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
the_o last_o man_n they_o discourse_v with_o for_o always_o the_o new_a and_o fresh_a opinion_n be_v the_o best_a and_o so_o as_o they_o say_v of_o the_o chameleon_n they_o take_v their_o colour_n from_o the_o next_o object_n this_o temper_n be_v a_o mighty_a disparagement_n to_o divine_a truth_n for_o it_o look_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o that_o they_o must_v always_o seek_v and_o never_o find_v and_o endless_o dispute_v but_o can_v never_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n and_o it_o be_v so_o intolerable_a a_o impediment_n of_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v many_o time_n more_o harmless_a to_o be_v settle_v in_o some_o bad_a opinion_n than_o to_o be_v thus_o unsettle_a and_o to_o dispute_v every_o thing_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o course_n draw_v off_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o spend_v their_o best_a heat_n upon_o unprofitable_a notion_n and_o so_o take_v they_o off_o from_o study_v their_o own_o heart_n examine_v their_o conscience_n and_o diligent_a attendance_n to_o their_o way_n and_o action_n it_o raise_v passion_n nourish_v pride_n foments_n division_n and_o in_o a_o word_n turn_v christianity_n into_o vain_a jangle_n whereas_o a_o true_o sober_a christian_a be_v ready_a to_o believe_v than_o to_o dispute_v in_o divine_a thing_n and_o more_o careful_a to_o practice_v old_a rule_n than_o to_o devise_v new_a model_n he_o study_v the_o scripture_n sincere_o not_o for_o objection_n but_o for_o resolution_n he_o live_v up_o to_o what_o he_o know_v and_o pray_v god_n to_o direct_v he_o where_o he_o be_v uncertain_a and_o so_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n in_o a_o plain_a path_n towards_o heaven_n the_o novellist_n or_o great_a disputer_n contrariwise_o be_v unresolved_a of_o his_o way_n make_v no_o haste_n in_o his_o journey_n and_o can_v very_o earnest_o practice_v any_o thing_n to_o day_n because_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o opinion_n he_o shall_v be_v of_o to_o morrow_n and_o then_o for_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o intemperance_n of_o mind_n namely_o scrupulosity_n when_o man_n have_v such_o headstrong_a and_o ungovernable_a or_o such_o shy_a and_o squeamish_a conscience_n that_o they_o boggle_v at_o every_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o just_a fit_n their_o peculiar_a fancy_n and_o humour_n though_o they_o can_v give_v no_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o jealousy_n or_o aversation_n but_o only_o they_o dislike_v and_o be_v offend_v with_o such_o and_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o know_v not_o why_o their_o conscience_n take_v check_v at_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o case_n now_o such_o as_o these_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v repute_v sober_a man_n who_o like_a as_o we_o say_v of_o drunkard_n see_v double_a and_o consequent_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v or_o who_o be_v terrify_v by_o their_o own_o idle_a fancy_n their_o brain_n be_v cloud_v and_o darken_v by_o the_o crude_a steam_n of_o riot_n and_o excess_n this_o temper_n however_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v pitiable_a be_v notwithstanding_o very_o mischievous_a not_o only_o as_o it_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o mankind_n by_o render_v those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o busy_a and_o pragmatical_a censorious_a and_o uncharitable_a towards_o all_o that_o be_v not_o just_a of_o their_o own_o mode_n and_o size_n but_o which_o be_v far_o worse_o it_o misrepresent_v the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o captious_a deity_n who_o watch_v man_n halting_n to_o take_v advantage_n against_o they_o as_o have_v more_o mind_n to_o damn_v than_o to_o save_v they_o by_o which_o mean_v it_o discourage_v man_n from_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o most_o anxious_a and_o uncomfortable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o this_o it_o extreme_o hinder_v proficiency_n in_o virtue_n for_o he_o that_o be_v always_o jealous_a of_o his_o way_n will_v often_o make_v halt_v or_o have_v a_o very_a uncomfortable_a progress_n on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o make_v a_o good_a christian_a satisfy_v himself_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o candour_n in_o interpret_n the_o action_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n in_o follow_v close_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a think_v himself_o at_o liberty_n where_o that_o be_v silent_a and_o take_v the_o direction_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n where_o it_o be_v obscure_a and_o then_o go_v cheerful_o and_o vigorous_o on_o his_o way_n towards_o heaven_n 3._o next_o to_o regard_v of_o sobriety_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n let_v the_o man_n who_o design_n the_o other_o world_n take_v heed_n that_o the_o present_a world_n grow_v not_o too_o much_o upon_o he_o and_o distract_v or_o over-burden_n he_o in_o his_o journey_n towards_o heaven_n and_o the_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n in_o this_o point_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a in_o regard_n this_o world_n be_v place_v near_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o seem_v great_a to_o our_o sight_n and_o the_o other_o though_o incomparable_o great_a be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o seem_v little_a and_o contemptible_a beside_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a aim_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o make_v the_o present_a world_n seem_v much_o more_o beautiful_a and_o valuable_a than_o it_o be_v that_o by_o its_o blandishment_n he_o may_v soften_v we_o by_o its_o allurement_n debauch_v we_o or_o at_o least_o by_o the_o care_n and_o concern_v of_o it_o distract_v we_o and_o take_v off_o our_o edge_n to_o better_a thing_n it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o he_o who_o affection_n be_v eager_o engage_v upon_o secular_a interest_n can_v never_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o free_a enough_o to_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a and_o real_a difference_n of_o thing_n nor_o conscientious_a enough_o to_o stand_v by_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o understand_v for_o he_o can_v never_o be_v steady_a in_o any_o principle_n but_o must_v turn_v with_o every_o tide_n and_o sail_v with_o every_o wind_n as_o it_o shall_v make_v for_o his_o purpose_n beside_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o soul_n be_v too_o narrow_a to_o hold_v much_o of_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o to_o afford_v room_n for_o any_o great_a share_n of_o heaven_n together_o with_o it_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n and_o according_o in_o his_o first_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n matt._n 6._o 24_o 25_o 26._o to_o the_o intent_n that_o his_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n may_v take_v place_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o hearer_n he_o very_o emphatical_o and_o large_o caution_n they_o against_o admiration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o too_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o aforementioned_a passage_n luk._n 21._o v._n 34._o to_o his_o admonition_n against_o overcharging_a themselves_o with_o surfeit_v and_o drunkenness_n he_o subjoin_v the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n intimate_v that_o those_o two_o kind_n of_o vice_n as_o opposite_a as_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o each_o other_o agree_v in_o their_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o religion_n neither_o indeed_o be_v they_o so_o contrary_a in_o their_o nature_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o as_o drunkenness_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o liquid_a covetousness_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n covetousness_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o dry_a thirst_n or_o drunken_a insatiable_a humour_n and_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o incurable_a than_o the_o other_o as_o it_o be_v the_o less_o infamous_a mere_o because_o it_o do_v not_o present_o discover_v itself_o by_o such_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a symptom_n as_o the_o other_o do_v to_o avoid_v this_o therefore_o let_v the_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o consider_v constant_o with_o himself_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o present_a life_n by_o which_o he_o will_v easy_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o how_o much_o more_o consequence_n it_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o eternity_n than_o for_o that_o little_a abode_n we_o be_v to_o make_v in_o that_o state_n wherein_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o we_o let_v he_o also_o observe_v the_o success_n of_o thing_n and_o he_o will_v easy_o conclude_v that_o much_o more_o of_o our_o prosperity_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n than_o to_o our_o own_o forecast_n and_o endeavour_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v a_o better_a provision_n for_o our_o child_n and_o posterity_n to_o leave_v they_o under_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n than_o in_o great_a possession_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o these_o persuasion_n he_o will_v not_o be_v tempt_v to_o grasp_v too_o much_o business_n so_o as_o to_o
the_o formal_a act_n of_o a_o part_n with_o the_o observance_n of_o abundance_n of_o nice_a rite_n ceremony_n and_o punctilio_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n which_o look_v beautiful_o and_o promise_n fair_o in_o public_a but_o be_v forget_v or_o lay_v aside_o at_o home_n nor_o be_v it_o immure_v in_o a_o closet_n and_o never_o suffer_v to_o take_v the_o air_n in_o conversation_n to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a morality_n nor_o mere_a devotion_n but_o both_o these_o in_o conjunction_n together_o with_o all_o that_o be_v brave_a and_o noble_a and_o wise_a and_o good_a all_o that_o can_v better_v the_o mind_n and_o temper_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o all_o that_o can_v improve_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n all_o this_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o religion_n especial_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v phil._n 4._o 8._o final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a or_o grave_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a or_o friendly_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v of_o these_o thing_n i._n e._n count_v they_o branch_n of_o christianity_n for_o true_a religion_n be_v nothing_o less_o nothing_o i_o mean_v of_o no_o narrow_a extent_n than_o a_o wise_a and_o worthy_a conduct_n and_o manage_v of_o a_o man_n self_n in_o all_o those_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o namely_o towards_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o the_o just_a province_n of_o religion_n but_o i_o can_v neither_o think_v it_o possible_a to_o handle_v all_o the_o part_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o subject_n in_o this_o short_a treatise_n nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o apprehend_v the_o discourse_n of_o they_o all_o to_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o those_o for_o who_o use_n i_o principal_o intend_v these_o paper_n therefore_o omit_v but_o not_o exclude_v all_o other_o branch_n of_o religion_n i_o will_v here_o only_o speak_v of_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o secret_a devotion_n or_o those_o act_n of_o piety_n which_o be_v transact_v only_o between_o almighty_a god_n and_o a_o man_n own_a soul_n second_o of_o private_a piety_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o particular_a family_n three_o of_o the_o more_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o concern_v a_o man_n govern_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o consult_v the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o parish_n wherein_o he_o live_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n of_o secret_a or_o closet_n devotion_n that_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a branch_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o necessary_a and_o universal_a duty_n appear_v by_o the_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 6._o 6._o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v the_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n who_o be_v in_o secret_a etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v not_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n to_o forbid_v or_o put_v a_o slight_a upon_o all_o but_o closet_n devotion_n for_o he_o himself_o frequent_o pray_v public_o and_o teach_v his_o disciple_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o though_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o closet_n do_v he_o intend_v to_o confine_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o strict_a formality_n of_o a_o closet_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o field_n or_o in_o any_o recess_n or_o place_n of_o secrecy_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o himself_o practise_v nor_o last_o though_o he_o use_v the_o word_n prayer_n only_o do_v he_o make_v that_o strict_o take_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o secret_a piety_n for_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a speech_n also_o to_o express_v all_o the_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n by_o the_o name_n of_o prayer_n whether_o they_o be_v praise_n or_o adoration_n or_o confession_n or_o thanksgiving_n or_o meditation_n or_o self-examination_n all_o therefore_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v be_v to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o secret_a devotion_n as_o well_o as_o public_a and_o to_o press_v that_o upon_o his_o disciple_n which_o the_o hypocrisy_n and_o ostentation_n of_o the_o pharisee_n have_v lay_v aside_o because_o in_o truth_n they_o seek_v not_o god_n glory_n but_o their_o own_o and_o this_o be_v further_a recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o whatsoever_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n otherwise_o there_o have_v perhaps_o be_v those_o who_o under_o some_o pretence_n or_o other_o have_v neglect_v family_n worship_n and_o those_o also_o who_o have_v be_v abase_v by_o some_o scruple_n into_o a_o omission_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o i_o very_o think_v that_o none_o but_o flat_a atheist_n or_o gross_a hypocrite_n which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v ever_o dispense_v with_o themselves_o in_o the_o common_a and_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o secret_a worship_n for_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o much_o less_o have_v any_o worthy_a apprehension_n of_o he_o but_o it_o natural_o put_v he_o upon_o some_o act_n or_o other_o of_o adoration_n towards_o he_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o exercise_n be_v to_o the_o body_n it_o may_v live_v and_o subsist_v though_o not_o long_o and_o healthful_o without_o it_o but_o secret_a devotion_n be_v like_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o lung_n without_o which_o a_o man_n be_v present_o choke_v up_o and_o destroy_v if_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o move_v towards_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o circulation_n return_v in_o praise_n all_o those_o benefit_n which_o it_o continual_o receive_v from_o he_o it_o be_v stifle_v by_o repletion_n and_o if_o by_o prayer_n he_o do_v not_o breathe_v out_o his_o grief_n and_o as_o it_o be_v ventilate_v his_o spirit_n he_o be_v strangle_v by_o his_o own_o melancholy_n for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o religious_a office_n can_v make_v a_o supply_n in_o these_o case_n because_o every_o man_n have_v his_o secret_a sin_n to_o confess_v to_o god_n which_o it_o be_v ordinary_o unsafe_a to_o make_v other_o man_n privy_a to_o and_o his_o peculiar_a infirmity_n and_o temptation_n his_o grief_n and_o burden_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o lay_v open_a to_o man_n see_v only_a god_n can_v relieve_v they_o and_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v sundry_a personal_a mercy_n and_o savour_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o answer_n of_o his_o prayer_n which_o require_v a_o personal_a acknowledgement_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o the_o open_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n be_v common_o attend_v with_o such_o affection_n and_o passionate_a expression_n as_o will_v be_v indecent_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v very_o become_v towards_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o last_o thing_n we_o find_v 1_o sam._n 1._o 13._o hannah_n be_v think_v to_o be_v drink_v by_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n eli_n the_o priest_n when_o yet_o as_o the_o truth_n appear_v afterward_o he_o see_v in_o she_o only_o the_o devout_a symptom_n of_o a_o sorrowful_a spirit_n beside_o these_o act_n of_o secret_a worship_n be_v very_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o public_a worship_n both_o as_o they_o dispose_v and_o fit_v a_o man_n heart_n for_o it_o before_o he_o enter_v upon_o it_o by_o compose_v the_o thought_n and_o raise_v the_o affection_n and_o as_o they_o make_v application_n of_o it_o afterward_o press_v home_n upon_o the_o conscience_n the_o instruction_n there_o receive_v and_o improve_n and_o confirm_v into_o a_o stable_a resolution_n those_o good_a affection_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o it_o insomuch_o that_o that_o man_n will_v either_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o god_n public_a service_n or_o no_o suitable_a temper_n in_o it_o or_o be_v little_a the_o better_a after_o it_o that_o have_v not_o first_o fit_v and_o prepare_v his_o heart_n for_o it_o by_o secret_a devotion_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o true_a reason_n as_o well_o of_o the_o lamentable_a unprofitableness_n as_o of_o the_o common_a irreverence_n of_o public_a performance_n because_o man_n rush_v into_o god_n house_n without_o the_o due_a preface_n of_o secret_a preparation_n and_o they_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o god_n when_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n never_o attend_v to_o or_o improve_n those_o good_a motion_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v kindle_v in_o they_o moreover_o these_o devout_a office_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o supplant_v and_o supersede_n the_o public_a as_o we_o have_v intimate_v already_o and_o shall_v demonstrate_v at_o large_a by_o and_o
that_o he_o tempt_v not_o himself_o to_o flatness_n by_o a_o affect_a length_n of_o these_o holy_a duty_n for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o indevout_a temper_n to_o be_v too_o compendious_a and_o concise_a in_o they_o as_o if_o we_o grudge_v the_o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n and_o although_o it_o be_v also_o irreverent_a towards_o god_n to_o be_v so_o short_a and_o abrupt_a as_o if_o we_o brief_o dictate_v to_o he_o what_o we_o will_v have_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n to_o be_v impertinent_o tedious_a with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v we_o without_o many_o word_n or_o will_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o tedious_a importunity_n beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o often_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o that_o our_o body_n can_v always_o correspond_v with_o our_o mind_n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o affect_v the_o prolong_n of_o our_o devotion_n be_v to_o lose_v in_o the_o intention_n what_o we_o get_v in_o the_o extension_n of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v sure_a either_o to_o make_v we_o go_v unwilling_o to_o our_o duty_n or_o to_o perform_v it_o very_o superficial_o in_o either_o of_o which_o circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a we_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o god_n or_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o comfortable_a reflection_n afterward_o upon_o such_o performance_n the_o measure_n of_o devotion_n therefore_o be_v not_o express_o prescribe_v by_o god_n but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o a_o prudent_a respect_n to_o the_o peculiar_a constitution_n of_o the_o person_n the_o condition_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o the_o extraordinariness_n of_o the_o occasion_n and_o to_o go_v about_o to_o exceed_v these_o bound_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o intemperate_a zeal_n which_o be_v never_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o be_v so_o far_o injurious_a to_o a_o man_n self_n that_o it_o manifest_o hinder_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o promote_v to_o these_o i_o add_v four_o let_v not_o the_o devout_a man_n be_v very_o curious_a or_o sollicitious_a about_o the_o from_o or_o expression_n of_o his_o secret_a duty_n i_o mean_v whether_o his_o prayer_n be_v read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n or_o be_v the_o present_a conception_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o from_o a_o understand_a soul_n and_o a_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a heart_n for_o these_o be_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n look_v at_o and_o wherein_o his_o honour_n be_v direct_o concern_v and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v no_o value_n for_o eloquence_n of_o speech_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o neither_o have_v he_o for_o strength_n of_o memory_n or_o for_o pregnancy_n and_o variety_n of_o fancy_n on_o the_o other_o but_o only_o as_o i_o say_v that_o we_o worship_v he_o with_o our_o understanding_n and_o do_v not_o like_a parrot_n utter_a word_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o notion_n that_o we_o bring_v a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n as_o sensible_a of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o a_o heart_n serious_o affect_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o value_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v conversant_a about_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o compose_a form_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o public_a worship_n where_o as_o i_o note_v before_o the_o dignity_n and_o credit_n of_o religion_n be_v concern_v and_o that_o perhaps_o in_o private_a duty_n our_o present_a conception_n may_v most_o please_v and_o affect_v ourselves_o but_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n especial_o in_o these_o secret_a duty_n depend_v neither_o upon_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o upon_o those_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n aforesaid_a wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n cheat_v himself_o into_o a_o opinion_n that_o those_o heat_n of_o fancy_n or_o transport_v of_o affection_n which_o sometime_o happen_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v instance_n of_o real_a and_o extraordinary_a devotion_n or_o that_o because_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n or_o book_n may_v perhaps_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o flight_n therefore_o those_o duty_n be_v dead_a and_o formal_a forasmuch_o as_o those_o service_n may_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n which_o be_v less_o pleasant_a to_o ourselves_o since_o it_o be_v not_o those_o sudden_a flash_n but_o a_o constant_a and_o even_a servour_n of_o piety_n which_o he_o have_v regard_n to_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o another_o advice_n namely_o five_o let_v the_o pious_a man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o that_o he_o be_v never_o to_o lay_v aside_o or_o intermit_v the_o regular_a course_n of_o a_o daily_a devotion_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o but_o especial_o not_o upon_o the_o absurd_a pretext_n of_o await_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cease_v not_o to_o move_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o move_v sensible_o and_o to_o make_v violent_a impression_n upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n till_o he_o be_v so_o jog_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o it_o will_v never_o pray_v at_o all_o and_o indeed_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o expect_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o what_o need_n of_o it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o put_v we_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a service_n than_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v some_o special_a mandate_n or_o impulse_n upon_o our_o spirit_n from_o he_o which_o may_v both_o warrant_v the_o enterprise_n and_o quicken_v we_o in_o the_o prosecution_n but_o in_o ordinary_a duty_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v sufficient_a and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o that_o do_v but_o pretend_v to_o wait_v for_o a_o spirit_n in_o excuse_n of_o his_o own_o atheism_n unbelief_n or_o intolerable_a slothfulness_n and_o in_o so_o do_v lay_v himself_o open_a to_o a_o evil_a spirit_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o check_v and_o withdraw_v man_n from_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o sad_a and_o common_a experience_n that_o from_o wait_v for_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n man_n very_o usual_o grow_v first_o to_o frequent_a omission_n then_o to_o carelessness_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o it_o therefore_o let_v not_o any_o man_n slight_a a_o regular_a and_o methodical_a devotion_n as_o a_o mere_a formal_a and_o customary_a thing_n since_o this_o be_v the_o very_a attainment_n of_o piety_n when_o that_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n become_v also_o in_o a_o good_a sense_n customary_a and_o habitual_a and_o he_o that_o out_o of_o such_o a_o temper_n perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n constant_o and_o reverent_o give_v far_o great_a proof_n of_o sincere_a christianity_n than_o he_o that_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o do_v they_o with_o great_a heat_n and_o transport_v but_o needs_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o be_v jog_v and_o provoke_v to_o the_o performance_n six_o to_o all_o these_o i_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o it_o be_v very_o advisable_v though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o in_o these_o secret_a devotion_n a_o man_n shall_v where_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o privacy_n and_o without_o ostentation_n or_o such_o other_o impediment_n pray_v vocal_o and_o audible_o for_o although_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o observe_v all_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o affection_n before_o we_o express_v they_o and_o therefore_o need_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v interpret_v our_o mind_n to_o he_o by_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v employ_v all_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n we_o have_v in_o his_o service_n our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o lip_n as_o well_o as_o our_o heart_n beside_o though_o we_o can_v affect_v god_n with_o the_o tone_n and_o accent_n of_o our_o speech_n yet_o we_o often_o time_n affect_v our_o own_o heart_n the_o more_o and_o raise_v they_o a_o note_n high_o in_o concord_n with_o the_o elevation_n of_o our_o voice_n but_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v be_v this_o viz._n by_o the_o harmony_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o voice_n our_o heart_n be_v as_o it_o be_v charm_v into_o the_o great_a composure_n and_o intention_n upon_o that_o we_o be_v about_o and_o so_o whereas_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a complaint_n especial_o of_o melancholy_a and_o thoughtful_a person_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o rove_v and_o wander_v in_o these_o secret_a duty_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o mean_v we_o have_v it_o very_o much_o in_o our_o power_n to_o keep_v
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
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
neighbour_n and_o divide_v into_o party_n as_o man_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pride_n but_o of_o little_a wit_n for_o a_o great_a and_o generous_a mind_n will_v be_v easy_o able_a to_o animate_v such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o parish_n and_o render_v himself_o considerable_a in_o the_o whole_a without_o tear_v it_o in_o piece_n that_o he_o may_v lead_v a_o faction_n he_o detest_v and_o abhor_v all_o affect_a singularity_n though_o the_o instance_n of_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o unblameable_a so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a because_o he_o consider_v such_o thing_n first_o raise_v jealousy_n then_o provoke_v emulation_n and_o at_o last_o end_n in_o alienation_n of_o affection_n he_o endeavour_v that_o no_o new_a opinion_n in_o religion_n may_v be_v broach_v among_o the_o neighbourhood_n as_o know_v well_o there_o can_v be_v no_o new_a gospel_n or_o new_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o he_o have_v learn_v by_o experience_n that_o whilst_o man_n stand_v gaze_v after_o new_a light_n they_o make_v halt_v in_o the_o race_n of_o virtue_n and_o lose_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n without_o which_o they_o shall_v never_o come_v at_o heaven_n he_o endeavour_v therefore_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o ancient_a landmark_n both_o in_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a affair_n but_o if_o any_o dispute_n be_v raise_v he_o will_v present_o bring_v water_n to_o quench_v the_o fire_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o by_o discreet_a and_o temperate_a discourse_n incline_v both_o party_n to_o coolness_n and_o moderation_n by_o represent_v the_o littleness_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o unity_n and_o concord_n among_o neighbour_n and_o especial_o by_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n which_o will_v very_o short_o take_v away_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o disputant_n too_o 6._o six_o next_o to_o this_o and_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o his_o endeavour_n of_o make_v peace_n may_v be_v the_o more_o successful_a he_o will_v contrive_v to_o render_v his_o person_n acceptable_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v interpose_v in_o quarrel_n by_o make_v himself_o remarkable_a for_o all_o other_o office_n of_o charity_n and_o beneficence_n such_o as_o relieve_v of_o the_o poor_a to_o the_o very_a utmost_a of_o his_o ability_n and_o by_o sympathize_v with_o those_o he_o can_v help_v by_o visit_v the_o sick_a counsel_v the_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a comfort_v the_o disconsolate_a vindicate_v the_o injure_a rescue_v the_o oppress_a and_o take_v the_o part_n of_o the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a by_o all_o which_o and_o several_a other_o good_a office_n he_o will_v become_v a_o common_a father_n and_o friend_n to_o the_o whole_a neighbourhood_n most_o of_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v perform_v without_o much_o cost_n or_o trouble_v or_o if_o they_o be_v chargeable_a either_o way_n the_o expense_n will_v be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o delight_n that_o attend_v the_o discharge_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v common_o as_o comfortable_a in_o the_o do_n to_o those_o that_o undertake_v they_o as_o they_o be_v beneficial_a to_o those_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v undertake_v thus_o at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n a_o man_n become_v a_o benefactor_n and_o a_o blessing_n to_o the_o time_n and_o place_n where_o he_o live_v and_o beside_o do_v a_o singular_a service_n to_o god_n vindicate_v his_o providence_n in_o the_o inequal_a distribution_n of_o his_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o he_o render_v religion_n lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o he_o very_o effectual_o consult_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n give_v proof_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v because_o he_o love_v his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v 7._o seven_o and_o last_o and_o to_o speak_v summary_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a christian_n by_o all_o the_o mean_n he_o can_v devise_v to_o promote_v the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o his_o parish_n and_o neighbourhood_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v far_o more_o comfortable_a live_n among_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o prosperous_a condition_n as_o to_o their_o outward_a affair_n in_o regard_n that_o moderate_a prosperity_n sweeten_v man_n spirit_n and_o better_n their_o temper_n as_o much_o as_o pinch_a want_n and_o necessity_n sour_v and_o disorder_v they_o but_o also_o because_o general_o god_n be_v better_a love_v and_o serve_v by_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v cheerful_a and_o easy_a than_o by_o the_o querulous_a and_o unhappy_a in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o wealth_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o place_n where_o he_o dwell_v the_o good_a christian_a will_n in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v care_n to_o prevent_v the_o idleness_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n by_o bring_v in_o some_o manufacture_n or_o other_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o so_o all_o hand_n may_v be_v set_v on_o work_n in_o some_o honest_a way_n of_o live_v for_o idleness_n beside_o that_o it_o make_v a_o very_a ugly_a figure_n clothe_v the_o slothful_a person_n with_o rag_n it_o common_o incline_v people_n to_o be_v great_a eater_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o mind_v their_o belly_n and_o so_o they_o become_v a_o sort_n of_o caterpillar_n which_o devour_v other_o man_n labour_n it_o also_o tempt_v they_o by_o their_o necessity_n to_o pilfer_v cheat_n lie_v and_o steal_v and_o do_v any_o base_a action_n imaginable_a and_o moreover_o such_o people_n be_v general_o envious_a malicious_a busy_a body_n meddler_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v desperate_a in_o their_o fortune_n they_o be_v past_a fear_n and_o shame_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n honest_a industry_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n render_v people_n modest_a quiet_a governable_a cheerful_a good_a nature_a and_o public_a spirit_v in_o the_o next_o place_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o same_o end_n the_o pious_a parishioner_n will_v as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a prevent_v tipple_a and_o drunkenness_n among_o his_o neighbour_n which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o want_n among_o the_o inferior_a sort_n of_o people_n for_o this_o beastly_a way_n they_o will_v swill_v down_o present_o that_o which_o may_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o family_n beside_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o it_o lose_v their_o time_n soften_v and_o relax_n their_o nerve_n and_o make_v they_o impatient_a of_o labour_n it_o raise_v their_o passion_n and_o abate_v their_o discretion_n and_o so_o dispose_v they_o to_o be_v quarrelsome_a with_o their_o family_n when_o they_o come_v home_o and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o render_v they_o proud_a insolent_a and_o ungovernable_a furthermore_o the_o good_a man_n will_v endeavour_v if_o it_o be_v want_v and_o the_o place_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o to_o get_v a_o good_a school_n settle_v in_o the_o parish_n which_o beside_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o it_o for_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n do_v general_o enrich_v the_o place_n and_o be_v more_o beneficial_a than_o a_o manufacture_n for_o this_o afford_v some_o employment_n for_o those_o poor_a that_o be_v there_o already_o and_o make_v no_o more_o nor_o draw_v other_o such_o to_o the_o place_n as_o manufacture_n usual_o do_v and_o last_o to_o all_o this_o a_o good_a neighbour_n will_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v all_o vicious_a and_o incorrigible_a people_n to_o shame_n and_o punishment_n than_o which_o nothing_o conduce_v more_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n or_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o place_n there_o be_v notwithstanding_o some_o fond_a and_o incogitant_fw-la people_n who_o think_v this_o course_n quite_o contrary_a to_o good_a neighbourhood_n and_o look_v upon_o those_o as_o the_o best_a townsman_n that_o will_v connive_v at_o man_n vice_n and_o let_v every_o body_n do_v what_o they_o list_v but_o with_o their_o leave_n as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n towards_o such_o vicious_a person_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o provision_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o law_n have_v make_v for_o their_o amendment_n so_o he_o be_v the_o best_a christian_a that_o discriminate_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a townsman_n who_o will_v not_o permit_v virtue_n and_o industry_n to_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o impudence_n and_o impunity_n of_o some_o lewd_a person_n but_o so_o much_o for_o that_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v now_o treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o lesser_a moral_n and_o the_o peculiar_a instance_n of_o that_o which_o i_o call_v civil_a piety_n but_o if_o the_o good_a christian_a will_n as_o he_o ought_v take_v care_n of_o they_o he_o will_v do_v at_o least_o a_o collateral_a service_n to_o almighty_a god_n by_o be_v a_o benefactor_n to_o the_o world_n he_o will_v render_v the_o attendance_n upon_o religion_n more_o easy_a and_o make_v his_o own_o passage_n through_o the_o world_n towards_o heaven_n the_o more_o quiet_a and_o comfortable_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n aim_v at_o all_o along_o in_o these_o paper_n the_o end_n