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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
prayer_n answer_n hear_v lord_n 3,481 5 4.3941 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A23697 The causes of the decay of Christian piety, or, An impartial survey of the ruines of Christian religion, undermin'd by unchristian practice written by the author of The whole duty of man. Allestree, Richard, 1619-1681. 1667 (1667) Wing A1097; ESTC R225979 242,500 456

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that_o we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o expect_v a_o return_n and_o that_o not_o upon_o the_o former_a frustrate_v design_n of_o refine_n but_o upon_o that_o more_o infallible_a and_o fatal_a one_o of_o consume_v we_o this_o be_v so_o dreadful_a but_o withal_o so_o just_a a_o expectation_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o jacob_n among_o we_o any_o who_o can_v wrestle_v and_o prevail_v with_o god_n there_o never_o be_v so_o press_v need_n of_o their_o intercession_n o_o let_v all_o that_o be_v thus_o fit_v for_o it_o vigorous_o undertake_v this_o pious_a work_n let_v no_o moses_n hand_n ever_o wax_v heavy_a but_o be_v always_o hold_v up_o in_o a_o devout_a importunity_n let_v they_o transcribe_v that_o holy_a oratory_n which_o he_o so_o often_o effectual_o use_v plead_v to_o god_n his_o own_o cause_n with_o a_o what_o will_v thou_o do_v to_o thy_o great_a name_n and_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o that_o can_v pretend_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o vengeance_n ransack_v god_n 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this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o less-prevailing_a art_n of_o seducement_n among_o we_o and_o draw_v in_o many_o to_o abet_v those_o seditious_a practice_n which_o all_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n prohibit_v and_o whereby_o christian_a religion_n have_v at_o once_o be_v violate_v and_o defame_v have_v not_o only_o her_o precept_n break_v but_o herself_o asperse_v with_o the_o foul_a consequence_n of_o that_o disobedience_n and_o so_o buy_v one_o injury_n with_o another_o the_o contempt_n of_o her_o authority_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o her_o reputation_n we_o have_v now_o see_v the_o ill_a consequence_n issue_v from_o these_o mistake_n of_o god_n providence_n but_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o remain_v yet_o as_o great_a or_o great_a danger_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o that_o a_o total_a neglect_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o erroneous_a construction_n of_o it_o for_o though_o god_n have_v seclude_v we_o from_o that_o more_o exact_a minute_n discern_v of_o his_o purpose_n 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work_n for_o they_o with_o a_o accuse_a reflection_n upon_o their_o ingratitude_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v his_o judgement_n be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v account_v for_o than_o his_o mercy_n we_o find_v he_o amos_n 4._o make_v a_o catalogue_n of_o they_o and_o close_v every_o period_n with_o this_o pathetic_a reproof_n of_o their_o obstinacy_n yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v to_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n in_o short_a god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v observe_v every_o turn_n of_o his_o hand_n in_o order_n to_o the_o reform_v our_o own_o life_n and_o by_o the_o several_a medium_n of_o gratitude_n or_o fear_n infer_v that_o necessary_a conclusion_n of_o a_o sincere_a universal_a obedience_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o be_v the_o crime_n the_o psalmist_n mention_n psalm_n 28._o 5._o with_o so_o severe_a a_o menace_n they_o regard_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o as_o this_o be_v require_v from_o single_a person_n so_o also_o from_o society_n and_o community_n which_o as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o public_a capacity_n the_o most_o eminent_a subject_n of_o judgement_n or_o mercy_n so_o be_v they_o the_o most_o eminent_o accountable_a for_o both_o and_o though_o the_o neglect_v and_o abuse_v of_o god_n method_n be_v a_o very_a provoke_a guilt_n when_o it_o be_v only_o personal_a yet_o be_v it_o much_o more_o so_o when_o it_o become_v national_a and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v every_o man_n concern_n for_o his_o own_o peculiar_a to_o examine_v how_o he_o have_v answer_v god_n method_n towards_o he_o so_o be_v it_o a_o enquiry_n very_o pertinent_a in_o relation_n to_o the_o public_a also_o especial_o where_o the_o dispensation_n have_v be_v remarkable_a and_o extraordinary_a in_o which_o respect_n the_o inquisition_n can_v appear_v more_o necessary_a for_o any_o than_o this_o nation_n upon_o which_o consideration_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v think_v it_o no_o unpardonable_a digression_n if_o we_o awhile_o turn_v aside_o after_o it_o it_o be_v the_o affirmation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o where_o much_o be_v give_v there_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v a_o thing_n so_o consonant_a with_o natural_a equity_n that_o we_o all_o give_v our_o suffrage_n to_o it_o by_o make_v it_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o expectation_n in_o secular_a thing_n wherein_o every_o man_n look_v for_o return_n proportionable_a to_o his_o expense_n or_o industry_n the_o husbandman_n expect_v a_o crop_n answerable_a to_o his_o seed_n and_o labour_n and_o in_o the_o noble_a culture_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o just_o exact_v of_o our_o pupil_n to_o let_v their_o manner_n attest_v the_o discipline_n they_o have_v be_v under_o according_a to_o which_o estimate_n we_o must_v resolve_v that_o god_n expectation_n from_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n can_v but_o be_v very_o high_a there_o be_v no_o people_n under_o the_o sun_n who_o he_o have_v more_o signalise_v as_o his_o own_o immediate_a care_n on_o who_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n have_v more_o constant_o and_o even_o solicitous_o attend_v in_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o seasonable_a and_o powerful_a application_n i_o shall_v not_o assume_v the_o work_n of_o a_o chronicle_n by_o give_v a_o series_n of_o all_o those_o mercy_n we_o receive_v in_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o ancestor_n and_o of_o which_o we_o have_v provide_v one_o unhappy_a memorial_n i_o mean_v our_o nauseat_n and_o despise_v they_o it_o have_v be_v the_o business_n of_o our_o day_n to_o disentail_v those_o two_o most_o inestimable_a blessing_n of_o a_o pure_a religion_n and_o outward_a peace_n which_o our_o immediate_a progenitor_n leave_v we_o and_o to_o derive_v to_o our_o posterity_n the_o contrary_a mischief_n of_o impiety_n and_o confusion_n but_o not_o to_o ravel_v so_o far_o back_o i_o shall_v confine_v my_o reflection_n to_o so_o late_a a_o date_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o bespeak_v the_o faith_n afford_v to_o historian_n scarce_o any_o that_o can_v be_v my_o reader_n but_o be_v qualify_v to_o be_v my_o witness_n too_o and_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o have_v on_o god_n part_n be_v no_o method_n want_v that_o may_v purify_v we_o to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n to_o that_o end_n of_o refine_n and_o cleanse_v we_o it_o be_v that_o he_o keep_v we_o so_o long_o in_o the_o furnace_n permit_v we_o to_o those_o many_o fiery_a trial_n of_o our_o late_a calamitous_a day_n it_o be_v impertinent_a here_o to_o give_v a_o description_n of_o those_o suffering_n which_o every_o man_n memory_n can_v so_o ready_o represent_v to_o he_o or_o to_o paint_v that_o flame_n who_o scorching_n we_o have_v feel_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o god_n appear_v in_o they_o earnest_o industrious_a to_o have_v reduce_v we_o like_o a_o skilful_a captain_n besiege_v we_o close_o straighten_a we_o so_o in_o all_o our_o interest_n that_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o fly_v any_o where_o but_o to_o himself_o indeed_o he_o that_o will_v make_v up_o a_o exact_a catalogue_n of_o our_o calamity_n must_v calculate_v in_o how_o many_o instance_n humane_a nature_n may_v be_v passive_a there_o be_v scarce_o any_o of_o our_o suffer_a capacity_n to_o which_o they_o be_v not_o liberal_o apportion_v our_o estate_n our_o person_n our_o friend_n and_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o our_o conscience_n all_o groan_a under_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o yoke_n which_o our_o own_o sin_n prepare_v and_o other_o man_n sin_n put_v on_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o look_v we_o see_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o may_v consume_v our_o eye_n and_o grieve_v our_o heart_n if_o on_o the_o church_n we_o see_v that_o tear_v by_o schism_n spoil_v by_o sacrilege_n the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n make_v in_o the_o most_o literal_a sense_n
a_o den_n of_o thief_n if_o on_o the_o state_n we_o see_v the_o breath_n of_o our_o nostril_n the_o anoint_v of_o the_o lord_n take_v in_o their_o pit_n imprison_v and_o arraign_v and_o barbarous_o murder_v by_o those_o who_o slay_v he_o like_o the_o heir_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v seize_v on_o his_o inheritance_n we_o see_v this_o and_o all_o other_o mischief_n establish_v by_o a_o law_n and_o make_v as_o irreversible_a as_o powerful_a malice_n can_v render_v they_o and_o now_o in_o such_o a_o distress_n who_o will_v not_o think_v that_o such_o a_o necessity_n shall_v have_v become_v our_o virtue_n and_o so_o perfect_a a_o destitution_n compel_v our_o resort_n to_o the_o divine_a aid_n and_o as_o little_o oppress_v state_n use_v to_o make_v themselves_o homager_n to_o the_o roman_n to_o engage_v their_o protection_n so_o we_o shall_v have_v make_v a_o entire_a surrendry_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n that_o we_o may_v have_v gain_v a_o title_n to_o his_o reskue_n and_o deliverance_n this_o genuine_a and_o kindly_a effect_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o have_v in_o some_o i_o will_v fain_o think_v in_o many_o but_o we_o be_v not_o now_o consider_v particular_n but_o the_o community_n and_o therefore_o how_o sincere_a soever_o such_o personal_a reformation_n be_v they_o must_v not_o come_v under_o the_o account_n of_o public_a and_o general_a unless_o for_o their_o number_n and_o eminency_n they_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v overwhelm_v the_o contrary_a perverseness_n many_o there_o may_v be_v who_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o josiahs_n 2_o chron._n 34._o 27._o do_v melt_v and_o yet_o the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o the_o obdurate_a still_o just_o denominate_v we_o a_o stiff_a neck_a people_n a_o epithet_n wherewith_o god_n often_o reproach_n the_o jew_n and_o sure_o we_o have_v no_o less_o evidence_v our_o title_n to_o it_o for_o alas_o as_o if_o we_o have_v mean_v to_o revenge_v the_o inexorableness_n of_o our_o oppressor_n towards_o we_o in_o our_o obstinacy_n to_o god_n as_o if_o when_o we_o can_v keep_v nothing_o else_o we_o have_v yet_o reserve_v this_o sullen_a comfort_n of_o have_v our_o heart_n impregnable_a we_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o hold_v out_o against_o all_o these_o battery_n there_o be_v little_a appearance_n and_o less_o reality_n of_o repentance_n and_o if_o some_o of_o our_o lust_n be_v at_o all_o less_o rage_a it_o be_v only_a because_o they_o be_v starve_v into_o a_o little_a tameness_n the_o supply_v cut_v off_o which_o shall_v maintain_v our_o riot_n but_o when_o any_o recruit_n can_v be_v have_v they_o be_v devote_v that_o way_n and_o even_o in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n we_o miss_v not_o to_o be_v as_o luxurious_a as_o we_o be_v able_a and_o as_o though_o we_o resolve_v that_o vice_n like_o the_o sea_n shall_v gain_v in_o one_o part_n what_o it_o lose_v in_o another_o we_o take_v order_n that_o what_o be_v thus_o inevitable_o defalkt_v from_o those_o expensive_a sin_n shall_v be_v make_v up_o in_o the_o cheap_a we_o can_v curse_v and_o swear_v &_o blaspheme_v in_o spite_n of_o sequestration_n and_o this_o wretched_a immunity_n we_o make_v abundant_a use_n of_o till_o we_o even_o become_v proverbial_a for_o it_o and_o give_v our_o enemy_n pretence_n to_o fasten_v it_o on_o we_o as_o our_o distinctive_a character_n yet_o to_o show_v ourselves_o generous_a sinner_n there_o be_v one_o vice_n we_o buy_v at_o a_o dear_a rate_n i_o mean_v our_o as_o imprudent_a as_o unchristian_a animosity_n and_o picque_n among_o ourselves_o a_o sin_n that_o help_v to_o revenge_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v as_o well_o upon_o a_o humane_a as_o divine_a account_n a_o grand_a instrument_n of_o our_o ruin_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v our_o impatient_a murmur_n at_o our_o suffering_n which_o do_v in_o some_o work_n so_o preposterous_o as_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o inflicter_n make_v they_o unworthy_o desert_n that_o cause_n they_o find_v chargeable_a to_o maintain_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o solomon_n choose_v the_o way_n of_o those_o oppressor_n who_o prosperity_n they_o envy_v prov._n 3_o but_o of_o these_o real_a apostate_n the_o number_n i_o hope_v be_v not_o great_a i_o wish_v i_o can_v say_v so_o also_o of_o those_o seem_a desertor_n who_o knee_n bow_v to_o baal_n though_o their_o heart_n do_v not_o who_o belie_v their_o own_o loyalty_n and_o in_o a_o show_n of_o compliance_n prostitute_a conscience_n in_o several_a engagement_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o each_o other_o as_o they_o all_o be_v with_o duty_n and_o such_o as_o they_o pretend_v no_o excuse_n for_o their_o take_n but_o their_o resolution_n of_o break_v i_o be_v indeed_o a_o sad_a spectacle_n to_o see_v what_o shoul_n every_o menace_a edict_n bring_v in_o while_o man_n run_v in_o as_o much_o haste_n to_o take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o perjury_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v of_o martyrdom_n indeed_o herein_o we_o seem_v to_o invade_v our_o enemy_n peculiar_a will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v those_o mark_n of_o distinction_n they_o have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o so_o that_o as_o far_o as_o oath_n can_v signify_v we_o be_v all_o one_o party_n and_o yet_o while_o we_o thus_o disclaim_v god_n relief_n by_o these_o indirect_a attempt_n of_o our_o own_o we_o take_v it_o very_o ill_o that_o he_o leave_v we_o to_o the_o success_n of_o they_o that_o he_o prosper_v not_o those_o method_n he_o have_v interdict_v and_o make_v we_o triumphant_a not_o only_o over_o our_o enemy_n but_o himself_o too_o and_o upon_o this_o score_n many_o mutinous_a blasphemy_n be_v utter_v and_o perhaps_o some_o more_o thought_n though_o i_o confess_v general_o we_o be_v not_o so_o modest_a as_o to_o stick_v at_o say_v the_o worst_a we_o can_v think_v and_o indeed_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o frequent_a doubt_n man_n own_a of_o god_n justice_n providence_n nay_o his_o very_a be_v will_v not_o think_v they_o suppress_v any_o thing_n as_o too_o 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