maidservant_n etc._n etc._n suitable_a to_o this_o charge_n be_v the_o care_n and_o holy_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n in_o the_o text_n i_o and_o my_o house_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o who_o you_o will_v serve_v say_v he_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n i_o have_v not_o so_o much_o to_o do_v with_o that_o but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n i_o must_v and_o will_v look_v to_o that_o we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n hence_o this_o first_o thing_n appear_v that_o governor_n of_o family_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o therrefore_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o family_n when_o a_o child_n be_v bring_v forth_o when_o a_o servant_n be_v bring_v into_o thy_o house_n god_n say_v to_o thou_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o prophet_n parable_n 20.39_o keep_v this_o man_n look_v to_o this_o child_n look_v to_o this_o servant_n look_v to_o their_o soul_n if_o they_o miscarry_v or_o be_v lose_v through_o thy_o neglect_n thy_o life_n shall_v go_v for_o their_o life_n thy_o soul_n for_o their_o soul_n and_o so_o shall_v thy_o judgement_n be_v 2._o governor_n of_o family_n have_v never_o faithful_o discharge_v their_o trust_n till_o they_o have_v use_v all_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o may_v be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o soul_n under_o their_o charge_n and_o the_o furtherance_n of_o they_o in_o religion_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n you_o may_v have_v do_v that_o you_o have_v neglect_v you_o be_v therein_o unfaithful_a 3._o their_o join_n in_o prayer_n with_o their_o family_n be_v according_a to_o god_n appointment_n and_o of_o great_a advantage_n to_o soul_n 1._o joynt-prayer_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n thus_o much_o be_v hint_v clear_o enough_o in_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n which_o run_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n etc._n our_o father_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n and_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n now_o if_o christian_n in_o general_a such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o family_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n to_o join_v in_o prayer_n then_o much_o more_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o family_n conjunction_n in_o the_o same_o family-relation_n can_v hinder_v or_o discharge_v from_o any_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n family_n as_o well_o as_o great_a assembly_n shall_v not_o forget_v their_o joynt-prayer_n 2._o conjunction_n in_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n so_o it_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o soul_n the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o the_o several_a person_n in_o a_o family_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o more_o prevalent_a with_o he_o than_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o same_o person_n apart_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o joynt-prayer_n of_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o family_n as_o of_o the_o joynt-prayer_n of_o christian_n not_o of_o the_o same_o family_n of_o the_o same_o city_n or_o town_n or_o country_n now_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o this_o be_v their_o concurrent_a judgement_n that_o their_o come_n together_o to_o pray_v will_v prevail_v more_o with_o god_n than_o their_o pray_v apart_o as_o act._n 12.12_o before_o mention_v many_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o mary_n house_n pray_v for_o peter_n if_o it_o have_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o success_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v as_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v prevail_v with_o for_o peter_n enlargement_n by_o their_o separate_z as_o by_o their_o joint_a prayer_n they_o will_v never_o have_v run_v that_o hazard_n as_o they_o do_v by_o their_o come_n together_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o danger_n it_o will_v have_v be_v have_v they_o be_v take_v pray_v many_o instance_n may_v be_v bring_v of_o the_o like_a practice_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n who_o especial_o in_o case_n of_o great_a exigency_n and_o necessity_n do_v thus_o assemble_v whence_o be_v a_o clear_a foundation_n of_o this_o argument_n that_o way_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v choose_v and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o in_o case_n of_o any_o special_a exigency_n that_o be_v in_o their_o judgement_n the_o most_o acceptable_a and_o prevail_a but_o joint_a prayer_n be_v such_o in_o the_o case_n of_o great_a society_n and_o therefore_o also_o in_o the_o less_o beside_o joynt-prayer_n will_v be_v of_o this_o advantage_n it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o those_o that_o be_v less_o able_a to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v apart_o governors_n shall_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v exempla_fw-la as_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o teach_v they_o by_o instruction_n only_o we_o may_v learn_v more_o of_o the_o skill_n and_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n by_o a_o few_o instruction_n exemplify_v than_o by_o multitude_n of_o counsel_n alone_o the_o nurse_n teach_v the_o child_n to_o speak_v by_o speak_v in_o its_o hear_n by_o this_o christian_a practice_n we_o shall_v suggest_v matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o they_o put_v word_n into_o their_o mouth_n yea_o kindle_v desire_n in_o their_o heart_n who_o that_o have_v any_o experience_n know_v not_o how_o our_o affectionate_a enlargement_n and_o importunate_a plead_n and_o wrestle_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n do_v often_o warm_a and_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o join_v with_o we_o arg._n 2._o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o christian_n shall_v take_v and_o improve_v all_o opportunity_n advantage_n and_o occasion_n of_o prayer_n this_o proposition_n if_o it_o need_v proof_n lapid_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o 1_o tim._n 2.8_o i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o and_o eph._n 6.18_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n always_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a on_o every_o opportunity_n with_o all_o prayer_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a in_o private_a in_o secret_a alone_a together_o as_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v and_o occasion_n require_v now_o have_v not_o governor_n of_o family_n as_o such_o special_a opportunity_n for_o joynt-prayer_n their_o cohabitation_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v meet_v more_o easy_o and_o frequent_o than_o those_o that_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n their_o authority_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o may_v command_v the_o attendance_n of_o their_o family_n put_v opportunity_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o have_v they_o not_o also_o as_o such_o special_a occasion_n of_o join_v in_o prayer_n there_o be_v family-mercy_n which_o they_o be_v joint_o concern_v to_o pray_v for_o when_o want_v and_o to_o acknowledge_v when_o receive_v there_o be_v family-affliction_n and_o cross_n which_o they_o be_v in_o common_a concern_v to_o pray_v against_o there_o be_v family_n sin_n which_o call_v for_o joynt-confession_n and_o humiliation_n those_o that_o have_v sin_v together_o or_o suffer_v together_o or_o be_v sharer_n in_o the_o same_o common_a mercy_n ought_v also_o to_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o confession_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n arg_n 3_o from_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o not_o only_o teach_v his_o family_n to_o pray_v but_o pray_v with_o they_o his_o disciple_n be_v his_o family_n the_o passeover_n be_v to_o be_v eat_v by_o the_o several_a family_n apart_o a_o lamb_n for_o a_o family_n and_o if_o you_o will_v know_v who_o be_v christ_n family_n inquire_v with_o who_o he_o be_v the_o passoâ—ver_n these_o be_v his_o disciple_n 9.18_o and_o with_o these_o he_o pray_v as_o he_o be_v alone_o pray_v his_o disciple_n be_v with_o he_o but_o how_o be_v he_o alone_o when_o his_o disciple_n be_v wiâ—h_a hâ—m_n the_o mean_v only_o be_v he_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o multitude_n he_o and_o his_o disciple_n be_v private_o together_o and_o with_o they_o he_o pray_v now_o to_o gather_v up_o all_o together_o if_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o his_o follower_n if_o governor_n of_o family_n have_v opportunity_n and_o occasion_n of_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o take_v and_o improve_v all_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n if_o governor_n of_o family_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o family_n and_o this_o trust_n can_v be_v discharge_v where_o this_o exercise_n be_v neglect_v then_o must_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o they_o sin_n against_o god_n who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o it_o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v let_v i_o far_o add_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o consider_v the_o manifold_a benefit_n which_o usual_o follow_v and_o accompany_v this_o duty_n of_o family-prayer_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o sanctify_a ordinance_n thereby_o the_o husband_n be_v sanctify_v to_o the_o wife_n and_o the_o wife_n
of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n help_v thy_o infirmity_n teach_v thou_o to_o pour_v out_o thy_o soul_n unto_o he_o in_o prayer_n for_o it_o be_v he_o alone_o that_o can_v teach_v thou_o 8.26_o and_o endue_v thou_o with_o this_o heavenly_a gift_n 2._o be_v constant_a in_o thy_o secret_a devotion_n which_o will_v be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o embolden_v thou_o to_o pray_v with_o thy_o family_n for_o when_o thou_o find_v that_o thou_o can_v express_v thyself_o in_o any_o competent_a measure_n in_o secret_a thou_o will_v then_o the_o better_a adventure_n to_o pray_v in_o private_a with_o thy_o family_n and_o know_v this_o for_o thy_o comfort_n that_o if_o thou_o sincere_o endeavoure_v to_o do_v what_o thou_o can_v god_n will_v enable_v thou_o to_o do_v what_o thou_o shall_v 3._o rather_o than_o the_o apprehension_n of_o thy_o own_o insufficiency_n to_o pray_v shall_v occasion_v a_o constant_a omission_n of_o the_o duty_n i_o will_v advise_v thou_o to_o use_v the_o help_n of_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o a_o while_n till_o by_o god_n blessing_n thou_o have_v attain_v some_o ability_n therein_o and_o boldness_n thereunto_o 2._o obj._n some_o against_o this_o duty_n object_v their_o multitude_n of_o business_n and_o little_a spare_a time_n for_o family-prayer_n a._n 1._o the_o more_o and_o great_a thy_o business_n be_v the_o more_o and_o great_a need_n thou_o have_v of_o family-prayer_n for_o the_o obtain_n god_n blessing_n thereon_o without_o which_o all_o thy_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n may_v signify_v little_a yea_o prove_v successless_a assure_v thyself_o that_o the_o time_n spend_v in_o prayer_n both_o in_o thy_o closet_n and_o with_o thy_o family_n will_v prove_v no_o let_n but_o rather_o a_o great_a furtherance_n to_o thy_o business_n 2._o do_v thou_o put_v off_o pray_v with_o thy_o family_n for_o the_o multitude_n of_o business_n know_v that_o therein_o thou_o be_v penny-wise_a and_o pound-foolish_a hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o thy_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o little_a worldly_a pelf_n which_o will_v be_v soon_o take_v from_o thou_o or_o thou_o from_o it_o oh_o that_o such_o woâ—â—dâ—ngs_n will_v serious_o consider_v that_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n 36._o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o hâ—_n shall_v gain_v the_o whoâ—e_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n 3._o do_v thou_o put_v off_o family-prayer_n for_o the_o multitude_n of_o worldly_a business_n thereby_o to_o increase_v thy_o wealth_n know_v that_o that_o wealth_n be_v curse_v which_o be_v thus_o get_v that_o substance_n which_o be_v the_o price_n of_o a_o prayer_n may_v for_o aught_o thou_o know_v be_v the_o price_n of_o blood_n well_o beware_v thou_o neglect_v not_o this_o great_a duty_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o neither_o let_v it_o be_v perform_v after_o a_o cold_a formal_a and_o perfunctory_a manner_n but_o be_v very_o serious_a and_o fervent_a therein_o stir_v up_o thyself_o to_o a_o active_a lively_a performance_n thereof_o which_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v where_o he_o say_v be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n 1._o such_o prayer_n only_o be_v acceptable_a and_o please_a unto_o god_n these_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n wherewith_o he_o be_v well-pleased_n 2._o such_o only_a have_v the_o promise_n of_o be_v hear_v and_o thereupon_o say_v the_o apostle_n st._n james_n 5.16_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a translate_v effectual_a proper_o signify_v a_o prayer_n excite_v 〈◊〉_d or_o stir_v up_o and_o so_o imply_v both_o the_o efficacy_n and_o influency_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o the_o vehemency_n of_o a_o earnest_a spirit_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o only_a prevail_a prayer_n chap._n vii_o of_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o family_n with_o quicken_a motive_n thereunto_o ii_o another_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n be_v frequent_o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v read_v in_o and_o with_o their_o family_n though_o this_o be_v a_o distinct_a exercise_n from_o the_o former_a of_o prayer_n yet_o do_v they_o mutual_o help_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v join_v together_o 8._o we_o read_v how_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n be_v daily_o to_o light_v the_o lamp_n and_o to_o burn_v incense_n as_o the_o lamp_n signify_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o incense_n signify_v prayer_n and_o as_o the_o lamp_n be_v daily_o to_o be_v light_v and_o the_o incense_n daily_o to_o be_v burn_v so_o be_v we_o thereby_o teach_v daily_o to_o join_v the_o word_n and_o prayer_n together_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n every_o thing_n be_v sanctify_v 4.5_o yea_o this_o duty_n of_o read_v the_o word_n we_o find_v give_v in_o command_n unto_o householder_n under_o the_o law_n for_o say_v the_o lord_n 11.28_o you_o shall_v lay_v up_o my_o word_n mean_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o in_o your_o soul._n and_o you_o shall_v teach_v they_o your_o child_n speak_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o site_a in_o thy_o house_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o which_o imply_v a_o diligent_a read_n of_o the_o word_n in_o their_o house_n yea_o the_o old_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o diligent_a in_o teach_v their_o child_n the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o josephus_n say_v appionem_fw-la every_o one_o of_o our_o people_n be_v ask_v concern_v the_o law_n rehearse_v they_o more_o easy_o than_o his_o own_o name_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v the_o apostle_n command_v for_o this_o duty_n for_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o 〈◊〉_d christ_n himself_o and_o so_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o shall_v labour_v that_o the_o word_n christ_n shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n both_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o because_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o it_o and_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o such_o as_o dwell_v under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o roof_n with_o we_o and_o note_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v get_v it_o into_o our_o heart_n and_o house_n as_o well_o as_o into_o our_o church_n 2._o that_o by_o our_o frequent_a read_n of_o it_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v read_v in_o our_o house_n it_o shall_v be_v as_o familiar_a with_o we_o as_o one_o that_o dwell_v with_o we_o under_o the_o same_o roof_n for_o the_o better_a press_v of_o this_o duty_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n i_o shall_v hint_n only_o two_o motive_n to_o quicken_v you_o up_o thereunto_o 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o keep_v up_o your_o authority_n in_o your_o family_n over_o your_o child_n and_o servant_n for_o therein_o they_o can_v but_o hear_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o you_o in_o all_o thing_n your_o own_o command_n and_o threaten_n may_v perhaps_o cause_v they_o to_o serve_v you_o with_o eye-service_n as_o menpleasersâ—_n but_o to_o hear_v the_o command_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n may_v cause_v they_o to_o serve_v you_o in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n so_o that_o if_o nothing_o else_o yet_o policy_n methinks_v shall_v prevail_v with_o you_o to_o cause_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v read_v frequent_o in_o your_o house_n 2._o some_o by_o read_v the_o scripture_n other_o by_o hear_v it_o read_v in_o the_o family_n have_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o faith_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v as_o well_o as_o hear_v it_o preach_v st._n austin_n report_v of_o a_o egyptian_a monk_n who_o live_v in_o a_o christian-famy_o christi_fw-la where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v frequent_o read_v be_v thereby_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o great_a virtue_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o in_o any_o other_o book_n for_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o natural_a man_n and_o woman_n oh_o what_o a_o encouragement_n shall_v this_o be_v unto_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n to_o cause_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v frequent_o read_v in_o their_o house_n for_o what_o know_v they_o whether_o some_o under_o their_o charge_n may_v not_o thereby_o be_v convert_v and_o that_o
in_o read_v of_o playbook_n and_o unprofitable_a pamphlet_n which_o thou_o may_v spend_v in_o read_v the_o word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o this_o end_n carry_v it_o about_o thou_o as_o alexander_n do_v homer_n iliad_n for_o his_o fellow_n and_o companion_n in_o the_o war_n 2._o oh_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v ambitious_a of_o that_o commendation_n which_o eusebius_n give_v of_o st._n origen_n that_o he_o can_v repeat_v all_o the_o scripture_n at_o his_o finger_n end_n 3._o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o change_n of_o thy_o heart_n beg_v of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o regenerate_v thou_o to_o plant_v his_o image_n in_o thy_o soul_n that_o thou_o may_v become_v a_o new-creature_n what_o the_o apostle_n james_n say_v of_o wisdom_n 1.5_o be_v true_a of_o all_o grace_n if_o any_o one_o lack_v it_o let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o oh_o therefore_o beseech_v he_o to_o open_v thy_o eye_n and_o show_v thou_o how_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a thy_o condition_n be_v so_o long_o as_o thou_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v true_o sensible_a thereof_o that_o he_o will_v show_v thou_o the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o new_a birth_n that_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o some_o earnest_n long_a desire_n after_o the_o same_o that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o may_v quicken_v thy_o dead_a soul_n and_o renew_v it_o after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o in_o thy_o prayer_n plead_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n 11.13_o to_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v he_o that_o thy_o prayer_n for_o a_o new_a birth_n may_v the_o better_a speed_n 1._o be_v earnest_n therein_o pray_v withal_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n with_o the_o high_a intention_n of_o affection_n if_o thou_o will_v be_v a_o prevail_a israel_n thou_o must_v be_v a_o wrestle_a jacob_n wrestle_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o it_o be_v the_o fervent_a prayer_n only_o that_o be_v effectual_a 2._o be_v uncessant_a in_o thy_o prayer_n as_o one_o that_o will_v take_v no_o nay_o nor_o give_v over_o till_o thou_o find_v the_o work_n wrought_v in_o thy_o soul._n be_v as_o importunate_a with_o god_n as_o the_o widow_n be_v with_o the_o unjust_a judge_n for_o god_n love_v importunity_n if_o the_o unjust_a judge_n be_v overcome_v with_o importunity_n how_o much_o rather_o will_v the_o righteous_a god_n who_o be_v compassionate_o affect_v towards_o those_o who_o seek_v unto_o he_o resolve_v with_o jacob_n i_o will_v not_o let_v thou_o go_v except_o thou_o bless_v i_o lord_n help_v i_o lord_n break_v i_o humble_v i_o change_n and_o turn_v i_o i_o can_v turn_v myself_o minister_n can_v ordinance_n can_v affliction_n can_v turn_v i_o if_o thou_o will_v thou_o can_v turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v draw_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o o_o suffer_v thyself_o this_o once_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o a_o poor_a worm_n i_o can_v be_v deny_v i_o die_v i_o be_o undo_v if_o thou_o deny_v i_o i_o can_v be_v deny_v i_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v i_o will_v not_o let_v thou_o go_v until_o thou_o bless_v i_o lord_n hear_v lord_n turn_v i_o obj._n but_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o object_n and_o say_v how_o can_v i_o pray_v without_o the_o spirit_n a._n put_v thyself_o upon_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o who_o know_v but_o thou_o may_v soon_o feel_v and_o find_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o performance_n though_o thou_o find_v it_o not_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o duty_n go_v therefore_o unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n spread_v before_o he_o thy_o wretched_a miserable_a state_n and_o condition_n plead_v thy_o miserable_a necessity_n the_o dreadfulness_n of_o thy_o present_a state_n how_o much_o better_o it_o have_v be_v that_o thou_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v than_o not_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o then_o wait_v for_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v earnest_a and_o importunate_a with_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v thou_o live_v a_o day_n long_o in_o thy_o unregenerate_a state_n lest_o death_n shall_v find_v thou_o therein_o and_o then_o thou_o perish_v everlasting_o obj._n some_o i_o know_v do_v question_n whether_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o that_o duty_n of_o prayer_n because_o the_o scripture_n say_v 15.8_o that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n a._n 1._o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o warrant_n to_o press_v carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n upon_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n for_o at_o the_o time_n when_o peter_n tell_v simon_n magus_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n than_o he_o press_v he_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n 8.22_o say_v repent_v of_o thy_o wickedness_n and_o pray_v unto_o god_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o 2._o we_o do_v not_o exhort_v man_n to_o pray_v and_o still_o hold_v themselves_o resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a course_n such_o prayer_n indeed_o will_v be_v a_o abomination_n but_o to_o resolve_v upon_o turn_v and_o so_o to_o go_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o grace_n to_o assist_v and_o accept_v they_o and_o therefore_o say_v peter_n to_o simon_n magus_n repent_v of_o this_o thy_o wickedness_n and_o so_o pray_v for_o pardon_n 3._o the_o young_a raven_n cry_v for_o want_v of_o food_n and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o hear_v they_o why_o may_v he_o not_o then_o hear_v the_o cry_n and_o prayer_n of_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n especial_o when_o they_o pray_v unto_o he_o for_o change_a and_o renew_v heart_n which_o prayer_n can_v but_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n how_o gracious_o do_v god_n reward_v that_o petition_n of_o solomon_n when_o he_o ask_v not_o for_o riches_n or_o long_a life_n but_o for_o a_o wise_a and_o understand_a heart_n so_o may_v god_n say_v unto_o they_o because_o you_o have_v not_o ask_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o health_n wealth_n or_o the_o like_a but_o a_o renew_a heart_n a_o new_a birth_n be_v it_o according_a to_o your_o desire_n your_o natural_a carnal_a heart_n shall_v be_v change_v and_o renew_v and_o to_o thy_o own_o prayer_n call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o other_o man_n prayer_n beg_v of_o they_o that_o in_o their_o prayer_n they_o will_v be_v mindful_a of_o thou_o and_o of_o thy_o condition_n that_o they_o will_v be_v earnest_a with_o god_n on_o thy_o behalf_n that_o he_o will_v make_v thou_o a_o new_a creature_n by_o endow_v thou_o with_o true_a save_v sanctify_a grace_n thus_o simon_n magus_n beg_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n apprehend_v their_o prayer_n to_o be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o his_o own_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n may_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o job_n for_o his_o friend_n when_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o for_o themselves_o and_o the_o jailor_n conversion_n be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o consequent_a of_o the_o apostle_n prayer_n not_o only_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o his_o prison_n but_o his_o deliverance_n out_o of_o the_o devil_n prison_n be_v set_v down_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o their_o prayer_n to_o thou_o own_o prayer_n therefore_o call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o other_o man_n prayer_n vii_o when_o either_o in_o hear_v read_v pray_v or_o at_o any_o other_o time_n thou_o feel_v any_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o thy_o soul_n and_o conscience_n make_v much_o of_o they_o surrender_v up_o thyself_o thereunto_o present_o turn_v those_o motion_n into_o resolution_n and_o those_o resolution_n into_o endeavour_n let_v not_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v nip_v in_o the_o bud_n but_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v they_o that_o they_o may_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n ah_o sinner_n as_o thou_o tender_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o thy_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n slight_v not_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o thou_o but_o labour_v to_o improve_v they_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v send_v be_v they_o motion_n tend_v to_o the_o work_n in_o thou_o a_o loathe_n and_o abhor_v of_o thy_o former_a sinful_a lust_n second_o those_o motion_n with_o strong_a resolution_n to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v at_o least_o so_o to_o strive_v against_o they_o as_o they_o may_v not_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o thou_o as_o former_o they_o have_v do_v be_v they_o motion_n tend_v to_o the_o
and_o in_o all_o his_o office_n say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v my_o prophet_n i_o will_v in_o all_o thing_n labour_v to_o be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v by_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v my_o king_n i_o will_v give_v he_o the_o supremacy_n i_o will_v resign_v up_o myself_o whole_o to_o his_o dominion_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v my_o priest_n he_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n and_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o i_o i_o will_v rest_v upon_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o all-sufficient_a sacrifice_n offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n though_o thou_o have_v hitherto_o be_v a_o great_a sinner_n yet_o if_o now_o thou_o will_v abandon_v thy_o sin_n and_o thus_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n thou_o shall_v have_v he_o give_v to_o thou_o and_o all_o thy_o sin_n free_o forgive_v thou_o oh_o why_o will_v thou_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n oh_o do_v not_o defer_v the_o do_v it_o one_o day_n long_o but_o to_o day_n even_o now_o that_o christ_n be_v free_o offer_v unto_o thou_o resolve_v to_o receive_v he_o and_o be_v not_o discourage_v out_o of_o fear_n that_o because_o thou_o have_v so_o long_o refuse_v to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n therefore_o now_o the_o time_n be_v past_a but_o know_v that_o so_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n continue_v call_v and_o invite_v thou_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n so_o long_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n last_v the_o golden_a sceptre_n be_v this_o day_n hold_v forth_o unto_o thou_o christ_n and_o salvation_n be_v now_o offer_v unto_o thou_o o_o therefore_o embrace_v he_o by_o faith_n which_o if_o thou_o refuse_v to_o do_v know_v assure_o that_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v thy_o portion_n to_o all_o eternity_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n 3.19_o even_o the_o soare_v and_o sure_a condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o jesus_n chr_v and_o salvation_n by_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o man_n love_v darkness_n more_o than_o light_n prefer_v their_o deed_n of_o darkness_n their_o sinful_a sensual_a way_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n who_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n oh_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a and_o unwise_a as_o to_o choose_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v and_o death_n rather_o than_o life_n chap._n xv._n other_o mean_n on_o our_o part_n to_o be_v perform_v for_o attain_v of_o regeneration_n vi_o with_o patience_n wait_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n especial_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n 1._o frequent_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v to_o breath_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a worker_n of_o this_o great_a work_n as_o our_o saviour_n express_v and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o instrument_n 6._o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v for_o the_o effect_n hereof_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n breathe_v not_o in_o a_o alehouse_n or_o in_o a_o tavern_n or_o playhouse_n but_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereupon_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v it_o the_o word_n of_o life_n 2.16_o by_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v quicken_v and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n the_o seed_n of_o regeneration_n by_o which_o we_o be_v new_o bear_v 1.23_o be_v bear_v again_o say_v he_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o seed_n be_v sow_v in_o the_o heart_n do_v by_o little_a and_o little_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o new_a creature_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v spiritual_a father_n because_o by_o their_o ministry_n they_o beget_v man_n unto_o god_n 4.15_o as_o paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o he_o have_v beget_v they_o through_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v usual_o work_v in_o we_o that_o great_a work_n of_o regeneration_n but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o attribute_v our_o new_a birth_n unto_o the_o word_n preach_v as_o have_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n any_o inherent_a power_n to_o give_v life_n and_o grace_n but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o sanctify_v for_o work_a grace_n in_o we_o attend_v therefore_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o his_o blessing_n be_v promise_v use_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o blessing_n and_o with_o desire_n to_o profit_v thereby_o and_o for_o thy_o encouragement_n know_v that_o as_o dead_a a_o soul_n as_o thou_o have_v be_v quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o it_o have_v be_v attend_v upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o hard_o a_o heart_n as_o thou_o have_v be_v soften_v as_o profane_v a_o heart_n have_v be_v sanctify_v as_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a a_o heart_n have_v be_v change_v and_o renew_v and_o who_o know_v but_o while_o thou_o be_v attend_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o way_n his_o spirit_n may_v breathe_v upon_o thou_o and_o so_o quicken_v thy_o dead_a heart_n mollify_v thy_o hard_a heart_n sanctify_v thy_o profane_a heart_n yea_o renew_v and_o change_v thy_o total_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a heart_n wherein_o consist_v the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n this_o i_o press_v upon_o all_o know_v that_o a_o carnal_a unregenerate_a man_n may_v give_v outward_a attendance_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n though_o thou_o be_v spiritual_o dead_a yet_o have_v thou_o foot_n to_o carry_v thou_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o ear_n to_o hear_v the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o understanding_n to_o know_v in_o great_a measure_n what_o be_v say_v thou_o may_v come_v to_o the_o pool_n and_o lie_v by_o it_o though_o thou_o can_v not_o put_v thyself_o in_o and_o true_o it_o be_v good_a lie_v in_o the_o way_n where_o christ_n use_v to_o come_v oh_o therefore_o frequent_a the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n use_v to_o move_v yea_o and_o to_o breathe_v a_o spirit_n of_o life_n into_o dead_a soul_n take_v all_o occasion_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n both_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n let_v nothing_o but_o necessity_n keep_v thou_o at_o home_n for_o thou_o know_v not_o what_o sermon_n may_v be_v most_o suitable_a to_o thy_o condition_n and_o when_o thou_o hear_v attend_v to_o it_o as_o to_o a_o message_n send_v from_o god_n concern_v thy_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o be_v often_o call_v it_o to_o remembrance_n whereby_o it_o will_v take_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o though_o for_o the_o present_a thou_o find_v not_o that_o benefit_n thou_o expect_v yet_o wait_v still_o upon_o the_o ordinance_n the_o lame_a man_n who_o lay_v long_o at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n at_o last_o be_v cure_v 2._o be_v much_o in_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o such_o practical_a book_n as_o may_v help_v thou_o in_o understanding_n and_o apply_v it_o this_o must_v not_o thrust_v out_o preach_v yet_o be_v it_o a_o excellent_a mean_n of_o grace_n in_o its_o own_o time_n and_o place_n as_o very_o many_o have_v find_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n for_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul._n so_o that_o the_o word_n read_v be_v sometime_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n preach_v as_o the_o eunuch_n be_v a_o read_v a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n in_o his_o chariot_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n command_v philip_n to_o go_v near_o unto_o he_o to_o teach_v he_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o and_o to_o instruct_v he_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whereupon_o he_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o luther_n confess_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v change_v and_o renew_v upon_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o profess_v he_o will_v not_o part_v with_o one_o leaf_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o all_o the_o world_n for_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n therein_o be_v contain_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o law_n of_o heaven_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v square_v all_o our_o action_n oh_o sinner_n as_o thou_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v careful_a and_o conscionable_a in_o read_v the_o scripture_n spend_v not_o that_o time_n
stir_v thou_o up_o to_o any_o good_a duty_n omit_v oh_o turn_v these_o motion_n into_o performance_n and_o present_o fall_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n whether_o it_o be_v pray_v in_o thy_o closet_n or_o in_o thy_o family_n or_o such_o like_a do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n beam_n any_o light_n from_o the_o word_n into_o thy_o understanding_n whereby_o thou_o be_v more_o thorough_o convince_v of_o thy_o miserable_a condition_n by_o nature_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n of_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o unto_o salvation_n labour_v to_o improve_v this_o light_n to_o the_o stir_v up_o in_o thou_o a_o earnest_n long_a desire_n after_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o sermon_n so_o convince_v thou_o of_o some_o grof_n scandalous_a sin_n or_o sin_n that_o thou_o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n and_o deep_o humble_v under_o the_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o oh_o content_v not_o thyself_o with_o some_o sudden_a pang_n of_o affection_n but_o forthwith_o go_v into_o some_o secret_a place_n and_o there_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o thy_o present_a relent_a frame_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o more_o free_a and_o full_o confess_v of_o thy_o sin_n unto_o god_n and_o engage_v thyself_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n unto_o he_o to_o be_v more_o watchful_a over_o thyself_o as_o against_o thy_o former_a lend_n and_o wicked_a course_n so_o against_o the_o occasion_n lead_v thereunto_o ah_o sinner_n it_o will_v be_v thy_o wisdom_n careful_o to_o observe_v and_o diligent_o to_o improve_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o stir_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o thy_o soul_n and_o conscience_n by_o second_v the_o work_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n in_o thou_o lose_v not_o the_o wind_n and_o tide_n the_o wind_n may_v lie_v the_o tide_n may_v turn_v and_o where_o be_v thou_o then_o it_o will_v be_v hard_o row_v against_o wind_n or_o tide_n thou_o little_o think_v what_o advantage_n such_o motion_n wise_o improve_v may_v be_v to_o thy_o soul_n and_o what_o prejudice_n the_o slight_n and_o neglect_v of_o they_o may_v be_v unto_o thou_o for_o ought_v thou_o know_v thy_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n may_v depend_v upon_o the_o improve_n or_o slight_v the_o same_o viii_o be_v much_o in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o godly_a walk_v with_o they_o who_o walk_v with_o god_n he_o that_o walk_v with_o the_o wise_a shall_v be_v more_o wise_a he_o that_o walk_v with_o the_o humble_a shall_v be_v more_o humble_a he_o that_o walk_v with_o the_o holy_a shall_v learn_v holiness_n as_o there_o be_v no_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o society_n of_o the_o wicked_a so_o there_o be_v no_o great_a furtherance_n to_o it_o than_o the_o society_n of_o those_o who_o fear_n god_n for_o there_o be_v none_o will_v be_v so_o ready_a to_o pity_v and_o compassionate_v you_o to_o counsel_n and_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n as_o these_o none_o so_o ready_a to_o provoke_v and_o egg_n you_o on_o unto_o godliness_n to_o encourage_v and_o cheer_v you_o up_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o to_o reprove_v you_o when_o you_o do_v amiss_o as_o these_o none_o so_o ready_a to_o communicate_v their_o experience_n to_o you_o o_o come_v say_v they_o and_o we_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v for_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o godly_a there_o be_v much_o good_a to_o be_v get_v they_o be_v like_o lantern_n which_o disperse_v their_o light_n round_o about_o if_o thou_o be_v much_o in_o their_o company_n thou_o shall_v hear_v much_o of_o god_n much_o of_o christ_n and_o much_o of_o heaven_n they_o use_v to_o be_v talk_v much_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o that_o country_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o holy_a city_n whether_o they_o be_v travel_v they_o will_v be_v open_v to_o you_o the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o love_n the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n his_o willingness_n to_o receive_v all_o poor_a sinner_n who_o will_v go_v unto_o he_o and_o adventure_v their_o soul_n upon_o he_o and_o who_o know_v how_o much_o their_o discourse_n may_v warm_v thy_o heart_n and_o raise_v up_o thy_o desire_n after_o christ._n agrippa_n be_v almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n while_o he_o be_v talk_v with_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o ennuch_n be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o persuade_v while_o he_o be_v converse_v with_o philip._n as_o therefore_o thou_o desire_v to_o further_a the_o work_n of_o grace_n begin_v in_o thy_o soul_n be_v much_o in_o the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v gracious_a who_o will_v be_v exceed_o helpful_a to_o thou_o therein_o as_o by_o their_o prayer_n so_o by_o their_o counsel_n and_o good_a example_n for_o their_o life_n tell_v thou_o what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n what_o to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o to_o live_v aboâ—e_v all_o the_o allure_a vanity_n of_o the_o world_n oh_o christian_n encourage_v poor_a sinner_n to_o come_v among_o you_o let_v your_o discourse_n be_v practical_a sermon_n let_v your_o way_n be_v live_a copy_n of_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v your_o conversation_n be_v full_a of_o love_n life_n pity_n compassion_n towards_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o teach_v counsel_n encourage_v and_o help_v they_o on_o after_o the_o lord_n teach_v not_o sinner_n to_o say_v by_o the_o barrenness_n and_o unsavouriness_n of_o your_o life_n there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o god_n to_o be_v get_v in_o the_o dwelling_n of_o the_o righteous_a than_o in_o the_o tent_n of_o wickedness_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o the_o mean_n on_o our_o part_n to_o be_v perform_v for_o the_o further_a the_o new_a birth_n and_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n in_o your_o soul_n and_o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o propound_v one_o question_n to_o you_o be_v you_o resolve_v with_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n speedy_o to_o put_v yourselves_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o direction_n or_o no_o if_o you_o think_v these_o thing_n more_o than_o necessary_a and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v what_o need_v so_o much_o ado_n as_o if_o without_o so_o much_o hear_v so_o much_o read_v so_o much_o pray_v and_o the_o like_a there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n you_o may_v then_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v your_o ease_n but_o know_v for_o certain_a that_o without_o a_o conscionable_a use_n of_o these_o mean_n you_o be_v like_a to_o fall_v short_a as_o of_o regeneration_n here_o so_o of_o salvation_n hereafter_o for_o where_o god_n have_v appoint_v mean_n he_o do_v not_o ordinary_o work_v without_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v not_o use_v god_n mean_n no_o wonder_n if_o you_o go_v without_o his_o grace_n ah_o sinner_n i_o beseech_v you_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o precious_a soul_n do_v not_o wilful_o refuse_v to_o be_v happy_a do_v not_o witting_o plunge_v your_o soul_n into_o everlasting_a misery_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v happy_a awaken_v your_o sleepy_a stir_v up_o your_o lazy_a heart_n to_o be_v do_v heaven_n be_v not_o get_v with_o a_o wish_n everlasting_a glory_n be_v worthy_a your_o utmost_a pain_n and_o will_v not_o be_v get_v without_o it_o what_o say_v you_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v you_o willing_a to_o be_v convert_v to_o become_v new_a man_n and_o to_o take_v up_o a_o new_a course_n if_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o when_o will_v you_o be_v you_o content_a to_o die_v in_o your_o present_a state_n if_o you_o be_v now_o breathe_v out_o your_o last_o and_o just_a pass_v into_o another_o world_n will_v you_o not_o wish_v you_o have_v hearken_v to_o counsel_n though_o thou_o will_v live_v the_o life_n yet_o be_v thou_o content_a to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o obstinate_a and_o harden_a be_v not_o brute_n and_o mad_a man_n if_o christ_n be_v best_a at_o death_n if_o holiness_n will_v be_v best_a at_o last_o if_o you_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v you_o shall_v wish_v you_o have_v make_v christ_n sure_a then_o sure_a your_o stand_n out_o against_o christ_n now_o your_o refuse_v grace_n now_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o folly_n o_o be_v wise_a consider_v what_o be_v before_o you_o christ_n and_o the_o world_n holiness_n and_o sin_n life_n and_o death_n choose_v now_o for_o yourselves_o and_o if_o you_o will_v be_v advise_v let_v your_o this_o day_n choice_n be_v the_o same_o which_o you_o be_v resolve_v shall_v be_v your_o die_a choice_n if_o you_o will_v not_o choose_v to_o die_v in_o your_o sin_n to_o die_v drunkard_n to_o die_v adulterer_n to_o die_v scoffer_n to_o die_v unbeliever_n live_v not_o out_o this_o day_n in_o such_o a_o dreadful_a state_n chap._n
xvi_o several_a objection_n of_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n against_o the_o use_n of_o the_o forementioned_a mean_n answer_v have_v show_v the_o mean_n i_o come_v now_o to_o answer_v the_o objection_n which_o many_o carnal_a man_n pretend_v against_o the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o a_o new_a birth_n obj._n 1_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o object_n and_o say_v these_o be_v indeed_o likely_a mean_n but_o they_o find_v neither_o strength_n nor_o ability_n to_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o a._n 1._o i_o will_v ask_v thou_o whether_o thou_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v thou_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o thyself_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v within_o thy_o power_n and_o strength_n have_v thou_o not_o as_o much_o power_n to_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o into_o a_o alehouse_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o playbook_n and_o pamphlet_n to_o associate_v thyself_o with_o the_o godly_a as_o with_o the_o wicked_a and_o profane_a can_v not_o thou_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o abandon_v thy_o old_a sinful_a lust_n and_o to_o set_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n certain_o if_o thou_o have_v be_v want_v to_o thyself_o in_o these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n this_o objection_n take_v from_o thy_o own_o inability_n be_v but_o a_o idle_a excuse_n and_o argue_v rather_o thy_o unwillingness_n than_o disability_n and_o know_v that_o in_o the_o last_o and_o great_a day_n thou_o will_v be_v damn_v not_o so_o much_o for_o thy_o want_n of_o power_n as_o for_o thy_o want_n of_o will_n 2._o if_o thou_o will_v but_o put_v thyself_o upon_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n thou_o do_v not_o know_v what_o strength_n thou_o may_v receive_v from_o god_n 10.44_o and_o what_o may_v be_v the_o issue_n thereof_o while_o peter_n be_v preach_v the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o for_o aught_o thou_o know_v while_o thou_o be_v attend_v upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n or_o pray_v unto_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v fall_v on_o thou_o and_o make_v that_o ordinance_n effectual_a for_o thy_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o put_v thyself_o upon_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n wait_v at_o the_o pool_n thou_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o the_o spirit_n may_v come_v and_o move_v upon_o thy_o soul._n for_o god_n do_v usual_o meet_v with_o those_o who_o seek_v he_o obj._n 2._o i_o fear_v i_o be_o not_o elect_v and_o therefore_o conceive_v it_o altogether_o fruitless_a for_o i_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n for_o this_o new_a birth_n oh_o can_v i_o be_v assure_v of_o my_o election_n then_o shall_v i_o with_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n labour_v after_o it_o a._n 1._o election_n be_v a_o secret_a thing_n and_o belong_v unto_o god_n according_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n 29.29_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o trouble_v not_o thyself_o with_o god_n secret_a will_n but_o follow_v his_o revealed_z will_n apply_v thyself_o serious_o and_o cordial_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v god_n have_v sanctify_v for_o thy_o regeneration_n and_o from_o thence_o thou_o may_v gain_v some_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o thy_o election_n 2._o consider_v though_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v his_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a yet_o no_o man_n can_v know_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o election_n till_o he_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o not_o know_v thy_o election_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o keep_v thou_o off_o from_o apply_v thyself_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o regeneration_n as_o it_o shall_v rather_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o press_v thou_o thereunto_o for_o by_o thy_o regeneration_n thou_o may_v know_v thy_o election_n the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n be_v only_o make_v know_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la from_o their_o effect_n oâ—e_v whereof_o be_v regeneration_n find_v this_o and_o thou_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o thy_o election_n 3._o will_v thou_o not_o plough_v nor_o sow_n because_o thou_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n have_v determine_v thou_o a_o harvest_n thou_o will_v say_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v not_o reap_v if_o i_o sow_v not_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o a_o harvest_n if_o there_o be_v a_o seedtime_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v adventure_v to_o sow_v what_o ever_o the_o issue_n may_v be_v and_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v as_o wise_a for_o thy_o soul_n as_o for_o thy_o body_n because_o thou_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o thy_o election_n will_v thou_o make_v thy_o damnation_n sure_a obj._n 3_o ah_o i_o be_o too_o unworthy_a to_o partake_v of_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o i_o to_o move_v god_n to_o work_v grace_n in_o i_o and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v i_o trouble_v myself_o about_o it_o a._n 1._o consider_v god_n grace_n be_v every_o way_n so_o free_a that_o the_o mercy_n which_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n be_v altogether_o of_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o he_o respect_v his_o own_o goodness_n not_o our_o worthiness_n in_o the_o mercy_n which_o he_o confer_v if_o none_o shall_v obtain_v grace_n but_o the_o worthy_a who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v 2._o consider_v that_o no_o man_n before_o his_o regeneration_n can_v ever_o find_v any_o worthiness_n in_o himself_o why_o he_o shall_v partake_v of_o that_o mercy_n what_o be_v there_o in_o manassâ—h_n or_o in_o zacheus_n or_o in_o mary_n magdalen_n or_o in_o paul_n before_o their_o conversion_n surely_n none_o at_o all_o nay_o there_o be_v never_o a_o child_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n or_o in_o heaven_n but_o have_v as_o much_o personal_a unworthiness_n before_o his_o regeneration_n as_o thou_o now_o have_v why_o then_o do_v the_o sight_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thy_o unworthiness_n put_v thou_o out_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o obtain_v the_o same_o 3._o consider_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o unworthiness_n be_v some_o degree_n of_o worthiness_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o great_a worthiness_n thou_o can_v attain_v unto_o and_o none_o ever_o find_v great_a mercy_n from_o god_n than_o they_o who_o have_v be_v most_o sensible_a of_o their_o unworthiness_n instance_n the_o centurion_n who_o speak_v unto_o christ_n 8.8_o say_v i_o be_o not_o worthy_a that_o thou_o shall_v come_v under_o the_o roof_n of_o my_o house_n and_o yet_o christ_n grant_v his_o desire_n in_o heal_v his_o servant_n so_o likewise_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n who_o acknowledge_v herself_o to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o dog_n yet_o receive_v this_o answer_n from_o christ_n oh_o woman_n 15.27_o great_a be_v thy_o faith_n be_v it_o unto_o thou_o even_o as_o thou_o will_v so_o likewise_o the_o publican_n who_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o so_o much_o unworthiness_n that_o he_o stand_v afar_o off_o and_o dare_v not_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n unto_o heaven_n but_o smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n 18.13_o yet_o as_o the_o text_n note_v ver_n 14._o he_o go_v away_o justify_v rather_o than_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi who_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n 4._o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o this_o objection_n of_o thy_o unworthiness_n arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o true_a humility_n as_o from_o the_o pride_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n who_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v behold_v unto_o god_n for_o any_o mercy_n but_o will_v rather_o discern_v something_o in_o thyself_o which_o may_v deserve_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n but_o we_o be_v to_o root_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n this_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o be_v humble_a and_o then_o we_o may_v rest_v confident_a that_o though_o we_o be_v most_o unworthy_a in_o ourselves_o yet_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o we_o in_o and_o for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o jesus_n christ._n obj._n 4._o some_o object_n the_o number_n and_o the_o heinousness_n of_o their_o sin_n oh_o they_o be_v such_o vile_a and_o wretched_a sinner_n have_v misspend_v the_o best_a of_o their_o time_n the_o strength_n of_o their_o youth_n in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o in_o gratify_v their_o own_o carnal_a luâ—ts_n and_o affection_n and_o as_o they_o have_v grow_v in_o year_n so_o they_o have_v grow_v in_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o can_v expect_v so_o great_a a_o mercy_n from_o god_n as_o of_o a_o son_n of_o belial_n to_o be_v make_v a_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n a._n 1._o know_v for_o thy_o comfort_n that_o god_n have_v embrace_v with_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n as_o great_a and_o heinous_a sinner_n as_o thyself_o for_o haste_n thou_o be_v a_o idolater_n or_o murderer_n 16_o so_o be_v maâ—asseh_n
lay_v out_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o body_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n then_o may_v we_o have_v occasion_n to_o bless_v god_n and_o say_v lord_n thou_o may_v have_v leave_v i_o to_o have_v spend_v my_o strength_n in_o sin_n in_o the_o gratify_a my_o carnal_a lust_n but_o bless_v be_v thy_o name_n who_o have_v make_v i_o willing_a to_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o service_n of_o my_o god_n iii_o labour_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n in_o holy_a duty_n it_o be_v well_o if_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n we_o do_v keep_v close_o to_o the_o duty_n themselves_o few_o go_v so_o far_o but_o it_o must_v be_v our_o care_n not_o only_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o duty_n but_o likewise_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n we_o must_v labour_v not_o only_o to_o mind_v what_o we_o be_v about_o but_o likewise_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o god_n and_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o therein_o in_o the_o use_n of_o every_o ordinance_n let_v our_o main_a desire_n care_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o find_v god_n therein_o and_o not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o meet_v he_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o let_v we_o never_o go_v from_o god_n without_o god_n never_o go_v from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n without_o some_o special_a communion_n with_o god_n therein_o without_o find_v our_o heart_n raise_v and_o affect_v in_o the_o duty_n and_o revive_v and_o refresh_v in_o his_o presence_n iv._o in_o regard_n of_o our_o great_a inability_n and_o insufficiency_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o spiritual_a duty_n after_o a_o right_a manner_n in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v we_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v enable_v we_o thereunto_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n only_o that_o can_v help_v our_o infirmity_n he_o can_v soften_v our_o hard_a heart_n quicken_v our_o dead_a heart_n enlarge_v our_o straighten_v heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o pray_v for_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n let_v we_o plead_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n say_v lord_n thou_o have_v promise_v in_o thy_o word_n that_o thy_o spirit_n shall_v help_v the_o infirmity_n of_o thy_o servant_n oh_o make_v good_a that_o promise_n unto_o i_o let_v i_o feel_v and_o find_v the_o sweet_a breathe_n and_o act_n the_o lively_a quickning_n and_o enlargement_n of_o thy_o spirit_n upon_o my_o heart_n carry_v i_o forth_o with_o much_o life_n and_o vigour_n in_o the_o duty_n i_o be_o now_o go_v about_o this_o plead_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n put_v a_o strong_a engagement_n upon_o he_o to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v say_v chap._n xxi_o of_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o exact_o iv._o another_o singular_a duty_n incumbent_a upon_o the_o regenerate_v be_v to_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o exact_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n see_v that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a translate_v circumspect_o 〈◊〉_d come_v of_o two_o word_n which_o signify_v to_o go_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o a_o thing_n we_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o every_o command_n the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v by_o the_o evangelist_n st._n matthew_n when_o herod_n charge_v the_o wise_a man_n to_o search_v most_o diligent_o and_o narrow_o to_o make_v a_o close_a and_o a_o thorough_a search_n for_o the_o young_a child_n jesus_n so_o that_o by_o this_o phrase_n be_v intend_v great_a accurateness_n and_o exactness_n in_o our_o christian_a conversation_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n account_v the_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a word_n not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a man_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o folly_n but_o a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v circumspect_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n i_o know_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n count_v preciseness_n of_o life_n the_o great_a folly_n that_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o often_o call_v those_o precise_a fool_n who_o endeavour_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n but_o at_o last_o it_o will_v appear_v the_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o press_v this_o duty_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o wherein_o this_o exact_a walk_n do_v consist_v 1._o in_o walk_v by_o rule_n as_o the_o carpenter_n when_o he_o will_v do_v his_o work_n exact_o do_v all_o by_o rule_n so_o must_v the_o christian_n that_o will_v walk_v accurate_o he_o must_v walk_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a adequate_a rule_n of_o holiness_n he_o must_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o buy_v and_o sell_v and_o work_v and_o rest_n and_o all_o by_o this_o rule_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n 6.16_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o and_o on_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n let_v our_o walk_n be_v never_o so_o specious_a and_o glorious_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o straight_o and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o will_v afford_v no_o true_a solid_a comfort_n at_o the_o last_o so_o neither_o will_v it_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o as_o nothing_o be_v a_o sin_n how_o great_a a_o show_n of_o evil_a soever_o it_o bear_v but_o that_o which_o swerve_v from_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n word_n so_o nothing_o be_v a_o good_a work_n how_o great_a a_o show_n of_o goodness_n soever_o it_o bear_v but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o word_n therefore_o moses_n give_v this_o in_o express_a charge_n to_o the_o israelite_n 5.32_o you_o shall_v observe_v to_o do_v as_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n have_v command_v you_o you_o shall_v not_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a 2._o our_o exact_a walk_n consist_v in_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a part_n of_o the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a and_o external_a in_o every_o command_n of_o god_n there_o be_v both_o a_o outward_a and_o external_a part_n and_o also_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a part_n the_o former_a i_o may_v call_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n the_o latter_a the_o spirit_n of_o the_o law_n this_o our_o saviour_n excellent_o clear_v in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n where_o recite_v the_o six_o commandment_n 22._o he_o say_v thou_o shall_v do_v no_o murder_n there_o be_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o then_o add_v by_o way_n of_o explanation_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o judgement_n there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o law_n so_o afterward_o recite_v the_o seven_o commandment_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n there_o be_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n 5.28_o and_o then_o add_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whosoever_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o already_o in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o spiritual_a part_n thereof_o the_o most_o diligent_a observation_n of_o the_o letter_n or_o external_a part_n of_o the_o law_n without_o a_o care_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a part_n be_v as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n a_o dead_a thing_n which_o be_v no_o way_n acceptable_a unto_o the_o live_a god_n hence_o our_o saviour_n spend_v so_o many_o word_n to_o convince_v the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v many_o of_o they_o punctual_a in_o their_o outward_a observation_n that_o they_o be_v yet_o horrible_a hypocrite_n violate_v that_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o so_o boast_v of_o and_o plead_v for_o with_o their_o mouth_n be_v murderer_n in_o heart_n adulterer_n in_o heart_n though_o they_o commit_v no_o such_o wickedness_n in_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o hereby_o be_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o many_o professor_n of_o christianity_n discover_v who_o reach_v no_o far_a than_o the_o outside_n of_o religion_n who_o godliness_n be_v nothing_o but_o carnal_a service_n and_o bodily_a exercise_n whereas_o the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a 7.14_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v reach_v to_o the_o very_a inward_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o say_v our_o saviour_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n 4.24_o and_o will_v be_v worship_v inward_o with_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o outward_o with_o the_o body_n whosoever_o therefore_o walk_v exact_o content_v not_o himself_o with_o the_o external_o of_o christianity_n but_o labour_n to_o bring_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o inward_o thereof_o strive_v to_o suppress_v evil_a thought_n to_o mortify_v unclean_a lust_n and_o all_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o abhor_v and_o watch_v against_o secret_a impurity_n as_o well_o as_o open_a impiety_n this_o be_v to_o walk_v exact_o and_o
to_o the_o husband_n so_o that_o they_o prove_v blessing_n and_o comfort_n each_o to_o other_o child_n likewise_o be_v bless_v and_o sanctify_v to_o their_o parent_n and_o servant_n to_o their_o master_n yea_o family-prayer_n produce_v god_n blessing_n upon_o their_o calling_n and_o enjoyment_n upon_o their_o loss_n and_o cross_n both_o be_v thereby_o bless_v and_o sanctify_v unto_o they_o 2._o family-prayer_n as_o it_o be_v a_o sanctify_a ordinance_n so_o it_o be_v a_o season_v ordinance_n it_o season_v the_o whole_a house_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n it_o be_v record_v of_o cornelius_n that_o he_o be_v a_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n who_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o his_o constant_a course_n of_o pray_v with_o his_o family_n questionless_a do_v season_v his_o whole_a house_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o prayer-less_a family_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n destitute_a of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n so_o in_o those_o family_n where_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o pray_v be_v keep_v up_o there_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o be_v season_v with_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n 24.11_o as_o abraham_n be_v a_o praying-master_n so_o he_o have_v praying-servant_n for_o inferior_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o write_v after_o the_o copy_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o to_o follow_v their_o example_n thus_o by_o a_o pray_a master_n child_n and_o servant_n be_v teach_v to_o pray_v 3._o family-prayer_n be_v a_o special_a preservative_n against_o common_a calamity_n polanus_fw-la in_o his_o syntagm_n relate_v how_o in_o the_o year_n 1584._o there_o be_v such_o a_o terrible_a earthquake_n that_o overthrow_v all_o the_o house_n in_o a_o whole_a town_n in_o switzerland_n save_v one_o wherein_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n pray_v with_o his_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n if_o god_n do_v not_o preserve_v praying-family_n from_o those_o common_a judgement_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v other_o yet_o he_o will_v so_o sanctify_v those_o calamity_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v turn_v to_o their_o good_a according_a to_o that_o gracious_a promise_n 8.28_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n v._o consider_v the_o manifold_a mischief_n that_o usual_o sollow_v and_o accompany_v the_o neglect_n of_o family-prayer_n as_o 1._o neglect_v of_o family-prayer_n be_v usual_o accompany_v with_o the_o neglect_n of_o all_o other_o religious_a duty_n which_o be_v find_v true_a by_o sad_a experience_n for_o whoever_o hear_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v or_o catechise_v use_v in_o any_o family_n where_o prayer_n be_v omit_v so_o that_o prayer-less_a house_n be_v as_o sepulcher_n wherein_o all_o religion_n lie_v bury_v 2._o neglect_v of_o family-prayer_n exposâ—th_v the_o whole_a household_n to_o the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n imply_v 10.25_o where_o he_o say_v pour_v out_o thy_o fury_n upon_o the_o heathen_a that_o know_v thou_o not_o and_o upon_o the_o family_n that_o call_v not_o upon_o thy_o name_n where_o by_o the_o fury_n of_o god_n be_v mean_v his_o wrath_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n his_o anger_n boil_a up_o to_o the_o height_n oh_o who_o can_v abide_v this_o scald_a wrath_n and_o by_o pour_v out_o god_n fury_n be_v mean_v god_n inflict_v his_o fierce_a wrath_n in_o the_o great_a measure_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n the_o word_n though_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o prayer_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o prediction_n as_o well_o as_o a_o petition_n of_o god_n dreadful_a wrath_n and_o fury_n to_o be_v undoubted_o inflict_v upon_o all_o prayerless-family_n for_o the_o prophet_n put_v up_o this_o prayer_n unto_o god_n as_o foresee_v the_o certain_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o such_o family_n as_o call_v not_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o know_v that_o god_n will_v assure_o pour_v out_o his_o fury_n upon_o their_o family_n who_o do_v not_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n unto_o he_o oh_o that_o all_o master_n and_o governor_n will_v serious_o think_v and_o meditate_v on_o this_o fearful_a imprecation_n of_o the_o prophet_n against_o all_o prayerless-family_n that_o so_o they_o may_v dread_v the_o omission_n of_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n as_o much_o as_o the_o scorch_a wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n yea_o as_o the_o scorch_a fire_n of_o hell_n for_o what_o be_v hell_n itself_o but_o the_o feel_n of_o this_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v close_v this_o with_o answer_v three_o question_n and_o as_o many_o objection_n 1._o q._n how_o often_o shall_v we_o pray_v with_o our_o family_n a._n 1._o every_o day_n for_o first_o our_o saviour_n have_v intimate_v so_o much_o unto_o we_o in_o his_o platform_n of_o prayer_n by_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o daily_a bread_n in_o these_o word_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n that_o be_v bread_n needful_a for_o the_o present_a day_n and_o in_o regard_n we_o daily_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o bread_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v we_o pray_v daily_o for_o the_o same_o 2._o have_v you_o not_o daily_o want_v to_o be_v supply_v want_v for_o yourselves_o and_o want_v for_o your_o child_n and_o servant_n have_v you_o not_o daily_a infirmity_n in_o your_o family_n to_o be_v heal_v be_v you_o not_o daily_a subject_n to_o danger_n and_o temptation_n and_o do_v you_o not_o daily_a sin_n against_o god_n be_v it_o not_o necessary_a then_o that_o you_o daily_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o all_o your_o want_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o all_o your_o infirmity_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o the_o danger_n you_o be_v daily_a subject_n unto_o for_o the_o strengthen_n you_o against_o all_o your_o temptation_n for_o the_o pardon_v of_o all_o your_o sin_n sure_o our_o daily_a want_n our_o daily_a infirmity_n our_o daily_a danger_n our_o daily_a temptation_n and_o our_o daily_a sin_n do_v all_o call_v upon_o we_o for_o daily_a prayer_n and_o as_o you_o and_o you_o daily_o partake_v of_o god_n mercy_n be_v it_o not_o just_a and_o equal_a that_o you_o all_o shall_v daily_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o same_o the_o truth_n be_v every_o day_n supply_v new_a matter_n both_o of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n daily_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n unto_o god_n 2._o q._n how_o oft_o in_o each_o day_n be_v we_o bind_v to_o pray_v with_o our_o family_n a._n family-prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v twice_o at_o least_o viz._n in_o the_o morning_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n 1._o for_o first_o this_o be_v commend_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n 39_o which_o we_o find_v give_v in_o command_n unto_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o those_o under_o the_o law_n oblige_v to_o offer_v up_o their_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n 2._o equity_n require_v this_o duty_n at_o your_o hand_n as_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v renew_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o every_o morning_n and_o the_o shower_n of_o his_o compassion_n fall_v down_o upon_o you_o every_o night_n so_o you_o shall_v not_o forget_v to_o offer_v up_o both_o a_o morning_n and_o a_o evening_n sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n unto_o he_o who_o be_v so_o continual_o mindful_a of_o you_o 3._o q._n what_o time_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n be_v fit_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o family-prayer_n a._n for_o this_o no_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v prescribe_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o several_a occasion_n which_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o a_o family_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n sickness_n and_o the_o like_a in_o the_o governor_n thereof_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o morning_n sacrifice_n if_o possible_o may_v be_v betimes_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o servant_n go_v about_o the_o work_n of_o their_o call_n as_o be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o holy_a exercise_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v fresh_a and_o free_a from_o worldly_a thought_n and_o distraction_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n may_v be_v before_o supper_n in_o regard_n that_o afterward_o we_o be_v general_o more_o heavy_a and_o sleepy_a and_o will_v find_v it_o more_o difficult_a to_o keep_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o duty_n have_v thus_o resolve_v the_o question_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o duty_n of_o family-prayer_n chap._n vi_o objection_n against_o family-prayer_n answer_v 1._o obj._n some_o object_n their_o inability_n to_o pray_v they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n a._n 1._o let_v the_o sense_n of_o thy_o own_o weakness_n drive_v thou_o unto_o god_n for_o power_n and_o strength_n beg_v
offer_v up_o a_o morning_n sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n lord_n we_o acknowledge_v our_o great_a unworthiness_n to_o come_v into_o thy_o presence_n to_o present_v our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n unto_o thou_o but_o though_o we_o be_v unworthy_a yet_o christ_n be_v worthy_a we_o beseech_v thou_o therefore_o for_o his_o sake_n to_o look_v gracious_o upon_o we_o to_o pass_v by_o our_o unworthiness_n and_o to_o strengthen_v our_o weakness_n to_o this_o end_n as_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o thou_o so_o be_v thou_o please_v to_o draw_v near_o unto_o we_o enable_v we_o to_o pray_v as_o with_o humility_n and_o sincerity_n so_o with_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n and_o with_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n look_v for_o audience_n and_o acceptance_n in_o and_o through_o he_o bless_a lord_n god_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v thou_o do_v at_o first_o create_v we_o in_o a_o bless_a and_o happy_a estate_n even_o after_o thy_o own_o image_n endow_v we_o with_o true_a knowledge_n holiness_n and_o righteousness_n but_o we_o soon_o fall_v from_o that_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o blessedness_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o first_o father_n adam_n and_o implunge_v ourselves_o with_o he_o into_o a_o dreadful_a gulf_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n for_o o_o lord_n beside_o the_o guilt_n of_o adam_n sin_n we_o have_v contract_v from_o he_o a_o mass_n of_o corruption_n which_o have_v poison_v our_o very_a nature_n pollute_a and_o defile_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o our_o body_n so_o that_o we_o may_v more_o true_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o spiritual_a uncleanness_n cry_v out_o unclean_a unclean_a than_o the_o leper_n under_o the_o law_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o bodily_a uncleanness_n and_o o_o lord_n to_o this_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o have_v add_v many_o many_o actual_a sin_n of_o our_o own_o which_o as_o they_o have_v be_v heinous_a in_o their_o quality_n so_o in_o their_o number_n and_o multitude_n have_v far_o exceed_v the_o hair_n of_o our_o head_n and_o the_o sand_n on_o the_o seashore_n which_o can_v be_v number_v the_o which_o we_o have_v commit_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n from_o our_o infancy_n to_o this_o present_a time_n so_o that_o we_o be_v now_o grow_v old_a in_o sin_n and_o overgrow_v with_o corruption_n though_o the_o time_n thou_o have_v allot_v we_o here_o to_o live_v be_v very_o little_a even_o as_o a_o moment_n to_o eternity_n yet_o alas_o how_o little_a of_o this_o little_a have_v we_o live_v to_o thou_o our_o god_n or_o to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o own_o soul_n have_v mis-spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o day_n in_o vanity_n and_o pleasure_n we_o have_v continue_v ignorant_a of_o thou_o how_o much_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n have_v we_o have_v and_o yet_o how_o little_a knowledge_n have_v we_o get_v oh_o how_o little_o have_v we_o do_v for_o our_o soul_n or_o the_o other_o world_n we_o have_v not_o consider_v what_o be_v like_a to_o become_v of_o we_o hereafter_o how_o little_a care_n and_o pain_n have_v we_o take_v to_o make_v sure_a for_o eternity_n we_o have_v take_v the_o course_n to_o undo_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o we_o have_v break_v every_o one_o of_o thy_o most_o holy_a and_o righteous_a law_n ten_o thousand_o thousand_o time_n yea_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o thy_o gospel_n in_o slight_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n though_o thou_o have_v send_v unto_o we_o ambassador_n after_o ambassador_n to_o woo_v and_o beseech_v we_o to_o abandon_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n yet_o alas_o how_o have_v we_o slight_v thy_o messenger_n and_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o all_o thy_o gracious_a invitation_n though_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v christ_n for_o our_o saviour_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o hell_n and_o damnation_n yet_o alas_o how_o unwilling_a be_v we_o to_o take_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o lord_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v our_o great_a unthankfulness_n under_o those_o manifold_a favour_n and_o mercy_n thou_o have_v in_o a_o plentiful_a measure_n confer_v on_o we_o as_o also_o our_o unprofitableness_n under_o thy_o fatherly_a chastisement_n lay_v upon_o we_o in_o love_n and_o for_o our_o good_a our_o discontentedness_n at_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o oh_o how_o careless_a and_o negligent_a have_v we_o be_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o place_n calling_n and_o relation_n oh_o the_o multitude_n of_o worldly_a and_o covetous_a thought_n of_o proud_a and_o ambitious_a thought_n of_o wicked_a and_o profane_a thought_n of_o wanton_a and_o unclean_a thought_n yea_o and_o of_o blasphemous_a and_o atheistical_a thought_n that_o lodge_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o of_o we_o and_o there_o revel_v it_o day_n and_o night_n and_o o_o lord_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v the_o deadness_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o distraction_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o perform_v holy_a duty_n we_o be_v active_a and_o lively_a about_o our_o worldly_a business_n but_o oh_o how_o dull_a and_o flat_a be_v we_o in_o our_o religious_a exercise_n pray_v as_o if_o we_o pray_v not_o and_o hear_v as_o if_o we_o hear_v not_o lord_n make_v we_o true_o apprehensive_a of_o our_o sin_n and_o misery_n that_o we_o may_v humble_v ourselves_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o turn_v unto_o thou_o by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n turn_v we_o o_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v turn_v draw_v we_o and_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o and_o o_o lord_n while_o we_o be_v return_v unto_o thou_o meet_v we_o we_o pray_v thou_o in_o the_o way_n and_o like_o a_o tender_a father_n embrace_v we_o with_o the_o arm_n of_o thy_o mercy_n our_o sin_n we_o confess_v be_v many_o and_o heinous_a yet_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v thy_o mercy_n be_v far_o more_o and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v far_o great_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o adventure_v our_o soul_n as_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o theâ—_n our_o god_n so_o upon_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o who_o arm_n we_o here_o cast_v ourselves_o oh_o be_v please_v to_o make_v we_o partaker_n both_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n in_o free_v we_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n in_o free_v we_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n that_o it_o may_v not_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o we_o as_o former_o lord_n work_n in_o we_o a_o loathe_n and_o a_o true_a hatred_n of_o every_o sin_n especial_o of_o such_o we_o have_v be_v most_o addict_v to_o and_o have_v most_o delight_v in_o to_o this_o end_n convince_v we_o what_o a_o folly_n yea_o madness_n it_o be_v for_o the_o short_a fruition_n of_o a_o momentany_a pleasure_n here_o to_o implunge_v ourselves_o into_o everlasting_a burn_n oh_o convert_v every_o unconverted_a soul_n among_o we_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n make_v we_o adventurer_n for_o the_o other_o world_n let_v we_o be_v resolve_v henceforth_o for_o a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a life_n instruct_v we_o in_o thy_o way_n and_o teach_v we_o thy_o statute_n break_v the_o power_n of_o our_o sin_n subdue_v our_o rebellion_n and_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o be_v the_o lord_n change_v our_o evil_a nature_n and_o give_v we_o another_o spirit_n help_v we_o sincere_o to_o choose_v thou_o as_o our_o portion_n to_o love_v and_o fear_v and_o trust_v in_o thou_o and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thou_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n help_v we_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n abouâ—_o and_o no_o long_o on_o this_o earth_n let_v we_o die_v daily_o to_o sin_n and_o this_o world_n let_v we_o exercise_v our_o self_n in_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n let_v we_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o let_v not_o our_o labour_n herein_o be_v in_o vain_a keep_v we_o o_o lord_n from_o our_o iniquity_n keep_v we_o from_o the_o way_n of_o lie_v from_o all_o unrighteous_a and_o unjust_a deal_n from_o wrath_n and_o evil_a speak_n let_v we_o be_v true_a temperate_a peaceable_a and_o merciful_a as_o the_o child_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n help_v we_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o savoury_a and_o tender_a and_o watchful_a and_o hold_v we_o on_o constant_o in_o our_o holy_a course_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n lord_n take_v we_o into_o thy_o keep_n and_o protection_n this_o day_n keep_v we_o from_o all_o danger_n especial_o from_o sin_v against_o thou_o to_o this_o end_n make_v we_o watchful_a both_o against_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o temptation_n thereunto_o keep_v we_o we_o pray_v thou_o