homage_n and_o attendance_n that_o have_v lay_v infinite_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o he_o that_o have_v consider_v and_o forecast_v all_o our_o circumstance_n business_n difficulty_n temptation_n and_o excuse_n he_o that_o observe_v our_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o himself_o he_o that_o can_v be_v deceive_v will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o be_v no_o accepter_n of_o person_n he_o i_o say_v have_v make_v no_o such_o exception_n or_o exemption_n in_o this_o great_a concern_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v mention_v without_o great_a unreasonableness_n nor_o rely_v upon_o without_o horrible_a danger_n if_o indeed_o eternity_n be_v the_o peculiar_a concern_v of_o a_o certain_a sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n only_o or_o if_o old_a man_n only_o die_v and_o none_o else_o or_o if_o rich_a man_n can_v be_v content_v that_o only_a poor_a man_n shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n than_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n may_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o devotion_n but_o otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o great_a absurdity_n that_o can_v be_v to_o hope_v for_o the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n what_o though_o old_a man_n must_v die_v yet_o will_v not_o young_a man_n quick_o come_v to_o be_v old_a man_n too_o at_o least_o if_o they_o do_v not_o die_v first_o and_o what_o if_o man_n of_o retire_a life_n have_v more_o leisure_n for_o devotion_n and_o more_o time_n to_o spend_v in_o it_o yet_o be_v any_o man_n so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o but_o that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v spare_v some_o time_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o eternity_n what_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o churchman_n have_v peculiar_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o necessity_n of_o practise_v it_o be_v common_a to_o other_o with_o themselves_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o it_o peculiar_a to_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o all_o it_o be_v true_a poor_a man_n and_o man_n in_o adversity_n be_v just_o accusable_a of_o intolerable_a sottishness_n if_o they_o who_o be_v frown_v upon_o by_o the_o world_n do_v not_o seek_v to_o repair_v their_o unhappiness_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o rich_a man_n and_o those_o in_o prosperity_n be_v as_o just_o to_o be_v upbraid_v with_o disingenuity_n and_o base_a ingratitude_n if_o they_o be_v not_o devout_a towards_o he_o that_o have_v deal_v so_o bountiful_o with_o they_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o calling_n or_o condition_n of_o man_n but_o under_o it_o they_o may_v if_o they_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o it_o very_o affectionate_o attend_v upon_o religion_n consistent_o enough_o with_o all_o other_o lawful_a business_n or_o occasion_n almighty_a wisdom_n have_v not_o so_o ill_o contrive_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o necessity_n that_o business_n shall_v supplant_v religion_n or_o religion_n entrench_v upon_o business_n nor_o if_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v be_v these_o two_o kind_a of_o affair_n so_o contrary_a or_o do_v devotion_n take_v up_o so_o much_o time_n or_o so_o much_o exhaust_v man_n spirit_n but_o with_o a_o good_a zeal_n and_o a_o little_a forecast_n both_o may_v be_v carry_v on_o together_o or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n will_v indeed_o weary_v our_o body_n or_o the_o secure_n of_o heaven_n will_v disorder_v and_o a_o little_a incommode_v our_o secular_a interest_n yet_o neither_o be_v life_n so_o certain_a nor_o the_o present_a world_n so_o considerable_a nor_o heaven_n so_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a a_o interest_n as_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o put_v himself_o to_o some_o trouble_n for_o the_o latter_a as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o former_a and_o as_o there_o want_v not_o reason_n for_o this_o course_n so_o neither_o be_v example_n want_v in_o this_o kind_n where_o man_n that_o may_v have_v make_v such_o excuse_n as_o aforesaid_a as_o just_o as_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o have_v notwithstanding_o quit_v and_o disdain_v they_o all_o and_o apply_v themselves_o remarkable_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o devotion_n for_o if_o riches_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o worldly_a care_n and_o business_n which_o usual_o attend_v they_o be_v a_o just_a excuse_n from_o attendance_n upon_o religion_n than_o job_n may_v have_v claim_v exemption_n who_o be_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o all_o the_o east_n and_o yet_o the_o devout_a too_o his_o thousand_o of_o sheep_n and_o ox_n and_o camel_n his_o abundance_n of_o servant_n his_o numerous_a family_n and_o the_o care_n of_o all_o these_o do_v not_o tempt_v he_o to_o the_o intermission_n of_o one_o day_n devotion_n if_o either_o the_o temptation_n and_o pleasure_n of_o youth_n or_o the_o voluptuousness_n of_o a_o court_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o example_n of_o profaneness_n or_o the_o care_n of_o a_o prime_a minister_n of_o state_n or_o the_o jealousy_n of_o a_o favourite_n can_v all_o together_o have_v amount_v to_o a_o just_a dispensation_n from_o the_o strictness_n of_o religion_n then_o daniel_n who_o be_v in_o all_o those_o circumstance_n may_v have_v plead_v it_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n may_v have_v retrencht_v his_o conscience_n and_o intermit_v his_o pray_v three_o time_n a_o day_n especial_o when_o he_o know_v his_o enemy_n watch_v advantage_n against_o he_o in_o this_o particular_a if_o the_o general_a licence_n of_o soldier_n the_o temptation_n such_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o necessity_n they_o often_o be_v press_v with_o or_o the_o sudden_a avocation_n they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o can_v make_v a_o tolerable_a apology_n for_o profaneness_n or_o a_o excuse_n for_o irreligion_n than_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o have_v be_v excuse_v from_o pray_v to_o god_n continual_o and_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n nay_o last_o if_o either_o the_o state_n and_o grandeur_n or_o the_o prerogative_n of_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n if_o the_o impunity_n of_o a_o king_n or_o the_o glory_n and_o affluence_n of_o a_o kingdom_n nay_o if_o either_o interest_n of_o state_n or_o weight_n of_o affair_n the_o care_n and_o policy_n of_o government_n have_v be_v all_o together_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o dispensation_n from_o the_o strict_a obligation_n of_o religion_n than_o david_n may_v have_v pretend_v to_o it_o in_o abatement_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o of_o his_o constant_a and_o ardent_a devotion_n but_o all_o these_o holy_a man_n consider_v that_o god_n be_v a_o great_a majesty_n not_o to_o be_v trifle_v with_o and_o a_o impartial_a judge_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n that_o eternity_n be_v of_o more_o consequence_n than_o the_o present_a life_n and_o heaven_n better_o than_o this_o world_n and_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v a_o eternal_a interest_n to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o management_n of_o temporal_a affair_n that_o contrariwise_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o effectual_a way_n to_o succeed_v in_o the_o latter_a as_o by_o a_o diligent_a prosecution_n of_o the_o former_a but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o inexcusableness_n of_o a_o total_a and_o final_a omission_n of_o it_o will_v notwithstanding_o make_v it_o to_o be_v only_o the_o business_n of_o old_a age_n or_o a_o sickbed_n these_o although_o by_o the_o folly_n and_o sloth_n of_o man_n they_o have_v too_o many_o follower_n in_o their_o opinion_n yet_o certain_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o inexcusable_a of_o all_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v such_o a_o hypothesis_n passable_a with_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o must_v not_o only_o suppose_v several_a very_o uncertain_a thing_n which_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v have_v the_o confidence_n or_o rather_o madness_n to_o presume_v upon_o but_o the_o very_a supposition_n itself_o imply_v divers_a other_o thing_n so_o base_a and_o disingenuous_a as_o no_o good_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o first_o they_o make_v very_o bold_a and_o desperate_a supposition_n as_o for_o example_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o old_a age_n and_o die_v by_o a_o leisurely_o and_o linger_a sickness_n that_o god_n will_v then_o accept_v of_o man_n return_n and_o repentance_n who_o never_o stop_v in_o their_o career_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n till_o death_n arrest_v they_o that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o repentance_n what_o time_n they_o prefix_v to_o he_o or_o that_o they_o can_v repent_v when_o they_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o most_o weighty_a affair_n when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n and_o the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o business_n can_v be_v transact_v when_o their_o strength_n and_o spirit_n be_v exhaust_v and_o to_o say_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
do_v not_o consider_v what_o satisfaction_n in_o these_o matter_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o afford_v or_o for_o man_n to_o require_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o the_o great_a god_n shall_v gratify_v the_o humour_n and_o curiosity_n of_o his_o creature_n nor_o that_o they_o shall_v peremptory_o prescribe_v to_o he_o it_o be_v fit_a indeed_o for_o his_o goodness_n to_o give_v we_o assurance_n in_o these_o important_a affair_n but_o he_o think_v good_a to_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n and_o we_o will_v have_v our_o sense_n convince_v which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v we_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n but_o our_o own_o eye_n second_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v what_o evidence_n the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n will_v admit_v of_o that_o require_v such_o inducement_n as_o may_v encourage_v good_a and_o discourage_v evil_a such_o as_o may_v provoke_v we_o to_o choose_v the_o one_o and_o to_o avoid_v the_o other_o not_o such_o as_o will_v over_o bear_v our_o choice_n and_o necessary_o determine_v we_o religion_n require_v such_o argument_n as_o may_v improve_v humane_a nature_n not_o supersede_n or_o destroy_v it_o and_o it_o be_v best_o promote_v by_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o wherein_o a_o man_n conflict_n with_o some_o difficulty_n exercise_n self-denial_n modesty_n humility_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n it_o consist_v in_o a_o prudent_a estimate_n of_o all_o circumstance_n a_o discretion_n and_o judgement_n to_o value_v thing_n in_o reversion_n and_o be_v worth_a nothing_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o ingredient_n in_o it_o as_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o a_o virtuous_a choice_n all_o which_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o present_a or_o expose_v to_o our_o sense_n three_o nor_o do_v the_o man_n that_o talk_v at_o this_o rate_n so_o much_o as_o understand_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o heart_n so_o well_o as_o to_o know_v what_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prevail_v with_o they_o they_o fancy_n if_o they_o have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o be_v spectator_n of_o a_o miracle_n actual_o wrought_v it_o will_v unquestionable_o lead_v they_o to_o assent_v and_o yet_o we_o see_v those_o that_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o abundance_n of_o such_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o they_o imagine_v that_o if_o they_o have_v see_v the_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v incredulous_a yet_o there_o be_v multitude_n that_o all_o those_o thing_n wrought_v nothing_o upon_o and_o assure_o as_o abraham_n tell_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o last_o mention_v passage_n of_o st._n luke_n if_o man_n hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i._n e._n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v upon_o such_o satisfaction_n as_o god_n give_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o believe_v upon_o such_o other_o as_o their_o curiosity_n or_o capricious_a humour_n demand_n no_o not_o if_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o same_o unwillingness_n which_o be_v in_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o evidence_n which_o they_o have_v will_v follow_v they_o still_o and_o the_o same_o captious_a temper_n will_v except_v against_o their_o own_o demand_n and_o find_v evasion_n if_o their_o very_a eye_n be_v gratify_v for_o faith_n can_v be_v extort_a from_o man_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n make_v he_o believe_v that_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o it_o last_o nor_o do_v they_o understand_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o these_o inducement_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o we_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o principal_o consider_v in_o this_o place_n if_o indeed_o the_o object_n of_o these_o passion_n or_o the_o thing_n expect_v in_o another_o world_n be_v mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a there_o be_v then_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o great_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o despise_v a_o present_a world_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o heaven_n or_o suppose_v the_o object_n as_o great_a as_o we_o can_v if_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v childish_a and_o vain_a i._n e._n our_o fear_n be_v panic_n and_o unaccountable_a and_o our_o hope_n mere_a sanguine_a dream_n and_o romantic_a fancy_n than_o it_o be_v just_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o if_o almighty_a god_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o religion_n he_o shall_v give_v we_o better_o evidence_n but_o if_o both_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v fear_v or_o expect_v in_o another_o world_n be_v vast_o great_a and_o concern_v if_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v real_a and_o also_o the_o evidence_n or_o assurance_n of_o their_o reality_n be_v reasonable_a too_o than_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o madness_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o they_o by_o neglect_n of_o religion_n while_o we_o fond_o cavil_v to_o have_v our_o humour_n satisfy_v now_o that_o these_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o indeed_o as_o well_o ground_v as_o hope_n and_o fear_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v i_o have_v show_v already_o forasmuch_o as_o if_o there_o be_v more_o evidence_n than_o there_o be_v they_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v hope_n and_o fear_n and_o will_v be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o sense_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n thus_o hope_v for_o and_o fear_v or_o expect_v be_v of_o so_o unspeakable_a moment_n as_o that_o if_o the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v less_o than_o it_o be_v it_o will_v be_v all_o the_o wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o they_o will_v easy_o appear_v by_o this_o short_a and_o faint_a representation_n that_o which_o good_a man_n hope_v for_o and_o that_o which_o god_n almighty_a promise_n they_o in_o the_o other_o world_n be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o be_v raise_v up_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o any_o pain_n sickness_n want_n or_o infirmity_n of_o body_n with_o mind_n secure_a from_o danger_n free_a from_o temptation_n void_a of_o care_n incapable_a of_o fear_n error_n or_o disorder_n together_o with_o serenity_n of_o spirit_n peace_n of_o conscience_n unspeakable_a joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o in_o the_o society_n of_o glorious_a angel_n and_o good_a man_n make_v perfect_a where_o also_o they_o shall_v partake_v of_o a_o felicity_n as_o great_a as_o divine_a goodness_n can_v design_n as_o his_o wisdom_n can_v contrive_v and_o his_o power_n effect_n for_o their_o entertainment_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o which_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v wicked_a man_n ground_n to_o expect_v and_o fear_v be_v that_o they_o also_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o again_o from_o the_o grave_a and_o then_o be_v expose_v open_o before_o all_o the_o world_n their_o hypocrisy_n lewdness_n folly_n and_o ingratitude_n be_v prove_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o thereupon_o be_v condemn_v to_o utter_v darkness_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o abandon_v of_o god_n and_o good_a man_n and_o to_o become_v the_o company_n indeed_o but_o the_o sport_n and_o triumph_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n who_o shall_v make_v they_o the_o subject_n of_o their_o malice_n and_o tyranny_n and_o there_o live_v under_o the_o perpetual_a anguish_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o short_a full_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o almighty_a which_o like_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n shall_v prey_v upon_o they_o and_o burn_v they_o without_o remedy_n or_o remission_n of_o torment_n who_o now_o can_v doubt_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o incline_v they_o to_o religion_n for_o can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o manly_a discretion_n as_o to_o despise_v such_o a_o happiness_n as_o be_v promise_v to_o good_a man_n or_o so_o destitute_a of_o all_o sense_n as_o to_o be_v content_a to_o dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n which_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o wicked_a man_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o felix_n a_o loose_a and_o debauch_a man_n tremble_v when_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o he_o of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v act_v 24._o 25._o and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a and_o prodigious_a fool-hardiness_n if_o any_o man_n that_o live_v without_o regard_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n happen_v to_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v a_o convulsion_n within_o himself_o like_o that_o of_o belshazzar_n dan._n 5._o 6._o when_o he_o see_v the_o finger_n of_o a_o hand_n write_v upon_o the_o wall_n against_o he_o of_o who_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o thereupon_o his_o countenance_n be_v change_v his_o thought_n trouble_v he_o the_o joint_n of_o his_o loin_n be_v loose_v and_o his_o knee_n smite_v
one_o against_o the_o other_o for_o certain_o the_o least_o impression_n which_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v make_v upon_o a_o man_n be_v to_o render_v sin_n very_o uneasy_a to_o he_o and_o to_o spoil_v his_o great_a jollity_n forasmuch_o as_o every_o time_n he_o know_o or_o wilful_o commit_v it_o he_o not_o only_a judge_n himself_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n but_o defy_v god_n almighty_a and_o treasure_n up_o against_o himself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o reflection_n on_o this_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o prospect_n of_o death_n very_o terrible_a to_o he_o when_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v into_o plea_n and_o when_o what_o before_o be_v only_o fear_v must_v now_o be_v feel_v and_o undergo_v and_o without_o a_o perpetual_a debauch_n it_o will_v be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o avoid_v think_v of_o this_o unpleasant_a subject_n since_o while_o he_o have_v his_o sense_n about_o he_o he_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n how_o daily_o that_o unacceptable_a guest_n make_v his_o approach_n towards_o he_o and_o if_o death_n be_v terrible_a to_o a_o man_n it_o be_v certain_a thenceforward_o life_n can_v be_v very_o comfortable_a for_o every_o accident_n will_v discompose_v he_o every_o disease_n be_v dread_v by_o he_o as_o the_o harbinger_n of_o that_o king_n of_o terror_n his_o spirit_n be_v convulse_v his_o joy_n be_v blast_v his_o diversion_n afford_v he_o no_o relief_n he_o see_v reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o every_o thing_n and_o be_v tempt_v base_o to_o flatter_v and_o humour_v every_o man_n because_o every_o body_n have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o bring_v upon_o he_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o calamity_n that_o be_v to_o kill_v he_o against_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o protection_n no_o sanctuary_n but_o in_o religion_n if_o the_o sinner_n flee_v not_o to_o that_o he_o perish_v and_o which_o be_v worse_o feel_v himself_o torment_v before_o the_o time_n this_o therefore_o he_o be_v mighty_o press_v to_o do_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o another_o world_n and_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o fear_n even_o of_o hell_n itself_o to_o make_v a_o man_n generous_o good_a because_o it_o only_o cramp_v his_o power_n and_o be_v not_o a_o principle_n of_o action_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o caution_n and_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v to_o will_v make_v he_o less_o evil_a wherein_o the_o first_o work_n of_o religion_n namely_o reformation_n begin_v and_o then_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v hope_n also_o in_o the_o other_o scale_n it_o may_v happy_o not_o end_v there_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o the_o law_n which_o be_v a_o ministry_n of_o fear_n and_o death_n make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v by_o the_o which_o we_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n hebr._n 7._o 19_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o unspeakable_a felicity_n and_o glory_n which_o as_o i_o show_v before_o do_v await_v all_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n forget_v flesh_n and_o infirmity_n to_o despise_v danger_n and_o difficulty_n and_o to_o raise_v he_o above_o himself_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o those_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n do_v make_v a_o man_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n for_o great_a hope_n raise_v brave_a spirit_n and_o effect_v wonder_n the_o mere_a persuasion_n that_o i_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v of_o mighty_a efficacy_n to_o make_v i_o value_v myself_o more_o than_o to_o think_v myself_o make_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o drown_v this_o divine_a particle_n in_o drink_n and_o debauch_n nor_o exert_v it_o only_o in_o folly_n and_o buffoonery_n but_o will_v prompt_v i_o to_o cultivate_v this_o immortal_a part_n to_o furnish_v it_o with_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v it_o the_o better_a in_o another_o world_n to_o subdue_v my_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o i_o may_v learn_v betimes_o to_o live_v like_o a_o angel_n and_o to_o castigate_v my_o anger_n and_o wrath_n and_o fury_n and_o malice_n those_o unsociable_a vice_n that_o i_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o that_o peaceable_a conversation_n and_o everlasting_a friendship_n in_o heaven_n the_o thought_n of_o live_v for_o ever_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o present_a life_n but_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o banish_v all_o servile_a fear_n to_o defy_v danger_n to_o flatter_v no_o body_n folly_n to_o comply_v with_o no_o body_n vice_n but_o to_o dare_v to_o be_v good_a in_o spite_n of_o a_o evil_a age_n and_o bad_a example_n for_o what_o shall_v cow_n he_o that_o have_v this_o armour_n of_o proof_n and_o be_v every_o way_n invulnerable_a the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o inestimable_a good_a thing_n lay_v up_o for_o good_a man_n in_o heaven_n be_v not_o only_o able_a to_o restrain_v sensuality_n rapine_n injustice_n treachery_n but_o to_o make_v self-denial_n very_o easy_a and_o to_o place_v a_o man_n so_o high_a above_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v only_o look_v down_o upon_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n and_o upon_o the_o man_n that_o dote_v upon_o they_o with_o wonder_n and_o pity_n he_o that_o have_v hope_n give_v he_o of_o see_v and_o enjoy_v the_o bless_a jesus_n in_o heaven_n will_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n s_o john_n 1_o epist_n 3._o 3._o find_v himself_o powerful_o oblige_v to_o purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o must_v needs_o find_v great_a inducement_n to_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o according_o chap._n v._o what_o particular_a religion_n we_o shall_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o have_v in_o the_o premise_n discover_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n wisdom_n and_o interest_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o we_o now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v what_o mode_n or_o profession_n of_o religion_n in_o special_a he_o ought_v to_o apply_v himself_o to_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o the_o general_a and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v do_v because_o some_o man_n make_v the_o variety_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n a_o argument_n against_o they_o all_o and_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o form_n of_o it_o that_o they_o can_v easy_o resolve_v which_o to_o addict_v themselves_o to_o these_o man_n as_o they_o think_v very_o wise_o pitch_n upon_o none_o but_o fair_o stand_v neuter_n now_o for_o prevention_n of_o this_o mischief_n as_o well_o as_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o great_a question_n before_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o impious_a but_o a_o very_a foolish_a and_o frantic_a resolution_n to_o stand_v off_o from_o all_o religion_n upon_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v difference_n and_o dispute_n about_o it_o for_o 1._o man_n will_v not_o be_v content_a to_o go_v by_o that_o rule_n in_o other_o case_n no_o man_n will_v conclude_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la or_o right_a and_o wrong_n in_o their_o civil_a interest_n because_o they_o observe_v lawyer_n to_o wrangle_v at_o the_o bar_n or_o to_o give_v different_a opinion_n in_o particular_a case_n nor_o because_o physician_n often_o disagree_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o disease_n will_v any_o discreet_a man_n refuse_v their_o assistance_n and_o resolve_v to_o let_v his_o disease_n take_v its_o course_n this_o objection_n therefore_o of_o sceptical_a man_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a pretence_n make_v use_v of_o to_o countenance_v their_o aversation_n to_o religion_n and_o not_o a_o real_a maxim_n of_o reason_n with_o they_o 2._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v foolish_o or_o malicious_o represent_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o little_a or_o nothing_o in_o dispute_n but_o be_v confess_v and_o agree_v in_o by_o all_o or_o if_o there_o be_v some_o point_n of_o moment_n dispute_v they_o be_v general_o such_o as_o be_v speculative_a not_o matter_n of_o practice_n for_o who_o dispute_v whether_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v whether_o a_o man_n shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o all_o discreet_a and_o well_o dispose_v man_n agree_v let_v the_o sceptical_a person_n therefore_o agree_v to_o these_o too_o and_o practice_v they_o or_o else_o let_v he_o be_v so_o ingenuous_a as_o to_o
save_v or_o otherwise_o i_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o then_o all_o be_v plain_a before_o i_o for_o in_o this_o case_n i_o have_v nothing_o further_a to_o do_v but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n afford_v i_o and_o to_o look_v into_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o my_o evidence_n of_o heaven_n thus_o as_o the_o wise_a persian_a who_o soon_o find_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v upon_o the_o horizon_n by_o turn_v himself_o towards_o the_o western_a hill_n than_o he_o that_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o east_n expect_v to_o see_v the_o sun_n itself_o so_o we_o shall_v soon_o find_v the_o beam_n of_o divine_a favour_n in_o the_o reverse_n and_o reflection_n of_o they_o upon_o our_o own_o soul_n than_o by_o a_o presumptuous_a pry_n into_o his_o secret_a purpose_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o truth_n will_v engage_v man_n in_o all_o care_n and_o caution_n in_o all_o diligence_n and_o humility_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n till_o they_o gradual_o improve_v into_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n here_o and_o to_o assurance_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o and_o this_o be_v the_o course_n which_o the_o apostle_n lead_v we_o to_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v his_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his_o and_o let_v he_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n know_v from_o eternity_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o save_v and_o all_o such_o shall_v eventual_o be_v save_v and_o none_o else_o but_o our_o hope_n and_o comfort_n can_v be_v build_v upon_o unknown_a principle_n such_o as_o only_o be_v record_v in_o heaven_n but_o upon_o the_o counterpart_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n or_o a_o conformity_n to_o those_o condition_n which_o god_n have_v express_v in_o his_o gospel_n as_o a_o copy_n from_o the_o original_a keep_v in_o his_o own_o bosom_n 2._o the_o next_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v be_v concern_v the_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n when_o man_n unreasonable_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v all_o for_o they_o in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o salvation_n without_o their_o own_o endeavour_n upon_o pretence_n that_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o go_v about_o it_o our_o part_n be_v only_o to_o wait_v god_n time_n of_o work_v and_o when_o his_o holy_a spirit_n move_v the_o business_n will_v be_v do_v without_o more_o ado_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o our_o diligence_n be_v discharge_v as_o impertinent_a and_o even_o our_o prayer_n too_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o for_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n if_o ever_o man_n come_v to_o heaven_n they_o must_v be_v drag_v thither_o by_o omnipotency_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o mahumet_n expect_v to_o be_v by_o the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n now_o though_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v forasmuch_o as_o he_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o magnify_v grace_n enough_o nor_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n without_o make_v machine_n of_o ourselves_o and_o nonsense_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o sure_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o god_n need_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v tell_v a_o lie_n for_o he_o nor_o will_v have_v we_o slander_v his_o creation_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o regeneration_n since_o he_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o man_n when_o he_o make_v a_o christian_n so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o as_o i_o have_v note_v before_o he_o charge_v we_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o to_o use_v all_o our_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a which_o plain_o imply_v that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o supersede_n our_o power_n when_o he_o repair_v our_o nature_n and_o that_o although_o he_o make_v we_o without_o our_o own_o activity_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o save_v we_o without_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n always_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o god_n work_v good_a in_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v by_o exciting_a our_o spirit_n by_o assist_v and_o strengthen_v our_o faculty_n and_o by_o cooperate_n with_o we_o not_o by_o over-bearing_a our_o capacity_n and_o do_v all_o for_o we_o without_o we_o insomuch_o that_o that_o man_n who_o dream_v of_o be_v carry_v to_o heaven_n by_o omnipotency_n without_o his_o own_o concurrence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o encouragement_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o hope_v that_o ever_o he_o shall_v come_v there_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a he_o shall_v never_o see_v that_o happy_a estate_n unless_o it_o please_v the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o make_v he_o so_o early_o sensible_a of_o this_o fatal_a error_n that_o he_o may_v timely_o repent_v and_o pursue_v the_o right_a way_n thither_o for_o he_o that_o expect_v to_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o miracle_n it_o will_v be_v a_o miracle_n indeed_o if_o he_o come_v thither_o and_o this_o fond_a opinion_n be_v as_o mischievous_a as_o it_o be_v unscriptural_a not_o only_o as_o it_o apparent_o deprive_v a_o man_n of_o all_o the_o comfortable_a reflection_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n upon_o whatsoever_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o have_v obtain_v forasmuch_o as_o it_o equal_v the_o condition_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o slothful_a epicure_n with_o that_o of_o the_o most_o generous_a and_o industrious_a but_o especial_o as_o it_o dispose_v man_n to_o slight_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o god_n church_n and_o that_o upon_o good_a reason_n for_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a they_o be_v all_o insignificant_a and_o collusory_a it_o also_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n and_o that_o without_o regret_n or_o remorse_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o can_v help_v it_o and_o in_o short_a it_o perfect_o betray_v they_o to_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o devil_n make_v way_n for_o whatsoever_o temptation_n he_o will_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v resistance_n be_v bind_v by_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o to_o save_v himself_o useless_a trouble_n to_o strike_v sail_n and_o surrender_v upon_o the_o first_o assault_n or_o summons_n 3._o a_o three_o dangerous_a opinion_n which_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v caution_v against_o be_v a_o mistake_a notion_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n this_o at_o first_o mention_n of_o it_o may_v seem_v of_o kin_n to_o that_o which_o i_o last_o speak_v of_o but_o as_o i_o intend_v it_o it_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n viz._n when_o man_n do_v not_o altogether_o discourage_v their_o own_o endeavour_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o natural_a impotency_n in_o general_n but_o yet_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o some_o certain_a sin_n in_o particular_a be_v so_o necessary_a to_o they_o and_o unavoidable_a that_o god_n will_v allow_v of_o they_o under_o the_o favourable_a notion_n of_o infirmity_n and_o pardon_v they_o without_o repentance_n it_o be_v very_o true_a there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o pitiable_a infirmity_n which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v be_v altogether_o free_a from_o and_o which_o infinite_a goodness_n therefore_o so_o far_o consider_v as_o to_o make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o wilful_a or_o presumptuous_a sin_n pardon_v the_o former_a upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n whereas_o he_o require_v a_o very_a particular_a repentance_n for_o and_o reformation_n of_o the_o latter_a but_o the_o mischief_n which_o i_o seek_v here_o to_o prevent_v be_v when_o man_n cheat_v themselves_o into_o a_o persuasion_n that_o some_o voluntary_a sin_n or_o other_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o must_v come_v under_o this_o estimate_n of_o infirmity_n and_o consequent_o need_n neither_o be_v repent_v of_o nor_o forsake_v from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o ordinary_o the_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v most_o customary_a and_o habitual_a to_o they_o because_o it_o easy_o beset_v they_o and_o they_o find_v it_o not_o easy_a or_o pleasant_a to_o they_o to_o forgo_v it_o be_v therefore_o encourage_v under_o the_o favourable_a name_n of_o infirmity_n for_o thus_o they_o say_v every_o man_n have_v his_o infirmity_n and_o this_o be_v i_o and_o so_o the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o as_o if_o a_o pardon_n of_o course_n be_v due_a to_o it_o without_o the_o solemnity_n of_o reformation_n they_o will_v allow_v such_o
hinder_v he_o in_o devotion_n but_o will_v rather_o consider_v his_o own_o strength_n viz._n how_o much_o care_n and_o labour_n he_o can_v undergo_v without_o depression_n of_o his_o spirit_n or_o debase_v his_o mind_n and_o will_v weigh_v the_o danger_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o pleasure_n and_o all_o urement_n of_o riches_n this_o will_v also_o incline_v he_o prudent_o to_o methodize_v his_o affair_n and_o to_o put_v that_o business_n which_o seem_v necessary_a into_o the_o best_a order_n that_o so_o it_o may_v take_v its_o due_a place_n in_o subordination_n to_o his_o great_a concern_v and_o not_o supplant_v or_o interfere_v with_o they_o to_o which_o purpose_n also_o if_o he_o have_v any_o considerable_a matter_n to_o dispose_v of_o he_o will_v think_v it_o convenient_a to_o set_v his_o house_n in_o order_n as_o well_o as_o his_o business_n and_o have_v always_o his_o will_n make_v not_o only_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o effectual_o admonish_v of_o his_o mortality_n and_o be_v provide_v against_o the_o surprisal_n of_o death_n but_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o may_v have_v the_o less_o solicitude_n upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o may_v the_o more_o single_o and_o undistract_o apply_v himself_o to_o his_o main_a business_n and_o then_o 4._o in_o the_o four_o place_n let_v he_o attend_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o syrach_n ecclus._n 2._o 1._o my_o son_n if_o thou_o come_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n prepare_v thy_o soul_n for_o temptation_n that_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v whensoever_o thou_o undertake_v a_o course_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o imagine_v thou_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v it_o without_o sweat_n and_o difficulty_n or_o so_o secure_a as_o to_o think_v of_o obtain_v the_o crown_n without_o a_o conflict_n but_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o temptation_n of_o several_a kind_n and_o arm_v thyself_o according_o especial_o in_o thy_o first_o entrance_n on_o such_o a_o course_n thou_o must_v look_v for_o the_o sharp_a encounter_n for_o thy_o enemy_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o vanquish_v as_o defy_v nor_o be_v they_o either_o so_o fair_a and_o civil_a as_o to_o give_v thou_o scope_n to_o harden_v and_o fortify_v thyself_o in_o thy_o enterprise_n or_o so_o imprudent_a as_o to_o slip_v the_o opportunity_n of_o thy_o weakness_n and_o security_n together_o beginning_n in_o all_o such_o case_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a hazard_n and_o difficulty_n the_o devil_n rage_v most_o at_o first_o out_o of_o indignation_n to_o suffer_v the_o prey_n to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n whereas_o when_o he_o be_v past_a hope_n of_o recover_v it_o he_o have_v more_o wit_n than_o to_o labour_n in_o vain_a and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o trouble_v himself_o to_o tempt_v when_o he_o see_v no_o likelihood_n of_o success_n but_o he_o be_v more_o resolute_a than_o quick_o to_o despair_v or_o give_v over_o his_o siege_n upon_o the_o first_o denial_n of_o his_o summons_n no_o he_o will_v storm_v and_o batter_v thou_o night_n and_o day_n and_o cast_v in_o all_o his_o bomb_n and_o fiery_a dart_n to_o affright_v and_o compel_v thou_o to_o a_o surrender_n and_o for_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o first_o check_n which_o be_v give_v to_o sensual_a inclination_n be_v harsh_a and_o go_v most_o against_o the_o grain_n because_o they_o have_v use_v to_o take_v their_o full_a scope_n and_o swinge_n indeed_o when_o a_o man_n have_v accustom_v they_o to_o denial_n in_o their_o importunity_n they_o by_o degree_n and_o in_o time_n grow_v tame_a and_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o reason_n as_o fire_n be_v extinguish_v by_o be_v suppress_v or_o as_o a_o violent_a torrent_n that_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o new_a channel_n and_o restrain_v its_o ancient_a course_n at_o first_o rage_n and_o foam_n and_o swell_v against_o those_o new_a bank_n though_o at_o length_n it_o cease_v its_o tumult_n and_o run_v along_o quiet_o within_o its_o boundary_n it_o be_v not_o one_o overthrow_n will_v dishearten_v the_o old_a man_n he_o must_v be_v baffle_v and_o vanquish_v over_o and_o over_o before_o he_o will_v cease_v to_o rebel_v nor_o must_v you_o think_v to_o find_v virtue_n easy_a till_o you_o have_v accustom_v yourself_o to_o it_o for_o nothing_o but_o custom_n can_v entire_o subdue_v custom_n wherefore_o till_o that_o be_v introduce_v you_o must_v never_o be_v secure_a but_o always_o upon_o your_o guard_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o world_n the_o first_o rejection_n of_o that_o out_o of_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v perform_v with_o as_o great_a difficulty_n as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o cast_v overboard_o that_o luggage_n which_o otherwise_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v sink_v he_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o exchange_n and_o despise_v what_o before_o he_o admire_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o unburden_v the_o vessel_n and_o a_o long_a dispute_n before_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o lose_v any_o thing_n for_o heaven_n it_o require_v a_o great_a sagacity_n to_o see_v the_o empty_a pageantry_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o slight_a fame_n applause_n riches_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n a_o hard_a piece_n of_o self-denial_n to_o abridge_v himself_o of_o the_o liberty_n other_o man_n take_v a_o great_a mastery_n of_o a_o man_n self_n to_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o charm_n and_o insensible_a of_o all_o the_o caress_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n eye_n and_o thought_n steady_o fix_v upon_o another_o life_n therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v count_v upon_o difficulty_n in_o the_o undertake_n of_o religion_n lest_o when_o it_o come_v upon_o he_o unforeseen_a he_o turn_v recreant_a and_o come_v off_o with_o shame_n and_o loss_n beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v something_o more_o which_o i_o apprehend_v the_o wise_a man_n intend_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a advice_n namely_o that_o he_o that_o resolve_v to_o be_v a_o virtuous_a man_n must_v fortify_v his_o mind_n as_o well_o against_o the_o persuasion_n example_n and_o discouragement_n of_o his_o less_o considerate_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n as_o against_o the_o bitter_a scoff_v and_o reproach_n of_o his_o enemy_n that_o neither_o the_o insensible_a insinuation_n of_o the_o one_o dissolve_v he_o into_o lukewarmness_n and_o remissness_n nor_o the_o rough_a attack_n of_o the_o other_o sink_v his_o spirit_n and_o shake_v his_o resolution_n opposition_n from_o each_o of_o these_o he_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o former_a out_o of_o folly_n or_o else_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n that_o such_o a_o man_n zeal_n may_v not_o reproach_v their_o negligence_n from_o the_o other_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o as_o assailant_n that_o they_o may_v reek_v their_o spite_n upon_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a way_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v provide_v for_o both_o against_o the_o soft_a insinuation_n of_o injudicious_a person_n he_o must_v be_v provide_v by_o be_v gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v eph._n 6._o 14._o that_o be_v he_o must_v establish_v his_o heart_n in_o a_o undoubted_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n by_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n and_o hence_o be_v able_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n and_o if_o this_o do_v not_o ease_v he_o of_o their_o fond_a importunity_n he_o must_v then_o put_v on_o some_o degree_n of_o morosity_n and_o resolve_v with_o david_n 2_o sam._n 6._o 22._o that_o if_o this_o be_v to_o be_v vile_a he_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o vile_a against_o the_o rude_a treatment_n of_o lewd_a and_o malicious_a man_n he_o must_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n advise_v eph._n 6._o 16_o 17._o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o shall_v repel_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o for_o a_o helmet_n the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o object_n of_o both_o those_o he_o will_v be_v able_a generous_o to_o contemn_v all_o obloquy_n and_o reproach_n as_o disdain_v to_o be_v hector_v out_o of_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n for_o altogether_o he_o must_v always_o remember_v that_o self-denial_n be_v the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o he_o that_o have_v not_o so_o learn_v it_o as_o to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n can_v be_v his_o disciple_n 5._o in_o the_o five_o place_n let_v the_o candidate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n take_v care_n that_o he_o do_v not_o precipitate_v himself_o into_o temptation_n
for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o stout_o and_o brave_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o lay_v it_o upon_o we_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v as_o cautious_a and_o timorous_a of_o draw_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v seldom_o separate_a from_o the_o last_o for_o he_o that_o know_v how_o to_o encounter_v a_o danger_n will_v not_o ordinary_o thrust_v himself_o into_o it_o and_o usual_o those_o who_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o run_v themselves_o into_o difficulty_n show_v as_o little_a courage_n and_o conduct_n in_o conflict_v with_o they_o as_o they_o do_v discretion_n in_o the_o adventure_n upon_o they_o and_o no_o wonder_n see_v in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o god_n protection_n trust_v to_o themselves_o and_o then_o they_o can_v in_o reason_n expect_v other_o than_o to_o be_v desert_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o such_o unwarrantalbe_n enterprise_v let_v the_o pious_o dispose_v man_n therefore_o not_o be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o try_v experiment_n upon_o himself_o lest_o he_o buy_v his_o knowledge_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o too_o great_a a_o hazard_n let_v he_o not_o go_v too_o near_a sin_n in_o confidence_n that_o he_o can_v divide_v by_o a_o hair_n and_o come_v off_o clever_o enough_o for_o instance_n let_v he_o not_o nibble_n at_o a_o oath_n nor_o mince_v the_o matter_n of_o profaneness_n nor_o drink_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o sobriety_n nor_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o justice_n in_o his_o deal_n for_o he_o know_v not_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n nor_o consider_v the_o slippery_a ground_n he_o stand_v upon_o that_o will_v thus_o venture_v to_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o his_o liberty_n nor_o let_v he_o provoke_v enemy_n to_o himself_o by_o intemperate_a zeal_n as_o if_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o meet_v with_o opposition_n enough_o without_o his_o own_o procure_n nor_o the_o world_n have_v malice_n enough_o unless_o he_o inflame_v and_o exasperate_v it_o especial_o let_v he_o not_o thrust_v himself_o into_o lewd_a company_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n and_o stability_n for_o he_o have_v no_o sufficient_a apprehension_n of_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o by_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a imprudence_n tempt_v he_o to_o tempt_v himself_o nay_o nor_o do_v he_o seem_v to_o hate_v and_o abominate_a sin_n so_o absolute_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o love_v the_o vicinage_n and_o neighbourhood_n of_o it_o what_o the_o wise_a man_n therefore_o advise_v prov._n 5._o 8._o concern_v the_o whorish_a woman_n be_v very_o applicable_a to_o this_o case_n remove_v thy_o way_n far_o from_o she_o and_o come_v not_o near_o the_o door_n of_o her_o house_n and_o so_o also_o he_o say_v of_o flagitious_a man_n chap._n 4._o 14_o 15._o enter_v not_o into_o the_o path_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o go_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o evil_a man_n avoid_v it_o pass_v not_o by_o it_o turn_v from_o it_o and_o pass_v away_o for_o he_o that_o go_v ordinary_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o a_o precipice_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n sometime_o or_o other_o to_o fall_v in_o and_o he_o that_o nibble_v at_o the_o bait_n will_v one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v take_v with_o the_o hook_n 6._o six_o and_o last_o as_o a_o discreet_a man_n and_o concern_v for_o eternal_a life_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v overdare_n and_o confident_a in_o his_o approach_n towards_o sin_n and_o danger_n so_o neither_o ought_v he_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o be_v timorous_a and_o straitlaced_n in_o thing_n eminent_o and_o unquestionable_o good_a whether_o it_o be_v in_o instance_n of_o devotion_n towards_o god_n or_o of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n of_o himself_o or_o in_o act_n of_o charity_n towards_o other_o for_o in_o all_o these_o there_o be_v such_o a_o scope_n and_o latitude_n as_o that_o a_o brave_a and_o noble_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n may_v and_o will_v distinguish_v itself_o from_o a_o narrow_a and_o stingy_a temper_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o they_o for_o example_n such_o a_o man_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o neither_o will_v nor_o aught_o to_o confine_v his_o devotion_n to_o such_o strict_a and_o precise_a measure_n as_o that_o he_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o omission_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o will_v contrariwise_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o spend_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a of_o his_o time_n in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o such_o other_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o apply_v somewhat_o more_o than_o the_o just_a ten_o or_o tithe_v of_o his_o increase_n to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o religion_n nor_o will_v he_o grudge_v to_o deny_v himself_o upon_o weighty_a occasion_n some_o of_o that_o pleasure_n which_o at_o other_o time_n he_o can_v allow_v himself_o without_o sin_n or_o if_o occasion_n be_v he_o will_v give_v alm_n not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o superfluity_n of_o his_o estate_n but_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o ability_n perhaps_o beyond_o his_o convenience_n for_o these_o thing_n though_o general_o consider_v they_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o express_a duty_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a mere_o because_o they_o be_v not_o command_v so_o long_o as_o the_o species_n and_o kind_a of_o they_o be_v command_v and_o beside_o such_o extraordinary_a expression_n of_o obedience_n to_o a_o general_a command_n be_v very_o fit_a to_o demonstrate_v our_o love_n to_o god_n our_o gratitude_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a bounty_n towards_o we_o and_o our_o value_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n see_v that_o by_o such_o instance_n especial_o we_o show_v that_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n and_o that_o we_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o the_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o though_o it_o will_v not_o be_v express_o a_o sin_n to_o omit_v any_o one_o of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n aforesaid_a yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o palpable_a argument_n of_o a_o narrow_a heart_n towards_o god_n to_o yield_v no_o such_o instance_n at_o all_o and_o can_v but_o proceed_v from_o very_o culpable_a superstition_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o so_o do_v nay_o more_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v barren_a of_o such_o fruit_n and_o careless_a of_o such_o performance_n be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o folly_n and_o imprudence_n towards_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o comfort_n which_o our_o heart_n may_v receive_v by_o such_o generosity_n for_o although_o by_o no_o after_o act_n of_o we_o how_o excellent_a soever_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o make_v any_o proper_a amends_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o our_o former_a offence_n and_o omission_n yet_o by_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o we_o speak_v of_o we_o show_v ourselves_o sensible_a of_o those_o miscarriage_n and_o that_o we_o be_v under_o remorse_n for_o they_o and_o we_o give_v proof_n that_o we_o true_o love_v god_n though_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o desire_v to_o obtain_v his_o favour_n by_o the_o most_o costly_a oblation_n upon_o all_o which_o account_v it_o seem_v very_o adviseable_a that_o he_o who_o set_v his_o face_n towards_o heaven_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_v and_o enlarge_v his_o heart_n this_o way_n and_o not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v cramp_v and_o contract_v by_o any_o odd_a opinion_n to_o the_o contrary_n whereas_o therefore_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o fancy_n a_o frugal_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o according_o inquire_v for_o the_o minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la as_o we_o say_v or_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o if_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v divide_v by_o a_o hair_n and_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o no_o more_o piety_n than_o will_v just_o carry_v they_o out_o of_o danger_n they_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v that_o they_o seek_v after_o impossibility_n and_o contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o will_v have_v fire_n without_o heat_n religion_n without_o devotion_n piety_n without_o affection_n holiness_n without_o zeal_n or_o that_o they_o desire_v to_o fear_n god_n but_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o love_v he_o to_o speak_v plain_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o goodness_n be_v never_o seek_v after_o but_o in_o a_o ill_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o by_o a_o cowardly_a and_o hypocritical_a heart_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v find_v with_o comfort_n for_o the_o essence_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o discoverable_a without_o the_o fruit_n than_o a_o body_n without_o its_o accident_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o obtain_v true_a comfort_n in_o our_o soul_n viz._n either_o by_o our_o daily_a
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
as_o it_o provoke_v we_o to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o walk_v humble_o and_o thankful_o before_o he_o and_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o ourselves_o as_o it_o strengthen_v and_o fortify_v our_o weak_a spirit_n by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o that_o mighty_a providence_n we_o be_v under_o and_o that_o we_o be_v protect_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o powerful_a be_v who_o nothing_o can_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o and_o who_o be_v liable_a to_o no_o surprise_n or_o mistake_v as_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o nothing_o befall_v without_o he_o and_o therefore_o every_o thing_n be_v ordain_v for_o wise_a end_n and_o shall_v be_v turn_v to_o good_a in_o the_o conclusion_n this_o also_o enable_v we_o to_o be_v content_v in_o every_o condition_n secure_a against_o all_o fear_n and_o to_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o evenness_n of_o spirit_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v toss_v with_o every_o accident_n hurry_v by_o every_o emergency_n but_o possess_v ourselves_o in_o patience_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o consequent_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a worthy_a entertainment_n of_o our_o retirement_n and_o such_o as_o deserve_v and_o require_v the_o application_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v to_o ourselves_o the_o atheistical_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o intricacy_n and_o obscure_a passage_n of_o providence_n without_o some_o skill_n in_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o walk_v either_o pious_o or_o comfortable_o but_o by_o this_o exercise_n we_o hold_v continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n we_o live_v and_o walk_v with_o he_o he_o be_v always_o at_o hand_n to_o we_o to_o awe_v we_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o and_o our_o heart_n become_v not_o only_o a_o temple_n where_o we_o solemn_o offer_v up_o our_o service_n at_o set_a time_n to_o he_o but_o a_o altar_n where_o the_o holy_a fire_n never_o go_v out_o but_o send_v up_o constant_o the_o sweet_a odour_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o he_o 4._o another_o exercise_n of_o secret_a devotion_n be_v to_o premeditate_v our_o conversation_n and_o so_o to_o forecast_v the_o occurrence_n of_o life_n that_o we_o may_v conduct_v ourselves_o both_o with_o safety_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n of_o our_o spiritual_a interest_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o that_o live_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la as_o we_o say_v and_o unpremeditately_a will_v neither_o be_v able_a to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n which_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o encounter_v he_o nor_o to_o improve_v the_o opportunity_n which_o may_v offer_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o our_o converse_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v expect_v temptation_n from_o the_o devil_n allurement_n from_o sensual_a object_n provocation_n from_o the_o folly_n or_o malice_n of_o evil_a man_n vexation_n by_o unhappy_a accident_n and_o above_o all_o abundance_n of_o evil_a example_n to_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_v we_o and_o that_o man_n will_v most_o certain_o be_v surprise_v by_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o that_o do_v not_o forecast_v they_o and_o arm_v himself_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o adventure_v to_o go_v abroad_o and_o take_v in_o the_o infectious_a air_n of_o the_o world_n till_o he_o have_v antidote_v himself_o against_o the_o danger_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o retirement_n and_o the_o secret_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o will_v before_o he_o go_v out_o of_o his_o closet_n not_o only_o consider_v the_o common_a calamity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reign_a sin_n of_o the_o age_n but_o the_o especial_a difficulty_n of_o his_o call_n and_o profession_n and_o the_o peculiar_a infirmity_n of_o his_o own_o temper_n and_o withal_o will_v forethink_v and_o prepare_v himself_o against_o such_o effort_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o of_o these_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o he_o if_o he_o can_v foresee_v that_o he_o shall_v unavoidable_o fall_v into_o evil_a company_n he_o will_v first_o endeavour_v to_o warm_v and_o affect_v his_o heart_n with_o the_o quick_a sense_n of_o religion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o take_v no_o hurt_n himself_o but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a imprint_v some_o sense_n of_o good_a upon_o those_o he_o converse_v with_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v likely_a to_o happen_v that_o will_v strike_v he_o with_o melancholy_n he_o will_v first_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o strength_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n and_o endeavour_v to_o fix_v his_o heart_n so_o intent_o upon_o another_o world_n as_o that_o the_o occurrence_n of_o this_o may_v not_o discompose_v he_o if_o he_o be_v likely_a to_o meet_v with_o that_o which_o may_v provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n he_o will_v compose_v himself_o to_o as_o great_a a_o coolness_n as_o possible_o he_o can_v that_o no_o passage_n may_v inflame_v he_o if_o any_o allurement_n to_o sensuality_n present_v itself_o he_o will_v consider_v how_o he_o may_v retreat_v into_o grave_a company_n or_o earnest_a business_n that_o so_o he_o may_v decline_v that_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v withstand_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n concern_v opportunity_n of_o do_v or_o receive_v good_a forasmuch_o as_o every_o wise_a man_n be_v sensible_a that_o the_o season_n of_o thing_n be_v no_o more_o in_o his_o power_n than_o the_o time_n of_o his_o life_n be_v that_o no_o enterprise_n succeed_v well_o which_o be_v not_o nick_v with_o a_o fit_a season_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o recall_v it_o when_o it_o be_v slip_v by_o therefore_o the_o pious_a man_n will_v forethink_v what_o may_v offer_v themselves_o probable_o in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o he_o stand_v in_o lest_o he_o shall_v overlook_v they_o when_o they_o present_v and_o so_o he_o lose_v a_o advantage_n of_o do_v glory_n to_o god_n or_o good_a to_o man_n and_o of_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o according_o will_n dispose_n his_o heart_n in_o secret_a to_o apprehend_v they_o and_o to_o improve_v they_o he_o examine_v his_o capacity_n and_o stir_v up_o his_o attention_n and_o project_n the_o mean_n either_o how_o he_o may_v reap_v some_o benefit_n by_o good_a and_o wise_a company_n or_o how_o he_o may_v seasonable_o interpose_v a_o word_n on_o god_n behalf_n in_o common_a conversation_n or_o how_o he_o may_v do_v some_o good_a thing_n that_o will_v turn_v to_o account_v another_o day_n 5._o but_o if_o either_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o such_o opportunity_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o pious_a man_n omit_v the_o do_n of_o some_o good_a he_o may_v have_v do_v or_o by_o security_n of_o conversation_n he_o fall_v into_o any_o of_o those_o danger_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v watch_v against_o then_o there_o be_v a_o five_o great_a work_n for_o private_a devotion_n for_o in_o this_o case_n there_o lie_v a_o double_a care_n upon_o he_o first_o that_o he_o slight_v not_o his_o danger_n and_o second_o that_o he_o despair_v not_o of_o remedy_n but_o be_v both_o deep_o sensible_a of_o his_o miscarriage_n and_o also_o rise_v again_o with_o indignation_n and_o resolution_n first_o that_o he_o slight_v not_o his_o fault_n as_o general_o man_n do_v by_o the_o plea_n of_o example_n or_o the_o pretence_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o so_o harden_v himself_o in_o his_o sin_n but_o feel_v a_o deep_a remorse_n and_o conceive_v a_o mighty_a displeasure_n against_o himself_o for_o it_o second_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o aggravate_v not_o his_o guilt_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o preclude_v repentance_n by_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n but_o present_o flee_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o implore_v god_n pardon_v with_o settle_a purpose_n never_o to_o offend_v in_o the_o like_a kind_n again_o now_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v do_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o in_o retirement_n viz._n when_o a_o man_n have_v opportunity_n of_o deal_v impartial_o between_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o especial_o because_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o often_o happen_v be_v just_o reckonable_a as_o a_o part_n of_o closet_n devotion_n and_o according_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n psal_n 4._o 4._o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o common_a with_o your_o own_o heart_n in_o your_o chamber_n and_o be_v still_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o let_v every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v to_o set_v some_o time_n apart_o for_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v rummage_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o find_v out_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o life_n and_o when_o he_o have_v discover_v any_o particular_a guilt_n upon_o his_o soul_n let_v he_o not_o forsake_v
especial_o let_v he_o remember_v to_o frequent_v they_o constant_o and_o entire_o by_o constancy_n of_o attendance_n upon_o public_a worship_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o apply_v himself_o to_o it_o on_o the_o sunday_n or_o lord_n day_n but_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n if_o there_o be_v opportunity_n and_o by_o entireness_n of_o god_n service_n i_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n both_o to_o go_v at_o the_o beginning_n and_o to_o join_v in_o it_o both_o morning_n and_o evening_n that_o by_o all_o together_o he_o may_v not_o only_o sure_a himself_o and_o his_o own_o conscience_n of_o his_o heartiness_n and_o sincerity_n but_o demonstrate_v to_o all_o about_o he_o the_o great_a sense_n he_o have_v of_o the_o moment_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o serve_n of_o god_n as_o of_o great_a consequence_n than_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o frequent_v the_o public_a prayer_n every_o day_n where_o they_o be_v to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o character_n of_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o 2._o that_o among_o other_o instance_n of_o devotion_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o which_o can_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o his_o daily_a frequent_v the_o public_a prayer_n because_o his_o private_a prayer_n can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o to_o make_v his_o character_n but_o most_o express_o it_o be_v say_v of_o all_o that_o believe_v act_v 2._o 46._o that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v needs_o principal_o have_v reference_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o if_o any_o man_n be_v so_o put_v to_o it_o that_o he_o can_v spare_v one_o hour_n in_o a_o day_n to_o do_v public_a honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o unbelief_n in_o his_o providence_n as_o well_o as_o want_v of_o love_n to_o he_o if_o a_o man_n can_v trust_v god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o hope_v that_o such_o a_o time_n spend_v in_o his_o service_n shall_v be_v recompense_v by_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o day_n or_o however_o a_o good_a christian_a will_v be_v well_o content_v and_o glad_o sacrifice_v so_o much_o of_o his_o secular_a interest_n as_o this_o come_v to_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o for_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n go_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o shameful_a neglect_n which_o several_a person_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o will_v not_o altogether_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o will_v come_v common_o so_o late_o that_o they_o not_o only_o lose_v part_n of_o the_o prayer_n but_o enter_v very_o abrupt_o and_o irreverent_o upon_o that_o which_o they_o partake_v of_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o man_n may_v sometime_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o time_n or_o divert_v from_o his_o intention_n by_o some_o emergency_n but_o to_o be_v frequent_o tardy_a be_v a_o argument_n that_o he_o love_v something_o better_a than_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n for_o doubtless_o a_o good_a christian_n will_v ordinary_o choose_v rather_o to_o stay_v for_o the_o minister_n than_o that_o the_o public_a office_n shall_v stay_v for_o he_o and_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o spend_v a_o little_a time_n in_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v his_o heart_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n than_o either_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o divine_a presence_n rude_o or_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o by_o half_n and_o as_o for_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o this_o instance_n of_o devotion_n viz._n the_o resort_v both_o to_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n it_o be_v observable_a act_n 3._o 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o nine_o hour_n which_o be_v both_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o frequent_v the_o evening_n service_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o morning_n and_o also_o a_o example_n of_o observe_v the_o just_a and_o state_v time_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v become_v every_o good_a christian_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o such_o a_o precedent_n especial_o see_v the_o gospel_n worship_n which_o we_o resort_v to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o excellent_a and_o comfortable_a than_o the_o jewish_a be_v which_o those_o holy_a man_n thus_o careful_o frequent_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o 5._o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v that_o in_o all_o these_o public_a approach_n to_o god_n house_n we_o be_v to_o express_v a_o great_a reverence_n towards_o the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v that_o we_o ought_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o think_v worthy_o of_o he_o and_o prostrate_v all_o the_o inward_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o but_o that_o in_o our_o outward_a man_n in_o our_o carriage_n and_o bodily_a deportment_n we_o express_v a_o awful_a regard_n to_o he_o by_o all_o such_o gesture_n and_o sign_n as_o according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n be_v take_v to_o betoken_v the_o high_a reverence_n and_o observance_n such_o as_o stand_v kneeling_z bowing_z and_o prostration_n of_o ourselves_o before_o he_o for_o though_o the_o heart_n be_v that_o which_o god_n principal_o look_v at_o yet_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o make_v our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n and_o we_o hope_v he_o will_v save_v both_o he_o therefore_o expect_v we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o both_o with_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o our_o body_n which_o be_v his_o and_o which_o he_o have_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 20._o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v such_o a_o nearness_n and_o sympathy_n between_o our_o body_n and_o spirit_n that_o they_o ordinary_o move_v by_o consent_n and_o draw_v one_o another_o into_o compliance_n insomuch_o that_o he_o who_o true_o bow_v his_o soul_n to_o god_n can_v scarce_o forbear_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o he_o also_o and_o he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o he_o be_v by_o that_o very_a motion_n of_o his_o body_n in_o some_o measure_n put_v in_o mind_n to_o entertain_v reverential_a thought_n and_o affection_n towards_o he_o and_o this_o care_n of_o bodily_a worship_n be_v the_o more_o important_a in_o public_a service_n and_o especial_o in_o god_n house_n because_o as_o i_o note_v before_o then_o and_o there_o his_o honour_n and_o grandeur_n be_v concern_v and_o any_o indecent_a carriage_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o contempt_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o carriage_n which_o in_o secret_a worship_n may_v admit_v of_o excuse_n will_v in_o public_a be_v intolerable_a profaneness_n wherefore_o let_v not_o the_o pious_a man_n be_v affright_v by_o any_o one_o out_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o bodily_a reverence_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o superstition_n which_o be_v become_v a_o bugbear_n by_o which_o weak_a man_n be_v make_v afraid_a of_o every_o instance_n of_o a_o decorous_a or_o generous_a devotion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o culpable_a superstition_n in_o our_o worship_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o true_a object_n for_o it_o and_o while_o we_o use_v not_o such_o expression_n of_o our_o devotion_n as_o he_o have_v forbid_v but_o this_o of_o bodily_a reverence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v that_o it_o be_v express_o require_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o have_v be_v constant_o practise_v by_o all_o holy_a man_n nor_o let_v the_o fancy_n of_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n require_v under_o the_o gospel_n beguile_v any_o man_n into_o a_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n of_o bodily_a reverence_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o although_o the_o christian_a religion_n raise_v man_n inward_a devotion_n high_o yet_o it_o abate_v nothing_o of_o outward_a adoration_n but_o rather_o when_o it_o require_v the_o former_a shall_v be_v more_o intense_a and_o affectionate_a it_o suppose_v the_o other_o shall_v be_v answerable_a because_o it_o be_v natural_a so_o to_o be_v for_o this_o be_v the_o accessary_n can_v but_o follow_v the_o principal_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o possibility_n that_o more_o stress_n may_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o shadow_n than_o the_o substance_n and_o some_o man_n may_v hope_v to_o compliment_n god_n almighty_a out_o of_o his_o right_n to_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o address_n of_o their_o body_n but_o the_o fault_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o the_o latter_a but_o too_o little_a of_o the_o former_a and_o the_o good_a christian_a therefore_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o join_v both_o together_o and_o as_o he_o will_v come_v to_o god_n house_n with_o the_o most_o elevate_a affection_n so_o he_o will_v
conclusion_n whereas_o plain-heartedness_n have_v no_o rub_n nor_o difficulty_n in_o its_o way_n nor_o no_o aftergame_n to_o play_v for_o every_o man_n believe_v and_o trust_v such_o a_o man_n as_o play_n upon_o the_o square_a and_o such_o a_o conversation_n be_v pleasant_a and_o acceptable_a moreover_o cunning_a be_v always_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o little_a mind_n and_o of_o a_o cowardly_a temper_n for_o what_o shall_v tempt_v a_o man_n to_o dissemble_v and_o work_v underground_o but_o mistrust_v of_o his_o own_o ability_n or_o consciousness_n of_o evil_a design_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o afford_v a_o man_n any_o security_n that_o it_o provoke_v other_o man_n first_o to_o pry_v the_o more_o curious_o into_o he_o and_o then_o to_o countermine_v he_o and_o at_o last_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o all_o which_o add_v that_o if_o this_o reservedness_n we_o speak_v of_o proceed_v from_o insincerity_n and_o design_n it_o betray_v great_a unbelief_n of_o god_n and_o of_o providence_n for_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o those_o great_a point_n will_v encourage_v a_o man_n to_o be_v open_a and_o plain_a and_o confident_a but_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o temper_n and_o constitution_n only_o yet_o even_o than_o it_o do_v far_o more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o particular_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o make_v life_n and_o conversation_n very_o uncomfortable_a and_o good_a neighbourhood_n plain_o impossible_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o endeavour_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o reduce_v and_o recover_v the_o ancient_a sincerity_n and_o simplicity_n instead_o of_o that_o hollow_a complemental_a hypocrisy_n which_o have_v of_o late_o supplant_v and_o exclude_v it_o 4._o but_o yet_o care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v withal_o that_o this_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n degenerate_v not_o into_o rudeness_n or_o frothy_a and_o foolish_a conversation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o four_o office_n of_o a_o virtuous_a man_n among_o his_o neighbour_n to_o endeavour_v to_o render_v conversation_n favoury_a and_o manly_a and_o profitable_a as_o well_o as_o sincere_a that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o trifle_v away_o with_o flat_a inspid_a and_o gossip_a impertinence_n nor_o misemploy_v in_o light_n and_o idle_a drollery_n nor_o turn_v into_o a_o occasion_n of_o tipple_a and_o sensuality_n much_o less_o debauch_v by_o profaneness_n and_o malapert_a reflection_n on_o thing_n sacred_a but_o that_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o real_a business_n to_o the_o better_n of_o man_n understanding_n to_o virtuous_a purpose_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n these_o last_o thing_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o world_n and_o worthy_a of_o man_n but_o the_o other_o be_v a_o mis-expense_n of_o time_n a_o degrade_n of_o ourselves_o a_o reproach_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o the_o bane_n of_o conversation_n with_o a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o it_o be_v that_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o prevent_v the_o rottenness_n and_o putrefaction_n but_o also_o the_o flatness_n and_o insipidity_n of_o conversation_n and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o i_o intimate_v in_o the_o last_o place_n namely_o the_o consult_v the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v now_o say_v further_o that_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o only_a subject_n of_o good_a discourse_n forasmuch_o as_o god_n allow_v we_o both_o the_o refreshment_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o a_o moderate_a concern_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o the_o affair_n of_o another_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v importune_o thrust_v in_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o other_o entertainment_n yet_o most_o certain_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v its_o place_n and_o share_v in_o our_o friendly_a communication_n as_o be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o important_a subject_n and_o if_o it_o be_v dexterous_o manage_v the_o most_o gentile_a and_o oblige_a neither_o will_v it_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a as_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o turn_v the_o stream_n of_o neighbourly_a discourse_n this_o way_n if_o man_n will_v be_v persuade_v to_o try_v and_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o it_o and_o sure_o he_o that_o hope_v to_o attain_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n himself_o can_v but_o wish_v his_o neighbour_n in_o the_o way_n thither_o also_o nor_o can_v he_o who_o heart_n be_v thorough_o affect_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o omit_v now_o and_o then_o to_o let_v fall_v something_o or_o other_o that_o way_n tend_v at_o least_o every_o good_a man_n owe_v so_o much_o to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o to_o interpose_v a_o good_a word_n sometime_o in_o their_o behalf_n which_o beside_o that_o it_o give_v some_o countenance_n to_o piety_n for_o the_o present_a may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n make_v a_o great_a impression_n than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o redound_v to_o his_o own_o comfortable_a account_n another_o day_n but_o 5._o it_o be_v unquestionable_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o labour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n to_o make_v and_o preserve_v peace_n among_o his_o neighbour_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n mark_v 9_o 50._o join_v these_o two_o thing_n together_o have_v salt_n in_o yourselves_o and_o have_v peace_n one_o with_o another_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o you_o must_v take_v care_v you_o be_v not_o too_o sharp_a and_o acrimonious_a you_o must_v indeed_o preserve_v the_o world_n from_o corruption_n but_o yet_o you_o must_v not_o exasperate_v it_o into_o passion_n and_o disorder_n for_o you_o must_v compose_v man_n to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o quench_v their_o combustion_n as_o well_o as_o inflame_v their_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o indeed_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o can_v never_o successful_o be_v undertake_v unless_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o former_a be_v provide_v for_o for_o religion_n never_o take_v place_n in_o man_n heart_n nor_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o their_o life_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v embroil_v with_o heat_n and_o animosity_n man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o consider_v of_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o to_o estimate_v the_o reason_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o when_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o a_o flame_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o a_o hurry_n nor_o if_o they_o be_v already_o persuade_v of_o they_o can_v they_o be_v in_o a_o temper_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o or_o to_o make_v any_o fit_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o service_n towards_o god_n whilst_o they_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o their_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n james_n 3._o 18._o and_o as_o peace_n be_v very_o advantageous_a to_o god_n service_n so_o the_o make_n and_o procure_v it_o be_v very_o honourable_a and_o comfortable_a to_o they_o that_o be_v employ_v about_o it_o they_o be_v under_o one_o of_o our_o saviour_n beatitude_n and_o he_o entitle_v they_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n mat._n 5._o 9_o viz._n as_o be_v those_o who_o especial_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v he_o and_o one_o instance_n of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o such_o man_n be_v this_o that_o they_o which_o make_v peace_n common_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o both_o in_o the_o benign_a and_o kindly_a cheerfulness_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o fair_a and_o courteous_a usage_n they_o general_o meet_v with_o from_o other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o repose_n and_o quiet_a they_o enjoy_v when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v peaceable_a and_o still_o round_o about_o they_o whereas_o makebate_n and_o incendiary_n torment_v themselves_o first_o before_o they_o torture_v other_o man_n and_o beside_o bring_v the_o fire_n home_o to_o their_o own_o house_n when_o they_o have_v inflame_v other_o man_n the_o good_a christian_a therefore_o be_v not_o only_o peaceable_a himself_o but_o a_o peacemaker_n in_o his_o parish_n to_o which_o end_n he_o will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n discountenance_v all_o whisperer_n eavesdropper_n and_o tale-bearer_n as_o the_o pest_n of_o society_n for_o these_o be_v the_o bellows_o that_o blow_v up_o a_o spark_n into_o a_o flame_n he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o prevent_v and_o take_v up_o law-suit_n which_o common_o begin_v in_o passion_n and_o end_n in_o malice_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o they_o rather_o immortalize_v the_o quarrel_n than_o finish_v the_o dispute_n and_o he_o that_o overcome_v very_o often_o like_o the_o bee_n destroy_v himself_o whilst_o he_o fasten_v his_o sting_n upon_o another_o he_o set_v a_o mark_n upon_o they_o that_o single_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o
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