Sera. 26. the life of Religion without pttblick ordinances ? nances, but being abroad, are not onely deprived of them, but liable to the Inquifition , and other ways of perfecution for their Religion ? Before I anfwer the Cafe 1 fhall a little open it, and lay down Tome preparatory propolïtionsfor the right underftanding of it and then dire& our praaife. By Religion we do not underfland any outward way or form any pomp and gayeties in worfhipping God ; but fuch a due frnfe of our dependance upon a good and gracious , almighty , holy God, for our being and well -being both in time and co ecert,ity, as doth powerfully engage the foul heartily to love God , and fincerely to ferve him , in obeying his good and holy commands made known to us. By the life of Religion we may underftand, either I. The truth and reality of it in the foul , in oppofition to a foul dead in fin ; or 2. The vigour, aftivity and livelinefs of Religion in oppofition to a dead, dull languid principle ; and both may be well included in the Queflion , for as we are all concerned to endeavour , by all fit and lawfull means , not only to have our bodies kept from rotting and putrifying by the fait of a living jocrl, but to have them acaive and Salill0ma141 vigorous, fit for the employments of a naturali life, and not ftnpi- ms. Plant.. fled with lethargies and benummir,g palfìes ; even fo we ought to endeavour , not only cleat our fouls may be quickned with a true principle of Religion, but that we may have fuch a lively vigoroui and influencing fence of divine goodnefs upon them that our Re- ligion may not be a dull, languid, leïhargick principle, but may ren» der us fit and prompt for all the a &ions of a fpirituall life. And now, this life of Religion , the cafe fuppofeth the perfon to have, who needs advice; and then you'i quickly perceive that there be two things in danger, I. The life of Religion in a Religious perfon. 2. The life of a Religious perfon ; and fo the cafe Both refolve it felf into t hefe two Queries, t. What fhould believing Chriflians do to fupport the life and vigour of Religion in their fouls,when they want the ordinary means of publick Ordinances,and are indangered by the leavening fociety of wicked men? 2, How fhould they preferve their lives among perfecuting enc. mies without hazarding the life of their Religion ? For the clearing of and dire&ing in this cafe I flail now prornife fome Propoficions fit to be taken notice of, 591 c
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