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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
state_n good_a great_a time_n 3,744 5 3.2616 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41441 The old religion demonstrated in its principles, and described in the life and practice thereof Goodman, John, 1625 or 6-1690. 1684 (1684) Wing G1111; ESTC R2856 107,253 396

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discharge_n of_o which_o be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v civil_a piety_n and_o the_o measure_n whereof_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n be_v brief_o describe_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o first_o office_n of_o civil_a piety_n be_v to_o maintain_v government_n and_o order_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o prince_n to_o preserve_v the_o reverence_n of_o magistracy_n and_o the_o law_n of_o a_o man_n country_n for_o the_o do_n of_o this_o we_o have_v as_o express_v and_o urgent_a command_n of_o god_n as_o any_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o conscientious_a discharge_n hereof_o be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o he_o as_o any_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n for_o god_n almighty_n need_v nothing_o at_o our_o hand_n for_o himself_o or_o for_o his_o own_o use_n and_o advantage_n but_o make_v the_o public_a good_a of_o his_o creature_n the_o matter_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o law_n now_o public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v preserve_v by_o law_n and_o magistracy_n be_v of_o mighty_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n as_o well_o as_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o god_n of_o order_n for_o without_o government_n we_o can_v have_v no_o quiet_a in_o our_o habitation_n no_o security_n of_o our_o person_n no_o propriety_n in_o our_o estate_n no_o defence_n against_o foreign_a invasion_n nor_o any_o refuge_n from_o the_o enrage_a multitude_n or_o combine_a force_n of_o evil_a man_n but_o the_o weak_a will_v be_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o strong_a the_o slothful_a will_v eat_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o industrious_a the_o world_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o murder_n rapine_n and_o violence_n and_o become_v a_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n care_n to_o uphold_v government_n but_o must_v be_v his_o important_a duty_n to_o endeavour_v it_o and_o the_o be_v instrumental_a herein_o be_v not_o only_o very_o honourable_a to_o religion_n and_o consequent_o procure_v the_o benign_a aspect_n of_o prince_n towards_o it_o and_o provoke_v they_o to_o become_v nurse_v father_n of_o it_o but_o be_v peculiar_o commodious_a to_o all_o the_o office_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o apostle_n general_o in_o all_o their_o write_n immediate_o after_o they_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o peculiar_a duty_n of_o christianity_n subjoin_v earnest_a exhortation_n to_o obedience_n to_o humane_a law_n and_o civil_a power_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o infinite_o tender_a herein_o as_o if_o they_o think_v that_o god_n can_v not_o have_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o service_n right_o perform_v to_o he_o unless_o peace_n and_o order_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o great_a kingdom_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o several_a lesser_a body_n as_o the_o integral_a part_n thereof_o and_o those_o again_o of_o so_o many_o parish_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v peace_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o whole_a if_o the_o particular_a part_n or_o member_n be_v out_o of_o order_n therefore_o it_o must_v not_o only_o be_v the_o duty_n but_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o every_o private_a person_n to_o contribute_v something_o towards_o the_o great_a end_n aforesaid_a first_o by_o dispose_n himself_o second_o by_o principling_n his_o family_n and_o three_o by_o persuade_v and_o incline_v his_o neighbour_n to_o favour_n and_o assist_v the_o government_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o design_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o this_o the_o good_a christian_n ought_v at_o this_o time_n especial_o to_o set_v himself_o about_o with_o the_o great_a zeal_n because_o the_o looseness_n herein_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a evil_n of_o the_o present_a age_n we_o live_v in_o and_o that_o which_o not_o only_o make_v a_o ill_a reflection_n upon_o religion_n but_o endanger_v the_o state_n of_o it_o in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o uphold_v of_o government_n let_v the_o good_a man_n endeavour_n in_o converse_n with_o his_o neighbour_n to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o submit_v private_a interest_n to_o common_a utility_n and_o particular_a opinion_n to_o public_a discretion_n and_o so_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o governor_n let_v he_o labour_n to_o remove_v people_n discontent_n to_o confute_v their_o jealousy_n and_o to_o make_v they_o cheerful_a and_o well-pleased_n with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n which_o god_n have_v order_v let_v he_o discountenance_v all_o seditious_a libel_n and_o news_n not_o permit_v in_o his_o company_n any_o pragmatical_a censure_v of_o the_o law_n or_o public_a counsel_n no_o traduce_v the_o person_n or_o expose_v the_o infirmity_n of_o governor_n nor_o no_o repine_v at_o and_o envy_v the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o those_o that_o be_v prefer_v above_o themselves_o that_o he_o may_v be_v successful_a in_o all_o this_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o distinct_a rank_n order_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n and_o that_o those_o difference_n which_o it_o have_v please_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o make_v in_o the_o fortune_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n be_v observe_v i_o mean_v in_o respect_n of_o age_n and_o youth_n riches_n and_o poverty_n honour_n and_o obscruity_n the_o neglect_n of_o which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o malapert_a quakerly_n humour_n but_o a_o principle_n of_o sedition_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o government_n so_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n nor_o the_o different_a degree_n among_o man_n observe_v and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v either_o level_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o man_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n will_v destroy_v that_o reverence_n which_o keep_v up_o that_o distinction_n and_o diversity_n of_o condition_n dissolve_v the_o very_a sinew_n of_o humane_a society_n god_n almighty_a indeed_o can_v easy_o have_v level_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o man_n and_o take_v away_o or_o prevent_v the_o difference_n of_o rich_a and_o poor_a honourable_a and_o ignoble_a and_o of_o old_a and_o young_a too_o if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v but_o then_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o there_o can_v have_v be_v any_o society_n among_o man_n at_o least_o unless_o he_o have_v also_o by_o his_o omnipotency_n make_v they_o all_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a too_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o resolve_v to_o have_v order_n and_o government_n among_o man_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o effect_v it_o by_o violence_n he_o therefore_o resolve_v by_o mean_n of_o those_o different_a condition_n aforesaid_a to_o subordinate_a they_o one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o unite_v they_o together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o mutual_a usefulness_n and_o dependence_n so_o he_o order_v that_o some_o shall_v be_v poor_a to_o ease_v the_o rich_a of_o labour_n and_o drudgery_n and_o other_o rich_a to_o employ_v and_o encourage_v their_o industry_n that_o the_o one_o may_v have_v superfluity_n to_o relieve_v the_o other_o want_n and_o the_o other_o be_v oblige_v by_o their_o bounty_n the_o same_o providence_n order_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o man_n in_o power_n and_o dignity_n and_o other_o in_o privacy_n and_o obscurity_n that_o the_o man_n of_o honour_n stand_v by_o and_o countenance_v the_o ignoble_a as_o his_o client_n he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v observe_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o his_o patron_n and_o so_o harmony_n arise_v out_o of_o this_o discord_n again_o he_o order_v the_o world_n so_o that_o all_o shall_v not_o be_v of_o a_o stature_n and_o capacity_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v old_a man_n able_a to_o counsel_n and_o advise_v other_o but_o not_o of_o strength_n to_o execute_v and_o young_a man_n of_o spirit_n and_o vigour_n for_o execution_n but_o destitute_a of_o counsel_n and_o wisdom_n that_o the_o former_a by_o their_o experience_n and_o observation_n instruct_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o latter_a by_o their_o strength_n and_o courage_n assist_v the_o former_a they_o may_v be_v mutual_o endear_v to_o each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n he_o therefore_o who_o incourage_v or_o suffer_v if_o he_o can_v help_v it_o the_o poor_a to_o be_v surly_a and_o insolent_a towards_o the_o rich_a or_o the_o private_a person_n to_o be_v contumacious_a towards_o those_o in_o dignity_n or_o the_o young_a to_o be_v rude_a and_o malapert_a towards_o the_o age_a oppose_v himself_o to_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
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
proficiency_n or_o by_o our_o extraordinary_a fervency_n first_o by_o daily_a proficiency_n we_o discover_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n as_o we_o discern_v a_o plant_n to_o be_v alive_a because_o we_o see_v it_o grow_v second_o by_o extraordinary_a fervency_n as_o when_o perhaps_o a_o man_n have_v not_o have_v time_n to_o give_v proof_n of_o himself_o by_o a_o long_a course_n of_o grow_v daily_o better_a and_o better_o he_o may_v yet_o demonstrate_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o good_a in_o his_o soul_n by_o such_o generous_a effort_n of_o zeal_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o in_o consideration_n of_o which_o it_o be_v therefore_o not_o only_o sordid_a and_o ingrateful_a towards_o god_n but_o very_o uncomfortable_a to_o ourselves_o to_o inquire_v for_o the_o mere_a essence_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o stand_v upon_o strict_a and_o precise_a term_n of_o duty_n but_o perhaps_o these_o man_n think_v a_o pretence_n of_o modesty_n will_v countenance_v they_o against_o any_o imputation_n of_o cowardice_n or_o hypocrisy_n for_o they_o will_v say_v they_o be_v content_v with_o the_o low_a seat_n in_o heaven_n and_o so_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o that_o state_n they_o be_v ambitious_a of_o no_o more_o silly_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o culpable_a ambition_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v very_o good_a as_o if_o supreme_a happiness_n can_v be_v modest_o or_o remiss_o desire_v or_o that_o he_o either_o understand_v or_o true_o desire_v heaven_n who_o will_v modest_o compliment_v other_o to_o enter_v before_o he_o no_o no_o the_o chief_a good_a be_v desirable_a for_o itself_o and_o the_o natural_a manner_n of_o desire_v it_o be_v to_o do_v it_o without_o measure_n and_o bound_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o he_o therefore_o that_o have_v these_o modest_a desire_n of_o heaven_n be_v either_o a_o stark_a hypocrite_n or_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o state_n at_o all_o beside_o if_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v modest_a and_o good_a in_o this_o sense_n i_o mean_v to_o love_v heaven_n but_o moderate_o and_o yet_o to_o comethere_o notwithstanding_o it_o can_v not_o be_v without_o great_a folly_n and_o danger_n for_o a_o man_n to_o set_v himself_o too_o low_a a_o mark_n in_o so_o high_a a_o concern_v for_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o we_o see_v it_o be_v almost_o constant_a with_o man_n to_o shoot_v below_o their_o aim_n and_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o their_o practice_n to_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o speculation_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n that_o will_v not_o miscarry_v in_o his_o design_n take_v care_n to_o direct_v himself_o high_a enough_o according_o in_o this_o great_a affair_n of_o religion_n he_o that_o yield_v to_o such_o a_o fainthearted_a temper_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o modesty_n will_v not_o only_o never_o be_v very_o good_a but_o scarce_o ever_o be_v tolerable_a or_o good_a at_o all_o for_o if_o his_o projection_n be_v mean_a his_o performance_n will_v be_v worse_o in_o regard_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o get_v some_o ground_n upon_o he_o and_o when_o abatement_n be_v make_v for_o all_o such_o disadvantage_n what_o a_o pitiful_a dwarfish_a sanctity_n will_v this_o over_o modesty_n arrive_v to_o at_o last_o but_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o some_o perhaps_o will_v be_v find_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o think_v or_o so_o disingenuous_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o a_o suspicion_n at_o least_o that_o such_o extraordinary_a work_n as_o we_o have_v be_v now_o recommend_v may_v savour_v of_o merit_n or_o supererogation_n very_o likely_a if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o attribute_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o they_o but_o sure_o he_o that_o take_v his_o measure_n of_o thing_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v be_v in_o little_a danger_n of_o such_o a_o gross_a mistake_n especial_o while_o we_o be_v express_o tell_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v we_o be_v still_o but_o unprofitable_a servant_n for_o can_v a_o mortal_a man_n oblige_v his_o maker_n can_v infinite_a perfection_n become_v a_o debtor_n to_o dust_n and_o ash_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n require_v and_o deserve_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o heart_n and_o strength_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v love_v he_o too_o much_o but_o great_a danger_n we_o shall_v love_v he_o too_o little_a it_o can_v therefore_o choose_v but_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o safe_a course_n to_o incline_v to_o the_o side_n of_o god_n almighty_n and_o to_o favour_v his_o interest_n against_o the_o sensuality_n deadness_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n o_o but_o may_z some_z man_n say_v will_v it_o not_o at_o least_o be_v will-worship_n to_o affect_v uncommand_v instance_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v with_o neglect_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o love_n and_o zeal_n which_o god_n have_v particular_o appoint_v for_o this_o look_n as_o if_o a_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o will_v undertake_v to_o choose_v for_o he_o what_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v with_o but_o now_o if_o neither_o his_o appointment_n in_o special_a be_v supersede_v by_o these_o voluntary_a performance_n nor_o these_o voluntary_a performance_n be_v unagreeable_a to_o those_o stand_n and_o general_a rule_n he_o have_v give_v we_o there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n that_o divine_a goodness_n shall_v ill_o interpret_v they_o especial_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o imaginable_a reason_n why_o he_o that_o be_v please_v with_o a_o free-will-offering_a under_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v offend_v with_o the_o like_a under_o the_o gospel_n where_o above_o all_o thing_n he_o require_v a_o free_a cheerful_a generous_a and_o reasonable_a service_n wherefore_o let_v the_o man_n who_o real_o believe_v there_o will_v be_v reward_n of_o well-doing_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o obtain_v they_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o cheerful_o embrace_v the_o opportunity_n wherein_o he_o may_v perform_v a_o costly_a or_o a_o difficult_a service_n and_o let_v he_o take_v care_n that_o no_o tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o superstitious_a conceit_n of_o his_o own_o head_n neither_o the_o example_n of_o other_o man_n careless_a life_n nor_o the_o too_o natural_a remissness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n prevail_v upon_o he_o to_o neglect_v such_o instance_n whereby_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n may_v be_v most_o advance_v and_o his_o own_o comfort_n assure_v part_n ii_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a live_n jer._n 6._o 16._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n stand_v you_o in_o the_o way_n and_o see_v and_o ask_v for_o the_o old_a path_n where_o be_v the_o good_a way_n and_o walk_v therein_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n for_o your_o soul_n the_o practice_n of_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a live_n chap._n i._o of_o secret_a devotion_n between_o god_n and_o a_o man_n be_v own_o soul_n and_o particular_o of_o prayer_n hitherto_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o little_a book_n we_o principal_o design_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o to_o discover_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o reality_n importance_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o second_o to_o settle_v man_n judgement_n and_o determine_v they_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o profession_n of_o religion_n in_o particular_a three_o to_o give_v caution_n against_o certain_a common_a but_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o may_v otherwise_o undermine_v and_o disappoint_v the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n four_o and_o last_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o general_a direction_n necessary_a to_o be_v premise_v in_o order_n to_o the_o effectual_a prosecution_n of_o a_o religious_a design_n and_o all_o this_o we_o comprise_v under_o the_o title_n of_o a_o introduction_n but_o now_o we_o come_v to_o build_v upon_o those_o foundation_n and_o more_o particular_o and_o plain_o to_o draw_v out_o the_o line_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a life_n here_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v expedient_a that_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n consider_v the_o extent_n and_o whole_a compass_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v take_v for_o such_o a_o narrow_a and_o stingy_a thing_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n represent_v it_o namely_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a scuffle_n about_o opinion_n nor_o a_o cant_v with_o peculiar_a phrase_n neither_o a_o club_a into_o a_o distinct_a party_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o select_a society_n nor_o yet_o
the_o formal_a act_n of_o a_o part_n with_o the_o observance_n of_o abundance_n of_o nice_a rite_n ceremony_n and_o punctilio_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n which_o look_v beautiful_o and_o promise_n fair_o in_o public_a but_o be_v forget_v or_o lay_v aside_o at_o home_n nor_o be_v it_o immure_v in_o a_o closet_n and_o never_o suffer_v to_o take_v the_o air_n in_o conversation_n to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a morality_n nor_o mere_a devotion_n but_o both_o these_o in_o conjunction_n together_o with_o all_o that_o be_v brave_a and_o noble_a and_o wise_a and_o good_a all_o that_o can_v better_v the_o mind_n and_o temper_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o all_o that_o can_v improve_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n all_o this_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o religion_n especial_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v phil._n 4._o 8._o final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a or_o grave_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a or_o friendly_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v of_o these_o thing_n i._n e._n count_v they_o branch_n of_o christianity_n for_o true_a religion_n be_v nothing_o less_o nothing_o i_o mean_v of_o no_o narrow_a extent_n than_o a_o wise_a and_o worthy_a conduct_n and_o manage_v of_o a_o man_n self_n in_o all_o those_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o namely_o towards_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o the_o just_a province_n of_o religion_n but_o i_o can_v neither_o think_v it_o possible_a to_o handle_v all_o the_o part_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o subject_n in_o this_o short_a treatise_n nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o apprehend_v the_o discourse_n of_o they_o all_o to_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o those_o for_o who_o use_n i_o principal_o intend_v these_o paper_n therefore_o omit_v but_o not_o exclude_v all_o other_o branch_n of_o religion_n i_o will_v here_o only_o speak_v of_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o secret_a devotion_n or_o those_o act_n of_o piety_n which_o be_v transact_v only_o between_o almighty_a god_n and_o a_o man_n own_a soul_n second_o of_o private_a piety_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o particular_a family_n three_o of_o the_o more_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o concern_v a_o man_n govern_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o consult_v the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o parish_n wherein_o he_o live_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n of_o secret_a or_o closet_n devotion_n that_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a branch_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o necessary_a and_o universal_a duty_n appear_v by_o the_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 6._o 6._o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v the_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n who_o be_v in_o secret_a etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v not_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n to_o forbid_v or_o put_v a_o slight_a upon_o all_o but_o closet_n devotion_n for_o he_o himself_o frequent_o pray_v public_o and_o teach_v his_o disciple_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o though_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o closet_n do_v he_o intend_v to_o confine_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o strict_a formality_n of_o a_o closet_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o field_n or_o in_o any_o recess_n or_o place_n of_o secrecy_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o himself_o practise_v nor_o last_o though_o he_o use_v the_o word_n prayer_n only_o do_v he_o make_v that_o strict_o take_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o secret_a piety_n for_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a speech_n also_o to_o express_v all_o the_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n by_o the_o name_n of_o prayer_n whether_o they_o be_v praise_n or_o adoration_n or_o confession_n or_o thanksgiving_n or_o meditation_n or_o self-examination_n all_o therefore_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v be_v to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o secret_a devotion_n as_o well_o as_o public_a and_o to_o press_v that_o upon_o his_o disciple_n which_o the_o hypocrisy_n and_o ostentation_n of_o the_o pharisee_n have_v lay_v aside_o because_o in_o truth_n they_o seek_v not_o god_n glory_n but_o their_o own_o and_o this_o be_v further_a recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o whatsoever_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n otherwise_o there_o have_v perhaps_o be_v those_o who_o under_o some_o pretence_n or_o other_o have_v neglect_v family_n worship_n and_o those_o also_o who_o have_v be_v abase_v by_o some_o scruple_n into_o a_o omission_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o i_o very_o think_v that_o none_o but_o flat_a atheist_n or_o gross_a hypocrite_n which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v ever_o dispense_v with_o themselves_o in_o the_o common_a and_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o secret_a worship_n for_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o much_o less_o have_v any_o worthy_a apprehension_n of_o he_o but_o it_o natural_o put_v he_o upon_o some_o act_n or_o other_o of_o adoration_n towards_o he_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o exercise_n be_v to_o the_o body_n it_o may_v live_v and_o subsist_v though_o not_o long_o and_o healthful_o without_o it_o but_o secret_a devotion_n be_v like_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o lung_n without_o which_o a_o man_n be_v present_o choke_v up_o and_o destroy_v if_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o move_v towards_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o circulation_n return_v in_o praise_n all_o those_o benefit_n which_o it_o continual_o receive_v from_o he_o it_o be_v stifle_v by_o repletion_n and_o if_o by_o prayer_n he_o do_v not_o breathe_v out_o his_o grief_n and_o as_o it_o be_v ventilate_v his_o spirit_n he_o be_v strangle_v by_o his_o own_o melancholy_n for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o religious_a office_n can_v make_v a_o supply_n in_o these_o case_n because_o every_o man_n have_v his_o secret_a sin_n to_o confess_v to_o god_n which_o it_o be_v ordinary_o unsafe_a to_o make_v other_o man_n privy_a to_o and_o his_o peculiar_a infirmity_n and_o temptation_n his_o grief_n and_o burden_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o lay_v open_a to_o man_n see_v only_a god_n can_v relieve_v they_o and_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v sundry_a personal_a mercy_n and_o savour_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o answer_n of_o his_o prayer_n which_o require_v a_o personal_a acknowledgement_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o the_o open_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n be_v common_o attend_v with_o such_o affection_n and_o passionate_a expression_n as_o will_v be_v indecent_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v very_o become_v towards_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o last_o thing_n we_o find_v 1_o sam._n 1._o 13._o hannah_n be_v think_v to_o be_v drink_v by_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n eli_n the_o priest_n when_o yet_o as_o the_o truth_n appear_v afterward_o he_o see_v in_o she_o only_o the_o devout_a symptom_n of_o a_o sorrowful_a spirit_n beside_o these_o act_n of_o secret_a worship_n be_v very_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o public_a worship_n both_o as_o they_o dispose_v and_o fit_v a_o man_n heart_n for_o it_o before_o he_o enter_v upon_o it_o by_o compose_v the_o thought_n and_o raise_v the_o affection_n and_o as_o they_o make_v application_n of_o it_o afterward_o press_v home_n upon_o the_o conscience_n the_o instruction_n there_o receive_v and_o improve_n and_o confirm_v into_o a_o stable_a resolution_n those_o good_a affection_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o it_o insomuch_o that_o that_o man_n will_v either_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o god_n public_a service_n or_o no_o suitable_a temper_n in_o it_o or_o be_v little_a the_o better_a after_o it_o that_o have_v not_o first_o fit_v and_o prepare_v his_o heart_n for_o it_o by_o secret_a devotion_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o true_a reason_n as_o well_o of_o the_o lamentable_a unprofitableness_n as_o of_o the_o common_a irreverence_n of_o public_a performance_n because_o man_n rush_v into_o god_n house_n without_o the_o due_a preface_n of_o secret_a preparation_n and_o they_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o god_n when_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n never_o attend_v to_o or_o improve_n those_o good_a motion_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v kindle_v in_o they_o moreover_o these_o devout_a office_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o supplant_v and_o supersede_n the_o public_a as_o we_o have_v intimate_v already_o and_o shall_v demonstrate_v at_o large_a by_o and_o