consist_v in_o break_v the_o rule_n of_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n for_o mankind_n general_o account_v the_o obligation_n to_o return_v a_o kindness_n as_o strong_a and_o necessary_a as_o to_o pay_v a_o debt_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o infamous_a among_o man_n than_o a_o ungrateful_a person_n for_o as_o goodness_n be_v a_o great_a perfection_n than_o strict_a justice_n so_o ingratitude_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o more_o hateful_a vice_n than_o bare_a injustice_n because_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o great_a good_n as_o goodness_n be_v the_o great_a glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o ingratitude_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o great_a infamy_n and_o reproach_n because_o it_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o goodness_n now_o among_o man_n injustice_n and_o ingratitude_n may_v be_v separate_v man_n may_v be_v unjust_a but_o not_o ungrateful_a and_o they_o may_v be_v ungrateful_a and_o not_o unjust_a according_a to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o injustice_n for_o man_n may_v wrong_v and_o injure_v those_o who_o never_o do_v they_o any_o kindness_n and_o that_o be_v injustice_n without_o ingratitude_n and_o they_o may_v neglect_v to_o make_v decent_a acknowledgement_n and_o return_v of_o kindness_n without_o injure_v their_o friend_n in_o any_o of_o their_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n and_o that_o be_v ingratitude_n without_o injustice_n but_o now_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v unjust_a to_o god_n without_o be_v ungrateful_a too_o because_o he_o be_v not_o only_o our_o natural_a lord_n but_o our_o great_a benefactor_n and_o those_o very_a thing_n which_o give_v he_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o our_o worship_n and_o obedience_n do_v not_o only_o lay_v on_o we_o the_o obligation_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o gratitude_n to_o worship_v he_o he_o make_v we_o and_o this_o give_v he_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o our_o worship_n because_o he_o be_v our_o natural_a lord_n we_o be_v entire_o he_o and_o owe_v ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o have_v and_o all_o we_o can_v do_v to_o he_o and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o unjust_a to_o deny_v or_o neglect_v his_o worship_n but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o if_o we_o love_v ourselves_o and_o our_o be_v and_o those_o advantage_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o then_o much_o more_o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o gratitude_n to_o praise_n and_o adore_v that_o god_n who_o give_v we_o our_o be_v for_o though_o possible_o some_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o proper_a to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v good_a to_o we_o before_o we_o have_v a_o be_v yet_o he_o be_v very_o good_a in_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_a ingratitude_n as_o well_o as_o injustice_n in_o creature_n not_o to_o praise_v and_o glorify_v their_o maker_n thus_o that_o divine_a and_o heavenborn_a mind_n and_o those_o noble_a and_o excellent_a faculty_n of_o soul_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o as_o they_o may_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o know_v and_o worship_v god_n so_o make_v religious_a worship_n a_o natural_a piece_n of_o justice_n and_o if_o we_o value_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o think_v it_o any_o advantage_n to_o be_v make_v so_o noble_a a_o order_n of_o being_n gratitude_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n oblige_v we_o to_o employ_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o that_o high_a and_o noble_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v that_o be_v to_o know_v and_o love_n and_o admire_v and_o worship_n god_n the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a be_v and_o the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v ingratitude_n as_o well_o as_o injustice_n to_o our_o maker_n to_o debase_v our_o nature_n to_o make_v they_o stoop_v to_o low_a mean_a and_o vile_a thing_n to_o inherit_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o serpent_n to_o crawl_v upon_o their_o belly_n and_o lick_v up_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o aspire_v towards_o heaven_n to_o unite_v themselves_o to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o be_v and_o to_o live_v in_o the_o love_n and_o contemplation_n of_o he_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v with_o reference_n to_o that_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v we_o in_o be_v and_o provide_v all_o necessary_n for_o we_o and_o defend_v we_o from_o all_o unseen_a mischief_n both_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n require_v we_o to_o praise_v and_o adore_v so_o great_a and_o constant_a a_o benefactor_n these_o be_v all_o expression_n both_o of_o the_o natural_a justice_n and_o bounty_n of_o our_o wise_a maker_n and_o therefore_o lie_v a_o mix_a obligation_n on_o we_o of_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n god_n be_v under_o no_o antecedent_n obligation_n but_o his_o own_o will_n and_o goodness_n to_o make_v a_o world_n but_o if_o he_o do_v resolve_v to_o make_v one_o he_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n to_o make_v every_o creature_n perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o fit_v to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o to_o make_v some_o creature_n for_o great_a and_o noble_a end_n and_o consequent_o to_o bestow_v very_o noble_a and_o excellent_a nature_n on_o they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n in_o god_n make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n no_o wonder_n that_o it_o lay_v a_o mix_a obligation_n on_o we_o too_o of_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n but_o there_o be_v another_o manifestation_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o such_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a grace_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v all_o goodness_n and_o nothing_o but_o goodness_n innocent_a creature_n may_v challenge_v a_o natural_a right_n in_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n and_o bounty_n of_o their_o maker_n but_o a_o traitor_n a_o rebel_n against_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n a_o apostate_n wretch_n who_o have_v abuse_v the_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o creator_n can_v challenge_v no_o right_n to_o those_o common_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o his_o creature_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v cause_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o the_o rain_n to_o fall_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o since_o sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n even_o those_o external_n and_o temporal_a good_a thing_n which_o sinner_n enjoy_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o according_o our_o obligation_n to_o gratitude_n and_o thankfulness_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a and_o our_o ingratitude_n in_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o more_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a but_o much_o less_o can_v such_o
escape_v better_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n than_o capernaum_n and_o capernaum_n i_o doubt_v will_v escape_v much_o better_a than_o the_o infidel_n and_o atheist_n and_o profane_a despiser_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o day_n because_o they_o labour_v under_o old_a and_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la which_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v remove_v but_o require_v time_n and_o patience_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o free_a and_o impartial_a reason_n to_o wear_v they_o off_o but_o now_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o many_o age_n when_o man_n be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o first_o and_o early_a instruction_n on_o the_o right_a side_n when_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o cast_v off_o their_o reverence_n for_o god_n and_o to_o silence_n and_o stupify_v their_o clamorous_a conscience_n for_o man_n to_o use_v so_o much_o art_n and_o industry_n to_o turn_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o profane_a scoffer_n at_o religion_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n but_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n to_o god_n and_o will_v receive_v the_o sore_a punishment_n and_o a_o sentence_n as_o amaze_a and_o astonish_v as_o the_o sin_n be_v thus_o i_o have_v represent_v the_o evil_a and_o heinous_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o if_o these_o man_n do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o they_o profess_v to_o do_v will_v they_o give_v themselves_o time_o serious_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o can_v imagine_v but_o it_o must_v have_v some_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o for_o can_v any_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n if_o he_o ever_o consider_v such_o matter_n endure_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o put_v such_o a_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n upon_o god_n as_o the_o neglect_n of_o religious_a worship_n do_v natural_o signify_v he_o know_v what_o a_o sharp_a resentment_n he_o himself_o have_v of_o a_o slight_a or_o neglect_v how_o ill_o he_o take_v it_o if_o man_n industrious_o avoid_v his_o company_n if_o they_o do_v but_o talk_v and_o seem_v to_o mind_v something_o else_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v a_o story_n if_o his_o friend_n neglect_v to_o visit_v he_o and_o turn_v their_o head_n another_o way_n when_o they_o pass_v by_o his_o door_n and_o he_o know_v how_o sensible_a superior_n especial_o be_v of_o such_o neglect_v from_o their_o inferior_n for_o a_o prince_n to_o be_v slight_v by_o his_o subject_n or_o a_o father_n by_o his_o child_n or_o a_o master_n by_o his_o servant_n be_v think_v so_o unsufferable_a a_o rudeness_n as_o can_v be_v too_o severe_o punish_v and_o therefore_o consider_v that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n he_o may_v easy_o conclude_v how_o ill_a god_n take_v the_o neglect_n of_o his_o worship_n which_o be_v the_o great_a slight_n that_o can_v be_v put_v upon_o he_o and_o argue_v very_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thought_n of_o he_o if_o such_o man_n do_v think_v of_o he_o at_o all_o and_o when_o he_o consider_v also_o how_o many_o obligation_n he_o lie_v under_o to_o worship_n god_n he_o can_v but_o blush_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a injustice_n not_o to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v he_o who_o deserve_v to_o be_v praise_v and_o to_o be_v have_v in_o reverence_n by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v about_o he_o he_o think_v it_o great_a injustice_n to_o detract_v from_o the_o praise_n of_o worthy_a and_o deserve_a man_n or_o to_o conceal_v they_o what_o be_v it_o than_o not_o to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o work_n which_o be_v proclaim_v by_o all_o the_o world_n not_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v our_o maker_n who_o make_v we_o for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o speak_v of_o his_o glory_n do_v god_n give_v i_o eye_n may_n such_o a_o man_n say_v to_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n and_o a_o understanding_n to_o search_v out_o the_o first_o cause_n to_o who_o the_o praise_n of_o all_o be_v due_a that_o when_o i_o have_v find_v he_o i_o shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o neither_o confess_v his_o power_n nor_o admire_v his_o wisdom_n nor_o praise_v his_o goodness_n do_v he_o give_v i_o a_o tongue_n to_o talk_v of_o every_o trifle_n and_o never_o to_o be_v silent_a but_o where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o vocal_a in_o the_o praise_n of_o my_o maker_n how_o ill_o shall_v i_o take_v it_o can_v i_o make_v any_o be_v that_o can_v understand_v or_o speak_v shall_v it_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o to_o who_o it_o owe_v its_o be_v consider_v my_o soul_n how_o thou_o shall_v resent_v the_o neglect_n of_o a_o son_n of_o a_o client_n of_o a_o redeem_a captive_n or_o of_o any_o one_o who_o thou_o have_v oblige_v and_o by_o thy_o bounty_n raise_v from_o a_o low_a to_o a_o splendid_a fortune_n who_o owe_v his_o be_v his_o fortune_n his_o liberty_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o life_n to_o thou_o and_o be_v it_o nothing_o then_o to_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o universal_a parent_n lord_n and_o benefactor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v redeem_v thou_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o design_v a_o more_o glorious_a happiness_n for_o thou_o if_o thy_o unjust_a and_o ungrateful_a neglect_n of_o he_o do_v not_o render_v thou_o uncapable_a of_o his_o favour_n but_o how_o unpardonable_a be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v false_a to_o his_o oath_n and_o covenant_n such_o person_n be_v not_o think_v fit_a for_o humane_a conversation_n who_o break_v the_o most_o sacred_a tie_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v trust_v but_o yet_o no_o man_n ever_o break_v his_o word_n much_o less_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n but_o when_o he_o expect_v to_o make_v some_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v i_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o god_n a_o covenant_n to_o which_o i_o owe_v all_o my_o hope_n of_o happiness_n all_o the_o good_a i_o now_o enjoy_v and_o all_o that_o i_o expect_v if_o i_o forfeit_v my_o interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n i_o must_v be_v miserable_a and_o perish_v like_o a_o fool_n and_o since_o i_o can_v forfeit_v my_o interest_n without_o break_v my_o covenant_n i_o must_v perish_v like_o a_o apostate_n a_o runagate_n a_o traitor_n or_o like_a one_o who_o deserve_v to_o suffer_v the_o worst_a thing_n but_o deserve_v no_o pity_n and_o be_v it_o so_o grievous_a a_o thing_n to_o worship_n god_n that_o i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v unjust_a to_o be_v ungrateful_a to_o be_v perfidious_a to_o god_n to_o forfeit_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o to_o incur_v his_o hot_a displeasure_n than_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o owe_v all_o to_o he_o that_o i_o have_v and_o that_o i_o expect_v all_o from_o he_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o with_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o these_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n second_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n in_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v wrought_v on_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o justice_n or_o gratitude_n may_v yet_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o more_o brutish_a principle_n of_o fear_n now_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o respect_v both_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o 1._o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n now_o whoever_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o govern_v all_o humane_a affair_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v who_o dispose_v of_o our_o several_a fortune_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n must_v needs_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v miserable_a here_o while_o he_o neglect_v to_o adore_v and_o reverence_v the_o sovereign_a and_o unaccountable_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o promise_v even_o of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o deliverance_n be_v make_v only_o to_o those_o who_o beg_v it_o of_o god_n by_o their_o servant_n and_o importunate_a prayer_n this_o be_v the_o course_n all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v take_v and_o find_v the_o bless_a success_n 15._o of_o it_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o for_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o 7._o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o give_v ear_n o_o lord_n unto_o my_o prayer_n and_o attend_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n i_o will_v call_v upon_o thou_o for_o thou_o will_v answer_v i_o he_o shall_v
all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o natural_o tend_v to_o harden_v man_n in_o sin_n and_o very_o often_o end_v in_o downright_a atheism_n man_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o sense_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n have_v no_o other_o restraint_n from_o the_o great_a villainy_n but_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n their_o own_o natural_a temper_n their_o education_n and_o converse_n and_o suchlike_a consideration_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o can_v keep_v very_o few_o man_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n within_o any_o tolerable_a bound_n and_o thus_o man_n run_v into_o the_o wild_a excess_n and_o wound_v their_o conscience_n and_o stain_v their_o reputation_n till_o they_o grow_v hopeless_a desperate_a and_o impudent_a sinner_n man_n who_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o yet_o will_v not_o neglect_v their_o prayer_n nor_o absent_v themselves_o whole_o from_o christian_a assembly_n do_v what_o they_o can_v find_v great_a check_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v a_o great_a many_o sober_a interval_n they_o can_v say_v their_o prayer_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n but_o their_o conscience_n will_v reproach_v they_o and_o put_v they_o at_o least_o upon_o some_o imperfect_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o when_o they_o attend_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o often_o be_v so_o startle_v and_o scare_v and_o labour_n under_o such_o strong_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v any_o long_o and_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o whole_o forsake_v those_o man_n who_o attend_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o grace_n but_o sometime_o work_v such_o miraculous_a cure_n as_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o a_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o therefore_o the_o case_n of_o these_o man_n can_v never_o be_v so_o desperate_a and_o hopeless_a as_o they_o be_v who_o take_v care_n to_o think_v of_o he_o as_o little_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o public_a instruction_n that_o they_o may_v sin_v on_o without_o disturbance_n till_o they_o drop_v into_o hell_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v this_o because_o the_o irreligious_a and_o profane_a the_o practical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o boast_v of_o his_o wit_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o think_v himself_o much_o above_o the_o ordinary_a level_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v they_o fool_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o speculative_a but_o of_o the_o practical_a atheist_n who_o though_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o and_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a wisdom_n irreligion_n must_v be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o yet_o so_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a expression_n of_o our_o reverence_n of_o he_o that_o be_v wisdom_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 10._o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v 10._o the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a be_v understanding_n now_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n prove_v also_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o that_o which_o contradict_v the_o best_a reason_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o worship_n god_n found_v on_o the_o high_a wisdom_n what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o to_o undermine_v our_o own_o interest_n to_o lay_v train_n of_o misery_n for_o ourselves_o and_o to_o forfeit_v our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n that_o be_v curse_v contemptible_a wit_n which_o will_v droll_n away_o a_o man_n life_n and_o his_o soul_n together_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o transform_v a_o man_n into_o a_o beast_n and_o then_o though_o such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v all_o the_o wild_a conceit_n of_o ape_n and_o monkey_n and_o the_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n of_o a_o fox_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man._n he_o may_v have_v a_o inferior_a sort_n of_o wit_n and_o may_v be_v reckon_v the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o mere_a animal_n and_o sensitive_a life_n but_o be_v fall_v vast_o below_o the_o attainment_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o every_o one_o must_v acknowledge_v who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o noble_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v he_o be_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n i_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o but_o brute_n creature_n have_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o reason_n fit_v to_o the_o low_a attainment_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o that_o they_o common_o reason_n more_o wise_o and_o true_o in_o their_o own_o concern_v than_o irreligious_a man_n do_v in_o they_o but_o they_o can_v know_v god_n nor_o worship_v he_o they_o can_v see_v nor_o adore_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n their_o reason_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o preservation_n of_o their_o own_o be_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o be_v be_v a_o irreligious_a man_n who_o reason_n indeed_o be_v capable_a of_o high_a and_o noble_a flight_n but_o be_v pinion_v down_o and_o confine_v to_o present_v and_o sensible_a object_n and_o serve_v only_o to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n into_o a_o brutish_a state_n now_o if_o that_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o glory_n the_o specifical_a difference_n of_o a_o man_n which_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o inferior_a creature_n than_o religion_n as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o must_v be_v his_o wisdom_n and_o whatever_o wit_n irreligious_a man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v so_o much_o below_o the_o attainment_n nay_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o may_v set_v they_o a_o degree_n above_o the_o wit_n of_o a_o beast_n but_o be_v no_o better_a than_o folly_n in_o a_o man._n 2._o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o folly_n than_o for_o man_n to_o act_v foolish_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o vast_a concernment_n and_o this_o consideration_n impeache_n the_o irreligious_a man_n of_o the_o most_o despicable_a folly_n as_o to_o give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o some_o neglect_n to_o worship_n god_n out_o of_o a_o careless_a trifle_a humour_n they_o never_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v how_o much_o they_o owe_v to_o he_o how_o entire_o they_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n what_o the_o danger_n and_o punishment_n of_o irreligion_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v folly_n not_o to_o use_v the_o wise_a thought_n and_o best_a consideration_n we_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n than_o irreligion_n be_v folly_n other_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o it_o disturb_v they_o in_o the_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o put_v a_o great_a many_o black_a and_o melancholy_a thought_n into_o their_o head_n which_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a as_o to_o shut_v our_o eye_n and_o run_v down_o a_o precipice_n because_o it_o make_v we_o melancholy_a to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o see_v our_o danger_n whereas_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v to_o open_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v see_v how_o to_o avoid_v it_o other_o take_v offence_n at_o religion_n because_o they_o see_v a_o great_a many_o hypocrite_n zealous_a pretender_n to_o religion_n and_o they_o have_v as_o good_a never_o mind_n religion_n as_o be_v hypocrite_n but_o be_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n not_o to_o mind_v religion_n because_o hypocrite_n pretend_v to_o religion_n when_o indeed_o they_o have_v none_o can_v they_o be_v sincere_o religious_a though_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a many_o religious_a man_n who_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o better_a reason_n to_o be_v religious_a without_o hypocrisy_n than_o to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n to_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v not_o hypocrite_n other_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o as_o light_a to_o darkness_n and_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o
law_n of_o moses_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n do_v use_v a_o great_a many_o moysaicall_a rite_n only_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o typical_a nature_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o zealous_a opposer_n of_o circumcision_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o circumcise_v timothy_n not_o in_o token_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n but_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n and_o those_o christian_n who_o live_v at_o jerusalem_n worship_v in_o the_o temple_n keep_v their_o religious_a festival_n and_o 22_o observe_v their_o law_n but_o no_o christian_n can_v do_v this_o according_a to_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o those_o law_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o they_o observe_v they_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o believe_v jew_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n may_v lawful_o observe_v those_o jewish_a custom_n when_o they_o be_v free_v from_o their_o typical_a signification_n it_o can_v be_v a_o fault_n to_o use_v some_o such_o innocent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n in_o worship_n as_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o christianity_n make_v the_o observation_n of_o those_o jewish_a ceremony_n innocent_a which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o original_a institution_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n as_o signify_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v how_o much_o more_o innocent_a be_v it_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o white_a garment_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o bend_v our_o knee_n to_o our_o lord_n at_o who_o table_n we_o eat_v and_o to_o sign_v our_o child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o honour_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n and_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o a_o suffer_a religion_n 3._o our_o saviour_n reject_v all_o superstitious_a observance_n which_o be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a sacredness_n and_o religion_n in_o they_o such_o as_o he_o call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n such_o as_o wash_a cup_n platter_n and_o hand_n before_o dinner_n thus_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o be_v by_o st._n paul_n call_v 21._o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o refer_v to_o their_o abstain_v from_o certain_a sort_n of_o meat_n and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o christ_n fling_v out_o of_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o any_o ceremony_n or_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o some_o custom_n they_o take_v up_o with_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o merit_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v great_a number_n of_o they_o such_o as_o pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o custom_n as_o these_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n 17._o and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v that_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o such_o sorry_a thing_n as_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o and_o such_o meat_n but_o christ_n expect_v from_o we_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n such_o superstitious_a custom_n as_o these_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v it_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o hope_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n by_o profess_v poverty_n celibacy_n and_o blind_a obedience_n by_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n in_o lent_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o vain_a superstition_n as_o it_o be_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n upon_o our_o knee_n as_o a_o external_a expression_n of_o devotion_n not_o as_o meritorious_a superstition_n the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v often_o declaim_v against_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o st._n paul_n mean_v any_o thing_n like_o they_o for_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o circumstance_n or_o appendage_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o of_o such_o arbitrary_a superstition_n as_o they_o turn_v into_o formal_a act_n of_o religion_n the_o four_o do_v not_o much_o concern_v our_o present_a argument_n the_o difference_n christ_n put_v between_o the_o substantial_a and_o the_o instrumental_a part_n of_o worship_n any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o mind_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o any_o ceremony_n as_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o decent_a manner_n of_o perform_v it_o that_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o nothing_o that_o be_v mere_o external_a but_o on_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n express_v in_o such_o become_a word_n and_o behaviour_n as_o may_v make_v it_o visible_a and_o exemplary_a to_o other_o and_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o such_o external_a expression_n of_o honour_n will_v please_v god_n without_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o themselves_o for_o she_o own_v no_o such_o principle_n but_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n better_o and_o methinks_v this_o shall_v be_v no_o small_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n that_o the_o establish_a worship_n of_o our_o church_n have_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v they_o can_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n when_o they_o forsake_v it_o for_o nothing_o but_o a_o apparent_a and_o manifest_a danger_n of_o sin_n can_v justify_v such_o a_o separation_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o now_o further_o consider_v how_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o express_a command_n to_o pray_v always_o by_o a_o form_n or_o to_o institute_v and_o appoint_v significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o justify_v such_o practice_n as_o brief_o to_o point_v to_o some_o few_o thing_n 1._o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v in_o these_o word_n though_o you_o shall_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o use_v it_o it_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o forbid_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n even_o of_o divine_a institution_n than_o a_o form_n as_o a_o form_n can_v be_v unlawful_a 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o where_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o no_o religious_a action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o have_v command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o how_o oft_o we_o must_v pray_v and_o celebrate_v this_o heavenly_a feast_n in_o what_o place_n in_o what_o posture_n in_o what_o time_n he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v prescribe_v the_o form_n of_o word_n in_o baptism_n but_o not_o any_o one_o circumstance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o must_v be_v some_o circumstance_n for_o every_o action_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a performance_n and_o great_a solemnity_n of_o such_o mysterious_a rite_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n leave_v all_o such_o to_o the_o order_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o all_o age_n as_o may_v tend_v most_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o good_a order_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o law_n the_o church_n 2._o be_v in_o a_o infant_n state_n like_o a_o heir_n under_o age_n which_o be_v under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o every_o part_n of_o that_o typical_a temple-worship_n be_v exact_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o
all_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o worship_n 4._o public_a baptism_n be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o mind_n christian_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v it_o put_v good_a thought_n into_o they_o when_o they_o see_v what_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o set_v their_o conscience_n on_o work_n to_o review_v their_o past_a life_n and_o to_o consider_v how_o they_o have_v keep_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n it_o mind_v child_n and_o servant_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o be_v seldom_o at_o private_a baptism_n and_o be_v many_o time_n more_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o sight_n than_o with_o the_o best_a counsel_n it_o mind_v those_o who_o have_v be_v godfathers_n or_o godmothers_n what_o charge_v they_o have_v undertake_v which_o they_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o compliment_n to_o a_o friend_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n even_o a_o trust_n and_o a_o trust_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n a_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o church_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a education_n of_o such_o child_n which_o may_v convince_v all_o consider_a man_n of_o what_o great_a use_v it_o be_v that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o all_o the_o awful_a and_o public_a solemnity_n that_o may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v huddle_v over_o in_o private_a as_o a_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v do_v though_o it_o matter_n not_o how_o 5._o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o always_o administer_v baptism_n in_o public_a place_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o congregation_n at_o first_o indeed_o they_o baptize_v in_o river_n or_o pond_n as_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v in_o jordan_n where_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v baptize_v which_o make_v many_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n ambitious_a to_o be_v baptize_v there_o also_o as_o eusebius_n report_v of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n though_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o it_o afterward_o they_o build_v font_n near_o the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o church-porch_n and_o at_o last_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o never_o allow_v of_o private_a baptism_n but_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n and_o to_o make_v the_o action_n more_o solemn_a they_o have_v public_a time_n for_o baptism_n which_o in_o most_o church_n be_v easter_n and_o whitsunday_n when_o all_o their_o catechuman_n who_o desire_v baptism_n and_o be_v judge_v fit_a to_o receive_v it_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o thus_o it_o continue_v in_o follow_v age_n and_o so_o it_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rubric_n of_o our_o church_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n though_o it_o be_v not_o now_o confine_v to_o such_o certain_a time_n which_o allow_v of_o no_o 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into_o they_o by_o degree_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o there_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o meat_n for_o strong_a man_n to_o understand_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o teach_v they_o to_o understand_v a_o sermon_n which_o common_o suppose_v some_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o few_o man_n understand_v sermon_n or_o get_v any_o good_a by_o they_o be_v because_o they_o never_o well_o understand_v their_o catechism_n the_o want_n of_o this_o careful_a instruction_n of_o youth_n make_v they_o so_o unstable_a and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v man_n this_o make_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n and_o sect_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v turn_v aside_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n that_o they_o be_v take_v with_o every_o new_a phrase_n that_o they_o fall_v into_o such_o monstrous_a error_n so_o destructive_a to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a faith_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o house_n shall_v stand_v which_o have_v no_o foundation_n so_o that_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o child_n and_o youth_n shall_v be_v careful_o instruct_v in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n 2._o i_o can_v suppose_v neither_o that_o any_o consider_v man_n shall_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o every_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o a_o family_n be_v concern_v in_o to_o instruct_v those_o who_o be_v under_o their_o care_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o if_o they_o think_v their_o minister_n able_a to_o instruct_v themselves_o they_o can_v but_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o desire_v his_o assistance_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n they_o call_v in_o the_o 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these_o mystery_n as_o neither_o to_o blind_a nor_o dazzle_v their_o eye_n with_o their_o brightness_n and_o lustre_n nor_o yet_o to_o remain_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o the_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o attain_v as_o some_o man_n imagine_v nor_o be_v every_o one_o who_o know_v something_o himself_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o though_o i_o will_v earnest_o exhort_v you_o all_o to_o use_v the_o best_a skill_n you_o have_v to_o instruct_v your_o child_n and_o servant_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o public_a instruction_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v his_o religion_n think_v he_o discharge_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n mere_o by_o his_o private_a instruction_n of_o his_o family_n when_o he_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o public_a instruction_n 3._o for_o he_o must_v consider_v that_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o be_v baptize_v be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o their_o age_n and_o capacity_n will_v permit_v they_o do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o his_o private_a care_n but_o to_o the_o public_a care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o her_o child_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o church_n liberty_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n or_o not_o to_o interpose_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o make_v they_o submit_v to_o it_o be_v to_o withdraw_v their_o child_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n after_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o they_o to_o god_n no_o good_a man_n can_v with_o patience_n think_v of_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacrilege_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n a_o degree_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n and_o very_o injurious_a to_o his_o child_n soul_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a blessing_n attend_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o god_n prefer_v public_a before_o private_a worship_n and_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a present_a in_o christian_a assembly_n than_o in_o the_o family_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o bless_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o his_o word_n before_o private_a counsel_n 4._o which_o may_v further_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o public_a catechise_v of_o child_n and_o youth_n be_v not_o needless_a whatever_o good_a instruction_n they_o may_v have_v at_o home_n for_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o god_n do_v more_o peculiarly_a bless_v public_a institution_n there_o be_v several_a advantage_n in_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v 1._o this_o will_v make_v they_o more_o careful_a to_o improve_v in_o knowledge_n when_o they_o know_v they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o such_o improvement_n to_o the_o public_a congregation_n there_o will_v be_v a_o emulation_n between_o youth_n who_o shall_v give_v the_o most_o manly_a and_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o continue_v child_n in_o understanding_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o shame_n and_o emulation_n in_o other_o matter_n and_o when_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o such_o admirable_a advantage_n in_o this_o case_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o to_o recommend_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o all_o good_a man_n who_o desire_v the_o improvement_n and_o increase_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_v the_o church_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o youth_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o regular_a admission_n to_o high_a act_n of_o communion_n those_o who_o be_v baptize_v when_o they_o be_v child_n ought_v not_o regular_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o they_o have_v be_v confirm_v and_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o confirmation_n it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n understand_v their_o religion_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o though_o indeed_o the_o minister_n and_o bishop_n may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o by_o private_a examination_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o congregation_n with_o who_o they_o be_v to_o communicate_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o minister_n but_o such_o young_a man_n will_v be_v receive_v with_o a_o more_o universal_a applause_n and_o sincere_a joy_n to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v give_v such_o public_a testimony_n of_o their_o improvement_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n 3._o another_o advantage_n be_v that_o this_o train_n up_o child_n and_o youth_n in_o a_o just_a respect_n
for_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o bread_n and_o wine_n that_o he_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o we_o be_v that_o bread_n of_o life_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o give_v life_n unto_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o stupendous_a mystery_n which_o the_o angel_n themselves_o desire_v to_o pry_v into_o the_o low_a condescension_n of_o eternal_a love_n but_o the_o high_a advancement_n of_o humane_a nature_n above_o the_o glory_n of_o angel_n into_o a_o union_n with_o the_o deity_n itself_o how_o shall_v our_o soul_n triumph_v in_o god-man_n a_o saviour_n of_o our_o own_o race_n and_o stock_n and_o with_o a_o little_a variation_n sing_v the_o song_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n my_o soul_n do_v magnify_v the_o lord_n and_o my_o spirit_n have_v rejoice_v in_o god_n my_o saviour_n for_o he_o have_v regard_v the_o low_a estate_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o behold_v from_o henceforth_o all_o generation_n even_o the_o angel_n themselves_o shall_v call_v we_o bless_v for_o he_o that_o be_v mighty_a have_v do_v great_a thing_n to_o we_o have_v magnify_v we_o have_v great_o exalt_v we_o and_o holy_a for_o ever_o bless_v and_o glorify_v be_v his_o name_n how_o zealous_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o advance_v his_o name_n and_o praise_n who_o debase_v who_o humble_v who_o empty_v himself_o and_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n for_o our_o sake_n when_o he_o suffer_v so_o low_a a_o debasement_n by_o become_a man_n and_o have_v so_o great_o exalt_v we_o by_o it_o do_v it_o not_o become_v we_o in_o this_o holy_a feast_n to_o advance_v his_o name_n to_o sing_v his_o praise_n to_o publish_v his_o con_fw-mi descending_z love_n and_o with_o a_o great_a passion_n and_o wonder_n adore_v the_o deity_n clothe_v with_o our_o nature_n how_o shall_v our_o heart_n leap_v within_o we_o when_o we_o see_v such_o a_o visible_a representation_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o incarnate_a deity_n when_o we_o see_v that_o mysterious_a bread_n and_o wine_n which_o represent_v to_o any_o eye_n of_o faith_n a_o god_n incarnate_a a_o god_n clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n a_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o subject_a to_o all_o the_o sinless_a weakness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o a_o man_n oh_o amaze_a and_o surprise_v sight_n which_o do_v as_o much_o puzzle_v our_o passion_n as_o our_o faith_n and_o be_v as_o much_o too_o big_a for_o our_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o wonder_n as_o it_o be_v for_o our_o finite_a and_o narrow_a understanding_n and_o yet_o oh_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v to_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o such_o love_n and_o condescension_n as_o this_o to_o find_v a_o object_n too_o big_a for_o our_o high_a rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o devotion_n where_o we_o launch_v out_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o word_n and_o thought_n and_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o silence_n and_o wonder_n this_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o we_o may_v celebrate_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o incarnate_a god_n 3._o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o proper_a worship_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n for_o here_o we_o see_v his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o feast_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n wherein_o we_o visible_o declare_v and_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o return_v he_o our_o joyful_a praise_n for_o his_o great_a love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o here_o we_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o he_o as_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n soul_n fire_v with_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o transport_v with_o a_o passionate_a admiration_n of_o his_o die_a love_n a_o love_n without_o any_o bound_n or_o measure_n without_o precedent_n or_o example_n a_o love_n strong_a than_o fear_n or_o shame_n or_o death_n a_o love_n which_o have_v no_o cause_n but_o itself_o which_o do_v not_o find_v but_o make_v its_o object_n which_o pity_v we_o when_o we_o do_v not_o pity_v ourselves_o which_o suffer_v such_o hard_a such_o unsufferable_a usage_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o sinner_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o punishment_n which_o they_o have_v deserve_v from_o god_n and_o can_v we_o do_v less_o than_o love_v he_o who_o have_v love_v we_o first_o than_o live_v to_o he_o who_o have_v die_v for_o we_o and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o we_o bless_a jesus_n thou_o have_v conquer_v thou_o have_v captivate_v we_o by_o thy_o astonish_a love_n we_o be_v thou_o we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o thou_o take_v the_o entire_a possession_n of_o we_o we_o lay_v ourselves_o and_o our_o dear_a concernment_n at_o thy_o foot_n use_v we_o as_o thou_o please_v we_o have_v no_o great_a ambition_n than_o to_o serve_v thou_o and_o to_o advance_v thy_o name_n and_o glory_n whether_o in_o life_n or_o death_n riches_n or_o poverty_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n we_o will_v follow_v thou_o whither_o soever_o thou_o lead_v we_o though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o will_v rejoice_v that_o we_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n for_o thy_o sake_n and_o account_v the_o reproach_n of_o our_o lord_n great_a riches_n than_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o this_o world_n nay_o in_o this_o holy_a feast_n we_o do_v not_o only_o admire_v and_o praise_v his_o die_a love_n but_o extol_v his_o power_n and_o conquest_n over_o death_n that_o he_o be_v dead_a indeed_o but_o be_v alive_a and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n our_o lord_n be_v rise_v again_o and_o become_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n and_o now_o in_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o see_v the_o eternal_a conquest_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n for_o by_o death_n he_o have_v destroy_v he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n 15._o who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n at_o this_o holy_a table_n we_o feast_v on_o the_o spoil_n of_o death_n this_o be_v that_o bread_n which_o give_v life_n to_o the_o world_n by_o put_v a_o end_n to_o death_n and_o become_v the_o principle_n and_o earnest_n of_o immortality_n glory_n be_v to_o this_o mighty_a conqueror_n who_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n can_v not_o detain_v prisoner_n this_o be_v our_o crucify_a lord_n who_o die_v with_o scorn_n and_o ignominy_n but_o rise_v again_o with_o glory_n and_o power_n we_o do_v not_o eat_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o feed_v on_o a_o live_a saviour_n so_o that_o you_o see_v the_o lord_n supper_n contain_v in_o itself_o or_o be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o christian_a worship_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o express_v that_o in_o word_n and_o action_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o visible_a sign_n in_o this_o holy_a feast_n we_o can_v beg_v of_o god_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n or_o any_o blessing_n which_o we_o want_v either_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a but_o in_o the_o merit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v here_o represent_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o christian_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o incarnate_a and_o crucify_a saviour_n must_v relate_v either_o to_o his_o great_a humility_n and_o condescension_n in_o become_a man_n his_o great_a love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o or_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o that_o power_n to_o which_o he_o be_v now_o advance_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n all_o which_o be_v either_o signify_v or_o represent_v in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o therefore_o that_o question_n how_o often_o we_o shall_v communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v easy_o answer_v by_o another_o how_o often_o we_o be_v bind_v public_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a rule_n for_o worship_n for_o so_o i_o must_v beg_v leave_n to_o call_v it_o for_o want_v of_o a_o more_o proper_a name_n and_o fit_v to_o all_o part_n of_o christian_a worship_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o often_o repeat_v as_o we_o worship_v our_o saviour_n and_o public_a worship_n be_v very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a without_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o for_o that_o wonderful_a manifestation_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o all_o the_o
and_o all_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o blood_n nay_o not_o only_o this_o general_a covenant_n be_v confirm_v by_o sacrifice_n but_o all_o good_a man_n when_o they_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v understand_v to_o make_v renew_v or_o confirm_v their_o covenant_n with_o he_o whence_o be_v that_o expression_n in_o the_o psalm_n gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o those_o that_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o i_o by_o 5._o sacrifice_n thus_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o gospel_n covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o blood_n be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o feast_v on_o the_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n be_v a_o signification_n that_o we_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o we_o that_o we_o still_o own_o our_o covenant_n and_o be_v resolve_v still_o to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v to_o put_v god_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o we_o and_o we_o of_o our_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o if_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o breach_n of_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o venture_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n when_o we_o have_v with_o tear_n bewail_v our_o sin_n and_o renew_v our_o repentance_n here_o we_o must_v renew_v our_o covenant_n and_o by_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n declare_v that_o though_o we_o be_v sinner_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o apostate_n that_o we_o still_o own_o our_o covenant_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o we_o now_o implore_v and_o hope_v to_o receive_v resolve_v to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o it_o while_o we_o live_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o inestimable_a privilege_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o have_v this_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v sign_v and_o seal_v to_o we_o as_o often_o as_o we_o please_v by_o a_o foederal_a rite_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n especial_o be_v it_o not_o a_o mighty_a favour_n for_o 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to_o they_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o sin-offering_a that_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n but_o when_o they_o have_v offer_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n they_o may_v then_o offer_v a_o peace-offering_a and_o feast_v before_o the_o lord_n on_o the_o sacrifice_n as_o a_o token_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n christ_n offer_v himself_o once_o for_o all_o a_o sacrifice_n or_o offer_v for_o sin_n and_o have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o more_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v for_o sin_n but_o when_o through_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o powerful_a temptation_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n we_o have_v defile_v and_o pollute_v our_o conscience_n with_o sin_n and_o guilt_n instead_o of_o those_o particular_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v direct_v to_o offer_v we_o must_v offer_v up_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n to_o god_n that_o be_v we_o must_v true_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o turn_v from_o they_o and_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o powerful_a resolution_n against_o they_o for_o the_o future_a and_o then_o we_o may_v approach_v the_o table_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o fresh_a assurance_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n we_o do_v not_o use_v to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o at_o our_o table_n but_o those_o who_o be_v our_o friend_n or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o our_o enemy_n other_o be_v intruder_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o turn_v out_o again_o yet_o must_v make_v themselves_o welcome_a and_o indeed_o a_o covenant_n make_v by_o sacrifice_n always_o signify_v a_o covenant_n of_o peace_n and_o such_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v of_o which_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o sacrament_n a_o covenant_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n none_o ought_v to_o come_v to_o this_o table_n but_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n as_o all_o holy_a man_n and_o all_o true_a humble_a penitent_n be_v and_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o receive_v a_o joyful_a welcome_n and_o all_o the_o peculiar_a mark_n of_o god_n favour_n for_o such_o this_o holy_a supper_n itself_o be_v to_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n 2._o in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o do_v not_o only_o eat_v at_o his_o table_n but_o we_o feed_v on_o his_o body_n not_o as_o if_o in_o a_o carnal_a sense_n we_o eat_v his_o natural_a flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n teach_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n and_o without_o any_o colourable_a pretence_n from_o scripture_n or_o primitive_a antiquity_n but_o we_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n in_o such_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n as_o they_o be_v exhibit_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n as_o to_o explain_v this_o in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n supper_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o in_o general_n do_v answer_v to_o a_o feast_n upon_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o now_o i_o add_v that_o it_o be_v a_o feast_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n who_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n upon_o the_o tree_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ._n for_o under_o the_o law_n the_o jew_n do_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n for_o part_n of_o it_o be_v burn_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o part_n they_o eat_v and_o this_o eat_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n do_v give_v they_o a_o right_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n purchase_v by_o it_o now_o though_o christ_n die_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n give_v we_o his_o natural_a flesh_n to_o eat_v for_o he_o be_v to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a with_o a_o glorious_a and_o incorruptible_a body_n and_o ascend_v up_o in_o the_o same_o body_n to_o heaven_n and_o there_o to_o continue_v unite_v to_o this_o humane_a but_o glorify_a body_n till_o he_o return_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n this_o sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o a_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v plant_v and_o though_o he_o himself_o who_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o more_o be_v present_a also_o in_o all_o place_n and_o especial_o in_o all_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o meet_v to_o worship_v he_o yet_o his_o body_n though_o glorious_a and_o perfect_a as_o a_o body_n can_v be_v yet_o be_v but_o matter_n still_o and_o therefore_o confine_v to_o one_o place_n and_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v at_o rome_n and_o constantinople_n nor_o in_o ten_o thousand_o place_n at_o once_o more_o remote_a than_o they_o and_o this_o sacrament_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v his_o flesh_n eat_v and_o his_o blood_n drink_v as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n last_v and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o body_n to_o be_v so_o often_o eat_v and_o yet_o continue_v the_o same_o body_n and_o at_o best_a be_v the_o thing_n possible_a it_o will_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o inhuman_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n to_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o a_o man_n and_o of_o our_o friend_n and_o therefore_o since_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n a_o sacrifice_n for_o a_o peace_n offer_v be_v to_o be_v