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also_o to_o show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v hereunto_o and_o how_o we_o may_v remove_v the_o impediment_n which_o otherwise_o may_v hinder_v we_o from_o enter_v into_o or_o proceed_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n the_o which_o my_o labour_n if_o they_o prove_v as_o profitable_a to_o those_o that_o read_v they_o as_o they_o have_v be_v painful_a unto_o i_o in_o frame_v and_o compose_v they_o i_o shall_v think_v myself_o abundant_o recompense_v and_o much_o more_o rejoice_v when_o i_o see_v the_o harvest_n of_o my_o hope_n than_o ever_o i_o have_v cause_n to_o sigh_v and_o groan_v through_o weariness_n in_o my_o laborious_a seedtime_n of_o which_o though_o i_o shall_v fail_v as_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v not_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o virtue_n that_o it_o always_o bring_v a_o reward_n with_o
find_v that_o we_o have_v it_o then_o be_v we_o to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v preserve_v and_o keep_v safe_a so_o precious_a a_o jewel_n the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v get_v a_o good_a conscience_n if_o we_o want_v it_o be_v diverse_a the_o first_o be_v in_o our_o judgement_n high_o to_o esteem_v it_o as_o one_o of_o god_n special_a grace_n and_o rich_a gift_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o love_v and_o desire_v it_o above_o all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o so_o will_v the_o lord_n be_v more_o willing_a to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o esteem_v and_o desire_v it_o according_a to_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o it_o and_o we_o also_o shall_v be_v more_o earnest_n in_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o get_v it_o and_o more_o thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o it_o when_o we_o have_v obtain_v it_o now_o that_o we_o may_v esteem_v and_o desire_v this_o gift_n of_o god_n let_v we_o consider_v first_o that_o it_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o our_o happiness_n give_v we_o a_o taste_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n even_o while_o we_o be_v upon_o earth_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v i_o speak_v of_o the_o excellency_n 17._o rom._n 14._o 17._o of_o it_o which_o be_v unspeakable_a or_o labour_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o beauty_n and_o brightness_n of_o this_o heavenly_a light_n which_o no_o mortal_a eye_n can_v behold_v in_o its_o perfect_a glory_n see_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o it_o pass_v all_o understanding_n 7._o phil._n 4._o 7._o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v content_v myself_o to_o shadow_v it_o dark_o and_o to_o give_v some_o glimpse_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o water_n by_o touch_v brief_o the_o profit_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o utility_n of_o this_o grace_n that_o may_v be_v say_v of_o it_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o godliness_n that_o it_o be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v like_o a_o witness_n it_o give_v evidence_n on_o our_o side_n before_o god_n and_o excuse_v we_o of_o all_o those_o fault_n which_o satan_n accuse_v we_o of_o or_o the_o law_n lay_v to_o our_o charge_n like_o a_o advocate_n it_o plead_v our_o cause_n and_o proove_v that_o we_o be_v just_a and_o innocent_a through_o the_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o just_a judge_n upon_o this_o evidence_n and_o plea_n it_o absolu_v we_o and_o the_o judgement_n thereof_o shall_v never_o be_v traverse_a or_o reverse_a in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o look_v what_o sentence_n good_a conscience_n pass_v on_o earth_n the_o supreme_a judge_n will_v ratify_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o assize_n in_o which_o respect_n if_o it_o condemn_v we_o not_o here_o then_o may_v we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o condemn_v we_o hereafter_o as_o a_o 21._o 1._o joh._n 3._o 21._o comfortable_a and_o true_a friend_n it_o always_o bear_v we_o company_n encourage_v we_o when_o we_o do_v well_o and_o reprove_v we_o when_o we_o do_v amiss_o admonish_v and_o warn_v we_o to_o look_v to_o our_o foot_n when_o we_o walk_v in_o slippery_a place_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v and_o to_o rise_v if_o we_o do_v fall_v for_o want_v of_o care_n in_o take_v warning_n by_o renew_v our_o repentance_n in_o our_o prosperity_n it_o be_v our_o guide_n to_o lead_v we_o on_o and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o in_o our_o affliction_n it_o be_v our_o comforter_n which_o speak_v peace_n within_o do_v make_v we_o with_o patience_n and_o joy_n to_o bear_v all_o outward_a cross_n and_o calamity_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n or_o rather_o cessation_n of_o that_o conflict_n with_o the_o spiritual_a enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o faithful_a watchman_n which_o leave_v we_o to_o enjoy_v our_o rest_n and_o quiet_a when_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n but_o yet_o admonish_v we_o to_o sleep_v in_o our_o christian_a armour_n see_v they_o be_v not_o go_v but_o have_v only_o withdraw_v their_o force_n for_o their_o great_a advantage_n and_o in_o time_n of_o war_n 1._o si_fw-mi rectè_fw-la facies_fw-la hic_fw-la murus_fw-la abeneus_fw-la esto_fw-la nil_fw-la conscire_fw-la sibi_fw-la nulla_fw-la pallescere_fw-la culpa_fw-la horat._n ad_fw-la moecenet_n ep._n 1._o when_o the_o enemy_n approach_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o encounter_v we_o it_o not_o only_o sound_v the_o alarm_n that_o we_o may_v start_v up_o and_o stand_v in_o readiness_n but_o also_o be_v armour_n of_o proof_n and_o even_o a_o brazen_a wall_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o danger_n when_o they_o assault_v us._n final_o it_o perform_v all_o good_a duty_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n at_o all_o time_n and_o all_o place_n accompany_v the_o judge_n to_o the_o bench_n the_o lawyer_n to_o the_o bar_n the_o divine_a both_o in_o his_o study_n and_o pulpit_n the_o tradesman_n in_o his_o shop_n and_o the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n in_o the_o market_n teach_v and_o admonish_v they_o how_o they_o shall_v carry_v themselves_o in_o all_o case_n and_o both_o approve_v they_o when_o they_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o rebuke_v they_o when_o for_o fear_n or_o favour_n glory_n or_o gain_v they_o do_v neglect_v it_o and_o from_o hence_o also_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n appear_v see_v it_o bring_v with_o it_o so_o much_o good_a of_o all_o which_o they_o be_v destitute_a that_o live_v without_o it_o yea_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o contrary_a evil_n have_v in_o they_o a_o witness_n that_o daily_o accuse_v they_o and_o a_o judge_n that_o condemn_v they_o no_o guide_n to_o lead_v they_o no_o friend_n to_o admonish_v they_o to_o encourage_v they_o in_o good_a or_o discourage_v they_o in_o evil_a neither_o can_v they_o do_v any_o thing_n please_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n 5._o 1._o tim._n 1._o 5._o and_o faith_n unfeigned_a of_o which_o end_n they_o fail_v that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o and_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o fearful_a condemnation_n for_o if_o our_o corrupt_a conscience_n condemn_v we_o god_n the_o righteous_a and_o unpartial_a judge_n who_o be_v great_a than_o our_o conscience_n 20._o 1._o joh._n 3._o 20._o will_v much_o more_o condemn_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n john_n speak_v §._o sect._n 2_o of_o the_o second_o mean_n to_o obtain_v a_o good_a conscience_n second_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o apply_v what_o we_o know_v unto_o ourselves_o for_o our_o own_o use_n for_o the_o conscience_n judge_v and_o witness_v with_o god_n for_o we_o or_o against_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v know_v what_o he_o approve_v and_o condemn_v if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o judgement_n and_o evidence_n to_o agree_v with_o he_o otherwise_o our_o conscience_n be_v unjust_a and_o erroneous_a will_v judge_v unjust_o of_o our_o action_n and_o give_v in_o false_a evidence_n when_o we_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o they_o for_o trial_n more_o especial_o we_o must_v labour_v after_o the_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v whole_o conform_v so_o also_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o conscience_n whereby_o they_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v right_a or_o crooked_a good_a or_o evil_n it_o be_v the_o municipal_a law_n for_o the_o peculiar_a government_n of_o god_n subject_n and_o the_o book_n of_o satute_n set_v out_o by_o our_o sovereign_n according_a to_o which_o conscience_n be_v bind_v to_o judge_v and_o give_v evidence_n which_o it_o can_v do_v unless_o it_o know_v and_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v our_o action_n according_a unto_o this_o law_n in_o which_o regard_n the_o conscience_n of_o ignorant_a man_n do_v in_o most_o thing_n mislead_v they_o into_o manifold_a error_n because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o action_n according_a to_o god_n law_n which_o they_o know_v not_o but_o give_v sentence_n of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o will_n humane_a tradition_n and_o their_o own_o invention_n superstitious_a conceit_n and_o good_a meaning_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o god_n law_n do_v through_o negligence_n or_o profaneness_n
of_o get_v a_o good_a conscience_n the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v it_o be_v get_v be_v diverse_a first_o the_o often_o renew_v of_o our_o covenant_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o renew_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o on_o our_o part_n faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o as_o we_o daily_o wound_v our_o conscience_n through_o our_o frailty_n in_o fall_v into_o sin_n whereby_o the_o peace_n of_o they_o be_v disturb_v and_o defile_v they_o by_o cast_v upon_o they_o the_o filth_n of_o our_o corruption_n so_o our_o care_n must_v be_v to_o heal_v daily_o these_o wound_n by_o apply_v unto_o they_o afresh_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n the_o sovereign_a salve_n and_o balsam_n of_o christ_n blood_n which_o be_v of_o sufficient_a and_o sole_a virtue_n and_o nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n to_o heal_v these_o wound_n and_o also_o to_o wash_v they_o as_o often_o in_o the_o tear_n of_o unfeigned_a repentance_n which_o will_v give_v we_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v purge_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o filth_n of_o sin_n second_o be_v cleanse_v our_o continual_a care_n must_v be_v to_o keep_v they_o clean_o from_o all_o sin_n especial_o in_o our_o desire_n resolution_n and_o endeavour_n and_o howsoever_o we_o can_v hinder_v 12._o rom._n 6._o 12._o it_o from_o dwell_v in_o we_o yet_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o it_o do_v not_o so_o reign_v in_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v obey_v it_o willing_o in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o for_o sin_n willing_o nourish_v can_v possible_o stand_v with_o this_o peace_n see_v they_o do_v wound_n and_o waste_v the_o conscience_n which_o sore_n if_o they_o fester_v and_o putrify_v with_o corruption_n will_v breed_v in_o they_o such_o a_o gnaw_a worm_n as_o will_v give_v unto_o we_o no_o peace_n or_o rest_n but_o night_n and_o day_n will_v torture_v and_o torment_v us._n three_o let_v we_o daily_o mortify_v all_o our_o sinful_a lust_n as_o wrath_n envy_n malice_n unclean_a concupiscence_n pride_n and_o the_o rest_n which_o will_v betray_v conscience_n unto_o sin_n and_o with_o their_o loud_a cry_n and_o tumultuous_a clamour_n hinder_v it_o of_o all_o sound_a peace_n and_o quiet_a but_o especial_o we_o must_v crucify_v all_o worldly_a lust_n of_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o voluptuousness_n and_o wean_v our_o heart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o earthly_a vanity_n which_o otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v entertain_v will_v set_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n unto_o sale_n for_o the_o base_a price_n of_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o preferment_n as_o the_o miserable_a experience_n of_o these_o time_n do_v too_o plain_o teach_v us._n four_o we_o must_v often_o examine_v our_o conscience_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n whether_o they_o give_v unto_o we_o true_a evidence_n and_o judgement_n the_o which_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o supreme_a judge_n who_o perfect_o see_v all_o secret_n and_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n not_o only_o of_o all_o our_o action_n but_o even_o of_o conscience_n also_o which_o as_o his_o deputy_n judge_v of_o they_o even_o as_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o kingdom_n according_a to_o law_n call_v to_o account_v all_o subject_n and_o pass_v sentence_n of_o their_o action_n but_o yet_o be_v accountable_a to_o their_o sovereign_n and_o have_v all_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n subject_a to_o his_o censure_n and_o this_o be_v that_o answer_n 1._o 1._o pet._n 3._o 21._o act._n 24._o 16._o &_o 23._o 1._o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n whereof_o s._n peter_n speak_v which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n by_o continual_a exercise_n endeavour_v so_o to_o make_v as_o he_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a do_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o reckon_n we_o must_v often_o put_v conscience_n to_o judge_v and_o examine_v itself_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o book_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o book_n of_o conscience_n may_v agree_v together_o and_o also_o desire_v the_o lord_n in_o private_a often_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v we_o and_o it_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v clear_v 2._o psal_n 26._o 1_o 2._o between_o we_o and_o he_o we_o may_v not_o come_v to_o public_a shame_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o star-chamber_n of_o heaven_n five_o we_o be_v to_o keep_v our_o conscience_n clean_a and_o undefiled_a from_o dead_a work_n and_o not_o to_o smother_v any_o sin_n in_o they_o without_o judgement_n and_o execution_n though_o for_o life_n and_o liberty_n it_o offer_v to_o bribe_v we_o with_o all_o the_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o conscience_n be_v not_o pure_a and_o unpartial_a in_o condemn_v all_o sin_n it_o can_v never_o be_v peaceable_a see_v it_o will_v be_v bind_v over_o to_o answer_v before_o the_o supreme_a judge_n for_o connivencie_n and_o partial_a judgement_n and_o for_o not_o condemn_v and_o punish_v sin_n as_o his_o vicegerent_n according_a to_o law_n shall_v itself_o be_v find_v a_o accessary_a and_o guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n which_o it_o tolerate_v in_o we_o and_o so_o shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o torture_v with_o that_o gnaw_a worm_n which_o never_o die_v last_o we_o must_v continual_o meditate_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o as_o a_o clear_a and_o good_a conscience_n will_v be_v better_o unto_o we_o then_o ten_o thousand_o world_n the_o which_o will_v make_v we_o careful_a to_o preserve_v our_o conscience_n in_o their_o purity_n and_o peace_n see_v if_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v we_o at_o that_o day_n we_o can_v never_o be_v justify_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o as_o judge_n and_o notary_n know_v that_o their_o wise_n just_a and_o judicious_a king_n will_v exact_o view_v and_o examine_v their_o book_n and_o record_n be_v make_v thereby_o careful_a to_o keep_v they_o fair_a and_o without_o the_o aspersion_n of_o any_o faultinesse_n and_o if_o they_o have_v fail_v in_o the_o just_a execute_n of_o their_o office_n will_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o imputation_n so_o we_o be_v to_o show_v our_o book_n of_o conscience_n before_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v much_o more_o careful_a that_o they_o may_v be_v vublemish_v and_o without_o all_o spot_n of_o sin_n and_o because_o we_o often_o blot_v and_o blemish_v they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o have_v our_o fault_n and_o sin_n often_o interline_v we_o must_v labour_v to_o get_v out_o all_o these_o blot_n and_o stain_n by_o wash_v they_o often_o with_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o aqua_fw-la fortis_fw-la and_o powerful_a water_n which_o flow_v out_o of_o his_o side_n that_o so_o our_o sin_n not_o be_v find_v in_o these_o book_n of_o account_n may_v not_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o nor_o bring_v upon_o we_o that_o just_a condemnation_n which_o they_o have_v deserve_v and_o so_o much_o concern_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o those_o fundamental_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n the_o second_o book_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n contain_v the_o main_a part_n and_o principal_a duty_n of_o it_o which_o we_o ought_v general_o to_o perform_v at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o all_o good_a occasion_n cap._n i._n of_o the_o main_a duty_n wherein_o a_o godly_a life_n consist_v §._o sect._n 1_o that_o a_o godly_a life_n consist_v in_o do_v all_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v we_o have_v entreat_v the_o more_o large_o of_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n because_o when_o the_o foundation_n be_v lay_v large_a and_o deep_a the_o building_n which_o be_v erect_v upon_o it_o be_v more_o firm_a and_o durable_a and_o now_o we_o be_v come_v to_o show_v first_o wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o second_o what_o be_v the_o property_n of_o it_o and_o of_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o it_o a_o godly_a life_n consist_v in_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o whole_a carriage_n unto_o god_n reveal_v will_n both_o in_o flee_v and_o forsake_v all_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o in_o embrace_v and_o practise_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o leave_v undo_v that_o which_o he_o have_v forbid_v and_o in_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o be_v general_o require_v in_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o put_v you_o off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a 24_o psal_n 34._o 14._o esa_n 1_o 16._o 1._o pet._n 3._o 11._o eph._n 4._o 22_o 23_o 24_o to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o that_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o
and_o thankfulness_n and_o so_o make_v we_o to_o become_v earnest_a and_o unwearied_a in_o render_v unto_o god_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n when_o as_o we_o observe_v a_o solemn_a fast_o and_o keep_v unto_o god_n a_o 16._o esa_n 26._o 16._o day_n of_o humiliation_n consecrate_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o charity_n especial_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o final_o at_o all_o other_o time_n when_o we_o be_v fit_v thereunto_o by_o god_n spirit_n and_o sufficient_o qualify_v with_o the_o former_a grace_n the_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o private_a prayer_n by_o ourselves_o and_o not_o when_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o for_o than_o we_o be_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n to_o have_v respect_n unto_o they_o and_o not_o to_o tire_v their_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o sin_n through_o our_o tedious_a prolixity_n by_o weariness_n and_o wander_a thought_n although_o we_o ourselves_o have_v a_o good_a appetite_n to_o this_o exercise_n for_o this_o be_v to_o force_v they_o to_o sit_v long_o at_o the_o table_n who_o have_v quick_o dine_v to_o cloy_v the_o weak_a of_o digestion_n with_o variety_n of_o dish_n because_o we_o who_o bear_v they_o company_n have_v good_a stomach_n and_o to_o constrain_v young_a beginner_n and_o child_n in_o christ_n to_o hold_v out_o with_o we_o in_o our_o pace_n who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o ripe_a age_n and_o so_o to_o tire_v for_o weariness_n before_o they_o come_v half_a way_n to_o their_o journey_n end_n which_o if_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v judge_v unequal_a how_o much_o be_v our_o practice_n worthy_a to_o be_v condemn_v if_o in_o our_o meeting_n we_o contend_v to_o outvie_v one_o another_o strive_v who_o shall_v exceed_v in_o length_n of_o prayer_n and_o variety_n of_o choice_n word_n for_o the_o apt_a express_v of_o our_o mind_n hereby_o make_v prayer_n like_a unto_o a_o mastery_n or_o race_n wherein_o we_o contend_v for_o the_o prize_n of_o praise_n which_o they_o be_v to_o win_v who_o be_v swift_a and_o best_a at_o length_n §._o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o quality_n of_o our_o speech_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o in_o our_o prayer_n as_o be_v fit_a both_o to_o stir_v up_o and_o express_v our_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o avoid_v two_o extreme_n the_o first_o be_v curious_a affectation_n of_o word_n see_v the_o lord_n respect_v not_o the_o eloquence_n of_o our_o speech_n but_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o fervency_n of_o our_o desire_n which_o be_v as_o loud_a cry_n and_o most_o persuasive_a oration_n in_o his_o ear_n when_o we_o be_v most_o barren_a in_o word_n the_o second_o be_v rudeness_n of_o speech_n without_o any_o fit_a word_n or_o good_a sense_n order_n or_o coherence_n which_o be_v cause_v through_o negligence_n want_v of_o preparation_n and_o of_o due_a reverence_n and_o respect_n of_o god_n glorious_a majesty_n before_o who_o we_o stand_v and_o unto_o who_o we_o speak_v not_o care_v what_o nor_o how_o we_o babble_v in_o his_o presence_n though_o for_o our_o credit_n sake_n we_o will_v be_v more_o careful_a in_o speak_v to_o mortal_a man_n not_o much_o superior_a unto_o us._n for_o otherwise_o if_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o carelessness_n but_o from_o natural_a infirmity_n and_o want_n of_o utterance_n which_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o if_o we_o be_v so_o in_o other_o discourse_n and_o upon_o other_o occasion_n our_o prayer_n notwithstanding_o proceed_v from_o upright_a heart_n and_o be_v join_v with_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n yea_o even_o our_o imperfect_a speech_n sigh_n and_o groan_n will_v as_o effectual_o move_v he_o to_o hear_v we_o and_o grant_v our_o suit_n as_o the_o most_o eloquent_a speech_n which_o have_v all_o the_o help_n and_o ornament_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o art_n cap._n xvi_o of_o the_o form_n and_o method_n which_o be_v to_o be_v use_v and_o observe_v in_o our_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n §._o sect._n 1_o of_o form_n of_o prayer_n set_v down_o by_o other_o the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v respect_v the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o pour_v forth_o our_o soul_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v either_o by_o use_v set_v form_n or_o contrive_v of_o prayer_n according_a to_o present_a occasion_n as_o we_o be_v enable_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o former_a sort_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v invent_v by_o other_o and_o learned_a by_o hear_v or_o read_v their_o book_n and_o writing_n or_o else_o by_o ourselves_o upon_o due_a study_n and_o meditation_n both_o which_o may_v be_v lawful_o and_o commendable_o use_v of_o christian_n according_a to_o their_o several_a state_n and_o gift_n write_a and_o print_v form_n by_o those_o who_o want_v ability_n to_o pray_v in_o their_o own_o word_n or_o to_o frame_v their_o suit_n and_o petition_n and_o express_v their_o mind_n in_o any_o good_a manner_n and_o order_n the_o which_o be_v one_o end_n of_o pen_v david_n psalm_n that_o they_o may_v by_o skilful_a musician_n be_v sing_v in_o the_o congregation_n and_o use_v also_o in_o private_a both_o in_o family_n and_o by_o ourselves_o alone_o and_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v that_o perfect_a form_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n not_o only_o as_o a_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o frame_v our_o prayer_n but_o also_o as_o a_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v itself_o and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o one_o evangelist_n after_o this_o 2._o math._n 6._o 9_o luk._n 11._o 2._o manner_n pray_v you_o so_o in_o another_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n and_o therefore_o as_o child_n before_o they_o can_v go_v be_v not_o suffer_v to_o sit_v still_o but_o be_v train_v and_o teach_v by_o other_o that_o hold_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n so_o though_o we_o want_v spiritual_a strength_n and_o skill_n to_o perform_v this_o exercise_n by_o ourselves_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v it_o altogether_o but_o yield_v ourselves_o to_o be_v train_v by_o other_o as_o the_o disciple_n do_v desire_v of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o as_o it_o be_v hold_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o use_v the_o help_n of_o their_o meditation_n but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o as_o sufficient_a without_o any_o further_a proceed_n for_o though_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o a_o child_n in_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v be_v thus_o train_v to_o go_v alone_o yet_o when_o we_o come_v to_o a_o ripe_a age_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o mean_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o we_o and_o argue_v either_o great_a impotency_n and_o lameness_n in_o religion_n or_o else_o negligence_n sloth_n and_o want_v of_o exercise_n if_o we_o can_v go_v alone_o but_o still_o like_a child_n need_v lead_v by_o other_o beside_o we_o can_v by_o other_o meditation_n unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o our_o own_o particular_a sin_n of_o which_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n only_o be_v witness_n nor_o express_v those_o special_a want_n which_o most_o pinch_v we_o and_o which_o we_o most_o desire_v shall_v be_v supply_v nor_o fit_v our_o occasion_n to_o their_o prayer_n nor_o their_o prayer_n to_o our_o occasion_n but_o we_o must_v as_o god_n require_v by_o the_o prophet_n when_o we_o come_v unto_o he_o as_o suitor_n take_v word_n unto_o ourselves_o and_o frame_v our_o petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n according_a 2._o hos_fw-la 14._o 2._o to_o our_o own_o want_n and_o occasion_n neither_o let_v any_o that_o have_v be_v long_o train_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n object_n his_o want_n of_o gift_n and_o ability_n see_v if_o he_o speak_v true_a he_o proclaim_v his_o own_o shame_n and_o nonproficiency_n for_o if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n and_o sin_n we_o may_v find_v some_o word_n to_o express_v they_o that_o we_o may_v crave_v a_o supply_n of_o the_o one_o and_o pardon_v for_o the_o other_o especial_o to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o be_v so_o gracious_a and_o willing_a to_o bear_v with_o our_o infirmity_n and_o who_o better_o accept_v of_o such_o imperfect_a prayer_n as_o be_v indict_v by_o ourselves_o and_o utter_v with_o zealous_a devotion_n of_o honest_a heart_n then_o of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n pen_v for_o we_o by_o other_o even_o as_o every_o wise_a father_n better_o accept_v of_o a_o epistle_n invent_v and_o write_v by_o his_o own_o son_n himself_o though_o full_a of_o imperfection_n because_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o train_v he_o up_o to_o more_o perfection_n then_o that_o which_o be_v do_v to_o his_o hand_n by_o one_o of_o his_o fellow_n of_o a_o high_a form_n though_o much_o more_o exact_a
into_o act_n when_o we_o have_v have_v fit_a occasion_n our_o worldliness_n and_o earthly_a mindedness_n which_o have_v make_v we_o by_o affect_v transitory_a trifle_n to_o neglect_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a excellency_n and_o neglect_v god_n service_n to_o serve_v satan_n in_o hope_n of_o receive_v this_o base_a wage_n and_o reward_n of_o iniquity_n our_o little_a profit_v by_o the_o long_a enjoy_n and_o use_v of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o plentiful_a mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o the_o enrich_n of_o ourselves_o with_o god_n spiritual_a and_o save_a grace_n knowledge_n faith_n affiance_n love_n zeal_n patience_n or_o the_o fruitful_a exercise_v of_o they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o our_o irreverent_a slothful_a and_o sluggish_a use_v of_o the_o mean_n nor_o bring_v unto_o they_o any_o faith_n zeal_n fervency_n of_o spirit_n or_o a_o good_a conscience_n our_o want_n of_o christian_a valour_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n and_o our_o often_o yield_v unto_o the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o flesh_n final_o our_o abuse_n of_o prosperity_n and_o temporary_a blessing_n which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n as_o present_a wage_n in_o our_o hand_n to_o make_v we_o more_o cheerful_a in_o his_o service_n we_o have_v abuse_v as_o mean_n and_o occasion_n to_o make_v we_o more_o sinful_a more_o forgetful_a of_o god_n and_o negligent_a and_o cold_a in_o his_o service_n more_o proud_a worldly_a and_o unconscionable_a in_o all_o our_o course_n and_o when_o we_o have_v call_v to_o our_o remembrance_n these_o and_o such_o other_o sin_n whereby_o we_o have_v be_v hinder_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o have_v unfeigned_o lament_v and_o bewail_v they_o with_o bitter_a grief_n and_o resolve_a amendment_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v then_o be_v we_o also_o to_o renew_v and_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n by_o apply_v afresh_o unto_o we_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v make_v in_o christ_n unto_o all_o repentant_a sinner_n the_o which_o often_o renew_v of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n of_o strengthen_v we_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n see_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o they_o god_n have_v promise_v therein_o that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o from_o we_o our_o stony_a heart_n and_o give_v we_o heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o that_o he_o 26._o ezek._n 11._o 19_o 20._o and_o 36._o 26._o will_v put_v a_o new_a spirit_n within_o we_o that_o we_o may_v walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o keep_v his_o ordinance_n and_o do_v they_o that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o we_o 40._o jer._n 31._o 33._o and_o 32._o 40._o may_v fear_v he_o for_o ever_o and_o put_v his_o law_n in_o our_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o as_o thus_o on_o god_n part_n we_o be_v strengthen_v unto_o all_o good_a duty_n by_o his_o spirit_n which_o he_o promise_v and_o give_v unto_o we_o so_o also_o on_o our_o part_n this_o renew_n of_o our_o faith_n enable_v we_o hereunto_o for_o the_o more_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o god_n benefit_n both_o spiritual_a in_o this_o life_n and_o heavenly_a in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o who_o have_v so_o love_v we_o and_o of_o his_o infinite_a bounty_n have_v multiply_v upon_o we_o such_o inestimable_a blessing_n and_o 29._o nehem._n 10._o 29._o the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o the_o more_o loath_a we_o be_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v displease_v he_o and_o the_o more_o forward_o and_o willing_a to_o glorify_v he_o and_o to_o perform_v all_o good_a duty_n acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n §._o sect._n 6_o that_o we_o must_v take_v more_o care_n to_o approve_v our_o way_n to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n then_o unto_o man_n the_o second_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o chief_o labour_v to_o approve_v all_o our_o work_n and_o way_n to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n rather_o than_o unto_o man_n the_o testimony_n whereof_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v then_o public_a fame_n and_o humane_a censure_n for_o fame_n be_v but_o a_o breath_n of_o the_o often_o deceive_v multitude_n may_v also_o deceive_v we_o by_o give_v a_o false_a testimony_n either_o on_o the_o worse_a or_o better_a part_n but_o our_o conscience_n which_o be_v privy_a even_o to_o our_o secret_a action_n and_o inward_a intention_n in_o do_v they_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v corrupt_v to_o give_v in_o false_a evidence_n especial_o in_o those_o who_o be_v sanctify_v and_o regenerate_v humane_a and_o vulgar_a censure_n be_v often_o false_a and_o frivolous_a ridiculous_a and_o impious_a applaud_v that_o which_o god_n condemn_v and_o condemn_v that_o which_o he_o commend_v and_o common_o that_o best_a please_v the_o multitude_n which_o displease_v he_o they_o call_v he_o honourable_a not_o who_o honour_v god_n and_o be_v honour_v of_o he_o who_o be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n brother_n of_o christ_n and_o heir_n of_o heaven_n but_o who_o be_v ennoble_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o parent_n or_o who_o have_v buy_v glorious_a title_n as_o it_o be_v a_o slave_n in_o the_o market_n or_o as_o the_o centurion_n his_o freedom_n with_o a_o great_a sum_n they_o call_v he_o rich_a and_o happy_a who_o be_v poor_a beggarly_a naked_a and_o utter_o destitute_a of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n because_o he_o have_v some_o worldly_a pelf_n which_o every_o day_n may_v be_v take_v from_o he_o or_o he_o from_o it_o and_o he_o of_o the_o world_n be_v esteem_v valorous_a and_o magnanimous_a who_o be_v so_o impotent_a in_o rule_v his_o passion_n that_o he_o can_v bear_v the_o least_o injury_n without_o take_v revenge_n and_o contrariwise_o he_o base_a and_o cowardly_a who_o dissemble_v wrong_n and_o according_a to_o christ_n commandment_n do_v ready_o forgive_v they_o leave_v vengeance_n to_o god_n unto_o who_o alone_o it_o belong_v though_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o true_a fortitude_n or_o the_o magnanimous_a constancy_n of_o a_o sound_n and_o well-settled_n mind_n then_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o word_n to_o be_v move_v out_o of_o a_o right_a state_n and_o with_o other_o man_n folly_n to_o become_v furious_a and_o frantic_a but_o a_o good_a conscience_n give_v in_o true_a evidence_n as_o witness_v with_o god_n or_o that_o which_o he_o witness_v not_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a opinion_n mislead_v by_o passion_n but_o according_a to_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n with_o which_o this_o book_n of_o conscience_n common_o agree_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v lead_v a_o godly_a life_n and_o constant_o perform_v those_o christian_a duty_n which_o be_v please_v unto_o god_n let_v we_o light_o regard_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o multitude_n who_o ordinary_o outface_v and_o discountenance_v virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o commend_v and_o magnify_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n justify_v those_o who_o god_n condemn_v and_o condemn_v those_o that_o he_o justifi_v account_v their_o false_a praise_n a_o great_a dishonour_n and_o their_o scorn_n and_o disgrace_n for_o innocency_n and_o piety_n our_o praise_n and_o glory_n see_v he_o can_v be_v but_o honourable_a who_o god_n honour_v nor_o want_v glory_n who_o christ_n his_o saint_n and_o holy_a angel_n approve_v and_o applaud_v and_o contrariwise_o let_v we_o high_o esteem_v in_o all_o our_o action_n the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n which_o will_v restrain_v we_o from_o secret_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o from_o open_a and_o notorious_a and_o move_v and_o incite_v we_o to_o all_o christian_a duty_n even_o in_o our_o secret_a closert_n when_o there_o be_v none_o by_o to_o censure_v our_o action_n and_o as_o no_o wise_a man_n in_o run_v of_o a_o race_n be_v much_o move_v with_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o stander_n by_o which_o he_o assure_o know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o frivolous_a think_v ever_o the_o better_a of_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v cast_v behind_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o company_n because_o they_o commend_v his_o speed_n or_o the_o worse_a when_o he_o have_v outstrip_v they_o and_o be_v near_o the_o goal_n because_o they_o discommend_v he_o for_o his_o slowness_n so_o neither_o must_v we_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o a_o good_a conceit_n of_o ourselves_o when_o other_o commend_v we_o for_o our_o swiftness_n in_o the_o spiritual_a race_n if_o our_o own_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v slow_a and_o behind_o all_o the_o rest_n with_o who_o we_o contend_v for_o the_o garland_n nor_o yet_o deject_a and_o discourage_v when_o they_o dispraise_v we_o if_o we_o be_v privy_a unto_o
because_o the_o cross_a book_n as_o it_o show_v his_o honesty_n in_o pay_v his_o debt_n so_o at_o least_o it_o seem_v to_o argue_v defect_n of_o present_a mean_n in_o that_o for_o the_o time_n he_o be_v indebt_v so_o much_o less_o will_v any_o come_v upon_o the_o score_n or_o into_o the_o book_n of_o conscience_n for_o every_o small_a bait_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n see_v here_o especial_o one_o thing_n pull_v on_o another_o and_o many_o little_n make_v a_o great_a reckon_n nor_o yet_o for_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n if_o they_o consider_v that_o payment_n must_v be_v make_v the_o score_n clear_v and_o the_o book_n cross_v before_o they_o can_v betake_v themselves_o to_o quiet_a rest_n which_o when_o it_o be_v do_v though_o it_o show_v their_o faith_n and_o piety_n in_o repent_v yet_o withal_o their_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n in_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n in_o that_o by_o fall_v into_o sin_n they_o need_v repentance_n §._o sect._n 6_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o punishment_n and_o thus_o we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o when_o we_o have_v do_v we_o must_v not_o rest_v there_o but_o enter_v also_o into_o the_o consideration_n 31._o heb._n 10._o 31._o of_o the_o misery_n and_o punishment_n which_o not_o be_v repent_v of_o they_o bring_v upon_o us._n as_o that_o they_o make_v we_o subject_a to_o the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o we_o as_o stubble_n or_o combustible_a matter_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n to_o the_o curse_n also_o of_o the_o law_n denounce_v against_o all_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o to_o do_v it_o and_o to_o all_o the_o plague_n and_o punishment_n threaten_v therein_o which_o respect_v either_o this_o life_n or_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o they_o be_v a_o wall_n of_o separation_n between_o our_o god_n and_o we_o stop_v from_o we_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n and_o hinder_v we_o of_o many_o testimony_n of_o his_o favour_n in_o temporal_a thing_n which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v gracious_o bestow_v upon_o us._n and_o contrariwise_o that_o till_o we_o repent_v they_o endanger_v we_o to_o everlasting_a condemnation_n which_o though_o we_o do_v hereafter_o avoid_v by_o turn_v from_o our_o sin_n unto_o god_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o expose_v we_o to_o temporary_a affliction_n which_o god_n use_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n cross_v we_o in_o our_o evil_a course_n and_o set_v thorny_a 6._o hos_fw-la 2._o 6._o hedge_n in_o our_o way_n to_o stay_v we_o from_o run_v too_o far_o from_o he_o they_o move_v he_o to_o meet_v with_o we_o at_o every_o turn_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o true_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o fit_v his_o punishment_n in_o some_o proportion_n or_o likeness_n unto_o they_o because_o so_o brutish_a we_o be_v in_o observe_v our_o sin_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n inflict_v for_o they_o that_o like_o the_o dog_n before_o the_o sheep_n that_o he_o have_v worry_v we_o need_v to_o be_v take_v with_o the_o manner_n and_o to_o have_v our_o fault_n lay_v before_o we_o when_o he_o take_v we_o in_o hand_n to_o beat_v we_o for_o it_o for_o because_o sin_n be_v too_o sweet_a to_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n therefore_o the_o lord_n imbitter_v it_o with_o the_o wormwood_n and_o gall_n of_o affliction_n which_o 19_o lam._n 3._o 19_o oftentimes_o much_o more_o vex_v we_o than_o we_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n do_v make_v we_o afterward_o when_o we_o remember_v this_o loathsome_a after-taste_a to_o restrain_v our_o appetite_n and_o not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o our_o carnal_a concupiscence_n allure_a we_o to_o wickedness_n §._o sect._n 7_o of_o the_o end_n of_o this_o examination_n and_o time_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o subject_a matter_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o examination_n with_o the_o help_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v further_v in_o it_o now_o the_o main_a end_n of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n for_o therefore_o we_o labour_v to_o come_v unto_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v unfeigned_o bewail_v they_o with_o bitter_a grief_n therefore_o do_v we_o take_v a_o thorough_a view_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n misery_n and_o punishment_n which_o do_v accompany_v they_o that_o see_v the_o ugly_a deformity_n of_o the_o one_o and_o feeling_n or_o foresee_v the_o smart_n of_o the_o other_o we_o may_v be_v move_v either_o not_o to_o sin_n or_o be_v overtake_v to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o and_o to_o prevent_v our_o own_o woe_n by_o speedy_a repentance_n the_o time_n of_o this_o examination_n be_v always_o in_o season_n because_o repentance_n be_v never_o unseasonable_a for_o see_v the_o score_n be_v seldom_o clear_a and_o our_o frailty_n such_o that_o conscience_n be_v occasion_v to_o hold_v the_o pen_n still_o in_o hand_n and_o every_o hand_n while_o write_v up_o our_o debt_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v still_o examine_v clear_n and_o cross_v of_o our_o book_n that_o nothing_o may_v stand_v upon_o account_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o judgement_n which_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o the_o time_n most_o uncertain_a it_o will_v be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o be_v always_o in_o readiness_n in_o which_o regard_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o we_o will_v spend_v some_o little_a time_n every_o night_n before_o we_o go_v to_o sleep_v in_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o clear_n our_o account_n for_o the_o day_n past_a the_o which_o i_o here_o pass_v over_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o before_o in_o the_o daily_a exercise_n but_o most_o solemn_o and_o serious_o be_v we_o to_o set_v ourselves_o about_o this_o duty_n of_o examination_n when_o as_o we_o have_v some_o special_a cause_n of_o renew_v our_o repentance_n as_o when_o we_o desire_v any_o extraordinary_a benefit_n which_o we_o great_o want_n when_o we_o undertake_v any_o weighty_a business_n when_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o in_o any_o solemn_a manner_n before_o god_n either_o public_o or_o private_o in_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o we_o desire_v shall_v be_v pardon_v or_o of_o some_o imminent_a and_o approach_a judgement_n which_o we_o will_v prevent_v or_o some_o present_a affliction_n which_o we_o will_v have_v remove_v or_o when_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v come_v as_o worthy_a guest_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n then_o be_v this_o examination_n 28._o 1._o cor._n 11._o 28._o most_o seasonable_a as_o be_v the_o best_a preparative_n for_o humiliation_n fervent_a prayer_n and_o serious_a repentance_n §._o sect._n 8_o a_o complaint_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o the_o cause_n thereof_o but_o alas_o how_o be_v this_o excellent_a duty_n general_o neglect_v and_o how_o seldom_o do_v the_o most_o that_o profess_v christianity_n call_v themselves_o unto_o this_o account_n multiply_v their_o sin_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o never_o make_v any_o reckon_n of_o they_o and_o although_o almost_o all_o man_n hold_v it_o to_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v still_o review_v their_o worldly_a estate_n and_o to_o keep_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o their_o debt_n and_o mean_n to_o discharge_v they_o of_o their_o disbursement_n and_o expense_n and_o of_o their_o profit_n and_o come_n in_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o serious_o examine_v their_o debt_n to_o god_n or_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v discharge_v they_o how_o they_o thrive_v and_o increase_v or_o how_o they_o decay_n and_o go_v backward_a in_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n till_o at_o last_o they_o prove_v banquerupt_v in_o all_o grace_n and_o goodness_n and_o so_o desperate_a in_o their_o estate_n that_o they_o only_o think_v how_o they_o may_v run_v further_o in_o debt_n and_o never_o take_v care_n how_o it_o may_v be_v discharge_v of_o which_o neglect_n there_o be_v many_o cause_n first_o because_o they_o be_v so_o far_o in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o loathe_v all_o mean_n which_o may_v work_v any_o dislike_n or_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o necessity_n to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o so_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o when_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o 20._o joh._n 3._o 19_o 20._o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o it_o lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reproove_v second_o because_o through_o long_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n their_o debt_n be_v grow_v
be_v purposely_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o illuminate_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o to_o make_v the_o foolish_a wise_a and_o therefore_o to_o forbear_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o we_o be_v rude_a and_o of_o small_a understanding_n be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v refuse_v the_o medicine_n because_o we_o be_v sick_a the_o eye-salue_n because_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n because_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o dim-sighted_a it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o alike_o clear_a but_o though_o some_o be_v easy_a and_o plain_a yet_o other_o be_v so_o high_a and_o mystical_a hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o of_o such_o abstruse_a difficulty_n that_o the_o best_a wit_n and_o most_o learned_a may_v even_o their_o whole_a life_n be_v exercise_v about_o they_o and_o yet_o never_o reach_v to_o their_o height_n nor_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o bottom_n but_o this_o must_v not_o discourage_v the_o simple_a from_o read_v of_o they_o because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o require_v of_o all_o that_o they_o shall_v understand_v every_o place_n but_o so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o gift_n which_o they_o have_v 3._o rom._n 12._o 3._o receive_v which_o if_o they_o exceed_v they_o come_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o curiosity_n &_o presumption_n and_o for_o the_o attain_v of_o that_o main_a end_n at_o which_o every_o one_o must_v aim_v the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v read_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v not_o only_o as_o that_o learned_a father_n observe_v augustine_n augustine_n in_o many_o place_n a_o deep_a sea_n wherein_o the_o elephant_n may_v swim_v but_o also_o in_o as_o many_o other_o shallow_a ford_n wherein_o the_o lamb_n may_v wade_v yea_o so_o gracious_a be_v the_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n of_o all_o man_n that_o in_o pen_v the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o have_v take_v care_n of_o the_o simple_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o as_o in_o course_n of_o nature_n he_o have_v make_v those_o thing_n most_o common_a which_o be_v most_o excellent_a profitable_a and_o necessary_a as_o the_o sun_n air_n fire_n water_n bread_n and_o clothing_n and_o have_v only_o reserve_v to_o the_o rich_a and_o noble_a peculiar_a privilege_n in_o thing_n of_o less_o use_n and_o necessity_n as_o gold_n silver_n precious_a jewel_n so_o make_v and_o call_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o fantasy_n and_o opinion_n silken_a garment_n delicious_a cate_n and_o such_o like_a trifle_n so_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o in_o common_a the_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o make_v they_o so_o easy_a and_o familiar_a that_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v comprehend_v they_o if_o they_o will_v use_v the_o mean_n and_o help_n which_o he_o have_v sanctify_v for_o this_o use_n as_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o inlighten_v our_o blind_a eye_n reading_z meditation_n compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o private_a conference_n and_o have_v reserve_v other_o thing_n less_o necessary_a in_o abstruse_a obscurity_n as_o chronology_n genealogy_n quiddity_n and_o intricate_a question_n to_o exercise_v the_o curiosity_n of_o such_o as_o scorn_v to_o be_v vulgar_o wise_a and_o will_v gain_v unto_o themselves_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n yea_o even_o the_o same_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o some_o place_n plain_o express_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a be_v in_o other_o place_n more_o obscure_o deliver_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n the_o simple_a have_v no_o cause_n of_o discouragement_n by_o their_o difficulty_n nor_o the_o learned_a and_o man_n of_o great_a gift_n any_o cause_n of_o contempt_n or_o idle_a sloth_n through_o their_o easiness_n but_o may_v have_v matter_n deep_a enough_o to_o sound_v and_o search_v out_o by_o their_o great_a wit_n and_o most_o industrious_a endeavour_n so_o one_o say_v that_o the_o gregor_n quamuis_fw-la omnem_fw-la scientiam_fw-la &_o doctrinam_fw-la sacra_fw-la scriptura_fw-la sine_fw-la aliqua_fw-la comparatione_fw-la transcendat_fw-la etc._n etc._n gregor_n holy_a scripture_n without_o comparison_n excel_v all_o other_o science_n and_o learning_n for_o they_o publish_v and_o preach_v the_o truth_n call_v we_o to_o our_o heavenly_a country_n invite_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o reader_n from_o earthly_a desire_n to_o embrace_v heavenly_a excellency_n the_o which_o be_v not_o so_o shut_v up_o in_o obscurity_n that_o we_o need_v to_o fear_v they_o nor_o so_o open_a that_o we_o shall_v contemn_v they_o but_o the_o more_o they_o be_v use_v the_o less_o they_o be_v loathe_v and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v love_v the_o more_o they_o be_v study_v etc._n etc._n notwithstanding_o even_o in_o this_o paradise_n which_o abound_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o flower_n and_o medicinable_a herb_n fit_a for_o use_v necessity_n and_o delight_n there_o may_v general_o at_o all_o time_n be_v choice_n make_v of_o such_o as_o be_v most_o profitable_a and_o comfortable_a and_o special_o upon_o several_a occasion_n for_o howsoever_o all_o contain_v in_o they_o be_v excellent_a and_o fit_a for_o diverse_a use_n so_o that_o no_o part_n in_o our_o read_n be_v always_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o and_o neglect_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o place_n above_o other_o wherein_o we_o may_v have_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o great_a plenty_n and_o variety_n and_o better_o prepare_v for_o our_o weak_a stomach_n and_o though_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o comparison_n with_o other_o writing_n yet_o in_o themselves_o one_o part_n may_v excel_v another_o if_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o author_n or_o nature_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o use_n and_o edification_n as_o contain_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o main_a point_n of_o our_o salvation_n more_o full_o and_o plain_o then_o other_o in_o which_o respect_n the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o be_v a_o commentary_n and_o exposition_n of_o they_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n before_o diverse_a of_o they_o as_o be_v full_o fraught_v with_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o contain_v divine_a precept_n and_o counsel_n fit_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o all_o our_o course_n and_o above_o they_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n as_o be_v the_o lively_a anatomy_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a in_o all_o estate_n and_o condition_n a_o treasury_n of_o heavenly_a meditation_n divine_a wisdom_n holy_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n and_o a_o clear_a glass_n wherein_o we_o may_v see_v how_o in_o all_o estate_n and_o condition_n god_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n and_o they_o with_o he_o and_o final_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o old_a because_o god_n therein_o have_v more_o clear_o manifest_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n the_o send_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o the_o great_a work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o with_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o he_o and_o all_o his_o benefit_n god_n spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o howsoever_o they_o be_v both_o all_o one_o in_o substance_n &_o contain_v the_o same_o thing_n yet_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o new_a hide_v and_o shadow_v the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o old_a unfold_v and_o reveal_v §._o sect._n 4_o that_o we_o must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n only_o but_o also_o other_o religious_a writing_n but_o though_o a_o christian_a man_n be_v to_o study_v and_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n chief_o that_o he_o may_v out_o of_o they_o as_o out_o of_o the_o fountain_n know_v god_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n in_o which_o respect_n their_o practice_n be_v absolute_o to_o be_v condemn_v who_o be_v so_o whole_o take_v up_o in_o read_v the_o father_n schoolman_n and_o late_a writer_n that_o they_o can_v find_v little_a time_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v great_a stranger_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v best_o acquaint_v and_o like_o ill_a merchant_n who_o buy_v all_o their_o ware_n at_o the_o second_o or_o three_o hand_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o so_o whole_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o as_o to_o neglect_v or_o to_o want_v time_n to_o peruse_v the_o writing_n of_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o fervent_a prayer_n the_o gift_n of_o learning_n and_o tongue_n and_o their_o serious_a study_n and_o diligent_a labour_n have_v give_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n