at_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n in_o the_o temple_n praising_n and_o blessing_n god_n luk._n xxiv_o 53._o and_o after_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v on_o they_o they_o have_v settle_v church_n we_o read_v the_o four_o live_a creature_n and_o the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n by_o which_o be_v certain_o mean_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n rest_v not_o day_n and_o night_n say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a etc._n etc._n that_o be_v morning_n and_o evening_n they_o fall_v down_o before_o god_n and_o worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o which_o practice_n have_v ever_o since_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n which_o in_o that_o heavenly_a hymn_n common_o ascribe_v to_o st._n ambrose_n have_v constant_o say_v day_n by_o day_n we_o magnify_v thy_o name_n for_o which_o end_n certain_a hour_n as_o well_o as_o a_o certain_a place_n have_v be_v always_o appoint_v that_o man_n may_v so_o order_v their_o other_o affair_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o mind_v this_o great_a business_n of_o give_v thanks_o and_o praise_n to_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o all_o and_o implore_v his_o blessing_n on_o they_o in_o their_o several_a calling_n and_o condition_n and_o on_o their_o church_n and_o country_n and_o final_o on_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v so_o sure_a that_o the_o jew_n have_v such_o set_a hour_n of_o prayer_n that_o i_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o say_v much_o of_o a_o matter_n so_o well_o know_v i_o will_v only_o note_v that_o they_o be_v the_o 3_o hour_n the_o 6_o and_o the_o 9_o which_o the_o christian_a church_n afterward_o observe_v and_o that_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o st._n peter_n even_o when_o he_o be_v not_o at_o jerusalem_n go_v up_o to_o the_o housetop_n to_o pray_v about_o the_o six_o hour_n i._n e._n twelve_o a_o clock_n which_o we_o can_v doubt_v be_v his_o usual_a custom_n and_o as_o little_a doubt_n that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o every_o where_o propagate_v throughout_o all_o the_o church_n which_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o christianity_n tell_v we_o observe_v those_o very_a set_a hour_n of_o prayer_n so_o clemens_n in_o his_o constitution_n seven_o 24._o and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n in_o l._n seven_o of_o his_o stromata_n where_o he_o call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o set_n appoint_a hour_n and_o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o fast_v chap._n 10._o origen_n also_o in_o his_o book_n of_o prayer_n prove_v from_o several_a scripture_n example_n that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v less_o than_o three_o time_n every_o day_n n._n 38._o and_o such_o be_v the_o practice_n in_o st._n chrysostom_n day_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o show_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n which_o be_v still_o continue_a in_o our_o great_a church_n every_o where_n i_o will_v here_o only_o transcribe_v the_o word_n of_o st._n hierom_n upon_o the_o vi_o dan._n 10._o there_o be_v three_o time_n in_o which_o our_o knee_n ought_v to_o be_v bow_v to_o god_n at_o the_o three_o hour_n the_o six_o and_o the_o nine_o as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n instruct_v we_o at_o the_o three_o hour_n the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n at_o the_o six_o peter_n go_v up_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o upper_a chamber_n and_o at_o the_o nine_o peter_n and_o john_n go_v up_o together_o into_o the_o temple_n whether_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n be_v every_o where_o celebrate_v three_o time_n a_o day_n or_o only_o upon_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o in_o great_a city_n every_o day_n may_v just_o be_v question_v and_o i_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o every_o day_n in_o all_o place_n celebrate_v more_o than_o twice_o because_o the_o constitution_n ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v undoubted_o very_o ancient_a enjoin_v no_o more_o but_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n the_o word_n be_v very_o remarkable_a direct_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o who_o they_o say_v 58._o l._n 2._o constit_fw-la 58._o command_v and_o exhort_v the_o people_n to_o come_v continual_o to_o church_n morning_n and_o evening_n every_o day_n and_o not_o to_o fail_v at_o all_o and_o then_o they_o mention_v in_o the_o same_o place_n three_o service_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o more_o solemn_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v exact_o suitable_a to_o god_n appointment_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v daily_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n offer_v and_o on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n another_o offer_v beside_o the_o continual_a burnt-offering_a as_o we_o read_v express_o numb_a xxviii_o 9_o 10._o they_o have_v indeed_o at_o the_o temple_n other_o offering_n every_o day_n about_o 12_o a_o clock_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o israel_n as_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n be_v but_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o particular_a person_n on_o particular_a occasion_n and_o according_o all_o christian_n pray_v public_o twice_o every_o day_n morning_n and_o evening_n and_o have_v another_o hour_n also_o for_o private_a prayer_n which_o be_v about_o noon_n conformable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n psal_n lv_o 17._o it_o must_v not_o here_o be_v forget_v there_o be_v likewise_o two_o of_o the_o week_n day_n more_o solemn_o observe_v than_o the_o rest_n for_o public_a prayer_n viz._n wednesday_n and_o friday_n as_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o prove_v 112._o prove_v treatise_n of_o repentance_n pag._n 112._o on_o which_o day_n there_o be_v three_o service_n in_o some_o place_n as_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o in_o all_o place_n they_o take_v special_a care_n that_o nothing_o shall_v keep_v they_o then_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n how_o negligent_a soever_o they_o be_v at_o other_o time_n and_o the_o devout_a sort_n also_o fast_v on_o those_o two_o day_n that_o they_o may_v have_v more_o time_n for_o prayer_n and_o be_v excite_v to_o great_a fervour_n in_o it_o by_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o least_o of_o god_n blessing_n and_o do_v we_o now_o think_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o preserve_v our_o religion_n without_o any_o of_o this_o care_n either_o on_o those_o day_n or_o on_o other_o but_o only_o the_o lord_n day_n then_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n till_o these_o late_a time_n have_v be_v too_o officious_a though_o it_o follow_v the_o plain_a instruction_n and_o the_o best_a pattern_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o have_v be_v so_o universal_o understand_v to_o enjoin_v a_o daily_a public_a service_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a country_n that_o i_o can_v find_v at_o this_o day_n by_o who_o this_o tribute_n be_v not_o pay_v unto_o he_o all_o the_o eastern_a christian_n as_o a_o learned_a divine_a and_o great_a traveller_n have_v inform_v we_o 162._o we_o dr._n basire_n be_v funer_n sermon_n for_o the_o bishop_n of_o durham_n pag._n 95._o and_o see_v chemnitius_n exam_n council_n trident_n pars_fw-la quarta_fw-la p._n 160_o and_o 162._o greek_n armenian_a and_o other_o constant_o perform_v it_o in_o the_o west_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n still_o observe_v this_o practice_n and_o in_o germany_n both_o the_o lutheran_n and_o the_o calvinist_n have_v their_o daily_a public_a office_n and_o full_a congregation_n so_o we_o have_v in_o these_o island_n and_o in_o many_o place_n full_a congregation_n also_o though_o in_o other_o alas_o either_o no_o public_a assembly_n or_o scandalous_o empty_a which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a shame_n as_o the_o forementioned_a dr._n speak_v that_o when_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o lamb_n which_o be_v offer_v public_o twice_o every_o day_n by_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v not_o daily_o give_v he_o the_o calf_n of_o our_o lip_n as_o the_o prophet_n phrase_n be_v that_o be_v pray_v to_o he_o and_o praise_v he_o and_o give_v he_o thanks_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n why_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n do_v not_o thus_o constant_o assemble_v as_o they_o do_v in_o germany_n it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o inquire_v mr._n calvin_n i_o be_o sure_a both_o approve_v of_o this_o practice_n and_o wish_v it_o be_v restore_v in_o more_o place_n of_o his_o work_n than_o one_o by_o note_v which_o what_o i_o have_v say_v will_v be_v confirm_v and_o some_o reason_n also_o give_v of_o this_o omission_n for_o have_v observe_v that_o god_n appoint_v a_o 1._o a_o comment_fw-fr in_o iii._o act._n 1._o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o thereby_o teach_v they_o to_o begin_v and_o close_v the_o day_n with_o invocation_n
divine_a goodness_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o he_o shall_v humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o have_v a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n this_o take_v down_o all_o pride_n this_o lay_v all_o arrogance_n low_a this_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v modest_a and_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o all_o humility_n of_o mind_n contemn_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o design_v the_o future_a good_a of_o that_o life_n which_o be_v immortal_a thus_o he_o and_o we_o may_v understand_v how_o much_o more_o grateful_a it_o be_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o have_v all_o this_o do_v in_o public_a than_o only_o alone_a by_o ourselves_o by_o that_o passage_n among_o other_o in_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n xxii_o 22._o i_o will_v declare_v thy_o naâ—â—_n among_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thâ—_n congregation_n will_v i_o praise_v thou_o which_o the_o apostle_n apply_v to_o our_o lorâ—_n christ_n and_o interpret_v the_o word_n as_o if_o they_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o heb._n two_o 12._o where_o he_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v we_o brethren_n say_v 〈◊〉_d will_v declare_v thy_o name_n unto_o my_o brother_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n will_v i_o sing_v praise_n unto_o thou_o behold_v here_o how_o 〈◊〉_d make_v this_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n himself_n who_o teach_v we_o by_o his_o own_o example_n how_o acceptable_a it_o will_v be_v to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o how_o profitable_a to_o ouâ—_n self_n to_o praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o proclaim_v both_o the_o benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o he_o iv_o unto_o which_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o strong_o excite_v let_v we_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o blessing_n we_o most_o want_v as_o we_o be_v sociable_a creature_n be_v public_a blessing_n they_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v seek_v in_o our_o common_a prayer_n as_o most_o general_o needful_a for_o we_o all_o for_o so_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n direct_v the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o 1_o tim._n two_o 1_o 2._o require_v in_o the_o very_a first_o place_n that_o prayer_n supplication_n intercession_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n nothing_o he_o know_v be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n than_o to_o have_v governor_n who_o he_o elsewhere_o call_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n preserve_v in_o their_o just_a authority_n especial_o to_o be_v bless_v with_o good_a governor_n who_o may_v be_v conservator_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n punisher_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n a_o terror_n to_o evil_a doer_n and_o incourager_n of_o those_o that_o do_v well_o and_o therefore_o he_o ordain_v that_o this_o great_a thing_n shall_v be_v ask_v of_o god_n by_o public_a prayer_n because_o it_o be_v of_o universal_a concernment_n and_o of_o high_a moment_n to_o every_o man_n happiness_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o any_o particular_a respect_n unto_o which_o their_o petition_n may_v be_v direct_v agreeable_a to_o this_o i_o find_v in_o josephus_n that_o the_o ancient_a jew_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o offer_v sacrifice_n unto_o god_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o first_o place_n apionem_fw-la l._n 2._o contr_n apionem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o common_a safety_n or_o salvation_n and_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o their_o own_o private_a concern_v for_o we_o be_v bear_v say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o communion_n and_o society_n one_o with_o another_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o prefer_v the_o common_a concern_v before_o his_o own_o private_a advantage_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d must_v needs_o be_v above_o all_o other_o very_o acceptable_a and_o dear_a to_o god_n this_o passage_n among_o other_o be_v cite_v by_o eusebius_n and_o we_o may_v add_v to_o it_o 8._o l._n viij_o de_fw-fr praepar_fw-la evang._n sect._n 8._o what_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n now_o tell_v we_o in_o their_o book_n that_o the_o last_o thing_n the_o high_a priest_n pray_v for_o on_o the_o great_a day_n of_o expiation_n just_a before_o he_o come_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a place_n be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v not_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o those_o 17._o p._n fagius_n in_o levit._n xuj_o 17._o who_o be_v in_o a_o journey_n that_o be_v prayer_n make_v for_o man_n own_o private_a benefit_n against_o the_o public_a interest_n such_o as_o the_o prayer_n of_o those_o in_o a_o journey_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v who_o desire_v fair_a wether_n when_o all_o the_o country_n pray_v for_o rain_n but_o howsoever_o this_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o apostle_n word_n that_o he_o will_v have_v those_o thing_n principal_o ask_v of_o god_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o community_n which_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o their_o common_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o so_o they_o be_v ancient_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o we_o find_v in_o tertullian_n to_o name_n no_o other_o author_n who_o describe_v the_o christian_a assembly_n say_v we_o pray_v there_o for_o the_o emperor_n and_o for_o their_o minister_n and_o for_o power_n and_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o quiet_a of_o thing_n 39_o apolog._n cap._n 39_o and_o for_o the_o delay_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o he_o have_v declare_v before_o more_o large_o we_o pray_v to_o the_o eternal_a god_n for_o the_o health_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o true_a god_n the_o live_a god_n who_o make_v they_o emperor_n and_o who_o it_o concern_v the_o emperor_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v propitious_a to_o they_o etc._n etc._n to_o he_o we_o look_v up_o 30._o ib._n cap._n 30._o and_o all_o of_o we_o pray_v always_o for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o long_a life_n a_o secure_a empire_n a_o safe_a family_n a_o valiant_a army_n a_o faithful_a senate_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v so_o know_v a_o practice_n and_o it_o be_v so_o firm_o believe_v in_o those_o day_n that_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n the_o honour_n and_o prosperity_n of_o king_n and_o kingdom_n depend_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o daily_a service_n that_o there_o be_v example_n of_o heathen_a prince_n who_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o to_o desire_v to_o have_v their_o safety_n commend_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v institute_v with_o such_o a_o peculiar_a respect_n it_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o welfare_n of_o prince_n the_o support_n of_o their_o government_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o their_o people_n that_o they_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o endanger_n the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o world_n and_o may_v possible_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o full_a of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n because_o christian_a people_n have_v not_o apply_v themselves_o earnest_o enough_o in_o daily_a public_a prayer_n which_o be_v general_o disregard_v to_o beseech_v god_n for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o tranquillity_n but_o be_v whole_o bend_v to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o their_o own_o private_a desire_n v._o and_o as_o we_o ought_v thus_o to_o join_v in_o prayer_n that_o we_o may_v recommend_v our_o common_a concern_v to_o the_o care_n of_o almighty_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o likewise_o that_o we_o may_v by_o the_o common_a office_n of_o religion_n keep_v ourselves_o the_o close_o knit_v together_o in_o firm_a love_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o same_o society_n for_o nothing_o combine_v man_n so_o strong_o as_o religion_n and_o the_o pure_a it_o be_v the_o great_a effect_n it_o have_v for_o the_o stay_n and_o support_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o have_v make_v all_o lawgiver_n as_o aristotle_n observe_v in_o his_o politic_n to_o exercise_v their_o first_o care_n about_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o qualify_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o public_a make_v governor_n as_o mr._n hooker_n i_o think_v speaks_z apt_a to_o rule_v with_o conscience_n and_o inferior_n for_o conscience_n sake_n willing_o to_o obey_v their_o governor_n it_o be_v a_o admirable_a say_n of_o plutarch_n in_o his_o discourse_n against_o a_o epicurean_a coloten_fw-la epicurean_a advers._fw-la coloten_fw-la that_o a_o city_n may_v as_o well_o be_v build_v in_o the_o air_n without_o any_o earth_n to_o stand_v upon_o as_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n be_v either_o constitute_v or_o conserve_v without_o the_o support_n of_o religion_n take_v this_o away_o and_o you_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n on_o
christian_n member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o assembly_n of_o man_n devote_v unto_o christ_n meet_v together_o for_o religious_a worship_n they_o be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o assemble_v with_o it_o that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o christian_n nor_o will_v any_o of_o their_o private_a devotion_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a because_o they_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n who_o very_a be_v consist_v iâ—_n assembly_n and_o not_o in_o separate_a worship_n alone_o by_o ourselves_o which_o private_a worship_n be_v then_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n when_o perform_v by_o a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o be_v by_o onâ—_n who_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a assembly_n by_o which_o he_o procure_v acceptance_n for_o his_o secret_a and_o private_a service_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v moâ—â—_n acceptable_a that_o we_o can_v reasonable_a think_v they_o be_v acceptable_a at_o all_o wheâ—_n they_o be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o otherâ—_n or_o when_o the_o other_o be_v constant_o neglect_v if_o i_o know_v how_o to_o make_v this_o plaineâ—_n i_o will_v do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n 〈◊〉_d great_a importance_n that_o we_o may_v not_o 〈◊〉_d guilty_a of_o neglect_v the_o public_a wâ—â—_n ship_n of_o god_n where_o it_o may_v be_v injoyeâ—_n for_o so_o far_o as_o we_o neglect_v this_o we_o 〈◊〉_d ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v we_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o become_v bare_a natural_a man_n and_o woman_n for_o christian_n be_v make_v to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o a_o body_n of_o which_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v a_o part_n which_o can_v subsist_v but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n perhaps_o this_o will_v be_v better_o understand_v by_o consider_v how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v christian_n which_o be_v not_o bare_o by_o belief_n in_o christ_n but_o by_o receive_v baptism_n where_o profess_v faith_n in_o he_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a society_n and_o communion_n to_o partake_v of_o those_o blessing_n which_o be_v bestow_v by_o christ_n upon_o the_o christian_a fellowship_n but_o then_o we_o must_v continue_v therein_o by_o live_v like_o christians_n and_o particular_o by_o assemble_v together_o continual_o for_o christian_a worship_n otherwise_o we_o renounce_v our_o baptism_n which_o admit_v we_o into_o a_o society_n and_o not_o to_o act_v separately_z by_o ourselves_o alone_o in_o which_o society_n if_o â—ny_a man_n behave_v himself_o so_o scandalous_o that_o he_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o it_o he_o â—s_v deny_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o their_o prayer_n all_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d remain_v so_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o to_o haâ—_n communion_n with_o the_o faithful_a in_o prayâ—_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v admit_v by_o be_v make_v christian_n 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d bar_v when_o they_o be_v turn_v out_o 〈◊〉_d the_o christian_a society_n for_o the_o further_a manifestation_n 〈◊〉_d which_o great_a truth_n which_o i_o have_v thâ—_n explain_v in_o general_a i_o shall_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d low_v chapter_n offer_v several_a paâ—â—â—cular_a consideration_n which_o deserveâ—_n be_v serious_o ponder_v in_o every_o câ—_n stian_n thought_n chap._n xv._o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o founder_n the_o church_n teach_v we_o this_o doctrine_n i._o and_o first_o of_o all_o i_o desire_v it_o 〈◊〉_d be_v consider_v that_o our_o bâ—â—â—sed_a lord_n do_v plain_o suppose_v 〈◊〉_d notion_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v of_o râ—â—â—gious_a assembly_n in_o the_o very_a prayer_n â—he_v teach_v his_o disciple_n the_o first_o word_n of_o which_o be_v our_o father_n not_o my_o father_n be_v a_o indication_n it_o be_v not_o make_v for_o a_o single_a person_n only_o but_o for_o a_o company_n of_o man_n join_v together_o in_o their_o petition_n to_o god_n who_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n by_o this_o expression_n when_o any_o of_o they_o say_v this_o prayer_n alone_o by_o himself_o that_o his_o prayer_n be_v at_o that_o time_n acceptable_a because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o â—olds_v communion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o christian_a brethren_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n give_v why_o we_o say_v our_o father_n even_o in_o our_o closet_n but_o that_o we_o pray_v as_o part_v of_o a_o body_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v hear_v because_o we_o be_v in_o union_n therewith_o and_o not_o divide_v from_o it_o â—nd_v therefore_o stand_v bind_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n to_o communicate_v with_o it_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a office_n when_o it_o meet_v together_o for_o that_o purpose_n two_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o christ_n most_o especial_o promise_v his_o bless_a presence_n in_o such_o public_a assembly_n matth._n xviii_o 20._o for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o 〈◊〉_d midst_n of_o they_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n foâ—_n prayer_n appear_v from_o the_o forego_n verse_n where_o he_o say_v if_o two_o of_o yâ—â—_n agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thiâ—_n they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v etc._n etc._n aâ—_n the_o word_n gather_v together_o shows_z 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o public_a prayer_n such_o as_o use_v to_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n unto_o whiâ—â—_n the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a allude_v aâ—_n two_o or_o three_o so_o gather_v together_o aâ—â—_n put_v for_o any_o number_n whatsoever_o bâ—â—_n rather_o mention_v than_o any_o other_o greâ—ter_a number_n that_o christian_n may_v 〈◊〉_d be_v discourage_v though_o they_o couâ—â—_n meet_v but_o in_o very_o small_a company_n 〈◊〉_d reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o distresâ—_n they_o labour_v under_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o synagogue_n be_v aâ—_n dr._n lightfoot_n and_o other_o have_v observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d less_o the_o number_n of_o 〈◊〉_d person_n 3_o temple-service_n c._n seven_o sect._n 3_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d year_n be_v gather_v together_o it_o wâ—_n no_o assembly_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v aâ—_n prayer_n but_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o hauâ—_n his_o church_n thus_o abridge_v in_o this_o high_a privilege_n of_o prayer_n know_v as_o mr._n thorndike_n observe_v it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o such_o a_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n can_v not_o get_v together_o either_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n which_o scatter_v they_o abroad_o or_o because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o suppose_v only_o two_o or_o three_o as_o yet_o convert_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v who_o if_o they_o do_v unanimous_o agree_v in_o common_a petition_n our_o saviour_n promise_n shall_v find_v notwithstanding_o their_o small_a number_n that_o he_o will_v be_v present_a among_o they_o that_o be_v the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o their_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o common_a prayer_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v present_a with_o a_o good_a christian_a when_o he_o pray_v alone_o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o then_o when_o they_o join_v in_o common_a prayer_n he_o will_v be_v more_o especial_o present_a for_o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v a_o love_n to_o every_o christian_a soul_n and_o delight_n to_o have_v its_o company_n then_o be_v he_o much_o more_o please_v with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o who_o present_v themselves_o together_o to_o seek_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n they_o be_v more_o welcome_a to_o he_o their_o company_n be_v more_o lovely_a the_o sight_n of_o they_o more_o amiable_a and_o they_o be_v more_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o prevail_v for_o great_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o thus_o all_o wise_a christian_n ancient_a and_o modern_a have_v understand_v it_o i_o will_v name_v one_o of_o late_a time_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o the_o ancient_n conventus_fw-la verò_fw-la sacros_fw-la ad_fw-la loca_fw-la condicta_fw-la &_o deputata_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o as_o for_o sacred_a assembly_n in_o place_n appoint_v and_o depute_v for_o that_o purpose_n we_o have_v a_o very_a great_a veneration_n and_o high_o approve_v and_o love_v they_o cùm_fw-la nobis_fw-la conjunctis_fw-la christum_fw-la magis_fw-la adesse_fw-la existimamus_fw-la for_o we_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v more_o present_a with_o we_o when_o we_o be_v meet_v in_o conjunction_n together_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o peter_n martyr_n upon_o gen._n xxviii_o 12._o and_o here_o it_o may_v not_o be_v unfit_a to_o note_v for_o a_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o matter_n
so_o separate_a or_o holy_a as_o the_o temple_n be_v and_o will_v be_v always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o we_o suppose_v that_o man_n will_v lose_v all_o reverence_n to_o god_n and_o let_v he_o have_v nothing_o among_o we_o which_o may_v be_v peculiar_o call_v his_o own_o now_o this_o thing_n alone_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o public_a worship_n that_o there_o have_v always_o be_v a_o place_n appoint_v for_o divine_a service_n which_o will_v have_v be_v needless_a if_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o assemble_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n for_o than_o it_o may_v have_v be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o liberty_n where_o they_o will_v please_v to_o do_v it_o themselves_o and_o this_o also_o show_v the_o advantage_n which_o public_a worship_n have_v of_o all_o other_o for_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o place_n set_v a_o part_n for_o it_o where_o nothing_o else_o be_v do_v at_o our_o very_a entrance_n into_o it_o we_o be_v natural_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o business_n there_o which_o be_v only_o with_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v compose_v there_o than_o in_o any_o other_o place_n which_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o employ_v about_o other_o thing_n beside_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n especial_o since_o all_o wise_a man_n have_v ever_o endeavour_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v there_o perform_v with_o the_o most_o solemnity_n and_o majesty_n that_o can_v be_v contrive_v nay_o that_o the_o place_n itself_o shall_v not_o be_v mean_a but_o rather_o stately_a and_o grave_o adorn_v for_o it_o be_v not_o with_o public_a prayer_n as_o it_o be_v with_o private_a in_o private_a as_o mr._n hooker_n judicious_o observe_v secrecy_n be_v commend_v rather_o than_o outward_a show_n whereas_o public_a prayer_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n require_v according_o more_o care_n to_o be_v have_v of_o external_a appearance_n and_o therefore_o the_o very_a assemble_v of_o man_n unto_o this_o service_n have_v ever_o be_v very_o solemn_a and_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n of_o the_o place_n of_o public_a prayer_n have_v be_v ever_o think_v a_o circumstance_n of_o great_a moment_n to_o help_v devotion_n vi_o to_o this_o may_v be_v further_o add_v from_o one_o of_o the_o text_n now_o mention_v that_o the_o apostle_n direct_v how_o they_o shall_v exercise_v their_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o the_o holy_a place_n where_o they_o meet_v together_o and_o particular_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n 1_o corinth_n fourteen_o 23._o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o extraordinary_a gift_n then_o bestow_v upon_o the_o corinthian_a church_n every_o one_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n inform_v they_o be_v bestow_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o bestow_v by_o he_o to_o profit_v withal_o twelve_o 7._o that_o be_v for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v a_o giâ—â—_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v upon_o some_o occasion_n afford_v by_o a_o particular_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o design_v as_o every_o one_o beside_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o the_o faithful_a for_o if_o any_o man_n want_v the_o faculty_n of_o express_v those_o pious_a thought_n which_o the_o spirit_n suggest_v to_o he_o iâ—_n the_o common_a language_n which_o every_o body_n understand_v the_o apostle_n showâ—_n his_o gift_n be_v of_o small_a value_n and_o direct_v such_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o interpret_v fourteen_o 13._o into_o a_o language_n that_o be_v which_o be_v common_o understand_v the_o reason_n oâ—_n which_o be_v because_o than_o his_o gift_n oâ—_n prayer_n will_v be_v of_o general_a use_n iâ—_n the_o public_a assembly_n the_o advantage_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o any_o man_n private_a benefit_n sâ—_n he_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o verse_n forego_v ver_fw-la 12._o that_o they_o who_o be_v zealous_a of_o spiritual_a gift_n shall_v seek_v thaâ—_n they_o may_v excel_v to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o verse_n follow_v ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o he_o say_v that_o if_o he_o himself_o shall_v pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n â—his_fw-la spirit_n indeed_o pray_v that_o be_v the_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o he_o have_v be_v thereâ—n_o exercise_v but_o his_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a that_o be_v other_o receive_v not_o benefit_n by_o it_o because_o they_o understand_v â—ot_n what_o he_o say_v and_o therefore_o he_o â—uts_v this_o question_n what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o be_v what_o be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v deâ—â—re_v in_o this_o business_n of_o prayer_n which_o â—e_n resolve_v thus_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o that_o be_v this_o be_v most_o 〈◊〉_d be_v desire_v when_o i_o or_o any_o other_o â—ath_v a_o prayer_n suggest_v to_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a not_o only_a 〈◊〉_d utter_v what_o it_o inspire_v but_o to_o understand_v it_o also_o ourselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o â—ake_v other_o understand_v it_o by_o put_v 〈◊〉_d into_o know_v and_o intelligible_a word_n â—his_n be_v certain_o best_a not_o mere_o to_o â—â—ve_v conception_n form_v in_o we_o by_o the_o â—irit_n but_o to_o utter_v those_o conceptiâ—s_n in_o such_o familiar_a and_o common_a exâ—essions_n that_o other_o may_v be_v profit_v 〈◊〉_d they_o else_o say_v he_o when_o thou_o shall_v â—â—ss_v with_o the_o spirit_n how_o shall_v he_o that_o be_v unlearned_a say_v amen_o ver_fw-la 18._o that_o be_v how_o shall_v he_o that_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v because_o it_o be_v utter_v in_o a_o strange_a language_n give_v his_o consent_n and_o join_v with_o thou_o in_o those_o petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n though_o iâ—_n themselves_o never_o so_o holy_a and_o good_a which_o the_o people_n do_v at_o the_o end_n 〈◊〉_d the_o prayer_n by_o say_v amen_o so_o be_v it_o which_o word_n be_v a_o demonstration_n he_o speak_v of_o prayer_n in_o public_a oâ—_n common_a prayer_n which_o from_o henâ—â—_n it_o be_v evident_a be_v then_o in_o greateâ—_n esteem_v because_o in_o comparison_n witâ—_n this_o the_o apostle_n undervalue_v even_o aâ—_n extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o private_a person_n have_v whereby_o he_o aloâ—â—_n be_v profit_v he_o pray_v well_o bâ—_n other_o not_o be_v edify_v thereby_o because_o they_o understand_v not_o what_o 〈◊〉_d say_v it_o be_v a_o great_a diminution_n of_o iâ—_n worth_n and_o make_v it_o of_o less_o price_n in_o thâ—_n apostles_n account_n and_o we_o all_o agree_v he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o coâ—â—_n as_o well_o judge_v what_o be_v best_a as_o whâ—_n be_v good_a now_o this_o be_v best_a in_o 〈◊〉_d judgement_n to_o have_v the_o prayer_n maâ—â—_n public_a that_o all_o may_v join_v in_o it_o aâ—â—_n not_o remain_v mere_o a_o private_a good_a and_o indeed_o that_o spirit_n it_o may_v be_v note_v under_o this_o head_n which_o inlivens_fw-la the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n move_v every_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o this_o to_o join_v in_o its_o common_a office_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o it_o be_v the_o very_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o demonstrate_v in_o those_o three_o chapter_n twelve_o xiii_o fourteen_o of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o ought_v in_o every_o thing_n to_o act_v as_o member_n of_o a_o body_n seek_v the_o improvement_n one_o of_o another_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o their_o gift_n not_o separately_z but_o conjunct_o so_o that_o all_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n whereof_o he_o be_v one_o member_n he_o will_v never_o think_v that_o what_o he_o do_v alone_o be_v as_o good_a as_o what_o he_o perform_v in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n no_o if_o he_o say_v the_o same_o prayer_n and_o offer_v the_o same_o praise_n in_o private_a which_o the_o church_n offer_v in_o public_a he_o can_v reasonable_o think_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n nor_o imagine_v that_o both_o alike_o be_v god_n service_n because_o what_o he_o do_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o body_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o this_o body_n be_v link_v together_o and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o move_v to_o act_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a i_o conclude_v this_o with_o the_o word_n of_o mr._n thorndike_n to_o imagine_v that_o prayer_n at_o home_n will_v be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 173._o relig._n assembl_n p._n 173._o as_o those_o make_v in_o the_o church_n with_o our_o brethren_n be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v have_v fancy_v that_o the_o incense_n of_o the_o temple_n speak_v of_o psal_n cxli_o 1._o which_o be_v a_o compound_n of_o
a_o church_n unmoveable_a the_o spirit_n of_o wickedness_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o trouble_v it_o with_o heretical_a doctrine_n by_o which_o passage_n we_o learn_v both_o how_o full_a their_o assembly_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v and_o that_o the_o prayer_n be_v understand_v by_o all_o the_o people_n who_o with_o one_o voice_n say_v the_o same_o that_o the_o priest_n do_v as_o we_o now_o do_v in_o our_o general_a confession_n and_o that_o they_o hope_v for_o great_a security_n from_o their_o common_a supplication_n to_o god_n for_o his_o watchful_a providence_n over_o they_o and_o thus_o our_o own_o church_n in_o the_o second_o collect_v for_o morning_n prayer_n by_o teach_v we_o to_o look_v upon_o our_o eternal_a life_n as_o stand_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o to_o esteem_v his_o service_n to_o be_v perfect_a freedom_n enforce_v our_o resort_n unto_o he_o continual_o for_o our_o defence_n in_o that_o service_n and_o knowledge_n in_o all_o assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o it_o instruct_v we_o to_o hope_n will_v be_v this_o that_o we_o sure_o trust_v in_o his_o defence_n may_v not_o fear_v the_o power_n of_o any_o adversary_n through_o the_o might_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n this_o st._n chrysostome_n admirable_o represent_v 1._o hom._n in_o s._n lucianum_n tom._n 1._o as_o his_o manner_n be_v in_o a_o sermon_n upon_o a_o ancient_a martyr_n as_o a_o man_n that_o always_o stand_v upon_o a_o rock_n laugh_v the_o wave_n to_o scorn_v so_o he_o that_o enjoy_v the_o daily_a prayer_n and_o be_v moisten_v with_o the_o divine_a word_n have_v seat_v himself_o as_o upon_o the_o rock_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o nothing_o here_o be_v raise_v alost_a out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o goâ—â—_n admonition_n he_o daily_o receive_v but_o frâ—â—â—_n the_o prayer_n and_o from_o the_o paternal_a beâ—diction_n and_o from_o the_o common_a conventiâ—â—â—_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o from_o abundance_n of_o other_o thing_n reap_v much_o benefit_n and_o spiritual_a consolation_n he_o go_v home_o lade_v with_o a_o thousand_o bâ—â—sings_n insomuch_o that_o a_o bride_n in_o 〈◊〉_d opinion_n be_v not_o so_o beautiful_a and_o amiaâ—â—â—_n when_o she_o sit_v in_o her_o bridal_a chamber_n 〈◊〉_d a_o soul_n be_v wonderful_a and_o glorious_a whâ—â—_n it_o appear_v in_o the_o church_n breathe_v forth_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o he_o comparâ—â—_n to_o fragrant_a ointment_n for_o he_o that_o iâ—_n conversant_a there_o with_o faith_n and_o diligence_n carry_v away_o innumerable_a â—_z and_o though_o never_o so_o many_o dreadful_a thing_n befall_v he_o he_o will_v bear_v they_o aleasy_o be_v sufficient_o furnish_v out_o oâ—_n the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o patience_n and_o philosophy_n he_o mean_v the_o wise_a thought_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n put_v into_o we_o for_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n bend_v their_o force_n not_o so_o much_o against_o particular_a person_n as_o against_o their_o assembly_n which_o they_o endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o destroy_v as_o the_o nursery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v disperse_v they_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o faith_n itself_o will_v be_v lose_v in_o that_o disorder_n they_o no_o long_o look_v upon_o christian_n as_o a_o church_n when_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o but_o as_o so_o many_o scatter_a limb_n of_o a_o body_n which_o no_o long_o subsist_v when_o the_o member_n be_v distract_v and_o tear_v asunder_o against_o these_o strong_a hold_v therefore_o they_o lay_v their_o battery_n hope_v when_o they_o be_v beat_v down_o they_o shall_v present_o triumph_v over_o their_o religion_n which_o they_o know_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o overcome_v whilst_o a_o great_a body_n of_o man_n remain_v knit_v together_o continual_o for_o its_o support_n by_o many_o bond_n and_o holy_a mystery_n and_o the_o strict_a sacrament_n for_o which_o cause_n likewise_o it_o be_v that_o christian_a people_n can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o omit_v their_o assembly_n no_o not_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n if_o they_o hold_v they_o we_o learn_v so_o much_o from_o their_o very_a persecutor_n particular_o from_o the_o famous_a letter_n which_o pliny_n write_v to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n about_o this_o matter_n wherein_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o when_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a in_o the_o day_n time_n they_o meet_v before_o the_o morning_n light_n to_o sing_v hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o their_o god_n to_o what_o shall_v we_o impute_v this_o zeal_n may_v they_o not_o have_v serve_v god_n as_o well_o alone_o no_o they_o understand_v their_o religion_n better_o than_o to_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o know_v it_o can_v not_o stand_v if_o they_o do_v not_o thus_o join_v together_o to_o uphold_v it_o their_o enemy_n they_o know_v wish_v for_o nothing_o more_o than_o that_o these_o assembly_n may_v be_v break_v which_o whilst_o they_o continue_v be_v the_o pillar_n and_o stay_v of_o the_o christian_a truth_n and_o do_v we_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o love_v our_o religion_n and_o to_o desire_v nay_o hope_v for_o its_o safety_n and_o prosperity_n and_o make_v so_o little_a account_n of_o these_o holy_a assembly_n that_o the_o small_a matter_n will_v hinder_v our_o attendance_n on_o they_o let_v we_o not_o against_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n persist_v in_o such_o a_o stupid_a error_n but_o awaken_v or_o rather_o inflame_v ourselves_o unto_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o zeal_n as_o to_o meet_v together_o daily_o where_o we_o have_v opportunity_n for_o it_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o his_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o commend_v his_o church_n as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o and_o family_n to_o the_o protection_n of_o his_o good_a providence_n say_v o_o lord_n save_v thy_o people_n and_o bless_v thy_o inheritance_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v what_o satisfaction_n we_o shall_v find_v herein_o do_v we_o make_v this_o our_o most_o serious_a business_n and_o instead_o of_o the_o excuse_n we_o now_o make_v for_o our_o negligence_n give_v all_o diligence_n thus_o to_o adorn_v confirm_v and_o secure_v our_o most_o holy_a religion_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v indeed_o that_o this_o have_v be_v a_o error_n of_o long_a stand_n for_o when_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n from_o persecution_n her_o child_n begin_v by_o degree_n to_o grow_v remiss_a and_o wanton_a prosperity_n and_o ease_n corrupt_v they_o and_o they_o cool_v so_o much_o in_o their_o first_o love_n that_o many_o of_o they_o come_v but_o seldom_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n unto_o god_n their_o saviour_n but_o this_o be_v a_o extreme_a great_a grief_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o bring_v the_o heavy_a calamity_n upon_o christian_a people_n hear_v how_o the_o often_o name_v father_n bewail_v this_o that_o the_o church_n have_v bring_v forth_o many_o child_n she_o can_v not_o enjoy_v their_o company_n 1._o s._n chrysost_o de_fw-fr baptism_n christi_fw-la hom._n xxiv_o tom._n 1._o every_o time_n they_o assemble_v to_o remember_v our_o saviour_n but_o only_o upon_o a_o festival_n when_o you_o be_v all_o full_a of_o joy_n to_o day_n i_o alone_o be_o full_a of_o sorrow_n and_o grieve_v at_o heart_n to_o think_v that_o the_o church_n which_o now_o have_v such_o multitude_n in_o it_o will_v to_o morrow_n be_v empty_a o_o how_o great_a spiritual_a exultation_n how_o great_a joy_n how_o great_a glory_n to_o god_n how_o great_a profit_n to_o soul_n will_v there_o be_v if_o every_o time_n we_o assemble_v we_o can_v behold_v the_o church_n as_o full_a as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o solemn_a time_n do_v you_o not_o see_v how_o the_o mariner_n and_o pilot_n when_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o sea_n labour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o get_v into_o their_o port_n and_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_a love_v to_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o world_n ingageinâ—_n ourselves_o in_o innumerable_a secular_a affair_n which_o so_o take_v up_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o our_o time_n that_o here_o we_o appear_v scarce_o once_o or_o twice_o in_o the_o whole_a year_n be_v you_o ignorant_a that_o as_o god_n make_v havens_n in_o the_o sea_n so_o he_o have_v make_v church_n in_o city_n that_o fly_v from_o the_o tumult_n or_o tempest_n rather_o of_o secular_a affair_n we_o may_v here_o enjoy_v the_o great_a tranquillity_n and_o for_o this_o i_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o your_o own_o conscience_n whether_o you_o find_v not_o here_o such_o quiet_a and_o peace_n that_o you_o may_v true_o call_v the_o church_n the_o spiritual_a haven_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o anger_n here_o give_v no_o disturbance_n the_o storm_n of_o passion_n cease_v lust_n do_v not_o inflame_v
have_v have_v reason_n therein_o not_o to_o have_v follow_v their_o guidance_n because_o we_o and_o they_o have_v a_o superior_a direction_n god_n holy_a word_n which_o forbid_v such_o worship_n but_o when_o no_o such_o prayer_n be_v appoint_v nothing_o order_v to_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n but_o what_o be_v perfect_o agreeable_a to_o his_o holy_a word_n we_o can_v make_v no_o apology_n for_o ourselves_o if_o we_o reject_v they_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v a_o prescribe_a form_n or_o because_o every_o direction_n about_o they_o be_v not_o express_o require_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v to_o affront_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n this_o be_v to_o throw_v off_o all_o subjection_n to_o spiritual_a pastor_n who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v not_o indeed_o with_o a_o illimited_a obedience_n with_o a_o absolute_a assent_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v propose_v without_o any_o examination_n of_o their_o injunction_n or_o any_o appeal_n for_o this_o be_v to_o take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o present_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n above_o it_o which_o be_v the_o extreme_a into_o which_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v run_v but_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o out_o of_o eagerness_n to_o avoid_v that_o extreme_a we_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o another_o as_o they_o do_v who_o affirm_v that_o spiritual_a pastor_n must_v only_o then_o be_v obey_v when_o they_o determine_v and_o give_v direction_n out_o of_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o former_a take_v away_o all_o authority_n from_o god_n word_n so_o this_o take_v away_o all_o authority_n from_o god_n minister_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o obedience_n which_o by_o god_n word_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o a_o excellent_a etc._n excellent_a dr._n jackson_n upon_o the_o creed_n book_n 2._o chap._n 4_o etc._n etc._n divine_a of_o our_o church_n have_v large_o treat_v of_o this_o long_o ago_o show_v that_o since_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n give_v they_o in_o express_a term_n some_o spiritual_a authority_n and_o right_o to_o exact_v some_o obedience_n peculiar_o due_a to_o they_o from_o their_o flock_n it_o must_v be_v in_o thing_n not_o enjoin_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o not_o forbid_v thereby_o for_o if_o they_o be_v then_o only_o to_o be_v obey_v when_o they_o produce_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n for_o that_o particular_a thing_n unto_o which_o they_o require_v obedience_n there_o be_v no_o more_o obedience_n perform_v unto_o they_o than_o unto_o any_o other_o man_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o mean_v but_o if_o he_o can_v show_v we_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n for_o what_o he_o say_v it_o must_v be_v obey_v of_o all_o but_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o obey_v it_o be_v that_o command_n of_o god_n only_o not_o he_o that_o show_v it_o to_o we_o which_o be_v obey_v and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o obedience_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o governor_n they_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o obey_v we_o as_o we_o to_o obey_v they_o the_o people_n owe_v no_o more_o obedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n than_o those_o pastor_n owe_v to_o their_o people_n if_o neither_o of_o these_o extreme_n than_o be_v true_a it_o remain_v that_o we_o owe_v though_o not_o a_o absolute_a unlimited_a yet_o a_o conditional_a and_o cautionary_a obedience_n unto_o spiritual_a pastor_n who_o have_v a_o general_a warrant_n express_o contain_v in_o scripture_n to_o require_v obedience_n from_o their_o people_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v obey_v though_o their_o people_n see_v not_o a_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n to_o authorize_v every_o particular_a wherein_o they_o require_v obedience_n provide_v they_o require_v obedience_n to_o nothing_o express_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n disobedience_n to_o they_o in_o such_o thing_n be_v as_o dangerous_a as_o blind_a obedience_n be_v in_o matter_n plain_o unlawful_a for_o as_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o mother_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n so_o the_o former_a be_v the_o mother_n of_o schism_n presumption_n carnal_a security_n and_o infidelity_n which_o rock_n can_v be_v avoid_v but_o by_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o guide_n of_o soul_n in_o thing_n wherein_o god_n have_v not_o plain_o order_v the_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o by_o their_o education_n to_o have_v imbibe_v a_o dislike_n to_o such_o a_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o prescribe_v and_o to_o be_v possess_v with_o fear_n it_o may_v not_o be_v the_o right_a way_n though_o they_o can_v say_v wherein_o it_o contradict_v god_n holy_a word_n these_o fear_n and_o all_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v overballance_v and_o weigh_v down_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o governor_n which_o be_v good_a for_o little_a if_o it_o can_v settle_v such_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n over_o which_o it_o will_v prevail_v if_o man_n consider_v that_o god_n command_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o therefore_o their_o commandment_n be_v but_o particular_a branch_n of_o god_n general_n commandment_n to_o give_v obedience_n to_o they_o insomuch_o that_o they_o who_o disobey_v they_o disobey_v god_n unless_o their_o command_n be_v contrary_a to_o some_o other_o of_o the_o divine_a commandment_n as_o plain_a as_o that_o which_o say_v obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n heb._n xiii_o 17._o which_o truth_n if_o they_o be_v root_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o man_n have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o spiritual_a obedience_n to_o spiritual_a governor_n they_o will_v rather_o like_v well_o of_o the_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o authority_n by_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v then_o disobey_v their_o authority_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o private_a dislike_n which_o they_o have_v to_o such_o prescription_n make_v application_n of_o all_o this_o which_o i_o have_v represent_v out_o of_o the_o forename_a author_n in_o few_o word_n to_o our_o own_o church_n and_o its_o worship_n and_o governor_n who_o have_v frame_v a_o divine_a service_n for_o we_o exact_o conformable_a to_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a pattern_n with_o such_o care_n with_o such_o circumspection_n and_o conscientious_a regard_n to_o the_o direction_n the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v we_o that_o none_o of_o its_o enemy_n can_v find_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n which_o be_v not_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o may_v be_v just_o call_v in_o that_o regard_n as_o well_o as_o other_o a_o true_o apostolical_a catholic_n church_n from_o which_o let_v no_o man_n withdraw_v himself_o but_o dread_v the_o guilt_n of_o such_o a_o crime_n that_o be_v let_v he_o fear_v to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o its_o public_a assembly_n from_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o from_o obedience_n to_o its_o governor_n for_o if_o any_o man_n be_v lead_v from_o these_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o pure_a worship_n unto_o separate_a meeting_n manage_v by_o those_o who_o own_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o church_n governor_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a he_o be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n herein_o but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n of_o which_o a_o very_a reverend_a person_n prophetica_fw-la person_n praeface_n to_o paralipom_n prophetica_fw-la have_v late_o give_v this_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o if_o man_n have_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o make_v they_o live_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v not_o but_o feel_v what_o sensible_o hurt_v that_o body_n what_o palpable_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o what_o disgrace_n and_o reproach_n it_o what_o wound_v it_o nay_o hazard_n the_o very_a life_n and_o be_v of_o it_o they_o that_o want_v this_o necessary_a sympathy_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n can_v just_o pretend_v to_o any_o competent_a portion_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o what_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o our_o preservation_n than_o that_o we_o keep_v together_o in_o one_o body_n under_o the_o same_o guide_n and_o governor_n that_o we_o keep_v in_o the_o way_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o tread_v and_o be_v not_o hurry_v into_o opinion_n and_o practice_n so_o unlike_o the_o true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a church_n that_o we_o bear_v no_o resemblance_n to_o it_o for_o that_o church_n have_v minister_n superior_a to_o the_o rest_n as_o indeed_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v who_o govern_v and_o rule_v they_o and_o the_o people_n it_o have_v form_n of_o divine_a service_n such_o as_o we_o now_o have_v the_o rejection_n of_o which_o be_v to_o