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be_v so_o very_o seldom_o in_o our_o thought_n three_o because_o this_o age_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o fit_a and_o best_a to_o begin_v a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n and_o this_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o former_a argument_n though_o it_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o for_o as_o it_o be_v true_a of_o child_n that_o they_o be_v most_o prone_a to_o be_v idle_a and_o yet_o fit_a to_o learn_v so_o in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o both_o be_v true_a that_o youth_n be_v a_o age_n wherein_o we_o be_v too_o apt_a if_o leave_v to_o ourselves_o to_o forget_v god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n fit_a to_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o it_o youth_n be_v aetas_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la the_o proper_a age_n of_o discipline_n very_o obsequious_a and_o tractable_a fit_a to_o receive_v any_o kind_n of_o impression_n and_o to_o imbibe_n any_o tincture_n now_o we_o shall_v lay_v hold_n of_o this_o golden_a opportunity_n this_o age_n of_o suppleness_n and_o 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a_o note_a say_v of_o aristotle_n that_o young_a person_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o hear_v lecture_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n because_o at_o that_o age_n passion_n be_v so_o predominant_a and_o unruly_a by_o which_o i_o think_v he_o only_o mean_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o young_a person_n be_v least_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o precept_n of_o morality_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o but_o that_o he_o do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o therefore_o no_o care_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v to_o form_v the_o mind_n and_o manner_n of_o youth_n to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n he_o certain_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n too_o well_o to_o be_v of_o that_o mind_n and_o consequent_o must_v think_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n ought_v with_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v instill_a into_o young_a person_n betimes_o because_o they_o of_o all_o other_o have_v the_o most_o need_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o instruction_n and_o this_o age_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a season_n for_o it_o and_o the_o less_o their_o mind_n be_v prepare_v for_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o pain_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v to_o govern_v and_o subdue_v their_o passion_n before_o â—hey_n grow_v too_o sâ—iff_a and_o headstrong_a so_o that_o if_o the_o seed_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v not_o plant_v in_o our_o young_a year_n what_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o old_a age_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n ecclus_n 25._o 13._o if_o thou_o have_v gather_v nothing_o in_o thy_o youth_n how_o can_v thou_o expect_v to_o find_v any_o thing_n in_o thy_o age_n young_a year_n be_v tender_a and_o easy_o wrought_v upon_o apt_a to_o be_v mould_v into_o any_o fashion_n they_o be_v udum_fw-la &_o molle_fw-la lutum_fw-la like_o moist_a and_o soft_a clay_n which_o be_v pliable_a to_o any_o form_n but_o soon_o grow_v hard_a and_o then_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n to_o make_v impression_n upon_o age_n and_o to_o deface_v the_o evil_n which_o have_v be_v deep_o imprint_v upon_o young_a and_o tender_a mind_n when_o good_a instruction_n have_v be_v neglect_v at_o first_o a_o conceit_a ignorance_n do_v common_o take_v possession_n and_o obstruct_v all_o the_o passage_n through_o which_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v enter_v into_o we_o upon_o this_o consideration_n the_o work_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v begin_v betimes_o because_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v plant_v in_o a_o ground_n that_o be_v new_o break_v up_o it_o be_v just_a the_o same_o â—hing_n for_o young_a person_n to_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o religious_a course_n and_o to_o have_v their_o mind_n habituate_v to_o virtue_n before_o vicious_a custom_n have_v get_v place_n and_o strength_n in_o we_o for_o whoever_o shall_v attempt_v this_o afterward_o will_v meet_v with_o infinite_a difficulty_n and_o opposition_n and_o must_v dispute_v his_o ground_n by_o inch_n it_o be_v good_a therefore_o to_o do_v that_o which_o must_v be_v do_v one_o time_n or_o other_o when_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v do_v when_o we_o may_v do_v it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o be_v likely_a to_o meet_v with_o the_o least_o and_o weak_a opposition_n we_o shall_v anticipate_v vice_n and_o prevent_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n by_o let_v god_n into_o our_o heart_n betimes_o and_o give_v religion_n the_o first_o seisine_n and_o possession_n of_o our_o soulsâ—_n this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o sow_v our_o seed_n which_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v neglect_v for_o the_o soul_n will_v not_o lie_v fallow_a good_a or_o evil_n will_v come_v up_o if_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o cultivate_v by_o religion_n sin_n and_o vice_n will_v get_v the_o possession_n of_o they_o but_o if_o our_o tender_a year_n be_v season_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n this_o in_o all_o probability_n will_v have_v a_o good_a influence_n upon_o the_o follow_a course_n of_o our_o life_n in_o a_o word_n this_o age_n of_o our_o life_n be_v proper_a for_o labour_n and_o conflict_n because_o youth_n be_v full_a of_o heat_n and_o vigour_n of_o courage_n and_o resolution_n to_o enterprise_n and_o effect_v difficult_a thing_n this_o heat_n indeed_o render_v young_a person_n very_o unfit_a to_o advise_v and_o direct_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v advise_v and_o direct_v by_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o more_o experience_a but_o yet_o this_o heat_n make_v they_o very_o fit_a for_o practice_n and_o action_n for_o though_o they_o be_v bad_a at_o counsel_n they_o be_v admirable_a at_o execution_n when_o their_o heat_n be_v well_o direct_v they_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o vivacity_n and_o quickness_n of_o courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o way_n wherein_o they_o be_v set_v beside_o that_o youth_n have_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o honour_n and_o virtue_n of_o praise_n and_o commendation_n which_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o engage_v young_a person_n to_o attempt_v worthy_a and_o excellent_a thing_n for_o hope_n and_o confidence_n strength_n and_o courage_n with_o which_o sense_n of_o honour_n and_o desire_v of_o praise_n be_v apt_a to_o inspire_v they_o be_v admirable_a instrument_n of_o victory_n and_o mastery_n in_o any_o kind_n and_o these_o be_v proper_a and_o most_o peculiar_a to_o youth_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n â—aith_o st._n john_n because_o you_o be_v strong_a and_o have_v overcome_v the_o evil_a one_o and_o beside_o the_o spirit_n and_o vigour_n of_o youth_n young_a person_n have_v several_a other_o quality_n which_o make_v they_o very_o capable_a of_o learn_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a they_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v often_o deceive_v and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a quality_n in_o a_o learner_n and_o they_o be_v full_a of_o hope_n which_o will_v encourage_v they_o to_o attempt_v thing_n even_o beyond_o their_o strength_n because_o hope_n be_v always_o of_o the_o future_a and_o the_o life_n of_o young_a person_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n before_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o come_v and_o which_o be_v a_o good_a bridle_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a they_o be_v common_o very_o modest_a and_o bashful_a and_o which_o be_v also_o a_o singular_a advantage_n they_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v honest_a and_o commendable_a than_o that_o which_o be_v gainful_a and_o profitable_a be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n free_a from_o the_o love_n of_o money_n which_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n child_n be_v very_o seldom_o covetous_a because_o they_o have_v seldom_o be_v bite_v by_o want_n four_o this_o be_v
his_o grace_n john_n ld._n arch-bpp_a of_o canterbury_n aetat_fw-la 64_o ano_fw-la 1694_o six_o sermon_n i._o of_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n ii_o of_o family-religion_n iii_o iu._n v._o of_o education_n of_o child_n vi_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a piety_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jury_n in_o london_n by_o his_o grace_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o b._n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal-exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n m_o dc_o xc_o iu._n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n be_v i_o hope_v for_o the_o remainder_n of_o my_o life_n release_v from_o that_o irksome_a and_o unpleasant_a work_n of_o controversy_n and_o wrangle_a about_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o turn_v my_o thought_n to_o something_o more_o agreeable_a to_o my_o temper_n and_o of_o a_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o human_a society_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v no_o intention_n to_o reflect_v upon_o any_o that_o stand_v up_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o contend_v earnest_o for_o it_o endeavour_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o reclaim_v those_o that_o be_v in_o error_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o a_o very_a good_a man_n may_v upon_o several_a occasion_n be_v almost_o unavoidable_o engage_v in_o controversy_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o head_n clear_a and_o cool_a enough_o so_o as_o to_o be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o notion_n and_o temper_n in_o that_o hot_a kind_n of_o service_n he_o may_v therein_o do_v considerable_a advantage_n to_o the_o truth_n though_o a_o man_n that_o have_v once_o draw_v blood_n in_o controversy_n as_o mr._n mede_n express_v it_o be_v seldom_o know_v ever_o perfect_o to_o recover_v his_o own_o good_a temper_n afterward_o for_o this_o reason_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v very_o willing_a when_o his_o lord_n come_v to_o be_v find_v so_o do_v and_o as_o it_o be_v beat_v his_o fellow-servant_n and_o all_o controversy_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o manage_v be_v little_o better_a a_o good_a man_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n reek_v hot_a from_o a_o sharp_a contention_n with_o a_o perverse_a adversary_n and_o not_o a_o little_a out_o of_o countenance_n to_o find_v himself_o in_o this_o temper_n translate_v into_o the_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a region_n of_o the_o bless_a where_o nothing_o but_o perfect_a charity_n and_o good_a will_v reign_v for_o ever_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n do_v by_o that_o question_n of_o he_o where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o this_o wrangle_a work_n have_v place_n only_o in_o this_o world_n and_o upon_o this_o earth_n where_o only_o there_o be_v a_o dust_n to_o be_v raise_v but_o will_v have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o other_o but_o whether_o st._n paul_n intend_v this_o or_o not_o the_o thing_n it_o sâ—lf_o i_o think_v be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o other_o world_n all_o thing_n will_v be_v clear_a and_o past_a dispute_n to_o be_v sure_a among_o the_o bless_a and_o probable_o also_o among_o the_o miserable_a unless_o fierce_a and_o furious_a contention_n with_o great_a heat_n without_o light_n about_o thing_n of_o no_o moment_n and_o concernment_n to_o they_o shall_v be_v design_v for_o a_o part_n of_o their_o torment_n as_o to_o the_o follow_a sermon_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o the_o style_n of_o they_o be_v more_o loose_a and_o full_a of_o word_n than_o be_v agreeable_a to_o just_a and_o exact_a discourse_n but_o so_o i_o think_v the_o style_n of_o popular_a sermon_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o mend_v this_o matter_n choose_v rather_o that_o they_o shall_v appear_v in_o that_o native_a simplicity_n in_o which_o so_o many_o year_n ago_o they_o be_v first_o frame_v than_o dress_v up_o with_o too_o much_o care_n and_o art_n as_o they_o be_v i_o hope_v the_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a reader_n will_v take_v they_o in_o good_a part_n and_o i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o respective_a duty_n treat_v on_o in_o the_o follow_a sermon_n will_v be_v persuade_v so_o to_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n as_o to_o put_v they_o effectual_o in_o practice_n that_o how_o much_o soever_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v be_v almost_o utter_o to_o be_v despair_v of_o we_o may_v yet_o have_v a_o more_o comfortable_a prospect_n of_o future_a time_n by_o see_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o better_a world_n begin_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n here_o mention_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v know_v god_n and_o the_o child_n yet_o unborn_a may_v fear_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v sensible_a how_o fast_o the_o infirmity_n of_o age_n be_v come_v upon_o i_o and_o therefore_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o who_o providence_n have_v place_v i_o in_o the_o station_n wherein_o i_o be_o whilst_o it_o be_v day_n because_o the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v i_o know_v very_o well_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a charge_n my_o own_o manifold_a defect_n and_o how_o unequal_a my_o best_a ability_n be_v for_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o it_o but_o i_o do_v not_o feel_v this_o so_o sensible_o as_o i_o now_o do_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v make_v some_o small_a amends_o for_o great_a fail_n i_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o place_v the_o break_a hour_n i_o have_v to_o spare_v from_o almost_o perpetual_a business_n of_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o than_o in_o prepare_v something_o for_o the_o public_a that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o recover_v the_o decay_a piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o present_a age_n in_o which_o iniquity_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v grow_v so_o cold_a to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v choose_v to_o publish_v these_o plain_a sermon_n and_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o serious_a perusal_n and_o faithful_a practice_n both_o of_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n commit_v to_o my_o charge_n earnest_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o by_o his_o blessing_n they_o may_v prove_v effectual_a to_o that_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v sincere_o design_v concern_v resolution_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n lawrence_z jury_n june_n the_o 3_o d._n 1684._o josh._n xxiv_o 15._o but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n after_o joshua_n have_v bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o it_o his_o great_a desire_n be_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n namely_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n who_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o give_v they_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o good_a land_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o now_o find_v himself_o weak_a and_o decline_a be_v a_o hundred_o and_o ten_o year_n old_a and_o fear_v leâ—t_v after_o his_o death_n the_o people_n shall_v fall_v off_o from_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n he_o like_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a governor_n consider_v with_o himself_o what_o course_n he_o have_v best_a to_o take_v to_o keep_v they_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o prevent_v their_o defection_n to_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o call_v a_o general_a assembly_n of_o all_o israel_n chap._n 23._o v._o 1._o that_o be_v of_o the_o elder_n and_o head_n and_o judge_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o several_a tribe_n and_o in_o a_o very_a wise_a and_o eloquent_a speech_n represent_v to_o they_o in_o what_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n god_n have_v drive_v out_o the_o â—_z before_o they_o much_o great_a and_o strong_a nation_n than_o they_o and_o have_v give_v they_o their_o land_n to_o possess_v it_o and_o in_o a_o word_n have_v perform_v punctual_o all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a heed_n to_o themselves_o to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o which_o the_o lord_n
your_o god_n promise_v you_o so_o shall_v the_o lord_n bring_v upon_o you_o all_o evil_a thing_n until_o he_o have_v destroy_v you_o from_o off_o this_o good_a land_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n have_v give_v you_o chap._n 23._o 15._o after_o this_o he_o call_v they_o together_o a_o second_o time_n and_o give_v they_o a_o brief_a historical_a account_n and_o deduction_n of_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o father_n from_o the_o day_n of_o abraham_n who_o he_o have_v call_v out_o from_o among_o his_o idolatrous_a kindred_n and_o countryman_n unto_o that_o day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o he_o earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o for_o his_o particular_a satisfaction_n before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n solemn_o to_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v for_o ever_o serve_v god_n and_o forsake_v the_o service_n of_o idol_n now_o therefore_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o put_v away_o the_o god_n which_o your_o father_n serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o egypt_n and_o serve_v you_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o in_o the_o text_n by_o a_o very_a elegant_a scheme_n of_o speech_n he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v once_o more_o set_v they_o at_o liberty_n and_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o engage_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o covenant_n before_o he_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o free_a choice_n and_o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o god_n who_o your_o father_n serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n or_o the_o god_n of_o the_o amorites_n in_o who_o land_n you_o dwell_v not_o that_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v serve_v the_o true_a god_n or_o not_o but_o to_o insinuate_v to_o they_o that_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v their_o free_a choice_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v those_o real_a advantage_n on_o its_o side_n that_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v refer_v to_o any_o considerate_a man_n choice_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o after_o all_o the_o demonstration_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o miraculous_a presence_n among_o you_o and_o the_o mighty_a obligation_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o you_o by_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n by_o so_o outstretched_a a_o arm_n and_o by_o drive_v out_o the_o nation_n before_o you_o and_o give_v you_o their_o land_n to_o possess_v if_o after_o all_o this_o you_o can_v think_v it_o â—it_n to_o quit_v the_o service_n of_o this_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o you_o have_v subdue_v those_o vanquish_a and_o baffle_v deity_n if_o you_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a so_o to_o do_v but_o sure_o you_o can_v then_o take_v your_o choice_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v and_o to_o direct_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n he_o declare_v to_o they_o his_o own_o resolution_n which_o he_o hope_n will_v also_o be_v they_o and_o as_o he_o have_v heretofore_o be_v their_o captain_n so_o now_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o example_n but_o whether_o they_o will_v follow_v he_o or_o not_o he_o for_o his_o part_n be_v fix_v and_o immovable_a in_o this_o resolution_n but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n in_o effect_n he_o tell_v they_o i_o have_v propose_v the_o best_a religion_n to_o your_o choice_n and_o i_o can_v but_o think_v nay_o i_o can_v but_o hope_n that_o you_o will_v all_o steadfast_o adhere_v to_o it_o it_o be_v so_o reasonable_a and_o wise_a so_o much_o your_o interest_n and_o your_o happiness_n to_o do_v it_o but_o if_o you_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o if_o you_o shall_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n so_o wilful_a and_o so_o wicked_a as_o not_o to_o embrace_v it_o though_o you_o shall_v all_o make_v another_o choice_n and_o run_v away_o from_o the_o true_a god_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n i_o for_o my_o part_n be_o steadfast_o resolve_v what_o to_o do_v in_o a_o case_n so_o manifest_a in_o a_o matter_n so_o reasonable_a no_o number_n no_o example_n shall_v prevail_v with_o i_o to_o the_o contrary_a i_o will_v if_o need_v be_v stand_v alone_o in_o that_o which_o be_v so_o evident_o and_o unquestionable_o right_a and_o though_o this_o whole_a nation_n shall_v revolt_v all_o at_o once_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o i_o be_v the_o only_a family_n leave_v in_o all_o israel_n nay_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o continue_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n i_o will_v still_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n i_o will_v still_o persist_v in_o this_o resolution_n and_o act_n according_a to_o it_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n a_o resolution_n true_o worthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n and_o so_o good_a a_o man_n in_o which_o he_o be_v a_o double_a pattern_n to_o we_o first_o of_o the_o brave_a resolution_n of_o a_o good_a man_n namely_o that_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n second_o of_o the_o pious_a care_n of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o master_n of_o a_o family_n to_o train_v up_o those_o under_o his_o charge_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n by_o god_n assistance_n treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o i._o of_o the_o brave_a resolution_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n say_v joshua_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n joshua_n here_o put_v the_o case_n at_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n that_o not_o only_o the_o great_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o egyptian_n and_o chaldean_n and_o all_o the_o lesser_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o in_o who_o land_n they_o dwell_v be_v all_o long_a since_o revolt_v to_o idolatry_n and_o pretend_v great_a antiquity_n and_o long_a prescription_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n but_o he_o suppose_v yet_o further_o that_o the_o only_a true_a and_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n shall_v likewise_o general_o revolt_v and_o forsake_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o cleave_v to_o the_o service_n of_o idol_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n if_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o to_o happen_v he_o declare_v his_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o though_o all_o other_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o it_o that_o he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o resolution_n and_o the_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o resolution_n from_o the_o objection_n to_o which_o this_o singular_a and_o peremptory_a kind_n of_o resolution_n may_v seem_v liable_a first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o resolution_n and_o the_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o one_a the_o matter_n of_o this_o resolution_n joshua_n here_o resolve_v that_o if_o need_n be_v and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o pass_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o or_o with_o very_a few_o adhere_n to_o he_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a supposition_n of_o a_o impossible_a case_n which_o can_v never_o happen_v for_o it_o may_v and_o have_v real_o and_o in_o fact_n happen_v in_o several_a age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a apostasy_n of_o some_o great_a part_n of_o god_n church_n from_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o idolatry_n
and_o to_o damnable_a error_n and_o heresy_n and_o some_o good_a man_n have_v upon_o the_o matter_n stand_v alone_o in_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o general_a defection_n from_o it_o elijah_n in_o that_o general_a revolt_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o have_v forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o break_v down_o his_o altar_n and_o slay_v his_o prophet_n and_o he_o only_o as_o he_o think_v be_v leave_v to_o stand_v alone_o i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n when_o as_o he_o very_o believe_v he_o have_v no_o body_n to_o stand_v by_o he_o he_o be_v very_o zealous_a for_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n 1_o king_n 18._o 18._o and_o with_o a_o undaunted_a courage_n stand_v up_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o reprove_v ahab_n to_o his_o face_n for_o his_o defection_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o those_o three_o brave_a youth_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n chap._n 3._o do_v in_o the_o like_o resolute_a and_o undaunted_a manner_n refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o the_o great_a king_n nabuchadnezzar_n to_o worship_v the_o image_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o when_o all_o other_o submit_v and_o pay_v honour_n to_o it_o tell_v he_o plain_o if_o it_o be_v so_o our_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o burn_a fiery_a furnance_n and_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o thy_o hand_n if_o not_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o thou_o o_o king_n that_o we_o will_v not_o serve_v thy_o god_n nor_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o v_o 17_o 18._o in_o like_a manner_n and_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o courage_n daniel_n withstand_v the_o decree_n of_o darius_n which_o forbid_v man_n to_o ask_v a_o petition_n of_o any_o god_n or_o man_n for_o thirty_o day_n save_v of_o the_o king_n only_o dan._n 6._o 7._o and_o this_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n and_o when_o all_o other_o give_v obedience_n to_o it_o he_o set_v open_v the_o window_n of_o his_o chamber_n towards_o jerusalem_n and_o kneel_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o as_o he_o do_v afore_o time_n v_o 10._o in_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n athanasius_n almost_o stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o woman_n fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o live_v there_o in_o obscurity_n for_o a_o long_a time_n insomuch_o that_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v hardly_o be_v find_v and_o yet_o during_o that_o degeneracy_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o antichrist_n for_o so_o many_o age_n some_o few_o in_o every_o age_n do_v appear_v who_o do_v resolute_o own_o the_o truth_n and_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o with_o their_o blood_n but_o these_o do_v almost_o stand_v alone_a and_o by_o themselves_o like_o a_o few_o scatter_a sheep_n wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o a_o wide_a wilderness_n thus_o in_o the_o height_n of_o popery_n wickliff_n appear_v here_o in_o england_n and_o hierome_n of_o prague_n and_o john_n huss_n in_o germany_n and_o bohemia_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n when_o popery_n have_v quite_o overrun_v these_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o subdue_v her_o enemy_n on_o every_o side_n and_o antichrist_n sit_v secure_o in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n luther_n arise_v a_o bold_a and_o rough_a man_n but_o a_o fit_a wedge_n to_o cleave_v in_o sunder_o so_o hard_a and_o knotty_a a_o block_n and_o appear_v stout_o against_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n stand_v alone_o and_o with_o a_o most_o invincible_a spirit_n and_o courage_n maintain_v his_o ground_n and_o resist_v the_o unite_a malice_n and_o force_n of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o adherent_n and_o give_v he_o so_o terrible_a a_o wound_n that_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o perfect_o heal_v and_o recover_v of_o it_o so_o that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o stand_v alone_o or_o with_o a_o very_a few_o adhere_n to_o he_o and_o stand_v by_o he_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a imaginary_a supposition_n but_o a_o case_n that_o have_v real_o and_o in_o fact_n happen_v in_o several_a age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n let_v we_o then_o proceed_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o 2d_o place_n the_o due_a limit_n and_o bound_n of_o this_o peremptory_a resolution_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a either_o from_o natural_a reason_n or_o from_o divine_a revelation_n this_o resolution_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a but_o in_o thing_n doubtful_a a_o modest_a man_n and_o every_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v so_o will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o be_v stagger_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o very_a wise_a man_n and_o much_o more_o of_o many_o such_o and_o especial_o by_o the_o unanimous_a judgement_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n the_o general_a voice_n and_o opinion_n of_o mankind_n be_v next_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n which_o god_n have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v such_o as_o be_v many_o of_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o god_n worship_n a_o man_n will_v not_o be_v singular_a much_o less_o stiff_a and_o immovable_a in_o his_o singularity_n but_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o yield_v and_o surrender_v himself_o to_o the_o general_a vote_n and_o opinion_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o common_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o much_o more_o with_o the_o rule_n and_o constitution_n of_o authority_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a because_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o civility_n not_o to_o thwart_v the_o general_a practice_n and_o by_o the_o command_v of_o god_n we_o be_v certain_o oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n but_o in_o thing_n plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o man_n will_v compliment_v no_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n nor_o will_v he_o pin_v his_o faith_n upon_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n much_o less_o upon_o any_o single_a man_n no_o not_o the_o pope_n no_o though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o probable_a argument_n bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o infallibility_n in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n will_v be_v singular_a and_o stand_v alone_o against_o the_o whole_a world_n against_o the_o wrath_n and_o rage_n of_o a_o king_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o fiery_a furnace_n as_o in_o other_o matter_n a_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v all_o the_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n if_o all_o the_o great_a mathematician_n of_o all_o age_n archimedes_n and_o euclid_n and_o apollonius_n and_o diophantus_n etc._n etc._n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o general_n council_n and_o shall_v there_o declare_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n and_o give_v it_o under_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_n that_o twice_o two_o do_v not_o make_v four_o but_o five_o this_o will_v not_o move_v i_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n nay_o i_o who_o be_o no_o mathematician_n will_v maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o will_v persist_v in_o it_o without_o be_v in_o the_o least_o startle_v by_o the_o positive_a opinion_n of_o these_o great_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o shall_v most_o certain_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v either_o all_o of_o they_o out_o of_o their_o wit_n or_o that_o they_o be_v bias_v by_o some_o interest_n or_o other_o and_o sway_v against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n to_o make_v such_o a_o determination_n as_o this_o they_o may_v indeed_o over-rule_v the_o point_n by_o their_o authority_n but_o in_o my_o inward_a judgement_n i_o shall_v still_o be_v where_o i_o be_v before_o just_o so_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o any_o church_n though_o with_o never_o so_o glorious_a and_o confident_a a_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n shall_v declare_v for_o transubstantiation_n that_o be_v that_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v substantial_o change_v into_o the_o natural_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v so_o notorious_o contrary_a both_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v choose_v to_o stand_v single_a in_o
single_a argument_n as_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o undeniable_a and_o be_v so_o be_v a_o full_a justification_n not_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o reformation_n which_o she_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v within_o herself_o from_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o likewise_o of_o particular_a person_n who_o have_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n in_o any_o of_o the_o popish_a country_n yea_o though_o that_o single_a person_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o any_o other_o church_n that_o be_v free_a from_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n and_o which_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o as_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n for_o if_o any_o church_n fall_v off_o to_o idolatry_n every_o good_a christian_n not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o forsake_v her_o communion_n and_o ought_v rather_o to_o stand_v single_a and_o alone_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o true_a religion_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o corrupt_a and_o idolatrous_a church_n i_o know_v that_o some_o man_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n that_o they_o can_v very_o hardly_o believe_v that_o any_o thing_n which_o â—ears_v that_o glorious_a title_n can_v miscarry_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n so_o much_o amiss_o as_o to_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o any_o of_o her_o member_n to_o break_v off_o from_o hâ—r_a communion_n what_o the_o church_n err_v that_o be_v such_o a_o absurdity_n as_o be_v by_o many_o thought_n sufficient_a to_o put_v any_o objection_n out_o of_o countenance_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n fall_v off_o to_o idolatry_n and_o into_o error_n and_o practice_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v on_o all_o hand_n i_o think_v deny_v but_o that_o any_o particular_a church_n may_v fall_v into_o such_o error_n and_o practice_n be_v i_o think_v as_o universal_o grant_v only_o in_o this_o case_n they_o demand_v to_o have_v the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n except_v and_o why_o i_o pray_v because_o though_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v also_o the_o universal_a church_n if_o this_o can_v be_v and_o good_a sense_n can_v be_v make_v of_o a_o particular-universal_a church_n than_o the_o roman_a church_n may_v demand_v this_o high_a privilege_n of_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o fate_n of_o all_o other_o church_n but_o if_o the_o roman-catholick_n that_o be_v a_o particular-universal_a church_n be_v a_o gross_a and_o palpable_a contradiction_n than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o more_o pretence_n to_o this_o privilege_n than_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n whatsoever_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o some_o man_n talk_v of_o these_o matter_n at_o that_o rate_n as_o if_o a_o man_n who_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o quit_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n that_o he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n of_o join_v himself_o to_o any_o other_o communion_n he_o ought_v in_o that_o case_n to_o give_v over_o all_o thought_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o be_v so_o conceit_v and_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o think_v of_o go_v to_o heaven_n alone_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v without_o doubt_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n to_o despise_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o break_v off_o from_o it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o can_v continue_v in_o it_o without_o sin_n but_o if_o thing_n shall_v once_o come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o we_o must_v either_o disobey_v god_n for_o company_n or_o stand_v alone_o in_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o we_o ought_v most_o certain_o to_o obey_v god_n whatever_o come_v of_o it_o and_o to_o profess_v his_o truth_n whether_o any_o body_n else_o will_v join_v with_o we_o in_o that_o profession_n or_o not_o and_o they_o who_o speak_v otherwise_o condemn_v the_o whole_a reformation_n and_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v that_o martin_n luther_n have_v do_v a_o very_a ill_a thing_n in_o break_v off_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o no_o body_n else_o will_v have_v join_v with_o he_o in_o that_o honest_a design_n and_o yet_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o i_o hope_v god_n will_v have_v give_v he_o the_o grace_n and_o courage_n to_o have_v stand_v alone_o in_o so_o good_a and_o glorious_a a_o cause_n and_o to_o have_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o it_o and_o for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n upon_o great_a deliberation_n shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v drown_v than_o to_o be_v save_v either_o by_o a_o plank_n or_o a_o small_a boat_n or_o to_o be_v carry_v into_o the_o harbour_n any_o other_o way_n than_o in_o a_o great_a ship_n of_o so_o many_o hundred_o tun_n in_o short_a a_o good_a man_n must_v resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o to_o profess_v his_o truth_n though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v happen_v to_o do_v otherwise_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o preserve_v his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v he_o have_v engage_v his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v take_v care_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n or_o other_o some_o person_n that_o shall_v make_v a_o sincere_a profession_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o preserve_v any_o one_o part_n of_o his_o church_n from_o such_o error_n and_o corruption_n as_o may_v oblige_v all_o good_a man_n to_o quit_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o part_n yea_o tho_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o they_o may_v not_o know_v whither_o to_o resort_v for_o actual_a communion_n with_o any_o other_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o some_o particular_a person_n during_o the_o reign_n and_o rage_n of_o popery_n in_o these_o western_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o result_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o all_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o wellgrounded_n belief_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o justice_n of_o our_o reformation_n from_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o not_o only_o to_o profess_v and_o promise_v as_o peter_n do_v to_o our_o lord_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i_o but_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o and_o even_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o whatever_o trial_n god_n may_v permit_v any_o of_o we_o to_o fall_v into_o to_o take_v up_o the_o pious_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o whatever_o other_o do_v we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v conclude_v my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o first_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n with_o the_o exhortation_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n 1._o v._n 27._o only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o your_o adversary_n which_o to_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o you_o of_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o god_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n namely_o the_o pious_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n that_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n he_o will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n and_o which_o indeed_o i_o chief_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o this_o text_n namely_o the_o pious_a câ—re_n of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o mâ—ster_n of_o a_o family_n to_o train_v up_o those_o under_o his_o charge_n in_o the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o but_o defer_v it_o to_o some_o other_o opportunity_n consider_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v
you_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n concern_v family-religion_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n lawrence_z jury_n july_n the_o 13_o the_o 1684._o josh._n xxiv_o 15._o but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n contain_v in_o the_o text_n namely_o ii_o the_o pious_a care_n of_o a_o good_a master_n and_o father_n of_o a_o family_n to_o train_v up_o those_o under_o his_o charge_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o very_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o strange_o overlook_v and_o neglect_v in_o this_o loose_a and_o degenerate_a age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o next_o to_o our_o personal_a homage_n and_o service_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v those_o who_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n and_o subject_n to_o our_o authority_n god_n subject_n and_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n which_o be_v a_o much_o more_o honourable_a and_o happy_a relation_n than_o that_o which_o they_o bear_v to_o we_o our_o child_n be_v a_o natural_a part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o family_n be_v a_o civil_a and_o political_a part_n and_o not_o only_o we_o ourselves_o but_o all_o that_o we_o have_v and_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o be_v god_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v devote_v to_o his_o service_n and_o they_o that_o have_v the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n themselves_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o teach_v it_o to_o other_o to_o those_o especial_o who_o be_v under_o their_o more_o immediate_a care_n and_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v so_o great_a a_o confidence_n concern_v â—braham_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a as_o to_o undertake_v for_o he_o that_o be_v so_o very_o good_a a_o man_n himself_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v in_o so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n for_o i_o know_v he_o say_v god_n of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n god_n pass_v his_o word_n for_o he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v his_o child_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o numerous_a family_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o that_o he_o will_v likewise_o lay_v a_o strict_a charge_n upon_o they_o to_o propagate_v and_o transmit_v it_o to_o their_o posterity_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o father_n and_o master_n of_o family_n and_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n next_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o our_o own_o person_n to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o do_v the_o same_o for_o every_o man_n must_v not_o only_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n but_o of_o those_o likewise_o that_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n that_o they_o do_v do_v not_o miscarry_v through_o his_o neglect_n in_o speak_v of_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v second_o i_o shall_v consider_v our_o obligation_n to_o it_o both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o of_o interest_n three_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o so_o common_a and_o shameful_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o the_o exceed_a great_a decay_n of_o piety_n among_o we_o four_o as_o a_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o shall_v represent_v to_o you_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o both_o with_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o the_o public_a in_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a because_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a need_v not_o to_o be_v long_o i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n do_v consist_v and_o in_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o be_v long_o because_o this_o duty_n be_v much_o better_o know_v than_o practise_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v these_o follow_v first_o by_o set_v up_o the_o constant_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o family_n by_o daily_a prayer_n to_o god_n every_o morning_n and_o evening_n and_o by_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n at_o those_o time_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n and_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o keep_v alive_a and_o to_o maintain_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o where_o it_o be_v neglect_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o any_o family_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v esteem_v a_o family_n of_o christian_n or_o indeed_o to_o have_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o and_o there_o be_v not_o want_v excellent_a help_n to_o this_o purpose_n for_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o as_o i_o think_v most_o family_n do_v for_o the_o due_a and_o decent_a discharge_n of_o this_o solemn_a duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o say_v there_o be_v excellent_a help_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o several_a book_n of_o devotion_n calculate_v for_o the_o private_a use_n of_o family_n as_o well_o as_o for_o secret_a prayer_n in_o our_o closet_n so_o that_o beside_o the_o read_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n which_o be_v the_o great_a fountain_n of_o divine_a truth_n we_o may_v do_v well_o likewise_o to_o add_v to_o these_o other_o pious_a and_o profitable_a book_n which_o by_o their_o plainness_n be_v fit_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o all_o capacity_n in_o the_o most_o necessary_a point_n of_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o which_o sort_n god_n be_v thank_v there_o be_v a_o abundant_a store_n but_o none_o that_o i_o think_v be_v more_o fit_v for_o general_a and_o constant_a use_n than_o that_o excellent_a book_n so_o well_o know_v by_o the_o title_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n because_o it_o be_v convenient_o divide_v into_o part_n or_o section_n one_o of_o which_o may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o family_n at_o any_o time_n when_o there_o be_v leisure_n for_o it_o but_o more_o especial_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o the_o whole_a family_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v bring_v and_o keep_v together_o and_o have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o attend_v upon_o these_o thing_n without_o distraction_n and_o which_o i_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n omit_v because_o it_o be_v in_o many_o family_n already_o go_v and_o in_o other_o go_v out_o of_o fashion_n i_o mean_v a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o beg_v his_o blessing_n at_o our_o meal_n upon_o his_o good_a creature_n provide_v for_o our_o use_n and_o by_o return_v thanks_o to_o he_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o refreshment_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a religion_n own_a and_o practise_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o most_o place_n of_o the_o world_n but_o never_o so_o shameful_o and_o scandalous_o neglect_v and_o i_o fear_v by_o many_o slight_v and_o despise_v as_o it_o be_v among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o most_o neglect_v where_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o i_o mean_v at_o the_o most_o plentiful_a table_n and_o among_o those_o of_o high_a quality_n as_o if_o great_a person_n be_v ashamed_a or_o think_v scorn_n to_o own_o from_o whence_o these_o blessing_n come_v like_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o god_n complain_v in_o the_o prophet_n hos_n 2._o 8._o she_o know_v not_o that_o i_o give_v her_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o multiply_v her_o silver_n and_o gold_n she_o know_v not_o that_o be_v she_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v from_o who_o bounty_n all_o these_o blessing_n come_v or_o as_o if_o the_o poor_a be_v oblige_v to_o thank_v god_n for_o a_o little_a but_o those_o who_o be_v feed_v to_o the_o full_a and_o who_o cup_n overflow_v so_o that_o they_o be_v almost_o every_o day_n surfeit_v of_o plenty_n be_v not_o at_o least_o equal_o bind_v to_o make_v return_n of_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o the_o great_a giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o to_o implore_v his_o bounty_n and_o blessing_n upon_o who_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o do_v wait_v that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n o_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n do_v you_o thus_o reason_n do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n foolish_a and_o unwise_a this_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o broad_a sign_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n among_o we_o when_o
so_o natural_a and_o so_o reasonable_a a_o piece_n of_o religion_n so_o meet_v and_o equal_a a_o acknomledgment_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n towards_o we_o begin_v to_o grow_v out_o of_o date_n and_o use_n in_o a_o nation_n profess_v religion_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o take_v away_o his_o blessing_n from_o we_o when_o we_o deny_v he_o this_o just_a and_o easy_a tribute_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n shall_v not_o god_n visit_v for_o this_o horrible_a ingratitude_n and_o shall_v not_o his_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o nation_n aâ—_n this_o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o be_v you_o horrible_o astonish_v at_o this_o i_o hope_v it_o can_v be_v think_v misbecome_v the_o mean_a of_o god_n minister_n in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v to_o reprove_v even_o in_o the_o high_a and_o 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eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o a_o lively_a sense_n also_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o unspeakable_a and_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n if_o these_o principle_n once_o take_v root_n they_o will_v spread_v strange_o and_o probable_o stick_v by_o they_o and_o continue_v with_o they_o all_o their_o day_n whereas_o if_o we_o plant_v in_o they_o doubtful_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n and_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sect_n and_o the_o jargon_n of_o a_o party_n this_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o very_a pitiful_a account_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o our_o harvest_n will_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o husbandry_n we_o have_v sow_v the_o wind_n and_o shall_v reap_v the_o whirlwind_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o particular_o and_o full_o in_o the_o ensue_a sermon_n concern_v the_o good_a education_n of_o child_n and_o this_o work_n of_o instruction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v at_o other_o time_n so_o be_v it_o more_o peculiarly_a seasonable_a on_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v by_o we_o to_o religious_a purpose_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n chief_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n that_o our_o child_n and_o servant_n shall_v diligent_o and_o devout_o attend_v because_o there_o god_n afford_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v of_o piety_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v a_o more_o especial_a blessing_n there_o they_o will_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o god_n church_n and_o of_o share_n in_o the_o unspeakable_a beneâ—â—t_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o there_o they_o will_v also_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o of_o be_v powerful_o incite_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n there_o likewise_o they_o will_v be_v invite_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o participate_v of_o the_o h._n sacrament_n of_o christ_n most_o bless_v body_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o frequent_a participation_n whereof_o be_v by_o our_o b._n lord_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o die_a love_n enjoin_v upon_o all_o christian_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v a_o very_a particular_a care_n that_o those_o who_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v due_o instruct_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o that_o so_o as_o often_o as_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v for_o it_o they_o may_v be_v present_a at_o this_o holy_a action_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o when_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o that_o day_n be_v over_o our_o family_n shall_v be_v instruct_v at_o home_n by_o have_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n read_v to_o they_o and_o care_v likewise_o shall_v be_v take_v that_o they_o do_v this_o themselves_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a opportunity_n that_o most_o of_o they_o especial_o those_o that_o be_v servant_n have_v of_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o think_v serious_o of_o another_o world_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o of_o very_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o maintain_n and_o keep_v alive_a of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o this_o day_n be_v religious_o observe_v and_o spend_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o sure_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n will_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o time_n shall_v be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o for_o this_o purpose_n which_o be_v of_o all_o other_o our_o great_a concernment_n and_o they_o who_o neglect_v this_o so_o proper_a season_n and_o opportunity_n will_v hardly_o find_v any_o other_o time_n for_o it_o especial_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o command_n of_o other_o as_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o be_v seldom_o upon_o any_o other_o day_n allow_v to_o be_v so_o much_o master_n of_o their_o time_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n three_o i_o add_v further_o as_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n if_o they_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n religious_a in_o good_a earnest_n and_o will_v set_v they_o forward_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o allow_v they_o time_n and_o opportunity_n but_o that_o they_o do_v also_o strict_o and_o earnest_o charge_v they_o to_o retire_v themselves_o every_o day_n but_o more_o especial_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n morning_n and_o evening_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o for_o his_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n upon_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o praise_v he_o for_o all_o his_o favour_n and_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n as_o be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o condition_n respective_o because_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o that_o know_v how_o to_o set_v about_o and_o perform_v these_o duty_n especial_o at_o first_o without_o some_o help_n of_o this_o kind_n four_o and_o last_o another_o principal_a part_n of_o this_o duty_n consist_v in_o give_v good_a
exâ—mple_n to_o our_o family_n this_o be_v david_n resolution_n psal_n 101._o 2._o i_o will_v behave_v myself_o wise_o in_o a_o perfect_a way_n i_o will_v walk_v within_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n take_v great_a care_n to_o be_v exemplary_a to_o thy_o family_n in_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o devout_a serve_v of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o sober_a and_o prudent_a and_o unblameable_a conversation_n one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o make_v those_o who_o be_v under_o our_o care_n and_o authority_n good_a be_v to_o be_v good_a ourselves_o and_o by_o our_o good_a example_n to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n to_o be_v so_o without_o this_o our_o best_a instruction_n will_v signify_v but_o very_o little_a and_o the_o main_a force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o will_v be_v lose_v we_o undermine_v the_o best_a instruction_n we_o can_v give_v when_o they_o be_v not_o second_v and_o confirm_v by_o our_o own_o example_n and_o practice_n the_o 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this_o duty_n do_v consist_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o namely_o ii_o to_o consider_v our_o obligation_n to_o it_o both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o of_o interest_n first_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n all_o authority_n over_o other_o be_v a_o talon_n entrust_v with_o we_o by_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o good_a of_o other_o and_o for_o which_o we_o be_v accountable_a if_o we_o do_v not_o improve_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o that_o end_n we_o be_v oblige_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o temporal_a welfare_n of_o our_o family_n to_o feed_v and_o clothe_v their_o body_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o comfortable_a subsistence_n here_o in_o the_o world_n and_o sure_o much_o more_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o consult_v their_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o another_o life_n in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o temporal_a concernment_n and_o consideration_n be_v as_o nothing_o it_o will_v be_v account_v a_o very_a barbarous_a thing_n in_o a_o father_n or_o master_n to_o suffer_v a_o child_n to_o starve_v for_o want_v of_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n food_n and_o raiment_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v cry_v shame_n upon_o they_o for_o it_o but_o how_o much_o great_a cruelty_n must_v it_o in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o let_v a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o one_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o necessary_a instruction_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n think_v no_o word_n bad_a enough_o for_o those_o who_o neglect_v the_o temporal_a welfare_n of_o their_o family_n he_o that_o provide_v not_o say_v he_o for_o his_o own_o especial_o for_o those_o of_o his_o own_o house_n have_v deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o neglect_v a_o duty_n to_o which_o from_o the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o nature_n a_o heathen_a think_v himself_o oblige_v what_o then_o shall_v be_v say_v for_o they_o who_o take_v no_o care_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o eternal_a misery_n and_o ruin_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o immediate_o under_o their_o charge_n and_o so_o very_o near_o relate_v to_o they_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o our_o child_n not_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n but_o likewise_o by_o all_o the_o natural_a bond_n of_o duty_n and_o affection_n for_o our_o child_n be_v a_o part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o if_o they_o perish_v by_o our_o fault_n and_o neglect_n it_o will_v be_v a_o perpetual_a wound_n and_o sting_n to_o we_o their_o blood_n will_v be_v upon_o our_o head_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o will_v for_o ever_o lie_v at_o our_o door_n nay_o we_o be_v oblige_v likewise_o in_o justice_n and_o by_o way_n of_o reparation_n to_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n of_o their_o happiness_n for_o we_o have_v convey_v a_o sad_a inheritance_n to_o they_o in_o those_o corrupt_a and_o evil_a inclination_n which_o they_o have_v derive_v from_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n endeavour_v to_o rectify_v their_o perverse_a nature_n and_o to_o cure_v those_o curse_a disposition_n to_o evil_a which_o we_o have_v transmit_v to_o they_o and_o since_o god_n have_v be_v please_v in_o so_o much_o mercy_n to_o provide_v by_o the_o abundant_a grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o powerful_a a_o remedy_n for_o this_o hereditary_a disease_n of_o our_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a nature_n we_o shall_v do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v that_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o as_o to_o other_o member_n of_o our_o family_n whether_o they_o be_v servant_n or_o other_o relation_n of_o who_o we_o have_v take_v the_o charge_n common_a humanity_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o their_o happiness_n as_o they_o be_v man_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o ourselves_o and_o charity_n likewise_o as_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o baptise_a into_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o common_a salvation_n do_v yet_o more_o strict_o oblige_v we_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o especial_o since_o they_o be_v commit_v to_o our_o care_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o they_o so_o that_o our_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o strong_a and_o if_o we_o be_v remiss_a and_o negligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o we_o can_v never_o answer_v it_o either_o to_o god_n or_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v awaken_v we_o all_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o and_o effectual_o engage_v we_o for_o the_o future_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o it_o second_o we_o be_v hereto_o likewise_o oblige_v in_o point_n of_o interest_n because_o it_o be_v real_o for_o our_o service_n and_o advantage_n that_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o shall_v serve_v and_o fear_v god_n religion_n be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a foundation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o relation_n and_o the_o best_a caution_n and_o security_n for_o the_o true_a discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o they_o will_v we_o have_v dutiful_a and_o obedient_a child_n diligent_a and_o faithful_a servant_n nothing_o will_v so_o effectual_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v so_o as_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n firm_o settle_v and_o root_v in_o they_o abraham_n who_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v so_o eminent_a a_o example_n in_o this_o kind_n both_o of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o a_o good_a master_n of_o his_o family_n find_v the_o good_a success_n of_o his_o religious_a care_n in_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o it_o both_o upon_o his_o son_n isaac_n and_o his_o chief_a servant_n and_o steward_n of_o his_o house_n eliezer_n of_o damascus_n what_o a_o unexampled_a instance_n of_o the_o most_o profound_a respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o his_o father_n do_v isaac_n give_v when_o without_o the_o least_o murmur_a or_o reluctancy_n he_o submit_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o to_o have_v be_v slay_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n if_o god_n have_v not_o by_o a_o angel_n send_v on_o purpose_n interpose_v to_o prevent_v it_o what_o a_o admirable_a servant_n to_o abraham_n be_v the_o steward_n of_o his_o house_n eliezer_n of_o damascus_n how_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a be_v he_o in_o his_o master_n service_n so_o that_o he_o trust_v he_o in_o his_o great_a concernment_n and_o with_o all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o
i_o mean_v in_o not_o teach_v they_o to_o govern_v their_o passion_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o many_o that_o have_v prove_v sincere_a christian_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v man_n have_v yet_o be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o life_n have_v be_v full_a of_o inequality_n and_o breach_n which_o have_v not_o only_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o disquiet_v to_o themselves_o but_o of_o great_a scandal_n to_o religion_n when_o their_o light_n which_o shall_v shine_v before_o man_n be_v so_o often_o darken_v and_o obscure_v by_o these_o frequent_a and_o visible_a infirmity_n 2_o dly_z to_o the_o government_n of_o their_o tongue_n to_o this_o end_n teach_v child_n silence_n especial_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o better_n and_o assoon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o lesson_n let_v they_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o speak_v but_o upon_o consideration_n both_o of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o before_o who_o and_o above_o all_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o that_o most_o necessary_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o speak_v truth_n as_o one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o strong_a band_n of_o human_a society_n and_o commerce_n and_o possess_v they_o with_o the_o baseness_n and_o vileness_n of_o tell_v a_o lie_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o provocation_n to_o give_v a_o man_n the_o lie_n then_o sure_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n must_v be_v a_o mighty_a reproach_n they_o who_o write_v of_o japan_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o people_n though_o mere_a heathen_n take_v such_o a_o effectual_a course_n in_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n as_o to_o render_v a_o lie_n and_o breach_n of_o faith_n above_o all_o thing_n odious_a to_o they_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n for_o any_o person_n among_o they_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o lie_n or_o find_v guilty_a of_o breach_n of_o faith_n and_o can_v the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n be_v render_v as_o effectual_a to_o restrain_v man_n from_o these_o fault_n which_o be_v scandalous_a even_o to_o nature_n and_o much_o more_o so_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o tongue_n do_v likewise_o belong_v the_o restrain_v of_o child_n from_o lewd_a and_o obscene_a word_n from_o vain_a and_o profane_a talk_n and_o especial_o from_o horrid_a oath_n and_o imprecation_n from_o all_o which_o they_o be_v easy_o keep_v at_o first_o but_o if_o they_o be_v once_o accustom_v to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v find_v no_o such_o easy_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o get_v quit_v of_o these_o evil_a habit_n it_o will_v require_v great_a attention_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o to_o keep_v oath_n out_o of_o their_o common_a discourse_n but_o if_o they_o be_v heat_v and_o in_o passion_n they_o throw_v out_o oath_n and_o curse_n as_o natural_o as_o man_n that_o be_v high_o provoke_v fling_v stone_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o come_v next_o to_o hand_n at_o one_o another_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o let_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v bad_a in_o child_n to_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o habit._n three_o as_o the_o principal_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n let_v child_n be_v careful_o breed_v up_o 1_o sy_n to_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n in_o regard_n to_o themselves_o under_o which_o i_o comprehend_v likewise_o purity_n and_o chastity_n the_o government_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n as_o to_o all_o kind_n of_o bodily_a pleasure_n be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o excellent_a instrument_n of_o it_o and_o a_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n for_o he_o that_o can_v govern_v himself_o be_v not_o like_a to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n either_o to_o god_n or_o men._n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n put_v sobriety_n first_o as_o a_o primary_n and_o principal_a virtue_n in_o which_o man_n be_v instruct_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o must_v be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n both_o of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o righteousness_n to_o men._n the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o so_o he_o call_v the_o gospel_n that_o bring_v salvation_n unto_o all_o man_n have_v appear_v teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n it_o first_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o unless_o we_o train_v up_o child_n to_o this_o virtue_n we_o must_v never_o expect_v that_o they_o will_v either_o live_v righteous_o or_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n especial_o child_n must_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o great_a sobriety_n and_o temperance_n in_o their_o diet_n which_o will_v retrench_v the_o fuel_n of_o other_o inordinate_a appetite_n it_o be_v a_o good_a say_v i_o have_v meet_v with_o somewhere_o magna_fw-la pars_fw-la virtutis_fw-la est_fw-la bene_fw-la moratus_fw-la venture_n a_o well_o manner_a and_o well_o govern_v appetite_n in_o matter_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o virtue_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o child_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o lessian_a diet_n which_o set_v a_o equal_a stint_n to_o all_o stomach_n and_o be_v as_o senseless_a a_o thing_n as_o a_o law_n will_v be_v which_o shall_v enjoin_v that_o shoe_n for_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v make_v upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o last_o 2_o dly_z to_o a_o serious_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n still_o and_o quiet_a real_a and_o substantial_a without_o much_o show_n and_o noise_n and_o as_o free_a as_o may_v be_v from_o all_o trick_n of_o superstition_n or_o freak_v of_o enthusiasm_n which_o if_o parent_n and_o teacher_n be_v not_o very_o prudent_a will_v almost_o unavoidable_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o religion_n of_o child_n and_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o will_v make_v they_o appear_v to_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n fantastical_a and_o conceit_a and_o render_v they_o very_o apt_a to_o impose_v their_o own_o foolish_a superstition_n and_o wild_a conceit_n upon_o other_o who_o understand_v religion_n much_o better_a than_o themselves_o let_v they_o be_v teach_v to_o honour_n and_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o private_a and_o to_o attend_v constant_o upon_o his_o public_a worship_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o mind_n intent_n upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o without_o wander_v and_o distraction_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfectâ—_n gift_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o and_o to_o â—render_v thanks_o to_o he_o as_o our_o most_o gracious_a and_o constant_a benefactor_n and_o the_o great_a patron_n and_o preserver_n of_o our_o life_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o to_o avoid_v what_o he_o have_v forbid_v to_o be_v always_o under_o a_o lively_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o pure_a and_o all-seeing_a eye_n which_o 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the_o world_n aught_o to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a in_o all_o your_o deal_n in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o next_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o child_n not_o only_o that_o you_o may_v entail_v no_o curse_n upon_o the_o estate_n you_o leave_v they_o but_o likewise_o that_o you_o may_v teach_v they_o no_o injustice_n by_o the_o example_n you_o set_v before_o they_o which_o in_o this_o particular_a they_o will_v be_v as_o apt_a to_o imitate_v as_o in_o any_o one_o thing_n because_o of_o the_o present_a worldly_a advantage_n which_o it_o seem_v to_o bring_v and_o because_o justice_n be_v in_o truth_n a_o manly_a virtue_n and_o lest_o understand_v by_o child_n and_o therefore_o injustice_n be_v a_o vice_n which_o they_o will_v soon_o practice_v and_o with_o the_o least_o reluctancy_n because_o
part_n of_o good_a education_n be_v the_o bring_n of_o child_n to_o be_v public_o catechise_v by_o the_o minister_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o solemn_a confirmation_n it_o be_v with_o a_o particular_a respect_n to_o this_o work_n of_o public_a catechise_n and_o by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o it_o that_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v to_o treat_v thus_o large_o of_o the_o good_a education_n of_o child_n hope_v it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o handle_v this_o subject_a more_o full_o than_o it_o have_v usual_o be_v do_v at_o least_o to_o my_o knowledge_n from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v something_o and_o that_o very_o brief_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o concern_v the_o necessity_n and_o great_a usefulness_n of_o catechise_v child_n first_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a way_n of_o teach_v by_o question_n and_o answer_n accommodate_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n i_o do_v not_o indeed_o find_v that_o this_o particular_a method_n be_v any_o where_o enjoin_v in_o scripture_n but_o instruction_n in_o general_n be_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o upon_o this_o general_a warrant_n parent_n and_o minister_n may_v use_v that_o way_n of_o instruction_n of_o child_n which_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o instill_v into_o they_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o whence_o our_o word_n catechism_n do_v come_v be_v use_v in_o scripture_n to_o signify_v teach_v in_o general_a but_o it_o have_v since_o by_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n be_v appropriate_v to_o that_o particular_a way_n of_o instruction_n which_o have_v be_v long_o in_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v common_o call_v catechise_v second_o as_o to_o the_o necessity_n and_o great_a usefulness_n of_o it_o catechise_v have_v a_o particular_a advantage_n as_o to_o child_n because_o they_o be_v subject_a 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beside_o that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o principle_n of_o religion_n fix_v in_o they_o they_o become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o seducer_n and_o we_o have_v have_v sad_a experience_n of_o this_o in_o our_o age_n and_o among_o many_o other_o dismal_a effect_n of_o our_o late_a civil_a confusion_n this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o public_a catechise_n be_v almost_o whole_o disuse_v and_o private_a too_o in_o most_o family_n for_o have_v catechise_v of_o child_n be_v continue_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o this_o age_n will_v have_v be_v infest_a with_o few_o error_n and_o with_o few_o schism_n and_o that_o there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o much_o apostasy_n from_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v i_o think_v a_o true_a observation_n that_o catechise_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o martyr_n have_v be_v the_o two_o great_a pillar_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n there_o be_v then_o so_o great_a a_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o this_o way_n of_o instruction_n i_o will_v earnest_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o work_n shall_v lie_v whole_o upon_o minister_n you_o must_v do_v your_o part_n at_o home_n who_o by_o your_o constant_a residence_n in_o your_o family_n have_v better_a and_o more_o easy_a opportunity_n of_o inculcate_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n upon_o your_o child_n and_o servant_n there_o you_o must_v prepare_v they_o for_o public_a catechise_n that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o minister_n may_v not_o be_v too_o heavy_a upon_o he_o as_o to_o the_o part_n which_o concern_v minister_n i_o intend_v by_o god_n assistance_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o business_n can_v be_v put_v into_o a_o good_a method_n to_o begin_v this_o exercise_n and_o i_o do_v earnest_o entreat_v all_o that_o have_v young_a child_n and_o servant_n to_o bring_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v public_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o shall_v as_o often_o as_o shall_v be_v think_v expedient_a spend_v some_o time_n in_o this_o work_n between_o afternoon_n prayer_n and_o sermon_n the_o catechism_n to_o be_v use_v shall_v be_v that_o appoint_v in_o our_o liturgy_n which_o be_v short_a and_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o i_o shall_v make_v a_o short_a and_o plain_a explication_n of_o the_o head_n of_o it_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o because_o this_o may_v not_o probable_o be_v of_o so_o great_a advantage_n to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o ripe_a year_n and_o understanding_n yet_o because_o child_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v as_o well_o as_o man_n i_o must_v entreat_v those_o who_o be_v like_a to_o carry_v away_o the_o least_o profit_n to_o bring_v with_o they_o the_o more_o patience_n especial_o since_o i_o shall_v for_o their_o sake_n in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o my_o afternoon_n sâ—rmons_n more_o large_o and_o full_o explain_v the_o chief_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n a_o work_n which_o you_o know_v i_o have_v some_o time_n ago_o enter_v upon_o viii_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o shall_v mention_v and_o with_o which_o the_o state_n of_o childhood_n end_n be_v the_o bring_n of_o child_n to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v solemn_o confirm_v by_o their_o take_n upon_o themselves_o the_o vow_n which_o by_o their_o surety_n they_o enter_v into_o at_o their_o baptism_n this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o almost_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v of_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o of_o very_o great_a use_n when_o it_o be_v perform_v with_o that_o due_a preparation_n of_o person_n for_o it_o by_o the_o minister_n to_o who_o charge_n they_o belong_v and_o with_o that_o seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v require_v and_o to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v very_o desirable_a that_o confirmation_n shall_v be_v more_o frequent_a and_o in_o small_a number_n at_o a_o time_n that_o so_o the_o bishop_n may_v apply_v himself_o more_o particular_o to_o every_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o thing_n may_v make_v the_o deep_a impression_n and_o lay_v the_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o they_o one_o thing_n more_o i_o can_v wish_v both_o to_o prevent_v confusion_n and_o for_o the_o ease_n also_o of_o the_o bishop_n that_o his_o work_n may_v not_o be_v endless_a that_o minister_n will_v take_v care_n that_o none_o may_v present_v themselves_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o be_v present_v by_o the_o minister_n to_o be_v confirm_v a_o second_o time_n because_o a_o great_a many_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v themselves_o every_o time_n there_o be_v a_o confirmation_n which_o be_v both_o very_a disorderly_a and_o unreasonable_a there_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o little_a reason_n for_o a_o second_o confirmation_n as_o there_o be_v for_o a_o second_o baptism_n and_o if_o any_o person_n need_v so_o often_o to_o be_v confirm_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o confirmation_n have_v very_o little_a effect_n upon_o they_o ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o general_a head_n which_o be_v to_o give_v some_o more_o particular_a direction_n for_o the_o management_n of_o this_o work_n of_o the_o good_a education_n of_o child_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o its_o end_n first_o endeavour_v as_o well_o as_o you_o can_v to_o discover_v the_o particular_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o child_n that_o you_o may_v suit_n and_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o it_o and_o by_o strike_v in_o with_o nature_n may_v steer_v and_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o sweet_a and_o easy_a way_n this_o be_v like_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ground_n to_o be_v plant_v which_o husbandman_n be_v wont_n very_o careful_o
the_o weed_n of_o corn_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a piece_n of_o good_a husbandry_n vice_n like_o ill_a weed_n grow_v apace_o and_o if_o they_o once_o take_v to_o the_o soil_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o extirpate_v and_o kill_v they_o but_o if_o we_o watch_v they_o and_o cut_v they_o up_o assoon_o as_o they_o appear_v this_o will_v discourage_v the_o root_n and_o make_v it_o die_v therefore_o take_v great_a heed_n that_o your_o child_n be_v not_o habituate_v and_o accustom_v to_o any_o evil_a course_n a_o vice_n that_o be_v of_o any_o considerable_a growth_n and_o continuance_n will_v soon_o grow_v obstinate_a and_o have_v once_o spread_v its_o root_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o clear_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o a_o child_n may_v be_v so_o long_o neglect_v till_o he_o be_v overgrow_v with_o vice_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o may_v be_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o parent_n ever_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o good_a fruit_n if_o it_o once_o gain_v upon_o the_o deprave_a disposition_n of_o child_n it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n caution_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n which_o they_o who_o go_v on_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n will_v most_o certain_o be_v we_o shall_v observe_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o child_n and_o kill_v those_o young_a serpent_n assoon_o as_o they_o stir_v lest_o they_o bite_v they_o to_o death_n four_o bring_v they_o assoon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n where_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o more_o especial_a presence_n and_o blessing_n it_o be_v in_o zion_n the_o place_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n where_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o blessing_n even_o life_n for_o evermore_o there_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v of_o grace_n in_o we_o this_o be_v the_o pool_n where_o the_o angel_n use_v to_o come_v and_o to_o move_v the_o water_n bring_v your_o child_n hither_o where_o if_o they_o diligent_o attend_v they_o may_v meet_v with_o a_o opportunity_n of_o be_v heal_v and_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o church_n call_v they_o frequent_o to_o a_o account_n of_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v there_o this_o will_v make_v they_o both_o to_o attend_v more_o diligent_o to_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o to_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o their_o memory_n with_o great_a care_n and_o will_v fix_v it_o there_o so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o deep_a and_o more_o last_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n five_o be_v careful_a more_o especial_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n in_o such_o instance_n as_o their_o understanding_n and_o age_n be_v capable_a of_o teach_v they_o some_o short_a and_o proper_a form_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n to_o be_v say_v by_o they_o devout_o upon_o their_o knee_n in_o private_a at_o least_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n a_o great_a many_o child_n neglect_v this_o not_o from_o any_o ill_a disposition_n of_o mind_n but_o because_o no_o body_n take_v care_n to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o put_v upon_o do_v it_o the_o habit_n and_o custom_n of_o any_o thing_n will_v after_o a_o little_a while_n make_v that_o easy_a and_o delightful_a enough_o which_o they_o can_v afterward_o be_v bring_v to_o without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n knowledge_n and_o practice_n do_v mutuallyâ—_n promote_v and_o help_v forward_o one_o another's_o knowledge_n prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o practice_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o perfect_a knowledge_n in_o any_o kind_n mere_a speculation_n be_v a_o very_a raw_a and_o rude_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o true_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n which_o be_v get_v by_o practice_n and_o experience_n the_o most_o exact_a skill_n in_o geography_n be_v nothing_o compare_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o man_n who_o beside_o the_o speculative_a part_n have_v travel_v over_o and_o careful_o view_v the_o country_n he_o have_v read_v of_o the_o most_o know_a man_n in_o the_o art_n and_o rule_n of_o navigation_n be_v no_o body_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o experience_a pilot_n and_o seaman_n because_o knowledge_n perfect_v by_o practice_n be_v as_o much_o different_a from_o mere_a speculation_n as_o the_o skill_n of_o do_v a_o thing_n be_v from_o be_v tell_v how_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o man_n may_v easy_o mistake_v rule_n but_o frequent_a practice_n and_o experience_n be_v seldom_o deceive_v give_v i_o a_o man_n that_o constant_o do_v a_o thing_n well_o and_o that_o shall_v satisfy_v i_o that_o he_o know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o that_o say_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v my_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o be_v a_o clear_a determination_n of_o this_o matter_n namely_o that_o they_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n best_o who_o be_v most_o careful_a to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v what_o god_n be_v be_v to_o transcribe_v his_o perfection_n in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v therefore_o when_o the_o mind_n of_o child_n be_v once_o thorough_o possess_v with_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v bend_v all_o our_o endeavour_n to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o know_v let_v they_o rather_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v well_o than_o to_o talk_v well_o rather_o to_o avoid_v what_o be_v evil_a in_o all_o its_o shape_n and_o appearance_n and_o to_o practice_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o it_o than_o to_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n job_n 28._o 28._o hereby_o â—aith_o st._n john_n we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 3_o 4._o xenophon_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o persian_n instead_o of_o make_v their_o child_n learned_a teach_v they_o to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o instead_o of_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o fine_a speculation_n teach_v they_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n and_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o wise_a and_o valiant_a just_a and_o temperate_a lycurgus_n also_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lacedaemonian_a commonwealth_n take_v no_o care_n about_o learning_n but_o only_o about_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o child_n though_o i_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o care_n of_o both_o be_v best_a and_o that_o 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