prefer_v a_o solitary_a life_n and_o of_o plato_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o avoid_v the_o city_n he_o fix_v his_o academy_n at_o some_o distance_n in_o the_o country_n but_o retirement_n have_v be_v most_o of_o all_o approve_a as_o a_o good_a help_n to_o piety_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o by_o some_o christian_a writer_n much_o have_v be_v speak_v in_o the_o praise_n thereof_o on_o this_o account_n eremo_fw-la account_n basil_n in_o epist_n ad_fw-la chilonem_fw-la hieron_n ad_fw-la heliodor_n &_o l._n 2._o cont_n jovin_n august_n ad_fw-la frat_fw-la in_o eremo_fw-la especial_o by_o st._n basil_n and_o hierom_n who_o be_v themselves_o addict_v to_o that_o course_n of_o life_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o justinian_n it_o be_v say_v a_o solitary_a life_n with_o the_o contemplation_n that_o do_v accompany_v it_o be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n which_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n do_v lead_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o only_o advantageous_a to_o those_o who_o practise_v it_o but_o be_v also_o of_o know_a benefit_n to_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o holiness_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n 133._o god_n novel_a const_n 133._o by_o eusebius_n out_o of_o philo_n book_n de_fw-la vitâ_fw-la contemplatiuâ_fw-la it_o be_v report_v of_o certain_a ascetick_n so_o have_v they_o be_v call_v who_o profess_v a_o more_o strict_a and_o sedulous_a exercise_n of_o piety_n live_v in_o several_a part_n of_o egypt_n that_o forsake_v worldly_a employment_n and_o the_o ordinary_a place_n of_o habitation_n they_o abide_v solitary_a practise_v abstinence_n divine_a contemplation_n and_o devotion_n 17._o devotion_n euseb_n eccle._n hist_o l._n 2._o c._n 17._o these_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o be_v therein_o correct_v by_o scaliger_n who_o think_v they_o be_v of_o that_o sect_n among_o the_o jew_n call_v essenes_n and_o for_o that_o he_o be_v himself_o reprove_v by_o valesius_fw-la who_o do_v suppose_v they_o of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n though_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v essenes_n but_o however_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o christian_n too_o have_v use_v retirement_n to_o the_o same_o religious_a purpose_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n great_a multitude_n of_o they_o be_v force_v to_o quit_v their_o dwelling_n make_v the_o desert_n their_o refuge_n where_o they_o improve_v necessity_n into_o a_o virtue_n by_o employ_v their_o solitude_n in_o fast_v prayer_n meditation_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n so_o that_o in_o some_o time_n this_o way_n of_o live_v become_v a_o matter_n of_o choice_n and_o be_v advance_v into_o a_o holy_a institution_n paul_n of_o thebais_n be_v the_o first_o example_n of_o note_n that_o recommend_v the_o same_o of_o who_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o he_o live_v solitary_a for_o near_a a_o hundred_o year_n likewise_o one_o anthony_n a_o egyptian_a do_v set_v it_o up_o in_o his_o own_o country_n and_o hilarion_n do_v the_o like_a in_o syria_n and_o palestine_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o this_o at_o length_n corrupt_v into_o superstition_n idleness_n and_o a_o empty_a name_n and_o we_o can_v think_v it_o any_o real_a service_n to_o religion_n to_o persuade_v man_n as_o some_o have_v do_v whole_o to_o abandon_v humane_a society_n since_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o lay_v aside_o many_o important_a duty_n both_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n yet_o for_o some_o time_n and_o on_o some_o special_a occasion_n of_o a_o man_n life_n it_o may_v be_v of_o necessary_a use_n to_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o it_o be_v so_o think_v by_o a_o great_a and_o wise_a prince_n in_o the_o last_o age._n i_o mean_v charles_n the_o five_o who_o have_v take_v up_o a_o apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o death_n approach_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o comet_n soon_o after_o resign_v his_o empire_n and_o kingdom_n and_o retire_v into_o a_o small_a village_n that_o he_o may_v without_o interruption_n attend_v the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o another_o world_n 1556._o world_n hen._n spondan_n anno_fw-la 1556._o but_o by_o some_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o serious_a temper_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o emperor_n be_v occasion_v partly_o by_o the_o unfortunate_a turn_n and_o ill_a success_n of_o his_o affair_n after_o so_o much_o of_o victory_n and_o glory_n former_o enjoy_v by_o he_o and_o partly_o by_o the_o prevalence_n and_o growth_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o suppress_v it_o from_o the_o former_a he_o have_v a_o deep_a conviction_n concern_v the_o vanity_n of_o sublunary_a thing_n and_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o take_v off_o his_o affection_n and_o himself_o from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o his_o last_a security_n elsewhere_o and_o the_o latter_a suggest_v to_o he_o that_o the_o religion_n he_o have_v hitherto_o so_o much_o oppose_v be_v own_a and_o assist_v from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o be_v any_o long_o concern_v against_o it_o and_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o in_o his_o latter_a day_n 214._o *_o see_v dr._n burnet_n hist_o refor_n r._n 21._o part_n p._n 214._o of_o retirement_n when_o he_o have_v leisure_n thorough_o to_o consider_v and_o no_o worldly_a interest_n to_o be_v a_o wrong_a bias_n he_o fall_v into_o a_o good_a like_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o die_v a_o real_a convert_n to_o it_o now_o whatever_o there_o be_v in_o privacy_n by_o which_o it_o do_v contribute_v to_o piety_n and_o our_o better_a service_n of_o god_n may_v always_o be_v find_v in_o the_o close_a retirement_n of_o secret_a devotion_n a_o man_n be_v then_o separate_a from_o the_o world_n from_o all_o company_n and_o business_n may_v free_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n may_v for_o his_o spiritual_a benefit_n contemplate_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o all_o his_o wondrous_a work_n the_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v that_o be_v and_o which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o and_o while_o thus_o take_v up_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v never_o less_o alone_a than_o when_o alone_o it_o be_v almost_o peculiar_a to_o single_a devotion_n that_o it_o do_v admit_v the_o useful_a duty_n of_o holy_a meditation_n which_o can_v so_o well_o be_v exercise_v when_o we_o join_v in_o public_a and_o whatever_o the_o duty_n be_v wherein_o we_o be_v private_o engage_v we_o can_v more_o easy_o be_v serious_a and_o intent_n in_o it_o then_o amid_o the_o usual_a occasion_n of_o divert_v the_o mind_n which_o be_v in_o place_n where_o many_o assemble_v and_o as_o privacy_n be_v thus_o helpful_a to_o our_o being_n more_o heavenly_a and_o devout_a so_o in_o the_o single_a exercise_n of_o piety_n there_o be_v this_o other_o advantage_n that_o whereas_o in_o public_a devotion_n we_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o prayer_n as_o be_v intend_v for_o general_a use_n and_o therefore_o can_v reach_v every_o particular_a case_n the_o christian_a when_o pray_v alone_o can_v with_o freedom_n lie_v open_a his_o want_n and_o desire_n he_o be_v not_o then_o bind_v up_o to_o word_n nor_o thing_n but_o may_v choose_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o speak_v for_o himself_o as_o his_o own_o heart_n shall_v suggest_v and_o his_o present_a condition_n require_v for_o though_o form_n of_o private_a devotion_n be_v very_o expedient_a and_o indeed_o necessary_a for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n yet_o as_o a_o late_a reverend_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n have_v say_v expos_fw-la say_v dr._n tully_n in_o precat_fw-la domin_n expos_fw-la none_o be_v so_o oblige_v do_v to_o they_o but_o that_o if_o able_a to_o do_v it_o he_o may_v supplicate_v to_o god_n from_o his_o own_o present_a conception_n and_o before_o he_o the_o learned_a hammond_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o the_o closet_n say_v he_o it_o be_v not_o suggest_v by_o our_o church_n but_o that_o every_o one_o may_v ask_v his_o own_o want_n in_o what_o form_n of_o word_n he_o shall_v think_v fit_a cat._n fit_a dr._n ham._n pract._n cat._n and_o true_o all_o who_o know_v how_o to_o express_v their_o mind_n to_o man_n may_v be_v suppose_v capable_a of_o do_v the_o like_a in_o private_a to_o god_n too_o wherever_o there_o shall_v be_v need_n so_o as_o to_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o for_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o regard_v the_o artifice_n of_o our_o word_n as_o the_o disposition_n of_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o speak_v to_o he_o we_o have_v before_o observe_v that_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n do_v use_v to_o pray_v pro_fw-la re_fw-la natâ_fw-la according_a to_o their_o present_a occasion_n and_o to_o the_o instance_n already_o give_v we_o may_v add_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 8._o and_o also_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n himself_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
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
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