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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
less_o serviceable_a and_o profitable_a for_o any_o good_a use_n for_o when_o our_o strength_n be_v repair_v by_o moderate_a rest_n excessive_a sleep_n weaken_v we_o again_o make_v our_o body_n heavy_a and_o lumpish_a and_o less_o able_a and_o active_a for_o any_o good_a employment_n and_o as_o we_o consume_v the_o forepart_n of_o the_o morning_n in_o drowsy_a sleep_v so_o the_o latter_a part_n in_o lazy_a stretch_n and_o slothful_a yawn_a make_v we_o sluggish_a with_o too_o much_o sleep_v as_o the_o drunkard_n become_v more_o dry_a with_o too_o much_o drink_v and_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v refresh_v and_o quicken_v with_o moderate_a sleep_n by_o that_o which_o be_v excessive_a they_o become_v dull_a again_o and_o be_v drown_v and_o stupefy_v with_o slothful_a vapour_n they_o be_v make_v unfit_a instrument_n to_o the_o soul_n for_o any_o good_a action_n and_o employment_n whereby_o we_o be_v notable_o hinder_v both_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n service_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o calling_n not_o only_o because_o it_o consume_v much_o of_o our_o time_n which_o shall_v be_v spend_v in_o they_o but_o also_o great_o disable_v we_o in_o that_o which_o remain_v when_o we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o pray_v hear_v the_o word_n read_v meditate_v or_o any_o civil_a duty_n which_o belong_v unto_o us._n final_o this_o excessive_a sleep_n be_v exceed_v hurtful_a both_o for_o our_o soul_n body_n and_o state_n for_o it_o hurt_v the_o brain_n dull_v the_o wit_n and_o much_o impair_v the_o memory_n make_v all_o these_o faculty_n unfit_a for_o their_o function_n and_o operation_n it_o breed_v obstruction_n and_o superfluous_a humour_n and_o so_o fill_v the_o body_n with_o innumerable_a disease_n it_o impoverish_v the_o estate_n and_o bring_v they_o who_o immoderate_o use_v it_o if_o they_o be_v of_o mean_a condition_n to_o beggary_n and_o penury_n and_o much_o disable_v those_o who_o be_v wealthy_a to_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o christian_a charity_n and_o on_o this_o mischief_n accompany_v sloth_n and_o sluggishness_n the_o wise_a solomon_n much_o insi_v for_o he_o tell_v the_o sluggard_n that_o by_o his_o sleep_n and_o slumber_v and_o his_o fold_n of_o his_o hand_n together_o poverty_n shall_v come_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o that_o travail_v who_o still_o approach_v though_o he_o come_v but_o slow_o and_o his_o want_n like_o 11._o pro._n 6._o 11._o a_o arm_a man_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v resist_v by_o one_o that_o lie_v naked_a in_o his_o bed_n so_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o sluggard_n desire_v 4._o pro._n 13._o 4._o and_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o diligent_a shall_v be_v make_v fat_a that_o because_o he_o will_v not_o plough_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o cold_a therefore_o he_o shall_v beg_v in_o harvest_n 4._o pro._n 20._o 4._o and_o have_v nothing_o and_o so_o in_o the_o chief_a time_n of_o other_o plenty_n he_o through_o his_o sloth_n shall_v pine_v in_o penury_n final_o that_o as_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o empty_a famish_a belly_n so_o also_o a_o cold_a and_o totter_a back_n for_o drowzinesse_n shall_v clothe_v a_o man_n with_o rag_n whereas_o they_o which_o have_v a_o vigilant_a eye_n and_o 21._o pro._n 23._o 21._o diligent_a hand_n cloth_n both_o themselves_o and_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o they_o 21._o pro._n 31._o 15_o 21._o with_o purple_a and_o scarlet_a as_o he_o show_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o virtuous_a huswife_n neither_o be_v this_o sluggish_a sleepiness_n less_o pernicious_a to_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n see_v it_o bring_v the_o soul_n also_o to_o beggary_n and_o to_o penurious_a want_n of_o all_o save_a grace_n by_o take_v up_o the_o time_n wherein_o we_o shall_v trade_v and_o traffic_n for_o they_o in_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o which_o it_o cause_v a_o utter_a neglect_n or_o a_o short_a and_o slubber_v performance_n because_o it_o scarce_o leave_v sufficient_a time_n for_o the_o necessary_a dispatch_n of_o such_o important_a business_n as_o do_v belong_v to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o sluggard_n out_o of_o his_o bed_n but_o even_o half_a unready_a he_o chop_v upon_o his_o worldly_a employment_n and_o utter_o neglect_v prayer_n meditation_n and_o all_o spiritual_a exercise_n he_o think_v himself_o sufficient_o excuse_v because_o he_o be_v scant_v of_o time_n and_o call_v away_o by_o some_o that_o attend_v his_o rise_n or_o by_o the_o importunity_n of_o his_o own_o affair_n though_o he_o have_v voluntary_o by_o his_o sloth_n bring_v himself_o into_o these_o strait_n and_o may_v easy_o have_v escape_v they_o and_o have_v time_n enough_o both_o for_o religious_a exercise_n and_o his_o worldly_a business_n yea_o even_o for_o the_o benefiting_a of_o his_o neighbour_n that_o need_v his_o help_n if_o he_o will_v not_o have_v consume_v so_o much_o in_o superfluous_a sleep_n §._o sect._n 3_o that_o the_o expense_n of_o our_o time_n in_o sloth_n be_v displease_v unto_o god_n and_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v but_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o wasteful_a expense_n of_o our_o precious_a time_n in_o sloth_n and_o sluggishness_n be_v very_o displease_v to_o god_n who_o have_v lend_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v spend_v it_o in_o his_o service_n and_o that_o this_o account_n will_v not_o well_o pass_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o god_n shall_v find_v it_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o our_o conscience_n so_o much_o time_n consume_v in_o superfluous_a sleep_n and_o so_o little_o employ_v in_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o god_n service_n prayer_n read_v hear_v meditation_n in_o the_o religious_a duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o charge_n and_o family_n or_o in_o the_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n help_n and_o comfort_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v unto_o one_o another_o as_o be_v child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n &_o fellow_n member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n at_o which_o day_n fearful_a will_v the_o estate_n be_v of_o those_o nice_a wanton_n and_o idle_a sluggard_n who_o divide_v the_o morning_n between_o sloth_n and_o pride_n have_v scarce_o time_n after_o they_o be_v rise_v out_o of_o their_o bed_n to_o paint_v and_o dress_v themselves_o before_o they_o come_v to_o dinner_n utter_o neglect_v all_o duty_n of_o god_n service_n and_o the_o honest_a labour_n of_o a_o lawful_a call_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o have_v touch_v their_o abuse_n who_o have_v learned_a to_o outface_v all_o that_o admonish_v they_o &_o to_o put_v off_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v with_o some_o merry_a jest_n or_o scornful_a smile_n like_o the_o fool_n laugh_v with_o great_a jollity_n when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o the_o stock_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o bar_n and_o carry_v out_o to_o execution_n but_o only_o to_o admonish_v those_o who_o desire_v to_o lead_v a_o christian_a life_n that_o they_o avoid_v such_o wasteful_a expense_n of_o precious_a time_n consume_v those_o good_a hour_n in_o superfluous_a sleep_n which_o be_v well_o employ_v will_v make_v they_o rich_a in_o grace_n and_o thrice_o happy_a in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o whosoever_o will_v do_v they_o must_v careful_o observe_v these_o two_o rule_n first_o they_o must_v be_v temperate_a in_o their_o meat_n and_o drink_n as_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o excessive_a sleep_n and_o sloth_n and_o to_o make_v we_o watchful_a unto_o all_o christian_a duty_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o in_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v conjoin_v be_v sober_a and_o watch_n 8._o 1._o pet._n 5._o 8._o because_o as_o sobriety_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o vigilancy_n so_o excess_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o excess_n in_o sleep_n and_o this_o help_n clemens_n propound_v let_v not_o say_v he_o our_o meat_n oppress_v but_o rather_o lighten_v 9_o ne_fw-fr ergo_fw-la cibi_fw-la nos_fw-la gravent_fw-la sed_fw-la alâ—event_v etc._n etc._n clem._n pae_v l._n 1._o c._n 9_o we_o that_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v our_o sleep_n may_v not_o hurt_v we_o as_o those_o that_o swim_v be_v oppress_v when_o heavy_a burden_n be_v fasten_v upon_o they_o the_o second_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o suffer_v a_o ill_a custom_n of_o lie_v long_o in_o bed_n to_o bring_v a_o habit_n of_o sloth_n upon_o we_o which_o be_v almost_o as_o hard_o to_o break_v as_o to_o alter_v nature_n or_o if_o we_o have_v already_o yield_v unto_o it_o our_o best_a course_n be_v to_o disuse_a ourselves_o from_o it_o by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o so_o attain_v by_o degree_n to_o a_o contrary_a habit_n for_o as_o the_o stomach_n which_o be_v enure_v to_o hot_a water_n be_v still_o crave_v they_o and_o become_v such_o a_o slug_n that_o it_o will_v digest_v nothing_o without_o these_o
governor_n of_o the_o family_n do_v examine_v they_o and_o require_v of_o they_o a_o account_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o they_o may_v see_v how_o they_o have_v profit_v by_o the_o public_a ministry_n for_o if_o they_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o worldly_a business_n or_o how_o they_o have_v lay_v out_o their_o money_n when_o they_o have_v send_v they_o to_o the_o market_n then_o much_o more_o shall_v they_o examine_v they_o what_o spiritual_a market_n they_o have_v make_v for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o how_o much_o they_o have_v gain_v by_o the_o use_n of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n for_o the_o enrich_n of_o they_o with_o the_o treasure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o all_o which_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n must_v show_v much_o love_n and_o patience_n commend_v those_o who_o answer_v well_o and_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o mean_a capacity_n and_o weak_a memory_n when_o they_o see_v that_o they_o do_v their_o best_a and_o do_v not_o fail_v through_o gross_a negligence_n that_o they_o may_v not_o by_o be_v shame_v and_o disgrace_v be_v altogether_o discourage_v in_o these_o religious_a exercise_n to_o which_o purpose_n they_o must_v make_v the_o best_a they_o can_v of_o their_o imperfect_a answer_n by_o enlarge_n and_o perfect_v they_o and_o supply_v that_o in_o which_o they_o be_v defective_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o inferior_n must_v show_v themselves_o tractable_a and_o teachable_a and_o with_o willingness_n and_o cheerfulness_n submit_v themselves_o unto_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n that_o they_o may_v profit_v by_o these_o exercise_n and_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n §._o sect._n 3_o of_o other_o private_a duty_n to_o be_v do_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n after_o the_o finish_n of_o which_o family_n exercise_n we_o be_v to_o spend_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o time_n before_o supper_n in_o other_o christian_a duty_n as_o in_o visit_v and_o 35._o mat._n 25._o 35._o comfort_v those_o that_o be_v sick_a or_o in_o any_o other_o great_a affliction_n and_o minister_a unto_o their_o necessity_n if_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n in_o make_v peace_n and_o friendship_n between_o those_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n by_o compound_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v between_o they_o in_o meditate_v upon_o the_o great_a book_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o observe_v in_o they_o the_o infinite_a and_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n power_n and_o providence_n of_o our_o gracious_a god_n that_o we_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o render_v unto_o he_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o his_o own_o work_n when_o we_o see_v their_o wonderful_a variety_n and_o comely_a order_n their_o quality_n and_o form_n their_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n their_o use_n and_o profit_n for_o the_o service_n of_o man_n observe_v likewise_o in_o they_o such_o good_a property_n as_o be_v worthy_a our_o imitation_n and_o be_v ashamed_a that_o they_o shall_v exceed_v we_o in_o they_o who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o so_o many_o religious_a help_n and_o mean_n and_o their_o ill_a property_n that_o we_o may_v avoid_v they_o take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o be_v humble_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o fall_n from_o our_o create_a purity_n and_o integrity_n as_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o all_o their_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n so_o also_o we_o may_v in_o this_o respect_n make_v good_a use_n of_o the_o creature_n when_o by_o they_o we_o take_v occasion_n of_o some_o spiritual_a meditation_n as_o when_o we_o see_v their_o beauty_n to_o think_v how_o infinite_o beautiful_a he_o be_v that_o create_v they_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o delightful_a and_o profitable_a they_o be_v unto_o man_n to_o conceive_v thereby_o what_o surpass_v excellency_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o his_o own_o child_n in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n when_o we_o observe_v how_o serviceable_a they_o be_v to_o man_n to_o think_v how_o much_o more_o diligent_a we_o shall_v be_v in_o serve_v our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o have_v give_v both_o to_o they_o and_o we_o our_o birth_n and_o be_v more_o particular_o when_o we_o behold_v the_o earth_n whereof_o we_o be_v make_v let_v we_o take_v occasion_n to_o think_v of_o our_o own_o baseness_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v resolve_v into_o earth_n again_o when_o we_o see_v the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n let_v we_o think_v of_o the_o momentany_a mutability_n of_o worldly_a prosperity_n and_o of_o 6._o eccl._n 12._o 7._o esa_n 40._o 6._o our_o own_o mortality_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o they_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n glorious_a brightness_n let_v we_o take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o think_v of_o god_n glorious_a majesty_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n and_o brightness_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n who_o shall_v far_o exceed_v it_o of_o which_o we_o have_v our_o saviour_n christ_n a_o example_n for_o 6._o job._n 4._o and_o the_o 6._o our_o imitation_n who_o take_v occasion_n from_o corporal_a bread_n and_o water_n to_o discourse_v of_o the_o spiritual_a manna_n and_o water_n of_o life_n from_o a_o worldly_a feast_n to_o 39_o luk._n 14._o 15_o 16_o 17._o job._n 7._o 38_o 39_o speak_v of_o a_o spiritual_a banquet_n and_o of_o the_o live_a water_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n give_v to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v a_o fit_a and_o profitable_a exercise_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o hereby_o it_o appear_v in_o that_o the_o psalm_n which_o be_v 92._o psal_n 92._o special_o appoint_v for_o the_o sabbath_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o meditation_n upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n §._o sect._n 4_o that_o the_o evening_n must_v be_v spend_v â—n_o religious_a exercise_n in_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n we_o be_v not_o to_o surcease_v our_o christian_a and_o religious_a exercise_n but_o after_o we_o have_v at_o supper_n refresh_v our_o body_n with_o the_o use_n of_o god_n creature_n and_o our_o soul_n with_o holy_a conference_n we_o be_v to_o spend_v some_o time_n in_o sing_v of_o psalm_n and_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o other_o religious_a and_o profitable_a writing_n after_o which_o duty_n perform_v all_o in_o the_o family_n ought_v to_o join_v together_o in_o hearty_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n not_o think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o private_a duty_n because_o they_o have_v be_v at_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n wherein_o as_o we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v other_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n so_o those_o especial_o we_o have_v show_v the_o day_n pass_v in_o our_o cold_n formal_a weak_a and_o negligent_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n service_n and_o as_o we_o be_v to_o crave_v other_o blessing_n so_o especial_o that_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n will_v bless_v unto_o we_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n whereof_o we_o have_v be_v partaker_n on_o that_o day_n write_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v learn_v in_o our_o memory_n and_o heart_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o final_o as_o we_o be_v to_o praise_n god_n for_o all_o his_o other_o mercy_n so_o particular_o for_o give_v we_o time_n to_o sanctify_v his_o sabbath_n and_o suffer_v we_o to_o enjoy_v the_o bless_a light_n of_o his_o word_n and_o gospel_n for_o grant_v we_o liberty_n with_o such_o peace_n and_o safety_n to_o tread_v in_o his_o court_n and_o to_o make_v our_o suit_n and_o supplication_n know_v unto_o he_o with_o assurance_n to_o have_v they_o hear_v and_o grant_v and_o thus_o have_v finish_v this_o holy_a exercise_n and_o the_o time_n of_o sleep_n approach_v we_o must_v prepare_v ourselves_o thereunto_o with_o such_o religious_a meditation_n as_o on_o other_o day_n be_v prescribe_v the_o which_o at_o this_o time_n be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o extraordinary_a zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o so_o commend_v our_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o desire_v he_o that_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o and_o sanctify_v we_o so_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v spend_v the_o night_n also_o in_o a_o holy_a rest_n be_v free_v from_o worldly_a carnal_a and_o sinful_a dream_n and_o have_v our_o fantasy_n and_o thought_n our_o heart_n and_o affection_n both_o sleep_a and_o wake_v take_v up_o and_o exercise_v in_o good_a and_o godly_a meditation_n and_o that_o he_o will_v so_o season_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o savour_n of_o the_o day_n religious_a exercise_n that_o even_o
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
be_v fit_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o meditate_v on_o of_o which_o i_o will_v here_o set_v down_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a that_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o knowledge_n and_o young_a beginner_n in_o this_o exercise_n may_v be_v so_o sufficient_o furnish_v that_o they_o need_v not_o to_o neglect_v it_o for_o want_n of_o matter_n §._o sect._n 4_o that_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o they_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o meditation_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o action_n and_o decree_n and_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v in_o some_o order_n we_o may_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n either_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o or_o else_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o they_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v a_o fit_a subject_n for_o our_o meditation_n by_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o read_v love_v and_o obey_v of_o we_o that_o in_o this_o regard_n they_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o to_o be_v prefer_v above_o all_o other_o writing_n most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a most_o perfect_a and_o all-sufficient_a most_o ancient_a and_o durable_a and_o final_o that_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a give_v light_n to_o the_o simple_a most_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v read_v and_o study_v of_o all_o man_n the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v either_o those_o which_o respect_v faith_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o else_o manner_n and_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v either_o those_o which_o concern_v god_n or_o the_o church_n the_o former_a respect_n god_n himself_o or_o his_o action_n and_o work_n from_o god_n himself_o we_o may_v have_v plentiful_a matter_n of_o divine_a meditation_n as_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o use_n that_o we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o it_o what_o this_o god_n be_v and_o how_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o in_o his_o essence_n and_o person_n his_o attribute_n and_o name_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o have_v brief_o describe_v god_n nature_n and_o attribute_n as_o his_o simplicity_n infiniteness_n eternity_n immutability_n omni-presence_n all-sufficiency_n which_o be_v right_o understand_v and_o remember_v will_v afford_v excellent_a matter_n of_o holy_a meditation_n the_o action_n of_o god_n be_v either_o his_o decree_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o in_o the_o decree_n itself_o we_o be_v principal_o to_o meditate_v upon_o our_o election_n to_o salvation_n the_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o property_n of_o it_o especial_o the_o infallibility_n and_o certainty_n and_o how_o and_o by_o what_o reason_n and_o sign_n be_v sure_a in_o itself_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o name_n particular_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o decree_n which_o be_v either_o general_a or_o special_a we_o have_v plentiful_a matter_n of_o meditation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o general_a execution_n we_o may_v meditate_v first_o of_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n which_o be_v not_o make_v all_o at_o one_o instant_a as_o they_o may_v as_o easy_o if_o god_n have_v so_o please_v but_o in_o six_o day_n that_o by_o this_o orderly_a proceed_n we_o may_v the_o better_o be_v enable_v to_o meditate_v upon_o they_o and_o here_o we_o may_v meditate_v on_o the_o heaven_n their_o glory_n and_o beauty_n their_o greatness_n and_o durableness_n their_o motion_n and_o constant_a order_n how_o they_o be_v adorn_v with_o the_o glorious_a brightness_n of_o the_o star_n moon_n and_o sun_n be-spangling_a this_o vaulty_a roof_n of_o god_n great_a building_n every_o one_o exceed_v another_o in_o beauty_n and_o bravery_n thus_o we_o may_v meditate_v upon_o the_o diverse_a region_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o creature_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o presage_a comet_n &_o fiery_a exhalation_n the_o meteor_n of_o the_o middle_a region_n cloud_n and_o wind_n thunder_n and_o lightning_n rain_n snow_n hail_n and_o frost_n who_o hide_a treasure_n and_o true_a cause_n none_o can_v pry_v into_o but_o he_o that_o make_v they_o the_o disagree_a element_n join_v in_o a_o excellent_a harmony_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o all_o compound_n body_n neither_o do_v the_o earth_n and_o creature_n therein_o contain_v afford_v unto_o we_o less_o matter_n of_o meditation_n as_o tree_n plant_n and_o flower_n of_o excellent_a beauty_n and_o almost_o infinite_a variety_n grow_v from_o silly_a seed_n in_o outward_a show_n not_o differ_v many_o of_o they_o one_o from_o another_o the_o excellent_a workmanship_n of_o the_o brute_n creature_n the_o endless_a variety_n of_o their_o inward_a form_n and_o outward_a shape_n their_o quality_n and_o property_n their_o life_n sense_n and_o motion_n with_o the_o exquisite_a organ_n and_o instrument_n every_o small_a particle_n have_v for_o these_o purpose_n their_o special_a and_o necessary_a use_n their_o generation_n whereby_o be_v corruptible_a in_o themselves_o they_o become_v after_o a_o sort_n incorruptible_a in_o their_o kind_n after_o their_o death_n live_v in_o their_o posterity_n second_o we_o may_v meditate_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o preserve_v all_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v create_v govern_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o especial_o that_o main_n end_n of_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n and_o that_o he_o do_v thus_o rule_v and_o dispose_v not_o only_o in_o a_o general_a manner_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o of_o every_o particular_a even_o such_o as_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o least_o moment_n and_o most_o casual_a and_o contingent_a §._o sect._n 5_o of_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o decree_n in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n again_o the_o particular_a execution_n of_o god_n decree_n in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n afford_v unto_o we_o plentiful_a matter_n of_o meditation_n as_o the_o felicity_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o they_o their_o alacrity_n and_o cheerfulness_n their_o speed_n and_o diligence_n in_o do_v god_n will_v and_o in_o minister_a unto_o the_o elect_a for_o their_o preservation_n and_o the_o further_a of_o their_o salvation_n the_o fall_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o evil_a angel_n their_o malice_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o elect_a and_o their_o policy_n and_o power_n in_o seek_v their_o destruction_n by_o draw_v they_o to_o sin_n which_o shall_v double_v our_o diligence_n in_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o all_o their_o tentation_n so_o also_o we_o may_v have_v abundant_a matter_n of_o meditation_n minister_v unto_o we_o from_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v man_n as_o his_o creation_n whereby_o god_n make_v man_n body_n of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n consist_v in_o wisdom_n righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n his_o felicity_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n the_o immortality_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o beauty_n health_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o body_n his_o dominion_n over_o the_o creature_n the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n likewise_o in_o our_o meditation_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o man_n continue_v not_o in_o this_o bless_a estate_n but_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o that_o the_o cause_n hereof_o be_v sin_n where_o we_o take_v occasion_n general_o to_o meditate_v of_o sin_n what_o it_o be_v how_o horrible_a grievous_a and_o contrary_a to_o god_n pure_a nature_n and_o how_o much_o in_o this_o regard_n he_o hate_v and_o detest_v it_o the_o fearful_a property_n of_o it_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n temporal_a as_o all_o the_o calamity_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o our_o spiritual_a servitude_n to_o satan_n and_o eternal_a as_o the_o loss_n of_o heavenly_a happiness_n and_o everlasting_a condemnation_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n more_o especial_o we_o may_v meditate_v on_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n what_o it_o be_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o outward_a and_o inward_a and_o the_o lamentable_a effect_n which_o follow_v upon_o it_o as_o god_n fearful_a curse_n upon_o themselves_o and_o upon_o the_o creature_n for_o their_o sake_n the_o deface_a of_o his_o glorious_a image_n in_o they_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o nakedness_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n accompany_v it_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o dominion_n over_o the_o creature_n their_o thrust_v out_o of_o paradise_n the_o visible_a place_n of_o god_n presence_n their_o separation_n from_o he_o and_o all_o other_o evil_n both_o of_o sin_n and_o punishment_n the_o wretchedness_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o state_n of_o disobedience_n and_o unbelief_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o corruption_n which_o follow_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
for_o all_o thy_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a which_o thou_o have_v multiply_v upon_o we_o and_o continue_v they_o unto_o we_o this_o day_n and_o ever_o preserve_v we_o from_o all_o peril_n and_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o necessary_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a with_o all_o cheerfulness_n to_o do_v thou_o service_n and_o vouchsafe_v all_o these_o blessing_n which_o we_o have_v crave_v for_o ourselves_o with_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o in_o thy_o wisdom_n thou_o see_v needful_a unto_o every_o true_a member_n of_o thy_o church_n etc._n etc._n even_o for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o &_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n we_o ascribe_v all_o praise_n and_o glory_n power_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o prayer_n for_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n o_o eternal_a god_n who_o be_v glorious_a in_o majesty_n and_o power_n and_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n unto_o all_o those_o who_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o thou_o in_o thy_o son_n we_o thy_o unworthy_a servant_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o return_v unto_o thou_o for_o the_o innumerable_a testimony_n of_o thy_o love_n which_o with_o a_o bountiful_a hand_n thou_o have_v multiply_v upon_o we_o do_v here_o offer_v unto_o thou_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o all_o thy_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o either_o respect_n our_o soul_n or_o body_n this_o life_n or_o the_o life_n to_o come_v more_o especial_o we_o laud_v and_o magnify_v thy_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n for_o that_o thou_o have_v love_v we_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o of_o thy_o mere_a grace_n without_o any_o respect_n of_o our_o worthiness_n have_v make_v we_o vessel_n of_o grace_n by_o thy_o free_a election_n create_v we_o according_a to_o thy_o own_o image_n redeem_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n by_o give_v thy_o dear_o belove_a son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o when_o as_o we_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n for_o call_v we_o by_o thy_o word_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n and_o effectual_a participation_n of_o he_o and_o all_o his_o benefit_n for_o our_o justification_n by_o his_o obedience_n our_o sanctification_n by_o thy_o spirit_n and_o for_o that_o assurance_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o of_o a_o better_a life_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o all_o temporal_a benefit_n as_o health_n wealth_n peace_n plenty_n preservation_n from_o danger_n and_o protection_n from_o all_o our_o enemy_n both_o worldly_a and_o spiritual_a and_o especial_o we_o praise_v and_o glorify_v thou_o for_o vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o in_o such_o a_o gracious_a manner_n the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o our_o bless_a opportunity_n and_o liberty_n with_o peace_n and_o safety_n in_o sanctify_v thy_o sabbath_n public_o and_o private_o by_o hear_v thy_o word_n and_o call_v upon_o thy_o name_n and_o perform_v other_o duty_n of_o thy_o service_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v glorify_v thou_o and_o make_v our_o own_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o for_o give_v unto_o we_o heart_n wherein_o by_o thy_o spirit_n thou_o have_v wrought_v some_o poor_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o thy_o benefit_n for_o the_o enrich_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o at_o other_o time_n heretofore_o so_o namely_o this_o day_n past_a o_o that_o our_o soul_n can_v be_v ravish_v with_o the_o sweet_a apprehension_n of_o such_o inestimable_a blessing_n o_o that_o we_o can_v exceed_v all_o other_o in_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n as_o far_o as_o we_o exceed_v they_o in_o these_o high_a and_o holy_a privilege_n and_o be_v able_a to_o express_v they_o in_o our_o careful_a and_o conscionable_a endeavour_n to_o glorify_v and_o please_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n who_o have_v be_v so_o gracious_a and_o good_a unto_o we_o but_o alas_o how_o unworthy_a have_v we_o make_v ourselves_o of_o the_o least_o of_o these_o thy_o benefit_n by_o our_o manifold_a and_o grievous_a sin_n both_o our_o original_a corruption_n which_o have_v overspread_v all_o the_o power_n and_o part_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n have_v utter_o disable_v they_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o thy_o service_n and_o our_o manifold_a actual_a transgression_n which_o in_o number_n and_o weight_n exceed_v all_o thing_n but_o thy_o mercy_n which_o be_v above_o all_o thy_o work_n and_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o thy_o son_n which_o be_v of_o infinite_a worth_n and_o value_n more_o especial_o we_o humble_o acknowledge_v our_o fearful_a abuse_n of_o those_o great_a privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o for_o a_o long_a time_n thou_o have_v gracious_o grant_v unto_o us._n for_o not_o only_o have_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o ignorance_n utter_o neglect_v all_o duty_n of_o thy_o service_n spend_v our_o whole_a strength_n in_o the_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o profane_v and_o mis-spend_v thy_o sabbath_n in_o please_v our_o carnal_a lust_n and_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n in_o great_a measure_n and_o worse_a manner_n than_o any_o other_o day_n beside_o but_o even_o since_o we_o have_v be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o truth_n and_o have_v consecrate_v ourselves_o to_o thy_o service_n we_o have_v either_o upon_o slight_a occasion_n neglect_v those_o holy_a duty_n of_o thy_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n or_o perform_v they_o with_o many_o want_n and_o weakness_n discover_v unto_o thou_o who_o search_v the_o heart_n many_o imperfection_n and_o great_a corruption_n for_o we_o have_v not_o remember_v thy_o sabbath_n nor_o with_o fervent_a desire_n long_v after_o thy_o holy_a day_n we_o have_v not_o delight_v in_o they_o nor_o consecrate_v they_o unto_o thou_o as_o a_o holy_a rest_n but_o though_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v willing_a yet_o the_o flesh_n have_v be_v weak_a and_o soon_o tire_v with_o spiritual_a exercise_n we_o have_v be_v much_o defective_a in_o our_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o have_v be_v too_o too_o cold_a and_o formal_a in_o religious_a duty_n and_o have_v not_o perform_v they_o with_o that_o care_n and_o conscience_n nor_o have_v serve_v thou_o with_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o that_o degree_n which_o thou_o require_v but_o external_o and_o with_o the_o outward_a man_n have_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n our_o mind_n and_o heart_n carry_v away_o with_o many_o distraction_n and_o worldly_a imagination_n our_o cogitation_n have_v not_o be_v take_v whole_o up_o with_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n but_o we_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o rove_v &_o wander_v after_o earthly_a trifle_n our_o tongue_n have_v not_o in_o that_o measure_n as_o they_o ought_v be_v exercise_v in_o set_v forth_o thy_o praise_n nor_o in_o such_o holy_a and_o religious_a conference_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n one_o of_o another_o but_o we_o have_v speak_v our_o own_o word_n on_o thy_o holy_a day_n and_o many_o of_o our_o speech_n have_v be_v idle_a and_o vain_a worldly_a and_o unsavoury_a we_o have_v not_o as_o we_o ought_v private_o prepare_v and_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o thy_o public_a service_n by_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n &_o by_o renew_v our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o have_v come_v into_o thy_o glorious_a presence_n without_o due_a fear_n and_o reverence_n have_v our_o heart_n clog_v and_o choke_v with_o many_o corruption_n which_o have_v disable_v they_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o thy_o service_n and_o have_v make_v they_o like_o unfallowed_a and_o unweeded_a ground_n unfit_a to_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o thy_o word_n we_o have_v not_o call_v upon_o thy_o name_n with_o faith_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n nor_o give_v thanks_n unto_o thou_o for_o all_o thy_o benefit_n with_o such_o cheerfulnes_n as_o become_v us._n we_o have_v not_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o attention_n hear_v thy_o holy_a word_n nor_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o our_o memory_n nor_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n nor_o make_v a_o holy_a use_n of_o it_o by_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n we_o have_v not_o meditate_a as_o we_o ought_v on_o thy_o word_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v nor_o on_o thy_o marvelous_a work_n of_o creation_n preservation_n &_o redemption_n nor_o diligent_o read_v and_o study_v in_o thy_o holy_a book_n nor_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o christian_a charity_n towards_o our_o brethren_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o measure_n which_o thou_o require_v especial_o in_o those_o spiritual_a duty_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o one_o another_o in_o which_o and_o many_o other_o kind_n as_o we_o have_v often_o offend_v heretofore_o so_o we_o can_v excuse_v ourselves_o of_o many_o imperfection_n and_o corruption_n which_o we_o have_v show_v