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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
nature_n world_n worship_v worthy_a 25 3 5.9385 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 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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 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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
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 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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 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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 subtlety_n to_o raise_v objection_n and_o start_v difficulty_n which_o a_o man_n of_o very_o mean_a part_n may_v do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trial_n of_o judgement_n to_o answer_v they_o which_o the_o atheist_n it_o seem_v can_v do_v when_o man_n be_v so_o over-subtil_a that_o they_o can_v understand_v these_o plain_a and_o obvious_a demonstration_n which_o convince_v all_o mankind_n and_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o ploughman_n such_o subtlety_n be_v never_o admire_v but_o despise_v and_o as_o for_o wit_n it_o be_v so_o very_o undecent_a to_o jest_v with_o grave_n and_o serious_a matter_n that_o though_o it_o have_v never_o so_o much_o salt_n it_o be_v nauseous_a and_o offensive_a to_o sober_a mind_n no_o man_n admire_v his_o wit_n who_o abuse_v his_o prince_n his_o father_n or_o his_o friend_n profane_a wit_n be_v the_o easy_a of_o all_o as_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
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 great_a deal_n more_o than_o he_o who_o keep_v these_o thought_n to_o himself_o and_o praise_v god_n so_o private_o that_o no_o man_n know_v it_o but_o himself_o the_o prophet_n david_n resolve_v to_o make_v his_o praise_n of_o god_n as_o public_a as_o he_o can_v i_o will_v declare_v thy_o name_n unto_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o 22._o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o praise_v thou_o and_o exhort_v other_o to_o exalt_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o praise_v he_o in_o 1._o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o elder_n praise_v you_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v praise_v the_o lord_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o upright_a and_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o beside_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o worship_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o consist_v in_o honour_v god_n with_o devout_a and_o pious_a affection_n in_o bow_v our_o soul_n before_o he_o and_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a expression_n and_o signification_n of_o this_o honour_n which_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a worship_n such_o as_o pray_v and_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n fall_v down_o on_o the_o ground_n kneeling_z uncover_v the_o head_n and_o those_o other_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n which_o signify_v the_o humble_a and_o devout_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o though_o these_o external_a sign_n of_o honour_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v in_o private_a and_o closet_n devotion_n so_o it_o be_v with_o due_a caution_n not_o to_o make_v they_o public_a which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n yet_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o they_o be_v in_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o testify_v our_o concurrence_n and_o agreement_n with_o other_o devout_a person_n in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o god_n know_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o desire_n by_o clothing_n they_o with_o word_n he_o hear_v the_o most_o silent_a breathe_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o he_o in_o a_o audible_a voice_n he_o see_v the_o bend_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o most_o humble_a submission_n and_o prostration_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o need_v not_o be_v inform_v of_o this_o by_o bend_v or_o bow_v our_o body_n to_o he_o but_o man_n can_v see_v this_o but_o by_o external_a sign_n nor_o join_v in_o the_o same_o petition_n and_o praise_n without_o word_n so_o audible_o pronounce_v that_o all_o present_a may_v hear_v they_o and_o therefore_o those_o scripture_n which_o require_v these_o external_a sign_n of_o worship_n suppose_v that_o this_o worship_n must_v be_v public_a too_o that_o we_o must_v meet_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o unite_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v pen_v for_o public_a worship_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o master_n of_o music_n to_o be_v sing_v as_o public_a hymn_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n and_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o worship_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o obligation_n much_o more_o strong_a to_o public_a than_o to_o private_a worship_n though_o that_o be_v our_o duty_n also_o especial_o when_o we_o want_v such_o public_a opportunity_n the_o natural_a reason_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v the_o great_a and_o universal_a parent_n and_o benefactor_n and_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o become_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v he_o who_o be_v our_o maker_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v who_o feed_v and_o clothes_v we_o who_o defend_v we_o from_o evil_a who_o encompass_v we_o with_o his_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o most_o of_o those_o form_n of_o worship_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o all_o this_o be_v a_o more_o cogent_a reason_n for_o public_a than_o for_o private_a worship_n for_o though_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v those_o particular_a favour_n and_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o private_a worship_n yet_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v consider_v a_o private_a as_o a_o public_a benefactor_n as_o a_o universal_a parent_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v worship_v as_o a_o public_a benefactor_n that_o be_v with_o public_a worship_n for_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o be_v public_a and_o since_o all_o mankind_n be_v god_n creature_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o be_v every_o one_o of_o 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
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 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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 disbelief_n of_o a_o god_n from_o a_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o he_o as_o certain_o it_o may_v be_v be_v man_n atheist_n mere_o for_o want_n of_o evidence_n it_o will_v concern_v such_o man_n though_o they_o enjoy_v the_o other_o liberty_n which_o atheism_n allow_v yet_o to_o be_v very_o modest_a and_o civil_a even_o to_o the_o fanciful_a idea_n and_o imagination_n of_o a_o god_n for_o five_o whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o argue_v great_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o laugh_v at_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n all_o religion_n indeed_o be_v a_o mistake_n but_o it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a mistake_n when_o there_o be_v such_o evidence_n for_o it_o as_o convince_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n even_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o inquisitive_a man_n and_o what_o we_o call_v religion_n be_v so_o grave_a and_o serious_a a_o thing_n and_o of_o such_o high_a importance_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o that_o 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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
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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of_o their_o body_n and_o must_v take_v care_n of_o they_o but_o their_o soul_n must_v shift_v for_o themselves_o they_o can_v bear_v hunger_n and_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n but_o never_o consider_v who_o can_v dwell_v with_o devour_a fire_n who_o can_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n but_o more_o of_o this_o present_o such_o kind_n of_o foolish_a reason_n as_o these_o make_v man_n neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v any_o man_n act_n or_o reason_n so_o weak_o in_o his_o worldly_a affair_n he_o will_v be_v beg_v for_o a_o fool_n if_o he_o be_v worth_a the_o keep_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v these_o man_n of_o the_o evil_a danger_n and_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n 2._o let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o exhort_v all_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o neglect_v the_o 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the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n the_o worship_n of_o innocent_a creature_n consist_v principal_o in_o praise_v that_o great_a wise_a and_o bountiful_a maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o religion_n of_o sinner_n be_v fit_v to_o a_o lapse_v state_n to_o heal_v and_o recover_v our_o soul_n restore_v we_o to_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o new_a and_o glorious_a reward_n since_o we_o be_v sinner_n god_n have_v make_v it_o one_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o give_v we_o great_a encouragement_n to_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o ask_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o they_o and_o can_v any_o man_n who_o love_v his_o soul_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n be_v careless_a in_o sue_v out_o his_o pardon_n must_v thou_o die_v eternal_o sinner_n unless_o thou_o obtain_v thy_o pardon_n from_o god_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o fall_v down_o upon_o thy_o 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 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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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for_o can_v a_o immortal_a be_v who_o be_v to_o live_v eternal_a age_n be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o perish_a joy_n as_o wax_v old_a and_o expire_v in_o half_a a_o age_n it_o will_v be_v think_v very_o strange_a that_o a_o immortal_a creature_n shall_v grow_v weary_a of_o life_n and_o be_v content_v to_o fall_v into_o nothing_o after_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o much_o more_o reasonable_a desire_n than_o to_o choose_v such_o a_o happiness_n as_o will_v last_v but_o sixty_o or_o eighty_o year_n when_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o the_o atheist_n be_v much_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o a_o irreligious_a and_o profane_a worldling_n every_o one_o contemn_v the_o folly_n of_o such_o a_o prodigal_n who_o spend_v a_o fair_a estate_n in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n and_o waste_v away_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n in_o poverty_n and_o beggary_n and_o yet_o three_o or_o four_o year_n pleasure_n bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n but_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n have_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o eternity_n be_v there_o no_o other_o punishment_n of_o such_o folly_n but_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n to_o find_v no_o suitable_a object_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n but_o to_o languish_v perpetual_o with_o pine_v and_o unsatisfy_a desire_n yet_o this_o be_v like_o the_o pain_n of_o perpetual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n somewhat_o worse_o than_o the_o delay_n of_o hope_n even_o the_o torment_n of_o despair_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o worse_o still_o than_o this_o for_o such_o man_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n will_v be_v convince_v what_o happiness_n it_o be_v they_o have_v lose_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n from_o the_o north_n and_o from_o the_o south_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o shut_v out_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v victorious_a saint_n who_o have_v triumph_v over_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n all_o the_o smile_n flattery_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n clothe_v with_o body_n of_o pure_a light_n and_o reward_v with_o immarcessible_a crown_n of_o glory_n sing_v eternal_a halelujah_n to_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o when_o all_o the_o toy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n be_v go_v and_o pass_v and_o nothing_o be_v present_a but_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o it_o will_v infinite_o more_o afflict_v they_o to_o think_v they_o have_v miss_v of_o heaven_n than_o it_o will_v do_v now_o to_o lose_v their_o estate_n and_o honour_n and_o let_v slip_v any_o opportunity_n they_o have_v to_o make_v themselves_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o
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 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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 private_a baptism_n but_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o disorder_n as_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o our_o church_n chap._n v._n concern_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n be_v that_o few_o man_n be_v so_o ready_a and_o careful_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n of_o what_o mighty_a concernment_n the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n of_o youth_n be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o for_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n their_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o depend_v on_o it_o when_o child_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o atheism_n and_o debauchery_n in_o their_o ripe_a year_n unless_o they_o be_v t●ught_v to_o know_v and_o to_o fear_v god_n betimes_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o laugh_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n and_o wickedness_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o atheism_n and_o lewdness_n of_o this_o present_a age_n have_v be_v as_o much_o owe_v to_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o parent_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o education_n of_o child_n and_o youth_n as_o to_o any_o one_o cause_n beside_o how_o many_o child_n have_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o other_o catechism_n than_o some_o flatter_a compliment_n modish_a oath_n and_o obscene_a talk_n how_o many_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o profane_a and_o impious_a jest_n and_o all_o the_o topic_n of_o irreligious_a wit_n and_o no_o wonder_n there_o be_v so_o many_o great_a proficient_n who_o be_v wicked_a above_o their_o age_n and_o can_v as_o pert_o and_o confident_o laugh_v down_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o study_a atheist_n other_o be_v not_o so_o industrious_a to_o corrupt_v youth_n but_o yet_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o better_o to_o possess_v their_o tender_a mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a if_o the_o ground_n been_v till_v and_o cultivate_v you_o can_v expect_v no_o good_a fruit_n but_o weed_n will_v grow_v of_o themselves_o other_o possible_o do_v take_v care_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o i_o only_o wish_v there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o these_o man_n we_o may_v then_o hope_v in_o time_n to_o see_v the_o world_n reform_v and_o religion_n grow_v into_o fashion_n and_o credit_v again_o at_o least_o the_o next_o generation_n may_v see_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o those_o seed_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o be_v sow_v now_o but_o there_o be_v one_o great_a neglect_n of_o very_o mischievous_a consequence_n easy_a to_o be_v observe_v among_o we_o and_o we_o can_v expect_v no_o great_a good_a till_o it_o be_v reform_v and_o that_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o public_a catechise_v which_o may_v be_v sometime_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o be_v often_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o people_n who_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n nor_o to_o give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o it_o by_o their_o own_o presence_n and_o attendance_n that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v too_o evident_a and_o yet_o i_o can_v make_v any_o probable_a conjecture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o for_o 1._o no_o man_n certain_o can_v think_v it_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n whether_o his_o child_n be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n for_o knowledge_n must_v be_v both_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o obedience_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o no_o wonder_n man_n do_v amiss_o who_o know_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o motive_n and_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o allurement_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n man_n be_v conquer_v who_o understand_v not_o the_o use_n of_o their_o spiritual_a armour_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n without_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o which_o they_o can_v conquer_v such_o as_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o suffering_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o everlasting_a life_n after_o death_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v over_o these_o word_n without_o some_o competent_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n do_v not_o work_v like_o spell_n or_o charm_n by_o the_o magical_a power_n or_o sound_v of_o word_n but_o as_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v as_o they_o convey_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n to_o our_o mind_n as_o govern_v our_o affection_n and_o subdue_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v be_v the_o better_a for_o his_o faith_n who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v what_o he_o believe_v and_o though_o hear_v sermon_n may_v help_v somewhat_o towards_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v so_o effectual_a as_o catechise_v for_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n and_o instill_a
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 assistance_n of_o man_n expert_a and_o skilful_a in_o several_a art_n to_o teach_v they_o those_o art_n which_o they_o profess_v though_o they_o have_v some_o skill_n themselves_o in_o they_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o such_o moment_n to_o they_o and_o nothing_o it_o may_v be_v more_o difficult_a than_o to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o religion_n it_o require_v great_a skill_n and_o such_o as_o every_o learned_a rabbi_n be_v not_o master_n of_o to_o fit_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o youth_n the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n contain_v the_o high_a and_o most_o seraphical_a speculation_n that_o ever_o be_v teach_v by_o any_o philosophy_n such_o as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v now_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o invest_v with_o great_a power_n and_o glory_n have_v all_o power_n give_v to_o he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n a_o name_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v 11._o both_o of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o thing_n on_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o when_o these_o earthly_a body_n shall_v die_v and_o rot_v in_o the_o grave_n they_o shall_v be_v raise_v again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n incorruptible_a and_o glorious_a these_o be_v great_a sublime_a stupendous_a mystery_n and_o it_o require_v no_o small_a skill_n to_o know_v how_o to_o teach_v such_o great_a and_o mysterious_a doctrine_n to_o child_n and_o youth_n that_o they_o may_v so_o by_o degree_n discover_v 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 such_o frail_a sinner_n who_o be_v so_o expose_v to_o temptation_n and_o so_o often_o conquer_v by_o they_o to_o have_v liberty_n grant_v upon_o their_o sincere_a repentance_n to_o return_v to_o god_n table_n and_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v again_o into_o covenant_n by_o god_n be_v it_o not_o a_o mighty_a affront_n to_o god_n when_o he_o invite_v we_o to_o his_o table_n as_o those_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o live_v in_o so_o great_a a_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o kind_n of_o renounce_v our_o covenant_n when_o we_o refuse_v to_o own_v it_o by_o such_o public_a solemnity_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n 2._o these_o religious_a feast_n signify_v a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o those_o sacrifice_n of_o which_o the_o sacrificer_n be_v allow_v to_o eat_v be_v call_v peace-offering_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v not_o permit_v 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
sober_a christian_n can_v withstand_v their_o conviction_n i_o shall_v now_o brief_o consider_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v what_o be_v the_o most_o common_a occasion_n of_o or_o excuse_n for_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o think_v of_o a_o great_a many_o i_o shall_v but_o mention_v two_o very_o brief_o as_o be_v i_o think_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n it_o shall_v have_v so_o ill_a a_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a reverence_n and_o esteem_v for_o this_o holy_a feast_n either_o they_o can_v never_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a to_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n or_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o look_v like_o pride_n and_o folly_n to_o think_v that_o we_o must_v be_v worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n they_o must_v all_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v above_o our_o desert_n how_o come_v mankind_n to_o be_v worthy_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v die_v for_o they_o and_o have_v god_n advise_v with_o such_o modest_a sinner_n they_o may_v have_v complemented_a away_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o now_o they_o do_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o his_o holy_a supper_n how_o great_a a_o saint_n soever_o thou_o be_v thou_o can_v never_o merit_v such_o favour_n and_o privilege_n as_o these_o for_o then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o christ_n to_o merit_v for_o thou_o and_o how_o great_a a_o sinner_n soever_o thou_o be_v by_o comply_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v quick_o make_v thyself_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o hearty_o resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o reform_v thy_o life_n and_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n with_o assurance_n to_o receive_v those_o supply_n of_o grace_n which_o may_v enable_v thou_o to_o do_v it_o and_o as_o for_o that_o great_a preparation_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o so_o solemn_a a_o act_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o great_a the_o better_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n plain_o prove_v that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o it_o require_v much_o great_a preparation_n of_o mind_n than_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n this_o holy_a supper_n be_v a_o sacred_a mysterious_a rite_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o give_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o make_v they_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n be_v you_o then_o when_o you_o come_v to_o church_n fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o if_o not_o you_o must_v neglect_v your_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n if_o you_o be_v than_o you_o be_v fit_a to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n to_o give_v virtue_n and_o prevalency_n to_o your_o prayer_n this_o holy_a supper_n convey_v to_o we_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n now_o if_o you_o be_v true_o penitent_a you_o be_v qualify_v to_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n where_o it_o be_v dispense_v if_o you_o earnest_o desire_v the_o divine_a grace_n you_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o come_v but_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o want_n and_o with_o such_o desire_n as_o a_o hungry_a man_n have_v of_o meat_n and_o here_o you_o shall_v be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v and_o without_o such_o preparation_n as_o these_o we_o can_v neither_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o forgive_v our_o sin_n nor_o to_o bestow_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o yet_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o man_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n shall_v be_v unfit_a to_o approach_v his_o table_n 2._o other_o think_v that_o there_o be_v much_o great_a danger_n in_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o than_o in_o a_o unworthy_a performance_n of_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o think_v so_o i_o can_v never_o learn_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v no_o more_o it_o be_v as_o unpardonable_a a_o affront_n to_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o christ_n name_n without_o true_a sorrow_n and_o contrition_n and_o serious_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o praise_n god_n without_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n differ_v not_o at_o all_o from_o feast_v at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o his_o die_a love_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o give_v encouragement_n by_o this_o discourse_n to_o wicked_a man_n to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n such_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v careful_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o sacred_a mystery_n when_o they_o be_v discover_v but_o the_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o those_o man_n who_o have_v such_o clear_a innocent_a conscience_n that_o they_o dare_v pray_v to_o god_n need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o case_n they_o be_v in_o they_o defile_v every_o holy_a duty_n they_o meddle_v with_o and_o be_v in_o perpetual_a danger_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n they_o can_v ask_v his_o pardon_n but_o they_o provoke_v he_o the_o more_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o such_o man_n prayer_n be_v only_o to_o beg_v a_o long_a liberty_n and_o indulgence_n in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o encouragement_n to_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o man_n must_v examine_v himself_o and_o so_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n for_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n very_o right_a but_o not_o to_o dispute_v the_o particular_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n be_v not_o this_o true_a also_o of_o he_o that_o hear_v or_o pray_v unworthy_o do_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o there_o be_v any_o great_a degree_n of_o worthiness_n require_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o there_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n he_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n be_v fit_a to_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o either_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o die_v our_o right_n to_o immortality_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o in_o this_o heavenly_a feast_n as_o you_o have_v already_o see_v and_o it_o be_v equal_o strange_a to_o i_o that_o man_n shall_v content_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o make_v they_o unfit_a to_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o immortal_a life_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o this_o deplorable_a condition_n that_o they_o shall_v neglect_v that_o holy_a feast_n which_o be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a institute_v mean_n of_o convey_v all_o these_o blessing_n to_o they_o finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v by_o richard_n chiswel_o lord_n bacon_n remain_n octavo_fw-la dr._n puller_n discourse_n of_o the_o moderation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n octavo_fw-la dr._n edw._n bagshaw_n discourse_n upon_o select_a text_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o socinian_n octavo_fw-la mr._n rushworth_n historical_a collection_n the_o second_o volume_n folio_n his_o large_a and_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n folio_n remark_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o 3_o first_o century_n wherein_o be_v intersperse_v animadversion_n on_o a_o book_n call_v a_o view_n of_o antiquity_n by_o i._o h._n write_a by_o a._n s._n speculum_fw-la baxterianum_n or_o baxter_n against_o baxter_n quarto_fw-la the_o countryman_n physician_n octavo_fw-la dr._n burlace_n history_n of_o the_o irish_a rebellion_n folio_n a_o apology_n for_o a_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n write_v by_o ma._n clifford_n esq_n twelve_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n concern_v jesuit_n etc._n etc._n explain_v by_o divers_a judgement_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o judge_n with_o other_o observation_n thereupon_o by_o william_n cawley_n esq_n folio_n dr._n burnet_n