seedsman_n and_o the_o word_n to_o the_o seed_n now_o you_o know_v the_o ground_n must_v be_v prepare_v before_o the_o seed_n be_v cast_v in_o otherwise_o thou_o can_v not_o rational_o expect_v a_o crop_n the_o body_n must_v be_v prepare_v and_o the_o humour_n gather_v to_o a_o head_n before_o physic_n work_v kind_o what_o business_n of_o moment_n can_v be_v do_v without_o preparation_n and_o can_v we_o think_v in_o this_o business_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o rush_v hand_n over_o head_n without_o consideration_n some_o preparation_n shall_v be_v make_v before_o the_o sabbath_n come_v in_o set_v thy_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o thy_o house_n in_o order_n the_o command_n be_v to_o remember_v the_o sabbath_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a and_o when_o the_o day_n be_v come_v there_o be_v some_o duty_n require_v before_o thou_o rush_v into_o the_o congregation_n perform_v those_o duty_n in_o thy_o family_n and_o in_o thy_o closet_n that_o be_v require_v beg_v of_o god_n a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o upon_o the_o minister_n that_o he_o may_v speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o thy_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v meet_v with_o thy_o corruption_n and_o may_v strengthen_v thy_o grace_n and_o benefit_v thy_o soul_n how_o can_v expect_v a_o blessing_n that_o do_v not_o beg_v for_o it_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n that_o many_o go_v away_o barren_a because_o they_o come_v unprepared_a lay_v thy_o heart_n open_a before_o god_n say_v as_o samuel_n speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v in_o thy_o prayer_n open_v thy_o soul_n to_o god_n unlap_v thy_o ear_n and_o desire_v a_o plaster_n offer_v up_o thy_o sin-sick_a soul_n to_o this_o physician_n that_o he_o may_v pour_v oil_n and_o wine_n into_o thy_o wound_n who_o know_v but_o this_o may_v be_v the_o time_n of_o love_n wherein_o god_n may_v say_v unto_o thy_o soul_n live_v come_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o deny_v thyself_o thy_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o oppose_v god_n in_o any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o cross_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o to_o thy_o carnal_a will_n or_o interest_n or_o be_v never_o so_o opposite_a to_o thou_o own_o natural_a inclination_n or_o appetite_n why_o shall_v we_o come_v to_o know_v our_o duty_n if_o we_o will_v not_o do_v it_o or_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o will_v not_o leave_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n seldom_o work_v upon_o a_o forestalled_n affection_n if_o thou_o know_v and_o know_v thou_o may_v if_o thou_o careful_o observe_v it_o what_o have_v usual_o hinder_v thou_o in_o time_n past_a from_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n take_v heed_n of_o that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v sometime_o thou_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v pride_n thou_o set_v up_o thy_o own_o will_n against_o god_n sometime_o passion_n this_o put_v thy_o heart_n out_o of_o frame_n for_o the_o duty_n sometime_o worldlyness_n this_o fill_v thy_o heart_n with_o vain_a thought_n beware_v of_o these_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v especial_o beware_v of_o these_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o predominant_a in_o thy_o soul_n for_o this_o will_v spoil_v the_o duty_n come_v with_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n when_o he_o forbid_v any_o sin_n resolve_v to_o leave_v it_o when_o he_o command_v any_o duty_n set_v about_o it_o for_o to_o what_o end_n else_o do_v thou_o hear_v if_o it_o be_v only_o to_o know_v thy_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o practise_v it_o it_o will_v but_o procure_v thou_o the_o more_o stripe_n but_o many_o be_v like_o those_o silly_a woman_n mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n ever_o learing_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o they_o be_v like_o balaam_n let_v god_n deny_v they_o never_o so_o oft_o they_o will_v come_v again_o fall_v they_o will_v have_v a_o dispensation_n to_o sin_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n in_o a_o sinful_a way_n but_o we_o must_v with_o good_a old_a ely_n say_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v with_o i_o as_o he_o list_v or_o like_o paul_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v come_v also_o with_o a_o good_a stomach_n than_o the_o word_n will_v be_v savoury_a to_o thou_o such_o a_o man_n will_v not_o strain_v courtesy_n and_o carve_v all_o from_o himself_o but_o greedy_o feed_v upon_o something_o now_o he_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o man_n say_v one_o now_o he_o hit_v such_o a_o one_o home_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o thou_o be_v nothing_o there_o that_o thou_o can_v eat_v get_v also_o some_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o state_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n how_o the_o matter_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o thou_o or_o otherwise_o thou_o can_v hardly_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o apply_v it_o there_o be_v threaten_n for_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o there_o be_v promise_n for_o the_o penitent_a there_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o men._n how_o will_v know_v thy_o own_o portion_n if_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o state_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n if_o a_o sick_a man_n come_v to_o a_o apothecary_n shop_n and_o may_v make_v choice_n of_o what_o medicine_n he_o please_v and_o yet_o neither_o know_v his_o disease_n nor_o what_o will_v cure_v it_o he_o may_v as_o well_o take_v nay_o it_o be_v more_o like_a that_o he_o will_v take_v that_o which_o be_v hurtful_a than_o that_o which_o be_v helpful_a so_o a_o poor_a humble_a sinner_n ofttimes_o lay_v hold_v of_o the_o threaten_a which_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o and_o the_o presumptuous_a man_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o last_o when_o death_n come_v say_v to_o the_o world_n stand_v by_o as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n i_o will_v come_v again_o 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n with_o a_o hunger_a thirst_a desire_n after_o it_o this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o hunger_a soul_n that_o be_v right_o qualify_v for_o it_o the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o honeycomb_n prov._n 27.7_o what_o shall_v a_o full_a stomach_n do_v at_o a_o feast_n or_o a_o full_a soul_n at_o a_o sermon_n how_o sweet_a how_o good_a how_o precious_a be_v the_o word_n to_o david_n psal_n 19.10_o and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n job_n 23.12_o and_o how_o pitiful_o do_v david_n complain_v when_o he_o find_v the_o want_n psal_n 120.5_o and_o how_o earnest_o do_v he_o desire_v it_o and_o thirst_v after_o it_o psal_n 42.1,2_o as_o ever_o chase_v hart_n do_v for_o the_o water-brook_n and_o have_v thou_o ever_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o word_n or_o rather_o of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n i_o need_v not_o word_n to_o have_v persuade_v thou_o to_o love_v it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v set_v some_o edge_n upon_o thy_o appetite_n i_o shall_v desire_v thou_o to_o consider_v with_o i_o these_o few_o thing_n first_o consider_v who_o word_n it_o be_v be_v it_o not_o the_o word_n of_o that_o great_a god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a both_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o be_v also_o faithful_a and_o will_v make_v it_o good_a heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v fail_v rather_o than_o one_o tittle_n of_o his_o word_n be_v un-fulfilled_n and_o shall_v we_o slight_v a_o message_n send_v from_o such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o potent_a prince_n send_v a_o message_n whether_o a_o promise_n or_o threaten_v how_o diligent_o shall_v we_o have_v read_v it_o and_o how_o great_o shall_v we_o have_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o with_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n now_o god_n send_v his_o messenger_n with_o a_o message_n of_o peace_n if_o we_o will_v accept_v it_o if_o not_o they_o be_v to_o denounce_v war_n yea_o and_o threaten_v everlasting_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o yet_o who_o regard_v it_o read_v the_o content_n of_o his_o letter_n deut._n 28._o throughout_o nay_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n be_v it_o but_o for_o trifle_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v concern_v life_n and_o death_n nay_o the_o everlasting_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v slight_v they_o be_v fool_n that_o jest_v with_o such_o edge_a tool_n here_o be_v instruction_n draw_v up_o how_o you_o may_v avoid_v hell_n and_o attain_v heaven_n how_o you_o may_v get_v rid_v of_o sin_n and_o get_v out_o of_o the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n how_o you_o may_v have_v a_o remedy_n for_o your_o sin-sick_a soul_n and_o a_o plaster_n for_o your_o wound_n how_o you_o may_v get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n
this_o be_v not_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v have_v some_o better_a shelter_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o storm_n of_o god_n fiery_a indignation_n the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o all_o our_o righteousness_n be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n or_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n isa_n 6.6_o and_o will_v god_n think_v you_o delight_n in_o this_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_a and_o never_o cleanse_v from_o original_a corruption_n and_o can_v we_o think_v the_o stream_n thence_o issue_v can_v be_v sweet_a this_o bitter_a root_n send_v many_o branch_n of_o actual_a sin_n which_o mix_v themselves_o with_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o make_v they_o abominable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o dead_a fly_n that_o spoil_v all_o the_o ointment_n we_o can_v do_v a_o duty_n but_o we_o spoil_v it_o in_o the_o do_n and_o if_o we_o can_v unless_o we_o can_v do_v every_o duty_n thus_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n what_o advantage_n shall_v we_o have_v by_o that_o one_o we_o must_v live_v free_a from_o evil_a thought_n vain_a word_n and_o evil_a action_n or_o we_o can_v stand_v approve_v by_o god_n nay_o if_o we_o can_v do_v so_o and_o live_v free_a from_o the_o least_o transgression_n for_o the_o future_a this_o will_v not_o discharge_v we_o of_o our_o forepast_a debt_n will_v the_o constant_a payment_n of_o rent_n for_o the_o future_a clear_v up_o the_o arrear_n that_o be_v behind_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o think_v to_o be_v save_v by_o our_o own_o good_a work_n or_o justify_v by_o our_o good_a duty_n alas_o they_o be_v too_o much_o defile_v with_o sin_n and_o self_n to_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o how_o ready_a be_v man_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o any_o thing_n that_o will_v give_v they_o the_o least_o hope_n and_o trust_v to_o good_a heart_n and_o good_a duty_n and_o good_a meaning_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o loath_a they_o be_v to_o come_v out_o of_o themselves_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o bankrupt_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o the_o vanity_n of_o these_o hope_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o able_a divine_a who_o speak_v full_o to_o my_o purpose_n who_o tell_v thou_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o bring_v in_o perfect_a righteousness_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o christ_n to_o trust_v unto_o thou_o must_v desire_v and_o pray_v till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shake_v till_o thou_o have_v wear_v thy_o tongue_n to_o the_o stump_n endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v and_o other_o commend_v thou_o for_o a_o exact_a christian_a mourn_v in_o some_o wilderness_n till_o doom_n day_n dig_v thy_o grave_n with_o thy_o nail_n weep_v bucket_n full_a of_o hourly_a tear_n till_o thou_o can_v weep_v no_o more_o fast_a and_o pray_v till_o thy_o skin_n and_o bone_n cleave_v together_o promise_v and_o purpose_n with_o full_a resolution_n to_o be_v better_a yea_o reform_v thy_o head_n heart_n life_n and_o tongue_n leave_v some_o nay_o all_o sin_n live_v like_o a_o angel_n shine_v like_o a_o sun_n walk_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n like_o a_o distress_a pilgrim_n so_o that_o all_o that_o see_v thou_o may_v commend_v and_o admire_v thou_o die_v ten_o thousand_o death_n lie_v at_o the_o fire_n back_o of_o hell_n as_o many_o million_o of_o year_n as_o there_o be_v grass_n pile_n upon_o the_o earth_n sands_n on_o the_o sea_n shore_n star_n in_o heaven_n or_o mote_n in_o the_o sun_n i_o tell_v thou_o not_o one_o spark_n of_o god_n wrath_n will_v be_v quench_v by_o all_o these_o duty_n for_o they_o be_v not_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n chap._n iii_o direction_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n have_v give_v you_o some_o general_a direction_n necessary_a in_o all_o duty_n without_o which_o no_o duty_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n i_o shall_v next_o descend_v to_o some_o particular_n which_o god_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n how_o they_o may_v be_v perform_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o soul_n advantage_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mere_a do_v of_o a_o duty_n but_o the_o well_o do_v of_o it_o that_o attain_v these_o end_n the_o first_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v that_o great_a duty_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n as_o for_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v give_v direction_n among_o those_o relative_n duty_n which_o god_n willing_a i_o intend_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o its_o place_n if_o i_o can_v sufficient_o instruct_v you_o in_o this_o i_o need_v not_o speak_v much_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o this_o will_v be_v a_o help_n in_o all_o the_o other_o for_o in_o the_o word_n be_v direction_n for_o the_o other_o also_o i_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v this_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o hope_v few_o will_v deny_v it_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v above_o ordinance_n so_o as_o to_o neglect_v they_o time_n have_v discover_v their_o folly_n do_v not_o god_n send_v his_o messenger_n to_o preach_v and_o be_v it_o not_o our_o duty_n to_o hear_v the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o and_o woe_n to_o he_o if_o he_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9.18_o and_o be_v preach_v their_o duty_n and_o be_v not_o hear_v we_o yea_o do_v not_o christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o hear_v and_o give_v we_o caution_n to_o that_o purpose_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v and_o what_o we_o hear_v mark_v 4.24_o luke_n 8.18_o and_o oftentimes_o call_v upon_o those_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v that_o they_o shall_v hear_v and_o in_o many_o parable_n give_v direction_n about_o hear_v as_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o good_a seed_n and_o the_o tare_n and_o many_o more_o but_o my_o business_n be_v at_o present_a only_o by_o way_n of_o motive_n to_o put_v you_o on_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o by_o way_n of_o direction_n to_o help_v you_o in_o it_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a use_n those_o motive_n draw_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o word_n for_o who_o be_v not_o move_v with_o profit_n and_o gain_v but_o here_o be_v the_o great_a gain_n to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n i_o say_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o it_o rom._n 10.14,17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v to_o this_o end_n god_n send_v paul_n to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n act_v 26.17,18_o when_o christ_n meet_v with_o paul_n in_o the_o way_n act_n 9.9,10_o he_o do_v not_o instruct_v he_o himself_o but_o send_v he_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o ananias_n and_o when_o he_o send_v a_o angel_n to_o cornelius_n it_o be_v not_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o he_o but_o to_o direct_v he_o to_o peter_n act_v 10.35_o it_o be_v by_o preach_v that_o peter_n convert_v 3000._o at_o one_o time_n act_v 2.37.41_o the_o word_n be_v the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o a_o good_a heart_n fructify_v abundant_o mat._n 13.8_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o be_v threaten_v mat._n 10.14_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o receive_v you_o nor_o hear_v your_o word_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o they_o and_o few_o be_v bring_v in_o that_o neglect_n this_o duty_n nay_o it_o be_v of_o daily_a use_n to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v to_o build_v they_o up_o it_o be_v the_o milk_n that_o must_v nourish_v they_o and_o make_v they_o grow_v for_o where_o there_o be_v life_n there_o must_v be_v food_n david_n by_o this_o mean_n become_v wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n and_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o the_o ancient_n and_o what_o condition_n soever_o a_o poor_a soul_n be_v in_o here_o he_o may_v find_v direction_n be_v thou_o in_o sorrow_n and_o distress_n here_o consolation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v here_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n suck_v sweetness_n out_o of_o the_o promise_n be_v thou_o in_o affliction_n here_o be_v cordial_n to_o uphold_v a_o faint_a heart_n direction_n to_o bear_v they_o well_o and_o promise_n of_o a_o seasonable_a deliverance_n if_o thou_o run_v astray_o here_o thou_o may_v hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o thou_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o god_n have_v here_o set_v way-mark_n to_o guide_v thou_o if_o thou_o be_v dead_a or_o dull_a here_o be_v rouse_a consideration_n to_o quicken_v thou_o if_o thy_o faith_n be_v weak_a here_o it_o may_v be_v strengthen_v if_o thy_o soul_n be_v sin_n sick_a here_o be_v a_o physician_n direct_v to_o and_o a_o potion_n prescribe_v
his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v promise_v as_o also_o remission_n of_o sin_n mark_v 1.4_o yea_o salvation_n also_o tit._n 3.4_o by_o this_o ordinance_n we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o christ_n rom._n 6.34_o now_o what_o be_v the_o end_v thou_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o ordinance_n when_o thou_o present_v thy_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a be_v it_o the_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o privilege_n thou_o regard_v do_v thou_o enter_v he_o into_o the_o covenant_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o dedicate_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n and_z train_z he_o up_o in_o his_o fear_n to_o bring_v he_o into_o god_n family_n and_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n 1_o cor._n 1â—_n 13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n gal._n 3.27_o that_o he_o may_v be_v holy_a to_o marry_v he_o unto_o christ_n &_o c_o it_o be_v well_o if_o only_a custom_n not_o conscience_n move_v thou_o thy_o end_n be_v bad_a and_o thy_o action_n sinful_a 4._o direct_v rest_v not_o in_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o this_o sacrament_n take_v not_o up_o with_o common_a favour_n but_o lay_v hold_v by_o faith_n upon_o the_o main_a benefit_n what_o privilege_n will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v list_a into_o christ_n army_n when_o we_o neither_o fight_v his_o battle_n nor_o receive_v his_o pay_n or_o to_o be_v enter_v into_o his_o school_n if_o we_o be_v not_o teach_v nor_o instruct_v by_o he_o to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o worship_n god_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n to_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n without_o the_o practice_n to_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a or_o to_o have_v a_o name_n to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n without_o the_o privilege_n of_o child_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o no_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o vine_n and_o not_o be_v plant_v in_o it_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n as_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o not_o from_o rot_a member_n as_o hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n to_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n alas_o these_o thing_n be_v common_a to_o good_a and_o bad_a as_o circumcision_n do_v difference_n the_o jew_n from_o all_o other_o people_n yet_o most_o of_o they_o be_v stranger_n yea_o enemy_n to_o god_n for_o all_o be_v not_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n but_o it_o be_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o difference_v they_o from_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v here_o baptism_n difference_v christian_n from_o other_o but_o it_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o difference_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a yet_o these_o external_n privilege_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v at_o large_a rom._n 3.1,2_o etc._n etc._n yet_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o or_o rest_v in_o the_o main_a thing_n intend_v in_o this_o ordinance_n be_v that_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n be_v seal_v up_o unto_o the_o soul_n therefore_o lay_v hold_v by_o faith_n upon_o these_o thing_n or_o thy_o labour_n will_v be_v lose_v this_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.11_o lay_v hold_v therefore_o upon_o christ_n in_o the_o ordinance_n yea_o upon_o whole_a christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o with_o he_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o if_o thou_o take_v up_o any_o thing_n under_o christ_n the_o ordinance_n will_v be_v of_o little_a worth_n to_o thou_o when_o thou_o bring_v thy_o child_n therefore_o to_o the_o ordinance_n take_v not_o up_o with_o common_a benefit_n lay_v out_o for_o christ_n and_o satisfy_v not_o thyself_o without_o he_o the_o ordinance_n of_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o dry_a and_o empty_a husk_n christ_n be_v the_o kernel_n it_o be_v as_o a_o well_o christ_n be_v the_o water_n and_o what_o good_a will_v a_o dry_a well_o do_v thou_o it_o be_v but_o a_o break_a cistern_n if_o trust_v to_o it_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n what_o be_v a_o little_a cold_a water_n apply_v to_o the_o body_n if_o the_o water_n of_o life_n be_v not_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v thou_o real_a in_o thy_o dedication_n of_o thy_o child_n to_o god_n and_o real_o act_n faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n may_v bestow_v his_o son_n upon_o he_o thou_o may_v find_v in_o scripture_n foot_v for_o thy_o faith_n many_o divine_a and_o precious_a promise_n make_v by_o god_n consider_v such_o scripture_n as_o these_o rom._n 6.38_o as_o many_o as_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n we_o believe_v we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o even_o baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o etc._n etc._n mark_v 3.11_o heb._n 1.9_o john_n 3.5_o heb._n 10.22.24_o gal._n 3.16_o luke_n 3.3_o act_n 12.16_o &_o 22.16_o eph._n 5.26_o titus_n 3.5_o 1_o john_n 1.7_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n which_o blood_n be_v here_o signify_v by_o this_o baptismal_a water_n here_o thy_o faith_n may_v find_v a_o foundation_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a take_v up_o with_o nothing_o short_a of_o christ_n bring_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n along_o with_o thou_o to_o the_o ordinance_n press_v god_n with_o his_o word_n he_o can_v deny_v it_o but_o without_o the_o promise_v the_o ordinance_n be_v of_o little_a efficacy_n but_o thus_o do_v thou_o will_v find_v it_o a_o refresh_a ordinance_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n may_v be_v find_v in_o this_o baptismal_a water_n yea_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o soul_n persuade_v thyself_o therefore_o that_o see_v such_o scripture_n expression_n hold_v forth_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o new_a birth_n to_o wash_v from_o sin_n and_o be_v instrumental_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o seal_v up_o the_o covenant_n yea_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n no_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v so_o to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o child_n if_o the_o fail_a be_v not_o on_o your_o part_n when_o thou_o see_v the_o minister_n apply_v the_o baptismal_a water_n to_o the_o body_n of_o thy_o infant_n do_v thou_o by_o faith_n behold_v god_n the_o father_n apply_v christ_n his_o merit_n his_o blood_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o as_o very_o as_o thou_o see_v the_o one_o do_v sacramental_o so_o very_o do_v thou_o believe_v the_o other_o to_o be_v do_v real_o and_o true_o it_o be_v the_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o faith_n and_o without_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n that_o make_v it_o seem_v so_o empty_a and_o vain_a but_o doubtless_o there_o be_v a_o rich_a supply_n to_o be_v have_v if_o we_o suck_v we_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v the_o well_o indeed_o be_v deep_a and_o faith_n be_v the_o bucket_n if_o we_o have_v no_o bucket_n we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v no_o water_n 5._o direct_v that_o this_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v right_o administer_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v do_v agreeable_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_v of_o god_n express_v in_o his_o word_n for_o god_n will_v have_v his_o own_o work_n do_v in_o his_o own_o way_n he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o will_n in_o his_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v follow_v the_o pattern_n and_o example_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o and_o obey_v the_o precept_n and_o command_n he_o have_v give_v we_o and_o be_v direct_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n and_o form_n as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o right_a end_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o it_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o lawful_a minister_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o commission_n and_o we_o find_v not_o any_o commission_n seal_v unto_o any_o other_o than_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n and_o the_o church_n for_o this_o and_o other_o holy_a duty_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o this_o be_v part_n of_o their_o commission_n we_o may_v read_v mat._n 28.19,20_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o
thou_o may_v be_v take_v these_o direction_n for_o private_a duty_n 1._o direct_v the_o first_o duty_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o not_o of_o least_o concernment_n be_v self-examination_n this_o indeed_o be_v private_a for_o it_o be_v between_o thou_o and_o thou_o own_o heart_n be_v often_o inquire_v at_o home_n what_o state_n thy_o soul_n stand_v in_o to_o god_n and_o what_o interest_n thou_o have_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o title_n to_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o necessary_a though_o much_o neglect_a duty_n many_o that_o cast_v up_o their_o shop_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o grow_v or_o decrease_v in_o the_o world_n and_o try_v their_o evidence_n for_o their_o land_n to_o see_v that_o they_o be_v good_a take_v not_o so_o much_o pain_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o see_v whether_o all_o be_v well_o there_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v a_o christian_n chief_a happiness_n and_o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o felicity_n though_o we_o have_v the_o influence_n of_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n yea_o though_o we_o have_v the_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o thousand_o world_n for_o all_o these_o end_n in_o a_o snuff_n and_o will_v prove_v vanish_v fade_a transitory_a thing_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o precious_a piece_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v most_o regard_v it_o be_v next_o to_o the_o angel_n the_o chief_a piece_n that_o ever_o drope_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v in_o his_o own_o image_n and_o the_o near_o any_o thing_n come_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o near_a it_o come_v to_o perfection_n for_o god_n be_v perfection_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o great_a purchase_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v of_o infinite_a value_n more_o worth_a than_o the_o world_n be_v give_v to_o redeem_v it_o and_o christ_n know_v well_o enough_o the_o worth_n of_o soul_n and_o will_v not_o give_v such_o a_o rate_n for_o a_o thing_n of_o little_a worth_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v eternal_a and_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o and_o run_v parallel_n with_o the_o long_a line_n of_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o precious_a the_o vanity_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n be_v see_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v uncertain_a and_o momentary_a duration_n now_o this_o precious_a and_o immortal_a piece_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n and_o without_o our_o care_n diligence_n and_o pain_n be_v like_a to_o be_v lose_v a_o thousand_o enemy_n besiege_v it_o and_o set_v it_o round_o enemy_n without_o and_z within_z and_o on_o every_o side_n without_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n who_o spread_v a_o thousand_o snare_n to_o entrap_v it_o within_o corruption_n yea_o a_o inbred_a traitor_n a_o false_a perfidious_a treacherous_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n these_o be_v politic_a subtle_a crafty_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n the_o devil_n will_v make_v no_o peace_n with_o we_o but_o upon_o worse_a condition_n than_o nahash_n the_o amonite_n offer_v to_o the_o man_n of_o jabish_a gillead_v 1._o sam._n 11.2_o upon_o this_o condition_n will_v i_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o you_o that_o i_o may_v thrust_v out_o all_o your_o right_a eye_n and_o lay_v it_o for_o a_o reproach_n upon_o all_o israel_n but_o his_o condition_n be_v the_o everlasting_a destruction_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o lose_v thou_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o a_o thousand_o world_n can_v redeem_v it_o though_o they_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o heap_n of_o diamond_n or_o a_o globe_n of_o gold_n now_o be_v thou_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o can_v thou_o see_v thyself_o thy_o better_a part_n in_o so_o much_o danger_n and_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o will_v thou_o so_o regard_v a_o limb_n or_o sense_n a_o eye_n or_o a_o tooth_n and_o shall_v the_o soul_n be_v unregarded_a will_v thou_o consult_v the_o lawyer_n about_o thy_o estate_n the_o physician_n about_o thy_o health_n yea_o the_o farrier_n about_o thy_o horse_n and_o shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v neglect_v god_n forbid_v will_v take_v care_n for_o trifle_n and_o neglect_v thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n what_o great_a note_n of_o a_o fool_n can_v be_v express_v god_n be_v yet_o call_v thou_o and_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v not_o yet_o shut_v against_o thou_o opportunity_n be_v yet_o offer_v thou_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_n but_o how_o long_o it_o may_v continue_v thou_o know_v not_o up_o and_o be_v do_v make_v sure_a of_o heaven_n while_o it_o may_v be_v have_v one_o of_o these_o day_n it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o examine_v thyself_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n cleanse_v the_o fountain_n that_o the_o stream_n may_v be_v clear_a stub_n up_o the_o root_n of_o sin_n when_o other_o be_v lop_n at_o the_o branch_n begin_v reformation_n at_o the_o right_a end_n i_o shall_v here_o have_v give_v you_o some_o motive_n rule_n direction_n mark_n and_o character_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o guide_v you_o in_o this_o difficult_a work_n but_o this_o i_o have_v do_v already_o in_o another_o treatise_n of_o that_o subject_a call_v the_o soul_n looking-glass_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o if_o you_o have_v no_o better_o at_o hand_n yea_o when_o by_o examination_n thou_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o thy_o grace_n yet_o be_v not_o examination_n useless_a but_o consider_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o also_o true_a grace_n be_v of_o a_o grow_a nature_n like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n that_o in_o time_n become_v a_o great_a tree_n thy_o growth_n shall_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a to_o the_o food_n thou_o eat_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n thou_o enjoy_v that_o which_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n or_o decline_v may_v be_v suspect_v it_o be_v not_o true_a it_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v no_o big_a at_o twenty_o year_n old_a than_o at_o two_o it_o be_v sad_a when_o man_n that_o shall_v grow_v decline_v and_o lose_v their_o first_o love_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o case_n consider_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n consider_v who_o thou_o leave_v and_o whither_o thou_o go_v and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o at_o least_o consider_v what_o thou_o do_v which_o no_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v and_o never_o give_v thyself_o any_o rest_n till_o thou_o know_v that_o thou_o outstrip'_v they_o all_o yea_o till_o thou_o can_v read_v thy_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o can_v call_v god_n father_n and_o say_v with_o the_o spouse_n my_o beloved_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o cant._n 6.3_o 2._o direct_v the_o next_o private_a duty_n be_v when_o thou_o know_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o a_o title_n to_o glory_n and_o can_v without_o check_n of_o conscience_n call_v god_n thy_o father_n and_o christ_n thy_o head_n and_o husband_n be_v sure_a then_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o he_o hold_v he_o fast_o and_o do_v not_o let_v he_o go_v like_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 3.4_o it_o be_v say_v of_o enoch_n and_o noah_n that_o they_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o thus_o in_o some_o measure_n do_v every_o faithful_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a safe_a course_n thou_o can_v take_v for_o there_o be_v none_o can_v hurt_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v under_o his_o wing_n no_o enemy_n can_v molest_v thou_o while_o thou_o be_v under_o his_o tuition_n trouble_n never_o grind_v a_o man_n till_o it_o find_v he_o from_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o grow_v strange_a with_o god_n if_o thou_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v go_v thou_o may_v seek_v he_o sorrow_v and_o not_o find_v he_o many_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o public_a duty_n be_v defective_a in_o private_a but_o it_o be_v secret_a duty_n that_o chief_o maintain_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o those_o it_o be_v we_o most_o engage_v our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o we_o now_o if_o thou_o will_v keep_v this_o communion_n with_o god_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v some_o thing_n do_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v avoid_v be_v especial_o sin_n but_o above_o all_o our_o bosom_n sin_n those_o that_o thou_o be_v most_o incline_v to_o and_o most_o easiy_a yield_v to_o and_o can_v most_v hardly_o say_v nay_o these_o god_n be_v most_o jealous_a of_o and_o these_o will_v make_v the_o great_a breach_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o most_o havoc_n among_o thy_o grace_n these_o be_v they_o that_o most_o deep_o wound_v the_o conscience_n break_v thy_o peace_n with_o thy_o god_n and_o if_o not_o forsake_v will_v procure_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n it_o be_v thy_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o judgement_n temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a and_o withhold_v mercy_n from_o thou_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n can_v stand_v