expose_v we_o to_o contempt_n and_o loathe_n to_o harden_v man_n heart_n against_o a_o just_a reformation_n to_o make_v those_o who_o be_v reform_v grow_v sick_a and_o weary_a and_o ashamed_a of_o the_o distract_a unsetledness_n and_o ungovernableness_n of_o such_o people_n who_o like_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v unlike_a to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o this_o last_o unhappy_a age._n this_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o can_v lead_v man_n to_o destroy_v the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v by_o his_o blood_n which_o it_o be_v evident_a can_v be_v preserve_v much_o less_o promote_v but_o by_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o those_o who_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o adhere_v close_o to_o such_o a_o authentic_a constitution_n as_o that_o of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o the_o apostle_n declare_v nothing_o to_o the_o people_n but_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o always_o have_v such_o governor_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n and_o degree_n to_o other_o minister_n as_o we_o have_v such_o prayer_n such_o hymn_n in_o a_o word_n such_o a_o face_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v here_o see_v in_o this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n and_o may_v be_v see_v bless_a be_v god_n in_o other_o reform_a church_n particular_o in_o those_o call_v lutheran_n who_o as_o chemnitius_n tell_v we_o have_v have_v solemn_a prayer_n every_o day_n and_o much_o after_o the_o same_o order_n that_o be_v observe_v in_o we_o his_o word_n be_v these_o populus_fw-la singulis_fw-la diebus_fw-la bis_fw-la certa_fw-la hora_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o people_n assemble_v every_o day_n twice_o at_o a_o certain_a hour_n ult_n exam._n council_n trident._n pars_fw-la four_o cap._n ult_n morning_n and_o evening_n and_o after_o the_o sing_n of_o some_o psalm_n lesson_n be_v read_v in_o order_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o new_a and_o the_o assembly_n conclude_v always_o with_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o hymn_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o beside_o the_o people_n come_v together_o every_o week_n on_o some_o certain_a day_n in_o great_a multitude_n to_o make_v public_a and_o solemn_a supplication_n which_o be_v call_v litany_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v to_o relate_v how_o they_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o upon_o special_a festival_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v on_o the_o nativity_n circumcision_n etc._n etc._n in_o short_a on_o all_o the_o day_n now_o observe_v by_o our_o church_n o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o we_o as_o instead_o of_o wrangle_a and_o dispute_v serious_o to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n we_o can_v of_o such_o bless_a opportunity_n as_o god_n still_o afford_v unto_o we_o of_o meet_v together_o every_o day_n for_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n especial_o upon_o litany_n day_n when_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o full_a congregation_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a devotion_n one_o of_o those_o day_n at_o least_o i_o shall_v think_v every_o devout_a christian_a may_v easy_o see_v there_o be_v great_a cause_n to_o set_v apart_o every_o week_n for_o fast_v and_o humiliation_n together_o with_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o he_o will_v turn_v away_o his_o anger_n from_o we_o man_n be_v natural_o too_o backward_o i_o know_v to_o such_o holy_a employment_n and_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o high_o value_v without_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o join_v frequent_o in_o the_o holy_a office_n thereof_o let_v that_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n be_v add_v to_o all_o the_o motive_n i_o have_v use_v in_o this_o book_n to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o the_o constant_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a shame_n to_o we_o if_o when_o they_o who_o religion_n be_v a_o false_a worship_n have_v their_o constant_a daily_o service_n and_o attend_v upon_o it_o we_o who_o have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v less_o regard_n unto_o it_o by_o which_o mean_v their_o religion_n how_o corrupt_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o we_o though_o never_o so_o pure_a must_v needs_o fall_v to_o decay_v for_o they_o that_o love_v the_o religion_n they_o profess_v though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o sincere_a and_o perfect_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v yet_o never_o fail_v to_o reap_v all_o the_o benefit_n which_o it_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o they_o keep_v their_o religion_n by_o their_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o it_o and_o diligence_n in_o it_o whereas_o the_o best_a and_o sound_a religion_n profess_v by_o those_o who_o bear_v not_o the_o like_a affection_n to_o it_o yield_v those_o who_o thus_o retain_v it_o little_a or_o no_o benefit_n as_o mr._n hooker_n have_v observe_v and_o by_o degree_n be_v lose_v for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a regard_n and_o earnest_a affection_n to_o it_o we_o see_v this_o verify_v in_o pagan_n turk_n and_o heretic_n who_o zealous_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o so_o continue_v their_o sect._n how_o come_v their_o religion_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o have_v frequent_a assembly_n and_o we_o to_o make_v we_o neglect_v they_o but_o that_o they_o keep_v up_o their_o love_n to_o their_o religion_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o we_o have_v lose_v our_o first_o love_n and_o so_o endanger_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o have_v we_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o it_o to_o attend_v upon_o its_o public_a office_n that_o be_v the_o very_a first_o thing_n to_o which_o religion_n incline_v we_o and_o there_o to_o attend_v with_o all_o seriousness_n both_o to_o the_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v then_o read_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o our_o religion_n have_v go_v to_o decay_v because_o we_o have_v not_o mind_v public_a assembly_n daily_o but_o where_o they_o be_v keep_v up_o they_o be_v empty_a and_o thin_a or_o when_o they_o be_v full_a there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o natural_a sign_n of_o devotion_n in_o too_o many_o people_n which_o be_v among_o all_o nation_n bend_v knee_n hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n nay_o they_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o read_v but_o pass_v it_o by_o as_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v fancy_v i_o suppose_v it_o be_v never_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o when_o it_o be_v preach_v that_o be_v speak_v without_o book_n these_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o all_o nor_o i_o hope_v of_o most_o among_o we_o but_o i_o have_v observe_v some_o of_o they_o especial_o the_o last_o of_o whisper_a together_o all_o the_o time_n the_o scripture_n be_v read_v as_o if_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o empty_a sound_n in_o so_o many_o person_n from_o who_o understanding_n one_o will_v expect_v better_a thing_n that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o unbecoming_a behaviour_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n where_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o awaken_v all_o his_o minister_n to_o perform_v their_o duty_n with_o careful_a diligence_n and_o all_o his_o people_n to_o accompany_v they_o reverent_o in_o continual_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o great_a name_n the_o credit_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n the_o honour_n of_o this_o church_n the_o increase_n of_o all_o true_a godliness_n and_o virtue_n among_o we_o and_o the_o furtherance_n thereby_o of_o our_o joyful_a account_n and_o happy_a meeting_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n the_o end_n errata_fw-la page_n 30._o l._n 24._o d._n he_o p._n 33._o l._n 20._o for_o create_v r._n erect_v p._n 53._o l._n ult_n for_o enable_v r._n ennoble_v p._n 59_o l._n 7._o r._n two_o this._n p._n 65._o l._n 11._o for_o it_o r._n he_o p._n 106._o l._n 17._o d._n also_o p._n 121._o l._n 3._o after_o yet_o add_v p._n 123._o l._n 9_o after_o 19_o add_v p._n 168._o l._n 1._o for_o time_n r._n time_n p._n 170._o l._n 22._o for_o rule_n r._n rule_n p._n 184._o l._n 25._o r._n be_v as_o well_o perform_v any_o where_o as_o in_o the_o church_n p._n 185._o l._n 3._o r._n enlarge_v the_o content_n the_o introduction_n part_n i._n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n page_n 10_o chap._n iii_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n about_o this_o matter_n especial_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n page_n 22_o chap._n iu_o other_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o prayer_n page_n 32_o chap._n v._o some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o forego_n consideration_n page_n 39_o chap._n vi_o the_o honour_n god_n do_v we_o in_o admit_v we_o into_o his_o presence_n page_n 49_o chap._n vii_o the_o pleasure_n which_o spring_v from_o the_o serious_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n page_n 61_o chap._n viii_o the_o great_a benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o serious_a prayer_n to_o god_n 74_o chap._n ix_o the_o three_o forego_v chapter_n improve_v page_n 85_o part_n ii_o chap._n x._o public_a prayer_n the_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o other_o page_n 95_o chap._n xi_o god_n be_v most_o honour_a by_o public_a prayer_n page_n 99_o chap._n xii_o public_a prayer_n most_o advantageous_a unto_o we_o page_n 115_o chap._n xiii_o public_a prayer_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n page_n 135_o chap._n fourteen_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n require_v there_o shall_v be_v public_a prayer_n page_n 162_o chap._n xv._o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n teach_v we_o this_o doctrine_n page_n 168_o chap._n xvi_o which_o be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o christian_n page_n 177_o chap._n xvii_o other_o consideration_n to_o strengthen_v this_o argument_n page_n 192_o chap._n xviii_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o four_o fore_v chapter_n with_o some_o inference_n from_o thence_o page_n 206_o chap._n xix_o of_o daily_o public_a assembly_n and_o of_o hour_n and_o gesture_n of_o prayer_n page_n 222_o chap._n xx._n some_o objection_n remove_v page_n 244_o the_o end_n
of_o the_o earth_n and_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o ver_fw-la 34_o 35._o and_o then_o conclude_v his_o declaration_n in_o this_o manner_n now_o i_o nabuchadnezzar_n praise_n and_o extol_v and_o honour_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n all_o who_o work_n be_v truth_n and_o his_o way_n judgement_n and_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o pride_n he_o be_v able_a to_o abase_v a_o voice_n worthy_a of_o a_o king_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v publish_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o make_v the_o declaration_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v to_o be_v send_v to_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n that_o dwell_v on_o all_o the_o earth_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o be_v throughout_o all_o his_o wide_a empire_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o his_o authority_n reach_v and_o his_o word_n will_v be_v reverence_v that_o they_o may_v magnify_v this_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o with_o he_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o public_a piece_n of_o devotition_n that_o we_o ever_o read_v be_v perform_v by_o any_o man_n arise_v out_o of_o this_o sense_n with_o which_o he_o be_v possess_v in_o those_o ancient_a time_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v bless_a and_o extol_v public_o among_o and_o by_o all_o people_n to_o who_o he_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o show_v the_o sign_n and_o the_o wonder_n which_o the_o most_o high_a god_n have_v wrought_v towards_o he_o and_o how_o great_a say_v he_o be_v his_o sign_n and_o how_o mighty_a be_v his_o wonder_n ver_fw-la 3._o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o tell_v but_o make_v the_o best_a and_o the_o most_o ample_a declaration_n of_o they_o that_o he_o can_v in_o this_o imperial_a decree_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v proclaim_v every_o where_n by_o all_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v in_o what_o gross_a error_n two_o sort_n of_o people_n live_v first_o they_o who_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v as_o well_o at_o home_n as_o at_o the_o church_n such_o man_n neither_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n nor_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o teach_v they_o quite_o otherwise_o and_o instruct_v they_o also_o to_o frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n where_o they_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v second_o for_o that_o be_v another_o palpable_a error_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o come_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o testify_v that_o we_o do_v not_o forget_v god_n though_o all_o the_o week_n beside_o we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o but_o constant_o neglect_v his_o public_a service_n when_o we_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o and_o have_v leisure_n to_o attend_v it_o we_o forget_v the_o many_o public_a common_a blessing_n we_o daily_o need_v and_o daily_o receive_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o public_o every_o day_n implore_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o our_o common_a prayer_n let_v the_o forego_n consideration_n be_v due_o ponder_v and_o they_o will_v persuade_v you_o both_o out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n honour_n and_o out_o of_o love_n to_o your_o own_o good_a to_o join_v as_o often_o as_o you_o can_v your_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v our_o assembly_n as_o full_a as_o you_o can_v both_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n whereby_o you_o will_v declare_v your_o constant_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v how_o he_o daily_a 〈◊〉_d you_o with_o his_o benefit_n and_o draw_v 〈◊〉_d public_a blessing_n in_o abundance_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n where_o you_o live_v and_o do_v credit_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o alas_o now_o look_v in_o many_o place_n as_o if_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o not_o only_o do_v credit_n to_o it_o but_o both_o help_n to_o support_v it_o and_o also_o promote_v and_o propagate_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o the_o almighty_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unto_o who_o be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n require_v there_o shall_v be_v public_a prayer_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o argument_n whereby_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v most_o of_o all_o move_v to_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n which_o both_o require_v public_a assembly_n and_o make_v the_o service_n perform_v in_o they_o far_o more_o acceptable_a than_o private_a prayer_n can_v be_v and_o here_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v in_o general_a that_o the_o very_a word_n we_o translate_v church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n signify_v in_o the_o greek_a language_n a_o assembly_n a_o company_n of_o person_n meet_v together_o and_o that_o public_o upon_o the_o public_a business_n or_o occasion_n the_o first_o time_n but_o one_o we_o meet_v with_o this_o word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v in_o opposition_n to_o a_o single_a person_n alone_o by_o himself_o or_o to_o one_o or_o two_o more_o beside_o he_o matth._n xviii_o 15_o 16_o 17._o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n which_o sit_v to_o judge_v cause_n and_o unto_o which_o be_v the_o last_o resort_n so_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o signify_v any_o sort_n of_o assembly_n or_o concourse_n of_o people_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n for_o in_o the_o nineteeen_o of_o the_o act_n when_o all_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n and_o run_v together_o into_o the_o theatre_n cry_v up_o diana_n this_o general_a concourse_n be_v thrice_o call_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o assembly_n ver_fw-la 32._o some_o cry_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o for_o the_o assembly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v confuse_v etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 39_o if_o you_o inquire_v of_o other_o matter_n it_o shall_v be_v determine_v in_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n and_o ver_fw-la 41._o have_v thus_o speak_v he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n now_o this_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n church_n the_o christian_a church_n which_o christ_n have_v call_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o he_o to_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o to_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o assembly_n or_o company_n of_o man_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o but_o our_o saviour_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n the_o assembly_n which_o he_o appoint_v be_v not_o to_o meet_v for_o civil_a end_n and_o purpose_n but_o for_o religious_a and_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o devout_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o give_v he_o the_o honour_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n for_o which_o the_o church_n i.e._n christian_n assembly_n be_v found_v it_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o this_o worship_n be_v not_o so_o well_o perform_v alone_o by_o ourselves_o as_o in_o these_o assembly_n for_o here_o we_o act_v most_o like_a christian_n that_o be_v like_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n with_o which_o whosoever_o do_v not_o join_v he_o be_v no_o long_o a_o christian_n because_o he_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o company_n join_v together_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o holy_a duty_n of_o which_o prayer_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n be_v the_o chief_a for_o though_o there_o they_o receive_v christian_a instruction_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a business_n for_o which_o they_o assemble_v as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n word_n to_o timothy_n beforementioned_a 1_o tim._n two_o 1._o if_o we_o can_v make_v christian_a people_n sensible_a of_o this_o they_o will_v immediate_o yield_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o other_o he_o most_o design_n to_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o be_v most_o affect_v towards_o it_o and_o constant_o frequent_v it_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o remain_v insensible_a of_o it_o if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v due_o that_o it_o be_v imply_v in_o their_o be_v
several_a precious_a gum_n make_v no_o other_o perfume_n than_o the_o spice_n will_v have_v do_v have_v they_o be_v burn_v one_o by_o one_o chap._n xvii_o other_o consideration_n to_o strengthen_v this_o argument_n vii_o god_n have_v also_o appoint_v a_o public_a order_n of_o man_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v christian_a assembly_n and_o to_o minister_v therein_o both_o by_o give_v christian_a instruction_n and_o by_o offer_v up_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o god_n and_o bless_v the_o people_n in_o his_o name_n this_o be_v another_o convince_a argument_n both_o that_o christ_n design_v public_a assembly_n because_o he_o have_v appoint_v public_a minister_n to_o officiate_v there_o and_o that_o the_o prayer_n make_v there_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o private_a devotion_n because_o there_o we_o partake_v of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n minister_n the_o benefit_n whereof_o we_o lose_v if_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o what_o we_o do_v at_o home_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o apparent_a in_o the_o holy_a write_n than_o that_o our_o lord_n will_v have_v such_o a_o order_n of_o man_n set_v apart_o for_o his_o divine_a service_n in_o the_o church_n who_o ordination_n by_o his_o special_a appointment_n and_o designation_n be_v a_o assurance_n that_o their_o ministry_n therein_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o well_o when_o they_o offer_v the_o people_n prayer_n to_o he_o and_o bless_v they_o in_o his_o name_n as_o when_o they_o deliver_v his_o word_n to_o the_o people_n and_o teach_v they_o both_o how_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o perform_v all_o other_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n both_o of_o these_o be_v necessary_a and_o their_o office_n be_v design_v for_o both_o but_o especial_o for_o the_o first_o to_o minister_v the_o divine_a service_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v the_o eucharist_n wherein_o they_o dispense_v the_o most_o precious_a token_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o his_o body_n the_o church_n by_o prayer_n and_o by_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o death_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v public_o celebrate_v because_o it_o be_v a_o annunciation_n oâ—_n the_o lord_n death_n wherein_o we_o publish_v and_o show_v it_o forth_o till_o he_o come_v anâ—_n never_o be_v administer_v nor_o can_v be_v bâ—_n any_o other_o person_n but_o those_o who_o oâ—_n lord_n have_v entrust_v to_o be_v steward_n 〈◊〉_d his_o mystery_n for_o who_o prayer_n and_o public_a service_n in_o the_o church_n if_o man_n have_v not_o great_a esteem_n it_o be_v because_o they_o hauâ—_n no_o religion_n or_o no_o true_a knowledge_n thereof_o for_o if_o they_o believe_v thaâ—_n god_n have_v any_o minister_n as_o he_o have_v iâ—_n there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n who_o be_v peculiar_o sanctify_v that_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o his_o service_n they_o will_v believe_v that_o god_n convey_v some_o blessing_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o look_v upoâ—_n their_o ordination_n as_o a_o seal_n that_o he_o whâ—_n have_v thereby_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v instrument_n of_o his_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n will_v by_o these_o instrument_n effect_v the_o thing_n whereunto_o he_o have_v ordain_v they_o and_o particular_o give_v man_n his_o blessing_n by_o their_o mean_n and_o accept_v those_o prayer_n which_o these_o servant_n of_o his_o offer_n up_o unto_o he_o for_o they_o and_o in_o their_o name_n for_o that_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o their_o work_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o st._n james_n v._n 14._o where_o he_o direct_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v when_o any_o man_n be_v sick_a to_o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o which_o no_o less_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a when_o man_n be_v well_o than_o when_o they_o be_v sick_a be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o daily_a ministration_n for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n who_o weak_a prayer_n as_o i_o note_v before_o out_o of_o st._n chrysostome_n be_v help_v by_o the_o strong_a prayer_n of_o god_n minister_n go_v up_o to_o heaven_n together_o with_o they_o all_o christian_n indeed_o be_v call_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o royal_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o pet._n two_o 5_o 9_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o these_o very_a word_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o single_o but_o in_o a_o body_n when_o they_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o together_o with_o he_o that_o minister_n the_o divine_a service_n in_o the_o church_n the_o spiritual_a house_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v in_o which_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n and_o since_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v only_o in_o public_a in_o the_o place_n god_n appoint_v for_o they_o we_o may_v thence_o i_o think_v conclude_v that_o our_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v then_o only_a sacrifice_n when_o make_v in_o our_o assembly_n and_o that_o then_o we_o act_v as_o priest_n unto_o god_n and_o not_o at_o other_o time_n the_o principal_a sacrifice_n of_o christian_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o public_a service_n and_o be_v to_o be_v so_o esteem_v even_o when_o it_o be_v administer_v to_o the_o sick_a in_o private_a who_o receive_v it_o as_o part_v of_o that_o body_n which_o be_v suppose_v continual_o to_o offer_v this_o sacrifice_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a communion_n wherein_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n with_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n a_o commemoration_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o for_o this_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o meet_v as_o frequent_o as_o we_o can_v that_o we_o may_v conjunct_o and_o open_o acknowledge_v this_o benefit_n because_o though_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o immediate_a intention_n of_o this_o action_n it_o have_v respect_n also_o to_o that_o communion_n which_o we_o have_v one_o with_o another_o as_o mutual_a member_n and_o with_o christ_n our_o head_n as_o his_o body_n so_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v it_o be_v not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n 1_o cor._n x._o 16_o 17._o and_o therefore_o since_o we_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n unless_o we_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o and_o we_o be_v not_o knit_v together_o in_o one_o but_o by_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o can_v have_v that_o communion_n but_o by_o assemble_v together_o to_o eat_v of_o one_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o one_o cup_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o there_o be_v the_o great_a necessity_n of_o public_a assembly_n where_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a business_n for_o which_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o body_n as_o oft_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o at_o all_o other_o time_n beseech_v god_n to_o accept_v their_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o perfect_a sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v and_o which_o we_o commemorate_v here_o also_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n censure_n be_v inflict_v upon_o public_a offender_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o apostle_n 1_o corinth_n v._o 4._o as_o well_o as_o from_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n thirty-nine_o cap._n thirty-nine_o and_o many_o such_o like_a thing_n i_o may_v add_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n if_o i_o have_v room_n for_o they_o and_o have_v not_o other_o material_a consideration_n to_o press_v which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v viii_o among_o which_o this_o be_v not_o inconsiderable_a that_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o church_n by_o they_o minister_v be_v so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n that_o the_o angel_n god_n heavenly_a minister_n attend_v in_o such_o holy_a assembly_n and_o make_v a_o part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n st._n paul_n give_v 1_o corinth_n xi_o 10._o why_o a_o woman_n shall_v cover_v her_o head_n in_o time_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v be_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o reverend_a posture_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n who_o presence_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o token_n of_o christ_n bless_a presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o promise_n beforementioned_a matth._n xviii_o 20._o for_o where_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v there_o god_n be_v present_a as_o the_o hebrew_n observe_v and_o not_o without_o good_a ground_n for_o what_o they_o say_v for_o when_o jacob_n see_v angel_n
of_o it_o be_v a_o assembly_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n call_v to_o meet_v together_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v such_o a_o assembly_n call_v to_o join_v together_o in_o worship_v god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n who_o himself_o have_v suppose_v this_o in_o the_o prayer_n he_o give_v his_o disciple_n and_o have_v promise_v his_o special_a presence_n in_o such_o assembly_n which_o the_o apostle_n constant_o hold_v and_o there_o receive_v the_o first_o and_o best_a fruit_n of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o draw_v all_o convert_v every_o where_o into_o the_o same_o bless_a conjunction_n for_o which_o holy_a place_n be_v appoint_v where_o they_o constant_o assemble_v and_o where_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v common_a or_o else_o look_v upon_o as_o of_o little_a value_n where_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o minister_n to_o attend_v and_o there_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n and_o bless_v they_o in_o his_o name_n where_o the_o angel_n also_o be_v present_a and_o delight_n to_o see_v we_o assemble_v that_o we_o may_v maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o company_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n who_o all_o join_v together_o in_o give_v blessing_n and_o praise_v and_o honour_n unto_o he_o who_o we_o worship_n who_o be_v far_o exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_v either_o of_o we_o on_o earth_n or_o of_o they_o in_o heaven_n consider_v i_o say_v all_o this_o and_o then_o think_v what_o a_o error_n they_o live_v in_o who_o make_v little_a or_o no_o account_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o imagine_v they_o can_v pray_v and_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o by_o themselves_o alone_o this_o be_v a_o most_o unchristian_a thought_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o therefore_o ought_v with_o all_o diligence_n to_o be_v explode_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o 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can._n 10._o and_o this_o sentence_n of_o those_o council_n be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n who_o maxim_n this_o be_v as_o mr._n thorndike_n 173._o thorndike_n relig._n assembl_n p._n 173._o observe_v he_o that_o dwell_v in_o a_o city_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n and_o pray_v not_o there_o with_o the_o congregation_n this_o be_v he_o who_o be_v call_v a_o bad_a neighbour_n and_o well_o may_v he_o be_v call_v bad_a who_o will_v have_v no_o society_n in_o the_o best_a thing_n who_o cut_v himself_o off_o by_o his_o own_o act_n from_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v not_o afford_v his_o neighbour_n the_o help_n of_o his_o prayer_n who_o live_v as_o if_o the_o world_n can_v be_v govern_v without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a governor_n who_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o holy_a place_n and_o slight_v god_n minister_n who_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o god_n special_a presence_n and_o protection_n and_o defy_v all_o the_o bless_a company_n of_o heaven_n among_o who_o he_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o find_v any_o entertainment_n nor_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o celestial_a habitation_n have_v shut_v himself_o here_o out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o place_n where_o god_n honour_n dwell_v will_v to_o god_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v serious_o and_o deep_o consider_v by_o we_o all_o that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v awake_v to_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a assembly_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v take_v the_o great_a care_n to_o establish_v and_o unto_o which_o he_o have_v also_o grant_v very_o high_a privilege_n lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n through_o man_n idleness_n or_o covetousness_n or_o conceitedness_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n whatsoever_o certain_a it_o be_v if_o we_o have_v a_o hearty_a love_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o understand_v it_o we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v so_o in_o love_n with_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o it_o as_o every_o day_n if_o it_o lay_v in_o our_o power_n to_o go_v into_o god_n house_n and_o there_o recommend_v ourselves_o and_o his_o whole_a church_n to_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o there_o be_v no_o way_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o uphold_v and_o support_v the_o church_n like_v to_o this_o we_o be_v a_o church_n by_o meet_v together_o to_o have_v communion_n in_o the_o same_o prayer_n which_o the_o often_o we_o have_v the_o more_o we_o look_v like_o a_o church_n and_o act_n like_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v combine_v and_o knit_v together_o for_o mutual_a preservation_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o seldomer_n we_o meet_v the_o less_o there_o be_v of_o the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n among_o we_o which_o can_v be_v preserve_v from_o ruin_n when_o the_o public_a assembly_n be_v general_o neglect_v because_o the_o church_n fall_v to_o decay_v by_o that_o very_a neglect_n let_v we_o therefore_o set_v ourselves_o to_o maintain_v the_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n by_o maintain_v public_a assembly_n and_o suffer_v no_o day_n to_o pass_v without_o a_o solemn_a meeting_n in_o as_o full_a a_o body_n as_o we_o can_v make_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o religion_n this_o will_v be_v both_o a_o ornament_n and_o a_o strength_n and_o establishment_n to_o our_o religion_n the_o truth_n which_o we_o profess_v will_v hereby_o be_v both_o honour_a and_o confirm_v and_o appear_v with_o great_a authority_n as_o well_o as_o beauty_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n when_o they_o behold_v the_o multitude_n the_o unanimity_n and_o the_o order_n and_o constancy_n of_o those_o that_o assert_v it_o the_o better_a and_o gentle_a sort_n of_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o win_v to_o join_v with_o we_o and_o they_o who_o heart_n be_v alienate_v from_o we_o will_v be_v the_o less_o incline_v to_o set_v themselves_o against_o we_o and_o for_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n of_o all_o christian_n may_v promise_v it_o to_o themselves_o for_o their_o protection_n against_o all_o their_o adversary_n when_o they_o constant_o and_o earnest_o seek_v it_o with_o their_o joint_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n which_o will_v be_v powerful_a also_o for_o the_o settle_v such_o as_o be_v waver_v in_o their_o religion_n who_o the_o constant_a authority_n likewise_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o faithful_a people_n can_v but_o be_v of_o much_o moment_n to_o contain_v in_o their_o duty_n for_o man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o forsake_v a_o multitude_n when_o they_o easy_o desert_n small_a number_n the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v so_o possess_v with_o this_o sense_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o prayer_n as_o the_o impregnable_a bulwark_n of_o the_o church_n a_o unshaken_a garrison_n terrible_a to_o the_o devil_n and_o salutary_a to_o god_n pious_a worshippper_n d._n worshippper_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n chrysost_o tom._n 1._o p._n 757._o edit_fw-la fr._n d._n in_o so_o much_o that_o st._n basil_n speak_v of_o god_n gather_v the_o water_n together_o which_o he_o call_v sea_n and_o see_v it_o be_v good_a gen._n i._n 16._o fall_n into_o a_o pious_a meditation_n how_o much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o such_o a_o collection_n or_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v fin_fw-fr be_v in_o hexameron_n hom._n four_o sub_fw-la fin_fw-fr in_o which_o the_o mix_a sound_n of_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n make_v a_o noise_n like_o the_o wave_n dash_v against_o the_o shore_n be_v send_v up_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n a_o profound_a calm_a and_o tranquillity_n shall_v preserve_v such_o
a_o church_n unmoveable_a the_o spirit_n of_o wickedness_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o trouble_v it_o with_o heretical_a doctrine_n by_o which_o passage_n we_o learn_v both_o how_o full_a their_o assembly_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v and_o that_o the_o prayer_n be_v understand_v by_o all_o the_o people_n who_o with_o one_o voice_n say_v the_o same_o that_o the_o priest_n do_v as_o we_o now_o do_v in_o our_o general_a confession_n and_o that_o they_o hope_v for_o great_a security_n from_o their_o common_a supplication_n to_o god_n for_o his_o watchful_a providence_n over_o they_o and_o thus_o our_o own_o church_n in_o the_o second_o collect_v for_o morning_n prayer_n by_o teach_v we_o to_o look_v upon_o our_o eternal_a life_n as_o stand_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o to_o esteem_v his_o service_n to_o be_v perfect_a freedom_n enforce_v our_o resort_n unto_o he_o continual_o for_o our_o defence_n in_o that_o service_n and_o knowledge_n in_o all_o assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o it_o instruct_v we_o to_o hope_n will_v be_v this_o that_o we_o sure_o trust_v in_o his_o defence_n may_v not_o fear_v the_o power_n of_o any_o adversary_n through_o the_o might_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n this_o st._n chrysostome_n admirable_o represent_v 1._o hom._n in_o s._n lucianum_n tom._n 1._o as_o his_o manner_n be_v in_o a_o sermon_n upon_o a_o ancient_a martyr_n as_o a_o man_n that_o always_o stand_v upon_o a_o rock_n laugh_v the_o wave_n to_o scorn_v so_o he_o that_o enjoy_v the_o daily_a prayer_n and_o be_v moisten_v with_o the_o divine_a word_n have_v seat_v himself_o as_o upon_o the_o rock_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o nothing_o here_o be_v raise_v alost_a out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o goâ—â—_n admonition_n he_o daily_o receive_v but_o frâ—â—â—_n the_o prayer_n and_o from_o the_o paternal_a beâ—diction_n and_o from_o the_o common_a conventiâ—â—â—_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o from_o abundance_n of_o other_o thing_n reap_v much_o benefit_n and_o spiritual_a consolation_n he_o go_v home_o lade_v with_o a_o thousand_o bâ—â—sings_n insomuch_o that_o a_o bride_n in_o 〈◊〉_d opinion_n be_v not_o so_o beautiful_a and_o amiaâ—â—â—_n when_o she_o sit_v in_o her_o bridal_a chamber_n 〈◊〉_d a_o soul_n be_v wonderful_a and_o glorious_a whâ—â—_n it_o appear_v in_o the_o church_n breathe_v forth_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o he_o comparâ—â—_n to_o fragrant_a ointment_n for_o he_o that_o iâ—_n conversant_a there_o with_o faith_n and_o diligence_n carry_v away_o innumerable_a â—_z and_o though_o never_o so_o many_o dreadful_a thing_n befall_v he_o he_o will_v bear_v they_o aleasy_o be_v sufficient_o furnish_v out_o oâ—_n the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o patience_n and_o philosophy_n he_o mean_v the_o wise_a thought_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n put_v into_o we_o for_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n bend_v their_o force_n not_o so_o much_o against_o particular_a person_n as_o against_o their_o assembly_n which_o they_o endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o destroy_v as_o the_o nursery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v disperse_v they_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o faith_n itself_o will_v be_v lose_v in_o that_o disorder_n they_o no_o long_o look_v upon_o christian_n as_o a_o church_n when_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o but_o as_o so_o many_o scatter_a limb_n of_o a_o body_n which_o no_o long_o subsist_v when_o the_o member_n be_v distract_v and_o tear_v asunder_o against_o these_o strong_a hold_v therefore_o they_o lay_v their_o battery_n hope_v when_o they_o be_v beat_v down_o they_o shall_v present_o triumph_v over_o their_o religion_n which_o they_o know_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o overcome_v whilst_o a_o great_a body_n of_o man_n remain_v knit_v together_o continual_o for_o its_o support_n by_o many_o bond_n and_o holy_a mystery_n and_o the_o strict_a sacrament_n for_o which_o cause_n likewise_o it_o be_v that_o christian_a people_n can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o omit_v their_o assembly_n no_o not_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n if_o they_o hold_v they_o we_o learn_v so_o much_o from_o their_o very_a persecutor_n particular_o from_o the_o famous_a letter_n which_o pliny_n write_v to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n about_o this_o matter_n wherein_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o when_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a in_o the_o day_n time_n they_o meet_v before_o the_o morning_n light_n to_o sing_v hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o their_o god_n to_o what_o shall_v we_o impute_v this_o zeal_n may_v they_o not_o have_v serve_v god_n as_o well_o alone_o no_o they_o understand_v their_o religion_n better_o than_o to_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o know_v it_o can_v not_o stand_v if_o they_o do_v not_o thus_o join_v together_o to_o uphold_v it_o their_o enemy_n they_o know_v wish_v for_o nothing_o more_o than_o that_o these_o assembly_n may_v be_v break_v which_o whilst_o they_o continue_v be_v the_o pillar_n and_o stay_v of_o the_o christian_a truth_n and_o do_v we_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o love_v our_o religion_n and_o to_o desire_v nay_o hope_v for_o its_o safety_n and_o prosperity_n and_o make_v so_o little_a account_n of_o these_o holy_a assembly_n that_o the_o small_a matter_n will_v hinder_v our_o attendance_n on_o they_o let_v we_o not_o against_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n persist_v in_o such_o a_o stupid_a error_n but_o awaken_v or_o rather_o inflame_v ourselves_o unto_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o zeal_n as_o to_o meet_v together_o daily_o where_o we_o have_v opportunity_n for_o it_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o his_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o commend_v his_o church_n as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o and_o family_n to_o the_o protection_n of_o his_o good_a providence_n say_v o_o lord_n save_v thy_o people_n and_o bless_v thy_o inheritance_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v what_o satisfaction_n we_o shall_v find_v herein_o do_v we_o make_v this_o our_o most_o serious_a business_n and_o instead_o of_o the_o excuse_n we_o now_o make_v for_o our_o negligence_n give_v all_o diligence_n thus_o to_o adorn_v confirm_v and_o secure_v our_o most_o holy_a religion_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v indeed_o that_o this_o have_v be_v a_o error_n of_o long_a stand_n for_o when_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n from_o persecution_n her_o child_n begin_v by_o degree_n to_o grow_v remiss_a and_o wanton_a prosperity_n and_o ease_n corrupt_v they_o and_o they_o cool_v so_o much_o in_o their_o first_o love_n that_o many_o of_o they_o come_v but_o seldom_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n unto_o god_n their_o saviour_n but_o this_o be_v a_o extreme_a great_a grief_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o bring_v the_o heavy_a calamity_n upon_o christian_a people_n hear_v how_o the_o often_o name_v father_n bewail_v this_o that_o the_o church_n have_v bring_v forth_o many_o child_n she_o can_v not_o enjoy_v their_o company_n 1._o s._n chrysost_o de_fw-fr baptism_n christi_fw-la hom._n xxiv_o tom._n 1._o every_o time_n they_o assemble_v to_o remember_v our_o saviour_n but_o only_o upon_o a_o festival_n when_o you_o be_v all_o full_a of_o joy_n to_o day_n i_o alone_o be_o full_a of_o sorrow_n and_o grieve_v at_o heart_n to_o think_v that_o the_o church_n which_o now_o have_v such_o multitude_n in_o it_o will_v to_o morrow_n be_v empty_a o_o how_o great_a spiritual_a exultation_n how_o great_a joy_n how_o great_a glory_n to_o god_n how_o great_a profit_n to_o soul_n will_v there_o be_v if_o every_o time_n we_o assemble_v we_o can_v behold_v the_o church_n as_o full_a as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o solemn_a time_n do_v you_o not_o see_v how_o the_o mariner_n and_o pilot_n when_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o sea_n labour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o get_v into_o their_o port_n and_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_a love_v to_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o world_n ingageinâ—_n ourselves_o in_o innumerable_a secular_a affair_n which_o so_o take_v up_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o our_o time_n that_o here_o we_o appear_v scarce_o once_o or_o twice_o in_o the_o whole_a year_n be_v you_o ignorant_a that_o as_o god_n make_v havens_n in_o the_o sea_n so_o he_o have_v make_v church_n in_o city_n that_o fly_v from_o the_o tumult_n or_o tempest_n rather_o of_o secular_a affair_n we_o may_v here_o enjoy_v the_o great_a tranquillity_n and_o for_o this_o i_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o your_o own_o conscience_n whether_o you_o find_v not_o here_o such_o quiet_a and_o peace_n that_o you_o may_v true_o call_v the_o church_n the_o spiritual_a haven_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o anger_n here_o give_v no_o disturbance_n the_o storm_n of_o passion_n cease_v lust_n do_v not_o inflame_v
assemble_v and_o to_o pour_v down_o his_o blessing_n on_o such_o as_o can_v but_o will_v be_v with_o they_o and_o all_o this_o it_o become_v we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o humble_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o invitation_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o psalmist_n which_o be_v recite_v every_o day_n at_o morning_n prayer_n o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n the_o christian_a church_n have_v never_o be_v acquaint_v with_o any_o other_o posture_n but_o this_o of_o kneel_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n save_v only_o between_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n when_o in_o memory_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o stand_v which_o be_v the_o common_a posture_n of_o prayer_n among_o the_o jew_n except_o in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o distress_n when_o they_o also_o fall_v upon_o their_o knee_n dan._n ix_o 20._o nay_o when_o they_o will_v express_v the_o great_a submission_n lowliness_n reverence_n and_o fear_v they_o fall_v upon_o their_o face_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v just_a before_o his_o agony_n matth._n xxvi_o 39_o a_o posture_n far_o more_o remote_a from_o they_o who_o sit_v at_o their_o prayer_n which_o no_o man_n dare_v do_v who_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o awful_a sense_n of_o his_o distance_n from_o god_n and_o consider_v how_o mean_a a_o creature_n he_o be_v and_o how_o unworthy_a to_o receive_v the_o small_a favour_n from_o his_o hand_n in_o short_a we_o may_v say_v to_o such_o man_n as_o malachi_n do_v to_o those_o who_o bring_v vile_a offering_n unto_o the_o altar_n with_o a_o little_a alteration_n go_v now_o to_o thy_o governor_n and_o petition_n he_o in_o this_o posture_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v of_o thy_o person_n no_o man_n have_v the_o face_n to_o present_v himself_o unto_o his_o prince_n in_o this_o saucy_a manner_n especial_o when_o he_o come_v to_o beg_v mercy_n of_o he_o and_o pray_v he_o to_o spare_v his_o life_n which_o he_o have_v forfeit_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v none_o of_o we_o venture_v to_o approach_v thus_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n the_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n but_o cast_v down_o ourselves_o with_o such_o lowly_a reverence_n before_o he_o as_o may_v testify_v that_o we_o worship_v the_o most_o high_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v indeed_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v bow_v his_o knee_n to_o god_n when_o he_o be_v lame_a of_o the_o gout_n or_o lie_v sick_a of_o a_o fever_n or_o some_o other_o disease_n etc._n etc._n but_o set_v such_o case_n aside_o bend_v of_o the_o knee_n be_v necessary_a say_v origen_n 20._o origen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o pars_fw-la n_n 20._o who_o word_n these_o be_v when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o accuse_v himself_o of_o his_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o humble_o to_o ask_v pardon_n for_o they_o and_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v cure_v of_o they_o nature_n incline_v we_o to_o it_o if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o our_o condition_n though_o we_o have_v no_o instruction_n about_o it_o no_o example_n to_o move_v we_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o we_o divest_v ourselves_o even_o of_o humanity_n when_o we_o be_v so_o rude_a as_o to_o sit_v at_o prayer_n unless_o we_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a either_o to_o fall_v on_o our_o knee_n or_o stand_v before_o the_o divine_a majesty_n then_o indeed_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a he_o will_v not_o reject_v our_o prayer_n whatsoever_o the_o posture_n of_o our_o body_n be_v but_o hear_v they_o as_o he_o do_v st._n paul_n when_o he_o pray_v and_o praise_v god_n in_o prison_n with_o his_o foot_n in_o the_o stock_n and_o hezekiah_n who_o lie_v on_o his_o bed_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o cry_v to_o he_o and_o the_o thief_n who_o pray_v as_o he_o hang_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o find_v favour_n with_o he_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n in_o the_o place_n now_o name_v i_o will_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n calvin_n who_o express_o determine_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o pray_v always_o and_o without_o cease_v have_v not_o respect_n to_o our_o own_o private_a prayer_n only_o 29._o l._n iii._o instit_fw-la cap._n xx_o sect._n 29._o but_o to_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n also_o with_o which_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o join_v we_o may_v conclude_v he_o not_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v alone_o either_o secret_o or_o at_o home_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o that_o neglect_v to_o pray_v alone_o and_o private_o may_v be_v think_v to_o put_v up_o vain_a prayer_n though_o he_o frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n because_o he_o respect_v more_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n than_o the_o secret_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n lest_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v fall_v into_o contempt_n god_n have_v adorn_v they_o with_o splendid_a eulogy_n especial_o when_o he_o call_v the_o temple_n a_o house_n of_o prayer_n isa_n lvi_o 7._o for_o by_o this_o speech_n he_o instruct_v we_o that_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v the_o office_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o that_o the_o faithful_a may_v exercise_v themselves_o with_o one_o consent_n the_o temple_n be_v erect_v and_o lift_v up_o to_o they_o like_o a_o banner_n that_o they_o may_v all_o resort_n unto_o it_o psal_n lxv_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v also_o a_o famous_a promise_n add_v ver_fw-la 1._o praise_n expect_v thou_o o_o god_n in_o zion_n and_o unto_o thou_o shall_v the_o vow_n be_v perform_v in_o jerusalem_n in_o which_o word_n the_o prophet_n admonish_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v never_o in_o vain_a because_o god_n perpetual_o administer_v to_o his_o people_n matter_n of_o sing_v his_o praise_n with_o joy_n which_o thing_n if_o they_o be_v well_o weigh_v they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o zeal_n of_o those_o who_o now_o languish_v and_o have_v not_o concern_v at_o all_o for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o our_o religion_n especial_o if_o they_o will_v observe_v and_o mark_v first_o with_o what_o earnest_a long_n holy_a man_n desire_v to_o come_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n when_o by_o any_o impediment_n they_o be_v keep_v from_o they_o read_v psal_n lxxxiv_o 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o david_n passionate_a breathe_n xxvii_o 4._o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o second_o with_o what_o joyful_a heart_n they_o receive_v all_o invitation_n to_o they_o psal_n cxxii_o 1_o 2._o i_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v we_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o foot_n shall_v stand_v within_o thy_o gate_n o_o jerusalem_n chap._n xx._n some_o objection_n remove_v when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n i_o can_v but_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v void_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o very_o defective_a in_o it_o who_o have_v so_o little_a regard_n to_o his_o honour_n as_o not_o to_o love_v the_o place_n where_o his_o honour_n dwell_v and_o where_o praise_n wait_v for_o he_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v in_o the_o place_n now_o name_v that_o be_v where_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n be_v extol_v his_o wonderful_a work_n be_v magnify_v his_o benefit_n acknowledge_v and_o psalm_n sing_v in_o honour_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o solemn_a assembly_n for_o man_n hear_v nothing_o more_o willing_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o their_o parent_n there_o they_o delight_v to_o be_v and_o be_v never_o weary_a of_o their_o attendance_n there_o where_o the_o noble_a act_n of_o their_o ancestor_n be_v recite_v with_o song_n or_o speech_n in_o their_o commendation_n and_o therefore_o with_o much_o more_o diligence_n shall_v we_o run_v thither_o without_o cease_v where_o man_n speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o of_o the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o declare_v the_o love_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v know_v his_o mighty_a act_n and_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o his_o kingdom_n utter_v abundant_o the_o memory_n of_o his_o great_a goodness_n and_o sing_v of_o his_o righteousness_n though_o alas_o who_o can_v utter_v the_o mighty_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v show_v forth_o all_o his_o praise_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v elsewhere_o his_o benefit_n towards_o we_o be_v immense_o great_a and_o can_v worthy_o be_v praise_v by_o we_o but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v that_o we_o may_v pursue_v what_o we_o ought_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o god_n let_v we_o say_v and_o sing_v again_o with_o