mankind_n be_v general_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v more_o influence_v by_o education_n and_o custom_n than_o reason_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n yet_o it_o go_v against_o the_o grain_n to_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n for_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o mankind_n that_o which_o render_v one_o man_n more_o excellent_a than_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n give_v the_o superiority_n for_o whoever_o be_v mistake_v must_v acknowledge_v his_o defect_n in_o wisdom_n or_o prudence_n at_o least_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a and_o that_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o fool_n which_o be_v the_o great_a reproach_n and_o imputation_n can_v be_v cast_v upon_o a_o man._n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o amid_o the_o hurry_n of_o worldly_a business_n and_o the_o many_o emergency_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o folly_n and_o oversight_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v few_o man_n willing_a to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o it_o be_v grace_n alone_o which_o by_o render_v we_o true_o humble_a can_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o our_o miserable_a and_o indigent_a condition_n 3.17_o rev._n 3.17_o and_o how_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a we_o be_v these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v encounter_v withal_o by_o that_o man_n who_o undertake_v to_o reprove_v his_o neighbour_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discourage_v any_o wise_a man_n from_o venture_v upon_o this_o province_n be_v he_o influence_v only_o by_o prudential_a principle_n and_o temporal_a inducement_n but_o since_o god_n have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a man_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v iii_o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o encouragement_n to_o perform_v it_o which_o be_v such_o as_o these_o consider_v 1._o that_o much_o glory_n will_v accrue_v to_o god_n by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 2._o much_o goodwill_n redound_v to_o our_o neighbour_n 3._o we_o ourselves_o shall_v reap_v much_o benefit_n thereby_o 4._o we_o shall_v avoid_v those_o mischief_n which_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v certain_o bring_v upon_o we_o 1._o by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v bring_v much_o glory_n to_o god_n by_o encourage_v virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o prevent_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v out_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n looseness_n and_o debauchery_n which_o of_o late_a year_n be_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v our_o ruin_n be_v vigorous_o and_o courageous_o to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o the_o stream_n and_o by_o show_v our_o open_a detestation_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o if_o possible_a to_o stem_v the_o tide_n of_o prevail_a vice_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o when_o the_o calamity_n be_v grow_v public_a there_o be_v no_o stand_a neuter_n he_o that_o be_v not_o active_a and_o zealous_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v not_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o discourage_v vice_n and_o profaneness_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v a_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n against_o virtue_n and_o religion_n for_o when_o man_n who_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o expect_v salvation_n through_o his_o merit_n shall_v sit_v still_o and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o jest_n and_o drollery_n of_o profane_a man_n his_o gospel_n ridicule_v his_o holy_a name_n dishonour_v and_o not_o be_v move_v and_o transport_v against_o such_o blasphemous_a discourse_n when_o they_o shall_v show_v no_o open_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n at_o unjust_a unrighteous_a or_o wicked_a action_n they_o give_v these_o impious_a wretch_n too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o though_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n with_o their_o mouth_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o fool_n 10.1_o psal_n 10.1_o as_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o they_o have_v as_o little_a true_a sense_n and_o reverence_n for_o a_o supreme_a be_v as_o themselves_o for_o what_o generous_a man_n can_v be_v content_v to_o sit_v still_o and_o hear_v his_o best_a friend_n reproach_v and_o speak_v ill_o off_o what_o dutiful_a son_n can_v endure_v that_o any_o aspersion_n shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o his_o father_n that_o his_o word_n and_o action_n shall_v be_v ridicule_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o resent_v the_o affront_n much_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o be_v zealous_a when_o we_o hear_v profane_a wretch_n set_v their_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o god_n that_o make_v they_o and_o with_o one_o breath_n of_o his_o displeasure_n can_v reduce_v they_o into_o nothing_o or_o into_o a_o condition_n worse_o than_o nothing_o if_o good_a man_n will_v resent_v this_o dishonour_n do_v to_o god_n and_o reprove_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o man_n may_v be_v private_o wicked_a but_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o public_o profane_a there_o may_v be_v many_o ill_a man_n but_o there_o will_v be_v very_o few_o ill_a example_n vice_n will_v be_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o its_o keen_a weapon_n and_o most_o prevail_a argument_n fashionableness_n and_o imitation_n 12.3_o dan._n 12.3_o and_o if_o those_o who_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o firmament_n certain_o those_o who_o hinder_v and_o prevent_v other_o from_o be_v wicked_a shall_v not_o miss_v of_o a_o due_a reward_n 2._o our_o neighbour_n will_v receive_v much_o benefit_n by_o a_o friendly_a admonition_n for_o though_o at_o first_o reproof_n will_v be_v unwelcome_a and_o troublesome_a and_o he_o may_v be_v rather_o enrage_v than_o amend_v by_o it_o yet_o by_o degree_n a_o gentle_a reproof_n will_v make_v its_o way_n and_o gain_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o be_v reform_v he_o will_v reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o quiet_v of_o mind_n in_o this_o life_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o who_o can_v be_v just_o sensible_a what_o inestimable_a benefit_n he_o confer_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n and_o what_o apparent_a danger_n he_o deliver_v he_o from_o by_o be_v instrumental_a in_o his_o reformation_n and_o yet_o think_v any_o pain_n too_o great_a to_o bring_v about_o this_o excellent_a work_n for_o shall_v wicked_a man_n take_v more_o pain_n to_o pervert_v and_o ruin_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n then_o good_a man_n shall_v to_o save_v they_o alive_a shall_v the_o drunkard_n and_o lascivious_a person_n be_v more_o diligent_a to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n than_o the_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a be_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o those_o vice_n this_o will_v be_v to_o dishonour_v our_o christian_a profession_n and_o public_o to_o own_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v more_o faithful_a servant_n than_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o make_v it_o his_o chief_a business_n to_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n 16.8_o john_n 16.8_o he_o come_v upon_o this_o errand_n live_v a_o laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o painful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o he_o may_v turn_v sinner_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n and_o promote_v virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reprove_v our_o neighbour_n be_v therefore_o the_o high_a instance_n of_o charity_n since_o hereby_o we_o design_v he_o the_o great_a good_a imaginable_a the_o happiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o rather_o prevail_v upon_o to_o attempt_v since_o 3._o by_o reprove_v other_o we_o may_v reap_v much_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o ourselves_o first_o hereby_o we_o shall_v provide_v ourselves_o a_o friend_n to_o do_v the_o samekind_a office_n for_o we_o for_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o recriminate_a and_o when_o they_o be_v touch_v to_o the_o quick_a themselves_o they_o think_v to_o extenuate_v their_o crime_n by_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o who_o reprove_v they_o and_o since_o we_o be_v all_o weak_a and_o infirm_a creature_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o man_n a_o most_o excellent_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o such_o recrimination_n we_o may_v hence_o discover_v our_o most_o secret_a fault_n and_o form_v a_o effectual_a motive_n to_o amend_v they_o for_o 2._o it_o will_v make_v we_o ashamed_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n which_o
excite_v the_o admiration_n of_o considerate_a man_n than_o the_o ill_a entertainment_n which_o religion_n and_o its_o professor_n have_v find_v in_o the_o world_n for_o its_o precept_n be_v so_o rational_a so_o easy_a so_o much_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o the_o general_n and_o the_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n even_o in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o will_v be_v every_o wise_a man_n choice_n be_v they_o not_o his_o duty_n and_o yet_o beside_o the_o internal_a goodness_n and_o conveniency_n of_o those_o command_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o we_o he_o have_v enforce_v they_o with_o many_o powerful_a motive_n he_o have_v denounce_v many_o dreadful_a punishment_n against_o those_o person_n who_o disobey_v they_o punishment_n so_o intolerable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v even_o by_o those_o who_o must_v undergo_v they_o he_o have_v propose_v many_o excellent_a reward_n to_o those_o who_o comply_v with_o they_o such_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o understand_v these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v one_o will_v think_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v not_o miss_v of_o a_o candid_a reception_n but_o that_o all_o man_n to_o who_o these_o joyful_a tiding_n come_v will_v soon_o become_v its_o proselyte_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v man_n i._n e._n reasonable_a and_o thoughtful_a being_n and_o not_o be_v christian_n and_o yet_o our_o experience_n convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v visible_a to_o every_o inquisitive_a observer_n that_o piety_n decay_v devotion_n grow_v cold_a in_o our_o age_n and_o those_o who_o live_v under_o the_o best_a law_n be_v most_o taint_v with_o vice_n and_o most_o dissolute_a in_o their_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o indeed_o who_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o baptism_n who_o wear_v his_o badge_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v few_o very_o few_o who_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o live_v by_o those_o rule_n he_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n now_o among_o the_o many_o cause_n which_o concur_v to_o produce_v this_o strange_a effect_n there_o be_v none_o which_o be_v assign_v with_o more_o appearance_n of_o reason_n than_o the_o want_n of_o consideration_n that_o general_a stupidity_n and_o careless_a temper_n which_o have_v seize_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n most_o man_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o earnest_a pursuit_n after_o riches_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n with_o the_o business_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n that_o they_o seldom_o think_v of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v or_o consider_v what_o their_o condition_n will_v be_v hereafter_o nay_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o their_o mortality_n and_o consideration_n that_o they_o must_v short_o leave_v this_o world_n seem_v as_o unwelcome_a to_o they_o as_o death_n itself_o for_o do_v we_o but_o frequent_o and_o serious_o think_v on_o our_o way_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o think_v on_o our_o way_n second_o what_o the_o consequence_n will_v be_v of_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o think_v on_o our_o way_n way_n be_v a_o metaphor_n very_o often_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o signify_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n the_o time_n of_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o fit_o set_v out_o by_o a_o journey_n or_o pilgrimage_n it_o be_v begin_v at_o our_o birth_n and_o every_o moment_n which_o pass_v afterward_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o step_n which_o bring_v we_o near_o our_o long-home_o by_o think_v on_o our_o way_n may_v be_v mean_v either_o 1._o a_o compare_v a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n with_o a_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a one_o a_o consider_v what_o pleasure_n and_o conveniency_n each_o of_o they_o afford_v what_o effect_n they_o produce_v and_o a_o determine_n within_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a and_o most_o for_o our_o interest_n to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o live_v a_o honest_a sober_a and_o devout_a life_n though_o attend_v with_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o expose_v to_o many_o suffering_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o a_o former_a discourse_n first_o sermon_n the_o first_o or_o else_o 2._o the_o think_v on_o our_o way_n may_v denote_v a_o reflection_n on_o our_o own_o particular_a action_n a_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n and_o examine_v our_o conscience_n whether_o we_o have_v live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v what_o the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v and_o what_o expectation_n we_o may_v reasonable_o entertain_v of_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o and_o if_o we_o take_v these_o word_n of_o my_o text_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n in_o this_o last_o sense_n than_o they_o imply_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o a_o set_n apart_o some_o time_n to_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o past_a action_n of_o our_o life_n have_v be_v second_o a_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n three_o a_o serious_a resolution_n to_o persevere_v in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o put_v these_o thing_n in_o practice_n and_o perform_v they_o with_o the_o better_a success_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o who_o design_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n thus_o to_o consider_v his_o way_n ii_o i_o shall_v show_v after_o what_o manner_n we_o ought_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n iii_o what_o excellent_a effect_n a_o due_a performance_n of_o it_o will_v have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n first_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o who_o design_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n to_o consider_v his_o way_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_o enjoin_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o our_o frame_n and_o disposition_n and_o what_o mean_n will_v be_v most_o useful_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n frequent_o exhort_v we_o to_o look_v back_o into_o our_o past_a life_n to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o our_o action_n by_o compare_v they_o with_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o if_o we_o find_v we_o have_v do_v amiss_o to_o repent_v and_o do_v so_o no_o more_o in_o the_o four_o psalm_n verse_n the_o four_o the_o psalmist_n advise_v we_o commune_fw-la with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n and_o be_v still_o upon_o which_o word_n st._n chrysostom_n thus_o dictate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n that_o be_v before_o you_o compose_v yourself_o to_o sleep_n summon_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o exact_v a_o severe_a account_n of_o yourself_o consider_v what_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o design_n you_o have_v harbour_v and_o how_o many_o of_o these_o have_v take_v effect_n arraign_v and_o condemn_v yourself_o for_o those_o sin_n and_o resolve_v that_o you_o will_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o any_o more_o st._n ourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o will_v discern_v or_o distinguish_v ourselves_o paul_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v i._n e._n we_o shall_v avoid_v those_o sin_n which_o bring_v the_o divine_a judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o same_o advice_n be_v couch_v in_o those_o parable_n luk._n 14.28_o 29._o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o which_o of_o you_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o compute_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o lest_o happy_o after_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v it_o all_o that_o behold_v he_o begin_v to_o mock_v he_o say_v this_o man_n begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o
twenty_o thousand_o or_o else_o whilst_o the_o other_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o he_o send_v a_o embassage_n and_o desire_v condition_n of_o peace_n so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n the_o meaning_n of_o both_o these_o parable_n be_v this_o that_o every_o one_o who_o intend_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n must_v first_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n what_o difficulty_n he_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o his_o christian_a race_n what_o temptation_n he_o must_v encounter_v withal_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o sincere_o purpose_v to_o forego_v every_o thing_n which_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n if_o he_o do_v not_o resolve_v to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o than_o deny_v his_o saviour_n he_o can_v never_o be_v christ_n true_a disciple_n and_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v such_o reflection_n as_o these_o before_o we_o enter_v on_o a_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n so_o when_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o good_a resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v acquit_v ourselves_o like_o christ_n faithful_a soldier_n and_o servant_n or_o else_o cowardly_o leave_v the_o field_n and_o desert_v his_o colour_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v so_o often_o command_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 3.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gal._n 6.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o prove_v our_o own_o self_n and_o st._n paul_n advise_v the_o galatian_n let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n the_o word_n use_v in_o both_o place_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v so_o to_o prove_v or_o to_o try_v as_o that_o a_o man_n action_n may_v be_v thorough_o know_v and_o approve_v fift_v and_o make_v evident_a and_o that_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o this_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o promote_v our_o spiritual_a wellbeing_a be_v evident_a 2._o from_o reason_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o if_o we_o design_v to_o direct_v our_o life_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v frequent_o compare_v they_o with_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o our_o action_n and_o consider_v when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o act_v as_o become_v we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v transgress_v the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o sinful_a passion_n and_o though_o they_o make_v never_o so_o strong_a resolution_n though_o they_o can_v set_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o exact_a order_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n they_o will_v meet_v with_o something_o or_o other_o which_o will_v ruffle_v and_o discompose_v they_o and_o betray_v they_o into_o disorderly_a affection_n and_o sinful_a practice_n there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o good_a and_o perfect_a but_o he_o have_v his_o fail_n his_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o assault_v he_o on_o that_o side_n where_o he_o lie_v most_o open_a to_o temptation_n and_o will_v sometime_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o wise_a course_n a_o good_a man_n can_v take_v be_v frequent_o to_o recollect_v himself_o to_o consider_v when_o and_o where_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o what_o betray_v he_o into_o that_o sinful_a and_o foolish_a action_n and_o have_v discover_v this_o hearty_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n to_o fence_v and_o guard_v himself_o against_o it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o to_o resolve_v steadfast_o never_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o and_o delude_v again_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v many_o action_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v to_o we_o good_a and_o praiseworthy_a which_o when_o more_o narrow_o consider_v and_o try_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v find_v to_o be_v crooked_a and_o deform_v such_o as_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o repent_v of_o we_o place_v they_o at_o first_o in_o a_o wrong_a light_n we_o behold_v they_o through_o a_o false_a medium_fw-la our_o kindness_n and_o affection_n towards_o they_o make_v they_o seem_v of_o a_o different_a complexion_n than_o they_o be_v real_o of_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v they_o without_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n to_o weigh_v every_o circumstance_n then_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a that_o we_o admire_v ourselves_o for_o quality_n which_o be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o applaud_v ourselves_o for_o action_n which_o be_v nothing_o worth_a we_o perform_v they_o either_o out_o of_o a_o wrong_a end_n or_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o false_a principle_n or_o we_o be_v deficient_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o transact_v they_o so_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o bring_v our_o action_n to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n even_o those_o action_n which_o we_o esteem_v most_o holy_a and_o perfect_a for_o our_o righteousness_n the_o most_o regular_a act_n of_o our_o life_n our_o most_o affectionate_a and_o fervent_a devotion_n be_v stain_v with_o sin_n and_o want_v that_o purity_n and_o integrity_n which_o god_n require_v in_o they_o they_o be_v derive_v either_o from_o self-love_n or_o pride_n or_o desire_v of_o honour_n or_o love_n of_o gain_n from_o fear_n of_o damage_n or_o discredit_v in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o out_o of_o love_n and_o reverence_n and_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n charity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n or_o a_o sober_a regard_n to_o our_o own_o true_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n and_o though_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o pardon_v those_o sin_n and_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o obliquity_n of_o our_o action_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v repent_v of_o they_o i._n e._n that_o we_o shall_v confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o express_v our_o sorrow_n for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o resolve_v to_o act_n better_a for_o the_o future_a which_o can_v never_o be_v perform_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o particular_a account_n how_o and_o wherein_o we_o have_v offend_v but_o far_a the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o will_v appear_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v spend_v amid_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o the_o world_n our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o chief_o in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o calling_n in_o provide_v for_o our_o family_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o fault_n that_o it_o be_v high_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o god_n be_v better_a please_v with_o a_o man_n who_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o that_o call_v and_o station_n he_o have_v place_v he_o in_o than_o he_o will_v be_v if_o he_o be_v continual_o upon_o his_o knee_n perform_v one_o uninterrupted_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o this_o i_o be_o induce_v to_o believe_v for_o this_o one_o plain_a reason_n because_o all_o the_o devotional_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v chief_o intend_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o our_o several_a relation_n but_o yet_o see_v so_o much_o of_o our_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o business_n of_o this_o life_n so_o many_o of_o our_o thought_n take_v up_o with_o our_o worldly_a affair_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v set_v apart_o some_o time_n to_o retire_v into_o the_o closet_n of_o our_o breast_n and_o frequent_o consider_v what_o state_n and_o condition_n our_o better_a and_o more_o spiritual_a part_n be_v in_o what_o sin_n we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o whether_o we_o go_v forward_o or_o backward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n every_o prudent_a man_n and_o good_a husband_n do_v this_o in_o his_o secular_a concern_v he_o that_o design_n either_o to_o keep_v or_o increase_v his_o estate_n make_v it_o his_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n to_o be_v exact_a in_o keep_v his_o account_n to_o balance_v they_o often_o and_o to_o inform_v himself_o what_o proportion_n his_o income_n bear_v with_o his_o expense_n and_o thus_o careful_a and_o diligent_a we_o shall_v be_v in_o our_o spiritual_a affair_n if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o same_o value_n for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o fade_a good_n of_o this_o world_n this_o will_v supersede_n my_o
in_o the_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o private_a and_o too_o many_o there_o be_v who_o feel_v little_a or_o no_o remorse_n in_o the_o omission_n of_o their_o closet_n devotion_n but_o who_o can_v behold_v the_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n prostrate_a before_o god_n repeat_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o fervency_n and_o devotion_n and_o a_o congregation_n unite_v together_o both_o in_o heart_n and_o voice_n but_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o 39.3_o psal_n 39.3_o while_o he_o thus_o muse_n the_o fire_n will_v kindle_v in_o his_o breast_n and_o he_o can_v forbear_v speak_v with_o his_o tongue_n the_o praise_n of_o god_n how_o often_o have_v profane_a and_o wicked_a wretch_n who_o come_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n either_o out_o of_o fashion_n or_o custom_n to_o look_v and_o gaze_v about_o they_o or_o on_o some_o worse_a design_n be_v touch_v by_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n how_o often_o have_v their_o heart_n glow_v within_o they_o and_o they_o have_v take_v up_o serious_a and_o solemn_a resolution_n of_o serve_v and_o worship_v god_n better_a for_o the_o future_a and_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v but_o these_o good_a resolution_n second_v do_v not_o man_n divert_v those_o good_a thought_n and_o put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n by_o business_n or_o pleasure_n they_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o have_v a_o last_a influence_n on_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n innumerable_a be_v the_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n which_o every_o pious_a and_o devout_a person_n be_v sensible_a of_o though_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o form_n in_o other_o a_o suitable_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o they_o who_o can_v declare_v the_o wonderful_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o all_o such_o as_o delight_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n here_o be_v those_o live_a water_n which_o allay_v the_o thirst_n after_o sensual_a enjoyment_n that_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a food_n and_o nourishment_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o by_o these_o ordinance_n our_o faith_n be_v strengthen_v our_o hope_n confirm_v our_o charity_n enlarge_v our_o devotion_n render_v more_o fervent_a and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o our_o unite_a prayer_n we_o take_v even_o heaven_n itself_o god_n pour_v out_o a_o double_a portion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o such_o as_o frequent_v his_o ordinance_n 18.20_o matth._n 18.20_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v promise_v that_o when_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o who_o then_o will_v omit_v one_o opportunity_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o public_a who_o will_v neglect_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n people_n one_o lord_n day_n when_o he_o know_v not_o but_o he_o lose_v that_o season_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v be_v most_o beneficial_a to_o his_o immortal_a soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o neglect_v no_o opportunity_n of_o serve_v god_n for_o we_o know_v not_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v work_v most_o powerful_o on_o our_o heart_n the_o poor_a impotent_a man_n have_v lie_v a_o long_a while_n at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n and_o yet_o have_v he_o be_v absent_a but_o that_o one_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n come_v thither_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a he_o have_v never_o be_v cure_v and_o therefore_o let_v no_o excuse_n serve_v let_v no_o business_n divert_v we_o from_o make_v our_o constant_a approach_n unto_o god_n altar_n for_o the_o spirit_n blow_v when_o as_o well_o as_o where_o it_o list_v and_o we_o must_v blame_v ourselves_o if_o through_o our_o own_o neglect_n we_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o operation_n some_o indeed_o pretend_v that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o frequent_a at_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o make_v it_o up_o in_o their_o closet_n but_o god_n will_v not_o thus_o be_v compound_v with_o our_o private_a devotion_n be_v unquestionable_o our_o duty_n our_o particular_a want_n call_v for_o our_o private_a prayer_n and_o our_o particular_a mercy_n for_o our_o private_a thanksgiving_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o they_o when_o they_o occasion_v the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o public_a when_o two_o duty_n stand_v in_o competition_n one_o with_o another_o we_o ought_v to_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o that_o duty_n whereby_o most_o glory_n will_v accrue_v to_o god_n most_o benefit_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o which_o will_v best_o serve_v to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o since_o all_o these_o end_n be_v best_a obtain_v by_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o our_o private_a devotion_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o either_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v neglect_v every_o good_a christian_a will_v find_v convenient_a time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o both_o of_o they_o but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v omit_v we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o god_n will_v be_v best_a please_v when_o we_o make_v the_o most_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o join_v together_o to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n these_o be_v some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o obligation_n which_o ought_v to_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o give_v a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v ii_o that_o this_o worship_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o decent_a manner_n imaginable_a in_o that_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n which_o become_v every_o devout_a worshipper_n and_o which_o the_o text_n require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o full_a import_n of_o this_o expression_n it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v different_o render_v by_o interpreter_n some_o will_v have_v they_o translate_v in_o ornatu_fw-la sanctitatis_fw-la and_o then_o they_o denote_v that_o true_a faith_n and_o those_o holy_a affection_n of_o soul_n with_o which_o every_o devout_a worshipper_n ought_v to_o approach_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n other_o choose_v rather_o to_o render_v they_o cum_fw-la decenti_fw-la sanctimonio_fw-la which_o more_o plain_o denote_v that_o reverence_n and_o decency_n of_o behaviour_n which_o certain_o become_v every_o one_o who_o speak_v to_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n the_o septuagint_n follow_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o reference_n to_o the_o place_n in_o which_o god_n be_v worship_v among_o the_o jew_n denote_v to_o we_o that_o the_o fit_a place_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v consecrate_a and_o dedicate_v to_o that_o purpose_n that_o god_n will_v afford_v his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n in_o that_o place_n 6.12_o ezra_n 6.12_o in_o which_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o set_v his_o name_n and_o will_v there_o dispense_v to_o we_o the_o large_a effusion_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o though_o god_n be_v present_a at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n and_o hearken_v even_o to_o the_o sigh_n of_o the_o prisoner_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o deep_a dungeon_n yet_o the_o church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o throne_n from_o whence_o he_o give_v public_a audience_n where_o we_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o expect_v a_o speedy_a answer_n to_o our_o petition_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n so_o often_o repeat_v that_o exhortation_n of_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o his_o court_n and_o strength_n and_o beauty_n be_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n the_o 6_o and_o 8_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n i_o shall_v take_v in_o all_o these_o different_a version_n and_o then_o they_o will_v give_v we_o the_o meaning_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n in_o its_o utmost_a latitude_n which_o consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n i._o in_o the_o good_a disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n ii_o in_o the_o become_a and_o suitable_a behaviour_n of_o our_o body_n iii_o in_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o those_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v our_o worship_n 1._o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n consist_v in_o the_o good_a disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n when_o our_o understanding_n be_v fill_v with_o gloriour_a idea_n of_o god_n power_n majesty_n and_o goodness_n our_o will_n resign_v to_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o our_o affection_n draw_v out_o after_o he_o when_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o majesty_n produce_v a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n in_o our_o soul_n his_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n trust_v and_o reliance_n on_o he_o his_o goodness_n gratitude_n and_o thankfulness_n for_o his_o mercy_n love_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o man_n in_o short_a when_o the_o contemplation_n on_o god_n glorious_a attribute_n beget_v in_o our_o soul_n affection_n
and_o abstain_v from_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n let_v he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o use_v such_o wholesome_a mortification_n as_o may_v bring_v his_o appetite_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o reasonable_a power_n of_o his_o soul_n if_o drunkenness_n be_v his_o darling_n vice_n let_v he_o not_o look_v upon_o the_o wine_n when_o it_o be_v red_a when_o it_o give_v its_o colour_n in_o the_o cup_n when_o it_o move_v itself_o aright_o but_o consider_v that_o at_o last_o it_o bit_v like_o a_o serpent_n 32._o prov._n 23.31_o 32._o and_o sting_v like_o a_o adder_n let_v he_o put_v a_o knife_n to_o his_o throat_n in_o solomon_n phrase_n when_o he_o be_v in_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a company_n i._n e._n consider_v the_o danger_n he_o be_v in_o of_o abuse_v those_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o intemperance_n and_o luxury_n which_o be_v design_v for_o his_o comfort_n and_o support_v and_o let_v he_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v avoid_v all_o such_o place_n and_o company_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o promote_v excess_n and_o riot_n thus_o we_o find_v that_o joseph_n be_v solicit_v by_o his_o lascivious_a mistress_n to_o defile_v his_o master_n bed_n will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hearken_v unto_o she_o 39.10_o gen._n 39.10_o or_o tarry_v with_o she_o in_o the_o house_n the_o nazarenes_n be_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o wine_n will_v not_o eat_v the_o husk_n and_o kernel_n of_o the_o grape_n nay_o so_o careful_a be_v they_o to_o avoid_v all_o the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pass_v through_o a_o vineyard_n lest_o they_o shall_v covet_v the_o forbid_a fruit._n very_o remarkable_a be_v the_o example_n of_o that_o excellent_a emperor_n theodosius_n who_o be_v betray_v to_o some_o rash_a and_o sinful_a action_n by_o the_o sudden_a transport_n of_o his_o passion_n oblige_v himself_o never_o to_o execute_v any_o matter_n of_o moment_n till_o he_o have_v first_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n that_o by_o give_v himself_o time_n for_o second_o and_o more_o sober_a thought_n he_o may_v calm_o deliberate_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v add_v be_v it_o needful_a this_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o daily_a use_n and_o practise_v by_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o now_o have_v endeavour_v to_o state_n this_o question_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o matter_n practical_a in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v second_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a with_o relation_n to_o other_o for_o the_o do_v good_a to_o other_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o the_o be_v good_a ourselves_o and_o our_o great_a business_n in_o this_o world_n next_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v the_o be_v beneficial_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o endeavour_v by_o all_o way_n possible_a to_o promote_v his_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a welfare_n whereby_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o please_v god_n and_o glorify_v he_o but_o pursue_v our_o own_o true_a interest_n also_o for_o since_o every_o man_n have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o good_a of_o that_o society_n in_o which_o he_o live_v whatsoever_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o community_n must_v in_o the_o end_n redound_v upon_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_a to_o ourselves_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o other_o when_o we_o have_v occasion_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v as_o useful_a and_o helpful_a as_o possible_o we_o can_v be_v to_o those_o who_o be_v embark_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o common_a interest_n 5.9_o rom._n 5.9_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v say_v the_o apostle_n goodness_n or_o a_o charitable_a disposition_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n i._n e._n a_o inclination_n to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o be_v able_a to_o all_o man_n be_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o carry_v such_o endear_n charm_v along_o with_o it_o that_o a_o man_n will_v rather_o venture_v his_o own_o life_n than_o such_o a_o benefactor_n to_o mankind_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o his_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o employ_v all_o those_o talent_n god_n have_v entrust_v we_o with_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o to_o lay_v out_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n in_o be_v beneficial_a to_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v in_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a reprove_v the_o faulty_a make_v peace_n among_o such_o as_o be_v at_o variance_n and_o administer_a to_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o expend_v in_o work_n of_o charity_n whatsoever_o we_o have_v more_o than_o will_v make_v a_o comfortable_a provision_n for_o ourselves_o and_o family_n according_a to_o that_o station_n and_o condition_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v we_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n lay_v down_o negative_o in_o the_o text._n we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n i.e._n we_o must_v set_v so_o strict_a a_o watch_n over_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o neither_o speak_v nor_o act_n any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o offence_n of_o our_o brother_n we_o must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n that_o we_o be_v not_o open_o injurious_a to_o he_o or_o do_v he_o wrong_v in_o his_o person_n estate_n or_o good_a name_n but_o we_o must_v avoid_v speak_v any_o word_n that_o look_v like_o a_o injury_n or_o have_v thou_o but_o a_o oblique_a tendency_n to_o his_o disparagement_n and_o disgrace_n or_o which_o have_v any_o probability_n of_o be_v misinterpret_v for_o a_o affront_n if_o we_o foresee_v it_o may_v draw_v any_o ill_a consequence_n after_o it_o or_o give_v he_o any_o cause_n of_o just_a offence_n we_o ought_v to_o restrain_v ourselves_o and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o utter_v it_o and_o if_o so_o then_o herein_o be_v imply_v that_o we_o do_v to_o our_o neighbour_n all_o the_o good_a turn_v which_o lie_n in_o our_o power_n that_o we_o love_v he_o as_o ourselves_o and_o make_v our_o own_o self-love_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n towards_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n deal_v with_o he_o as_o we_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n 7.12_o matth._n 7.12_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o all_o these_o positive_a duty_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o as_o strict_o enjoin_v we_o and_o as_o emphatical_o express_v as_o they_o can_v be_v by_o any_o positive_a command_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n dictate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n enjoin_v we_o almost_o in_o every_o page_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o enforce_v by_o the_o most_o powerful_a inducement_n our_o unquestionable_a interest_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n seem_v so_o concern_v for_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o have_v rather_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o immediate_a service_n than_o it_o shall_v be_v omit_v 9.13_o matth._n 9.13_o he_o be_v better_a please_v with_o mercy_n i._n e._n do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n than_o with_o sacrifice_n a_o duty_n which_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n those_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o sense_n of_o religion_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o perform_v for_o a_o sense_n and_o principle_n of_o honour_n be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v man_n to_o bear_v a_o sincere_a affection_n to_o their_o country_n and_o their_o friend_n to_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o deal_n and_o punctual_a observer_n of_o their_o word_n we_o may_v find_v example_n enough_o among_o the_o heathen_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v patriot_n to_o their_o country_n and_o have_v give_v the_o world_n the_o most_o generous_a instance_n of_o a_o inviolable_a friendship_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v urge_v no_o more_o argument_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o plain_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n but_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o since_o our_o action_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a or_o indifferent_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o general_a rule_n in_o relation_n to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o and_o i._o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o desirous_a of_o do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n as_o to_o do_v any_o action_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n evil_a though_o we_o be_v assure_v some_o great_a good_a may_v be_v effect_v thereby_o ii_o we_o must_v sometime_o omit_v even_o good_a action_n when_o they_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o some_o evil_n or_o a_o reasonable_a offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o the_o
never_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o perform_v who_o both_o by_o their_o look_n and_o gesture_n declare_v that_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o some_o other_o place_n and_o employ_v on_o some_o other_o business_n a_o multitude_n of_o needless_a and_o insignificant_a ceremony_n such_o as_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n tend_v to_o divert_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o business_n we_o be_v about_o and_o make_v so_o much_o employment_n for_o our_o body_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o serve_v he_o with_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o our_o religious_a worship_n nor_o do_v i_o plead_v for_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o devout_a and_o reverential_a deportment_n of_o ourselves_o i_o will_v enforce_v a_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o that_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n our_o church_n prescribe_v that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n that_o humble_a prostration_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o become_v man_n who_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n will_v appear_v 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o as_o i_o have_v former_o observe_v consist_v in_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n which_o man_n have_v for_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o poor_a creature_n who_o continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o every_o thing_n they_o enjoy_v which_o make_v they_o approach_v his_o presence_n with_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o profound_a adoration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o will_v discover_v itself_o in_o their_o look_n word_n and_o action_n for_o there_o be_v so_o close_a a_o union_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o when_o the_o one_o be_v serious_o affect_v the_o other_o can_v remain_v unconcern_v when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o glorious_a idea_n of_o god_n wonderful_a perfection_n his_o majesty_n power_n goodness_n and_o lovingkindness_n towards_o we_o we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v to_o carry_v fire_n in_o our_o bosom_n and_o not_o be_v burn_v 6.27_o prov._n 6.27_o as_o to_o contain_v ourselves_o from_o discover_v the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o visible_a demonstration_n beside_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o public_a worship_n that_o we_o make_v know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o public_a token_n of_o reverence_n and_o sign_n of_o honour_n this_o be_v one_o chief_a end_n of_o our_o worship_a god_n in_o public_a 15.6_o rom._n 15.6_o that_o we_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o incite_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o praise_v and_o adore_v he_o and_o declare_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o a_o reverence_n we_o retain_v for_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n which_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o our_o external_a behaviour_n and_o devout_a deportment_n of_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o man_n deserve_o eminent_a for_o piety_n and_o devotion_n who_o do_v not_o join_v bodily_a worship_n with_o his_o mental_a adoration_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o three_o consideration_n 3._o that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v present_a in_o our_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a that_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o decent_o and_o carry_v ourselves_o with_o humility_n and_o respect_n uncover_v our_o head_n and_o bend_v our_o body_n and_o give_v all_o the_o sign_n of_o attention_n and_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n than_o we_o will_v be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o temporal_a prince_n do_v god_n appear_v in_o our_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o dread_a of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n will_v put_v every_o one_o of_o we_o into_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o devout_a posture_n yet_o god_n be_v here_o present_a of_o a_o truth_n though_o we_o know_v it_o not_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n do_v not_o only_o look_v down_o and_o behold_v we_o but_o be_v as_o certain_o present_a in_o this_o congregation_n as_o if_o we_o behold_v they_o with_o our_o bodily_a eye_n let_v we_o therefore_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o god_n 95.6_o psal_n 95.6_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n let_v we_o give_v he_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o our_o body_n and_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o bow_v down_o ourselves_o before_o he_o 3._o i_o come_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o that_o the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n may_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o not_o give_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o our_o secular_a affair_n and_o worldly_a thought_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o divine_a service_n be_v end_v much_o less_o shall_v we_o let_v loose_v our_o thought_n to_o pastime_n and_o recreation_n though_o never_o so_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a for_o be_v there_o no_o divine_a command_n common_a prudence_n will_v dictate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o fix_v those_o truth_n we_o have_v hear_v upon_o our_o memory_n be_v to_o take_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o to_o digest_v what_o we_o have_v hear_v by_o serious_a meditation_n and_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o divert_v our_o thought_n to_o other_o employment_n will_v deface_v all_o those_o good_a impression_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v make_v on_o our_o mind_n blot_v they_o out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o make_v those_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v like_o the_o seed_n sow_o by_o the_o way_n side_n 13.5_o matth._n 13.5_o which_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air._n let_v we_o therefore_o spend_v some_o time_n in_o recollect_v what_o the_o preacher_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o consider_v what_o article_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v explain_v what_o virtue_n have_v be_v recommend_v what_o vice_n reprove_v what_o argument_n and_o motive_n have_v be_v use_v and_o in_o short_a in_o compare_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o it_o then_o let_v we_o treasure_n it_o up_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o transcribe_v it_o into_o our_o life_n let_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n that_o we_o may_v yield_v a_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o grow_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o conclude_v all_o with_o our_o affectionate_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o inlighten_v our_o understanding_n open_v our_o heart_n and_o incline_v our_o will_n and_o to_o render_v his_o good_a word_n effectual_a to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v only_o bare_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o same_o let_v we_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o the_o many_o gracious_a opportunity_n he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o enter_v his_o court_n and_o approach_v his_o sanctuary_n that_o we_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o public_a and_o enjoy_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o his_o gospel_n whilst_o so_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n 107.10_o psal_n 107.10_o and_o let_v we_o not_o only_o content_v ourselves_o with_o make_v a_o verbal_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o favour_n but_o testify_v our_o thankfulness_n by_o a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o his_o worship_n and_o word_n and_o make_v it_o the_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n sermon_n viii_o 2_o cor._n xii_o 9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o wonderful_a good_a and_o gracicious_a be_v the_o design_n of_o providence_n towards_o mankind_n both_o as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o god_n dispensation_n in_o this_o life_n be_v so_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n to_o implant_v in_o they_o such_o virtuous_a disposition_n and_o habit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v excellent_a advice_n though_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o heathen_a si_fw-la vis_fw-la consilium_fw-la permit_v ipsis_fw-la expendere_fw-la numinibus_fw-la quid_fw-la conveniat_fw-la nobis_fw-la rebusque_fw-la sit_fw-la utile_fw-la nostris_fw-la nam_fw-la pro_fw-la jucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la dabunt_fw-la