family_n and_o therefore_o as_o often_o as_o his_o son_n have_v be_v feast_v he_o suspect_v that_o they_o may_v have_v transgress_v by_o excess_n do_v quick_o after_o call_v they_o together_o to_o sanctify_v they_o and_o to_o offer_v burn_v offering_n for_o they_o according_a to_o their_o number_n and_o thus_o do_v job_n continual_o 5._o continual_o job_n 1._o 5._o and_o king_n david_n be_v so_o concern_v to_o have_v a_o sober_a and_o religious_a court_n that_o he_o solemn_o resolve_v to_o thrust_v out_o thence_o all_o wicked_a and_o immoral_a person_n and_o to_o have_v such_o only_a to_o serve_v he_o as_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o land_n such_o as_o walk_v in_o a_o perfect_a way_n 7._o way_n psa_fw-la 101._o 6_o 7._o it_o be_v also_o mention_v in_o commendation_n of_o cornelius_n while_o a_o jewish_a proselyte_n that_o be_v a_o pious_a man_n himself_o he_o have_v get_v a_o family_n about_o he_o that_o be_v such_o too_o throughout_o a_o devout_a man_n say_v the_o text_n and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n 2._o house_n act._n 10._o 2._o and_o we_o may_v observe_v how_o zealous_a the_o master_n of_o family_n be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n to_o bring_v those_o of_o their_o house_n into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v any_o of_o they_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o draw_v their_o family_n after_o they_o thus_o the_o same_o cornelius_n when_o call_v by_o a_o vision_n from_o heaven_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v careful_a to_o bring_v his_o relation_n with_o he_o to_o the_o preach_v of_o peter_n 24._o peter_n act._n 10._o 24._o when_o god_n have_v open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n it_o soon_o follow_v that_o her_o household_n as_o well_o as_o she_o be_v baptize_v 15._o baptize_v act._n 16._o 15._o in_o like_a manner_n the_o keeper_n of_o the_o prison_n be_v himself_o convert_v all_o his_o be_v baptize_v together_o with_o he_o 38._o he_o act._n 16._o 38._o and_o after_o crispus_n the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n have_v embrace_v the_o faith_n his_o whole_a household_n believe_v 8._o believe_v act._n 18._o 8._o it_o be_v god_n command_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o shall_v at_o home_n instruct_v their_o family_n in_o the_o law_n deliver_v by_o moses_n particular_o they_o be_v to_o do_v it_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n and_o also_o to_o write_v it_o on_o the_o very_a door-post_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n 9_o gate_n deut._n 6._o 7_o 9_o now_o we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o be_v of_o equal_a concern_v that_o those_o of_o our_o religion_n shall_v in_o like_a manner_n have_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o daily_o rehearse_v to_o they_o nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o christian_a governor_n of_o family_n be_v less_o oblige_v than_o be_v the_o jewish_a either_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n or_o to_o set_v forward_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o general_a obligation_n on_o those_o profess_v the_o gospel_n to_o endeavour_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o all_o man_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n 10._o opportunity_n gal._n 6._o 10._o but_o it_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o bind_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v more_o especial_o relate_v for_o to_o such_o they_o owe_v great_a love_n and_o as_o for_o governor_n of_o family_n they_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o consult_v the_o spiritual_a welfare_n of_o they_o who_o be_v of_o their_o family_n some_o whereof_o be_v as_o their_o very_a self_n but_o also_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o domestic_a authority_n have_v a_o capacity_n and_o power_n lodge_v in_o they_o to_o enforce_v the_o pious_a mean_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v set_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n not_o to_o regard_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o mean_a servant_n in_o their_o house_n be_v very_o uncharitable_a but_o while_o they_o omit_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v extreme_o unkind_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o wife_n who_o be_v their_o own_o flesh_n 29._o flesh_n eph._n 5._o 28_o 29._o and_o of_o their_o child_n who_o be_v piece_n of_o themselves_o and_o in_o behalf_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n have_v give_v particular_a charge_n that_o they_o be_v pious_o educate_v 4._o educate_v eph._n 6._o 4._o as_o his_o disciple_n timothy_n have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v of_o who_o the_o same_o apostle_n do_v take_v notice_n that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n 15._o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o and_o imbibe_v the_o same_o faith_n which_o have_v first_o be_v in_o his_o grandmother_n lais_n and_o his_o mother_n eunice_n 5._o eunice_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 5._o but_o how_o can_v those_o parent_n be_v think_v to_o have_v any_o true_a love_n to_o their_o child_n who_o mind_n not_o to_o have_v they_o breed_v up_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v season_v with_o a_o early_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o without_o which_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o lead_v a_o dissolute_a life_n and_o consequent_o of_o be_v unhappy_a here_o and_o eternal_o miserable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n in_o the_o ancient_a time_n of_o christianity_n parent_n do_v esteem_v it_o their_o great_a charge_n and_o business_n to_o get_v their_o child_n well_o instruct_v in_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n may_v be_v sow_o in_o they_o betimes_o thus_o the_o father_n of_o origen_n be_v careful_a that_o his_o son_n may_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o well_o principled_a in_o the_o true_a religion_n before_o he_o will_v set_v he_o on_o any_o book_n of_o humane_a literature_n he_o cause_v he_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n every_o day_n and_o commit_v it_o to_o memory_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o repeat_v it_o to_o he_o and_o the_o lad_n make_v such_o proficience_n that_o within_o a_o short_a time_n he_o will_v search_v beyond_o the_o word_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o not_o content_a with_o the_o ordinary_a readins_n do_v propound_v to_o his_o father_n many_o difficult_a question_n 2._o question_n euseb_n hist_o eccle._n lib._n 6._o c._n 2._o such_o be_v the_o forward_a indication_n of_o his_o great_a understanding_n and_o we_o find_v in_o the_o life_n of_o constantine_n how_o concern_v he_o be_v that_o his_o son_n may_v be_v train_v up_o in_o all_o good_a virtue_n which_o he_o earnest_o endeavour_v as_o well_o by_o his_o own_o instruction_n as_o by_o set_v such_o tutor_n over_o they_o as_o be_v eminent_o religious_a and_o after_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v partner_n in_o the_o empire_n he_o do_v not_o cease_v exhort_v they_o be_v absent_a by_o his_o royal_a letter_n to_o practise_v the_o wholesome_a precept_n they_o have_v former_o receive_v and_o that_o they_o will_v account_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a religion_n of_o much_o great_a value_n than_o worldly_a riches_n and_o the_o empire_n itself_o 5._o itself_o idem_fw-la de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr con_v ilb_fw-la 4_o c._n 5._o gregory_n nazianzen_n in_o his_o funeral_n oration_n on_o his_o brother_n caesarius_n speak_v of_o his_o mother_n the_o pious_a nonna_n that_o as_o she_o have_v be_v consecrate_a to_o god_n herself_o by_o her_o religious_a parent_n so_o the_o piety_n which_o as_o a_o patrimony_n she_o receive_v from_o they_o be_v transmit_v from_o she_o to_o her_o own_o child_n and_o she_o be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o conversion_n of_o her_o husband_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n who_o be_v afterward_o advance_v to_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n and_o zealous_o discharge_v that_o office_n for_o above_o forty_o year_n 10._o year_n orat._n 10._o and_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o same_o father_n how_o his_o sister_n gorgonia_n have_v follow_v the_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o her_o mother_n in_o that_o she_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o instil_a piety_n into_o her_o child_n grandchild_n and_o other_o of_o her_o family_n likewise_o her_o husband_n be_v by_o she_o win_v over_o to_o the_o strict_a practice_n of_o holiness_n 11._o holiness_n orat._n 11._o some_o modern_a example_n may_v here_o be_v add_v but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v one_o which_o may_v seem_v eminent_a enough_o to_o suffice_v instead_o of_o all_o i_o mean_v sir_n matthew_z hale_v the_o late_a lord_n chief_a justice_n a_o man_n never_o to_o be_v name_v without_o a_o reverence_n to_o his_o memory_n he_o be_v certain_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o country_n and_o give_v the_o great_a credit_n to_o the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o live_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v the_o world_n how_o many_o and_o great_a his_o excellency_n be_v it_o be_v
a_o persuasive_a to_o family_n devotion_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n 15._o lord_n josh_n 24._o 15._o which_o that_o great_a general_n solemn_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n let_v they_o know_v that_o whether_o they_o will_v as_o he_o have_v exhort_v they_o serve_v the_o lord_n or_o no_o and_o although_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v forsake_v his_o worship_n or_o bestow_v the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o on_o false_a god_n yet_o for_o his_o part_n he_o have_v full_o purpose_v that_o he_o will_v adhere_v to_o jehovah_n the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o honour_v he_o with_o his_o religious_a service_n nor_o will_v he_o only_o do_v it_o himself_o but_o also_o take_v care_n that_o his_o own_o house_n or_o family_n and_o all_o belong_v to_o it_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v a_o laudable_a instance_n of_o like_a piety_n in_o the_o good_a king_n david_n when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v walk_v in_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n 2._o heart_n psa_fw-la 101._o 2._o profess_v thereby_o his_o serious_a intention_n as_o a_o domestic_a governor_n to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n with_o all_o sincerity_n and_o exactness_n in_o the_o discipline_n and_o good_a order_n of_o his_o household_n in_o which_o it_o must_v be_v chief_o imply_v he_o will_v take_v great_a care_n that_o religion_n may_v be_v there_o have_v in_o due_a regard_n and_o god_n be_v faithful_o honour_v by_o himself_o and_o by_o all_o about_o he_o these_o example_n of_o domestic_a piety_n in_o two_o such_o eminent_a person_n may_v well_o challenge_v the_o esteem_n and_o imitation_n of_o all_o who_o be_v head_n and_o master_n of_o family_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v in_o that_o relation_n be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v indeed_o religious_a if_o they_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v it_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o themselves_o only_o but_o moreover_o they_o be_v to_o see_v to_o it_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v perform_v by_o all_o under_o their_o charge_n there_o be_v indeed_o many_o office_n of_o christian_a economic_n to_o which_o the_o governor_n of_o family_n be_v oblige_v as_o to_o make_v necessary_a provision_n for_o those_o of_o the_o household_n to_o give_v they_o a_o good_a example_n of_o sobriety_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o to_o discharge_v their_o particular_a obligation_n to_o their_o several_a relative_n as_o they_o be_v husband_n father_n and_o master_n but_o the_o principal_a duty_n and_o of_o great_a consequence_n be_v that_o they_o take_v care_n to_o have_v family_n devotion_n exercise_v in_o their_o house_n by_o daily_a prayer_n and_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n do_v especial_o require_v of_o they_o and_o wherein_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n both_o of_o themselves_o and_o those_o live_n with_o they_o be_v most_o of_o all_o concern_v and_o beside_o the_o general_a consideration_n move_v hereunto_o take_v from_o the_o adorable_a nature_n of_o god_n from_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o the_o great_a importance_n of_o piety_n in_o order_n to_o happiness_n there_o be_v some_o other_o which_o do_v more_o particular_o respect_n domestic_a governor_n and_o their_o family_n as_o i._o the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o be_v all_o bear_v ought_v careful_o to_o be_v promote_v by_o every_o good_a christian_a for_o god_n make_v we_o for_o himself_o 4._o himself_o prov._n 16._o 4._o and_o we_o be_v command_v in_o whatever_o we_o do_v to_o seek_v his_o glory_n 31._o glory_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o it_o therefore_o behove_v we_o to_o improve_v all_o advantage_n for_o this_o great_a end_n and_o since_o the_o governor_n of_o family_n as_o such_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n for_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o have_v power_n over_o those_o who_o live_v under_o their_o roof_n for_o cause_v this_o holy_a exercise_n to_o be_v attend_v by_o they_o not_o to_o do_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v reckon_v a_o most_o heinous_a omission_n if_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n shall_v make_v no_o provision_n for_o have_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n public_o celebrate_v by_o his_o subject_n in_o all_o part_n of_o his_o dominion_n it_o will_v be_v judge_v a_o very_a scandalous_a neglect_n and_o it_o may_v just_o be_v doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v real_o what_o he_o profess_v to_o be_v now_o if_o the_o prince_n be_v thus_o oblige_v to_o use_v his_o power_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n how_o can_v we_o judge_v otherwise_o of_o lesser_a governor_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v that_o master_n of_o family_n have_v any_o true_a principle_n towards_o god_n or_o any_o regard_n to_o his_o honour_n while_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o have_v his_o worship_n perform_v within_o their_o private_a jurisdiction_n if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n say_v god_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n 6._o fear_n mal._n 1._o 6._o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o man_n believe_v they_o have_v a_o father_n in_o heaven_n while_o they_o care_v not_o to_o give_v evidence_n of_o their_o dutiful_a observance_n and_o veneration_n of_o he_o and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v that_o reverential_a regard_n be_v pay_v he_o by_o other_o nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v they_o real_o own_o any_o severe_a master_n above_o while_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o neglect_v his_o service_n and_o the_o promotion_n of_o his_o honour_n which_o be_v the_o work_n he_o have_v impose_v on_o they_o and_o that_o for_o which_o they_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n wherefore_o domestic_a governor_n as_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v understanding_n enough_o to_o know_v whence_o they_o be_v and_o for_o what_o they_o be_v make_v as_o they_o will_v avoid_v the_o most_o disgraceful_a and_o odious_a censure_n of_o be_v reckon_v atheistical_a be_v high_o concern_v both_o for_o attest_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o for_o answer_v the_o great_a design_n of_o their_o be_v to_o employ_v the_o authority_n they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o house_n for_o god_n glory_n in_o order_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v there_o pious_o observe_v by_o all_o belong_v to_o they_o ii_o they_o may_v also_o consider_v it_o be_v most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o some_o portion_n of_o that_o time_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o shall_v be_v allot_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o service_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o their_o own_o occasion_n and_o that_o he_o from_o who_o they_o hold_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n shall_v daily_o be_v own_a and_o honour_a by_o their_o adoration_n and_o thanksgiving_n as_o they_o expect_v from_o their_o servant_n that_o they_o execute_v their_o command_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o work_n they_o set_v they_o about_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o day_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o so_o they_o must_v not_o think_v it_o much_o if_o the_o great_a master_n of_o we_o all_o who_o be_v in_o heaven_n 1._o heaven_n eph._n 6._o 9_o col._n 4._o 1._o have_v some_o share_n of_o their_o service_n each_o morning_n and_o evening_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o family_n shall_v receive_v the_o duty_n and_o observance_n of_o all_o about_o they_o by_o give_v strict_a charge_n that_o their_o wife_n be_v subject_a 1._o subject_a col._n 3._o 18._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 1._o their_o child_n obedient_a 20._o obedient_a eph._n 6._o 1_o 2._o col._n 3._o 20._o and_o that_o their_o servant_n fulfil_v their_o command_n with_o fear_n singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o good_a will_n 18._o will_n eph._n 6._o 5_o 6_o 7._o col._n 3._o 22._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 18._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n and_o ingenuity_n that_o they_o make_v like_o return_n to_o god_n by_o use_v their_o authority_n and_o best_a endeavour_n that_o the_o same_o member_n of_o their_o family_n pay_v their_o just_a honour_n and_o service_n to_o he_o and_o this_o they_o can_v better_o do_v then_o by_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o act_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n but_o against_o those_o christian_n in_o who_o family_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v neglect_v the_o heathen_a may_v one_o day_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n for_o their_o religion_n such_o as_o it_o be_v they_o do_v not_o confine_v to_o their_o temple_n abroad_o but_o pay_v moreover_o a_o devout_a regard_n at_o home_n to_o the_o lares_fw-la and_o penates_fw-la which_o be_v their_o household_n god_n and_o therefore_o usual_o call_v dii_o familiares_fw-la and_o by_o tertullian_n dii_o domestici_fw-la 13._o domestici_fw-la tertul._n
to_o have_v diligent_a and_o trusty_a servant_n likewise_o the_o reputation_n and_o good_a credit_n of_o a_o family_n be_v advance_v and_o keep_v up_o by_o the_o sober_a and_o regular_a life_n of_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o it_o but_o when_o they_o be_v such_o as_o want_v good_a and_o pious_a principle_n rude_a disorder_n and_o scandal_n be_v wont_a to_o happen_v which_o occasion_n infamy_n and_o disesteem_a and_o when_o irreligion_n prevail_v beside_o that_o it_o do_v pull_v down_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n it_o have_v a_o natural_a causality_n for_o ruine_v the_o family_n where_o it_o be_v for_o it_o usual_o draw_v after_o it_o idleness_n excess_n and_o all_o the_o chargeable_a vice_n but_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a and_o the_o event_n most_o fatal_a when_o through_o neglect_n of_o holy_a duty_n in_o any_o household_n the_o child_n grow_v up_o in_o vanity_n and_o dissoluteness_n become_v averse_a to_o all_o business_n and_o industry_n for_o advance_v their_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n and_o fall_v into_o extravagant_a folly_n they_o often_o waste_v the_o patrimony_n leave_v to_o they_o and_o the_o family_n which_o have_v long_o flourish_v in_o riches_n and_o honour_n be_v hereby_o reduce_v to_o meanness_n and_o contempt_n so_o that_o while_o parent_n take_v no_o heed_n to_o have_v their_o child_n train_v up_o in_o piety_n they_o run_v a_o very_a great_a hazard_n of_o lose_v all_o their_o provident_a care_n and_o labour_n in_o get_v or_o increase_n their_o estate_n but_o if_o they_o will_v have_v they_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o family_n to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o thereby_o prevent_v all_o those_o ill_a consequence_n which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o expect_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n will_v be_v to_o keep_v up_o the_o practice_n of_o devotion_n in_o their_o house_n by_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o perform_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n from_o day_n to_o day_n v._o the_o public_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a nation_n do_v very_o much_o depend_v on_o the_o pious_a government_n of_o family_n for_o of_o these_o lesser_a society_n the_o great_a one_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v make_v up_o and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v member_n of_o both_o and_o therefore_o if_o master_n of_o family_n will_v exercise_v a_o religious_a discipline_n and_o thereby_o promote_v holiness_n and_o sobriety_n in_o their_o respective_a house_n it_o may_v then_o happy_o follow_v that_o the_o kingdom_n will_v be_v general_o good_a as_o when_o every_o one_o do_v make_v clean_o before_o his_o own_o door_n the_o whole_a city_n be_v thereby_o cleanse_v most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o any_o state_n and_o repugnant_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o government_n as_o the_o prevalence_n of_o impiety_n and_o vice_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o do_v more_o contribute_v to_o the_o growth_n of_o these_o than_o a_o neglect_n of_o religion_n in_o private_a family_n to_o this_o must_v be_v ascribe_v in_o great_a measure_n all_o the_o wicked_a disorder_n of_o the_o present_a age_n for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o profaneness_n drunkenness_n whoredom_n theft_n robbery_n and_o other_o enormity_n will_v so_o abound_v as_o they_o do_v if_o person_n be_v religious_o breed_v up_o and_o the_o people_n every_o where_o accustom_a to_o pious_a performance_n in_o the_o house_n where_o they_o live_v wherefore_o to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o minister_n the_o good_a care_n of_o the_o housholder_n must_v also_o be_v add_v that_o religion_n may_v thrive_v and_o the_o kingdom_n become_v true_o happy_a as_o christianity_n have_v its_o original_a in_o private_a house_n for_o the_o primitive_a teacher_n do_v first_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n thereof_o 20._o thereof_o act._n 2._o 42._o 5._o 42._o 10._o 48._o 16._o 15_o 33._o 20._o 20._o so_o on_o the_o piety_n of_o family_n it_o do_v still_o depend_v for_o its_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n vi_o as_o private_a family_n be_v so_o many_o little_a society_n in_o the_o whole_a civil_a state_n so_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n they_o be_v such_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o national_a church_n and_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o each_o house_n the_o member_n whereof_o do_v agree_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n be_v account_v for_o a_o church_n and_o be_v often_o so_o call_v as_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n 19_o aquila_n rom._n 16._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 19_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n 15._o nymphas_n col._n 4._o 15._o and_o philemon_n 2._o philemon_n philem_n 2._o now_o as_o the_o christian_a prince_n because_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n have_v also_o the_o power_n and_o charge_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n include_v in_o it_o so_o with_o some_o proportion_n the_o domestic_a governor_n beside_o the_o authority_n over_o his_o household_n in_o secular_a concern_v have_v also_o in_o some_o sort_n a_o spiritual_a rule_n as_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o church_n and_o it_o therefore_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n within_o his_o lesser_a dominion_n in_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o head_n of_o family_n have_v a_o sacerdotal_a power_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o officiate_v in_o the_o divine_a worship_n for_o themselves_o and_o those_o belong_v to_o they_o we_o read_v how_o careful_a the_o holy_a patriarch_n be_v to_o provide_v themselves_o altar_n wherever_o they_o have_v their_o abode_n by_o build_v convenient_a place_n as_o chapel_n wherein_o together_o with_o their_o family_n they_o do_v offer_v both_o sacrifice_n and_o prayer_n unto_o god_n thus_o noah_n gen._n 8._o 29._o abraham_n gen._n 12._o 7_o 8._o and_o chap._n 13._o 18._o isaac_n gen._n 26._o 25._o and_o jacob_n gen_n 33._o 20._o and_o chap._n 25._o 7._o and_o that_o these_o edifice_n be_v for_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o sacrifice_n do_v appear_v from_o gen._n 12._o 8._o where_o it_o be_v say_v and_o there_o he_o build_v a_o altar_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o right_n of_o domestic_a ministry_n from_o the_o father_n of_o each_o family_n do_v after_o his_o decease_n descend_v to_o his_o first_o bear_v which_o say_v the_o jew_n make_v jacob_n be_v a_o pious_a good_a man_n so_o ambitious_a of_o the_o birthright_n 31._o birthright_n gen._n 25._o 31._o and_o because_o esau_n do_v undervalue_v this_o sacred_a privilege_n by_o sell_v it_o at_o so_o vile_a a_o rate_n he_o be_v just_o censure_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o a_o profane_a person_n 16._o person_n heb._n 12._o 16._o when_o by_o the_o modern_a jew_n at_o this_o day_n the_o passover_n be_v celebrate_v in_o their_o house_n the_o pater-familias_a or_o master_n of_o the_o family_n be_v instead_o of_o a_o priest_n for_o the_o shoulder_n of_o lamb_n or_o kid_n the_o unleavened_a cake_n the_o herb_n etc._n etc._n be_v ready_a and_o set_v before_o they_o he_o begin_v the_o feast_n with_o a_o prayer_n of_o consecration_n and_o at_o several_a time_n afterward_o while_o that_o solemnity_n be_v a_o carry_v on_o he_o bespeak_v god_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o family_n there_o present_a in_o form_n of_o thanksgiving_n also_o at_o the_o end_n thereof_o he_o put_v up_o another_o prayer_n 13._o prayer_n buxt_n synag_fw-mi jud._n cap._n 13._o now_o that_o ancient_a pre-eminence_n late_o mention_v and_o the_o duty_n imply_v in_o it_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n still_o remain_v even_o to_o we_o christian_n and_o no_o master_n of_o a_o family_n among_o we_o how_o great_a soever_o must_v think_v it_o any_o diminution_n but_o rather_o a_o honour_n and_o privilege_n personal_o to_o minister_v in_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o the_o great_a god_n for_o the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n do_v after_o a_o sort_n and_o in_o his_o measure_n perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o ecclesiastic_a or_o bishop_n in_o his_o house_n 51._o house_n august_n in_o joan._n tract_n 51._o and_o sure_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o officiate_v himself_o or_o at_o least_o to_o take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o some_o other_o and_o all_o person_n of_o quality_n who_o take_v chaplain_n into_o their_o family_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v which_o many_o have_v not_o do_v of_o what_o consequence_n it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v real_o pious_a and_o devout_a for_o how_o else_o can_v they_o expect_v that_o the_o prayer_n they_o present_v for_o they_o shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n since_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o 31._o he_o prov._n 15._o 8._o joh._n 9_o 31._o and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o the_o more_o so_o because_o such_o a_o one_o
can_v but_o bring_v it_o with_o a_o wicked_a mind_n 27._o mind_n prov._n 21._o 27._o beside_o whereas_o a_o domestic_a minister_n shall_v by_o his_o good_a example_n and_o converse_n promote_v holiness_n and_o sobriety_n in_o those_o of_o the_o household_n if_o he_o be_v himself_o vicious_a and_o disorderly_a they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o embolden_a to_o be_v such_o too_o or_o at_o least_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n wherein_o he_o be_v concern_v will_v be_v the_o less_o regard_v on_o his_o account_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v remember_v by_o all_o head_n of_o family_n that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o secular_a government_n and_o the_o charge_n of_o their_o household_n as_o consist_v of_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o man_n it_o behove_v they_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o herein_o by_o take_v care_n for_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n and_o also_o that_o god_n may_v be_v so_o serve_v as_o shall_v be_v best_a to_o his_o honour_n and_o good_a like_n and_o for_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o their_o family_n which_o do_v mind_v we_o to_o add_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o vii_o the_o practice_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o house_n of_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v high_o become_v their_o holy_a profession_n so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a furtherance_n to_o their_o lead_n live_v agreeable_a thereunto_o our_o religion_n be_v that_o general_a and_o high_a call_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 14._o jesus_n phil._n 3._o 14._o which_o all_o profess_v and_o they_o will_v grant_v it_o be_v their_o chief_a business_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v their_o great_a care_n to_o obey_v and_o honour_v he_o by_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a life_n but_o if_o religion_n be_v our_o chief_a call_v can_v it_o suffice_v to_o exercise_v the_o same_o one_o day_n in_o the_o week_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o reasonable_a that_o they_o be_v daily_o employ_v in_o it_o and_o not_o that_o their_o whole_a time_n shall_v be_v ingross_v by_o worldly_a calling_n if_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o their_o great_a business_n shall_v it_o not_o be_v mind_v every_o day_n as_o well_o as_o their_o other_o which_z be_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v constant_o serve_v by_o they_o in_o their_o house_n at_o home_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n now_o and_o then_o when_o they_o can_v easy_o avoid_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o public_a censure_n since_o man_n can_v choose_v but_o own_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o principal_a care_n to_o lead_v a_o good_a life_n well-pleasing_a to_o god_n without_o who_o favour_n it_o can_v never_o be_v well_o with_o they_o they_o must_v thence_o think_v it_o needful_a that_o they_o be_v often_o exercise_v in_o those_o religious_a duty_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o likely_a mean_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o holiness_n that_o family_n devotion_n include_v prayer_n and_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v real_o such_o there_o needs_o little_a trouble_n to_o evince_v to_o be_v much_o conversant_a in_o prayer_n do_v great_o conduce_v to_o make_v man_n good_a because_o hereby_o there_o be_v renew_v impression_n make_v of_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n to_o who_o we_o pray_v and_o it_o leave_v in_o the_o soul_n awful_a apprehension_n of_o he_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v one_o necessary_a part_n of_o prayer_n to_o beg_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o bestow_v on_o all_o who_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o most_o apt_a and_o efficacious_a mean_n of_o promote_a holiness_n be_v write_v by_o god_n special_a direction_n for_o that_o very_a purpose_n for_o it_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 16._o righteousness_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16._o it_o be_v a_o sanctify_a word_n as_o be_v imply_v in_o that_o petition_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o they_o by_o who_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n 17._o truth_n joh._n 17._o 17._o and_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n as_o say_v the_o bless_a apostle_n 15._o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o how_o these_o sacred_a write_n have_v their_o happy_a energy_n it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o assign_v one_o account_n of_o it_o be_v that_o they_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o those_o principle_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o practical_a religion_n and_o strong_a enforcement_n to_o it_o as_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o holiness_n goodness_n omniscience_n power_n justice_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o he_o and_o his_o providential_a government_n of_o it_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o future_a retribution_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v likewise_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v plain_o declare_v both_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v to_o perform_v whether_o towards_o god_n our_o brethren_n or_o ourselves_o as_o also_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o be_v avoid_v by_o we_o which_o be_v do_v so_o full_o that_o it_o be_v thereby_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o action_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a 7._o perfect_a psal_n 19_o 7._o and_o the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n 17._o work_n 2_o tim_n 3._o 17._o also_o because_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v so_o clear_o show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v and_o what_o not_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o by_o it_o man_n be_v reprove_v and_o convince_v of_o sin_n and_o thereby_o dispose_v to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n its_o convince_a power_n be_v with_o much_o emphasis_n thus_o express_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n 12._o heart_n heb._n 4._o 12._o and_o by_o mean_n hereof_o it_o reduce_v man_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n convert_v the_o soul_n psal_n 19_o 7._o and_o it_o be_v prescribe_v to_o the_o young_a man_n as_o that_o which_o will_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o reclaim_v he_o from_o the_o disorder_n of_o that_o vain_a age._n wherewithal_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n even_o by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n psal_n 119._o 9_o how_o st._n austin_n that_o eminent_a father_n be_v rescue_v from_o his_o former_a ill_a course_n of_o life_n on_o his_o read_v the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o thirteen_o to_o the_o roman_n himself_o have_v attest_v to_o the_o world_n 12._o world_n confess_v l._n 8._o c._n 12._o again_o the_o scripture_n do_v make_v know_v those_o severe_a punishment_n both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a which_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o evil_a doer_n and_o they_o do_v also_o represent_v the_o many_o and_o great_a reward_n of_o a_o good_a conversation_n some_o whereof_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o life_n but_o the_o great_a of_o all_o which_o be_v set_v forth_o with_o high_a expression_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o endless_a glory_n prepare_v in_o heaven_n now_o the_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o happiness_n be_v natural_a to_o all_o man_n it_o can_v be_v but_o these_o divine_a write_n shall_v on_o this_o account_n have_v a_o potent_a influence_n for_o deliver_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o such_o admirable_a use_n be_v the_o sacred_a book_n for_o rectify_v the_o mind_n and_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o so_o well_o fit_v be_v they_o for_o this_o excellent_a purpose_n and_o we_o wonder_v that_o the_o good_a father_n late_o name_v do_v esteem_v they_o so_o high_o and_o so_o much_o delight_n in_o the_o read_n of_o they_o for_o after_o his_o conversion_n cicero_n of_o who_o he_o have_v be_v extreme_o fond_a before_o become_v vile_a to_o he_o and_o he_o can_v think_v no_o book_n comparable_a to_o the_o bible_n as_o he_o have_v write_v of_o himself_o 21._o himself_o ibid._n l._n 3._o cap._n 5._o &_o lib._n 7._o cap._n 20._o 21._o but_o it_o must_v be_v still_o understand_v that_o whatever_o efficacy_n the_o scripture_n have_v it_o be_v but_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o
meditation_n and_o desire_n may_v be_v heavenly_a and_o that_o i_o may_v serve_v thou_o in_o holy_a morning_n sunday_n morning_n duty_n with_o sincere_a devotion_n grant_v that_o by_o a_o pious_a celebration_n of_o this_o religious_a rest_n on_o earth_n i_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v for_o keep_v a_o eternal_a sabbath_n in_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n these_o thing_n i_o humble_o beg_v in_o the_o name_n of_o thy_o belove_a son_n my_o bless_a saviour_n conclude_v as_o he_o have_v teach_v i_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n thy_o grace_n o_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n thy_o love_n o_o heavenly_a father_n thy_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n o_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n be_v with_o i_o this_o day_n and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n prayer_n for_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o evening_n a_o prayer_n before_o read_v the_o scripture_n o_o lord_n my_o god_n bless_a be_v evening_n evening_n thy_o name_n for_o this_o great_a privilege_n of_o wait_v upon_o thou_o and_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o a_o willing_a heart_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v of_o thy_o mercy_n that_o i_o be_o alive_a this_o evening_n and_o not_o number_v among_o those_o many_o who_o have_v the_o day_n pass_v perish_v from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n i_o do_v acknowledge_v thy_o long-suffering_a and_o goodness_n and_o i_o will_v not_o give_v sleep_n to_o my_o eye_n nor_o slumber_n to_o my_o eyelid_n till_o i_o have_v render_v unto_o thou_o my_o bind_a duty_n of_o worship_n and_o praise_n be_v thou_o please_v to_o assist_v and_o accept_v my_o present_a devotion_n teach_v i_o by_o thy_o holy_a word_n to_o live_v according_a to_o thy_o will_n and_o lead_v i_o by_o it_o in_o the_o way_n to_o everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n my_o bless_a redeemer_n amen_n a_o prayer_n for_o the_o evening_n lord_n i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o make_v haste_n unto_o i_o give_v ear_n unto_o my_o voice_n when_o i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o let_v my_o prayer_n be_v set_v before_o thou_o as_o incense_v and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o my_o hand_n as_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n o_o eternal_a god_n thy_o property_n it_o be_v that_o thou_o hear_v prayer_n and_o though_o thou_o be_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o yet_o be_v thou_o nigh_o unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o be_v thou_o please_v to_o bow_v down_o thy_o ear_n at_o this_o time_n to_o the_o supplication_n of_o i_o thy_o unworthy_a servant_n and_o let_v i_o find_v grace_n and_o acceptance_n with_o thou_o while_o i_o worship_n at_o thy_o footstool_n i_o do_v here_o offer_v up_o myself_o a_o live_a sacrifice_n and_o do_v humble_o adore_v thy_o divine_a majesty_n as_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o that_o i_o be_o and_o of_o all_o that_o i_o do_v enjoy_v unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n belong_v honour_n and_o service_n and_o praise_n but_o unto_o i_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o punishment_n for_o i_o have_v offend_v the_o pure_a eye_n of_o thy_o holiness_n from_o day_n to_o day_n by_o repeat_v transgression_n and_o as_o thou_o have_v not_o cease_v to_o do_v i_o good_a so_o have_v i_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o unhappy_a return_n of_o unthankfulness_n and_o disobedience_n i_o have_v neither_o love_v nor_o fear_v nor_o serve_v thou_o as_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o my_o sin_n be_v more_o than_o i_o be_o able_a to_o number_v i_o do_v therefore_o humble_v myself_o before_o thou_o with_o hearty_a repentance_n implore_v thy_o gracious_a pardon_n through_o the_o son_n of_o thy_o love_n who_o thou_o have_v set_v forth_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n be_v thou_o reconcile_v unto_o i_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o make_v i_o partaker_n of_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o his_o redemption_n impute_v not_o unto_o i_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o day_n past_a but_o forgive_v whatever_o i_o have_v therein_o think_v or_o say_v or_o do_v amiss_o either_o against_o god_n or_o against_o man_n o_o lord_n grant_v i_o thy_o favour_n speak_v peace_n to_o my_o conscience_n and_o that_o i_o may_v no_o more_o return_n to_o folly_n be_v thou_o please_v to_o work_v in_o i_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n by_o thou_o require_v give_v i_o a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o love_n of_o holiness_n that_o i_o may_v abhor_v what_o be_v evil_a and_o cleave_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a incline_v my_o heart_n unto_o thy_o statute_n and_o let_v not_o any_o iniquity_n have_v dominion_n over_o i_o o_o thou_o who_o know_v my_o sinful_a frailty_n and_o to_o how_o many_o temptation_n my_o life_n be_v expose_v assist_v i_o by_o thy_o own_o grace_n and_o strengthen_v i_o with_o all_o might_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n help_v i_o to_o crucisie_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o allurement_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o to_o resist_v the_o devil_n that_o he_o may_v flee_v from_o i_o whatever_o temporal_a blessing_n i_o receive_v at_o thy_o hand_n grant_v i_o to_o use_v they_o aright_o with_o all_o thankfulness_n and_o sobriety_n and_o also_o to_o undergo_v with_o christian_a patience_n any_o chastisement_n or_o affliction_n thou_o shall_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o i_o let_v every_o dispensation_n of_o thy_o providence_n be_v sanctify_v to_o my_o spiritual_a good_a that_o nothing_o may_v ever_o separate_v i_o from_o thy_o love_n and_o favour_n for_o as_o much_o as_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o be_v of_o short_a continuance_n suffer_v i_o not_o to_o set_v my_o heart_n or_o affection_n on_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o but_o raise_v they_o up_o to_o the_o thing_n above_o to_o that_o glorious_a inheritance_n reserve_v in_o heaven_n which_o fade_v not_o away_o and_o since_o my_o day_n come_v to_o a_o end_n and_o i_o be_o still_o hasten_v on_o towards_o my_o great_a change_n help_v i_o to_o be_v always_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o do_v good_a and_o work_v out_o my_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o so_o death_n may_v not_o be_v terrible_a but_o a_o welcome_a passage_n to_o a_o life_n of_o glory_n bless_v the_o land_n of_o my_o nativity_n grant_v we_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o let_v the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n still_o continue_v and_o prevail_v among_o we_o be_v thou_o a_o friend_n and_o patron_n to_o all_o my_o friend_n and_o near_a relation_n make_v they_o holy_a and_o prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o ever_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o send_v thy_o consolation_n and_o succour_n to_o all_o who_o be_v in_o sorrow_n want_n sickness_n or_o any_o other_o affliction_n but_o especial_o to_o such_o as_o do_v suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n accept_v i_o pray_v thou_o my_o humble_a thanks_o for_o all_o thy_o mercy_n for_o thy_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n for_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n i_o bless_v thou_o for_o thy_o great_a kindness_n towards_o i_o the_o day_n past_a that_o i_o have_v escape_v danger_n that_o my_o life_n be_v continue_v to_o i_o together_o with_o thy_o wont_a benefit_n both_o for_o the_o necessity_n and_o comfort_n of_o my_o present_a condition_n and_o since_o thou_o who_o have_v make_v the_o day_n for_o action_n and_o business_n have_v also_o ordain_v the_o night_n for_o a_o time_n of_o rest_n and_o repose_v be_v thou_o please_v to_o watch_v over_o i_o in_o lie_v down_o and_o to_o grant_v i_o the_o comfortable_a refreshment_n of_o a_o quiet_a sleep_n o_o lord_n let_v thy_o grace_n and_o goodness_n never_o forsake_v i_o till_o i_o shall_v enter_v into_o thy_o everlasting_a rest_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n through_o thy_o rich_a mercy_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thyself_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n worship_n and_o praise_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n thy_o grace_n o_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n thy_o love_n o_o heavenly_a father_n thy_o comfortable_a communion_n o_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v with_o i_o and_o thy_o whole_a church_n henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o another_o prayer_n for_o the_o evening_n the_o lord_n will_v command_v his_o lovingkindness_n in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o in_o the_o night_n his_o song_n shall_v be_v with_o i_o and_o my_o prayer_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o my_o life_n i_o will_v both_o lay_v i_o down_o in_o peace_n and_o sleep_v for_o thou_o lord_n only_o make_v i_o dwell_v in_o safety_n most_o gracious_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n thou_o deserve_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o serve_v to_o receive_v thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n from_o thou_o i_o have_v derive_v my_o life_n
remain_v safe_a without_o the_o supplication_n of_o good_a man_n he_o give_v charge_n to_o those_o of_o his_o clergy_n that_o they_o shall_v intercede_v for_o he_o in_o their_o devotion_n 14._o devotion_n euseb_n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr const_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 14._o likewise_o that_o his_o military_a force_n may_v be_v still_o victorious_a he_o enjoin_v his_o soldier_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o prayer_n and_o prescribe_v a_o suitable_a form_n wherein_o they_o be_v thus_o to_o invoke_v the_o giver_n of_o all_o victory_n we_o acknowledge_v thou_o the_o only_a god_n we_o confess_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o king_n we_o call_v upon_o thou_o as_o our_o helper_n by_o thou_o we_o have_v obtain_v victory_n and_o have_v overcome_v our_o enemy_n we_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o from_o thou_o we_o have_v our_o present_a happiness_n and_o from_o thou_o we_o hope_v for_o that_o which_o be_v future_a we_o be_v therefore_o thy_o supplyants_n and_o do_v beg_v of_o thou_o that_o thou_o will_v long_o preserve_v constantine_n our_o emperor_n in_o health_n and_o victory_n together_o with_o his_o religious_a offspring_n 20._o offspring_n ibid._n cap._n 20._o it_o be_v relate_v of_o the_o athenian_n that_o have_v be_v worsted_n by_o the_o lacedaemonian_n in_o several_a battle_n and_o much_o wonder_v at_o their_o repeat_v misfortune_n especial_o for_o that_o they_o know_v they_o exceed_v all_o the_o other_o grecian_n in_o the_o veneration_n of_o their_o temple_n and_o image_n in_o the_o number_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o many_o pompous_a solemnity_n of_o their_o religion_n whereas_o the_o lacedaemonian_n do_v appear_v more_o spare_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o in_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o worship_n they_o do_v therefore_o resolve_v to_o send_v and_o consult_v jupiter_n ammon_n what_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v and_o to_o their_o enquiry_n receive_v this_o answer_n from_o the_o oracle_n that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lacedaemonian_n be_v more_o please_v to_o the_o god_n than_o the_o sacred_a rite_n of_o all_o greece_n beside_o 2._o beside_o plat._n alceb_n 2._o which_o do_v serve_v to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o those_o of_o the_o gentile_a religion_n will_v have_v it_o believe_v that_o devout_a prayer_n be_v of_o much_o great_a success_n in_o procure_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n than_o any_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o sure_o to_o any_o that_o do_v consult_v our_o own_o oracle_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o do_v well_o appear_v that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v affect_v far_o more_o and_o great_a thing_n by_o their_o prayer_n than_o ever_o by_o sacrifice_n or_o oblation_n how_o many_o and_o sumptuous_a soever_o 5._o although_o of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v nor_o be_v we_o able_a to_o serve_v god_n in_o any_o acceptable_a manner_n yet_o we_o have_v this_o encouragement_n that_o he_o who_o require_v the_o duty_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v we_o for_o it_o for_o according_a to_o his_o ancient_a promise_n he_o do_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n 10._o supplication_n zech._n 12._o 10._o to_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o servant_n for_o pray_v to_o he_o as_o he_o will_v approve_v and_o accept_v and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v access_n unto_o the_o father_n 18._o father_n eph._n 2._o 18._o this_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o do_v by_o his_o prevent_a influence_n excite_v man_n to_o pray_v beget_v in_o they_o pious_a thought_n and_o devout_a affection_n so_o he_o do_v also_o direct_a and_o assist_v they_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o petition_n for_o herein_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o prayer_n that_o man_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o err_v in_o the_o thing_n they_o pray_v for_o as_o when_o their_o request_n be_v in_o themselves_o displease_v to_o god_n such_o be_v the_o uncharitable_a one_o of_o james_n and_o john_n when_o they_o will_v have_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o samaritan_n 54._o samaritan_n luc._n 9_o 54._o and_o that_o other_o of_o so_o great_a ambition_n present_v by_o the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n for_o her_o two_o son_n that_o one_o of_o they_o may_v sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n the_o other_o on_o the_o left_a of_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n 21._o kingdom_n mat._n 20_o 21._o or_o when_o the_o thing_n ask_v though_o they_o seem_v desirable_a yet_o be_v such_o as_o will_v prove_v real_o hurtful_a if_o grant_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v wish_v for_o such_o a_o promotion_n or_o so_o great_a a_o estate_n not_o think_v what_o mischief_n they_o may_v occasion_v to_o he_o this_o the_o satirist_n can_v understand_v nos_fw-la animi_fw-la impulsu_fw-la caecâque_fw-la cupi_fw-la dine_v ducti_fw-la conjugium_fw-la petimus_fw-la partumque_fw-la uxoris_fw-la at_o illis_fw-la notum_fw-la qui_fw-la pveri_fw-la qualisque_fw-la futura_fw-la sit_fw-la vxor_fw-la a_o man_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o blind_a love_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v obtain_v such_o a_o woman_n to_o be_v his_o wife_n but_o god_n only_o know_v what_o a_o shrew_n she_o will_v be_v or_o else_o he_o beg_v to_o have_v child_n but_o know_v not_o how_o untoward_a they_o will_v prove_v we_o may_v also_o err_v while_o deprecate_a evil_n which_o yet_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o our_o great_a good_a as_o do_v st._n paul_n who_o be_v seek_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n by_o which_o he_o be_v buffet_v may_v depart_v from_o he_o but_o be_v not_o grant_v because_o it_o be_v for_o preserve_v his_o humility_n after_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n 9_o revelation_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 7_o 8_o 9_o that_o we_o pray_v aright_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o our_o petition_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o may_v have_v their_o due_a subordination_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n to_o this_o there_o be_v need_n of_o great_a holiness_n as_o well_o as_o skill_n and_o it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o say_n of_o st._n austin_n verè_fw-la novit_fw-la rectè_fw-la vivere_fw-la qui_fw-la rectè_fw-la novit_fw-la orare_fw-la whosoever_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v do_v know_v indeed_o how_o to_o live_v so_o 3._o so_o august_n in_o psal_n 3._o now_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereof_o all_o be_v partaker_n that_o real_o belong_v to_o christ_n 9_o christ_n rom._n 8._o 9_o do_v guide_v the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o pious_a christian_n and_o help_v they_o to_o avoid_v in_o great_a measure_n such_o error_n in_o prayer_n though_o very_o incident_a to_o the_o best_a of_o man_n of_o this_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v very_o plain_a likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o 26._o we_o rom._n 8._o 26._o and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o intercede_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v in_o that_o he_o do_v assist_v they_o in_o prefer_v such_o petition_n as_o be_v please_v to_o he_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o be_v our_o paraclete_n or_o advocate_n and_o do_v plead_v our_o cause_n within_o we_o while_n enable_v we_o to_o do_v it_o as_o christ_n be_v our_o advocate_n without_o we_o by_o his_o mediatory_a intercession_n in_o heaven_n and_o on_o this_o do_v depend_v the_o good_a success_n of_o our_o prayer_n for_o god_n can_v but_o be_v ready_a to_o grant_v such_o request_n as_o himself_o have_v suggest_v to_o we_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n thou_o will_v prepare_v their_o heart_n and_o cause_n thy_o ear_n to_o hear_v 17._o hear_v psal_n 10._o 17._o praevenis_fw-la eos_fw-la ut_fw-la petant_fw-la quae_fw-la tibi_fw-la grata_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o precibus_fw-la eorum_fw-la aurem_fw-la tuam_fw-la facilem_fw-la praebes_fw-la so_o vatablus_n do_v explain_v the_o text_n and_o hitherto_o do_v belong_v that_o of_o st._n john_n this_o be_v the_o confidence_n we_o have_v in_o he_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o 14._o we_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 14._o moreover_o this_o bless_a spirit_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n that_o it_o may_v be_v with_o humility_n faith_n fervency_n and_o that_o we_o beg_v not_o temporal_a good_a thing_n with_o more_o earnestness_n than_o spiritual_a nor_o desire_v the_o benefit_n of_o heaven_n for_o ill_a purpose_n as_o do_v those_o who_o st._n james_n do_v thus_o rebuke_v you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o that_o you_o may_v consume_v it_o upon_o your_o lust_n 3._o lust_n jam._n 4._o 3._o likewise_o it_o be_v through_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o we_o come_v to_o god_n as_o our_o love_a father_n for_o he_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 16._o god_n rom._n 8._o
the_o spirit_n 17._o spirit_n eph._n 6._o 17._o who_o do_v make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o slay_v the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n and_o subdue_a they_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o divine_a grace_n be_v never_o want_v to_o they_o who_o make_v a_o diligent_a use_n of_o this_o write_a word_n which_o be_v the_o outward_a mean_n by_o god_n appoint_v and_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v the_o same_o with_o his_o own_o concurrence_n and_o blessing_n since_o therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o condescension_n of_o almighty_a god_n have_v be_v so_o great_a in_o vouchsafe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v his_o kind_a epistle_n from_o heaven_n impart_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o for_o our_o own_o good_a what_o a_o rude_a and_o ungrateful_a indignity_n will_v it_o be_v if_o we_o care_v not_o to_o read_v it_o since_o he_o have_v give_v this_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n as_o it_o be_v call_v by_o st._n peter_n 19_o peter_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 19_o that_o we_o may_v not_o stumble_v and_o perish_v how_o great_a be_v the_o madness_n if_o hide_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n 15._o bushel_n mat._n 5._o 15._o or_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o it_o we_o love_v darkness_n more_o than_o light_n 19_o light_n joh._n 3._o 19_o it_o be_v our_o singular_a happiness_n above_o most_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o this_o heavenly_a treasure_n do_v lie_v open_a to_o we_o in_o a_o language_n which_o the_o unlearned_a can_v understand_v it_o be_v not_o heresy_n with_o we_o if_o a_o laic_a read_v the_o bible_n nor_o a_o capital_a crime_n if_o he_o keep_v one_o in_o his_o house_n that_o be_v in_o his_o own_o vulgar_a tongue_n but_o the_o gild_n and_o condemnation_n will_v be_v much_o great_a if_o have_v this_o advantage_n any_o shall_v refuse_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o it_o may_v further_o recommend_v to_o christian_a family_n the_o constant_a use_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n as_o very_o necessary_a to_o a_o holy_a conversation_n if_o we_o mention_v what_o st._n austin_n have_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o who_o a_o great_a regard_n be_v due_a not_o only_o for_o his_o eminent_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n but_o also_o for_o his_o own_o great_a experience_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n by_o he_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v need_n of_o prayer_n every_o day_n as_o that_o by_o which_o they_o secure_v themselves_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n by_o prayer_n say_v he_o they_o strive_v with_o the_o more_o vigilance_n and_o stoutness_n against_o the_o devil_n the_o prince_n and_o king_n of_o all_o vice_n that_o so_o his_o deadly_a suggestion_n may_v nothing_o prevail_v 8._o prevail_v lib._n de_fw-fr continent_n cap._n 8._o and_o elsewhere_o the_o daily_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v purify_v all_o thing_n it_o strike_v into_o we_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n whoever_o will_v be_v always_o with_o god_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o read_v for_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o be_v speak_v with_o god_n and_o when_o we_o read_v god_n be_v speak_v with_o we_o 112._o we_o de_fw-fr temp._n serm._n 112._o likewise_o hitherto_o belong_v what_o tertullian_n have_v say_v in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o domestic_a piety_n when_o upbraid_v the_o heathen_a with_o their_o unprofitable_a devotion_n to_o the_o lares_fw-la exclude_v that_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o will_v be_v of_o real_a benefit_n to_o they_o quae_fw-la dei_fw-la mentio_fw-la quae_fw-la christi_fw-la invocatio_fw-la vbi_fw-la fomenta_fw-la fidei_fw-la ex_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la interlectione_n 6._o interlectione_n tert._n ad_fw-la vxor_fw-la l._n 2._o â—_o 6._o he_o tax_v their_o folly_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n that_o while_n in_o their_o several_a family_n they_o be_v very_o punctual_a and_o solemn_a in_o perform_v superstitious_a rite_n to_o the_o household_n god_n they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o who_o be_v god_n indeed_o whole_o neglect_v the_o christian_a devotion_n of_o prayer_n and_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o shall_v nourish_v in_o they_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n viii_o it_o may_v be_v another_o enforcement_n of_o family_n devotion_n to_o mention_n how_o well_o it_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n for_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o argument_n and_o shall_v demand_v our_o imitation_n to_o have_v before_o we_o the_o good_a example_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n now_o of_o they_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v exceed_o careful_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o daily_a performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n within_o their_o house_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n of_o each_o day_n all_o of_o the_o same_o family_n do_v join_v in_o their_o devotion_n as_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o what_o we_o find_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o father_n of_o those_o time_n precat_fw-la time_n clem._n alex_n pae_v l._n 2._o c._n 9_o cypr._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom_n basil_n in_o ascit_fw-la chrysost_n hom._n l._n de_fw-fr precat_fw-la they_o will_v not_o begin_v the_o day_n without_o desire_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n on_o themselves_o and_o their_o undertake_n throughout_o the_o same_o nor_o do_v they_o lie_v down_o to_o rest_v without_o return_v he_o thanks_o and_o implore_v his_o watchful_a care_n over_o they_o after_o supper_n end_v say_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n have_v render_v our_o thanks_o and_o praise_n to_o god_n for_o that_o he_o have_v supply_v we_o in_o the_o day_n with_o the_o good_a thing_n necessary_a for_o our_o use_n and_o grant_v we_o to_o pass_v the_o same_o prosperous_o we_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o our_o sleep_n ibid._n sleep_n ibid._n nor_o do_v they_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o their_o family_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o day_n but_o so_o intent_n be_v they_o on_o this_o duty_n as_o to_o break_v off_o their_o natural_a rest_n and_o leave_v their_o bed_n in_o the_o night_n time_n that_o they_o may_v then_o exercise_v their_o devotion_n for_o under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n while_o the_o open_a practice_n of_o religious_a duty_n be_v so_o much_o persecute_v it_o be_v general_o the_o custom_n of_o christian_n to_o arise_v from_o sleep_n about_o midnight_n for_o worship_v god_n with_o prayer_n and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n and_o the_o same_o continue_a in_o use_n even_o after_o the_o pagan_a persecution_n be_v over_o of_o these_o nocturnal_a devotion_n we_o do_v often_o read_v as_o in_o the_o father_n last_o name_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o prayer_n to_o be_v put_v up_o not_o only_o before_o go_v to_o bed_n but_o also_o again_o in_o the_o time_n of_o night_n 7._o night_n strom._n 7._o and_o afterward_o in_o the_o same_o place_n wherefore_o we_o must_v also_o rise_v from_o our_o bed_n in_o the_o night_n and_o god_n be_v then_o to_o be_v praise_v for_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o watch_n for_o he_o per_fw-la noctem_fw-la exurgebant_fw-la oratum_fw-la they_o arise_v by_o night_n to_o pray_v 2._o pray_v tert._n ad_fw-la vxor_fw-la lib._n 2._o and_o again_o ita_fw-la saturantur_fw-la ut_fw-la meminerint_fw-la etiam_fw-la per_fw-la noctem_fw-la orandum_fw-la deum_fw-la sibi_fw-la esse_fw-la they_o so_o feed_v at_o supper_n as_o remember_v they_o be_v to_o awake_v and_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o night_n 39_o night_n apol._n c._n 39_o thus_o do_v tertullian_n testify_v of_o they_o and_o to_o this_o refer_v that_o exhortation_n of_o st._n cyprian_n let_v we_o think_v that_o we_o always_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n nor_o shall_v darkness_n which_o we_o have_v escape_v hinder_v we_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o our_o prayer_n from_o the_o hour_n of_o night_n nor_o our_o devotion_n suffer_v any_o damage_n through_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n domin_n laziness_n de_fw-fr orat._n domin_n likewise_o these_o prayer_n of_o the_o night_n be_v recommend_v by_o st._n chrysostom_n in_o one_o of_o his_o sermon_n 36._o sermon_n in_o act._n apost_n homil_n 36._o beside_o the_o time_n of_o more_o solemn_a devotion_n from_o day_n to_o day_n which_o we_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o do_v moreover_o invoke_v god_n as_o often_o as_o they_o receive_v their_o natural_a food_n before_o we_o eat_v say_v basil_n let_v prayer_n be_v make_v suitable_a to_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n both_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n he_o do_v bestow_v at_o present_a and_o also_o for_o those_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o the_o future_a likewise_o let_v prayer_n follow_v after_o meat_n and_o in_o they_o let_v our_o thankfulness_n be_v express_v theol._n express_v epist_n 1_o ad_fw-la gregor_n theol._n and_o st._n chrysostom_n do_v prescribe_v as_o a_o necessary_a duty_n that_o christian_n begin_v and_o end_v their_o meal_n with_o
thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o he_o do_v propose_v it_o as_o a_o good_a mean_n for_o restrain_v man_n from_o abuse_n of_o the_o creature_n by_o intemperate_a eat_v or_o drink_v and_o also_o for_o procure_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n on_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n 89._o body_n ad_fw-la pop._n antioch_n homil._n 89._o we_o read_v in_o particular_a of_o the_o good_a emperor_n theodosius_n junior_n that_o he_o will_v never_o eat_v or_o drink_v nor_o taste_v so_o much_o as_o a_o fig_n or_o any_o other_o fruit_n until_o he_o have_v first_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o great_a creator_n eccl._n creator_n soz._n in_o praefat_fw-la ad_fw-la hist_n eccl._n and_o when_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v thus_o perform_v by_o they_o they_o do_v also_o usual_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o sing_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n in_o pious_a hymn_n by_o their_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o know_v how_o excellent_a and_o beneficial_a they_o be_v and_o do_v therefore_o value_v they_o according_o for_o when_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o dioclesian_n there_o come_v forth_o a_o imperial_a edict_n require_v that_o these_o sacred_a volume_n shall_v be_v bring_v from_o their_o house_n and_o give_v up_o for_o the_o flame_n there_o be_v vast_a number_n of_o they_o who_o choose_v to_o suffer_v exquisite_a torment_n and_o death_n itself_o rather_o then_o they_o will_v be_v traditores_fw-la or_o such_o as_o will_v sacrifice_v their_o bibles_n to_o save_v themselves_o 302._o themselves_o baron_fw-fr ann._n 302._o the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o pliny_n in_o his_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o trajan_n do_v mention_v it_o as_o that_o wherein_o the_o religious_a service_n of_o their_o assembly_n do_v chief_o consist_v that_o they_o do_v carmen_fw-la christo_fw-la quasi_fw-la deo_fw-la canere_fw-la secum_fw-la inuicem_fw-la 97._o inuicem_fw-la plin._n l._n 10._o epist_n 97._o and_o it_o be_v relate_v of_o the_o same_o theodosius_n we_o mention_v before_o that_o he_o and_o his_o sister_n do_v use_v to_o sing_v devout_a hymn_n very_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n with_o alternate_a voice_n 22._o voice_n soc._n hist_o eccles_n l._n 7._o cap._n 22._o how_o in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n read_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n be_v intermix_v with_o the_o refreshment_n of_o their_o ordinary_a meal_n these_o passage_n do_v show_v non_fw-la priùs_fw-la discumbitur_fw-la quà m_fw-la oratio_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la praegustetur_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o never_o sit_v down_o to_o eat_v until_o they_o have_v first_o taste_v of_o prayer_n after_o they_o have_v do_v eat_v one_o be_v call_v forth_o to_o sing_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v best_o able_a whether_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o else_o some_o psalm_n of_o his_o own_o by_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v try_v how_o he_o have_v drink_v likewise_o their_o meal_n be_v conclude_v with_o prayer_n so_o tertullian_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o his_o time_n 39_o time_n apol._n cap._n 39_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o holy_a festival_n his_o sacrifice_n be_v prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n before_o meat_n psalm_n also_o and_o hymn_n at_o the_o time_n of_o eat_v thus_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n 7._o alexandria_n strom._n 7._o nor_o let_v the_o time_n of_o eat_v be_v void_a of_o heavenly_a grace_n let_v your_o temperate_a entertainment_n sound_v forth_o psalm_n and_o since_o thou_o have_v a_o good_a memory_n and_o musical_a voice_n do_v then_o begin_v this_o duty_n after_o the_o usual_a manner_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n cyprian_n donat_n cyprian_n ad_fw-la donat_n and_o moreover_o good_a care_n be_v take_v by_o the_o parent_n and_o governor_n of_o family_n in_o these_o elder_a time_n that_o the_o person_n belong_v to_o they_o may_v be_v religious_o instruct_v and_o dispose_v to_o holy_a live_n as_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v under_o our_o next_o consideration_n but_o the_o place_n which_o concern_v the_o piety_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n at_o their_o time_n of_o eat_v i_o have_v the_o rather_o cite_v that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o instruction_n to_o we_o of_o the_o present_a age._n when_o we_o consider_v how_o religious_a their_o entertainment_n then_o be_v and_o that_o they_o serve_v for_o the_o nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n no_o less_o than_o the_o body_n it_o may_v let_v we_o see_v how_o much_o we_o be_v degenerate_v from_o the_o pristine_a sanctity_n and_o do_v at_o once_o both_o reprove_v and_o shame_v the_o irreligion_n of_o our_o day_n in_o which_o it_o be_v too_o common_a with_o many_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n to_o take_v their_o meal_n not_o otherwise_o than_o the_o bruit_n beast_n do_v they_o save_v that_o they_o be_v less_o temperate_a than_o these_o they_o sit_v down_o at_o their_o table_n and_o rise_v again_o without_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n without_o any_o acknowledgement_n or_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o who_o creature_n they_o all_o be_v by_o which_o they_o be_v sustain_v and_o who_o providence_n do_v cater_n for_o they_o from_o day_n to_o day_n it_o must_v needs_o look_v ill_a and_o scandalous_a that_o after_o person_n have_v at_o a_o long_o sit_v be_v fill_v themselves_o from_o the_o bounty_n of_o the_o creator_n with_o the_o plentiful_a variety_n of_o earth_n air_n and_o water_n yet_o if_o they_o return_v he_o any_o thanks_o at_o all_o it_o be_v most_o do_v in_o such_o a_o superficial_a and_o lofty_a manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a inconsiderable_a mode_n to_o be_v perform_v only_o for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o at_o the_o entertainment_n of_o our_o time_n how_o often_o be_v it_o that_o instead_o of_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n man_n profane_v it_o by_o wicked_a oath_n instead_o of_o the_o scripture_n read_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o company_n be_v take_v up_o with_o loose_a and_o filthy_a communication_n instead_o of_o holy_a psalm_n they_o be_v make_v first_o merry_a and_o then_o mad_a with_o excess_n of_o liquor_n such_o impiety_n can_v be_v allow_v in_o family_n where_o the_o governor_n of_o they_o be_v real_o good_a nor_o will_v they_o consist_v with_o that_o holy_a discipline_n for_o which_o we_o be_v now_o plead_v they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o good_a christian_n and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o we_o all_o profess_v last_o the_o most_o press_a consideration_n and_o that_o which_o all_o master_n of_o family_n shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n be_v still_o behind_o it_o be_v that_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o domestic_a devotion_n the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o soul_n be_v great_o concern_v for_o frequency_n in_o prayer_n and_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o requisite_a as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n where_o these_o be_v neglect_v how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o person_n will_v live_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o as_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o who_o god_n will_v admit_v into_o that_o holy_a place_n which_o no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v 27._o enter_v rev._n 21._o 27._o and_o where_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v his_o face_n 14._o face_n heb._n 12._o 14._o be_v it_o not_o rather_o likely_a that_o in_o house_n where_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o call_v upon_o nor_o his_o word_n read_v throughout_o the_o week_n the_o inhabitant_n will_v be_v heathenish_a and_o wicked_a not_o have_v god_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n much_o less_o any_o fear_n of_o he_o or_o his_o law_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o what_o must_v become_v of_o such_o in_o the_o other_o world_n none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o bible_n now_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o master_n of_o family_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o seek_v the_o spiritual_a good_a and_o future_a happiness_n of_o those_o under_o their_o government_n if_o they_o provide_v not_o for_o they_o as_o to_o the_o necessary_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n they_o have_v in_o st._n paul_n account_n deny_v the_o faith_n be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n 8._o infidel_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 8._o what_o censure_n then_o shall_v they_o be_v think_v to_o incur_v if_o they_o altogether_o neglect_v their_o more_o noble_a part_n and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o they_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v their_o eternal_a good_a in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v the_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v high_o favour_v by_o god_n as_o one_o who_o will_v endeavour_v that_o his_o child_n and_o household_n may_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o way_n 19_o way_n gen._n 18._o 19_o holy_a job_n be_v very_o careful_a that_o sin_n may_v not_o abide_v on_o those_o of_o his_o
place_n where_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o thy_o gospel_n be_v profess_v and_o teach_v where_o we_o have_v the_o freedom_n of_o worship_v thou_o according_a to_o thy_o will_n and_o do_v enjoy_v the_o precious_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n good_a lord_n help_v we_o to_o make_v a_o wise_a and_o christian_a use_n of_o all_o thy_o blessing_n to_o improve_v all_o spiritual_a advantage_n for_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o have_v well_o employ_v the_o talent_n commit_v to_o we_o we_o may_v at_o length_n be_v approve_v by_o thou_o as_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n and_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o which_o blessedness_n do_v thou_o in_o thy_o good_a time_n bring_v we_o all_o through_o thy_o mercy_n in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o name_n and_o mediation_n we_o beg_v thy_o gracious_a acceptance_n of_o our_o person_n and_o prayer_n which_o we_o further_o recommend_v unto_o thou_o in_o his_o word_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n and_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a for_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n thy_o grace_n o_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n thy_o love_n o_o heavenly_a father_n thy_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n o_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n be_v with_o we_o all_o evermore_o family_n devotion_n for_o the_o evening_n a_o short_a prayer_n before_o read_v the_o scripture_n almighty_a creator_n and_o evening_n evening_n most_o wise_a governor_n of_o all_o the_o world_n thou_o be_v god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o thou_o and_o thou_o only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v it_o be_v of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o happy_a forbearance_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o can_v thus_o attend_v upon_o thou_o to_o hear_v thou_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o thy_o write_a word_n and_o to_o speak_v unto_o thou_o ourselves_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n o_o lord_n draw_v near_o to_o we_o with_o thy_o favourable_a mercy_n while_o we_o approach_v to_o thou_o in_o our_o humble_a duty_n have_v a_o gracious_a regard_n to_o this_o our_o evening_n sacrifice_n and_o let_v thy_o good_a spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n since_o thou_o have_v appoint_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o a_o law_n to_o all_o our_o action_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v attend_v thereunto_o with_o godly_a reverence_n let_v thy_o word_n dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o and_o have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n on_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o have_v obey_v thy_o will_n here_o on_o earth_n we_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n in_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thyself_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n a_o psalm_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o evening_n o_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o to_o he_o that_o make_v great_a light_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o the_o sun_n to_o rule_v by_o day_n the_o moon_n and_o star_n to_o rule_v by_o night_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o o_o lord_n thou_o have_v search_v i_o and_o know_v i_o thou_o compasse_v my_o path_n and_o my_o lie_v down_o and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o my_o way_n if_o i_o say_v sure_o the_o darkness_n shall_v cover_v i_o even_o the_o night_n shine_v as_o the_o day_n the_o darkness_n and_o the_o light_n be_v both_o alike_o to_o thou_o i_o will_v say_v of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v my_o refuge_n my_o god_n in_o he_o will_v i_o trust_v he_o shall_v cover_v thou_o with_o his_o feather_n and_o under_o his_o wing_n shall_v thou_o trust_v his_o truth_n shall_v be_v thy_o shield_n and_o buckler_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a for_o the_o terror_n by_o night_n and_o the_o arrow_n that_o fly_v by_o day_n nor_o for_o the_o pestilence_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n nor_o the_o destruction_n that_o walk_v at_o noon_n day_n return_v unto_o thy_o rest_n o_o my_o soul_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o thou_o o_o almighty_a and_o most_o glorious_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n we_o acknowledge_v our_o dependence_n on_o thou_o for_o we_o be_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n and_o in_o thou_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v wherefore_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o thou_o have_v make_v and_o hitherto_o preserve_v we_o do_v humble_o prostrate_v at_o thy_o footstool_n ascribe_v unto_o thou_o honour_n and_o worship_n adoration_n and_o praise_n and_o with_o lowly_a subjection_n submit_v ourselves_o to_o thy_o most_o great_a and_o excellent_a majesty_n it_o be_v thy_o wonderful_a condescension_n that_o thou_o do_v permit_v vile_a dust_n and_o ash_n to_o have_v freedom_n of_o access_n to_o thy_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o thou_o be_v please_v to_o invite_v and_o command_v we_o to_o present_v our_o supplication_n we_o be_v altogether_o unworthy_a to_o speak_v unto_o thou_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o manifold_a sin_n do_v just_o deserve_v thou_o shall_v reject_v both_o our_o person_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o course_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o life_n have_v be_v exceed_o evil_n and_o that_o continual_o we_o have_v obey_v the_o lust_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n more_o than_o the_o precept_n of_o thy_o sacred_a word_n and_o have_v comply_v with_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n rather_o than_o the_o motion_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n thy_o law_n which_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a we_o have_v break_v from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o also_o slight_v and_o abuse_v the_o riches_n of_o thy_o grace_n discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o to_o we_o belong_v nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o punishment_n but_o with_o thou_o there_o be_v mercy_n and_o with_o thy_o son_n plenteous_a redemption_n we_o beseech_v thou_o therefore_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n and_o for_o thy_o son_n sake_n who_o thou_o have_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n that_o thou_o will_v blot_v out_o all_o our_o transgression_n and_o remember_v our_o iniquity_n no_o more_o deal_v not_o with_o we_o after_o the_o strictness_n of_o thy_o law_n but_o according_a to_o the_o gracious_a term_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o which_o thou_o do_v promise_v pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o all_o repent_a sinner_n we_o do_v here_o profess_v our_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n past_a and_o our_o serious_a resolution_n to_o lead_v the_o future_a part_n of_o our_o life_n in_o holy_a obedience_n to_o thy_o will_n and_o command_n but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o thou_o and_o of_o ourselves_o alone_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o shall_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a in_o thy_o sight_n be_v thou_o please_v to_o supply_v our_o defect_n and_o strengthen_v our_o weakness_n let_v thy_o holy_a spirit_n lead_v we_o into_o truth_n and_o assist_v we_o in_o every_o good_a duty_n write_v thy_o law_n in_o our_o inward_a part_n and_o put_v thy_o fear_n into_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v never_o depart_v from_o thou_o prepare_v we_o o_o lord_n for_o all_o event_n of_o thy_o providence_n that_o in_o every_o condition_n we_o may_v be_v therewith_o content_a and_o grant_v whatever_o thing_n shall_v befall_v we_o in_o this_o world_n they_o may_v work_v together_o for_o good_a and_o be_v a_o furtherance_n to_o we_o in_o our_o service_n of_o thou_o and_o in_o our_o passage_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o because_o thou_o have_v command_v that_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n we_o beg_v thy_o mercy_n for_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o gospel_n may_v shine_v upon_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o every_o nation_n thereof_o may_v partake_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o redemption_n bless_v thy_o church_n universal_a that_o it_o may_v flourish_v more_o and_o more_o in_o purity_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n may_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o vouchsafe_v thy_o special_a care_n and_o kindness_n to_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n to_o which_o we_o belong_v preserve_v the_o religion_n profess_v among_o we_o from_o error_n and_o corruption_n let_v piety_n justice_n and_o sobriety_n increase_n and_o abound_v that_o thou_o may_v delight_v in_o we_o to_o do_v we_o good_a for_o
mat._n 26._o 39_o when_o we_o read_v the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v help_v our_o infirmity_n direct_v we_o to_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o 26._o for_o rom._n 8._o 26._o and_o when_o our_o own_o church_n do_v teach_v we_o to_o desire_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v make_v we_o to_o ask_v such_o thing_n as_o shall_v please_v he_o trin._n he_o collect_v for_o 10_o sund._n aft_n trin._n it_o do_v suppose_v our_o choose_v petition_n in_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o err_v in_o that_o choice_n which_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o state_v prayer_n and_o must_v therefore_o refer_v to_o the_o private_a and_o occasional_a supplication_n of_o which_o we_o now_o speak_v and_o unless_o we_o sometime_o make_v use_n of_o such_o we_o shall_v be_v extreme_o defective_a in_o our_o devotion_n both_o as_o to_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o our_o regard_n to_o the_o good_a of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o for_o how_o else_o can_v we_o in_o a_o suitable_a manner_n offer_v up_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n or_o deprecate_v evil_n and_o beg_v mercy_n according_a to_o our_o own_o and_o the_o need_v of_o other_o christian_n as_o on_o many_o particular_a occasion_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o these_o shall_v be_v full_o provide_v for_o by_o any_o form_n compose_v for_o private_a use_n and_o much_o less_o will_v the_o public_a prayer_n descend_v to_o they_o v._o if_o a_o man_n serve_v god_n in_o private_a it_o be_v one_o good_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v sound_a and_o sincere_a in_o religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v void_a of_o all_o true_a piety_n who_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n or_o atheist_n may_v and_o often_o do_v outward_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n though_o from_o no_o better_a inducement_n than_o that_o they_o may_v comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n or_o to_o please_v other_o on_o who_o they_o depend_v or_o that_o they_o may_v gain_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a reputation_n as_o some_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n who_o be_v not_o real_a in_o their_o piety_n for_o he_o call_v they_o hypocrite_n and_o yet_o will_v pray_v stand_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n to_o be_v the_o more_o observe_v by_o other_o and_o from_o this_o occasion_n that_o his_o own_o follower_n may_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o outward_a show_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v sincere_a and_o true_o pious_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o he_o enjoin_v they_o the_o practice_n of_o private_a devotion_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o place_n 6._o place_n mat._n 6._o 5_o 6._o for_o act_n of_o piety_n when_o in_o secret_a can_v likely_o proceed_v from_o worldly_a motive_n but_o do_v rather_o suppose_v a_o soul_n real_o affect_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o a_o true_a christian_a faith_n be_v more_o eminent_o imply_v in_o secret_a prayer_n the_o holy_a father_n st._n cyprian_n have_v intimate_v in_o these_o word_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o pray_v private_o in_o secret_a and_o retire_a place_n in_o our_o very_a chamber_n because_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o faith_n that_o we_o apprehend_v god_n to_o be_v every_o where_o present_a to_o hear_v all_o man_n and_o by_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n to_o penetrate_v into_o all_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n domin_n thing_n cypr._n lib._n de_fw-fr orat._n domin_n though_o it_o be_v accountable_a enough_o why_o bad_a man_n may_v frequent_v the_o devotion_n of_o christian_a assembly_n yet_o why_o any_o shall_v adore_v and_o supplicate_v by_o himself_o alone_o when_o none_o else_o can_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o assign_v any_o other_o reason_n than_o that_o he_o have_v a_o inward_a reverence_n of_o a_o infinite_a god_n as_o of_o one_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v serve_v and_o who_o be_v able_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v he_o good_a after_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v strike_v blind_a by_o that_o light_n from_o heaven_n which_o shine_v on_o he_o in_o the_o way_n when_o he_o be_v first_o call_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o have_v in_o devout_a prayer_n evidence_v a_o true_a conversion_n ananias_n be_v immediate_o commission_v by_o god_n to_o go_v to_o he_o that_o by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o his_o hand_n he_o may_v receive_v his_o sight_n and_o also_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n 17._o apostle_n act_n 9_o 11_o 17._o arise_v say_v god_n and_o go_v into_o the_o street_n which_o be_v call_v straight_o and_o inquire_v in_o the_o house_n of_o judas_n for_o one_o saul_n of_o tarsus_n for_o behold_v he_o pray_v if_o therefore_o we_o will_v avoid_v the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o be_v formal_a professor_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o will_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n as_o real_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o religion_n to_o which_o we_o pretend_v we_o be_v concern_v not_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o outward_a and_o visible_a duty_n but_o to_o be_v also_o conversant_a in_o those_o other_o of_o private_a devotion_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o true_a holiness_n so_o will_v it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a mean_n to_o cherish_v and_o preserve_v it_o in_o we_o for_o vi_o by_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o private_a the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v very_o much_o maintain_v and_o it_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o secure_a man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o a_o steady_a obedience_n to_o he_o for_o since_o the_o act_n of_o piety_n whereof_o none_o but_o god_n be_v witness_n must_v be_v think_v to_o proceed_v from_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v a_o compliance_n with_o its_o dictate_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v presume_v that_o while_o man_n be_v conscientious_a in_o perform_v this_o so_o pious_a a_o duty_n they_o will_v be_v alike_o dispose_v as_o to_o other_o part_n of_o christian_a holiness_n and_o not_o venture_v on_o any_o gross_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n but_o careful_o avoid_v all_o temptation_n to_o they_o beside_o a_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o private_a devotion_n must_v needs_o beget_v a_o serious_a and_o heavenly_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o leave_v such_o holy_a impression_n as_o will_v restrain_v corrupt_a motion_n and_o fortify_v the_o soul_n against_o the_o daily_a assault_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n moreover_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o private_a devotion_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o christian_a will_v thereby_o be_v still_o put_v in_o mind_n both_o of_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v and_o the_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v as_o also_o of_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n belong_v to_o the_o former_a and_o the_o severe_a threaten_n denounce_v against_o the_o latter_a and_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v the_o like_a effect_n as_o include_v holy_a meditation_n of_o god_n as_o creator_n lord_n and_o judge_n of_o mankind_n as_o infinite_a in_o holiness_n knowledge_n justice_n power_n and_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o have_v or_o do_v hope_n to_o enjoy_v of_o ourselves_o as_o being_n dependent_a sinful_a frail_a and_o as_o have_v immortal_a soul_n which_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o another_o world_n according_a to_o our_o good_a or_o ill_a conversation_n in_o this_o these_o and_o such_o like_a thought_n be_v apt_a to_o beget_v good_a resolution_n and_o make_v man_n circumspect_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o their_o way_n and_o there_o be_v this_o further_a that_o by_o such_o attendance_n on_o god_n and_o prayer_n to_o he_o we_o engage_v he_o to_o have_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o we_o to_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n for_o our_o guide_n and_o support_v and_o to_o strengthen_v we_o with_o all_o might_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v holy_a and_o blameless_a unto_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n 18._o kingdom_n 1._o thes_n 5._o 23._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 18._o on_o these_o account_n st._n chrysostome_n have_v pronounce_v it_o impossible_a that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o devotion_n shall_v lead_v a_o sinful_a life_n 89._o life_n ad_fw-la pop._n antioch_n hom._n 89._o vii_o this_o duty_n of_o private_a devotion_n be_v the_o great_a comfort_n and_o sure_a refuge_n of_o a_o christian_a amid_o all_o the_o fear_n and_o hazard_n all_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o present_a state_n and_o he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n subsist_v without_o it_o it_o be_v a_o remedy_n still_o at_o hand_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o whenever_o he_o find_v himself_o oppress_v either_o by_o passion_n within_o or_o suffering_n from_o without_o he_o can_v ease_v his_o soul_n by_o pour_v out_o his_o complaint_n as_o david_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v 2._o do_v psa_fw-la 55._o
dangerous_a folly_n to_o live_v in_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n on_o the_o presumption_n it_o will_v so_o be_v be_v persuade_v therefore_o o_o christian_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v to_o honour_v he_o with_o thy_o constant_a devotion_n that_o thou_o may_v have_v comfortable_a assurance_n of_o his_o ready_a help_n when_o in_o any_o case_n of_o extremity_n thou_o shall_v call_v upon_o he_o he_o be_v thy_o best_a friend_n who_o alone_o thou_o can_v rely_v upon_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v maintain_v that_o friendship_n with_o he_o which_o thou_o be_v to_o prize_v above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o must_v be_v by_o converse_n and_o intimacy_n in_o this_o heavenly_a duty_n and_o consider_v with_o thyself_o what_o a_o honour_n and_o privilege_v it_o be_v that_o thou_o who_o be_v but_o a_o clod_n of_o earth_n be_v allow_v the_o freedom_n of_o access_n to_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o present_v thy_o petition_n to_o he_o as_o often_o as_o thou_o shall_v please_v if_o thou_o have_v the_o like_a liberty_n with_o thy_o prince_n on_o earth_n thou_o will_v certain_o value_v it_o very_o high_o and_o think_v it_o a_o great_a weakness_n not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o thy_o own_o advantage_n how_o then_o can_v thou_o excuse_v thyself_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o leave_n and_o encouragement_n give_v thou_o thou_o neglect_v thy_o approach_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a lord_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n at_o command_n be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o thou_o whatever_o thou_o can_v request_v of_o he_o if_o thou_o desire_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o god_n who_o thou_o be_v to_o wait_v upon_o be_v he_o who_o give_v riches_n and_o wealth_n 19_o wealth_n eccles_n 5._o 19_o and_o his_o blessing_n make_v man_n to_o thrive_v 22._o thrive_v prov._n 10._o 22._o will_v thou_o ascend_v to_o honour_v he_o be_v the_o high_a fountain_n of_o it_o for_o promotion_n come_v not_o from_o the_o east_n nor_o from_o the_o west_n but_o god_n set_v up_o one_o and_o pull_v down_o another_o 6._o another_o psal_n 75._o 6._o and_o they_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v 30._o honour_v 1_o sam_n 2._o 30._o do_v thou_o wish_v to_o enjoy_v health_n of_o body_n consider_v that_o he_o to_o who_o thy_o prayer_n shall_v be_v present_v and_o he_o alone_o do_v keep_v off_o disease_n 15._o disease_n deut._n 7._o 15._o and_o to_o confide_v in_o other_o physician_n be_v to_o hazard_v thy_o life_n 13._o life_n 2_o cbron._n 16._o 12_o 13._o if_o thou_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v thou_o be_v direct_v to_o ask_v wisdom_n of_o he_o who_o give_v liberal_o 5._o liberal_o jam._n 1._o 5._o and_o take_v for_o a_o great_a truth_n that_o say_n of_o the_o famous_a luther_n bene_fw-la orasse_fw-la est_fw-la bene_fw-la studuisse_fw-la to_o pray_v devout_o it_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o study_v hard_o for_o confirmation_n whereof_o hear_v the_o experience_n of_o aquinas_n the_o angelical_a doctor_n of_o the_o school_n who_o himself_o profess_v that_o his_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n he_o have_v acquire_v more_o by_o pray_v then_o by_o study_n 12._o study_n corn._n a_o lap._n in_o zach._n c._n 12._o if_o thou_o be_v real_a in_o religion_n thou_o believe_v a_o divine_a providence_n that_o thyself_o and_o all_o thy_o concern_v be_v in_o god_n power_n and_o at_o his_o dispose_n and_o how_o can_v thou_o rest_v satisfy_v if_o thou_o seek_v not_o his_o favour_n by_o do_v he_o service_n and_o without_o implore_v to_o thyself_o his_o particular_a care_n and_o kindness_n thou_o know_v that_o in_o he_o thou_o do_v live_v and_o move_v that_o without_o he_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v prosperous_a in_o any_o undertake_n nor_o avoid_v the_o many_o evil_a occurrence_n to_o which_o thou_o be_v still_o expose_v every_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o how_o then_o will_v thou_o presume_v to_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o morning_n without_o beg_v his_o gracious_a presence_n his_o blessing_n and_o safeguard_n thou_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a what_o unhappy_a casualty_n may_v attend_v the_o night_n what_o danger_n there_o be_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o ill_a man_n and_o will_v thou_o venture_v to_o lie_v down_o without_o commit_v thyself_o and_o what_o be_v thou_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o that_o keeper_n of_o israel_n who_o never_o sleep_v 4._o sleep_v psa_fw-la 121._o 4._o and_o who_o save_v they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o 40._o he_o psal_n 37._o 40._o thou_o be_v convince_v that_o thy_o be_v and_o the_o continual_a preservation_n of_o it_o together_o with_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n thou_o do_v partake_v of_o whether_o pertain_v to_o this_o life_n or_o the_o next_o be_v from_o god_n as_o the_o sole_a author_n of_o they_o and_o can_v thou_o find_v in_o thy_o heart_n to_o be_v so_o base_a and_o unworthy_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o thy_o poor_a homage_n and_o the_o cheap_a return_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n thy_o nature_n be_v frail_a thy_o life_n uncertain_a and_o there_o be_v many_o way_n by_o which_o death_n may_v at_o unaware_o break_v in_o upon_o thou_o so_o that_o in_o the_o morning_n it_o be_v doubtful_a to_o thou_o whether_o thou_o shall_v outlive_v the_o day_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n whether_o thou_o may_v survive_v the_o night_n and_o therefore_o of_o what_o mighty_a consequence_n be_v it_o that_o each_o morning_n and_o evening_n thou_o make_v thy_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o a_o penitent_a confession_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o a_o humble_a supplication_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o thy_o redeemer_n in_o short_a thy_o unspeakable_a obligation_n to_o almighty_a god_n the_o constant_a dependence_n and_o necessity_n of_o thy_o be_v the_o notice_n and_o conviction_n of_o thy_o own_o mind_n do_v all_o enforce_v upon_o thou_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o by_o it_o thou_o be_v wise_o to_o consult_v both_o the_o security_n and_o prosperous_a state_n of_o thy_o present_a life_n and_o also_o thy_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o that_o to_o come_v and_o remember_v the_o day_n be_v come_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n 16._o christ_n rom._n 2._o 16._o in_o which_o he_o will_v discern_v between_o those_o who_o serve_v he_o in_o private_a and_o those_o who_o serve_v he_o not_o then_o shall_v our_o saviour_n promise_n be_v faithful_o perform_v who_o have_v say_v that_o if_o thou_o make_v it_o thy_o religious_a practice_n to_o enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o there_o pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_n shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o 6._o open_o mat._n 6._o 6._o and_o at_o the_o general_a retribution_n for_o thy_o private_a act_n of_o piety_n thou_o shall_v be_v public_o own_a before_o the_o great_a assembly_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o kingdom_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n devotion_n for_o the_o use_n of_o particular_a person_n prayer_n for_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o morning_n a_o prayer_n before_o read_v the_o scripture_n oeternal_a god_n thy_o goodness_n morning_n morning_n be_v exceed_o great_a and_o thy_o mercy_n be_v renew_v to_o i_o every_o morning_n i_o come_v now_o to_o acknowledge_v my_o dependence_n on_o thou_o present_v my_o religious_a service_n and_o implore_v thy_o blessing_n although_o i_o be_o altogether_o unworthy_a to_o draw_v near_o unto_o thou_o and_o unable_a to_o perform_v any_o duty_n that_o shall_v deserve_v thy_o acceptance_n yet_o be_v thou_o please_v to_o receive_v i_o with_o thy_o wont_a mercy_n and_o let_v thy_o spirit_n help_v my_o infirmity_n grant_v i_o right_o to_o understand_v and_o ready_o to_o embrace_v thy_o bless_a word_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o direction_n and_o comfort_n to_o i_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o my_o life_n cause_v it_o to_o abide_v in_o i_o that_o i_o may_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thyself_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n a_o prayer_n for_o the_o morning_n harken_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o cry_n my_o king_n and_o my_o god_n for_o unto_o thou_o will_v i_o pray_v my_o voice_n shall_v thou_o hear_v in_o the_o morning_n o_o lord_n in_o the_o morning_n will_v i_o direct_v my_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o and_o will_v look_v up_o almighty_a god_n the_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o who_o i_o have_v my_o life_n and_o subsistence_n i_o do_v with_o humble_a prostration_n admire_v and_o adore_v thy_o infinite_a majesty_n for_o thou_o be_v god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o thou_o thy_o nature_n be_v most_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a in_o wisdom_n power_n goodness_n