Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n good_a life_n true_a 3,003 5 3.9961 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59564 A sermon preached on the 28th of June, at St. Giles in the Fields by John Sharp ... ; at his leaving ye parish ... Sharp, John, 1645-1714. 1691 (1691) Wing S2992; ESTC R15037 14,490 31

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

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 unreasonable_a be_v this_o when_o s._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 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 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 exhort_v all_o of_o you_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o peace_n to_o promote_v public_a unity_n and_o concord_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o mind_n your_o own_o business_n to_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o your_o country_n and_o nation_n than_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o single_a man_n in_o it_o hearty_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o thank_v god_n for_o the_o blessing_n you_o enjoy_v under_o it_o and_o most_o earnest_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o last_o never_o to_o espouse_v any_o party_n or_o faction_n against_o the_o government_n nor_o ever_o to_o be_v drive_v away_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o you_o have_v always_o profess_v yourselves_o member_n by_o any_o of_o the_o pretence_n which_o some_o warm_a man_n may_v suggest_v to_o you_o this_o i_o dare_v venture_v to_o say_v how_o uneasy_a soever_o some_o of_o you_o now_o may_v be_v in_o join_v with_o our_o prayer_n you_o will_v at_o last_o be_v ten_o time_n more_o uneasy_a in_o separate_v from_o we_o for_o faction_n have_v no_o bound_n and_o god_n know_v whither_o it_o will_v lead_v a_o man_n at_o last_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o heat_n and_o turbulence_n the_o passion_n and_o peevishness_n the_o bitter_a zeal_n and_o uncharitableness_n that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o party_n do_v natural_o engage_v man_n in_o i_o say_v be_v there_o nothing_o else_o but_o this_o no_o man_n that_o consult_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n will_v for_o any_o consideration_n leave_v the_o public_a communion_n and_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o separate_a interest_n but_o there_o be_v worse_a consequence_n than_o these_o and_o i_o pray_v god_n we_o may_v never_o feel_v they_o and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o my_o exhortation_n i_o have_v speak_v my_o thought_n very_o free_o to_o you_o and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v receive_v what_o i_o have_v say_v with_o the_o same_o kindness_n that_o i_o mean_v it_o and_o true_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o after_o so_o long_a a_o experience_n as_o i_o have_v have_v of_o your_o civility_n and_o candour_n indeed_o during_o all_o the_o time_n i_o have_v be_v among_o you_o which_o have_v be_v now_o near_o sixteen_o year_n i_o have_v be_v so_o kind_o treat_v by_o you_o and_o have_v receive_v so_o many_o testimony_n of_o your_o goodwill_n that_o i_o can_v but_o take_v this_o opportunity_n of_o public_o acknowledge_v my_o obligation_n to_o you_o and_o return_v you_o my_o solemn_a thanks_o for_o them_o i_o can_v indeed_o say_v that_o i_o have_v do_v my_o duty_n as_o i_o ought_v and_o i_o hearty_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o forgive_v all_o my_o defect_n but_o i_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o i_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v in_o all_o my_o preach_v to_o instruct_v you_o in_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o teach_v you_o the_o right_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o salvation_n and_o 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 finis_fw-la
all_o the_o part_n of_o my_o text_n but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o i_o ought_v so_o to_o leave_v it_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v here_o direct_v we_o to_o to_o be_v the_o main_a pursuit_n of_o our_o life_n but_o i_o think_v likewise_o it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o speak_v something_o of_o the_o method_n of_o that_o pursuit_n or_o the_o mean_n which_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v if_o we_o will_v practice_v this_o text_n and_o here_o i_o be_o to_o begin_v anew_o with_o my_o advice_n several_a thing_n i_o have_v to_o represent_v upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o to_o exhort_v you_o to_o i_o be_o not_o much_o solicitous_a whether_o they_o strict_o belong_v to_o my_o argument_n or_o no._n but_o i_o desire_v to_o leave_v they_o with_o you_o as_o thing_n that_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o which_o i_o wish_v may_v be_v ever_o remember_v by_o you_o and_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o will_v exhort_v you_o to_o be_v this_o that_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o possess_v your_o mind_n with_o a_o hearty_a sense_n of_o god_n almighty_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o be_v serious_o religious_a i_o do_v not_o mention_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v there_o be_v any_o need_n to_o caution_n you_o against_o atheism_n or_o infidelity_n for_o i_o hope_v not_o many_o among_o we_o be_v incline_v that_o way_n mankind_n be_v natural_o dispose_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o since_o through_o god_n blessing_n it_o be_v christianity_n that_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o country_n and_o in_o which_o we_o have_v be_v all_o educate_v i_o look_v upon_o a_o atheist_n or_o a_o infidel_n among_o we_o to_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o prodigy_n a_o strange_a unusual_a creature_n vast_o different_a from_o those_o of_o his_o own_o kind_a but_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n though_o most_o of_o we_o profess_v religion_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n yet_o many_o of_o we_o have_v no_o lively_a or_o hearty_a sense_n of_o it_o we_o use_v religion_n as_o we_o do_v our_o clothes_n they_o be_v very_o convenient_a nay_o perhaps_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o we_o wear_v they_o and_o for_o the_o particular_a form_n or_o mode_n of_o they_o we_o follow_v as_o to_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n where_o we_o live_v yet_o as_o the_o clothes_n we_o wear_v do_v not_o alter_v the_o complexion_n or_o feature_n of_o our_o body_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o religion_n we_o profess_v any_o more_o affect_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o serve_v ourselves_o in_o both_o case_n of_o the_o outward_a conveniency_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o they_o but_o we_o be_v still_o the_o same_o to_o our_o person_n both_o as_o outward_a and_o inward_a lineament_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a way_n of_o be_v religious_a and_o will_v do_v we_o no_o great_a kindness_n we_o may_v perhaps_o reap_v some_o secular_a advantage_n by_o it_o but_o yet_o even_o the_o very_a trouble_n and_o pain_n it_o put_v we_o to_o do_v equal_a the_o conveniency_n we_o have_v from_o it_o the_o man_n that_o live_v thus_o be_v just_o serve_v like_o those_o that_o work_n in_o rich_a mine_n they_o be_v daily_o employ_v about_o gold_n and_o silver_n or_o gem_n and_o they_o work_v hard_a and_o they_o have_v their_o day_n wage_n for_o their_o labour_n but_o they_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n the_o rich_a for_o the_o treasure_n that_o come_v into_o their_o hand_n your_o religion_n will_v never_o serve_v you_o to_o any_o extraordinary_a purpose_n till_o your_o heart_n be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o well_o as_o your_o understanding_n let_v i_o therefore_o advise_v you_o as_o you_o love_v either_o your_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o next_o make_v it_o your_o principal_a care_n to_o get_v a_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o god_n impress_v upon_o your_o mind_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o great_a interest_n you_o have_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a business_n you_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n as_o it_o real_o be_v to_o approve_v yourselves_o to_o this_o god_n by_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n in_o all_o your_o conversation_n to_o walk_v as_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v you_o if_o you_o do_v this_o you_o will_v certain_o find_v the_o sweet_a and_o comfort_n of_o it_o both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o when_o all_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n to_o expect_v a_o tolerable_a easy_a passage_n through_o this_o world_n unless_o he_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o support_v he_o under_o the_o multitude_n of_o evil_a accident_n which_o the_o state_n of_o humane_a life_n will_v necessary_o expose_v he_o to_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o world_n without_o these_o hope_n he_o be_v perfect_o lose_v and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o entertain_v any_o rational_a hope_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o favour_n be_v a_o very_a vain_a thing_n likewise_o unless_o we_o make_v it_o our_o business_n with_o our_o whole_a heart_n and_o soul_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v and_o obey_v he_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o rule_n and_o maxim_n that_o we_o use_v to_o give_v to_o our_o friend_n or_o our_o child_n for_o the_o make_v their_o fortune_n and_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o they_o be_v exceed_o good_a one_o thus_o for_o instance_n we_o advise_v they_o to_o get_v a_o true_a understanding_n of_o their_o business_n and_o to_o pursue_v it_o diligent_o to_o keep_v out_o of_o ill_a company_n to_o avoid_v drink_v or_o game_n and_o lewdness_n and_o to_o study_v the_o temper_n and_o humour_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o learn_v to_o apply_v themselves_o dexterous_o to_o those_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o converse_v with_o why_o these_o and_o such_o other_o be_v excellent_a rule_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v study_v and_o practise_v but_o still_o there_o be_v one_o rule_n above_o all_o these_o and_o without_o which_o all_o the_o other_o will_v signify_v very_o little_a to_o the_o make_v a_o man_n life_n easy_a and_o comfortable_a and_o that_o be_v to_o preserve_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o spirit_n to_o have_v his_o fear_n always_o before_o our_o eye_n to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o value_v his_o favour_n more_o than_o life_n and_o to_o dread_v his_o displeasure_n as_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n if_o we_o can_v but_o once_o get_v our_o soul_n into_o this_o frame_n we_o have_v do_v our_o business_n both_o for_o this_o world_n and_o for_o eternity_n all_o the_o other_o particular_a rule_n and_o advice_n will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n superfluous_a for_o he_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o this_o good_a principle_n will_v of_o course_n natural_o fall_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o beside_o this_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a disposition_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o put_v we_o into_o good_a circumstance_n of_o live_v so_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o make_v our_o circumstance_n happy_a to_o we_o if_o they_o be_v good_a or_o of_o make_v they_o easy_a and_o supportable_a if_o they_o be_v bad_a i_o do_v therefore_o most_o earnest_o recommend_v it_o to_o you_o as_o you_o desire_v that_o either_o you_o or_o you_o may_v prosper_v nay_o as_o you_o will_v not_o be_v very_o miserable_a be_v not_o content_v with_o a_o superficial_a outside_n religion_n but_o affect_v your_o mind_n as_o deep_o as_o be_v possible_a with_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o what_o you_o owe_v to_o he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o impress_v the_o same_o sense_n upon_o your_o friend_n and_o child_n and_o all_o that_o be_v about_o you_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o do_v our_o present_a happiness_n as_o well_o as_o our_o future_a depend_v upon_o this_o belief_n of_o god_n and_o love_n to_o he_o and_o hope_n of_o his_o favour_n that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o the_o present_a world_n with_o all_o the_o imaginary_a pleasure_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n not_o only_o a_o empty_a dull_a unsatisfactory_a place_n but_o a_o dismal_a melancholy_a prison_n if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o thing_n here_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o blind_a chance_n or_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o do_v preside_v over_o the_o world_n or_o take_v care_n of_o mankind_n no_o consider_v man_n can_v desire_v to_o live_v here_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o will_v leave_v with_o you_o be_v this_o that_o after_o you_o have_v get_v into_o your_o mind_n a_o hearty_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o his_o presence_n and_o goodness_n so_o as_o that_o
a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 28_o of_o june_n at_o saint_n t_o giles_n in_o the_o field_n by_o john_n sharp_a d._n d._n archbishop_n of_o york_z elect_n at_o his_o leave_v y_o t_o parish_n publish_a at_o the_o request_n of_o the_o gentleman_n of_o the_o vestry_n london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_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 to_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 be_v true_a etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n recommend_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o our_o thought_n and_o pursuit_n if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o distribution_n of_o they_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v all_o natural_o enough_o fall_v under_o these_o four_o head_n for_o the_o thing_n here_o recommend_v be_v not_o so_o many_o as_o the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o be_v express_v there_o be_v several_a word_n use_v in_o this_o enumeration_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o seem_v to_o express_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o four_o head_n i_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o be_v these_o i._o a_o constant_a adherence_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n ii_o honesty_n and_o justice_n in_o our_o deal_n iii_o a_o life_n of_o strict_a purity_n in_o opposition_n to_o sensuality_n and_o lewdness_n iv._o the_o adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n we_o do_v profess_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o every_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v virtuous_a or_o commendable_a or_o well_o think_v of_o by_o mankind_n this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o the_o part_n of_o this_o text_n and_o these_o i_o shall_v make_v the_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a exhortation_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o final_o my_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a think_v on_o those_o thing_n the_o truth_n that_o s._n paul_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o think_v on_o be_v undoubted_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o these_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o think_v upon_o and_o persist_v in_o and_o never_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o any_o temptation_n to_o depart_v from_o they_o let_v i_o now_o apply_v this_o advice_n of_o he_o to_o you_o it_o be_v the_o particular_a blessing_n of_o god_n to_o this_o kingdom_n and_o a_o inestimable_a blessing_n it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o vouchsafe_v we_o the_o light_n of_o his_o gospel_n for_o many_o year_n but_o he_o have_v also_o take_v care_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o with_o great_a purity_n and_o sincerity_n and_o free_a from_o the_o mixture_n of_o error_n than_o to_o most_o i_o be_v go_v to_o say_v than_o to_o any_o other_o people_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o lay_v in_o your_o way_n to_o make_v observation_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o country_n nay_o or_o but_o to_o read_v the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o will_v be_v convince_v how_o exceed_o happy_a we_o of_o this_o church_n be_v above_o all_o the_o other_o church_n in_o christendom_n o_o therefore_o let_v we_o all_o firm_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v hitherto_o make_v profession_n of_o and_o let_v we_o firm_o adhere_v to_o that_o church_n which_o have_v hold_v forth_o these_o truth_n to_o we_o and_o teach_v we_o this_o profession_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o any_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o not_o we_o but_o this_o we_o dare_v say_v and_o we_o can_v justify_v that_o if_o we_o take_v our_o measure_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o platform_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v undoubted_o both_o as_o to_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o pure_a church_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o orthodox_n in_o faith_n and_o the_o free_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n from_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n from_o freakishness_n and_o enthusiasm_n of_o any_o now_o extant_a nay_o i_o do_v far_o say_v with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o as_o one_o that_o expect_v to_o be_v call_v to_o account_v at_o the_o dreadful_a tribunal_n of_o god_n for_o what_o i_o now_o say_v if_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o sincerity_n that_o i_o do_v in_o my_o conscience_n believe_v that_o if_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o i_o be_o certain_a it_o be_v then_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o safe_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o the_o safe_a of_o any_o i_o know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v exhort_v you_o all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n steadfast_o to_o hold_v and_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o communion_n here_o you_o have_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a think_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o hearty_o and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n i_o have_v always_o teach_v you_o and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v to_o practise_v according_o ii_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o have_v to_o recommend_v to_o you_o from_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v universal_a honesty_n and_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o your_o conversation_n whatsoever_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a think_v on_o these_o thing_n you_o see_v i_o join_v these_o two_o word_n honest_a and_o just_a together_o as_o import_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o yet_o i_o be_o aware_a that_o the_o word_n we_o here_o render_v honest_a be_v often_o use_v in_o another_o signification_n that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o grave_a or_o venerable_a but_o since_o that_o other_o signification_n fall_v in_o most_o proper_o under_o my_o last_o head_n i_o wave_v it_o here_o and_o take_v the_o word_n as_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v any_o advantage_n from_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o we_o be_v not_o sincere_o just_a and_o honest_a in_o our_o action_n whosoever_o can_v allow_v himself_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o dishonest_a knavish_a indirect_a deal_v let_v that_o man_n be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n in_o his_o belief_n and_o opinion_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o be_v no_o true_a christian._n o_o therefore_o let_v i_o exhort_v you_o all_o whatever_o interest_n you_o have_v to_o serve_v whatever_o deal_n you_o be_v engage_v in_o to_o be_v always_o strict_o just_a and_o upright_a in_o your_o conversation_n use_v no_o trick_n practise_v no_o ill_a art_n for_o the_o serve_v your_o end_n but_o in_o all_o your_o transaction_n with_o man_n deal_v with_o that_o simplicity_n and_o integrity_n and_o good_a conscience_n that_o become_v those_o who_o will_v
you_o mean_v to_o make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o your_o life_n to_o recommend_v yourselves_o to_o he_o you_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n take_v care_n to_o keep_v up_o that_o sense_n by_o a_o constant_a and_o daily_a worship_n of_o he_o for_o god_n sake_n and_o for_o your_o own_o soul_n sake_n do_v not_o neglect_v your_o prayer_n you_o must_v never_o think_v that_o god_n will_v bless_v you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o daily_o pay_v he_o your_o tribute_n of_o honour_n and_o worship_n be_v sure_a therefore_o you_o be_v constant_a in_o your_o private_a devotion_n as_o you_o every_o day_n receive_v the_o renew_a pledge_n of_o god_n love_n and_o goodness_n towards_o you_o in_o a_o thousand_o instance_n so_o let_v every_o day_n your_o affection_n and_o gratitude_n be_v express_v to_o he_o by_o hearty_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v as_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o if_o you_o mean_v to_o preserve_v any_o hearty_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o your_o mind_n but_o beside_o this_o i_o have_v another_o thing_n to_o recommend_v to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v family_n they_o be_v head_n and_o governor_n of_o a_o society_n for_o indeed_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o society_n be_v that_o of_o a_o family_n every_o family_n be_v a_o little_a kingdom_n and_o every_o kingdom_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a family_n now_o be_v it_o natural_a be_v it_o decent_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o society_n upon_o earth_n wherein_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v own_v and_o worship_v and_o yet_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o how_o many_o thousand_o of_o family_n be_v there_o in_o this_o kingdom_n nay_o i_o be_o afraid_a even_o in_o and_o about_o this_o city_n wherein_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v in_o public_a unless_o perhaps_o by_o the_o way_n of_o affront_n by_o the_o way_n of_o curse_v or_o swear_v we_o deserve_o complain_v of_o the_o great_a looseness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n that_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o this_o nation_n o_o i_o doubt_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o blame_n of_o it_o lie_v upon_o the_o householder_n the_o master_n of_o family_n among_o we_o if_o they_o will_v take_v better_a care_n of_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o let_v they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n thing_n will_v not_o be_v so_o bad_a among_o we_o but_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v better_o when_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n either_o teach_v or_o practise_v in_o our_o house_n we_o give_v our_o domestics_n opportunity_n enough_o of_o learn_v all_o our_o bad_a quality_n but_o we_o give_v they_o none_o of_o learning_n our_o good_a one_o if_o we_o have_v any_o they_o see_v we_o offend_v god_n by_o many_o rash_a word_n and_o sinful_a action_n but_o they_o do_v not_o see_v we_o repent_v and_o ask_v god_n pardon_n by_o our_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o application_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n let_v we_o therefore_o serious_o lay_v this_o point_n to_o heart_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o do_v it_o let_v we_o bring_v religion_n into_o our_o family_n and_o not_o be_v content_v that_o once_o a_o week_n some_o of_o our_o people_n in_o their_o turn_n shall_v hear_v something_o of_o it_o let_v we_o every_o day_n call_v our_o family_n together_o and_o pay_v our_o common_a tribute_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n for_o the_o mercy_n we_o do_v daily_o receive_v in_o common_a methinks_v our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o this_o very_a duty_n and_o to_o charge_v it_o mighty_o upon_o we_o when_o he_o make_v we_o that_o gracious_a promise_n that_o even_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o sure_o his_o word_n have_v most_o natural_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v perform_v in_o family_n as_o have_v likewise_o the_o very_a contrivance_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n all_o the_o petition_n thereof_o be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o be_v say_v by_o more_o than_o one_o and_o yet_o too_o when_o we_o have_v shut_v our_o door_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o three_o as_o you_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o your_o closet_n and_o in_o your_o family_n let_v i_o add_v that_o it_o equal_o concern_v you_o to_o frequent_v the_o more_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o house_n it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n of_o some_o very_a ill_a principle_n or_o other_o for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v much_o a_o stranger_n there_o even_o to_o have_v the_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o public_a be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n that_o we_o can_v have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o have_v by_o good_a man_n always_o be_v so_o account_v now_o sure_a if_o we_o have_v this_o notion_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o mighty_o concern_v to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n that_o come_v in_o our_o way_n not_o only_o on_o sunday_n but_o on_o other_o day_n of_o resort_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o solemn_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o think_v it_o a_o good_a day_n to_o we_o wherein_o we_o have_v thus_o employ_v ourselves_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n with_o a_o honest_a and_o devout_a mind_n we_o can_v doubt_v will_n always_o find_v acceptance_n and_o produce_v their_o effect_n nay_o perhaps_o when_o our_o closet-prayer_n will_v not_o for_o there_o be_v certain_o more_o promise_v to_o public_a prayer_n than_o to_o private_a one_o though_o yet_o both_o be_v very_o good_a nay_o both_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a but_o to_o proceed_v four_o be_v upon_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o religion_n you_o may_v be_v sure_a i_o can_v omit_v the_o mention_v of_o another_o thing_n as_o one_o of_o those_o point_n that_o i_o will_v most_o serious_o recommend_v to_o you_o and_o that_o be_v the_o solemn_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n i_o be_o not_o for_o lay_v stress_n upon_o the_o keep_n of_o this_o day_n or_o any_o other_o more_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v i_o be_o sensible_a that_o the_o doctrine_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o some_o man_n be_v superstitious_a enough_o and_o oftentimes_o where_o it_o be_v believe_v prove_v rather_o a_o snare_n to_o man_n conscience_n than_o of_o use_n to_o make_v they_o more_o religious_a far_o therefore_o be_o i_o from_o desire_v you_o to_o be_v nice_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o punctilio_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n service_n the_o law_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n have_v in_o that_o matter_n leave_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o your_o own_o discretion_n and_o the_o circumstance_n you_o be_v in_o but_o however_o thus_o much_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o man_n who_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n shall_v bear_v a_o constant_a religious_a regard_n to_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o devote_v it_o to_o spiritual_a use_n more_o especial_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o much_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o observation_n which_o some_o good_a man_n have_v make_v viz._n that_o a_o man_n shall_v prosper_v much_o better_a both_o in_o his_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a affair_n all_o the_o week_n after_o for_o his_o careful_a observance_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o i_o be_o likewise_o of_o opinion_n that_o those_o man_n have_v little_a or_o no_o sense_n of_o religion_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o sanctify_v that_o day_n or_o that_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o it_o and_o other_o day_n sure_o i_o be_o be_v there_o nothing_o of_o a_o divine_a command_n for_o the_o set_n apart_o this_o day_n to_o religious_a use_n which_o yet_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o useful_a constitution_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v so_o that_o even_o upon_o that_o account_n all_o man_n that_o have_v any_o honour_n for_o god_n or_o zeal_n for_o the_o public_a good_a shall_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o observe_v it_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v indeed_o unspeakable_a not_o to_o mention_v the_o civil_a or_o temporal_a convenience_n of_o it_o in_o truth_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o the_o religion_n of_o this_o day_n we_o owe_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n that_o the_o very_a face_n of_o christianity_n have_v hitherto_o be_v preserve_v among_o we_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v most_o of_o we_o in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n will_v become_v little_o better_o than_o heathen_n &_o barbarian_n and_o so_o great_a a_o influence_n towards_o