man_n now_o this_o particular_a respect_n of_o prayer_n under_o which_o consider_v we_o usual_o name_v it_o intercession_n of_o what_o wholesome_a use_n be_v it_o to_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a community_n beside_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o each_o enjoy_v the_o fruit_n of_o one_o another_o prayer_n which_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n teach_v we_o to_o believe_v be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o effectual_a endearment_n of_o one_o another_o that_o we_o daily_o pray_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n each_o for_o the_o other_o good_a both_o as_o to_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o that_o consequent_o it_o must_v singular_o dispose_v to_o and_o enhance_v charity_n as_o that_o signify_v love_a one_o another_o of_o so_o great_a and_o various_a use_n and_o subserviency_n to_o virtue_n be_v even_o private_a prayer_n but_o we_o be_v also_o enjoin_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o office_n in_o public_a body_n or_o assembly_n which_o beside_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o promote_v charity_n and_o brotherly_n love_n so_o the_o office_n be_v thus_o make_v more_o solemn_a and_o august_a must_v needs_o have_v a_o strong_a influence_n in_o all_o the_o particular_a benefit_n mention_v or_o accrue_v by_o every_o part_n of_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n of_o prayer_n both_o private_a and_o public_a prayer_n we_o be_v enjoin_v often_o to_o repeat_v or_o frequent_v thereby_o all_o these_o holy_a disposition_n and_o affection_n be_v more_o deep_o imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o near_o commence_v settle_v and_o root_v habit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v virtue_n and_o both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a prayer_n we_o use_v word_n as_o well_o as_o thought_n to_o keep_v our_o mind_n more_o intent_n unto_o the_o office_n and_o its_o several_a part_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v the_o more_o ensure_v unto_o ourselves_o the_o several_a benefit_n for_o we_o find_v ourselves_o so_o accustom_v to_o utter_v our_o thought_n by_o word_n in_o other_o case_n that_o we_o can_v scarce_o in_o this_o or_o any_o at_o least_o in_o a_o long_a series_n form_v our_o thought_n except_o we_o also_o conceive_v in_o our_o mind_n word_n which_o for_o the_o main_n express_v they_o so_o that_o even_o the_o very_a word_n and_o external_a mode_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o without_o some_o contributive_a energy_n to_o the_o ingenerate_a virtue_n in_o we_o nor_o have_v therefore_o god_n be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o office_n of_o worship_n which_o we_o call_v prayer_n in_o any_o part_n respect_n or_o mode_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v by_o we_o perform_v albeit_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o hear_v or_o grant_v prayer_n on_o god_n hand_n which_o yet_o christianity_n assure_v we_o of_o sect._n 3_o another_o by_o we_o christian_n pretend_v and_o receive_v part_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o positive_a right_n be_v what_o we_o call_v the_o sacrament_n office_n which_o in_o their_o very_a essence_n have_v a_o relation_n after_o the_o nature_n seal_v to_o a_o certain_a pact_n or_o covenant_n suppose_v to_o be_v make_v between_o god_n and_o man_n do_v therefore_o import_v a_o mutual_a concernment_n of_o both_o but_o whatsoever_o concernment_n they_o do_v on_o either_o side_n import_n we_o say_v each_o either_o implant_v or_o oblige_v to_o and_o confirm_v virtue_n and_o consequent_o ensure_v man_n of_o happiness_n of_o sacrament_n in_o this_o notion_n there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o two_o of_o which_o the_o first_o viz._n baptism_n be_v a_o initiation_n of_o we_o into_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o administer_v or_o suppose_v to_o be_v administer_v upon_o our_o first_o strike_v the_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o renounce_v his_o &_o our_o soul_n suppose_v enemy_n on_o our_o part_n therefore_o it_o must_v lay_v a_o most_o solemn_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o abandon_v vice_n and_o practice_n virtue_n as_o be_v a_o sacred_a sign_n or_o rite_n by_o which_o we_o plight_v our_o troth_n and_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o that_o god_n who_o christianity_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o be_v baptize_v into_o their_o name_n that_o we_o be_v by_o baptism_n consecrate_v to_o their_o service_n and_o accept_v their_o law_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o vow_v testify_v by_o some_o external_a or_o visible_a sacred_a sign_n or_o pledge_n have_v a_o deep_a impression_n to_o retain_v the_o devote_n in_o fidelity_n than_o if_o they_o be_v simple_o receive_v in_o thought_n and_o the_o whole_a transaction_n pass_v not_o without_o the_o breast_n and_o in_o this_o office_n the_o particular_a rite_n we_o undergo_v in_o their_o very_a intent_n represent_v our_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n and_o with_o he_o rise_v again_o which_o two_o be_v by_o we_o engage_v unto_o and_o in_o the_o particular_a passage_n of_o our_o life_n reflect_v upon_o can_v but_o most_o natural_o quicken_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n by_o mind_v we_o that_o now_o we_o have_v a_o long_a time_n profess_v and_o protest_v to_o be_v as_o dead_a man_n to_o every_o vicious_a solicitation_n and_o as_o person_n vivify_v active_a and_o lively_o inspirited_a to_o every_o virtuous_a practice_n then_o as_o to_o god_n part_n herein_o we_o pretend_v that_o he_o by_o this_o sacrament_n make_v over_o unto_o the_o baptise_a the_o pardon_n of_o all_o past_a sin_n convey_v into_o the_o mind_n a_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a power_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o the_o person_n be_v enable_v if_o he_o will_v comply_v therewith_o to_o perform_v the_o fealty_n undertake_v and_o last_o seal_v unto_o the_o say_a person_n upon_o his_o continuance_n in_o this_o fealty_n the_o promise_n of_o a_o happy_a and_o everlasting_a reward_n which_o thing_n if_o they_o be_v true_a as_o christianity_n pretend_v and_o divine_a oracle_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o as_o baptism_n on_o our_o side_n oblige_v we_o to_o virtue_n so_o on_o god_n it_o ingenerate_v virtue_n in_o we_o or_o enable_v we_o to_o and_o confirm_v we_o in_o it_o withal_o ensure_v we_o of_o a_o most_o bless_a reward_n the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o which_o will_v be_v of_o force_n to_o bear_v up_o our_o mind_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o heroic_a courage_n constancy_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o christian_a duty_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o any_o virtue_n it_o may_v possible_o be_v acknowledge_v conceivable_a that_o baptism_n may_v have_v much_o of_o this_o efficacy_n if_o administer_v to_o adult_n and_o understand_a person_n who_o consider_v what_o they_o do_v and_o undertake_v but_o whereas_o ordinary_o among_o christian_n it_o be_v administer_v unto_o infant_n insensible_a of_o their_o vow_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v not_o so_o ready_o intelligible_a how_o it_o shall_v become_v such_o a_o sovereign_n expedient_a unto_o virtue_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o to_o baptize_v infant_n die_v in_o that_o their_o infant_n state_n i_o do_v not_o conceive_v myself_o bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n because_o i_o know_v not_o nor_o may_v any_o man_n define_v on_o what_o easy_a term_n god_n may_v receive_v they_o to_o bliss_n certain_o not_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o personal_a virtue_n of_o which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v see_v he_o have_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n provide_v that_o they_o be_v uncapable_a subject_n it_o be_v efficacy_n therefore_o as_o to_o these_o i_o leave_v as_o a_o more_o occult_a and_o unaccountable_a part_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o not_o doubt_v it_o as_o be_v able_a to_o believe_v that_o effect_n the_o manner_n of_o who_o be_v effect_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o as_o to_o person_n baptize_v while_n infant_n and_o after_o grow_v up_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o baptism_n may_v operate_v to_o virtue_n in_o such_o person_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o be_v capable_a subject_n of_o virtue_n that_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o what_o their_o baptism_n mean_v there_o be_v nothing_o imaginable_a which_o can_v hinder_v its_o efficacy_n upon_o they_o proportionable_o to_o their_o understanding_n and_o consideration_n which_o will_v not_o proportionable_o hinder_v the_o same_o in_o the_o adult_n person_n and_o it_o be_v as_o rational_a as_o pious_a to_o believe_v that_o many_o of_o those_o good_a affection_n and_o sweet_a disposition_n to_o virtue_n which_o appear_v in_o several_a baptize_v child_n grow_v up_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n or_o that_o supernatural_a power_n before_o say_v to_o be_v by_o god_n in_o baptism_n make_v over_o and_o secret_o convey_v into_o the_o baptize_v i_o may_v then_o conclude_v baptism_n although_o a_o office_n of_o positive_a worship_n yet_o to_o have_v be_v of_o most_o reasonable_a institution_n a_o mystery_n contrive_v by_o the_o
most_o reasonable_a and_o that_o we_o say_v hence_o appear_v that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v this_o natural_a ground_n that_o if_o perform_v and_o attend_v on_o as_o be_v by_o god_n enjoin_v that_o be_v with_o a_o inward_a devotion_n and_o good_a affection_n as_o well_o as_o with_o outward_a reverence_n and_o diligence_n they_o be_v most_o excellent_a mean_n to_o plant_v and_o confirm_v all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o their_o observer_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v see_v true_a by_o particular_a induction_n and_o examination_n of_o each_o sect._n 2_o first_o as_o to_o prayer_n this_o we_o teach_v or_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o office_n who_o general_a nature_n lie_v in_o a_o address_n of_o the_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n unto_o god_n of_o the_o body_n by_o utter_v meet_a word_n and_o pay_v a_o outward_a reverence_n suit_v with_o so_o solemn_a a_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o pious_a thought_n and_o affection_n with_o which_o the_o word_n utter_v be_v suppose_v to_o accord_n as_o suitable_a sign_n of_o they_o now_o this_o when_o god_n call_v upon_o we_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v frequent_a in_o we_o say_v he_o much_o consult_v our_o benefit_n and_o virtue_n for_o what_o more_o sovereign_a restraint_n from_o vice_n and_o incentive_a to_o virtue_n can_v be_v imagine_v than_o a_o deep_a impression_n awe_n and_o thoughtfullness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o more_o effectual_a to_o work_v this_o in_o we_o than_o a_o frequent_a acknowledgement_n both_o by_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o and_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o who_o solemn_o twice_o or_o thrice_o adays_o as_o according_a to_o our_o leisure_n scripture_n enjoin_v all_o christian_a people_n in_o strict_a duty_n to_o do_v call_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o almighty_a creator_n and_o lord_n as_o a_o alseeing_a and_o holy_a judge_n how_o shall_v he_o not_o fear_v before_o he_o a_o man_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o suspect_v disbelieve_v or_o slight_v the_o be_v nature_n or_o judgement_n of_o god_n who_o frequent_o so_o think_v of_o he_o as_o the_o first_o part_n or_o particular_a act_n of_o prayer_n consist_v in_o invocation_n and_o adoration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n lead_v we_o to_o do_v we_o proceed_v then_o if_o we_o use_v ourselves_o to_o the_o most_o regular_a method_n to_o confess_v our_o sin_n in_o which_o part_n we_o not_o only_o general_o enumerate_v their_o kind_n but_o sometime_o insist_v or_o reflect_v upon_o particular_a act_n not_o without_o consideration_n of_o those_o circumstance_n which_o render_v the_o sin_n more_o grievous_a and_o our_o self_n more_o vile_a guilty_a and_o brutish_a in_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o what_o more_o proper_a to_o ingenerate_v in_o we_o hatred_n of_o our_o most_o particular_a and_o bosom_n vice_n together_o with_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n against_o they_o that_o indignation_n against_o himself_o which_o a_o penitent_a confitent_fw-la narrow_o eye_v his_o own_o commission_n can_v but_o frequent_o amid_o his_o own_o confession_n conceive_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o bestiality_n sottishness_n or_o monstrous_a carelessness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v a_o great_a security_n against_o relapse_n and_o spur_n to_o contrary_a endeavour_n and_o improvement_n we_o then_o in_o prayer_n proceed_v common_o to_o petition_n by_o which_o we_o be_v suppose_v to_o crave_v sacred_a or_o secular_a good_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v we_o devout_o and_o frequent_o ask_v without_o some_o proficiency_n in_o virtue_n first_o if_o our_o petition_n sue_v for_o sacred_a benefit_n it_o may_v be_v presume_v we_o ask_v either_o what_o we_o call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n or_o pardon_v of_o our_o sin_n or_o final_o heaven_n if_o we_o ask_v with_o frequency_n and_o devotion_n any_o particular_a grace_n or_o grace_n such_o ask_v evident_o as_o a_o previous_a disposition_n introduce_v what_o be_v ask_v into_o the_o heart_n for_o grace_v as_o thereby_o we_o mean_v a_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a pious_a and_o good_a affection_n or_o temper_v thereof_o now_o what_o can_v be_v conceive_v more_o to_o dispose_v thereunto_o than_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v accustom_v himself_o serious_o and_o without_o dissimulation_n to_o desire_v it_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o habituate_n ourselves_o so_o to_o desire_n make_v we_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n what_o we_o desire_v again_o if_o we_o ask_v pardon_n be_v not_o this_o if_o serious_o as_o command_v do_v a_o engagement_n for_o the_o future_a against_o the_o like_a sin_n can_v we_o with_o any_o face_n crave_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o pardon_n of_o a_o sin_n and_o not_o resolve_v against_o it_o and_o can_v we_o iterate_v such_o resolution_n without_o at_o least_o some_o observation_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o same_o petition_n evident_o dispose_v to_o charity_n as_o thereby_o we_o mean_v forgive_a and_o put_v up_o injury_n especial_o if_o we_o remember_v the_o word_n or_o term_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a rule_n teach_v we_o to_o ask_v forgiveness_n viz._n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o and_o what_o man_n not_o of_o a_o harden_a face_n and_o heart_n can_v ask_v of_o his_o heavenly_a lord_n the_o remission_n of_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o run_v present_o and_o catch_v by_o the_o throat_n one_o of_o his_o fellow_n for_o a_o hundred_o penny_n last_o suppose_v we_o ask_v heaven_n complete_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n the_o frequent_a and_o devout_a crave_v it_o must_v needs_o make_v our_o mind_n much_o run_v upon_o it_o that_o be_v we_o shall_v hereby_o become_v heavenly_a mind_v desirous_a of_o a_o holy_a and_o immortal_a state_n careful_a to_o refer_v all_o our_o action_n to_o so_o excellent_a a_o end_n which_o be_v but_o in_o other_o word_n emulous_a of_o noble_a and_o heroic_a virtue_n and_o true_o ashamed_a of_o what_o may_v not_o become_v a_o candidate_n of_o so_o pure_a and_o blissful_a a_o world_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o ask_v common_a and_o temporal_a good_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v as_o christianity_n prescribe_v such_o suit_n be_v not_o without_o spiritual_a benefit_n for_o hereby_o we_o plain_o acknowledge_v our_o daily_a dependence_n upon_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o even_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o common_a subsistence_n and_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o we_o shall_v lay_v aside_o all_o pride_n and_o disdain_n of_o other_o by_o reason_n they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o portion_n of_o outward_a good_n as_o ourselves_o our_o very_o own_o petition_n daily_o mind_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o only_o make_v the_o difference_n the_o same_o consideration_n be_v apt_a also_o to_o habituate_v to_o patience_n if_o we_o want_v inasmuch_o as_o because_o ask_v they_o we_o either_o have_v they_o not_o or_o only_o a_o slender_a portion_n give_v we_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n that_o be_v it_o be_v for_o our_o good_a that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o it_o can_v but_o very_o direct_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o improvement_n i_o mean_v to_o a_o frugal_a yet_o grateful_a and_o liberal_a use_n of_o such_o good_a thing_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o ask_v again_o if_o we_o prodigal_o scatter_v or_o how_o shall_v we_o hope_v free_o to_o receive_v if_o we_o will_v not_o free_o give_v it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o be_v by_o any_o command_n of_o god_n matter_n of_o petition_n the_o ask_n of_o which_o have_v not_o much_o of_o conducement_n to_o virtue_n in_o it_o the_o last_o part_n of_o prayer_n though_o these_o part_n may_v be_v at_o pleasure_n transpose_v as_o the_o temper_n devotion_n or_o discretion_n of_o the_o worshipper_n direct_v be_v thanksgiving_n which_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o tribute_n of_o homage_n that_o if_o god_n have_v require_v mere_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n and_o as_o a_o debt_n we_o can_v not_o have_v grutched_a he_o evident_o tend_v to_o enkindle_v divine_a love_n and_o zeal_n of_o gratitude_n to_o that_o most_o openhanded_a benefactor_n who_o bounty_n to_o we_o we_o thereby_o acknowledge_v wherefore_o it_o must_v also_o in_o all_o likely_a hood_n beget_v new_a resolution_n of_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o and_o use_v and_o improve_v according_a as_o he_o have_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v his_o will_n every_o good_a thing_n which_o by_o our_o thanksgiving_n we_o own_v as_o receive_v from_o he_o that_o be_v all_o we_o have_v hitherto_o we_o have_v consider_v prayer_n as_o make_v only_o in_o our_o own_o behalf_n but_o divine_a oracle_n command_v we_o that_o we_o make_v also_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o for_o all_o
only_a mean_n of_o grace_n though_o therefore_o the_o sole_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v insufficient_a to_o ingenerate_a virtue_n yet_o when_o in_o conjunction_n with_o prayer_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o argue_v it_o of_o such_o insufficiency_n especial_o when_o even_o those_o scripture_n themselves_o teach_v we_o that_o where_o all_o these_o outward_a mean_n be_v vouchsafe_v that_o inward_a supernatural_a divine_a power_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n accompany_v if_o it_o be_v not_o withstand_v and_o by_o frequent_a quench_v final_o impede_v to_o work_v the_o excellent_a effect_n we_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v then_o notwithstanding_o this_o suggestion_n most_o reasonable_a necessary_a and_o available_a to_o virtue_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o hear_v and_o search_v scripture_n sect._n 5_o to_o those_o three_o office_n specify_v if_o any_o other_o so_o pure_o of_o positive_a nature_n may_v be_v add_v among_o what_o we_o christian_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o strictness_n obligatory_a to_o all_o i_o take_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v public_a confession_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o upon_o occasion_n the_o scripture_n do_v require_v it_o and_o the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n make_v it_o a_o daily_a part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n now_o as_o to_o it_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o oblige_v and_o incite_v to_o virtue_n as_o already_o declare_v then_o certain_o inasmuch_o as_o every_o close_a and_o frequent_a view_n of_o premise_n more_o intimate_o imprint_n their_o conclusion_n the_o solemn_a repetition_n and_o own_v those_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o draw_v out_o that_o their_o influence_n and_o make_v they_o more_o fresh_a and_o lively_o operative_a upon_o our_o mind_n to_o all_o virtue_n beside_o what_o a_o eternal_a obligation_n to_o perseverance_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o so_o to_o all_o virtue_n consequent_a from_o it_o that_o be_v certain_o all_o natural_a virtue_n whatsoever_o must_v this_o lay_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o have_v all_o so_o often_o before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n profess_v and_o avow_v our_o serious_a belief_n and_o adhaesion_n to_o these_o principle_n who_o can_v easy_o turn_v apostate_n from_o what_o he_o have_v so_o sacred_o and_o so_o frequent_o upon_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o all_o intelligent_a person_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n give_v full_a assent_n and_o consent_n unto_o plain_o then_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o particular_a view_n of_o all_o the_o office_n of_o positive_a worship_n which_o christian_n pretend_v to_o that_o beside_o the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n their_o conduciveness_n to_o virtue_n make_v they_o most_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a for_o a_o close_a then_o to_o this_o second_o part_n of_o our_o discourse_n inasmuch_o as_o these_o holy_a office_n speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v by_o all_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o therein_o more_o than_o once_o all_o of_o they_o except_o baptism_n often_o repeat_v nor_o do_v any_o one_o pay_v the_o worship_n he_o owe_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n we_o hold_v to_o if_o he_o once_o or_o seldom_o pray_v meditate_v hear_v communicate_v and_o confess_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v already_o evident_a every_o due_a iteration_n of_o each_o of_o they_o make_v deep_a impression_n of_o or_o towards_o virtue_n it_o be_v i_o have_v almost_o say_v beyond_o contradiction_n prove_v that_o who_o so_o addict_v himself_o to_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n that_o be_v be_v devout_a must_v thereby_o attain_v unto_o and_o grow_v in_o all_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a virtue_n and_o then_o let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o who_o cry_v up_o natural_a virtue_n as_o the_o only_a true_a or_o necessary_a worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n how_o they_o will_v approve_v themselves_o either_o friend_n to_o virtue_n which_o they_o pretend_v so_o much_o to_o admire_v or_o worshipper_n of_o god_n to_o who_o they_o will_v seem_v the_o only_a true_a and_o rational_a devote_v sure_o the_o imaginary_a honour_n which_o they_o think_v they_o thus_o give_v to_o virtue_n be_v but_o a_o very_a unproportionable_a recompense_n for_o that_o real_a damage_n which_o it_o must_v needs_o sustain_v by_o have_v all_o those_o office_n lift_v out_o which_o god_n appoint_v the_o church_n ever_o practise_v and_o by_o long_a practice_n find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o sovereign_a mean_n and_o preservative_n of_o virtue_n and_o without_o which_o it_o will_v present_o languish_v into_o a_o empty_a name_n have_v little_a footing_n or_o interest_n any_o where_o save_v only_o in_o man_n discourse_n and_o then_o as_o to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o see_v how_o they_o can_v approve_v themselves_o worshipper_n sect._n 3_o of_o he_o when_o they_o deny_v at_o least_o decry_v vilify_v and_o slight_v that_o worship_n which_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n contrive_v and_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n enact_v as_o most_o proper_a not_o only_o to_o express_v in_o a_o way_n acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v but_o to_o secure_v to_o we_o what_o only_o can_v constitute_v we_o happy_a holy_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o three_o general_a head_n §_o 1._o a_o positive_a worship_n certain_a from_o scripture_n and_o scripture_n certain_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n §_o 2._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o §_o 3._o before_o christ_n §_o 4._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n §_o 5._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o its_o progress_n and_o state_n since_o §_o 6._o a_o recapitulatory_a conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a sect._n 1_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o clear_v be_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o worship_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o positive_a nature_n and_o that_o all_o those_o office_n of_o such_o worship_n which_o christian_n observe_v be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o be_v observe_v because_o necessary_a as_o so_o many_o mean_n to_o the_o propagate_a virtue_n but_o though_o something_o have_v be_v say_v above_o on_o the_o refutative_a part_n to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o christian_a oracle_n from_o those_o imputation_n and_o exception_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o some_o in_o common_a against_o all_o divine_a revelation_n which_o in_o the_o end_n assert_v those_o office_n which_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o little_a or_o nothing_o hitherto_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o a_o probative_a way_n to_o evince_v either_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o those_o office_n from_o thence_o now_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o office_n can_v i_o presume_v be_v doubt_v admit_v the_o divine_a authority_n or_o truth_n of_o scripture_n or_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v we_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o evident_a from_o scripture_n as_o to_o each_o particular_a in_o another_o tract_n to_o devotion_n method_n for_o private_a devotion_n which_o this_o discourse_n refer_v and_o then_o general_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v question_v admit_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n among_o mankind_n as_o a_o true_a religion_n beside_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v suppose_v natural_a as_o we_o have_v above_o prove_v there_o be_v that_o religion_n must_v be_v the_o true_a one_o which_o the_o supreme_a god_n ordain_v so_o that_o to_o say_v the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n if_o therefore_o christian_a religion_n be_v ordain_v by_o god_n as_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n then_o must_v those_o oracle_n or_o record_n which_o do_v contain_v the_o particular_n or_o office_n whereof_o this_o religion_n be_v make_v up_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o supreme_a god_n enjoin_v to_o man_n which_o be_v all_o that_o at_o present_a we_o mean_v by_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v use_v the_o term_n of_o general_a truth_n to_o avoid_v what_o may_v be_v object_v touch_v various_a reading_n which_o if_o various_a and_o so_o various_a as_o we_o know_v they_o be_v in_o both_o testament_n some_o must_v be_v false_a but_o this_o as_o above_o say_v prejudices_fw-la not_o our_o cause_n so_o that_o in_o fine_a to_o say_v the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o say_v holy_a scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n or_o true_a in_o our_o sense_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o common_a do_v agree_v that_o scripture_n contain_v the_o essential_o and_o body_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v
which_o betray_v we_o to_o horrid_a neglect_n of_o this_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n have_v we_o not_o many_o time_n profess_v so_o much_o to_o god_n and_o that_o with_o so_o passionate_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o we_o have_v conceive_v no_o small_a indignation_n against_o ourselves_o for_o this_o our_o confess_a negligence_n can_v we_o therefore_o now_o allow_v more_o credit_n to_o a_o flight_n suggestion_n of_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n touch_v the_o needlessness_n of_o what_o we_o have_v not_o only_o find_v most_o beneficial_a but_o have_v be_v persuade_v to_o in_o our_o most_o serious_a thought_n than_o we_o do_v to_o those_o divine_a evidence_n which_o wrought_v in_o we_o those_o persuasion_n to_o our_o clear_a judgement_n of_o they_o nay_o to_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o former_a sense_n and_o will_v we_o be_v so_o greedy_a to_o believe_v the_o devil_n and_o to_o be_v deceive_v into_o what_o at_o another_o time_n we_o will_v call_v sin_n and_o destruction_n as_o for_o the_o fondness_n of_o that_o deceit_n to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o god_n our_o own_o conscience_n and_o experience_n and_o all_o this_o that_o we_o may_v only_o rescind_v our_o own_o confession_n and_o vow_n and_o practise_v that_o negligence_n which_o we_o have_v abhor_v and_o shall_v again_o abhor_v ourselves_o for_o let_v a_o man_n but_o weigh_v these_o thing_n serious_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o such_o consideration_n will_v set_v he_o beyond_o the_o hurt_n of_o this_o second_o diabolical_a stratagem_n against_o devotion_n sect._n 6_o beside_o these_o mention_a impediment_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o due_a devotion_n there_o be_v other_o lesser_a diversion_n which_o he_o give_v we_o in_o it_o to_o take_v we_o off_o it_o when_o engage_v therein_o and_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v those_o various_a and_o almost_o numberless_a extravagant_a thought_n which_o he_o cast_v at_o such_o time_n into_o our_o mind_n that_o all_o the_o ramble_n of_o thought_n in_o divine_a worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v at_o the_o devil_n door_n but_o many_o of_o they_o more_o just_o chargeable_a on_o the_o levity_n and_o unsetledness_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n be_v most_o certain_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v able_a to_o inject_v new_a thought_n into_o our_o mind_n and_o many_o time_n alter_v former_a so_o he_o be_v not_o want_v on_o this_o occasion_n to_o strain_v his_o chain_n to_o the_o last_o link_n and_o to_o distract_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o permission_n notwithstanding_o it_o will_v be_v more_o profitable_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v how_o we_o may_v remedy_v in_o general_a this_o evil_n of_o extravagant_a or_o sinful_a thought_n amid_o our_o devotion_n than_o curious_o examine_v whence_o they_o come_v sect_n 7_o and_o general_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o this_o evil_a be_v as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v it_o by_o take_v care_n we_o come_v always_o prepare_v and_o with_o as_o compose_v and_o settle_a mind_n as_o we_o can_v to_o worship_v god_n he_o need_v not_o a_o devil_n to_o divert_v his_o soul_n in_o holy_a duty_n who_o come_v fresh_a to_o they_o from_o worldly_a employment_n thought_n or_o discourse_n when_o a_o lady_n have_v be_v two_o or_o three_o hour_n a_o dress_n before_o she_o see_v her_o closet_n or_o come_v to_o the_o congregation_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o in_o her_o prayer_n she_o be_v often_o solicitous_a lest_o she_o discompose_v her_o face_n or_o attire_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o other_o who_o much_o busy_a themselves_o in_o any_o like_o unnecessary_a and_o for_o such_o time_n improper_a employment_n let_v this_o then_o be_v their_o care_n who_o will_v secure_v their_o mind_n against_o diabolical_a injection_n that_o before_o their_o apply_v themselves_o to_o divine_a worship_n they_o call_v home_o their_o thought_n and_o compose_v as_o they_o can_v their_o spirit_n that_o so_o their_o soul_n be_v attent_a to_o what_o they_o be_v about_o may_v be_v more_o uncapable_a for_o the_o enemy_n to_o fasten_v his_o design_n upon_o among_o the_o particular_a evil_a thought_n infest_v we_o in_o divine_a worship_n which_o we_o may_v more_o proper_o reckon_v cast_v into_o we_o by_o the_o devil_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v note_v that_o pride_n and_o conceitedness_n of_o our_o own_o performance_n which_o too_o often_o tickle_v we_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o holy_a duty_n and_o as_o dead_a fly_n do_v precious_a ointment_n taint_v the_o otherwise_o sweet_a savour_n of_o our_o devotion_n a_o evil_a to_o which_o we_o be_v then_o most_o subject_a when_o we_o have_v otherwise_o do_v best_o and_o shall_v most_o please_v heaven_n of_o which_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v both_o jealous_a and_o careful_a and_o for_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o first_o let_v we_o return_v a_o little_a back_n to_o our_o own_o confession_n and_o in_o they_o view_v the_o guilt_n and_o unworthiness_n by_o they_o charge_v on_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v there_o or_o in_o the_o register_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n find_v sin_n vast_o numerous_a and_o of_o very_o heinous_a nature_n which_o have_v run_v through_o every_o part_n of_o our_o life_n and_o vitiate_v every_o of_o our_o faculty_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o be_v all_o our_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n infirmity_n surreption_n or_o surprisal_n strike_v off_o the_o score_n and_o we_o only_o to_o account_v for_o presumptuous_a and_o more_o deliberate_a commission_n and_o omission_n our_o guilt_n for_o these_o sole_o be_v so_o great_a that_o consider_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o virtue_n which_o we_o have_v have_v we_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o divine_a vengeance_n have_v not_o make_v we_o example_n and_o beside_o act_n of_o sin_n what_o a_o number_n of_o dreadful_a evil_n now_o habitual_o root_v in_o we_o and_o very_o far_o from_o be_v mortify_v now_o be_v it_o possible_a person_n thus_o vicious_a can_v be_v conceit_v of_o their_o virtue_n if_o after_o this_o any_o titillation_n of_o self-conceit_n remain_v second_o let_v we_o weigh_v how_o unproportionable_a the_o excellency_n of_o our_o better_a act_n be_v to_o the_o heinousness_n of_o our_o bad_a one_o of_o our_o good_a deed_n as_o already_o say_v there_o be_v none_o pure_a none_o but_o what_o be_v miserable_o imperfect_a and_o of_o like_a nature_n be_v all_o our_o habitual_a excellency_n and_o virtue_n in_o a_o poor_a mean_a degree_n and_o rather_o inclination_n or_o disposition_n to_o virtue_n than_o habit_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a our_o sin_n most_o of_o they_o be_v so_o pure_o such_o that_o they_o scarce_o or_o not_o at_o all_o admit_v excuse_n and_o we_o ourselves_o be_v or_o have_v be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o as_o in_o nature_n so_o in_o number_n our_o vicious_a act_n exceed_v our_o good_a one_o to_o one_o tear_n drop_v for_o any_o sin_n we_o may_v reckon_v twenty_o sin_n commit_v and_o can_v a_o person_n clothe_v with_o such_o a_o body_n of_o guilt_n be_v proud_a of_o a_o rag_n or_o two_o of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n a_o rag_n i_o say_v for_o let_v that_o three_o be_v consider_v that_o even_o our_o best_a act_n be_v miserable_o taint_v and_o these_o especial_o which_o we_o be_v now_o apt_a to_o be_v conceit_v of_o by_o these_o very_a conceit_n become_v defile_v the_o better_a we_o think_v of_o they_o the_o worse_o they_o be_v and_o our_o opinion_n of_o they_o detract_v from_o their_o real_a worth_n shall_v we_o then_o so_o guilty_a wretch_n who_o virtue_n be_v so_o mean_a and_o few_o harbour_v those_o conceit_n which_o will_v further_o soil_v those_o our_o very_a virtue_n these_o thing_n due_o weigh_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v may_v repress_v this_o tumour_n and_o so_o the_o way_n be_v clear_a to_o remove_v all_o those_o impediment_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o may_v be_v think_v to_o proceed_v proper_o from_o the_o devil_n chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o impediment_n of_o divine_a worship_n from_o the_o world_n 1._o care_v and_o business_n §_o 2._o remedy_n herein_o §_o 3._o 2._o pleasure_n in_o general_n §_o 4._o a_o general_a remedy_n §_o 5._o pleasure_n particular_a first_o city_n pleasure_n 1._o company_n §_o 6._o remedy_n §_o 7._o a_o necessary_a caution_n in_o society_n touch_v evil_a communication_n §_o 8._o 2._o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o stage_n §_o 9_o the_o case_n of_o go_v to_o play_n determine_v §_o 10._o advise_v for_o remedy_n §_o 11._o of_o more_o private_a masque_n and_o ball_n §_o 12._o second_o country_n pleasure_n hunt_v §_o 13._o advice_n for_o remedy_n §_o 14._o hawk_v horseracing_a etc._n etc._n when_o immoderate_a §_o 15._o game_n too_o much_o though_o at_o home_n §_o 16._o remedy_n §_o 17._o intellectual_a pleasure_n