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prosper_v their_o government_n and_o direct_v all_o their_o affair_n that_o all_o their_o subject_n may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n under_o they_o in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n but_o when_o in_o a_o revolution_n a_o prince_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o encourager_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o that_o case_n they_o do_v not_o only_o ready_o submit_v to_o he_o but_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o such_o a_o man_n to_o rule_v over_o they_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n i_o may_v indeed_o say_v of_o the_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n and_o whatever_o you_o may_v have_v hear_v to_o the_o contrary_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n let_v i_o therefore_o 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i_o be_o so_o certain_a that_o i_o have_v not_o be_v mistake_v myself_o nor_o mislead_v you_o in_o that_o matter_n that_o i_o dare_v with_o confidence_n address_v myself_o to_o you_o in_o some_o of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o do_v immediate_o follow_v after_o my_o text_n viz._n those_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v learned_a and_o receive_v and_o hear_v from_o i_o do_v and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o i_o shall_v ever_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o providence_n of_o he_o which_o place_v i_o among_o you_o and_o as_o i_o shall_v always_o and_o do_v earnest_o desire_v all_o your_o prayer_n for_o i_o so_o i_o shall_v always_o hearty_o pray_v for_o you_o that_o god_n will_v guide_v and_o prosper_v you_o that_o his_o good_a providence_n will_v always_o watch_v over_o you_o for_o good_a that_o he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o you_o and_o your_o child_n after_o you_o all_o sort_n of_o blessing_n needful_a and_o convenient_a for_o you_o and_o especial_o that_o he_o will_v deliver_v you_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o preserve_v you_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n this_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v etc._n etc._n sermon_n x._o preach_v before_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a in_o the_o abbey-church_n at_o westminster_n on_o the_o 5_o of_o november_n 1691._o rom._n x._o 2._o for_o i_o bear_v they_o record_v that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n these_o be_v st._n paul_n word_n and_o he_o speak_v they_o of_o the_o jew_n those_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o be_v so_o tenacious_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n and_o so_o utter_o averse_a to_o any_o reformation_n of_o religion_n that_o though_o it_o appear_v by_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v by_o god_n send_v into_o to_o the_o world_n for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o do_v they_o to_o the_o last_o stand_v out_o in_o their_o opposition_n of_o he_o and_o his_o gospel_n even_o to_o the_o 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may_v be_v observe_v that_o zeal_n of_o god_n in_o general_n that_o be_v a_o hearty_a and_o passionate_a concernment_n for_o religion_n the_o apostle_n here_o find_v no_o fault_n with_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o approve_v it_o as_o a_o commendable_a thing_n for_o you_o see_v he_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o virtue_n in_o his_o countryman_n and_o speak_v it_o to_o their_o commendation_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v say_v he_o that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o he_o own_v they_o have_v that_o good_a quality_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n he_o both_o wish_v they_o well_o and_o affectionate_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o which_o
god_n and_o his_o providence_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o sinfullness_n and_o weakness_n and_o manifold_a necessity_n and_o a_o entire_a humble_a constant_a dependence_n upon_o the_o divine_a goodness_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o soul_n as_o this_o i_o take_v that_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o consist_v second_o to_o pray_v always_o likewise_o import_v that_o upon_o every_o solemn_a occasion_n we_o shall_v actual_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n seek_v help_n from_o he_o in_o all_o the_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n we_o happen_v into_o render_v our_o acknowledgement_n for_o every_o good_a that_o arrive_v to_o we_o in_o our_o life_n and_o implore_v his_o protection_n his_o guidance_n his_o blessing_n upon_o we_o in_o every_o work_n of_o moment_n that_o we_o go_v about_o three_o it_o import_v far_a that_o we_o shall_v at_o least_o twice_o every_o day_n either_o in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a offer_v up_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n unto_o god_n lesle_n than_o this_o i_o think_v this_o phrase_n of_o pray_v always_o as_o likewise_o that_o other_o expression_n of_o st._n paul_n 17._o 1_o thess_n v._o 17._o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v without_o cease_v less_o than_o this_o i_o say_v they_o can_v signify_v but_o how_o much_o more_o i_o now_o inquire_v not_o it_o be_v indeed_o very_o probable_a as_o interpreter_n have_v note_v that_o these_o expression_n be_v borrow_v from_o and_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n among_o the_o jew_n every_o day_n twice_o that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n be_v offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o temple_n to_o which_o the_o devout_a people_n resort_v which_o sacrifice_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o continual_a sacrifice_n the_o daily_a sacrifice_n the_o never-ceasing_a sacrifice_n and_o this_o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o the_o occasional_a sacrifice_n which_o pious_a person_n use_v to_o bring_v thither_o if_o now_o this_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o these_o expression_n we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o pray_v always_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v to_o pray_v continual_o unless_o we_o do_v at_o least_o twice_o every_o day_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n offer_v up_o our_o solemn_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n but_o four_o to_o pray_v always_o and_o not_o to_o faint_v imply_v great_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n in_o our_o prayer_n it_o import_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o faint_o address_v to_o god_n but_o with_o affection_n and_o fervour_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o our_o want_n and_o a_o serious_a and_o fix_a attention_n to_o what_o we_o be_v about_o and_o with_o very_o ardent_a desire_n and_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o that_o grace_n or_o that_o pardon_n or_o that_o blessing_n that_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o this_o be_v that_o kind_n of_o prayer_n which_o st._n james_n styles_n the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n which_o 16._o ch._n v._o 16._o he_o say_v avail_v much_o last_o to_o pray_v always_o and_o not_o to_o faint_v import_v continuance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o our_o prayer_n that_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v by_o fit_n and_o start_v and_o then_o intermit_v our_o devotion_n but_o constant_o keep_v up_o the_o fervour_n of_o our_o mind_n towards_o god_n not_o give_v over_o our_o prayer_n 12.12_o rom._n 12.12_o though_o we_o have_v not_o a_o return_n of_o they_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o expect_v but_o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n 6.18_o eph._n 6.18_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o be_v comprise_v in_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n now_o to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n hereof_o to_o you_o and_o to_o offer_v some_o argument_n to_o persuade_v every_o one_o thus_o to_o pray_v always_o and_o not_o to_o faint_v be_v that_o which_o i_o design_v in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n have_v general_o so_o great_a a_o aversion_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n they_o be_v very_o hardly_o get_v to_o it_o they_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o pretence_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v excuse_v from_o it_o and_o when_o they_o do_v come_v to_o perform_v their_o devotion_n which_o among_o many_o be_v not_o often_o than_o the_o law_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n oblige_v they_o to_o how_o soon_o be_v they_o weary_a of_o they_o how_o little_o do_v they_o attend_v to_o the_o siness_n they_o be_v about_o as_o if_o indeed_o prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a burden_n that_o god_n can_v lay_v upon_o human_a nature_n whereas_o in_o truth_n if_o our_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o give_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o consider_v thing_n equal_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o work_n that_o a_o man_n can_v apply_v himself_o to_o no_o action_n that_o he_o can_v perform_v to_o which_o there_o be_v great_a invitation_n great_a motive_n nay_o i_o be_v go_v to_o say_v great_a temptation_n of_o all_o sort_n than_o to_o this_o of_o prayer_n suppose_v one_o will_v set_v himself_o to_o persuade_v any_o of_o we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o particular_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o recommend_v to_o we_o what_o more_o effectual_a method_n can_v he_o take_v for_o the_o carry_v of_o his_o point_n than_o to_o lay_v before_o we_o the_o common_a head_n of_o argument_n by_o which_o all_o mankind_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o undertake_v any_o business_n or_o action_n and_o then_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o thing_n he_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o be_v recommendable_a upon_o all_o these_o account_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n fit_a and_o decent_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v do_v nay_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n we_o be_v oblige_v in_o duty_n to_o do_v even_o so_o far_o oblige_v that_o we_o act_n against_o our_o nature_n if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o nor_o have_v we_o any_o just_a exception_n against_o it_o it_o be_v the_o most_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v put_v we_o to_o no_o manner_n of_o trouble_n or_o pain_n or_o self-denial_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o it_o be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o high_o creditable_a and_o honourable_a and_o which_o be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n we_o shall_v receive_v from_o it_o be_v extreme_o great_a in_o all_o respect_n if_o now_o i_o say_v a_o man_n can_v make_v all_o these_o thing_n good_a of_o the_o point_n he_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o sure_o all_o the_o world_n must_v account_v we_o out_o of_o our_o wit_n if_o we_o do_v not_o follow_v his_o advice_n yet_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v evident_o make_v to_o appear_v be_v true_a of_o prayer_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n than_o of_o most_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n what_o therefore_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o this_o exercise_n to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n thereof_o to_o we_o that_o it_o have_v not_o and_o what_o must_v be_v conclude_v of_o we_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o our_o neglect_v of_o it_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o these_o several_a particular_n first_o of_o all_o do_v it_o recommend_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o practice_n that_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o decent_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v do_v then_o certain_o we_o must_v needs_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o point_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v more_o become_v we_o nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o undecent_a or_o more_o unreasonable_a than_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o that_o we_o who_o do_v continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o shall_v ever_o and_o anon_o be_v look_v up_o to_o he_o and_o express_v that_o dependence_n be_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o we_o who_o every_o moment_n experience_n a_o thousand_o instance_n of_o his_o kindness_n partake_v of_o a_o thousand_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o he_o and_o must_v perish_v the_o next_o minute_n unless_o they_o be_v continue_v to_o we_o be_v it_o not_o high_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a i_o say_v that_o we_o shall_v take_v notice_n at_o least_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o this_o our_o benefactor_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o ill_a manner_n to_o pass_v by_o our_o prince_n or_o even_o
reward_v and_o wicked_a man_n punish_v to_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o to_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v we_o do_v by_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o we_o can_v do_v otherwise_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v every_o day_n meet_v with_o man_n of_o these_o principle_n nay_o and_o that_o laugh_v at_o all_o those_o that_o maintain_v the_o contrary_n but_o then_o as_o for_o the_o business_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n what_o a_o very_a little_a do_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o make_v of_o that_o to_o talk_v of_o christ_n be_v send_v for_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o die_v to_o procure_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v all_o the_o scripture-doctrine_n concern_v he_o and_o worship_v he_o as_o a_o god_n why_o what_o stuff_n be_v this_o to_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o resin_a spirit_n of_o our_o age_n it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o they_o can_v so_o far_o prevail_v with_o themselves_o as_o to_o own_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o moral_a honesty_n and_o justice_n which_o natural_a religion_n teach_v but_o as_o for_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n they_o beg_v your_o pardon_n for_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o subtle_a for_o they_o to_o meddle_v with_o not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v good_a christian_n all_o the_o while_n for_o they_o can_v come_v to_o our_o church_n and_o to_o our_o sacrament_n too_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n because_o indeed_o they_o will_v always_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n where_o they_o live_v but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o do_v this_o they_o do_v no_o more_o real_o believe_v or_o expect_v any_o spiritual_a benefit_n in_o our_o religion_n nor_o look_v for_o any_o more_o salvation_n from_o christ_n jesus_n than_o they_o will_v expect_v from_o mahomet_n if_o they_o shall_v live_v in_o turkey_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o even_o among_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o own_o his_o religion_n yet_o what_o little_a regard_n have_v they_o general_o speak_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o they_o now_o and_o then_o afford_v their_o presence_n on_o sunday_n at_o the_o public_a religious_a assembly_n i_o will_v not_o examine_v with_o what_o design_n and_o for_o what_o end_v they_o come_v thither_o nor_o how_o devout_o and_o religious_o their_o heart_n be_v affect_v during_o the_o time_n they_o be_v there_o i_o say_v it_o be_v very_o well_o that_o they_o be_v there_o at_o all_o but_o even_o of_o those_o that_o do_v come_v thither_o and_o do_v once_o a_o week_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o public_a religion_n i_o say_v how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o they_o that_o take_v any_o care_n of_o worship_v god_n either_o in_o their_o family_n or_o in_o their_o closet_n why_o if_o a_o man_n be_v true_o religious_a he_o can_v not_o pass_v a_o day_n without_o solemn_a address_n to_o his_o maker_n and_o to_o his_o redeemer_n he_o will_v pray_v in_o his_o closet_n constant_o and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o family_n he_o will_v pray_v with_o they_o constant_o and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o family_n he_o will_v constant_o resort_v to_o those_o place_n where_o he_o may_v pay_v his_o tribute_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n unless_o he_o have_v urgent_a business_n to_o hinder_v he_o but_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o to_o be_v see_v among_o we_o except_o in_o some_o few_o person_n here_o and_o there_o be_v there_o not_o twenty_o family_n for_o one_o that_o live_v without_o so_o much_o as_o the_o show_n of_o any_o devotion_n without_o any_o sort_n of_o prayer_n or_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o house_n nay_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o may_v say_v there_o be_v twenty_o for_o one_o even_o of_o private_a person_n that_o live_v without_o devotion_n in_o their_o closet_n that_o never_o call_v upon_o god_n never_o renew_v their_o vow_n to_o their_o saviour_n never_o pay_v he_o any_o homage_n except_o perhaps_o once_o a_o week_n in_o a_o formal_a way_n when_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n oblige_v they_o to_o resort_v to_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n be_v so_o little_a sense_n have_v most_o of_o we_o of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n so_o little_a regard_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o our_o depenance_n upon_o he_o and_o express_v that_o dependence_n either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o our_o family_n that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o happy_a institution_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n on_o the_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n to_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v hardly_o see_v any_o face_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n shall_v scarce_o be_v distinguish_v from_o heathen_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o our_o case_n our_o gross_a immorality_n that_o horrid_a lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n that_o be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o our_o day_n do_v still_o increase_v our_o gild_n and_o cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o judgement_n upon_o our_o nation_n it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n heart_n ache_v that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o religion_n to_o think_v of_o the_o riot_n the_o drunkenness_n the_o continue_a course_n of_o spend_v our_o time_n and_o our_o part_n and_o our_o substance_n in_o revel_v and_o game_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o such_o excess_n that_o be_v daily_o practise_v among_o we_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o man_n that_o thus_o live_v think_v themselves_o very_o honest_a man_n all_o the_o while_n it_o will_v real_o amaze_v a_o man_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o admire_v god_n patience_n that_o he_o do_v not_o present_o confound_v the_o world_n if_o he_o do_v serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o many_o filthy_a lewd_a speech_n and_o action_n the_o numerous_a wicked_a intrigue_n of_o lust_n the_o infamous_a whoredom_n and_o adultery_n that_o be_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o shame_n daily_o carry_v on_o and_o act_v among_o we_o and_o that_o by_o person_n too_o that_o have_v the_o face_n to_o show_v themselves_o at_o our_o holy_a assembly_n especial_o if_o to_o these_o be_v add_v the_o infinite_a lie_n and_o cheat_n and_o perjury_n which_o our_o land_n groan_v under_o the_o blasphemous_a oath_n and_o imprecation_n the_o damn_o i_o be_v and_o sink_v i_n the_o horrid_a profanation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n sacred_a that_o be_v in_o every_o place_n in_o every_o street_n where_o we_o pass_v belch_v out_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o his_o law_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o quality_n from_o the_o beggar_n in_o the_o street_n to_o the_o man_n of_o honour_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o it_o be_v their_o humour_n or_o their_o custom_n and_o last_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n to_o our_o other_o reign_v vice_n we_o have_v add_v that_o of_o hypocrisy_n too_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v not_o often_o be_v find_v among_o so_o much_o profaneness_n how_o many_o of_o we_o make_v a_o mighty_a noise_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v zealous_a even_o to_o bigotry_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o have_v not_o one_o grain_n of_o inward_a sense_n of_o what_o it_o oblige_v they_o to_o nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o if_o religion_n be_v but_o in_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o do_v but_o appear_v zealous_a enough_o for_o the_o protestant_a cause_n if_o they_o can_v but_o cry_v love_n enough_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o prophet_n they_o matter_n not_o how_o coutradictory_n their_o action_n be_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o do_v profess_v their_o zeal_n for_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n will_v sanctify_v all_o the_o other_o action_n be_v they_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a but_o if_o this_o be_v not_o hypocrisy_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n sure_a i_o be_o it_o be_v this_o sort_n of_o carriage_n that_o god_n so_o often_o reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o which_o they_o be_v so_o often_o reproach_v as_o a_o generation_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o for_o which_o he_o threaten_v they_o with_o utter_a destruction_n o_o my_o brethren_n what_o have_v we_o to_o say_v to_o these_o thing_n if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o we_o as_o i_o be_o afraid_a it_o be_v what_o plea_n have_v we_o to_o put_v in_o for_o ourselves_o if_o
god_n shall_v let_v loose_a our_o enemy_n upon_o we_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o of_o our_o religion_n and_o shall_v give_v we_o over_o as_o a_o prey_n unto_o they_o what_o have_v we_o to_o reply_v true_o nothing_o that_o i_o know_v of_o except_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n righteous_a art_n thou_o o_o lord_n and_o just_o be_v thy_o judgement_n but_o we_o trust_v god_n lenity_n and_o forbearance_n and_o mercy_n be_v as_o great_a to_o public_a society_n and_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v to_o private_a person_n and_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v those_o expression_n to_o our_o nation_n which_o david_n utter_v with_o reference_n to_o himself_o o_o lord_n if_o thou_o shall_v be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o o_o lord_n who_o may_v abide_v it_o but_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v when_o the_o iniquity_n of_o a_o people_n be_v at_o the_o full_a god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o punish_v they_o but_o whether_o we_o be_v so_o or_o no_o he_o only_o know_v we_o hope_v though_o they_o be_v very_o grievous_a and_o cry_v they_o have_v not_o yet_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o leave_v a_o place_n for_o repentance_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a plank_n we_o have_v to_o trust_v to_o that_o can_v save_v we_o from_o shipwreck_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o this_o day_n every_o one_o of_o we_o if_o we_o have_v any_o kindness_n for_o our_o native_a country_n if_o we_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o that_o dear_a place_n where_o we_o and_o our_o ancestor_n and_o all_o our_o relation_n and_o kindred_n for_o many_o generation_n have_v live_v so_o happy_o if_o we_o have_v any_o zeal_n for_o or_o regard_n to_o that_o excellent_a church_n and_o that_o holy_a religion_n that_o god_n do_v in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n plant_v among_o we_o and_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o which_o in_o our_o land_n his_o care_n and_o providence_n have_v so_o often_o and_o so_o wonderful_o appear_v if_o we_o have_v any_o concernment_n for_o many_o thousand_o of_o innocent_a soul_n who_o without_o their_o own_o fault_n may_v deep_o suffer_v for_o the_o nation_n sin_n last_o if_o we_o have_v any_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o those_o dear_a child_n of_o we_o that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o that_o we_o may_v transmit_v to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n after_o they_o that_o birthright_a and_o those_o privilege_n and_o that_o excellent_a religion_n we_o receive_v from_o our_o father_n i_o say_v if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o this_o day_n most_o sincere_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o a_o serious_a virtue_n and_o piety_n or_o if_o we_o have_v be_v careless_a of_o this_o matter_n heretofore_o or_o which_o be_v worse_o have_v be_v lewd_a or_o wicked_a in_o our_o life_n yet_o let_v we_o now_o at_o last_o hearty_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o the_o most_o solemn_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n implore_v and_o beseech_v god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o lengthen_v of_o our_o tranquillity_n o_o let_v we_o not_o refuse_v this_o opportunity_n of_o do_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o the_o best_a service_n to_o our_o country_n that_o we_o possible_o can_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o only_o hearty_o bewail_v our_o own_o sin_n but_o the_o reign_a impiety_n and_o wickedness_n that_o our_o nation_n stand_v accountable_a for_o now_o be_v the_o time_n if_o ever_o that_o we_o be_v all_o concern_v to_o be_v importunate_a with_o god_n for_o ourselves_o and_o our_o country_n and_o a_o fit_a prayer_n for_o this_o purpose_n can_v be_v compose_v for_o we_o than_o that_o which_o daniel_n put_v up_o to_o god_n for_o his_o nation_n and_o that_o at_o such_o a_o solemn_a time_n as_o this_o when_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o seek_v god_n for_o his_o people_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o fast_v and_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n the_o prayer_n be_v in_o the_o 9_o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n and_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o it_o and_o i_o earnest_o beg_v of_o you_o all_o to_o join_v with_o i_o in_o it_o o_o lord_n the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a god_n that_o keep_v the_o covenant_n and_o show_v mercy_n to_o they_o that_o love_v thou_o and_o to_o they_o that_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n we_o have_v sin_v and_o do_v wicked_o and_o have_v commit_v iniquity_n and_o have_v rebel_v even_o by_o depart_v from_o thy_o precept_n and_o from_o thy_o judgement_n o_o lord_n righteousness_n belong_v unto_o thou_o but_o unto_o we_o confusion_n of_o face_n as_o at_o this_o day_n to_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o we_o have_v sâ—â—â—red_v against_o thou_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n belong_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n though_o we_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o â—â—ither_o have_v we_o 〈…〉_o of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o law_n which_o he_o set_v before_o we_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o all_o thy_o righteousness_n we_o beseech_v thou_o let_v thy_o anger_n and_o thy_o fury_n be_v turn_v away_o from_o thy_o city_n jerusalem_n thy_o holy_a mountain_n because_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o father_n jerusalem_n and_o thy_o people_n be_v become_v a_o reproach_n to_o all_o that_o be_v about_o we_o now_o therefore_o o_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o cause_v thy_o face_n to_o shine_v upon_o thy_o sanctuary_n o_o god_n incline_v thy_o ear_n and_o hear_v open_v thy_o eye_n and_o behold_v the_o city_n which_o be_v call_v by_o thy_o name_n o_o lord_n hear_v o_o lord_n forgive_v o_o lord_n harken_v and_o do_v defer_v not_o for_o thy_o own_o sake_n o_o our_o god_n for_o thy_o city_n and_o thy_o people_n be_v call_v by_o thy_o name_n and_o whilst_o daniel_n be_v thus_o pray_v and_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o supplicate_v for_o his_o city_n jerusalem_n behold_v the_o angel_n gabriel_n be_v send_v unto_o he_o from_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o glad_a tiding_n that_o god_n have_v hear_v his_o prayer_n for_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v build_v and_o the_o lord_n will_v dwell_v in_o it_o o_o may_v we_o all_o thus_o fast_a and_o pray_v as_o daniel_n do_v and_o may_v god_n almighty_n give_v we_o such_o a_o return_n of_o our_o prayer_n amen_o o_o god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n x._o preach_v at_o st._n giles_n in_o the_o field_n on_o the_o 28_o of_o june_n 1691._o philip._n four_o 8._o final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v the_o two_o last_o lord_n day_n make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o treat_v of_o this_o text_n in_o a_o way_n that_o i_o think_v do_v most_o tend_v to_o the_o inform_v your_o judgement_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n i_o have_v raise_v several_a observation_n and_o draw_v several_a inference_n from_o it_o i_o mean_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o another_o way_n and_o apply_v myself_o whole_o to_o the_o press_v you_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sermon_n i_o be_o to_o make_v do_v call_v for_o this_o from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o now_o to_o take_v my_o leave_n of_o you_o this_o be_v the_o last_o time_n in_o all_o probability_n that_o i_o shall_v preach_v among_o you_o as_o your_o minister_n and_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v good_a advice_n and_o exhortation_n will_v more_o become_v i_o at_o this_o time_n than_o a_o close_a discourse_n upon_o a_o text._n and_o yet_o my_o text_n do_v afford_v matter_n enough_o without_o strain_v it_o for_o such_o a_o purpose_n nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o know_v a_o text_n in_o the_o bible_n that_o i_o can_v more_o willing_o pitch_v upon_o to_o leave_v with_o you_o as_o the_o last_o advice_n i_o will_v give_v you_o and_o as_o the_o sum_n and_o conclusion_n of_o my_o preach_v among_o you_o than_o these_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o let_v i_o therefore_o at_o this_o time_n address_v myself_o to_o you_o all_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o do_v at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n
religious_a posture_n of_o mind_n but_o upon_o the_o plain_a natural_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o constant_o stand_v incline_v to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n a_o man_n that_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o live_v honest_o and_o religious_o may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n at_o a_o hour_n warning_n and_o be_v a_o worthy_a receiver_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o man_n that_o live_v a_o careless_a or_o a_o sensual_a life_n may_v set_v apart_o a_o whole_a week_n or_o a_o whole_a month_n for_o the_o exercise_v repentance_n and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o communion_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o worthy_a a_o receiver_n as_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v a_o worthy_a receiver_n too_o provide_v he_o be_v real_o honest_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o matter_n he_o go_v about_o and_o provide_v that_o he_o remember_v his_o vow_n afterward_o and_o do_v not_o sink_v again_o into_o his_o former_a state_n of_o carelessness_n and_o sensuality_n but_o to_o return_v to_o my_o point_n i_o do_v very_o think_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o scruple_n that_o be_v common_o entertain_v among_o we_o about_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v without_o ground_n or_o reason_n and_o that_o every_o well_o dispose_v person_n that_o have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o that_o action_n but_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o express_v his_o belief_n and_o hope_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o he_o may_v as_o safe_o at_o any_o time_n come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o he_o may_v come_v to_o church_n to_o say_v his_o prayer_n and_o if_o the_o case_n be_v so_o as_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v then_o of_o what_o a_o mighty_a privilege_n and_o benefit_n do_v they_o deprive_v themselves_o who_o when_o they_o have_v so_o many_o opportunity_n do_v so_o seldom_o join_v in_o that_o solemn_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o as_o i_o say_v be_v design_v for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o the_o word_n o_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n let_v i_o beg_v of_o you_o not_o to_o be_v stranger_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o i_o need_v not_o beg_v it_o of_o you_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o will_v not_o whensoever_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o put_v it_o into_o your_o heart_n serious_o to_o mind_v the_o concernment_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o to_o be_v hearty_o sensible_a of_o the_o need_v you_o stand_v in_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o pure_a life_n i_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o in_o the_o six_o place_n to_o leave_v with_o you_o and_o i_o have_v do_v it_o be_v not_o indeed_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n i_o have_v last_o recommend_v to_o you_o that_o be_v a_o mean_n or_o instrument_n of_o grow_v more_o virtuous_a but_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a virtue_n itself_o and_o i_o do_v therefore_o recommend_v it_o to_o you_o because_o it_o be_v at_o all_o time_n useful_a at_o all_o time_n seasonable_a but_o more_o especial_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o now_o and_o that_o be_v that_o you_o will_v walk_v in_o love_n and_o study_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o live_v in_o all_o dutiful_a subjection_n to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o you_o and_o endeavour_v in_o your_o public_a station_n to_o promote_v the_o public_a happiness_n and_o tranquillity_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a but_o by_o no_o mean_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n or_o to_o be_v any_o way_n concern_v with_o they_o that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n ever_o to_o engage_v in_o any_o party_n oâ—_n faction_n and_o least_o of_o all_o any_o faction_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o state-point_n i_o be_o sorry_a the_o posture_n of_o thing_n among_o we_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o mention_v this_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a to_o what_o a_o height_n our_o animosity_n and_o discontent_n be_v grow_v and_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o may_v be_v unless_o there_o be_v a_o timely_a stop_n put_v to_o they_o i_o tremble_v to_o think_v with_o man_n difference_n as_o to_o their_o notion_n about_o the_o politic_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v let_v man_n frame_v what_o hypothesis_n they_o please_v about_o government_n though_o i_o do_v not_o like_v they_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o preach_v against_o they_o but_o when_o these_o difference_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o they_o threaten_v both_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n there_o i_o think_v no_o minister_n shall_v be_v silent_a church-division_n god_n know_v we_o have_v and_o have_v always_o have_v too_o many_o but_o it_o be_v very_o grievous_a that_o those_o who_o have_v always_o declare_v themselves_o the_o friend_n of_o our_o church_n and_o enemy_n to_o schism_n shall_v at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n set_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o promote_v a_o separation_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v to_o this_o height_n be_v our_o difference_n come_v some_o people_n among_o we_o that_o former_o be_v very_o zealous_a for_o the_o establish_v worship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a so_o distaste_v with_o it_o that_o they_o make_v a_o scruple_n of_o be_v present_a at_o our_o service_n nay_o some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o declare_v i_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o ground_n open_a war_n against_o we_o and_o set_v up_o separate_a congregation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o have_v schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a worship_n which_o heretofore_o be_v brand_v as_o so_o heinous_a a_o sin_n and_o deserve_o too_o so_o change_v its_o nature_n all_o of_o a_o sudden_a that_o it_o be_v become_v not_o only_o innocent_a but_o a_o duty_n have_v we_o not_o the_o same_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n that_o we_o former_o have_v have_v we_o not_o the_o same_o article_n and_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n public_o own_v and_o profess_a and_o teach_v without_o the_o least_o alteration_n have_v we_o not_o the_o same_o liturgy_n the_o same_o office_n and_o prayer_n use_v every_o day_n that_o have_v always_o be_v what_o be_v there_o then_o to_o ground_v a_o separation_n upon_o yes_o but_o the_o name_n in_o the_o prayer_n be_v change_v and_o we_o can_v pray_v for_o those_o that_o be_v now_o in_o authority_n as_o we_o can_v for_o those_o that_o be_v heretofore_o but_o how_o unreasoanble_a be_v this_o when_o st._n paul_n have_v bid_v we_o to_o put_v up_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o intercession_n for_o all_o man_n especial_o for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n do_v he_o make_v any_o restriction_n any_o distinction_n what_o king_n or_o what_o person_n in_o authority_n we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o what_o not_o do_v he_o not_o express_o say_v we_o must_v pray_v for_o all_o man_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o do_v not_o the_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o exhortation_n imply_v as_o much_o if_o his_o word_n do_v not_o namely_o that_o we_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n but_o i_o pray_v consider_v what_o this_o doctrine_n lead_v to_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v good_a divinity_n then_o farewell_n all_o the_o obligation_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n among_o christian_n for_o what_o government_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v not_o meet_v with_o such_o subject_n as_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o it_o and_o if_o that_o dissatisfaction_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o break_v communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n what_o ligament_n have_v we_o to_o tie_v christian_n together_o what_o will_v become_v of_o hold_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o but_o endless_a schism_n and_o separation_n but_o further_a i_o wish_v these_o person_n will_v consider_v what_o a_o unaccountable_a humour_n it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o mere_a point_n of_o state_n great_a revolution_n have_v happen_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o country_n and_o we_o have_v frequent_a instance_n of_o they_o in_o story_n but_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_o find_v that_o ever_o any_o christian_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n upon_o account_n of_o they_o still_o they_o keep_v unanimous_o to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o their_o worship_n and_o never_o concern_v themselves_o far_a in_o the_o turn_v of_o state_n how_o great_a soever_o they_o be_v than_o peaceable_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o power_n in_o be_v and_o hearty_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n so_o to_o
this_o world_n so_o dark_a and_o miserable_a a_o place_n that_o no_o serious_a consider_v man_n can_v tolerable_o enjoy_v himself_o in_o it_o for_o here_o upon_o the_o former_a supposition_n you_o be_v leave_v without_o counsel_n or_o advice_n you_o have_v nothing_o to_o propose_v nothing_o to_o design_n in_o the_o course_n of_o your_o life_n it_o be_v all_o one_o how_o you_o behave_v yourselves_o whether_o honest_o or_o wicked_o whether_o you_o mind_v your_o business_n or_o mind_v it_o not_o for_o the_o even_o will_v be_v the_o same_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o no_o body_n for_o any_o benefit_n you_o can_v complain_v of_o no_o body_n for_o any_o ill_a usage_n if_o you_o be_v in_o ill_a circumstance_n you_o have_v none_o to_o apply_v to_o for_o remedy_n and_o if_o you_o be_v in_o good_a one_o you_o may_v be_v strip_v of_o they_o without_o remedy_n the_o next_o moment_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v carry_v on_o by_o a_o whirl_n of_o fate_n and_o you_o be_v not_o much_o better_v by_o the_o 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as_o much_o expose_v to_o natural_a evil_n as_o we_o be_v before_o and_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o they_o but_o over_o and_o above_o we_o must_v bear_v the_o indignity_n and_o insolence_n the_o ravages_n and_o cruelty_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v strong_a than_o ourselves_o and_o have_v the_o will_n to_o oppress_v we_o o_o hard_a lot_n of_o mankind_n if_o this_o be_v their_o constitution_n better_o by_o far_o be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o be_v brute_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o than_o to_o be_v man_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o happy_a therefore_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n happy_a be_v the_o remote_a isle_n thereof_o that_o there_o be_v a_o king_n that_o reign_v both_o over_o fate_n and_o men._n happy_a be_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a be_v that_o superintend_v all_o our_o affair_n and_o so_o govern_v both_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o mankind_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v by_o either_o of_o they_o but_o what_o be_v design_v by_o and_o pursuant_n to_o his_o counsel_n upon_o this_o supposition_n we_o may_v live_v like_o man_n and_o enjoy_v ourselves_o with_o some_o comfort_n in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v propose_v end_n and_o design_n to_o ourselves_o and_o hope_v that_o with_o our_o diligence_n and_o good_a management_n they_o may_v take_v effect_n upon_o this_o supposition_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o our_o good_a success_n as_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o we_o and_o particular_o that_o which_o we_o be_v this_o day_n meet_v together_o to_o thank_v he_o for_o i_o mean_v the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o his_o majesty_n from_o all_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o be_v expose_v and_o his_o safe_a return_n to_o we_o upon_o this_o supposition_n we_o may_v hope_v that_o though_o all_o thing_n have_v not_o succeed_v according_a to_o our_o wish_n yet_o in_o due_a time_n they_o may_v since_o the_o king_n of_o the_o world_n have_v by_o the_o frequent_a and_o unexpected_a deliverance_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o and_o the_o strange_a unusual_a providence_n that_o have_v attend_v our_o king_n give_v we_o some_o encouragement_n to_o believe_v provide_v we_o do_v our_o part_n towards_o it_o that_o he_o have_v reserve_v we_o for_o better_a time_n and_o he_o for_o the_o execute_v those_o glorious_a design_n which_o good_a man_n hope_v will_n at_o last_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o world_n last_o upon_o this_o supposition_n every_o honest_a man_n will_v find_v reason_n enough_o both_o to_o bear_v content_o whatever_a uneasy_a circumstance_n he_o lie_v under_o and_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n mercy_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o possess_v his_o own_o soul_n in_o a_o cheerful_a dependence_n on_o god_n providence_n and_o a_o hearty_a thankfulness_n for_o all_o the_o innumerable_a blessing_n he_o have_v receive_v and_o do_v daily_o receive_v from_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o lord_n be_v king_n let_v the_o earth_n be_v glad_a yea_o let_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o isle_n be_v glad_a thereof_o now_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v real_o thus_o the_o king_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v all_o the_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o can_v be_v desire_v it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n himself_o both_o in_o his_o work_n and_o in_o his_o word_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o give_v you_o a_o specimen_fw-la in_o all_o these_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o but_o a_o specimen_fw-la because_o it_o will_v be_v rather_o the_o work_n of_o a_o book_n than_o of_o a_o sermon_n to_o dilate_v upon_o these_o matter_n first_o i_o say_v reason_n tell_v we_o it_o must_v be_v thus_o for_o admit_v that_o the_o world_n do_v not_o make_v itself_o but_o be_v make_v by_o god_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o same_o god_n that_o make_v it_o must_v still_o govern_v it_o for_o the_o same_o end_n and_o design_n and_o motive_n whatever_o they_o be_v that_o induce_v god_n to_o make_v the_o world_n at_o first_o will_v oblige_v he_o for_o ever_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o and_o look_v after_o it_o unless_o we_o suppose_v god_n to_o contrive_v a_o act_n as_o uncertain_o and_o unsteady_o and_o with_o the_o same_o inconstancy_n and_o levity_n of_o mind_n that_o some_o of_o we_o mortal_n here_o upon_o earth_n do_v second_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o otherwise_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o among_o all_o nation_n and_o in_o all_o age_n there_o have_v be_v some_o religion_n or_o other_o practise_v i_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o worship_v god_n of_o put_v up_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o he_o for_o the_o thing_n we_o need_v of_o return_v thanks_o for_o the_o benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v of_o appoint_v religious_a rite_n and_o method_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o gild_n or_o the_o avert_n of_o impendent_a calamity_n all_o which_o thing_n have_v be_v practise_v in_o all_o nation_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n i_o say_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o unless_o it_o be_v hereby_o mean_v to_o be_v signify_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o do_v concern_v himself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n and_o who_o do_v dispense_v good_a or_o evil_a to_o they_o as_o they_o well_o or_o ill_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o he_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n be_v to_o say_v that_o all_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n and_o that_o all_o mankind_n except_o a_o few_o debauch_a wit_n in_o the_o more_o polite_a country_n and_o a_o few_o brute_n in_o the_o very_a barbarous_a one_o who_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o have_v be_v and_o be_v a_o company_n of_o credulous_a fool_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a whatever_o argument_n either_o jew_n or_o turk_n or_o pagan_a or_o christian_a can_v suggest_v to_o himself_o for_o the_o convince_a he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o concernment_n or_o his_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n or_o to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n at_o all_o nay_o or_o to_o make_v any_o conscience_n of_o any_o action_n he_o do_v i_o say_v all_o these_o argument_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v but_o suppose_v that_o god_n both_o know_v and_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n three_o it_o may_v likewise_o be_v as_o strong_o prove_v from_o effect_n from_o the_o track_n and_o footstep_n of_o a_o divine_a overrule_a providence_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o event_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v what_o i_o call_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o work_n these_o be_v indeed_o so_o many_o and_o so_o
be_v thereby_o make_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n which_o without_o it_o perhaps_o may_v have_v be_v a_o cross_n and_o a_o affliction_n it_o be_v prayer_n by_o which_o every_o thing_n and_o every_o action_n be_v sanctify_v to_o believer_n i_o may_v name_v several_a other_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o be_v reap_v from_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o those_o that_o i_o have_v mention_v may_v i_o think_v if_o they_o be_v consider_v be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v it_o to_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v the_o least_o kindness_n for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o burden_n your_o memory_n with_o heap_v up_o more_o motive_n only_o one_o thing_n i_o desire_v leave_n to_o press_v a_o little_a more_o earnest_o and_o particular_o than_o i_o have_v yet_o do_v and_o that_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o constant_a prayer_n in_o order_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v any_o of_o you_o here_o present_a in_o good_a earnest_n mean_v to_o live_v as_o you_o shall_v do_v do_v you_o real_o intend_v or_o desire_v to_o endeavour_v after_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n as_o will_v be_v available_a for_o the_o save_v your_o soul_n everlasting_o if_o you_o do_v not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v the_o persuade_v you_o to_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o you_o do_v then_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o you_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n otherwise_o you_o will_v never_o do_v your_o business_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o dare_v assure_v you_o if_o you_o do_v thus_o practice_v you_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o attain_v the_o end_n you_o aim_v at_o these_o three_o thing_n i_o dare_v lay_v down_o for_o truth_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a that_o live_v without_o constant_a pray_v second_o whoever_o be_v good_a at_o the_o present_a yet_o if_o he_o disuse_n himself_o in_o this_o point_n he_o will_v not_o continue_v good_a long_o and_o last_o whoever_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o pray_v frequent_o and_o hearty_o and_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v though_o he_o can_v at_o present_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o long_o to_o continue_v bad_a he_o will_v certain_o at_o last_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o his_o lust_n and_o evil_a habit_n so_o that_o prayer_n be_v both_o the_o mean_n without_o which_o virtue_n can_v be_v attain_v and_o the_o mean_n that_o never_o fail_v of_o attain_v it_o and_o the_o security_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v attain_v of_o these_o three_o thing_n very_o brief_o and_o i_o have_v do_v first_o i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o virtuous_a man_n that_o live_v without_o pray_v i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o some_o who_o make_v no_o great_a conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o live_v in_o a_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o it_o may_v so_o far_o retain_v the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o those_o notion_n may_v to_o far_o influence_n their_o action_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v notorious_o and_o scandalous_o vicious_a it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v not_o lie_v nor_o cheat_v nor_o oppress_v any_o one_o it_o may_v be_v they_o do_v not_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n nor_o will_v be_v engage_v in_o any_o design_n or_o action_n that_o be_v apparent_o base_a or_o dishonourable_a but_o all_o this_o while_n these_o man_n be_v far_o from_o be_v virtuous_a in_o the_o sense_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o for_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o virtue_n as_o recommend_v we_o to_o god_n such_o a_o virtue_n as_o will_v be_v effectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o other_o world_n now_o to_o such_o a_o virtue_n as_o this_o there_o go_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o universal_a care_n over_o all_o our_o action_n a_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o frame_v all_o our_o conversation_n suitable_o and_o conformable_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o how_o can_v any_o man_n think_v he_o take_v care_n of_o this_o that_o know_o and_o willing_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a contradiction_n to_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o our_o saviour_n religion_n our_o whole_a duty_n be_v make_v up_o but_o of_o three_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n live_v sober_o with_o respect_n to_o himself_o righteous_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o pious_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n suppose_v now_o that_o a_o man_n take_v care_n of_o the_o two_o former_a that_o be_v of_o do_v his_o duty_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o neighbour_n which_o yet_o i_o believe_v never_o any_o man_n do_v that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o neglect_v his_o prayer_n but_o suppose_v a_o man_n can_v satisfy_v himself_o as_o to_o these_o two_o point_n of_o his_o duty_n yet_o if_o he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o three_o that_o be_v of_o piety_n towards_o god_n as_o no_o man_n can_v make_v conscience_n of_o that_o who_o make_v it_o no_o matter_n of_o conscience_n whether_o he_o say_v his_o prayer_n or_o no_o in_o what_o sense_n or_o notion_n can_v this_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n or_o to_o lead_v a_o virtuous_a life_n certain_o in_o no_o sense_n at_o all_o for_o as_o to_o one_o three_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o be_v indeed_o as_o considerable_a at_o least_o if_o not_o more_o than_o either_o of_o the_o other_o he_o be_v a_o notorious_a transgressor_n and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o unjust_a though_o he_o be_v not_o debauch_v yet_o want_v piety_n towards_o god_n he_o be_v impious_a and_o that_o will_v as_o certain_o damn_v he_o as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o either_o therefore_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o may_v be_v virtue_n such_o virtue_n as_o will_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n without_o piety_n or_o that_o there_o may_v be_v piety_n without_o ever_o pray_v or_o worship_v god_n neither_o of_o which_o i_o believe_v will_v be_v easy_o affirm_v or_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o pray_v there_o be_v no_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o no_o salvation_n but_o beside_o we_o all_o know_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n such_o a_o life_n as_o our_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o and_o which_o alone_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o we_o all_o know_v likewise_o that_o these_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v come_v by_o but_o by_o earnest_n and_o affectionate_a and_o constant_a prayer_n how_o therefore_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o very_o serious_a and_o frequent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n he_o may_v indeed_o by_o his_o own_o study_n and_o for_o his_o own_o interest_n possess_v himself_o of_o such_o good_a quality_n as_o may_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o world_n and_o recommend_v he_o to_o all_o about_o he_o but_o the_o inward_a principle_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n he_o can_v have_v because_o he_o do_v not_o practice_v the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o alone_o that_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o but_o second_o let_v a_o man_n at_o present_a be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n of_o soul_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o preserve_v himself_o in_o that_o state_n without_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n if_o a_o man_n once_o begin_v to_o neglect_v his_o prayer_n or_o to_o grow_v more_o dull_a and_o remiss_a in_o they_o or_o more_o averse_a to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o decline_a condition_n as_o to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o as_o that_o neglect_v or_o that_o dulness_n or_o that_o aversion_n increase_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n do_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o condition_n abate_v also_o and_o when_o once_o it_o be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n with_o he_o that_o the_o flame_n of_o devotion_n be_v quite_o extinguish_v in_o his_o heart_n so_o that_o he_o can_v live_v and_o enjoy_v himself_o without_o any_o converse_n or_o intercourse_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n he_o may_v from_o that_o period_n date_n the_o loss_n of_o his_o spiritual_a life_n he_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o sensual_a natural_a man_n alive_a to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o his_o lust_n but_o perfect_o dead_a to_o god_n the_o plain_a english_a be_v prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v as_o necessary_a a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o god_n in_o which_o
our_o spiritual_a life_n consist_v as_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o union_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o which_o our_o natural_a life_n consist_v and_o we_o may_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o keep_v our_o body_n alive_a without_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a use_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v as_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o keep_v our_o soul_n alive_a to_o god_n without_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n this_o may_v to_o some_o appear_v strange_a doctrine_n but_o i_o do_v believe_v i_o may_v appeal_v to_o experience_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nay_o i_o dare_v put_v the_o question_n to_o any_o one_o that_o ever_o take_v any_o serious_a care_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o to_o please_v god_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o find_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v so_o as_o i_o have_v represent_v have_v not_o such_o always_o find_v that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v up_o the_o fervour_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o devotion_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v constant_a and_o diligent_a in_o their_o prayer_n and_o other_o holy_a exercise_n so_o long_v nothing_o can_v hurt_v they_o so_o long_o they_o have_v always_o maintain_v their_o post_n and_o rather_o grow_v better_o than_o worse_o and_o though_o they_o have_v sometime_o be_v foul_o overtake_v by_o some_o sin_n that_o they_o resolve_v against_o yet_o that_o relapse_n have_v do_v they_o no_o mischief_n their_o continuance_n in_o their_o prayer_n have_v be_v a_o antidote_n against_o the_o malignity_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o they_o have_v present_o weather_v it_o out_o and_o suffer_v no_o ill_a consequence_n by_o it_o but_o it_o have_v rather_o make_v they_o more_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o and_o more_o careful_a of_o their_o action_n afterward_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v they_o not_o always_o find_v that_o when_o once_o they_o begin_v to_o abate_v of_o the_o fervour_n of_o their_o devotion_n when_o once_o they_o begin_v to_o pray_v seldomer_n or_o with_o more_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n they_o than_o begin_v to_o live_v more_o loose_o and_o careless_o to_o be_v more_o dull_a and_o sluggish_a towards_o every_o good_a work_n till_o perhaps_o by_o degree_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n wear_v off_o from_o their_o spirit_n and_o they_o in_o a_o manner_n have_v return_v to_o a_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a life_n nay_o have_v they_o not_o often_o find_v that_o when_o it_o have_v be_v their_o misfortune_n to_o break_v loose_a from_o their_o duty_n and_o sink_v for_o some_o time_n into_o a_o state_n of_o carelessness_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o own_o vow_n and_o resolution_n as_o it_o have_v sometime_o happen_v to_o very_o good_a man_n i_o say_v have_v they_o not_o often_o find_v that_o this_o their_o go_v backward_o in_o goodness_n be_v occasion_v pure_o and_o sole_o by_o the_o intermission_n of_o their_o devotion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a reason_n or_o account_v to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o their_o fall_n but_o only_o that_o through_o sluggishness_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n they_o have_v neglect_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n so_o earnest_o and_o so_o frequent_o as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v i_o be_o confident_a a_o great_a many_o can_v say_v this_o out_o of_o their_o own_o experience_n so_o that_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o have_v good_a hope_n towards_o god_n it_o concern_v he_o as_o he_o love_v his_o soul_n as_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o past_a labour_n and_o endeavour_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o all_o mean_n possible_a to_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o a_o devout_a frame_n and_o whatever_o come_v of_o it_o not_o to_o grow_v cold_a or_o languid_a in_o his_o prayer_n or_o to_o omit_v or_o disuse_n they_o either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o but_o three_o and_o last_o to_o conclude_v all_o there_o be_v this_o far_a to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n namely_o that_o whoever_o make_v conscience_n of_o say_v his_o prayer_n frequent_o and_o hearty_o and_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v though_o he_o be_v not_o good_a at_o the_o present_a yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o long_o to_o continue_v bad_a he_o will_v at_o last_o certain_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o all_o his_o lust_n and_o evil_a habit_n and_o attain_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n this_o necessary_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v a_o course_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n can_v consist_v together_o one_o will_v necessary_o destroy_v the_o other_o pray_v will_n either_o make_v a_o man_n leave_v sin_v as_o a_o pious_a man_n of_o our_o own_o use_v to_o say_v or_o sin_v will_v make_v a_o man_n leave_v pray_v but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o prayer_n that_o be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o heartiness_n and_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o conscience_n for_o as_o for_o those_o formal_a prayer_n that_o be_v make_v out_o of_o custom_n or_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o education_n or_o for_o the_o serve_v some_o worldly_a end_n of_o interest_n or_o reputation_n or_o the_o like_a god_n respect_v they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o impertinent_a tattle_n of_o fool_n all_o those_o of_o we_o therefore_o that_o mean_a and_o design_n to_o be_v good_a though_o we_o be_v not_o so_o already_o let_v we_o above_o all_o thing_n take_v care_n to_o mind_v our_o prayer_n let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o private_a let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o our_o family_n and_o let_v we_o join_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o can_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o best_a method_n we_o can_v take_v for_o the_o reform_v our_o life_n and_o for_o the_o gow_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o more_o we_o practise_v it_o the_o better_a we_o shall_v like_v it_o and_o if_o we_o persevere_v therein_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o both_o in_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v receive_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o vanquish_a all_o our_o lust_n and_o corruption_n and_o in_o the_o blessing_n we_o shall_v procure_v from_o god_n both_o to_o our_o self_n and_o our_o family_n and_o all_o our_o affair_n and_o concernment_n and_o last_o in_o the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la