thought_n will_v easy_o recur_v as_o often_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prayer_n be_v repeat_v and_o immediate_o create_v a_o real_a devotion_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o have_v by_o frequent_a hear_n and_o meditation_n of_o those_o word_n full_o attain_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o they_o and_o long_o since_o receive_v deep_a impression_n from_o they_o by_o this_o benefit_n the_o devout_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v and_o direct_v to_o put_v themselves_o in_o a_o certain_a method_n of_o devotion_n and_o worship_n which_o mighty_o facilitate_v their_o conception_n remove_v their_o distraction_n and_o leave_v they_o free_a to_o attend_v to_o that_o alone_a on_o which_o they_o be_v then_o employ_v this_o alone_a aught_o to_o recommend_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o frequency_n of_o it_o to_o mankind_n that_o it_o make_v up_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o consideration_n will_v perhaps_o be_v more_o persuasive_a that_o it_o produce_v great_a advantage_n and_o benefit_n to_o man_n which_o be_v so_o amplify_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o many_o promise_n of_o grant_v to_o devout_a supplicant_n whatsoever_o they_o shall_v desire_v by_o the_o frequent_a example_n of_o the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n and_o benefit_n obtain_v by_o prayer_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a the_o duty_n shall_v be_v neglect_v by_o any_o who_o be_v not_o either_o devoid_a of_o faith_n or_o regardless_o of_o their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v not_o only_o promise_v by_o christ_n that_o whatsoever_o man_n shall_v ask_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o that_o if_o they_o have_v faith_n nothing_o which_o they_o desire_v shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o they_o that_o the_o door_n shall_v be_v open_a to_o they_o that_o knock_v that_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o even_o to_o obtain_v more_o than_o be_v include_v in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n as_o be_v there_o illustrate_v by_o example_n but_o god_n have_v also_o be_v please_v to_o represent_v himself_o as_o labour_v under_o the_o ordinary_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n who_o often_o grant_v what_o they_o have_v not_o design_v to_o avoid_v the_o restless_a importunity_n of_o the_o petitioner_n that_o so_o no_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n may_v discourage_v man_n from_o apply_v himself_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n thus_o luk._n xi_o our_o lord_n describe_v god_n under_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o housholder_n who_o although_o he_o will_v not_o lend_v to_o his_o neighbour_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o friendship_n yet_o do_v it_o to_o satisfy_v his_o importunity_n and_o luk._n xviii_o he_o resemble_v god_n to_o a_o unjust_a judge_n who_o although_o he_o will_v not_o do_v justice_n to_o the_o poor_a widow_n for_o justice_n sake_n as_o who_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n yet_o do_v it_o to_o be_v rid_v of_o her_o troublesome_a importunity_n these_o representation_n may_v perhaps_o appear_v surprise_v it_o be_v unaccountable_a that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v his_o favour_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o petitioner_n and_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v fall_v under_o any_o temptation_n common_a to_o man._n yet_o if_o we_o look_v a_o little_a near_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o whole_a conduct_n agreeable_a to_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n god_n indeed_o bestow_v not_o any_o favour_n but_o upon_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n he_o have_v affix_v certain_a condition_n to_o all_o his_o gift_n and_o will_v not_o separate_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o any_o one_o he_o ever_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o cause_n and_o be_v deaf_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n yet_o grant_v many_o petition_n to_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o petitioner_n which_o without_o that_o importunity_n will_v never_o have_v be_v obtain_v for_o he_o who_o pray_v importunate_o to_o god_n do_v thereby_o qualify_v himself_o for_o his_o favour_n since_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v conceive_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v address_v himself_o by_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n purge_v his_o conscience_n from_o every_o sin_n which_o may_v obstruct_v the_o grant_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o herein_o his_o care_n will_v be_v no_o less_o intense_a than_o be_v his_o desire_n of_o what_o he_o then_o request_v his_o very_a address_v himself_o to_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a that_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n that_o he_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o find_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o happiness_n in_o his_o favour_n if_o the_o prayer_n be_v often_o repeat_v as_o be_v always_o in_o case_n of_o importunity_n the_o soul_n do_v thereby_o contract_v a_o habit_n of_o piety_n of_o think_v upon_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o power_n of_o fear_v he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o when_o man_n by_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o disposition_n no_o wonder_n that_o god_n shall_v then_o grant_v to_o he_o what_o at_o first_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o and_o then_o indulge_v to_o he_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o faithful_a since_o he_o be_v now_o become_v as_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a thus_o prayer_n have_v a_o natural_a efficacy_n to_o reform_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o expel_v profaneness_n infidelity_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o to_o introduce_v all_o those_o virtue_n which_o will_v at_o last_o give_v a_o just_a claim_n of_o divine_a favour_n to_o he_o man_n by_o present_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n do_v accustom_v his_o mind_n to_o just_a conception_n of_o his_o power_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o command_n over_o we_o do_v imprint_v therein_o a_o awful_a regard_n of_o his_o majesty_n after_o many_o resolution_n form_v and_o renew_v in_o prayer_n she_o find_v the_o very_a inclination_n of_o his_o will_n change_v what_o at_o first_o he_o do_v but_o cold_o desire_v after_o many_o reflection_n on_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o he_o vehement_o affect_v what_o at_o first_o he_o be_v but_o light_o persuade_v of_o after_o many_o profession_n he_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o what_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a impression_n of_o mind_n after_o frequent_a iteration_n of_o the_o same_o thought_n become_v a_o well_o fix_a habit._n it_o must_v be_v a_o unnatural_a sort_n of_o perverseness_n which_o dare_v to_o invoke_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o confess_v therein_o his_o justice_n power_n and_o omnipresence_n and_o yet_o immediate_o affront_v they_o all_o which_o can_v desire_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o frequent_a petition_n and_o yet_o oppose_v he_o by_o constant_a rebellion_n the_o mind_n of_o very_a few_o person_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o monstrous_a wickedness_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n prayer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o duty_n of_o man_n already_o pious_a and_o religious_a but_o also_o a_o effectual_a method_n to_o make_v man_n such_o which_o when_o it_o be_v once_o perform_v they_o then_o become_v qualify_v to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o those_o illustrious_a promise_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o prayer_n thus_o much_o of_o prayer_n in_o general_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o public_a prayer_n for_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o place_n this_o whole_a epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o a_o bishop_n a_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v almost_o whole_o take_v up_o in_o prescribe_v rule_n of_o external_a worship_n and_o government_n in_o this_o chapter_n then_o the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n for_o public_a prayer_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o oppose_v the_o form_n of_o prayer_n he_o there_o command_v to_o that_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o word_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o or_o more_o literal_o in_o every_o place_n the_o public_a and_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v affix_v to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v equal_o in_o all_o place_n that_o be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o christianity_n prevail_v god_n be_v equal_o present_a in_o all_o congregation_n of_o devout_a believer_n have_v the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o private_a prayer_n the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o the_o jewish_a manner_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v frivolous_a and_o also_o false_a for_o the_o jew_n do_v believe_v and_o maintain_v no_o less_o than_o himself_o that_o private_a prayer_n both_o might_n and_o ought_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o equal_o in_o all_o place_n beside_o in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n for_o the_o dress_n of_o woman_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o
of_o gratitude_n from_o the_o jew_n for_o deliverance_n from_o a_o temporal_a corporeal_a bondage_n and_o leave_v we_o without_o any_o obligation_n of_o render_v public_a and_o solemn_a honour_n to_o he_o for_o free_v we_o from_o a_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a slavery_n the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o feast_n of_o easter_n institute_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o redemption_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o they_o appoint_v in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n christ_n be_v our_o passover_n as_o we_o hear_v this_o morning_n from_o 1_o cor._n v._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v the_o feast_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o christian_a festival_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o when_o they_o be_v determine_v they_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o no_o less_o religion_n than_o be_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o jew_n nay_o rather_o with_o great_a expression_n of_o joy_n gratitude_n and_o devotion_n because_o they_o commemorate_v far_o great_a benefit_n that_o this_o festival_n therefore_o be_v particular_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o obscure_o intimate_v but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n immediate_o after_o their_o time_n do_v most_o evident_o manifest_v it_o scarce_o be_v st._n john_n the_o last_o liver_n of_o the_o apostle_n dead_a when_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n begin_v to_o divide_v about_o the_o time_n of_o solemnize_n easter_n not_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v solemnize_v but_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o fix_a or_o a_o movable_a feast_n both_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o custom_n as_o for_o a_o essential_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o indeed_o strain_v a_o circumstance_n too_o far_o but_o clear_o prove_v thereby_o that_o the_o solemn_a observation_n of_o easter_n be_v then_o by_o all_o christian_n account_v a_o essential_a institution_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o esteem_v it_o unlawful_a to_o vary_v the_o least_o circumstance_n former_o receive_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o as_o this_o festival_n have_v succeed_v instead_o of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o do_v prefigure_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n so_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o our_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o ceremony_n prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o they_o in_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb._n as_o they_o be_v command_v to_o remove_v all_o leaven_n out_o of_o their_o house_n so_o we_o be_v to_o put_v away_o the_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o they_o then_o sing_v hymn_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o consummate_v our_o redemption_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n upon_o this_o day_n as_o they_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb_n with_o bitter_a herb_n in_o a_o habit_n and_o posture_n express_v their_o readiness_n to_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a testimony_n of_o rejoice_v and_o mutual_a kindness_n so_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n represent_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n once_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o be_v pay_v upon_o this_o day_n with_o a_o bitter_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n with_o a_o steadfast_a reliance_n upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n with_o a_o perfect_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o readiness_n to_o go_v wherever_o he_o shall_v lead_v we_o with_o a_o sincere_a charity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o be_v for_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n and_o with_o the_o most_o intense_a thanksgiving_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v form_v for_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o more_o particular_o for_o raise_v to_o life_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n he_o who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n so_o by_o worthy_o celebrate_v here_o on_o earth_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o shall_v obtain_v to_o be_v hereafter_o admit_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o share_v in_o the_o glory_n which_o he_o now_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o april_n 5_o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o whereby_o we_o chief_o pay_v our_o adoration_n to_o god_n whereby_o we_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o necessity_n to_o which_o so_o many_o promise_n be_v annex_v and_o so_o frequent_a exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o necessity_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o to_o effect_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n in_o which_o this_o verse_n be_v more_o comprehensive_a than_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n of_o prayer_n in_o it_o the_o word_n easy_o direct_v i_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v ii_o the_o place_n of_o it_o every_o where_o iii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o their_o hand_n iv._o the_o condition_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o first_o word_n i_o will_v etc._n etc._n to_o enforce_v the_o authority_n of_o which_o command_v the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o preacher_n a_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n act_v herein_o by_o divine_a commission_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o light_a matter_n when_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n be_v long_o since_o receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n found_v by_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v his_o commission_n before_o he_o impose_v the_o command_n a_o command_n not_o first_o introduce_v by_o he_o but_o often_o repeat_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o who_o teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v but_o since_o none_o as_o i_o suppose_v will_v dispute_v the_o command_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o proceed_v to_o do_v first_o then_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n pay_v by_o man_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n become_v necessary_a to_o we_o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n at_o first_o produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o afterward_o all_o his_o life_n long_o depend_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o maintain_v by_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n all_o that_o service_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o pay_v and_o that_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o adore_v his_o majesty_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n to_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n to_o admire_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o own_o his_o dependence_n on_o he_o to_o profess_v himself_o the_o creature_n the_o servant_n the_o subject_a of_o god_n and_o to_o behave_v himself_o as_o such_o this_o be_v all_o which_o man_n can_v pay_v to_o god_n for_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o god_n have_v no_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v promote_v by_o we_o the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n have_v set_v he_o beyond_o all_o want_n of_o external_a aid_n and_o even_o beyond_o all_o increase_n of_o happiness_n even_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o our_o worship_n be_v of_o no_o advantage_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o less_o require_v of_o we_o since_o it_o declare_v our_o conviction_n of_o that_o gratitude_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o benefit_n and_o his_o power_n that_o honour_n worship_n and_o reverence_n which_o belong_v
to_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n adoration_n then_o consist_v as_o well_o in_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n absolute_o consider_v as_o in_o profess_v our_o subjection_n to_o god_n consider_v as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v and_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o we_o either_o do_v already_o enjoy_v or_o hope_v hereafter_o to_o receive_v in_o both_o these_o respect_n prayer_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o significant_a manner_n of_o adoration_n for_o by_o it_o we_o profess_v our_o want_n of_o which_o we_o desire_v relief_n we_o thereby_o confess_v ourselves_o finite_a and_o imperfect_a creature_n we_o proclaim_v ourselves_o the_o dependent_n of_o god_n from_o who_o we_o beg_v the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n we_o confess_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o all-sufficiency_n from_o who_o we_o expect_v the_o relief_n of_o all_o our_o necessity_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n whence_o we_o raise_v our_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v our_o petition_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o can_v effect_v our_o desire_n all_o these_o acknowledgement_n be_v necessary_o include_v in_o all_o petition_n for_o supply_v of_o want_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a subject_n of_o prayer_n for_o he_o who_o address_v himself_o to_o another_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o any_o want_v therein_o confess_v there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v to_o his_o own_o perfection_n that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o make_v this_o address_n be_v not_o only_o in_o be_v for_o otherwise_o all_o address_n to_o he_o will_v be_v frivolous_a but_o also_o able_a to_o relieve_v he_o if_o in_o all_o case_n and_o want_v he_o betake_v himself_o to_o that_o remedy_n he_o plain_o suppose_v that_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o hope_v relief_n to_o be_v all-sufficient_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_n in_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o supplication_n of_o pardon_n which_o among_o person_n especial_o profess_v reveal_v religion_n be_v wont_a to_o constitute_v no_o small_a part_n of_o prayer_n the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o god_n and_o the_o subjection_n of_o man_n to_o he_o be_v more_o eminent_o acknowledge_v for_o from_o whence_o can_v this_o confession_n and_o entreaty_n of_o pardon_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o sense_n that_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o that_o subjection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n that_o the_o sinner_n be_v hereby_o subject_a to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a revenge_n and_o that_o it_o will_v certain_o follow_v unless_o it_o be_v avert_v by_o obtain_v of_o pardon_n further_o it_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n otherwise_o all_o such_o entreaty_n will_v be_v but_o vain_a since_o it_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a mercy_n which_o can_v pardon_v a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a majesty_n in_o both_o case_n and_o in_o all_o other_o form_n of_o prayer_n man_n ow_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o creature_n and_o dependant_a of_o god_n even_o by_o make_v application_n to_o he_o but_o that_o which_o chief_o manifest_v that_o conviction_n which_o all_o supplicant_n have_v of_o the_o majesty_n and_o infinity_n of_o god_n be_v that_o they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n to_o he_o although_o invisible_a and_o with_o the_o same_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v in_o all_o place_n whence_o they_o evident_o declare_v that_o they_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o since_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n tell_v they_o that_o none_o but_o god_n possess_v those_o perfection_n they_o thereby_o testify_v their_o belief_n that_o he_o to_o who_o they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o extend_v the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o attribute_n such_o as_o power_n knowledge_n goodness_n and_o the_o like_a to_o all_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o this_o alone_a if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v will_v make_v all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o adoration_n such_o as_o be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o god_n nor_o can_v be_v pay_v to_o any_o be_v without_o suppose_v it_o to_o possess_v true_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o be_v without_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v true_o god_n for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n direct_v his_o prayer_n to_o any_o be_v shall_v not_o believe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o be_v hear_v by_o it_o nor_o do_v any_o pretend_v to_o it_o they_o who_o address_v their_o prayer_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v hear_v by_o they_o which_o since_o it_o can_v be_v without_o believe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n attribute_n peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o in_o pray_v to_o they_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o own_v they_o to_o be_v so_o many_o god_n and_o every_o petition_n be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o divine_a adoration_n give_v to_o they_o just_o therefore_o do_v the_o psalmist_n say_v thou_o that_o hear_v the_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v thou_o only_o o_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o man_n therefore_o to_o thou_o only_o shall_v they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n thus_o prayer_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o although_o no_o such_o explicit_a acknowledgement_n be_v make_v in_o it_o this_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o general_a form_n of_o prayer_n receive_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o religion_n not_o only_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o those_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o the_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n be_v compose_v but_o among_o all_o nation_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n man_n have_v be_v wont_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o prayer_n at_o least_o in_o some_o part_n of_o they_o to_o confess_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o more_o especial_o to_o magnify_v those_o attribute_n the_o benefit_n of_o which_o they_o then_o implore_v if_o they_o desire_v pardon_n they_o magnify_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n commit_v in_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n if_o they_o beg_v extraordinary_a relief_n and_o assistance_n in_o any_o emergency_n they_o declare_v their_o opinion_n of_o his_o unlimited_a power_n and_o goodness_n if_o in_o general_a any_o favour_n they_o confess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o dependence_n on_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o find_v either_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o in_o the_o write_n of_o heathen_n in_o both_o which_o a_o great_a number_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v find_v any_o wherein_o such_o express_a word_n of_o adoration_n be_v omit_v the_o first_o formal_a prayer_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v that_o of_o abraham_n in_o gen._n xviii_o for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o sodom_n from_o the_o destruction_n intend_v by_o god_n and_o therein_o the_o supplicant_n do_v more_o than_o once_o acknowledge_v his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o himself_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n that_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o can_v not_o act_n any_o otherwise_o than_o just_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o heathen_n general_o begin_v with_o what_o in_o our_o language_n be_v o_o almighty_a god_n and_o o_o most_o merciful_a god_n and_o that_o most_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o our_o lord_n give_v his_o disciple_n and_o intend_v as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n as_o for_o a_o form_n to_o we_o both_o begin_v and_o end_v with_o a_o express_a adoration_n of_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n we_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v our_o father_n the_o author_n of_o our_o life_n and_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n that_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o do_v govern_v the_o earth_n in_o the_o end_n we_o profess_v that_o to_o he_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o mankind_n that_o he_o possess_v infinite_a power_n that_o glory_n belong_v to_o he_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v render_v to_o he_o that_o all_o these_o perfection_n be_v eternal_a in_o he_o further_o if_o every_o supplicant_n to_o god_n do_v
therein_o by_o consequence_n adore_v he_o and_o all_o receive_a form_n of_o prayer_n do_v express_o include_v a_o act_n and_o confession_n of_o worship_n much_o more_o do_v a_o fervent_a and_o devout_a soul_n which_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a manner_n true_o adore_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o he_o who_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o pray_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n with_o the_o most_o absolute_a complacency_n and_o subjection_n which_o his_o soul_n can_v form_n conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o far_o the_o creature_n that_o he_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n as_o such_o whole_o devote_v himself_o to_o he_o and_o depend_v not_o only_o upon_o his_o power_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o desire_n but_o also_o upon_o his_o good_a pleasure_n for_o the_o grant_v and_o upon_o his_o wisdom_n for_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o in_o his_o admirable_a transport_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o garden_n commit_v his_o request_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o a_o entire_a subjection_n and_o all_o this_o put_v together_o be_v the_o most_o intense_a act_n of_o adoration_n which_o man_n can_v pay_v to_o god_n add_v to_o this_o that_o humble_a posture_n of_o body_n which_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o use_v in_o prayer_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o prayer_n be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o complete_a act_n of_o worship_n man_n have_v differ_v indeed_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a posture_n some_o use_v prostration_n other_o stretch_v out_o the_o hand_n and_o most_o kneel_v but_o in_o this_o all_o have_v agree_v that_o that_o posture_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v which_o may_v best_o denote_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o supplicant_n to_o god_n but_o the_o far_a consideration_n of_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o three_o head_n propose_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v manifest_a that_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o most_o expressive_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o so_o the_o same_o necessity_n which_o we_o before_o show_v to_o lie_v upon_o we_o of_o adore_v god_n will_v also_o require_v we_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o as_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o other_o reason_n for_o which_o we_o owe_v adoration_n to_o he_o always_o continue_v the_o same_o and_o equal_o oblige_v a_o man_n in_o every_o part_n of_o his_o life_n so_o prayer_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v continual_o address_v to_o he_o although_o we_o have_v many_o time_n no_o particular_a want_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o he_o prayer_n as_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o debt_n at_o all_o time_n due_a to_o god_n and_o as_o such_o be_v also_o found_v upon_o eternal_a reason_n which_o admit_v no_o change_n our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o the_o same_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v invariable_o possess_v by_o he_o the_o same_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n persist_v unalterable_a adoration_n therefore_o be_v in_o almost_o all_o case_n to_o be_v form_v upon_o the_o same_o conception_n to_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o same_o consideration_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o same_o operation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v repeat_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n ten_o thousand_o time_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o a_o â—ational_a man_n can_v no_o more_o alter_v the_o thought_n upon_o which_o adoration_n be_v found_v than_o he_o can_v the_o eternal_a cause_n upon_o which_o those_o thought_n be_v raise_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o in_o all_o well_o constitute_v church_n the_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o man_n worship_v god_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o be_v over_o and_o over_o again_o repeat_v every_o day_n ofttimes_o a_o day_n and_o that_o for_o many_o age_n together_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o we_o owe_v worship_n to_o god_n every_o day_n every_o part_n of_o the_o day_n although_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n require_v that_o not_o all_o but_o some_o certain_a fix_a time_n be_v employ_v in_o it_o this_o worship_n be_v to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o adore_v god_n we_o confess_v ourselves_o his_o creature_n we_o acknowledge_v his_o supreme_a authority_n we_o implore_v his_o mercy_n we_o solicit_v his_o goodness_n when_o we_o worship_v he_o a_o second_o time_n the_o same_o thought_n return_v if_o a_o three_o time_n it_o be_v but_o the_o renewal_a of_o the_o same_o conception_n what_o then_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n which_o we_o employ_v in_o this_o act_n of_o adoration_n shall_v always_o continue_v the_o same_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o unreasonable_a objection_n against_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n that_o in_o they_o the_o same_o word_n be_v repeat_v again_o and_o again_o every_o day_n for_o be_v not_o god_n to_o be_v worship_v again_o and_o again_o be_v not_o his_o infinite_a attribute_n deserve_v adoration_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o can_v our_o conception_n be_v real_o change_v while_o the_o object_n remain_v the_o same_o have_v these_o person_n discover_v new_a perfection_n in_o god_n or_o new_a foundation_n of_o worship_n since_o the_o last_o act_n of_o it_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o god_n continual_o affect_v new_a compliment_n and_o new_a harangue_n that_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n in_o the_o word_n themselves_o or_o any_o magical_a force_n in_o the_o variation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o espouse_v the_o very_o gross_a error_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o our_o lord_n reprehend_v in_o the_o vi_o of_o st._n matthew_n who_o place_v the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o prayer_n not_o in_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n and_o multitude_n of_o their_o word_n yet_o can_v this_o error_n be_v avoid_v by_o those_o who_o cry_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n or_o frequent_a change_n in_o it_o for_o since_o the_o internal_a conception_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o act_n of_o adoration_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o god_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v any_o change_n in_o the_o external_a word_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a virtue_n in_o the_o word_n themselves_o if_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o change_n more_o effectual_o promote_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o hearer_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o true_a that_o it_o render_v all_o true_a devotion_n absolute_o impossible_a to_o the_o hearer_n for_o in_o hear_v a_o prayer_n before_o unknown_a and_o unheard_a of_o even_o a_o understand_a man_n and_o of_o quick_a apprehension_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o single_o examine_v every_o sentence_n of_o the_o prayer_n he_o hear_v whether_o he_o may_v safe_o join_v in_o it_o lest_o perhaps_o any_o blasphemy_n or_o folly_n or_o indecency_n shall_v be_v contain_v in_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o one_o sentence_n be_v thus_o examine_v a_o second_o present_v itself_o and_o then_o a_o three_o so_o that_o a_o intelligent_a auditor_n attend_v only_o to_o examine_v by_o part_n the_o prayer_n he_o hear_v have_v no_o leisure_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n or_o in_o pray_v to_o adore_v he_o and_o if_o the_o devotion_n of_o a_o know_a man_n be_v thus_o defeat_v a_o auditor_n of_o low_a capacity_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o form_v in_o his_o mind_n such_o a_o rational_a devotion_n as_o become_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o will_v whole_o employ_v himself_o in_o divert_v his_o fancy_n with_o some_o new_a and_o surprise_v sentence_n and_o expect_v what_o next_o shall_v follow_v whereas_o in_o set_n and_o know_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o devout_a hearer_n be_v before_o assure_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o decency_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o his_o mind_n be_v at_o rest_n upon_o that_o account_n attend_v whole_o to_o form_v all_o those_o act_n of_o devotion_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prayer_n express_v and_o therein_o receive_v extraordinary_a assistance_n in_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v accustom_v to_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n have_v through_o long_o use_v form_v noble_a conception_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o hear_n of_o some_o word_n and_o raise_v intense_a affection_n upon_o other_o conceive_v a_o hearty_a sorrow_n of_o sin_n upon_o these_o and_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o most_o profound_a reverence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o word_n the_o soul_n have_v affix_v all_o these_o thought_n and_o act_n to_o those_o several_a word_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o receive_a form_n of_o prayer_n the_o same_o affection_n and_o
worship_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n all_o which_o put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o if_o all_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n public_a prayer_n be_v more_o eminent_o so_o the_o intention_n of_o private_a prayer_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o obtain_v supply_n to_o the_o want_n of_o the_o petitioner_n and_o then_o to_o worship_v god_n whereas_o in_o public_a prayer_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a design_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o necessity_n but_o a_o secondary_a intention_n so_o that_o to_o intermit_v the_o use_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o pray_v only_o in_o private_a be_v for_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n only_o in_o subordination_n to_o his_o own_o design_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o public_a worship_n and_o prayer_n do_v far_o more_o effectual_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v open_o and_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o all_o other_o confess_v their_o subjection_n to_o god_n magnify_v his_o benefit_n deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n whereas_o he_o who_o confine_v his_o devotion_n to_o a_o closet_n may_v perhaps_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n but_o seem_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v so_o much_o to_o other_o man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o he_o equal_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v also_o violate_v his_o command_n and_o want_v his_o mercy_n the_o psalmist_n therefore_o upon_o the_o receive_n of_o great_a and_o eminent_a benefit_n be_v wont_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v praise_v god_n in_o the_o congregation_n as_o well_o know_v that_o such_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n 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gratitude_n and_o worship_n to_o himself_o god_n receive_v not_o increase_v of_o honour_n from_o the_o praise_n of_o angel_n any_o more_o than_o from_o those_o of_o men._n yet_o all_o the_o description_n which_o we_o find_v of_o heaven_n represent_v they_o as_o incessant_o sing_v praise_n to_o their_o great_a creator_n who_o not_o content_a to_o retain_v a_o reverend_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o their_o own_o thought_n communicate_v they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n find_v church_n that_o be_v separate_z society_n of_o man_n unite_v by_o certain_a law_n and_o under_o one_o common_a form_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o adore_v he_o by_o one_o common_a form_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o private_a worship_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o contrive_v and_o find_v church_n by_o wonder_n of_o providence_n as_o he_o have_v that_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n in_o vain_a have_v he_o give_v to_o they_o particular_a law_n and_o annex_v many_o privilege_n and_o promise_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o such_o under_o the_o old_a law_n he_o require_v every_o male_a to_o appear_v before_o he_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n and_o command_v public_a worship_n to_o be_v continual_o pay_v to_o himself_o in_o daily_a sacrifice_n yet_o as_o he_o declare_v although_o he_o care_v not_o for_o ten_o thousand_o bullock_n nor_o for_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o will_v not_o remit_v the_o duty_n and_o adjoin_v reward_n to_o it_o because_o it_o public_o declare_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devout_a sacrificer_n to_o himself_o in_o these_o public_a form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n our_o lord_n while_o one_o earth_n constant_o give_v his_o attendance_n at_o appoint_a time_n after_o his_o ascension_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o apostle_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n frequent_v the_o temple_n at_o the_o usual_a hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o join_v in_o the_o common_a form_n of_o prayer_n there_o make_v use_v of_o although_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o receive_v by_o they_o they_o can_v have_v pour_v out_o extempore_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o devout_a prayer_n than_o those_o receive_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a composition_n if_o then_o god_n so_o strict_o exact_v the_o practice_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o time_n if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o exact_o perform_v it_o if_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n god_n have_v gather_v and_o unite_v a_o church_n under_o common_a law_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o common_a reward_n what_o account_n can_v they_o make_v who_o either_o lie_v aside_o all_o public_a worship_n as_o superfluous_a or_o decry_v the_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n offer_v up_o in_o the_o church_n or_o when_o themselves_o meet_v once_o a_o week_n to_o worship_n god_n place_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o day_n in_o hear_v a_o sermon_n which_o be_v proper_o no_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o only_o a_o exhortation_n to_o and_o direction_n how_o to_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o obligation_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o private_a so_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o one_o be_v far_o great_a than_o to_o the_o other_o our_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n wheresoever_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o christian_n join_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o they_o with_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v own_v they_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n he_o will_v excite_v and_o render_v effectual_a their_o devotion_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o will_v intercede_v with_o god_n for_o the_o grant_v of_o their_o petition_n and_o how_o effectual_a must_v those_o prayer_n be_v wherein_o our_o lord_n himself_o concur_v or_o what_o doubt_n can_v remain_v of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o our_o desire_n when_o he_o be_v present_a with_o we_o all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o assistance_n pardon_v favour_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v ancient_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n worship_v god_n at_o the_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v now_o translate_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o whereas_o among_o they_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o place_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v give_v not_o to_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o same_o privilege_n be_v make_v common_a to_o all_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o christianity_n do_v prevail_v to_o worship_n offer_v up_o from_o public_a place_n alone_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o great_a and_o more_o illustrious_a blessing_n of_o god_n be_v annex_v and_o no_o wonder_n since_o by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n do_v appear_v by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a honour_n of_o god_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n while_o the_o tabernacle_n make_v by_o moses_n and_o afterward_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n stand_v while_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o worship_n be_v perform_v therein_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o the_o jew_n worship_v the_o
true_a god_n that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n when_o the_o people_n general_o forsake_v the_o public_a worship_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n at_o home_n to_o worship_n god_n upon_o every_o high_a hill_n and_o under_o every_o green_a tree_n there_o than_o remain_v no_o far_a evidence_n of_o the_o public_a belief_n or_o religion_n of_o the_o nation_n while_o therefore_o worship_n be_v due_o pay_v by_o they_o in_o the_o place_n appoint_v by_o god_n all_o the_o promise_n blessing_n and_o reward_n mention_v in_o the_o jewish_a covenant_n take_v place_n they_o enjoy_v peace_n security_n and_o abundance_n their_o sin_n be_v expiate_v their_o petition_n grant_v no_o public_a calamity_n do_v attend_v they_o when_o this_o public_a worship_n be_v intermit_v by_o they_o god_n be_v no_o long_o engage_v by_o promise_n to_o protect_v they_o since_o they_o do_v not_o now_o any_o long_o appear_v to_o be_v his_o people_n the_o only_a evidence_n of_o which_o be_v public_a worship_n all_o this_o do_v full_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v the_o public_a prosperity_n or_o misery_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o regular_a observation_n or_o general_a intermission_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o like_a manner_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o more_o eminent_a promise_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n be_v affix_v to_o public_a worship_n since_o by_o this_o alone_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v preserve_v and_o maintain_v among_o we_o if_o man_n shall_v content_v themselves_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o private_a and_o proceed_v no_o far_o it_o can_v never_o appear_v what_o religion_n any_o nation_n profess_v what_o god_n they_o worship_v no_o public_a honour_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v pay_v by_o that_o nation_n to_o he_o and_o consequent_o no_o national_a blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v but_o when_o in_o any_o country_n place_n be_v solemn_o dedicate_v to_o the_o true_a god_n when_o in_o they_o divine_a worship_n be_v constant_o pay_v especial_o if_o this_o worship_n be_v daily_o renew_v if_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n join_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n in_o pay_v the_o same_o worship_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n then_o such_o a_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v national_a then_o all_o those_o expression_n so_o frequent_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n for_o my_o temple_n sake_n and_o lest_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v blaspheme_v among_o the_o heathen_a will_v take_v place_n among_o we_o for_o example_n what_o great_a evidence_n can_v there_o be_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o this_o nation_n than_o that_o in_o this_o sacred_a place_n prayer_n have_v be_v daily_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o many_o age_n together_o such_o sacred_a place_n be_v the_o stand_a monument_n and_o the_o undeniable_a testimony_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o any_o nation_n by_o these_o we_o know_v that_o our_o forefather_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o by_o these_o our_o posterity_n will_v know_v that_o we_o continue_v the_o same_o worship_n by_o this_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v chief_o keep_v up_o in_o any_o country_n and_o since_o he_o have_v affirm_v that_o those_o who_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v then_o only_o can_v we_o rational_o presume_v to_o receive_v from_o god_n public_a and_o national_a blessing_n while_o such_o a_o public_a worship_n be_v due_o maintain_v among_o we_o thus_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o my_o text_n the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n the_o present_a time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v from_o hence_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o indispensable_a and_o constant_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o significant_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v prayer_n that_o public_a prayer_n best_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v also_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n such_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n and_o such_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o let_v we_o now_o look_v upon_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o christian_n and_o more_o particular_o those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n who_o be_v better_a instruct_v and_o have_v great_a advantage_n in_o the_o exact_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o men._n i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o affirm_v yet_o i_o much_o fear_v it_o that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n never_o worship_v god_n in_o private_a although_o no_o necessity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v so_o urgent_a as_o not_o to_o permit_v every_o one_o to_o address_v himself_o daily_o to_o god_n in_o that_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o knowledge_n much_o more_o be_v require_v but_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o those_o which_o frequent_a it_o who_o perform_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v education_n custom_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n oblige_v man_n to_o cease_v from_o labour_n upon_o those_o day_n which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v add_v that_o the_o same_o consideration_n oblige_v they_o to_o frequent_v due_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n upon_o those_o day_n but_o from_o they_o who_o do_v frequent_v it_o as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o irreligion_n we_o expect_v a_o true_a constant_a and_o humble_a devotion_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v and_o deplore_v the_o great_a negligence_n and_o stupid_a carelessness_n of_o many_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a prayer_n many_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o day_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v a_o sermon_n hence_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v if_o they_o enter_v after_o the_o prayer_n be_v begin_v after_o the_o confession_n be_v make_v and_o the_o absolution_n pronounce_v by_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v present_a at_o they_o they_o seem_v irksome_a to_o they_o they_o join_v not_o in_o they_o far_o from_o any_o devotion_n in_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o pay_v any_o bodily_a reverence_n they_o refuse_v to_o kneel_v and_o some_o even_o presume_v to_o sit_v still_o at_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n we_o want_v that_o cheerful_a concurrence_n in_o the_o congregation_n in_o which_o the_o ancient_a christian_n so_o much_o glorify_v say_v that_o a_o amen_o pronounce_v by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v like_o a_o clap_n of_o thunder_n which_o pierce_v heaven_n in_o our_o assembly_n how_o small_a a_o part_n join_v in_o repeat_v the_o common_a form_n of_o confession_n praise_n and_o adoration_n of_o god_n and_o not_o many_o vouchsafe_v to_o add_v a_o amen_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o several_a prayer_n such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o public_a devotion_n at_o this_o time_n lamentable_a indeed_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o such_o as_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o such_o therefore_o let_v i_o address_v myself_o do_v not_o you_o believe_v yourselves_o equal_o oblige_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o other_o be_v not_o you_o also_o create_v by_o he_o and_o still_o depend_v upon_o he_o why_o then_o do_v you_o refuse_v to_o do_v homage_n to_o he_o to_o profess_v public_o your_o subjection_n by_o such_o a_o humble_a posture_n of_o body_n as_o may_v declare_v it_o if_o a_o heathen_a shall_v enter_v into_o our_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o examine_v our_o devotion_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o put_v the_o case_n for_o st._n paul_n before_o put_v it_o to_o the_o corinthian_n what_o will_v he_o say_v when_o he_o shall_v behold_v some_o kneel_v the_o great_a part_n stand_v and_o many_o perhaps_o sâ—tting_v he_o can_v say_v no_o other_o than_o that_o little_a decency_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o religious_a assembly_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o they_o many_o person_n be_v present_a but_o few_o of_o those_o worship_n god_n that_o the_o great_a part_n express_v a_o strange_a unconcernedness_n in_o a_o lazy_a posture_n of_o stand_v and_o that_o some_o seem_v design_o to_o affront_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n by_o sit_v in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n and_o when_o he_o be_v invoke_v let_v not_o these_o reproach_n any_o long_o be_v say_v of_o christian_n who_o want_v no_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o who_o religion_n teach_v they_o the_o contrary_n assure_v yourselves_o that_o it_o be_v not_o listen_v to_o a_o sermon_n which_o can_v suffice_v this_o be_v not_o to_o worship_n god_n but_o only_o
to_o learn_v how_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o to_o be_v excite_v to_o it_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o your_o meeting_n in_o this_o holy_a place_n be_v that_o you_o may_v worship_n god_n herein_o but_o how_o can_v you_o be_v say_v to_o worship_v he_o who_o place_n yourselves_o in_o no_o posture_n of_o worship_n who_o express_v no_o concern_v at_o the_o word_n of_o public_a prayer_n join_v not_o in_o they_o nor_o add_v a_o amen_o to_o they_o can_v you_o real_o believe_v stand_v or_o sit_v to_o be_v a_o posture_n of_o worship_n or_o will_v you_o not_o confess_v kneel_v to_o be_v real_o the_o most_o humble_a posture_n and_o if_o so_o sure_o the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v to_o be_v approach_v in_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o devout_a manner_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o correct_v a_o ill_a custom_n study_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n a_o complete_a service_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n to_o attend_v diligent_o to_o they_o to_o join_v devout_o in_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n both_o with_o body_n and_o soul_n since_o both_o be_v create_v by_o he_o so_o shall_v you_o true_o worship_n god_n so_o shall_v you_o entitle_v yourselves_o to_o all_o those_o glorious_a promise_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o true_a piety_n and_o devotion_n obtain_v your_o desire_n and_o save_v your_o soul_n the_o sixteen_o sermon_n preach_v 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o treat_v large_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n enjoin_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v and_o urge_v the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n from_o these_o two_o consideration_n especial_o that_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n and_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n make_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o frequency_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o lay_v open_v the_o advantage_n to_o be_v receive_v from_o prayer_n and_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o that_o so_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o duty_n can_v not_o engage_v yet_o at_o least_o that_o of_o interest_n may_v persuade_v i_o than_o proceed_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o public_a prayer_n have_v first_o prove_v to_o you_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o that_o especial_o and_o therein_o manifest_v how_o much_o great_a the_o obligation_n be_v to_o public_a prayer_n how_o more_o expressive_a of_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n what_o great_a advantage_n it_o bring_v to_o devout_a supplicant_n and_o what_o more_o noble_a promise_n be_v annex_v to_o it_o it_o remain_v now_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v these_o three_o i._o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n every_o where_o ii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n iii_o the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n the_o apostle_n teach_v to_o be_v every_o where_o that_o be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o but_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o any_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v herein_o he_o distinguish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n from_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o the_o more_o solemn_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n nay_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n institute_v by_o himself_o be_v affix_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n where_o the_o priest_n daily_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o perform_v the_o other_o office_n of_o legal_a worship_n and_o adult_v male_n among_o the_o jew_n thrice_o every_o year_n give_v their_o attendance_n this_o be_v both_o easy_a to_o the_o jew_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a dimension_n of_o their_o country_n and_o also_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v they_o from_o relapse_v into_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o will_v not_o have_v be_v avoid_v in_o that_o stiff-necked_a people_n have_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v permit_v to_o they_o in_o many_o separate_a place_n where_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v not_o the_o immediate_a oversight_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v actual_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o corrupt_v their_o religion_n whensoever_o quit_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o begin_v to_o worship_n god_n upon_o every_o high_a hill_n and_o under_o every_o green_a tree_n to_o this_o temple_n therefore_o after_o the_o full_a settlement_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o promise_a land_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o affix_v out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n nor_o be_v any_o expiation_n of_o sin_n provide_v to_o it_o many_o glorious_a promise_n be_v appropriate_v as_o that_o god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n offer_v up_o in_o it_o and_o be_v gracious_a to_o his_o people_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o be_v propagate_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n the_o observation_n of_o this_o institution_n become_v both_o impossible_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o be_v therefore_o abolish_v by_o god_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o he_o be_v thenceforward_o command_v to_o be_v alike_o celebrate_v in_o all_o place_n that_o be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o church_n his_o presence_n be_v not_o confine_v nor_o his_o promise_n annex_v to_o one_o place_n he_o be_v equal_o present_a in_o all_o congregation_n of_o devout_a believer_n and_o receive_v their_o petition_n with_o equal_a favour_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n distinguish_v the_o christian_a from_o the_o jewish_a worship_n direct_v public_a prayer_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o every_o where_o as_o he_o have_v before_o distinguish_v it_o upon_o another_o respect_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o command_v that_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n whereas_o the_o jew_n never_o pray_v for_o any_o but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o communion_n this_o enlargement_n of_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n can_v not_o indeed_o but_o be_v extreme_o surprise_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o which_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v be_v now_o appropriate_v for_o near_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o from_o all_o age_n determine_v to_o enlarge_v his_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o gather_v into_o it_o as_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v both_o by_o precedent_n and_o subsequent_a fact_n provide_v abundant_a reason_n to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o himself_o shall_v not_o always_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v extend_v into_o the_o whole_a earth_n thus_o zeph._n ii_o 11._o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o when_o god_n shall_v found_v the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n than_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o every_o one_o from_o his_o place_n even_o all_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o in_o mal._n i._n 11._o for_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o my_o name_n and_o a_o pure_a offering_n for_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n which_o prophecy_n do_v clear_o instruct_v the_o jew_n that_o when_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o shall_v be_v worship_v alike_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o even_o those_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v incense_n and_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v then_o offer_v up_o from_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o although_o in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a manner_n this_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v appear_v strange_a unto_o the_o jew_n who_o mind_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o
profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o himself_o appear_v from_o that_o frequent_a expression_n employ_v by_o he_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o my_o temple_n sake_n at_o jerusalem_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o god_n shall_v be_v move_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o temple_n sake_n which_o be_v pure_o material_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o merit_n but_o that_o it_o be_v erect_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n by_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o illustrious_a sign_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o that_o nation_n believe_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o while_o that_o fabric_n stand_v consecrate_v to_o his_o name_n and_o prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o in_o it_o to_o he_o it_o can_v not_o be_v dissemble_v that_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o they_o his_o people_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v too_o sad_a and_o yet_o undeniable_a that_o wherever_o the_o solemn_a and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o certain_a and_o fix_a place_n dedicate_v to_o that_o use_n be_v discontinue_v religion_n the_o honour_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n immediate_o decay_v and_o become_v forget_v as_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o wherever_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o church_n have_v be_v take_v from_o christian_n as_o in_o persia_n and_o africa_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v whole_o lose_v in_o one_o or_o two_o generation_n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o greece_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o use_n of_o church_n permit_v to_o they_o have_v continue_v to_o flourish_v and_o retain_v her_o faith_n unshaken_a under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o turk_n although_o continual_o oppress_v discountenance_a injure_a and_o persecute_v by_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o most_o benign_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o he_o suffer_v not_o any_o of_o their_o persecution_n to_o be_v of_o long_a continuance_n but_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n give_v they_o liberty_n therewith_o to_o exercise_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o himself_o in_o public_a solemn_a and_o sacred_a place_n can_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v maintain_v by_o private_a and_o clancular_a meeting_n the_o zeal_n and_o piety_n of_o those_o time_n will_v have_v effect_v it_o yet_o than_o it_o be_v think_v impossible_a to_o perform_v it_o nor_o will_v god_n have_v interpose_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n of_o providence_n to_o restore_v his_o church_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o public_a church_n have_v not_o such_o worship_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o than_o that_o direct_v from_o corner_n of_o private_a house_n and_o therefore_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o storm_n of_o any_o persecution_n blow_v over_o but_o the_o christian_n immediate_o set_v themselves_o to_o erect_v magnificent_a church_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o they_o to_o celebrate_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n not_o that_o god_n hear_v not_o their_o prayer_n direct_v to_o he_o from_o secret_a and_o private_a place_n their_o piety_n patience_n and_o constancy_n deserve_v no_o less_o but_o himself_o receive_v far_o less_o honour_n from_o private_a than_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o own_o names-sake_n as_o he_o frequent_o tell_v the_o jew_n he_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o peace_n and_o quiet_a thus_o the_o jew_n also_o content_v themselves_o to_o worship_n in_o a_o movable_a tabernacle_n while_o they_o travel_v in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o be_v not_o full_o settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o no_o soon_o be_v all_o the_o jebusite_n drive_v out_o of_o the_o land_n but_o david_n prepare_v to_o build_v a_o stately_a temple_n in_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n thus_o the_o erection_n and_o dedication_n of_o church_n be_v not_o only_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o service_n they_o be_v consecrate_v but_o also_o a_o eminent_a monument_n of_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o give_v peace_n and_o quiet_a unto_o the_o church_n procure_v to_o her_o member_n the_o liberty_n of_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o profess_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o in_o public_a the_o magnificence_n of_o these_o fabric_n be_v a_o further_a argument_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o wealth_n and_o plenty_n of_o that_o people_n by_o who_o they_o be_v found_v in_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o remain_v a_o eternal_a mark_n of_o acknowledgement_n that_o both_o peace_n and_o plenty_n proceed_v from_o his_o gift_n to_o who_o name_n they_o be_v sacred_a they_o be_v the_o most_o obvious_a and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o long_a and_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o nation_n and_o the_o devotion_n and_o zeal_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o thereby_o exceed_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o all_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o confine_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o private_a house_n or_o movable_a congregation_n be_v what_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v the_o great_a misfortune_n attend_v their_o persecution_n and_o they_o who_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n pay_v no_o more_o solemn_a worship_n to_o god_n than_o what_o be_v real_o necessary_a to_o pay_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n if_o they_o shall_v indeed_o be_v persecute_v it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a will_v pay_v no_o manner_n of_o worship_n at_o least_o to_o decry_v the_o erection_n and_o consecration_n of_o sacred_a place_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o oppose_v the_o increase_n of_o divine_a honour_n and_o to_o include_v a_o fear_n least_o posterity_n shall_v know_v from_o those_o durable_a fabric_n that_o their_o forefather_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n last_o if_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o place_n solemn_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o use_n and_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v in_o such_o place_n if_o his_o honour_n be_v promote_v by_o erection_n of_o such_o sacred_a building_n and_o keep_v up_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o small_a reverence_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o to_o treat_v they_o as_o unholy_a or_o common_a place_n in_o any_o matter_n be_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o that_o use_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o peculiar_a possession_n and_o to_o deny_v his_o presence_n in_o they_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o external_a act_n of_o reverence_n manifest_v our_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o he_o of_o our_o belief_n in_o he_o to_o who_o honour_n they_o be_v dedicate_v of_o our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o by_o who_o we_o enjoy_v the_o open_a profession_n of_o our_o religion_n of_o our_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v chief_o advance_v and_o maintain_v by_o they_o of_o our_o persuasion_n of_o his_o constant_a and_o immediate_a presence_n in_o they_o that_o veneration_n therefore_o which_o the_o devout_a member_n of_o this_o church_n pay_v to_o sacred_a place_n be_v neither_o the_o effect_n of_o superstition_n nor_o the_o remain_v of_o popery_n but_o arise_v from_o a_o pious_a and_o rational_a persuasion_n of_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o he_o a_o practice_n as_o ancient_a as_o christianity_n itself_o and_o which_o st._n paul_n make_v use_v of_o as_o receive_v and_o confess_v among_o all_o christian_n when_o reprove_v the_o indecency_n commit_v by_o the_o corinthian_n in_o their_o church_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 22._o he_o aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o they_o by_o this_o consideration_n what_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o private_a house_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o speak_v of_o material_a church_n and_o no_o less_o plain_a that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o allow_v by_o they_o that_o so_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a to_o these_o church_n that_o even_o for_o the_o sole_a consideration_n of_o their_o holiness_n no_o indecent_a action_n ought_v to_o be_v commit_v in_o they_o before_o he_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v by_o his_o own_o practice_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o the_o same_o regard_v due_a to_o sacred_a place_n when_o he_o scourge_v the_o money-changer_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n although_o they_o have_v place_v themselves_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a porch_n and_o avenue_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o no_o act_n of_o religious_a and_o public_a worship_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o the_o reason_n he_o assign_v be_v this_o it_o be_v write_v my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o
prayer_n which_o make_v this_o whole_a observation_n concern_v the_o veneration_n due_a to_o church_n not_o improper_a in_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o place_n of_o prayer_n iii_o i_o pass_v now_o to_o the_o three_o branch_n 〈◊〉_d the_o text_n that_o be_v the_o posture_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o prayer_n which_o be_v express_v in_o those_o word_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n nor_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n a_o matter_n so_o indifferent_a as_o deserve_v not_o our_o enquiry_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o error_n of_o some_o that_o all_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v indifferent_a but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v no_o profess_a enemy_n to_o order_n and_o decency_n it_o appear_v far_o otherwise_o for_o since_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n since_o the_o existence_n of_o both_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o continue_v by_o he_o since_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o soul_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o next_o it_o follow_v that_o both_o aught_o to_o make_v return_v of_o praise_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n this_o the_o soul_n the_o sole_a fountain_n of_o reason_n do_v by_o love_v honour_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o he_o the_o body_n indeed_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o noble_a operation_n yet_o be_v it_o enable_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n by_o gesture_n imply_v adoration_n submission_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o to_o worship_n god_n only_o with_o the_o body_n be_v to_o make_v no_o return_n of_o gratitude_n for_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o to_o worship_v he_o only_o with_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n to_o he_o both_o thereâ—â—â—_n be_v alike_o necessary_a the_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d the_o soul_n be_v indeed_o more_o acceptable_a because_o the_o faculty_n of_o it_o be_v far_o more_o noble_a but_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n be_v no_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o public_a worship_n where_o the_o chief_a design_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o only_a visible_a testimony_n of_o the_o internal_a honour_n pay_v by_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o word_n of_o public_a praise_n and_o adoration_n be_v express_v by_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n but_o also_o in_o that_o the_o very_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o subjection_n pay_v to_o god_n since_o such_o gesture_n use_v in_o sacred_a place_n and_o to_o a_o invisible_a be_v be_v notorious_o know_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o honour_n of_o god_n bodily_a worship_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o such_o as_o may_v express_v the_o great_a submission_n and_o deep_a humility_n the_o most_o intense_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o significative_a humiliation_n of_o the_o body_n that_o posture_n therefore_o which_o express_v the_o most_o humble_a submission_n aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prayer_n the_o principal_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n only_o the_o particular_a posture_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n because_o the_o expression_n of_o civility_n honour_n and_o subjection_n vary_v in_o several_a age_n and_o country_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v any_o one_o gesture_n since_o what_o be_v very_o expressive_a of_o worship_n in_o one_o nation_n may_v be_v contrary_a in_o another_o the_o external_a mode_n of_o worship_n therefore_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o such_o modes_n vary_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o but_o in_o any_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o that_o it_o be_v esteem_v absolute_o necessary_a essential_a and_o command_v by_o god_n which_o according_a to_o the_o receive_a custom_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v most_o expressive_a of_o humility_n submission_n and_o subjection_n if_o kneel_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a posture_n of_o respect_n which_o obtain_v in_o any_o nation_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o case_n to_o pretend_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n stand_v be_v not_o only_o indecent_a but_o unlawful_a a_o detain_v from_o god_n the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o and_o offer_v to_o he_o a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o worship_n when_o a_o more_o exalt_a degree_n be_v possible_a if_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n prostration_n be_v the_o most_o significative_a posture_n of_o humility_n that_o then_o become_v necessary_a in_o divine_a worship_n if_o neither_o prostration_n nor_o kneel_v be_v in_o use_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prayer_n but_o the_o same_o infallible_a rule_n be_v always_o to_o obtain_v that_o whatsoever_o posture_n by_o custom_n institution_n or_o prescription_n be_v most_o significative_a of_o honour_n and_o subjection_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o adore_v god_n and_o in_o prayer_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o adoration_n to_o apply_v this_o rule_n to_o our_o own_o practice_n it_o be_v notorious_a and_o undeniable_a that_o in_o the_o nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v kneel_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a posture_n that_o whereof_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n be_v we_o to_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o prince_n or_o to_o beg_v his_o pardon_n this_o posture_n therefore_o become_v our_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o prayer_n wherein_o we_o adore_v god_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n in_o this_o nation_n therefore_o or_o in_o any_o other_o where_o kneel_v be_v the_o most_o submissive_a gesture_n to_o practice_v stand_v in_o public_a prayer_n be_v in_o truth_n to_o deny_v that_o the_o supreme_a honour_n be_v due_a to_o god_n to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v that_o homage_n to_o he_o which_o man_n be_v content_a to_o pay_v to_o earthly_a prince_n as_o if_o either_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o it_o or_o themselves_o be_v too_o great_a and_o noble_a to_o condescend_v to_o it_o in_o many_o eastern_a country_n prostration_n have_v be_v in_o use_n and_o there_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o stand_v with_o either_o spread_n forth_o the_o hand_n or_o gentle_o incline_v the_o body_n and_o lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o breast_n in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n be_v to_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o posture_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o inquire_v which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o significative_a posture_n be_v whole_o vain_a since_o no_o posture_n signify_v any_o respect_n in_o that_o country_n where_o it_o be_v not_o use_v and_o what_o in_o one_o place_n include_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o reverence_n in_o another_o may_v signify_v none_o at_o all_o among_o the_o jew_n kneel_v with_o hand_n lift_v up_o or_o spread_v abroad_o be_v the_o most_o reverential_a gesture_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o innumerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n psal._n cxli_o 2._o dan._n vi_o 10._o luk._n xxii_o 41._o act_n ix_o 40._o xxi_o 5_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o also_o among_o the_o grecian_n st._n paul_n therefore_o write_v to_o both_o of_o they_o join_v in_o one_o church_n in_o corinth_n express_v in_o this_o place_n the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o of_o hand_n because_o that_o custom_n do_v prevail_v among_o they_o not_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o same_o posture_n in_o prayer_n who_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o particular_a nation_n among_o who_o the_o most_o submiss_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o civil_a posture_n be_v kneel_v with_o clasp_a hand_n and_o that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v be_v always_o the_o most_o receive_a gesture_n in_o the_o western_a world_n but_o most_o certain_o be_v in_o use_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o western_a church_n vid._n tertul._n &_o cypr._n it_o have_v be_v indeed_o receive_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o country_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v that_o in_o sacrifice_n the_o priest_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o shall_v do_v it_o stand_v in_o compliance_n with_o this_o universal_a custom_n our_o church_n have_v most_o certain_o direct_v that_o the_o prayer_n present_v to_o god_n from_o the_o altar_n where_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v celebrate_v shall_v be_v offer_v up_o by_o the_o priest_n in_o a_o stand_a posture_n which_o i_o will_v not_o omit_v to_o observe_v to_o you_o lest_o that_o practice_n shall_v be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o kneel_v in_o time_n of_o prayer_n since_o it_o be_v found_v
sharpen_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o unhappy_a influence_n which_o their_o action_n have_v to_o dispose_v othen_fw-ge man_n to_o sin_n the_o duty_n of_o exemplariness_n and_o the_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o require_v it_o of_o his_o follower_n be_v thus_o clear_v i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o head_n to_o consider_v the_o manner_n which_o he_o have_v fix_v whereby_o to_o raise_v this_o example_n that_o be_v by_o good_a work_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n none_o but_o these_o will_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o the_o church_n or_o who_o judge_n right_o and_o none_o but_o these_o will_v avail_v such_o as_o be_v within_o the_o church_n or_o make_v little_a use_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o become_v a_o light_n and_o a_o glorious_a example_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v eminent_a in_o those_o action_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o world_n to_o be_v good_a excellent_a and_o of_o intrinsic_a worth_n such_o be_v all_o action_n of_o moral_a virtue_n but_o more_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v positive_a as_o justice_n truth_n zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o men._n such_o be_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o common_a speech_n also_o call_v good_a work_n which_o whosoever_o do_v illustrious_o perform_v all_o other_o man_n although_o of_o a_o different_a or_o no_o religion_n will_v bear_v he_o witness_n that_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o precept_n he_o therein_o obey_v be_v good_a and_o just_a that_o his_o example_n deserve_v praise_n and_o imitation_n and_o what_o effect_n must_v we_o not_o believe_v this_o example_n have_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n before_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o be_v obscure_v by_o the_o prevail_a wickedness_n of_o latter_a age_n when_o the_o church_n can_v challenge_v her_o adversary_n to_o produce_v from_o among_o her_o follower_n a_o unclean_a or_o a_o injust_a a_o intemperate_a or_o a_o profane_a person_n when_o their_o piety_n be_v so_o undeniable_a in_o the_o constant_a frequent_v of_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n when_o their_o charity_n appear_v so_o conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o own_o member_n but_o now_o even_o to_o their_o enemy_n in_o feed_v the_o hungry_a in_o clothe_v the_o naked_a in_o redeem_v captive_n in_o communicate_v to_o all_o when_o a_o heathen_a governor_n and_o he_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o age_n employ_v by_o his_o emperor_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o christian_n make_v this_o report_n to_o he_o that_o they_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o injure_v no_o man_n defraud_v none_o abstain_v from_o murder_n lust_n and_o perjury_n give_v frequent_a demonstration_n of_o admirable_a charity_n and_o meet_v once_o every_o week_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n bind_v themselves_o by_o religious_a tie_n and_o sacrament_n to_o do_v all_o this_o when_o a_o learned_a adversary_n after_o a_o full_a search_n can_v make_v no_o other_o report_n than_o this_o what_o remain_v but_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v indeed_o among_o they_o so_o wise_o christianity_n contrive_v to_o draw_v in_o unbelieving_a but_o unprejudiced_a spectator_n by_o the_o beauty_n of_o its_o example_n the_o force_n of_o which_o none_o can_v withstand_v while_o its_o great_a adversary_n dare_v not_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o good_a work_n be_v the_o primitive_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o not_o the_o duty_n yet_o at_o least_o the_o interest_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o mankind_n our_o lord_n propose_v not_o to_o form_v this_o example_n by_o extreme_a austerity_n and_o maceration_n by_o paradox_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n by_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n which_o may_v easy_o raise_v the_o amazement_n but_o not_o the_o reverence_n of_o other_o men._n judicious_a man_n will_v esteem_v they_o folly_n if_o propose_v as_o matter_n of_o intrinsic_a excellence_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o scorn_n and_o even_o ignorant_a person_n may_v be_v astonish_v at_o they_o yet_o can_v they_o never_o discover_v any_o real_a worth_n in_o they_o or_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o latter_a age_n to_o have_v introduce_v such_o gross_a conception_n instead_o of_o what_o our_o lord_n direct_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n and_o thereby_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v those_o excellent_a end_n which_o he_o intend_v thus_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o her_o latter_a saint_n have_v chief_o respect_v extravagant_a austerity_n and_o the_o report_n of_o foolish_a miracle_n and_o some_o other_o have_v make_v the_o indication_n or_o sign_n of_o saint-ship_n to_o be_v unaccountable_a rapture_n or_o internal_a pretend_a consolation_n or_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o have_v no_o necessary_a external_a effect_n or_o can_v be_v discover_v by_o unbeliever_n or_o if_o discover_v will_v not_o affect_v they_o with_o they_o no_o example_n but_o of_o such_o action_n as_o be_v universal_o allow_v to_o be_v excellent_a namely_o of_o good_a work_n will_v be_v of_o any_o power_n and_o therefore_o our_o most_o wise_a saviour_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o continue_v all_o other_o mean_v of_o continue_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n which_o our_o lord_n propose_v will_v be_v find_v whole_o ineffectual_a and_o as_o to_o those_o without_o so_o also_o to_o those_o within_o the_o church_n but_o need_v the_o direction_n of_o example_n no_o other_o will_v be_v of_o any_o advantage_n the_o benefit_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o consist_v in_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o such_o who_o be_v incline_v to_o imitate_v the_o action_n of_o those_o who_o they_o admire_v or_o respect_n or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v subject_a which_o action_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o require_v good_a work_n the_o design_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v happy_o effect_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n promote_v their_o salvation_n secure_v the_o reward_n of_o those_o who_o give_v the_o example_n increase_v but_o if_o the_o action_n be_v of_o any_o other_o nature_n they_o be_v either_o unlawful_a or_o indifferent_a not_o worthy_a imitation_n and_o without_o any_o promise_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o three_o place_n our_o lord_n in_o the_o text_n propose_v the_o end_n towards_o which_o these_o exemplary_a good_a work_n shall_v be_v direct_v which_o be_v that_o other_o may_v see_v they_o and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v in_o see_v they_o may_v glorify_v god_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v betray_v into_o pride_n or_o arrogance_n through_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o good_a work_n they_o be_v command_v to_o refer_v all_o not_o to_o their_o own_o but_o to_o the_o divine_a glory_n lest_o they_o shall_v swell_v with_o the_o conceit_n of_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n of_o give_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o action_n of_o other_o man_n by_o their_o own_o conduct_n they_o be_v teach_v that_o all_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v employ_v to_o promote_v their_o own_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o advance_v the_o honour_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n while_o good_a work_n be_v indeed_o direct_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n of_o pride_n shall_v intervene_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o peevish_a and_o morose_a man_n will_v detract_v from_o they_o as_o do_v for_o sinister_a end_n and_o vain_a glory_n our_o lord_n have_v provide_v for_o this_o a_o remedy_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n immediate_o precede_v this_o exhortation_n to_o a_o good_a example_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n nothing_o indeed_o be_v more_o odious_a and_o distasteful_a than_o ostentation_n in_o religion_n or_o more_o to_o be_v avoid_v this_o raise_v the_o indignation_n of_o our_o lord_n against_o the_o pharisee_n and_o still_o excit_v the_o scorn_n of_o all_o judicious_a man_n when_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v form_v on_o purpose_n to_o be_v see_v by_o man_n when_o their_o praise_n and_o applause_n be_v thereby_o court_v and_o studious_o contrive_v but_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o be_v exemplary_a in_o good_a work_n as_o there_o be_v no_o command_n of_o contrive_v the_o ordinary_a performance_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v most_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o man_n so_o there_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n no_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v but_o be_v observe_v whether_o he_o who_o perform_v