they_o from_o extravagancy_n and_o at_o once_o to_o make_v our_o devotion_n the_o less_o tedious_a to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n chap._n ii_o of_o several_a other_o instance_n of_o secret_a devotion_n though_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o general_a duty_n of_o religion_n the_o common_a instrument_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o the_o most_o immediate_a address_v to_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o make_v it_o the_o only_a instance_n of_o secret_a devotion_n for_o there_o be_v several_a other_o of_o great_a moment_n among_o which_o i_o reckon_v in_o the_o next_o place_n 2._o study_n and_o meditation_n not_o only_o to_o direct_v and_o assist_v our_o prayer_n of_o which_o i_o say_v something_o before_o but_o especial_o to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v our_o own_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v be_v wise_a and_o consequent_o both_o more_o capable_a of_o do_v god_n better_a service_n in_o this_o world_n and_o also_o fit_a for_o the_o society_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o the_o other_o world_n for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n almighty_n have_v set_v a_o mighty_a value_n upon_o our_o soul_n in_o redeem_v they_o by_o no_o less_o a_o price_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v intolerable_o ingrateful_a towards_o he_o if_o we_o bestow_v no_o cost_n upon_o they_o but_o live_v as_o if_o we_o be_v mere_a matter_n and_o body_n and_o take_v care_n only_o to_o please_v and_o gratify_v our_o sense_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n abandon_v our_o mind_n to_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n to_o sloth_n and_o superstition_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v also_o that_o the_o same_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v by_o the_o same_o purchase_n deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a death_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v keep_v we_o in_o perpetual_a bondage_n and_o so_o have_v contract_v our_o spirit_n and_o render_v our_o very_a self_n so_o inconsiderable_a to_o ourselves_o that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v have_v the_o heart_n to_o take_v any_o care_n of_o himself_o but_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o have_v live_v like_o a_o beast_n because_o he_o expect_v to_o die_v like_o one_o or_o worse_a but_o now_o that_o we_o be_v make_v to_o hope_v for_o immortality_n and_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n a_o man_n shall_v spare_v no_o cost_n no_o labour_n and_o pain_n about_o himself_o since_o he_o may_v reap_v the_o fruit_n and_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o so_o do_v in_o the_o better_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o a_o thousand_o age_n hence_o and_o to_o all_o eternity_n moreover_o the_o same_o divine_a goodness_n have_v design_v we_o to_o a_o glorious_a estate_n of_o happiness_n in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n a_o state_n of_o intellectual_a pleasure_n and_o the_o most_o sublime_a ingredient_n of_o felicity_n which_o a_o dull_a sottish_a and_o sensual_a soul_n can_v never_o be_v capable_a of_o perceive_v if_o he_o be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v more_o than_o brutish_a that_o do_v not_o dispose_v himself_o so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o partake_v of_o that_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n to_o all_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o general_a apostafy_a of_o mankind_n have_v weaken_a our_o nature_n cloud_v our_o understanding_n and_o disorder_v all_o our_o power_n and_o together_o herewith_o the_o foolish_a opinion_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o world_n have_v abuse_v and_o deceive_v we_o yet_o more_o and_o more_o so_o that_o we_o must_v be_v most_o silly_a and_o unhappy_a creature_n if_o we_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o deliver_v and_o disengage_v ourselves_o from_o both_o these_o calamity_n and_o the_o case_n be_v not_o total_o irreparable_a in_o respect_n of_o either_o of_o these_o mischief_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o for_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n recover_v ourselves_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v we_o time_n to_o consider_v in_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n from_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v recollect_v ourselves_o he_o have_v set_v before_o we_o his_o work_n and_o providence_n to_o meditate_v upon_o we_o have_v his_o holy_a scripture_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o guide_v we_o out_o of_o the_o perplex_a state_n of_o thing_n we_o enjoy_v the_o public_a ministry_n and_o abundance_n of_o good_a book_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v those_o scripture_n and_o above_o all_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n against_o the_o weakness_n and_o confusion_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o great_a necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o study_v and_o meditation_n so_o we_o have_v as_o great_a encouragement_n to_o hope_v for_o success_n in_o so_o do_v for_o by_o application_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o mean_n aforesaid_a we_o may_v not_o only_o rid_v ourselves_o of_o that_o wildness_n and_o freity_n which_o be_v ordinary_o upon_o our_o nature_n but_o outgrow_a vulgar_a opinion_n and_o tradition_n and_o come_v to_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o thing_n set_v before_o we_o we_o may_v greaten_v our_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o despise_v those_o little_a thing_n which_o silly_a man_n dote_v upon_o we_o may_v free_v our_o mind_n of_o childish_a fear_n and_o unaccountable_a superstition_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o religion_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o word_n have_v worthy_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o although_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o alike_o capable_a of_o these_o improvement_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o mind_n or_o the_o unhappy_a constitution_n of_o their_o body_n or_o the_o perplex_a condition_n of_o their_o outward_a affair_n yet_o certain_o god_n almighty_n have_v by_o the_o mean_v aforesaid_a put_v it_o into_o every_o man_n power_n to_o be_v wise_a than_o he_o be_v if_o he_o will_v but_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o devout_a man_n be_v sure_a to_o make_v the_o experiment_n to_o further_o he_o the_o more_o wherein_o let_v he_o to_o all_o the_o consideration_n forego_v add_v these_o two_o follow_v first_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v make_v in_o god_n image_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o cultivate_a and_o adorn_v that_o part_n of_o himself_o wherein_o he_o especial_o resemble_v his_o maker_n and_o consequent_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a and_o proper_a instance_n of_o worship_n towards_o god_n to_o improve_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v here_o just_o place_v among_o the_o expression_n of_o devotion_n second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a game_n of_o eternity_n be_v but_o once_o to_o be_v play_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o retrieve_v of_o our_o neglect_n and_o carelessness_n afterward_o therefore_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v play_v it_o intent_o and_o wary_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o redeem_v time_n from_o folly_n and_o sensuality_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o and_o beg_v god_n blessing_n upon_o it_o will_v undoubted_o find_v his_o mind_n enlarge_v his_o life_n more_o regular_a and_o his_o spirit_n more_o comfortable_a which_o be_v all_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o devotion_n 3._o the_o next_o instance_n of_o secret_a devotion_n for_o i_o be_o not_o curious_a in_o what_o order_n i_o place_v they_o shall_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o he_o alone_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o the_o frame_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o he_o and_o stay_v itself_o upon_o he_o in_o all_o exigency_n and_o accident_n and_o passage_n whatsoever_o that_o he_o may_v impute_v nothing_o to_o chance_n fate_n or_o the_o star_n but_o possess_v himself_o with_o a_o deep_a and_o settle_a apprehension_n of_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o god_n in_o all_o revolution_n or_o occurrence_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a and_o real_a honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o it_o set_v god_n always_o before_o we_o and_o place_n he_o continual_o in_o our_o eye_n as_o it_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o his_o dispose_n and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o constant_a gravity_n and_o a_o reverence_n towards_o he_o
be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o to_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o address_v to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n to_o manage_v ourselves_o well_o towards_o other_o for_o god_n sake_n as_o towards_o he_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n and_o therefore_o as_o have_v be_v intimate_v heretofore_o true_a piety_n in_o its_o just_a dimension_n comprize_v no_o less_o than_o a_o worthy_a discharge_n of_o ourselves_o in_o all_o those_o relation_n divine_a providence_n have_v place_v we_o in_o now_o next_o to_o our_o obligation_n to_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n and_o next_o to_o our_o concern_n for_o the_o better_a part_n of_o ourselves_o our_o own_o soul_n a_o man_n stand_v relate_v to_o his_o family_n so_o near_o that_o he_o be_v want_v in_o both_o the_o former_a that_o be_v negligent_a of_o this_o almighty_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n pronounce_v it_o not_o fit_a for_o man_n to_o be_v alone_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o provision_n he_o make_v against_o the_o uncomfortable_a state_n of_o solitude_n be_v to_o enter_v he_o into_o the_o society_n of_o a_o family_n partly_o that_o in_o so_o near_o a_o station_n they_o may_v mutual_o relieve_v and_o help_v one_o another_o in_o difficulty_n entertain_v one_o another_o by_o discourse_n and_o improve_v one_o another_o reason_n partly_o that_o in_o this_o conjunction_n they_o may_v fortify_v one_o another_o spirit_n against_o all_o ill_a accident_n or_o the_o erterprise_n of_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n more_o powerful_a than_o themselves_o but_o principal_o that_o they_o may_v mutual_o provoke_v and_o inflame_v one_o another_o heart_n to_o admiration_n love_n and_o reverence_n of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o this_o end_n be_v so_o great_a and_o the_o injunction_n of_o it_o so_o strict_a that_o every_o man_n in_o this_o society_n stand_v charge_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o and_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o at_o least_o so_o far_o that_o he_o can_v be_v excusable_a that_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v those_o with_o who_o he_o so_o intimate_o converse_v and_o upon_o who_o he_o have_v so_o many_o opportunity_n to_o a_o sense_n and_o regard_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o this_o especial_o concern_v those_o that_o be_v head_n of_o family_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o place_n they_o have_v always_o be_v account_v not_o only_o king_n and_o governor_n but_o also_o prophet_n and_o priest_n within_o their_o peculiar_a sphere_n and_o province_n according_o we_o find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a care_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o train_v up_o those_o of_o their_o family_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n particular_o god_n himself_o testify_v of_o abraham_n gen._n 18_o 19_o that_o he_o know_v he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o job_n 1._o 5._o we_o find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o continual_a care_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n to_o sanctify_v his_o child_n and_o family_n and_o daily_o to_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o they_o by_o sacrifice_n deut._n 6._o 6._o it_o be_v a_o express_a injunction_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o not_o only_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n and_o talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n and_o when_o they_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v convey_v and_o imprint_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o they_o familiar_o converse_v with_o and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o authority_n and_o influence_n of_o governor_n of_o family_n and_o so_o powerful_a be_v good_a example_n in_o this_o particular_a that_o josh_n 24._o 15._o joshua_n undertake_v for_o his_o family_n that_o they_o shall_v serve_v the_o lord_n whether_o other_o people_n will_v do_v so_o or_o no._n david_n often_o declare_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o family_n so_o far_o that_o he_o resolve_v those_o person_n shall_v be_v exclude_v his_o house_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o god_n and_o most_o remarkable_o 1_o chr._n 28._o 9_o he_o give_v this_o solemn_a charge_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n thou_o solomon_n my_o son_n know_v thou_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n for_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o heart_n and_o understand_v all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n if_o thou_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v thou_o off_o for_o ever_o and_o for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v abundant_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o set_v it_o up_o in_o their_o family_n also_o of_o which_o the_o testimony_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o ready_a at_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v needless_a here_o to_o recite_v they_o and_o the_o success_n be_v common_o answerable_a to_o the_o endeavour_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o act_n 10._o 2._o it_o be_v say_v of_o cornelius_n that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o devout_a man_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o but_o that_o he_o fear_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n i._n e._n his_o example_n prayer_n and_o instruction_n prevail_v upon_o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o at_o least_o a_o profession_n of_o piety_n also_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o general_o when_o any_o governor_n of_o a_o family_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o that_o religion_n it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o a_o one_o believe_v and_o all_o his_o house_n or_o he_o and_o all_o his_o house_n be_v baptize_v namely_o because_o true_o good_a man_n do_v not_o fail_v by_o their_o example_n and_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v those_o over_o to_o the_o same_o religion_n which_o themselves_o be_v hearty_o persuade_v of_o and_o according_o we_o see_v it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o these_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v that_o several_a person_n very_o hearty_o bless_v god_n that_o his_o providence_n dispose_v they_o into_o such_o or_o such_o pious_a family_n wherein_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n have_v be_v lay_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o instructive_a and_o exemplary_a devotion_n which_o they_o have_v there_o be_v under_o the_o advantage_n of_o upon_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o reason_n example_n and_o encouragement_n and_o several_a other_o which_o may_v with_o great_a ease_n have_v be_v add_v let_v no_o good_a christian_n be_v of_o so_o monastic_a a_o spirit_n as_o to_o extend_v his_o care_n no_o far_o than_o his_o own_o cell_n and_o to_o think_v he_o have_v acquit_v himself_o well_o enough_o when_o he_o have_v discharge_v the_o office_n of_o his_o closet_n and_o have_v keep_v religion_n glow_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n but_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n that_o his_o light_n shine_v quite_o through_o his_o house_n and_o that_o his_o zeal_n warm_v all_o his_o family_n in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o will_v here_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o several_a member_n which_o usual_o a_o family_n consist_v of_o and_o which_o be_v concern_v in_o its_o discipline_n second_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o piety_n which_o especial_o become_v and_o concern_v a_o family_n and_o three_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o member_n of_o a_o family_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o comply_v with_o all_o those_o duty_n 1._o first_o the_o ordinary_a relation_n of_o a_o family_n especial_o as_o it_o signify_v those_o which_o dwell_v or_o converse_v together_o under_o the_o same_o roof_n be_v husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n friend_n and_o friend_n and_o all_o these_o i_o take_v to_o be_v comprise_v in_o those_o several_a passage_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n and_o all_o his_o house_n be_v convert_v or_o baptize_v for_o there_o be_v great_a interest_n of_o religion_n which_o intercede_v between_o every_o of_o these_o as_o for_o the_o relation_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n as_o it_o be_v the_o near_a and_o strict_a that_o can_v be_v so_o consequent_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a importance_n to_o their_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o a_o wonderful_a indearment_n of_o affection_n when_o both_o the_o relative_n be_v animate_v with_o
do_v not_o consider_v what_o satisfaction_n in_o these_o matter_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o afford_v or_o for_o man_n to_o require_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o the_o great_a god_n shall_v gratify_v the_o humour_n and_o curiosity_n of_o his_o creature_n nor_o that_o they_o shall_v peremptory_o prescribe_v to_o he_o it_o be_v fit_a indeed_o for_o his_o goodness_n to_o give_v we_o assurance_n in_o these_o important_a affair_n but_o he_o think_v good_a to_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n and_o we_o will_v have_v our_o sense_n convince_v which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v we_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n but_o our_o own_o eye_n second_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v what_o evidence_n the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n will_v admit_v of_o that_o require_v such_o inducement_n as_o may_v encourage_v good_a and_o discourage_v evil_a such_o as_o may_v provoke_v we_o to_o choose_v the_o one_o and_o to_o avoid_v the_o other_o not_o such_o as_o will_v over_o bear_v our_o choice_n and_o necessary_o determine_v we_o religion_n require_v such_o argument_n as_o may_v improve_v humane_a nature_n not_o supersede_n or_o destroy_v it_o and_o it_o be_v best_o promote_v by_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o wherein_o a_o man_n conflict_n with_o some_o difficulty_n exercise_n self-denial_n modesty_n humility_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n it_o consist_v in_o a_o prudent_a estimate_n of_o all_o circumstance_n a_o discretion_n and_o judgement_n to_o value_v thing_n in_o reversion_n and_o be_v worth_a nothing_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o ingredient_n in_o it_o as_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o a_o virtuous_a choice_n all_o which_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o present_a or_o expose_v to_o our_o sense_n three_o nor_o do_v the_o man_n that_o talk_v at_o this_o rate_n so_o much_o as_o understand_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o heart_n so_o well_o as_o to_o know_v what_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prevail_v with_o they_o they_o fancy_n if_o they_o have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o be_v spectator_n of_o a_o miracle_n actual_o wrought_v it_o will_v unquestionable_o lead_v they_o to_o assent_v and_o yet_o we_o see_v those_o that_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o abundance_n of_o such_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o they_o imagine_v that_o if_o they_o have_v see_v the_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v incredulous_a yet_o there_o be_v multitude_n that_o all_o those_o thing_n wrought_v nothing_o upon_o and_o assure_o as_o abraham_n tell_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o last_o mention_v passage_n of_o st._n luke_n if_o man_n hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i._n e._n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v upon_o such_o satisfaction_n as_o god_n give_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o believe_v upon_o such_o other_o as_o their_o curiosity_n or_o capricious_a humour_n demand_n no_o not_o if_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o same_o unwillingness_n which_o be_v in_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o evidence_n which_o they_o have_v will_v follow_v they_o still_o and_o the_o same_o captious_a temper_n will_v except_v against_o their_o own_o demand_n and_o find_v evasion_n if_o their_o very_a eye_n be_v gratify_v for_o faith_n can_v be_v extort_a from_o man_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n make_v he_o believe_v that_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o it_o last_o nor_o do_v they_o understand_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o these_o inducement_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o we_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o principal_o consider_v in_o this_o place_n if_o indeed_o the_o object_n of_o these_o passion_n or_o the_o thing_n expect_v in_o another_o world_n be_v mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a there_o be_v then_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o great_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o despise_v a_o present_a world_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o heaven_n or_o suppose_v the_o object_n as_o great_a as_o we_o can_v if_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v childish_a and_o vain_a i._n e._n our_o fear_n be_v panic_n and_o unaccountable_a and_o our_o hope_n mere_a sanguine_a dream_n and_o romantic_a fancy_n than_o it_o be_v just_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o if_o almighty_a god_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o religion_n he_o shall_v give_v we_o better_o evidence_n but_o if_o both_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v fear_v or_o expect_v in_o another_o world_n be_v vast_o great_a and_o concern_v if_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v real_a and_o also_o the_o evidence_n or_o assurance_n of_o their_o reality_n be_v reasonable_a too_o than_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o madness_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o they_o by_o neglect_n of_o religion_n while_o we_o fond_o cavil_v to_o have_v our_o humour_n satisfy_v now_o that_o these_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o indeed_o as_o well_o ground_v as_o hope_n and_o fear_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v i_o have_v show_v already_o forasmuch_o as_o if_o there_o be_v more_o evidence_n than_o there_o be_v they_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v hope_n and_o fear_n and_o will_v be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o sense_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n thus_o hope_v for_o and_o fear_v or_o expect_v be_v of_o so_o unspeakable_a moment_n as_o that_o if_o the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v less_o than_o it_o be_v it_o will_v be_v all_o the_o wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o they_o will_v easy_o appear_v by_o this_o short_a and_o faint_a representation_n that_o which_o good_a man_n hope_v for_o and_o that_o which_o god_n almighty_a promise_n they_o in_o the_o other_o world_n be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o be_v raise_v up_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o any_o pain_n sickness_n want_n or_o infirmity_n of_o body_n with_o mind_n secure_a from_o danger_n free_a from_o temptation_n void_a of_o care_n incapable_a of_o fear_n error_n or_o disorder_n together_o with_o serenity_n of_o spirit_n peace_n of_o conscience_n unspeakable_a joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o in_o the_o society_n of_o glorious_a angel_n and_o good_a man_n make_v perfect_a where_o also_o they_o shall_v partake_v of_o a_o felicity_n as_o great_a as_o divine_a goodness_n can_v design_n as_o his_o wisdom_n can_v contrive_v and_o his_o power_n effect_n for_o their_o entertainment_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o which_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v wicked_a man_n ground_n to_o expect_v and_o fear_v be_v that_o they_o also_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o again_o from_o the_o grave_a and_o then_o be_v expose_v open_o before_o all_o the_o world_n their_o hypocrisy_n lewdness_n folly_n and_o ingratitude_n be_v prove_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o thereupon_o be_v condemn_v to_o utter_v darkness_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o abandon_v of_o god_n and_o good_a man_n and_o to_o become_v the_o company_n indeed_o but_o the_o sport_n and_o triumph_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n who_o shall_v make_v they_o the_o subject_n of_o their_o malice_n and_o tyranny_n and_o there_o live_v under_o the_o perpetual_a anguish_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o short_a full_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o almighty_a which_o like_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n shall_v prey_v upon_o they_o and_o burn_v they_o without_o remedy_n or_o remission_n of_o torment_n who_o now_o can_v doubt_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o incline_v they_o to_o religion_n for_o can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o manly_a discretion_n as_o to_o despise_v such_o a_o happiness_n as_o be_v promise_v to_o good_a man_n or_o so_o destitute_a of_o all_o sense_n as_o to_o be_v content_a to_o dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n which_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o wicked_a man_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o felix_n a_o loose_a and_o debauch_a man_n tremble_v when_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o he_o of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v act_v 24._o 25._o and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a and_o prodigious_a fool-hardiness_n if_o any_o man_n that_o live_v without_o regard_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n happen_v to_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v a_o convulsion_n within_o himself_o like_o that_o of_o belshazzar_n dan._n 5._o 6._o when_o he_o see_v the_o finger_n of_o a_o hand_n write_v upon_o the_o wall_n against_o he_o of_o who_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o thereupon_o his_o countenance_n be_v change_v his_o thought_n trouble_v he_o the_o joint_n of_o his_o loin_n be_v loose_v and_o his_o knee_n smite_v
by_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n they_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o the_o other_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a and_o intimate_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o consequent_o of_o this_o they_o give_v the_o great_a assurance_n to_o our_o own_o heart_n of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o comfortable_a for_o public_a devotion_n may_v possible_o have_v a_o great_a alloy_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o may_v owe_v itself_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n or_o to_o public_a fame_n and_o reputation_n but_o he_o that_o worship_v god_n in_o secret_a where_o and_o when_o no_o eye_n be_v privy_a but_o only_o that_o of_o god_n almighty_n be_v secure_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o mean_a or_o sinister_a end_n in_o so_o do_v nothing_o can_v move_v he_o to_o this_o but_o the_o mere_a reverence_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o forementioned_a passage_n mat._n 6._o 6._o lay_n a_o emphasis_n upon_o those_o word_n thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o add_v this_o encouragement_n of_o such_o address_n to_o god_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v thou_o open_o upon_o all_o which_o consideration_n let_v the_o man_n who_o either_o value_v god_n glory_n or_o his_o own_o improvement_n peace_n and_o comfort_n or_o indeed_o who_o make_v any_o pretence_n to_o religion_n strict_o make_v conscience_n of_o and_o constant_o practice_v secret_a devotion_n the_o nature_n extent_n manner_n instance_n and_o circumstance_n whereof_o i_o be_o now_o further_o to_o explain_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o and_o i_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o so_o principal_a a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o as_o i_o note_v before_o it_o be_v ordinary_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a i_o mean_v prayer_n to_o god_n touch_v the_o secret_a exercise_n whereof_o let_v the_o good_a christian_a take_v these_o follow_a direction_n first_o let_v he_o not_o fail_v night_n and_o morning_n at_o least_o solemn_o and_o devout_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n divers_a holy_a man_n we_o read_v of_o who_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o zeal_n or_o urgency_n of_o the_o occasion_n for_o it_o have_v prescribe_v to_o themselves_o strict_a measure_n than_o this_o particular_o david_n say_v he_o will_v worship_v god_n seven_o time_n in_o a_o day_n and_o daniel_n custom_n be_v to_o do_v it_o three_o time_n a_o day_n dan._n 6._o 10._o as_o seem_v also_o to_o have_v be_v that_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o less_o than_o twice_o a_o day_n i_o can_v find_v to_o agree_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o good_a man_n unless_o either_o sickness_n disable_v they_o or_o some_o very_a extraordinary_a occasion_n divert_v they_o and_o it_o be_v wondrous_o fit_a and_o decorous_a that_o we_o who_o owe_v our_o whole_a time_n to_o god_n shall_v pay_v he_o the_o tribute_n of_o devote_v those_o critical_a period_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v evening_n and_o morning_n to_o he_o especial_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n these_o two_o point_n of_o time_n be_v attend_v with_o namely_o in_o the_o evening_n have_v finish_v the_o course_n of_o that_o day_n and_o reflect_v upon_o our_o infirmity_n in_o it_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v by_o how_o many_o fail_n we_o have_v just_o incur_v god_n displeasure_n if_o he_o shall_v severe_o animadvert_v upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o we_o must_v needs_o also_o be_v sensible_a both_o how_o many_o danger_n we_o have_v escape_v by_o his_o providence_n and_o how_o many_o instance_n of_o blessing_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o his_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o have_v reason_n to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n and_o especial_o be_v then_o also_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o sleep_v when_o above_o all_o time_n we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o own_o keep_n and_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o thousand_o danger_n from_o thief_n from_o malicious_a man_n from_o violent_a element_n of_o wind_n fire_n and_o water_n from_o the_o erterprise_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o frightful_a dream_n and_o our_o own_o foolish_a imagination_n in_o which_o and_o sundry_a other_o respect_n no_o man_n know_v what_o a_o night_n may_v bring_v forth_o and_o in_o consideration_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o stupid_o secure_a and_o foolhardy_a person_n that_o do_v not_o think_v it_o high_o to_o be_v his_o interest_n by_o peculiar_a address_n to_o recommend_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o concern_v to_o the_o watchful_a eye_n of_o providence_n which_o neither_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n have_v not_o only_o by_o the_o guard_n of_o holy_a angel_n be_v preserve_v from_o all_o those_o danger_n which_o may_v have_v surprise_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o when_o our_o sense_n be_v so_o lock_v up_o that_o we_o can_v not_o help_v ourselves_o but_o refresh_v and_o recruit_v in_o all_o our_o power_n by_o that_o admirable_a divine_a opiate_n sleep_n nothing_o less_o can_v become_v we_o than_o to_o consecrate_v anew_o all_o these_o restore_v power_n to_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n by_o hearty_a adoration_n beside_o this_o we_o be_v then_o sensible_a that_o we_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a scene_n of_o business_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o innumerable_a accident_n danger_n difficulty_n and_o temptation_n none_o of_o which_o we_o be_v match_n for_o without_o divine_a assistance_n and_o have_v therefore_o need_v to_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o good_a providence_n before_o we_o encounter_v they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o timidity_n or_o superstitious_a fear_n but_o just_a wisdom_n not_o to_o dare_v either_o to_o go_v to_o bed_n or_o to_o set_v our_o foot_n out_o of_o door_n till_o we_o have_v recommend_v ourselves_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o prayer_n and_o by_o so_o do_v as_o aforesaid_a we_o maintain_v the_o juge_fw-fr sacrificium_fw-la and_o in_o god_n gracious_a interpretation_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v continual_o and_o to_o consecrate_v our_o whole_a time_n to_o he_o and_o beside_o we_o keep_v up_o a_o lively_a and_o constant_a sense_n of_o he_o upon_o our_o heart_n second_o let_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o duty_n be_v do_v fervent_o as_o well_o as_o constant_o and_o frequent_o not_o formal_o and_o customary_o without_o life_n and_o feel_n of_o what_o a_o man_n be_v about_o or_o with_o wander_a thought_n and_o distract_v affection_n but_o with_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v flat_a and_o remiss_a in_o these_o special_a approach_n to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v much_o worse_o and_o even_o loose_a and_o atheistical_a upon_o other_o occasion_n for_o these_o secret_a duty_n be_v the_o special_a instrument_n and_o exercise_n of_o raise_v our_o heart_n towards_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o nick_n up_o of_o our_o watch_n to_o that_o cue_n in_o which_o we_o will_v have_v it_o go_v in_o the_o more_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o it_o be_v principal_o concern_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o all_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n but_o the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o piety_n lie_v in_o these_o secret_a duty_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v discharge_v with_o the_o quick_a sense_n and_o most_o inflame_a affection_n insomuch_o that_o a_o man_n must_v not_o think_v he_o have_v acquit_v himself_o when_o he_o have_v repeat_v such_o or_o so_o many_o prayer_n until_o he_o find_v also_o his_o heart_n warm_v and_o his_o temper_n of_o mind_n raise_v and_o improve_v by_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o let_v he_o in_o the_o entrance_n upon_o these_o retirement_n place_v himself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o this_o may_v give_v check_n to_o all_o levity_n of_o spirit_n and_o wander_a of_o thought_n and_o make_v he_o grave_a and_o reverential_a let_v he_o also_o all_o along_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o either_o beg_v of_o god_n or_o return_v thanks_o for_o that_o this_o may_v render_v he_o ardent_a in_o his_o desire_n and_o affectionate_a in_o his_o praise_n and_o while_o he_o persevere_fw-la in_o these_o duty_n let_v he_o join_v with_o they_o reading_z and_o meditation_n not_o only_o to_o fix_v his_o mind_n but_o to_o prevent_v barrenness_n and_o to_o impreganate_n and_o enrich_v his_o soul_n with_o divine_a notion_n and_o affection_n to_o this_o end_n three_o let_v he_o take_v care_n
as_o it_o provoke_v we_o to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o walk_v humble_o and_o thankful_o before_o he_o and_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o ourselves_o as_o it_o strengthen_v and_o fortify_v our_o weak_a spirit_n by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o that_o mighty_a providence_n we_o be_v under_o and_o that_o we_o be_v protect_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o powerful_a be_v who_o nothing_o can_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o and_o who_o be_v liable_a to_o no_o surprise_n or_o mistake_v as_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o nothing_o befall_v without_o he_o and_o therefore_o every_o thing_n be_v ordain_v for_o wise_a end_n and_o shall_v be_v turn_v to_o good_a in_o the_o conclusion_n this_o also_o enable_v we_o to_o be_v content_v in_o every_o condition_n secure_a against_o all_o fear_n and_o to_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o evenness_n of_o spirit_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v toss_v with_o every_o accident_n hurry_v by_o every_o emergency_n but_o possess_v ourselves_o in_o patience_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o consequent_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a worthy_a entertainment_n of_o our_o retirement_n and_o such_o as_o deserve_v and_o require_v the_o application_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v to_o ourselves_o the_o atheistical_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o intricacy_n and_o obscure_a passage_n of_o providence_n without_o some_o skill_n in_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o walk_v either_o pious_o or_o comfortable_o but_o by_o this_o exercise_n we_o hold_v continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n we_o live_v and_o walk_v with_o he_o he_o be_v always_o at_o hand_n to_o we_o to_o awe_v we_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o and_o our_o heart_n become_v not_o only_o a_o temple_n where_o we_o solemn_o offer_v up_o our_o service_n at_o set_a time_n to_o he_o but_o a_o altar_n where_o the_o holy_a fire_n never_o go_v out_o but_o send_v up_o constant_o the_o sweet_a odour_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o he_o 4._o another_o exercise_n of_o secret_a devotion_n be_v to_o premeditate_v our_o conversation_n and_o so_o to_o forecast_v the_o occurrence_n of_o life_n that_o we_o may_v conduct_v ourselves_o both_o with_o safety_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n of_o our_o spiritual_a interest_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o that_o live_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la as_o we_o say_v and_o unpremeditately_a will_v neither_o be_v able_a to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n which_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o encounter_v he_o nor_o to_o improve_v the_o opportunity_n which_o may_v offer_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o our_o converse_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v expect_v temptation_n from_o the_o devil_n allurement_n from_o sensual_a object_n provocation_n from_o the_o folly_n or_o malice_n of_o evil_a man_n vexation_n by_o unhappy_a accident_n and_o above_o all_o abundance_n of_o evil_a example_n to_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_v we_o and_o that_o man_n will_v most_o certain_o be_v surprise_v by_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o that_o do_v not_o forecast_v they_o and_o arm_v himself_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o adventure_v to_o go_v abroad_o and_o take_v in_o the_o infectious_a air_n of_o the_o world_n till_o he_o have_v antidote_v himself_o against_o the_o danger_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o retirement_n and_o the_o secret_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o will_v before_o he_o go_v out_o of_o his_o closet_n not_o only_o consider_v the_o common_a calamity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reign_a sin_n of_o the_o age_n but_o the_o especial_a difficulty_n of_o his_o call_n and_o profession_n and_o the_o peculiar_a infirmity_n of_o his_o own_o temper_n and_o withal_o will_v forethink_v and_o prepare_v himself_o against_o such_o effort_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o of_o these_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o he_o if_o he_o can_v foresee_v that_o he_o shall_v unavoidable_o fall_v into_o evil_a company_n he_o will_v first_o endeavour_v to_o warm_v and_o affect_v his_o heart_n with_o the_o quick_a sense_n of_o religion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o take_v no_o hurt_n himself_o but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a imprint_v some_o sense_n of_o good_a upon_o those_o he_o converse_v with_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v likely_a to_o happen_v that_o will_v strike_v he_o with_o melancholy_n he_o will_v first_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o strength_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n and_o endeavour_v to_o fix_v his_o heart_n so_o intent_o upon_o another_o world_n as_o that_o the_o occurrence_n of_o this_o may_v not_o discompose_v he_o if_o he_o be_v likely_a to_o meet_v with_o that_o which_o may_v provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n he_o will_v compose_v himself_o to_o as_o great_a a_o coolness_n as_o possible_o he_o can_v that_o no_o passage_n may_v inflame_v he_o if_o any_o allurement_n to_o sensuality_n present_v itself_o he_o will_v consider_v how_o he_o may_v retreat_v into_o grave_a company_n or_o earnest_a business_n that_o so_o he_o may_v decline_v that_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v withstand_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n concern_v opportunity_n of_o do_v or_o receive_v good_a forasmuch_o as_o every_o wise_a man_n be_v sensible_a that_o the_o season_n of_o thing_n be_v no_o more_o in_o his_o power_n than_o the_o time_n of_o his_o life_n be_v that_o no_o enterprise_n succeed_v well_o which_o be_v not_o nick_v with_o a_o fit_a season_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o recall_v it_o when_o it_o be_v slip_v by_o therefore_o the_o pious_a man_n will_v forethink_v what_o may_v offer_v themselves_o probable_o in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o he_o stand_v in_o lest_o he_o shall_v overlook_v they_o when_o they_o present_v and_o so_o he_o lose_v a_o advantage_n of_o do_v glory_n to_o god_n or_o good_a to_o man_n and_o of_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o according_o will_n dispose_n his_o heart_n in_o secret_a to_o apprehend_v they_o and_o to_o improve_v they_o he_o examine_v his_o capacity_n and_o stir_v up_o his_o attention_n and_o project_n the_o mean_n either_o how_o he_o may_v reap_v some_o benefit_n by_o good_a and_o wise_a company_n or_o how_o he_o may_v seasonable_o interpose_v a_o word_n on_o god_n behalf_n in_o common_a conversation_n or_o how_o he_o may_v do_v some_o good_a thing_n that_o will_v turn_v to_o account_v another_o day_n 5._o but_o if_o either_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o such_o opportunity_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o pious_a man_n omit_v the_o do_n of_o some_o good_a he_o may_v have_v do_v or_o by_o security_n of_o conversation_n he_o fall_v into_o any_o of_o those_o danger_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v watch_v against_o then_o there_o be_v a_o five_o great_a work_n for_o private_a devotion_n for_o in_o this_o case_n there_o lie_v a_o double_a care_n upon_o he_o first_o that_o he_o slight_v not_o his_o danger_n and_o second_o that_o he_o despair_v not_o of_o remedy_n but_o be_v both_o deep_o sensible_a of_o his_o miscarriage_n and_o also_o rise_v again_o with_o indignation_n and_o resolution_n first_o that_o he_o slight_v not_o his_o fault_n as_o general_o man_n do_v by_o the_o plea_n of_o example_n or_o the_o pretence_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o so_o harden_v himself_o in_o his_o sin_n but_o feel_v a_o deep_a remorse_n and_o conceive_v a_o mighty_a displeasure_n against_o himself_o for_o it_o second_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o aggravate_v not_o his_o guilt_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o preclude_v repentance_n by_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n but_o present_o flee_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o implore_v god_n pardon_v with_o settle_a purpose_n never_o to_o offend_v in_o the_o like_a kind_n again_o now_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v do_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o in_o retirement_n viz._n when_o a_o man_n have_v opportunity_n of_o deal_v impartial_o between_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o especial_o because_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o often_o happen_v be_v just_o reckonable_a as_o a_o part_n of_o closet_n devotion_n and_o according_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n psal_n 4._o 4._o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o common_a with_o your_o own_o heart_n in_o your_o chamber_n and_o be_v still_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o let_v every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v to_o set_v some_o time_n apart_o for_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v rummage_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o find_v out_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o life_n and_o when_o he_o have_v discover_v any_o particular_a guilt_n upon_o his_o soul_n let_v he_o not_o forsake_v
have_v advance_v god_n glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o therefore_o it_o be_v exceed_o worth_a the_o while_n that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ourselves_o and_o condescend_v to_o any_o honest_a art_n and_o method_n of_o engage_v man_n in_o religion_n especial_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o instance_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v voluntary_a free_a and_o cheerful_a or_o they_o be_v nothing_o worth_a and_o therefore_o harshness_n and_o severity_n be_v the_o most_o improper_a instrument_n for_o such_o a_o effect_n consequent_o it_o must_v be_v wise_a discourse_n oblige_v carriage_n sweetness_n of_o temper_n kindness_n and_o benignity_n that_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a method_n of_o prevail_v in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o ordinary_o to_o gain_v this_o point_n no_o more_o be_v requisite_a than_o that_o a_o man_n discriminate_a between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a that_o he_o favour_v the_o one_o and_o discountenance_v the_o other_o and_o this_o alone_a will_n in_o time_n make_v a_o strange_a change_n in_o a_o family_n especial_o three_o if_o in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o governor_n of_o a_o family_n be_v a_o great_a example_n of_o piety_n himself_o rule_n without_o example_n be_v neither_o understand_v nor_o consider_v by_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v propound_v and_o he_o that_o go_v about_o to_o over-rule_v his_o family_n to_o piety_n without_o make_v conscience_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o practice_n nay_o who_o do_v not_o make_v his_o own_o life_n a_o great_a pattern_n of_o what_o he_o persuade_v to_o undermine_v his_o own_o endeavour_n and_o shall_v not_o only_o fail_v of_o success_n but_o be_v ridiculous_a for_o his_o pain_n for_o every_o body_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o that_o if_o devotion_n be_v necessary_a to_o one_o it_o be_v so_o to_o another_o if_o the_o servant_n ought_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n so_o ought_v the_o master_n if_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v zealous_a certain_o the_o other_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v careless_a or_o profane_a or_o if_o one_o may_v be_v excuse_v the_o trouble_n of_o religion_n so_o may_v the_o other_o also_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o have_v the_o confidence_n earnest_o to_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o upon_o those_o under_o he_o which_o be_v not_o conspicuous_a in_o his_o own_o practice_n or_o at_o least_o if_o he_o have_v the_o forehead_n to_o do_v it_o and_o can_v so_o well_o act_v the_o part_n of_o the_o hypocritical_a pharisee_fw-mi as_o to_o lay_v heavy_a burden_n upon_o other_o which_o he_o himself_o will_v not_o touch_v with_o one_o of_o his_o finger_n yet_o as_o he_o can_v do_v it_o hearty_o so_o he_o must_v be_v very_o vain_a if_o he_o think_v man_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v through_o the_o disguise_n and_o very_o sottish_a if_o he_o can_v expect_v that_o such_o command_n of_o he_o shall_v carry_v any_o authority_n with_o they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o majesty_n in_o holy_a example_n it_o not_o only_o command_v but_o charm_n man_n into_o compliance_n there_o be_v life_n and_o spirit_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o it_o animate_v and_o inflame_v all_o about_o a_o man_n it_o make_v piety_n to_o become_v visible_a and_o not_o only_o show_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a but_o represent_v it_o with_o all_o its_o advantage_n of_o goodness_n beauty_n and_o ornament_n it_o confute_v man_n mistake_n of_o it_o answer_v their_o objection_n against_o it_o removes_z their_o suspicion_n shame_v their_o cowardice_n and_o lukewarmness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o do_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o great_a engine_n work_v powerful_o though_o almost_o insensible_o we_o find_v by_o common_a experience_n that_o man_n be_v soon_o make_v wise_a and_o fit_a for_o great_a action_n by_o the_o read_n of_o history_n than_o by_o study_v of_o politic_n because_o matter_n of_o fact_n strike_v we_o more_o powerful_o and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v do_v instruct_v we_o more_o effectual_o than_o all_o dry_a rule_n and_o speculation_n can_v do_v to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v to_o be_v remark_v that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v rather_o to_o teach_v man_n by_o example_n than_o by_o rule_n and_o according_o the_o whole_a sacred_a writ_n consist_v principal_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o life_n of_o holy_a man_n almighty_a wisdom_n think_v that_o way_n the_o fit_a not_o only_o to_o express_v the_o law_n of_o virtue_n but_o to_o make_v impression_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o indeed_o which_o be_v further_a remarkable_a there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o more_o curious_a and_o excellent_a line_n of_o piety_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v express_v by_o word_n but_o be_v easy_o legible_a in_o the_o life_n of_o holy_a man_n therefore_o let_v he_o who_o will_v engage_v his_o family_n to_o devotion_n give_v they_o a_o fair_a copy_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o example_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o the_o honour_n and_o comfort_n to_o see_v it_o transcribe_v and_o imitate_v by_o those_o about_o he_o 4._o but_o that_o he_o may_v with_o the_o more_o certainty_n and_o expedition_n attain_v this_o desirable_a effect_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o he_o neither_o make_v the_o life_n of_o those_o he_o will_v gain_v upon_o burdensome_a to_o they_o and_o exhaust_v their_o spirit_n by_o too_o great_a and_o constant_a drudgery_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o that_o he_o make_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n irksome_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o they_o by_o unnecessary_a length_n and_o tediousness_n of_o family-devotion_n for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o will_v take_v off_o their_o edge_n and_o leave_v they_o with_o no_o heart_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o latter_a will_v beget_v a_o utter_a aversation_n to_o it_o as_o for_o the_o former_a our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n i._n e._n either_o one_o of_o they_o must_v be_v neglect_v or_o both_o serve_v very_o remissly_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a when_o man_n be_v harass_v with_o secular_a business_n they_o can_v have_v spirit_n enough_o to_o attend_v religion_n with_o any_o vigour_n and_o for_o the_o other_o if_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v draw_v out_o fantastical_o to_o a_o tedious_a length_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a while_o man_n be_v man_n that_o they_o shall_v either_o be_v incline_v to_o go_v to_o they_o with_o such_o cheerfulness_n or_o persevere_v in_o they_o with_o such_o delight_n and_o fervour_n as_o be_v requisite_a therefore_o let_v the_o world_n be_v so_o moderate_o pursue_v as_o that_o time_n and_o strength_n and_o room_n may_v be_v leave_v for_o devotion_n and_o let_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o contrive_v that_o they_o may_v be_v pleasant_a and_o easy_a and_o then_o beside_o that_o devotion_n so_o perform_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o bring_v our_o family_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o especial_o 5._o if_o in_o the_o five_o place_n the_o governor_n of_o family_n take_v care_n to_o order_n and_o methodize_v affair_n so_o that_o these_o different_a thing_n entrench_v not_o upon_o each_o other_o neither_o the_o world_n encroach_v upon_o religion_n nor_o religion_n shut_v out_o and_o exclude_v the_o common_a affair_n of_o life_n but_o both_o may_v take_v their_o place_n in_o a_o just_a subordination_n we_o common_o observe_v that_o thing_n in_o a_o heap_n and_o which_o be_v not_o digest_v into_o any_o order_n look_v vast_a and_o numerous_a so_o as_o to_o amuse_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o insomuch_o that_o we_o neither_o apprehend_v any_o of_o they_o distinct_o nor_o comprehend_v they_o all_o together_o and_o in_o a_o crowd_n of_o business_n we_o be_v either_o so_o confound_v with_o the_o multiplicity_n or_o distract_v with_o the_o variety_n of_o thing_n before_o we_o that_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o nothing_o at_o all_o effectual_o for_o one_o hinder_v and_o supplant_v the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v here_o in_o the_o case_n between_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o two_o world_n if_o both_o lie_n in_o gross_a before_o man_n and_o no_o distinct_a place_n be_v assign_v to_o each_o of_o they_o the_o effect_n be_v that_o both_o together_o be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v necessary_o be_v neglect_v and_o that_o common_o fall_v to_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o religion_n or_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o these_o office_n be_v not_o total_o omit_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v superficial_o perform_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n neither_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o they_o nor_o unite_v enough_o to_o attend_v they_o without_o distraction_n and_o wander_n therefore_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n
the_o assembly_n of_o god_n servant_n 3._o and_o more_o particular_o let_v he_o not_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v present_v to_o he_o unless_o some_o weighty_a occasion_n hinder_v or_o disable_v he_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o administer_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o often_o as_o it_o hold_v any_o solemn_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o christian_n then_o as_o due_o receive_v it_o as_o they_o come_v to_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o frequency_n of_o it_o abate_v their_o reverence_n to_o it_o but_o high_o increase_v it_o rather_o and_o this_o office_n they_o therefore_o call_v the_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o symbol_n of_o a_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o full_a instance_n of_o that_o society_n to_o have_v be_v keep_v from_o it_o by_o any_o accident_n be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a calamity_n but_o to_o be_v debar_v from_o it_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o dreadful_a to_o they_o as_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n they_o seek_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o with_o tear_n with_o prostration_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n with_o all_o the_o intercession_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o all_o the_o interest_n they_o can_v make_v there_o be_v no_o need_n in_o those_o time_n to_o use_v argument_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o repeat_v exhortation_n to_o press_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o trouble_n in_o answer_v objection_n against_o it_o or_o remove_v impertinent_a scruple_n about_o it_o much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o occasion_n to_o urge_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o by_o humane_a law_n for_o they_o remember_v it_o be_v institute_v by_o their_o saviour_n on_o the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o recommend_v to_o their_o observance_n by_o the_o most_o oblige_a circumstance_n they_o find_v the_o constant_a solemnity_n of_o it_o settle_v in_o all_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v well_o aware_a of_o the_o unspeakable_a comfort_n of_o it_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n hold_v as_o much_o in_o these_o time_n as_o then_o save_v that_o man_n be_v not_o so_o conscientious_a and_o devout_a as_o they_o be_v for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n since_o to_o make_v this_o sacrament_n the_o badge_n and_o cognizance_n of_o her_o member_n until_o of_o late_a those_o have_v pretend_v to_o be_v church_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o order_n nor_o unity_n neither_o sacrament_n administer_v nor_o indeed_o person_n qualify_v to_o administer_v they_o and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n and_o shame_n that_o such_o a_o unhappy_a novelty_n shall_v prescribe_v against_o all_o antiquity_n and_o then_o second_o as_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o sacrament_n by_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o do_v not_o deliver_v himself_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n and_o advice_n so_o as_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o our_o discretion_n or_o courtesy_n to_o observe_v this_o sacrament_n or_o omit_v it_o but_o by_o express_v and_o positive_a command_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o the_o cavil_n against_o mix_a communion_n as_o if_o we_o be_v excuse_v from_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n because_o other_o do_v it_o unworthy_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v because_o some_o do_v it_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o i_o may_v choose_v whether_o i_o will_v do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o as_o i_o say_v here_o be_v a_o express_a command_n that_o we_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o omit_v it_o upon_o any_o such_o pretence_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v i_o be_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v excuse_v for_o when_o our_o lord_n have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n also_o to_o do_v it_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o one_o duty_n will_v not_o excuse_v another_o i._n e._n our_o sin_n of_o unpreparedness_n will_v be_v no_o apology_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o total_a omission_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o whole_a truth_n be_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n require_v of_o we_o one_o express_v and_o the_o other_o imply_v the_o express_a duty_n be_v that_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n the_o imply_v duty_n be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v with_o such_o preparation_n as_o agree_v with_o so_o sacred_a a_o mystery_n both_o these_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v for_o as_o my_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n will_v not_o excuse_v my_o come_n unprepared_o so_o much_o less_o will_v my_o unpreparedness_n excuse_v my_o not_o come_v at_o all_o but_o of_o the_o two_o it_o seem_v far_o the_o more_o pardonable_a to_o come_v though_o somewhat_o unprepared_o than_o not_o to_o come_v because_o of_o unpreparedness_n for_o that_o be_v neither_o to_o come_v nor_o prepare_v neither_o i_o say_v though_o neither_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_o better_a to_o offend_v in_o the_o point_n of_o a_o imply_v duty_n than_o of_o a_o express_a one_o but_o especial_o it_o be_v more_o tolerable_a to_o commit_v one_o sin_n than_o both_o as_o he_o that_o come_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n at_o all_o notorious_o do_v but_o than_o three_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n those_o be_v so_o vast_o great_a that_o the_o man_n be_v as_o well_o insensible_a of_o his_o own_o good_a as_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o wilful_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o commemorate_n the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o that_o holy_a feast_n we_o not_o only_o perform_v a_o office_n of_o obedience_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o saviour_n but_o we_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n which_o afford_v the_o great_a relief_n to_o our_o guilty_a conscience_n that_o can_v be_v and_o together_o herewith_o we_o melt_v our_o own_o heart_n into_o contrition_n fear_n and_o sorrow_n for_o those_o sin_n of_o we_o which_o require_v such_o a_o atonement_n for_o who_o can_v consider_v what_o his_o saviour_n suffer_v and_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v and_o not_o mourn_v hearty_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o his_o danger_n again_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o happy_a estate_n of_o friendship_n with_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o restore_v to_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n moreover_o by_o commemorate_n his_o death_n and_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o we_o fortify_v our_o own_o mind_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o by_o feed_v upon_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n we_o have_v the_o pledge_n of_o our_o own_o resurrection_n and_o immortality_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o though_o in_o so_o copious_a and_o comfortable_a a_o subject_n by_o partake_v of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n we_o become_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o who_o will_v make_v that_o a_o excuse_n for_o omit_v the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o do_v not_o find_v or_o observe_v that_o either_o themselves_o or_o other_o profit_n by_o it_o what_o be_v it_o no_o profit_n that_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n be_v it_o no_o profit_n to_o see_v christ_n crucify_a before_o our_o eye_n and_o to_o see_v he_o pour_v out_o his_o heart_n blood_n for_o sinner_n be_v it_o no_o profit_n to_o be_v make_v ingenuous_o to_o weep_v over_o our_o own_o sin_n be_v it_o no_o privilege_n no_o comfort_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o token_n of_o friendship_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o body_n but_o profit_v something_o more_o or_o less_o by_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o do_v not_o profit_v great_o by_o they_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a naughty_a heart_n indeed_o and_o have_v need_v to_o prepare_v himself_o and_o go_v often_o to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o may_v be_v mend_v but_o however_o let_v the_o good_a christian_n glad_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o this_o holy_a solemnity_n and_o not_o doubt_v to_o find_v comfort_n by_o it_o 4._o as_o for_o the_o other_o office_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o prayer_n
conclusion_n whereas_o plain-heartedness_n have_v no_o rub_n nor_o difficulty_n in_o its_o way_n nor_o no_o aftergame_n to_o play_v for_o every_o man_n believe_v and_o trust_v such_o a_o man_n as_o play_n upon_o the_o square_a and_o such_o a_o conversation_n be_v pleasant_a and_o acceptable_a moreover_o cunning_a be_v always_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o little_a mind_n and_o of_o a_o cowardly_a temper_n for_o what_o shall_v tempt_v a_o man_n to_o dissemble_v and_o work_v underground_o but_o mistrust_v of_o his_o own_o ability_n or_o consciousness_n of_o evil_a design_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o afford_v a_o man_n any_o security_n that_o it_o provoke_v other_o man_n first_o to_o pry_v the_o more_o curious_o into_o he_o and_o then_o to_o countermine_v he_o and_o at_o last_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o all_o which_o add_v that_o if_o this_o reservedness_n we_o speak_v of_o proceed_v from_o insincerity_n and_o design_n it_o betray_v great_a unbelief_n of_o god_n and_o of_o providence_n for_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o those_o great_a point_n will_v encourage_v a_o man_n to_o be_v open_a and_o plain_a and_o confident_a but_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o temper_n and_o constitution_n only_o yet_o even_o than_o it_o do_v far_o more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o particular_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o make_v life_n and_o conversation_n very_o uncomfortable_a and_o good_a neighbourhood_n plain_o impossible_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o endeavour_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o reduce_v and_o recover_v the_o ancient_a sincerity_n and_o simplicity_n instead_o of_o that_o hollow_a complemental_a hypocrisy_n which_o have_v of_o late_o supplant_v and_o exclude_v it_o 4._o but_o yet_o care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v withal_o that_o this_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n degenerate_v not_o into_o rudeness_n or_o frothy_a and_o foolish_a conversation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o four_o office_n of_o a_o virtuous_a man_n among_o his_o neighbour_n to_o endeavour_v to_o render_v conversation_n favoury_a and_o manly_a and_o profitable_a as_o well_o as_o sincere_a that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o trifle_v away_o with_o flat_a inspid_a and_o gossip_a impertinence_n nor_o misemploy_v in_o light_n and_o idle_a drollery_n nor_o turn_v into_o a_o occasion_n of_o tipple_a and_o sensuality_n much_o less_o debauch_v by_o profaneness_n and_o malapert_a reflection_n on_o thing_n sacred_a but_o that_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o real_a business_n to_o the_o better_n of_o man_n understanding_n to_o virtuous_a purpose_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n these_o last_o thing_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o world_n and_o worthy_a of_o man_n but_o the_o other_o be_v a_o mis-expense_n of_o time_n a_o degrade_n of_o ourselves_o a_o reproach_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o the_o bane_n of_o conversation_n with_o a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o it_o be_v that_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o prevent_v the_o rottenness_n and_o putrefaction_n but_o also_o the_o flatness_n and_o insipidity_n of_o conversation_n and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o i_o intimate_v in_o the_o last_o place_n namely_o the_o consult_v the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v now_o say_v further_o that_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o only_a subject_n of_o good_a discourse_n forasmuch_o as_o god_n allow_v we_o both_o the_o refreshment_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o a_o moderate_a concern_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o the_o affair_n of_o another_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v importune_o thrust_v in_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o other_o entertainment_n yet_o most_o certain_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v its_o place_n and_o share_v in_o our_o friendly_a communication_n as_o be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o important_a subject_n and_o if_o it_o be_v dexterous_o manage_v the_o most_o gentile_a and_o oblige_a neither_o will_v it_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a as_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o turn_v the_o stream_n of_o neighbourly_a discourse_n this_o way_n if_o man_n will_v be_v persuade_v to_o try_v and_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o it_o and_o sure_o he_o that_o hope_v to_o attain_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n himself_o can_v but_o wish_v his_o neighbour_n in_o the_o way_n thither_o also_o nor_o can_v he_o who_o heart_n be_v thorough_o affect_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o omit_v now_o and_o then_o to_o let_v fall_v something_o or_o other_o that_o way_n tend_v at_o least_o every_o good_a man_n owe_v so_o much_o to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o to_o interpose_v a_o good_a word_n sometime_o in_o their_o behalf_n which_o beside_o that_o it_o give_v some_o countenance_n to_o piety_n for_o the_o present_a may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n make_v a_o great_a impression_n than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o redound_v to_o his_o own_o comfortable_a account_n another_o day_n but_o 5._o it_o be_v unquestionable_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o labour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n to_o make_v and_o preserve_v peace_n among_o his_o neighbour_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n mark_v 9_o 50._o join_v these_o two_o thing_n together_o have_v salt_n in_o yourselves_o and_o have_v peace_n one_o with_o another_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o you_o must_v take_v care_v you_o be_v not_o too_o sharp_a and_o acrimonious_a you_o must_v indeed_o preserve_v the_o world_n from_o corruption_n but_o yet_o you_o must_v not_o exasperate_v it_o into_o passion_n and_o disorder_n for_o you_o must_v compose_v man_n to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o quench_v their_o combustion_n as_o well_o as_o inflame_v their_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o indeed_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o can_v never_o successful_o be_v undertake_v unless_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o former_a be_v provide_v for_o for_o religion_n never_o take_v place_n in_o man_n heart_n nor_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o their_o life_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v embroil_v with_o heat_n and_o animosity_n man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o consider_v of_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o to_o estimate_v the_o reason_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o when_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o a_o flame_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o a_o hurry_n nor_o if_o they_o be_v already_o persuade_v of_o they_o can_v they_o be_v in_o a_o temper_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o or_o to_o make_v any_o fit_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o service_n towards_o god_n whilst_o they_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o their_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n james_n 3._o 18._o and_o as_o peace_n be_v very_o advantageous_a to_o god_n service_n so_o the_o make_n and_o procure_v it_o be_v very_o honourable_a and_o comfortable_a to_o they_o that_o be_v employ_v about_o it_o they_o be_v under_o one_o of_o our_o saviour_n beatitude_n and_o he_o entitle_v they_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n mat._n 5._o 9_o viz._n as_o be_v those_o who_o especial_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v he_o and_o one_o instance_n of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o such_o man_n be_v this_o that_o they_o which_o make_v peace_n common_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o both_o in_o the_o benign_a and_o kindly_a cheerfulness_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o fair_a and_o courteous_a usage_n they_o general_o meet_v with_o from_o other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o repose_n and_o quiet_a they_o enjoy_v when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v peaceable_a and_o still_o round_o about_o they_o whereas_o makebate_n and_o incendiary_n torment_v themselves_o first_o before_o they_o torture_v other_o man_n and_o beside_o bring_v the_o fire_n home_o to_o their_o own_o house_n when_o they_o have_v inflame_v other_o man_n the_o good_a christian_a therefore_o be_v not_o only_o peaceable_a himself_o but_o a_o peacemaker_n in_o his_o parish_n to_o which_o end_n he_o will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n discountenance_v all_o whisperer_n eavesdropper_n and_o tale-bearer_n as_o the_o pest_n of_o society_n for_o these_o be_v the_o bellows_o that_o blow_v up_o a_o spark_n into_o a_o flame_n he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o prevent_v and_o take_v up_o law-suit_n which_o common_o begin_v in_o passion_n and_o end_n in_o malice_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o they_o rather_o immortalize_v the_o quarrel_n than_o finish_v the_o dispute_n and_o he_o that_o overcome_v very_o often_o like_o the_o bee_n destroy_v himself_o whilst_o he_o fasten_v his_o sting_n upon_o another_o he_o set_v a_o mark_n upon_o they_o that_o single_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o