Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n answer_v former_a great_a 71 3 2.0934 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A48131 A lady's religion In a letter to the Honourable my Lady Howard. By a divine of the Church of England. With a prefatory epistle to the same lady, by a lay-gentleman. Divine of the Church of England. 1697 (1697) Wing L159; ESTC R212982 13,260 95

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be_v the_o honest_a man_n among_o we_o he_o we_o also_o count_v the_o most_o religious_a be_v not_o these_o madam_n be_v not_o these_o most_o charm_a and_o heavenly_a expression_n here_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o religion_n true_o become_v the_o dignity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v as_o general_a as_o mankind_n not_o vary_v by_o their_o different_a language_n occupation_n or_o custom_n and_o as_o much_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o in_o general_n as_o it_o must_v be_v the_o delight_n of_o every_o honest_a man_n to_o observe_v it_o now_o if_o true_a learning_n be_v nothing_o else_o as_o i_o say_v but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n proper_o express_v and_o of_o this_o madam_n you_o show_v your_o sex_n to_o be_v very_o capable_a i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o all_o man_n indifferent_o shall_v not_o as_o lawful_o teach_v as_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o practice_v their_o religion_n why_o woman_n likewise_o may_v not_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o instruct_v other_o 〈◊〉_d the_o religious_a duty_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o practice_v themselves_o i_o want_v ●●●ll_o to_o be_v inform_v they_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o see_v and_o hear_v with_o we_o they_o have_v the_o same_o faculty_n of_o think_v and_o speak_v they_o learn_v to_o read_v and_o write_v with_o the_o same_o facility_n they_o equal_o understand_v the_o notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o disrepute_n and_o honour_n of_o wisdom_n and_o folly_n they_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v as_o we_o be_v for_o their_o own_o happiness_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o their_o friend_n and_o will_v be_v so_o for_o that_o of_o all_o mankind_n when_o they_o consider_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o contribute_v towards_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o the_o good_a whereof_o their_o own_o be_v involve_v some_o woman_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o illustrious_a monument_n of_o their_o invention_n knowledge_n and_o courage_n and_o what_o particular_a person_n 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the_o divine_a majesty_n within_o one_o small_a shrine_n shall_v we_o not_o rather_o dedicate_v a_o temple_n to_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o consecrate_v a_o altar_n for_o he_o in_o our_o heart_n shall_v i_o offer_v those_o thing_n in_o victim_n and_o sacrisices_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v create_v for_o my_o use_n scornful_o throw_v back_o his_o gift_n to_o himself_o again_o this_o be_v ingratitude_n when_o the_o most_o please_a sacrifice_n to_o he_o be_v a_o good_a disposition_n a_o pure_a mind_n and_o a_o sincere_a conscience_n whosoever_o therefore_o keep_v himself_o innocent_a he_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n he_o that_o love_v justice_n do_v offer_v he_o sacrifice_n whoever_o abstain_v from_o fraud_n procure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o deliver_v any_o out_o of_o distress_n make_v he_o a_o agreeable_a offering_n these_o be_v our_o sacrifice_n this_o be_v our_o divine_a service_n and_o he_o that_o
to_o do_v justice_n to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n sum_n up_o the_o whole_a law_n in_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o in_o another_o place_n include_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o this_o one_o rule_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o even_o so_o do_v you_o unto_o they_o hereby_o direct_v we_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o that_o reason_n which_o god_n establish_v as_o his_o oracle_n in_o our_o breast_n to_o which_o we_o may_v at_o all_o time_n resort_v and_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v be_v resolve_v in_o such_o case_n as_o concern_v our_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o for_o as_o by_o consult_v your_o own_o reason_n you_o know_v wherein_o you_o be_v just_o deal_v with_o and_o wherein_o you_o receive_v wrong_a when_o you_o be_v kind_o use_v and_o when_o otherwise_o so_o from_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o reason_n you_o can_v but_o know_v when_o you_o deal_v just_o or_o wrongful_o and_o when_o you_o do_v kind_a or_o ill_a office_n to_o another_o this_o one_o short_a comprehensive_a rule_n take_v for_o its_o foundation_n the_o equality_n of_o mankind_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o common_a nature_n render_v religion_n itself_o a_o matter_n sensible_a unto_o we_o for_o i_o can_v feel_v the_o wound_n of_o a_o sharp_a slanderous_a tongue_n as_o sensible_o as_o that_o of_o a_o sword_n i_o can_v feel_v the_o wrong_n do_v to_o myself_o and_o family_n and_o be_o as_o much_o sensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n i_o enjoy_v from_o the_o just_a and_o kind_a deal_n of_o those_o with_o who_o i_o be_o concern_v and_o hereby_o i_o be_o in_o the_o short_a and_o plain_a way_n admonish_v of_o my_o behaviour_n to_o other_o and_o if_o this_o one_o short_a rule_n be_v reduce_v to_o practice_n the_o state_n of_o paradise_n will_v be_v restore_v and_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n for_o hereby_o first_o all_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n which_o have_v occasion_v such_o violent_a disorder_n and_o vast_a effusion_n of_o blood_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n because_o every_o one_o who_o have_v any_o conscience_n will_v most_o willing_o preserve_v it_o free_a from_o the_o imposition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o compel_v man_n by_o fire_n and_o faggot_n to_o partake_v even_o of_o a_o delicious_a entertainment_n be_v a_o savage_a sort_n of_o hospitality_n second_o all_o faction_n in_o any_o state_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n if_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v content_v that_o every_o one_o of_o his_o fellow-member_n who_o be_v not_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o government_n might_n have_v equal_a pretence_n of_o merit_n enjoy_v equal_a privilege_n with_o himself_o three_o the_o occasion_n of_o war_n and_o law-suit_n will_v be_v take_v away_o since_o nothing_o but_o manifest_a wrong_n can_v be_v the_o just_a cause_n of_o either_o and_o four_o there_o will_v be_v no_o private_a quarrel_n and_o uneasiness_n among_o neighbour_n since_o by_o this_o rule_n of_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o all_o rash_a censure_n sharp_a reflection_n and_o ungrounded_a suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n which_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o private_a animosity_n be_v take_v away_o and_o hereby_o we_o may_v expect_v a_o plentiful_a store_n of_o god_n blessing_n among_o we_o who_o will_v measure_v out_o his_o kindness_n to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o measure_v out_o we_o to_o one_o another_o the_o reason_n why_o religion_n shall_v be_v both_o a_o short_a and_o plain_a institution_n will_v appear_v if_o you_o consider_v the_o common_a circumstance_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n for_o though_o your_o ladyship_n and_o many_o more_o have_v leisure_n enough_o to_o read_v and_o digest_v whole_a volume_n of_o useful_a knowledge_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v necessary_o employ_v in_o make_v daily_a provision_n for_o themselves_o and_o family_n and_o discharge_v the_o common_a office_n of_o life_n can_v attend_v to_o any_o religious_a institution_n which_o be_v either_o difficult_a or_o tedious_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o man_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o he_o to_o read_v all_o the_o controversy_n which_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o pretence_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o god_n never_o lay_v on_o we_o a_o great_a task_n than_o what_o he_o afford_v we_o both_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n to_o perform_v wherefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o since_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v lay_v in_o common_a upon_o all_o the_o poor_a day-labourer_n must_v have_v ability_n and_o opportunity_n sufficient_a to_o instruct_v himself_o therein_o without_o hinder_v the_o constant_a work_n of_o his_o call_v and_o in_o all_o this_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v by_o adapt_a our_o duty_n to_o our_o circumstance_n of_o life_n from_o hence_o you_o may_v save_v yourself_o the_o trouble_n of_o read_v the_o long_a and_o tedious_a dispute_n which_o with_o such_o intemperate_a zeal_n be_v always_o in_o agitation_n among_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n indeed_o the_o true_a christian_a institution_n be_v short_a it_o can_v admit_v of_o be_v spin_v out_o into_o long_a controversy_n and_o though_o i_o have_v read_v many_o book_n of_o controversial_a divinity_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o any_o one_o controversy_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n as_o whether_o i_o shall_v maintain_v in_o my_o heart_n a_o high_a reverence_n and_o veneration_n for_o almighty_a god_n whether_o i_o ought_v to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n whether_o or_o no_o i_o shall_v be_v thankful_a to_o he_o for_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o whether_o i_o shall_v submit_v to_o his_o will_n with_o patience_n and_o endeavour_v to_o govern_v my_o passion_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o due_a moderation_n and_o temper_n by_o make_v they_o subject_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n whether_o i_o shall_v be_v true_a to_o my_o promise_n just_a in_o my_o deal_n charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o sincere_a in_o my_o devotion_n whether_o i_o shall_v be_v temperate_a and_o sober_a modest_a and_o chaste_a and_o demean_v myself_o in_o a_o humble_a civil_a and_o agreeable_a manner_n towards_o those_o with_o who_o i_o converse_v whether_o i_o shall_v be_v hearty_o sorry_a when_o i_o come_v short_a of_o my_o duty_n and_o shall_v be_v watchful_a in_o the_o denial_n of_o my_o irregular_a appetite_n passion_n and_o evil_a inclination_n for_o the_o future_a in_o short_a it_o have_v not_o that_o i_o know_v of_o be_v dispute_v whether_o justice_n benignity_n meekness_n charity_n moderation_n patience_n and_o sobriety_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o our_o affection_n or_o whether_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n orthodoxy_n of_o faith_n be_v make_v the_o pretence_n of_o controversy_n but_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a be_v orthodoxy_n of_o practice_n i_o know_v your_o ladyship_n will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o a_o discourse_n upon_o the_o subject_n of_o religion_n unless_o devotion_n have_v its_o due_a place_n in_o it_o nor_o ought_v it_o indeed_o to_o be_v leave_v out_o because_o thankfulness_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o prayer_n be_v the_o preservative_n of_o the_o whole_a a_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o our_o thanks_o for_o all_o the_o benefit_n we_o enjoy_v preserve_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a and_o best_a of_o being_n and_o thereby_o nourish_v veneration_n and_o gratitude_n in_o like_a manner_n prayer_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o preservation_n of_o our_o person_n be_v a_o constant_a recognition_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n but_o prayer_n against_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o actual_a withdraw_n of_o our_o inclination_n from_o evil_a and_o prayer_n for_o any_o grace_n be_v a_o actual_a application_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o attain_v the_o particular_a virtue_n for_o which_o we_o pray_v now_o although_o i_o will_v not_o advise_v you_o against_o set_a hour_n and_o form_n of_o devotion_n either_o private_a or_o public_a yet_o i_o will_v rather_o recommend_v a_o sort_n of_o habitual_a and_o occasional_a devotion_n as_o very_o proper_a to_o preserve_v the_o strong_a impression_n of_o religion_n upon_o your_o mind_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o many_o who_o be_v very_o punctual_a in_o keep_v to_o their_o exact_a time_n and_o form_n of_o devotion_n have_v fall_v short_a of_o any_o visible_a improvement_n in_o virtue_n the_o same_o pride_n frowardness_n falsehood_n covetousness_n and_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n have_v appear_v in_o many_o who_o have_v be_v constant_a frequenter_n of_o the_o public_a
great_a folly_n and_o the_o latter_a to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v our_o great_a wisdom_n the_o threaten_n prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o promise_n and_o qualify_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o shake_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o ill_a object_n in_o order_n for_o the_o promise_v to_o fix_v they_o upon_o good_a one_o we_o must_v needs_o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a before_o we_o can_v learn_v to_o do_v well_o now_o although_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n will_v carry_v we_o on_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n in_o which_o he_o who_o be_v in_o perfection_n the_o best_a of_o all_o being_n will_v distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a by_o ample_a reward_n and_o just_a punishment_n yet_o because_o every_o one_o capacity_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v this_o wise_a reflection_n therefore_o jesus_n christ_n be_v please_v as_o the_o gospel_n phrase_n it_o to_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v i._n e._n to_o give_v the_o world_n full_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a state_n in_o which_o the_o just_a god_n will_v distinguish_v man_n hereafter_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o shall_v distinguish_v themselves_o here_o and_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o every_o one_o to_o preserve_v this_o belief_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o bear_v it_o always_o about_o he_o because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o awful_a monitor_n against_o our_o commit_a folly_n and_o yield_v the_o strong_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v your_o ladyship_n see_v first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o save_v a_o soul_n viz._n to_o deliver_v it_o from_o vicious_a habit_n and_o fearful_a punishment_n the_o fatal_a consequent_n of_o such_o habit_n and_o by_o establish_v virtue_n therein_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o second_o that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v design_v to_o this_o very_a end_n and_o its_o tendency_n hereunto_o be_v its_o wisdom_n and_o three_o from_o hence_o you_o also_o perceive_v in_o what_o respect_n faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o save_v we_o viz._n because_o this_o faith_n be_v our_o receive_v the_o christian_a moral_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o threat_n and_o promise_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o outward_a motive_n of_o our_o practice_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o from_o these_o three_o consideration_n sum_v up_o together_o you_o may_v examine_v all_o the_o various_a pretence_n which_o differ_v church_n and_o communion_n make_v to_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a faith_n so_o as_o to_o form_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o they_o for_o that_o communion_n which_o manifest_v itself_o to_o have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o assist_v its_o member_n in_o save_v their_o soul_n from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o moral_a and_o motive_n aforementioned_a be_v certain_o the_o pure_a church_n and_o that_o faith_n which_o have_v no_o other_o tendency_n be_v the_o pure_a faith_n so_o that_o if_o you_o form_n yourself_o upon_o this_o principle_n you_o may_v pass_v by_o all_o nice_a speculation_n or_o profound_a mystery_n which_o have_v no_o direct_a tendency_n to_o improve_v your_o moral_n without_o any_o hazard_n of_o salvation_n second_o as_o the_o christian_a institution_n be_v wise_o practical_a so_o it_o be_v plain_a or_o in_o other_o word_n we_o may_v say_v that_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n appear_v first_o by_o its_o be_v practical_a so_o it_o appear_v second_o by_o be_v plain_a the_o obscure_a answer_n which_o be_v give_v out_o from_o the_o old_a heathen_a oracle_n be_v now_o know_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o indirectness_n of_o a_o design_v priesthood_n who_o to_o maintain_v their_o pretence_n of_o foretell_v what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v send_v back_o all_o those_o who_o come_v to_o inquire_v after_o future_a event_n with_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a answer_n and_o it_o have_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o wise_a man_n that_o when_o any_o one_o affect_v to_o be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a in_o his_o conversation_n either_o he_o have_v some_o indirect_a design_n in_o so_o do_v or_o else_o whilst_o he_o make_v a_o ostentation_n of_o wisdom_n he_o do_v in_o reasity_n but_o discover_v his_o folly_n now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v be_v conceive_v to_o aim_v at_o any_o other_o design_n in_o communicate_v itself_o to_o we_o than_o the_o information_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o this_o in_o order_n to_o direct_v our_o choice_n and_o all_o instruction_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v plain_a since_o it_o be_v by_o thing_n easy_a and_o familiar_a such_o as_o at_o first_o sight_n we_o may_v apprehend_v whereby_o we_o can_v be_v lead_v on_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o matter_n more_o remote_a and_o difficult_a but_o obscure_a and_o unintelligible_a doctrine_n can_v have_v no_o effect_n upon_o we_o beside_o unprofitable_a amusement_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n lay_v out_o of_o our_o reach_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o concern_n far_o to_o what_o end_n do_v he_o give_v we_o intellectual_a faculty_n sure_o not_o to_o amuse_v but_o to_o improve_v we_o by_o enable_v we_o thorough_o to_o understand_v each_o part_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o that_o end_n viz._n our_o moral_a improvement_n as_o you_o will_v soon_o perceive_v if_o you_o reduce_v the_o christian_a institution_n to_o its_o general_a head_n which_o be_v these_o first_o a_o narration_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n second_o a_o declaration_n of_o moral_a law_n three_o a_o revelation_n of_o such_o motive_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o enforce_v this_o law_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o four_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o refresh_v our_o memory_n with_o our_o duty_n and_o earnest_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o our_o practice_n first_o your_o ladyship_n see_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n viz._n the_o travel_n and_o transaction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v so_o plain_o relate_v that_o you_o understand_v the_o relation_n as_o easy_o as_o you_o read_v it_o and_o second_o all_o law_n must_v be_v plain_a because_o they_o be_v direction_n now_o obscure_a direction_n be_v but_o delusion_n and_o law_n which_o be_v dubious_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v trap_n and_o snare_n and_o three_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a that_o motive_n shall_v be_v very_o intelligible_a because_o their_o design_n be_v to_o work_v strong_o upon_o our_o will_n by_o convince_a our_o understanding_n add_v to_o this_o four_o that_o mystical_a and_o unintelligible_a exhortation_n be_v ridiculous_a upon_o which_o account_n st._n paul_n forbid_v religious_a exercise_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n now_o as_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v matter_n of_o fact_n law_n and_o motive_n so_o the_o epistle_n contain_v exhortation_n to_o seriousness_n and_o piety_n arise_v from_o the_o law_n fact_n and_o motive_n beforementioned_a and_o 〈◊〉_d take_v these_o book_n to_o be_v sufficient_o comprehensive_a of_o the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v easy_o intelligible_a because_o they_o concern_v the_o poor_a weak_a and_o unlettered_a people_n as_o much_o as_o the_o learned_a nor_o can_v i_o see_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o he_o or_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v first_o of_o all_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o be_v by_o they_o convey_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o ignorant_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v manifest_a that_o our_o saviour_n direct_v both_o his_o discourse_n and_o action_n immediate_o to_o the_o common_a people_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o scribe_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n do_v his_o disciple_n address_v their_o preach_n and_o write_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o clearness_n of_o christ_n institution_n you_o may_v spare_v yourself_o the_o needless_a trouble_n of_o read_v abstruse_a and_o mysterious_a point_n of_o divinity_n nor_o need_v you_o suffer_v yourself_o to_o be_v amuse_v with_o the_o pretend_a deep_a speculation_n of_o profound_a man_n when_o you_o have_v the_o plain_a direction_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a god_n before_o you_o in_o follow_v whereof_o you_o shall_v meet_v with_o great_a reward_n three_o the_o christian_a institution_n be_v short_a true_a and_o genuine_a religion_n have_v always_o be_v sum_v up_o and_o gather_v together_o into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n by_o those_o who_o best_o understand_v it_o thus_o micah_n 6.8_o speak_v of_o god_n say_v he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o