be_v for_o their_o sake_n that_o be_v simple_a prov._n 1.4_o psalm_n 19.7_o psalm_n 119.130_o 3._o the_o way_n that_o they_o will_v have_v simple_a people_n take_v be_v far_o more_o intricate_a for_o they_o will_v have_v they_o believe_v the_o church_n but_o the_o mark_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v know_v as_o antiquity_n visibility_n etc._n etc._n one_o can_v know_v except_o one_o read_v over_o the_o father_n century_n etc._n etc._n which_o require_v more_o time_n and_o learning_n a_o thousand-fold_n than_o that_o which_o they_o pretend_v be_v too_o difficult_a for_o they_o viz._n read_v the_o scripture_n they_o take_v away_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o give_v they_o image_n which_o they_o call_v layman_n book_n which_o god_n himself_o faith_n be_v teacher_n of_o lie_n and_o for_o their_o say_n that_o hence_o all_o our_o error_n and_o heresy_n come_v that_o every_o one_o be_v suffer_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n they_o speak_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n mat._n 22.29_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n learned_a man_n shall_v rather_o be_v forbid_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n than_o other_o since_o general_o all_o heretic_n have_v be_v learned_a man_n dare_v they_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o say_v as_o they_o must_v if_o this_o be_v true_a lord_n thou_o have_v command_v we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v say_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o therefore_o though_o thou_o have_v strict_o command_v it_o we_o do_v as_o strict_o forbid_v it_o but_o i_o must_v crave_v pardon_n that_o i_o mix_v any_o thing_n of_o controversy_n in_o a_o treatise_n that_o i_o intend_v to_o be_v pure_o devotionary_a therefore_o i_o must_v crave_v pardon_n also_o that_o i_o have_v handle_v this_o controversy_n rather_o in_o a_o popular_a than_o scholastical_a way_n since_o my_o main_a end_n of_o publish_v this_o treatise_n be_v not_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a but_o for_o babe_n in_o our_o saviour_n sense_n mat._n 11.25_o therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o return_v to_o my_o former_a way_n of_o more_o practical_a matter_n and_o shall_v set_v down_o some_o spiritual_a direction_n for_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o profit_n direction_n how_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n 1._o read_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v abundance_n in_o this_o very_a direction_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o incomprehensible_a attribute_n of_o god_n they_o will_v all_o inflame_v we_o with_o fervent_a desire_n to_o read_v it_o and_o infallible_a demonstration_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o strong_a endeavour_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o indeed_o will_v enable_v we_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n to_o read_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o read_v it_o for_o do_v we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o john_n his_o revelation_n or_o daniel_n his_o we_o shall_v doubtless_o read_v it_o according_a to_o these_o several_a follow_a direction_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a daniel_n and_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v more_o sure_a that_o their_o revelation_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o we_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v yet_o not_o then_o they_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o be_v 2_o pet._n 1.17_o 18._o and_o indeed_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o be_v read_v mark_v and_o consider_v it_o until_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n shall_v arise_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o as_o certain_a of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o it_o as_o they_o be_v therefore_o the_o first_o great_a thing_n be_v to_o confirm_v ourselves_o of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o caution_n i_o must_v give_v that_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o go_v about_o this_o work_n mere_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a reason_n without_o crave_v the_o assistance_n and_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o invincible_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n that_o except_o one_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v out_o cavil_n we_o can_v but_o yield_v to_o this_o truth_n yet_o god_n be_v such_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o pride_n of_o humane_a reason_n that_o god_n do_v hide_v his_o truth_n from_o those_o that_o come_v to_o discover_v they_o with_o a_o carnal_a eye_n mat._n 11.25_o therefore_o the_o second_o direction_n be_v to_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n praying_o and_o thou_o be_v to_o pray_v not_o only_o that_o god_n will_v convince_v thou_o that_o this_o be_v his_o word_n but_o that_o thou_o may_v read_v it_o with_o these_o several_a follow_a qualification_n 3._o thou_o be_v to_o read_v it_o reverent_o not_o as_o other_o book_n not_o as_o book_n of_o philosophy_n and_o history_n etc._n etc._n but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v upon_o thy_o spirit_n the_o awe_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o this_o reverence_n that_o i_o speak_v of_o shall_v be_v show_v to_o the_o paper_n on_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v print_v though_o these_o also_o as_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o saint_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v with_o dishonour_n and_o despite_n but_o this_o reverence_n be_v to_o be_v show_v to_o the_o truth_n promise_n and_o command_n etc._n etc._n the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o account_v they_o as_o light_v and_o trivial_a thing_n but_o read_v they_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a as_o both_o the_o matter_n and_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n require_v 4._o read_v the_o scripture_n attentive_o exceed_o observe_v and_o mark_v what_o be_v write_v in_o they_o as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v try_v for_o his_o life_n diligent_o observe_v the_o witness_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n because_o his_o life_n lie_v at_o stake_n so_o do_v thou_o mark_v and_o observe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v thy_o life_n deut._n 32.47_o 5._o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n understand_o for_o to_o read_v and_o not_o to_o understand_v be_v like_o look_v on_o a_o seal_a book_n therefore_o when_o thou_o read_v mark_v those_o place_n &_o verse_n of_o who_o truth_n or_o meaning_n thou_o doubte_v and_o inquire_v the_o next_o opportunity_n thou_o have_v of_o some_o faithful_a minister_n and_o inquire_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o what_o passage_n thou_o do_v not_o understand_v at_o the_o first_o read_v upon_o further_a examination_n or_o enquiry_n thou_o may_v understand_v it_o the_o virgin_n mary_n what_o she_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o wonder_v at_o when_o she_o first_o hear_v she_o lay_v up_o and_o ponder_v in_o her_o heart_n that_o she_o may_v afterward_o understand_v so_o the_o vision_n that_o be_v show_v to_o peter_n act_v 10._o though_o he_o understand_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v at_o the_o present_a yet_o he_o do_v serious_o consider_v what_o god_n mean_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a work_n if_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a comment_n upon_o the_o bible_n that_o may_v only_o fill_v up_o a_o ordinary_a margin_n and_o yet_o explain_v the_o text_n so_o full_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o competent_a understanding_n of_o it_o i_o commend_v the_o annotation_n common_o call_v the_o assembly_n annotation_n on_o the_o bible_n dixon_n and_o hutcheson_n what_o they_o have_v do_v this_o way_n and_o those_o that_o shall_v think_v it_o too_o great_a a_o labour_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n over_o with_o these_o comment_n may_v make_v use_n of_o they_o only_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v difficult_a to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pity_n and_o shame_n that_o several_a of_o the_o gentry_n spend_v their_o time_n either_o in_o vain_a and_o sinful_a recreation_n or_o in_o such_o study_n as_o history_n mathematics_n etc._n etc._n and_o let_v the_o bible_n lie_v by_o as_o a_o book_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o especial_o since_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o if_o a_o lawyer_n by_o profession_n shall_v spend_v his_o whole_a time_n in_o other_o study_n and_o understand_v nothing_o or_o very_o little_a of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n people_n general_o think_v that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o a_o minister_n as_o a_o minister_n to_o study_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n but_o it_o general_o proceed_v from_o their_o undervalue_v of_o the_o mystery_n and_o their_o distaste_v the_o holiness_n of_o its_o command_n 6._o you_o be_v to_o read_v it_o believe_o for_o when_o once_o you_o understand_v it_o the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o believe_v which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o any_o other_o write_v in_o the_o world_n for_o
from_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n either_o by_o take_v up_o all_o thy_o time_n or_o by_o plead_v that_o thou_o be_v unworthy_a to_o come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n when_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n hinder_v thou_o from_o come_v when_o he_o call_v thou_o all_o sorrow_n as_o to_o these_o effect_n be_v to_o be_v mortify_v 3._o if_o the_o sight_n and_o sorrow_n for_o thy_o sin_n discourage_v thou_o and_o make_v thou_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a thou_o shall_v never_o overcome_v such_o corruption_n such_o sorrow_n be_v not_o from_o god_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v forget_v our_o sin_n and_o forget_v our_o grace_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o our_o former_a sinful_a life_n from_o thence_o to_o draw_v such_o sad_a conclusion_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v pardon_v or_o of_o too_o deep_a a_o dye_n to_o be_v cleanse_v or_o our_o corruption_n too_o strong_a to_o be_v conquer_v neither_o must_v we_o look_v upon_o our_o former_a duty_n and_o grace_n as_o if_o now_o we_o may_v slack_v our_o pace_n chap._n vi_o of_o let_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n lie_v loose_a upon_o we_o the_o first_o great_a impediment_n of_o holiness_n be_v that_o we_o let_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n lie_v loose_a upon_o we_o they_o be_v not_o fasten_v by_o the_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n as_o nail_n in_o a_o sure_a place_n few_o there_o be_v that_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n upon_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o because_o their_o parent_n and_o the_o nation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o have_v and_o do_v profess_v it_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o prosecute_v this_o any_o further_a since_o it_o be_v do_v in_o that_o singular_a book_n pink_n trial_n of_o our_o sincere_a love_n to_o christ_n few_o there_o be_v that_o do_v true_o and_o real_o believe_v what_o they_o profess_v they_o be_v rather_o ashamed_a to_o deny_v those_o truth_n which_o all_o among_o who_o they_o live_v profess_v than_o that_o they_o in_o their_o heart_n do_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a which_o appear_v partly_o by_o this_o that_o when_o sect_n and_o heresy_n be_v multiply_v and_o abundance_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o the_o sname_v of_o hold_v such_o error_n be_v take_v off_o than_o they_o do_v own_o those_o error_n which_o before_o they_o believe_v but_o be_v ashamed_a to_o profess_v but_o especial_o by_o this_o that_o they_o deny_v those_o truth_n by_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n which_o they_o profess_v with_o their_o tongue_n it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o may_v be_v conviction_n without_o conversion_n nor_o can_v the_o understanding_n make_v the_o will_v love_v those_o truth_n as_o good_a which_o itself_o believe_v as_o true_a yet_o though_o conviction_n can_v work_v conversion_n yet_o doubtless_o general_o it_o will_v work_v reformation_n the_o way_n to_o gain_v firm_a and_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o strong_a and_o irrefragable_a ground_n the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o only_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v too_o few_o christian_n that_o if_o they_o be_v ask_v how_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n can_v not_o bring_v one_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v they_o therefore_o i_o do_v advise_v all_o christian_n to_o get_v two_o or_o three_o plain_a and_o evident_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o every_o truth_n they_o hold_v to_o which_o purpose_n i_o can_v but_o commend_v that_o singular_a and_o invaluable_a though_o low_o prize_v book_n the_o assembly_n confession_n of_o faith_n and_o large_a catechism_n for_o in_o the_o margin_n thereof_o be_v set_v down_o the_o choice_a place_n of_o scripture_n for_o proof_n of_o the_o several_a truth_n therein_o specify_v the_o second_o advice_n for_o the_o get_n of_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o begin_v with_o fundamental_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n policy_n to_o set_v we_o upon_o the_o pinnacle_n truth_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o first_o as_o some_o now_o do_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o think_v of_o religion_n they_o enter_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n by_o this_o mean_v they_o be_v dazzle_v and_o grow_v giddy_a and_o fall_v headlong_o into_o perdition_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o art_n trade_n or_o science_n but_o there_o be_v a_o method_n in_o teach_v of_o they_o the_o rudiment_n be_v first_o to_o be_v learn_v and_o afterward_o the_o high_a truth_n or_o practice_n as_o whosoever_o intend_v to_o learn_v upon_o the_o lute_n shall_v begin_v with_o the_o difficult'_v lesson_n at_o first_o will_v be_v discourage_v and_o disenable_v from_o proceed_v any_o far_o so_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o plain_a and_o most_o fundamental_o be_v first_o to_o be_v learn_v and_o then_o those_o which_o be_v less_o fundamental_a the_o three_o advice_n be_v to_o venture_v something_o upon_o the_o truth_n you_o know_v and_o will_v strengthen_v your_o faith_n in_o they_o nay_o may_v i_o say_v unto_o you_o though_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a but_o only_o think_v that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a do_v as_o those_o do_v who_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n if_o the_o experiment_n will_v cost_v they_o but_o little_a and_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o he_o he_o will_v make_v experiment_n of_o it_o so_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n will_v you_o know_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a or_o no_o our_o saviour_n tell_v how_o you_o may_v make_v the_o experiment_n keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n it_o will_v cost_v you_o but_o little_a so_o to_o do_v and_o then_o you_o shall_v know_v etc._n etc._n john_n 7.17_o so_o if_o you_o will_v know_v whether_o that_o say_n be_v true_a mark_v 10.30_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o it_o leave_v something_o for_o christ_n if_o ever_o occasion_n be_v leave_v land_n house_n etc._n etc._n but_o though_o extraordinary_a time_n of_o persecution_n fall_v not_o in_o thy_o day_n so_o that_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o make_v such_o a_o experiment_n yet_o leave_v thy_o lust_n and_o unlawful_a game_n and_o pleasure_n the_o esteem_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n require_v it_o of_o thou_o and_o try_v whether_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o hundred_o fold_v advantage_n to_o thou_o even_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v pay_v thou_o in_o diamond_n which_o thou_o lay_v out_o in_o farthing_n in_o peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o spiritual_a grace_n or_o comfort_n whereas_o that_o which_o thou_o do_v part_v with_o for_o his_o sake_n be_v it_o may_v be_v some_o worldly_a profit_n pleasure_n or_o credit_n or_o that_o which_o be_v much_o worse_o some_o filthy_a lust_n but_o concern_v further_a direction_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o strengthen_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o error_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o preface_n of_o my_o annotation_n upon_o the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o chapter_n of_o matthew_n chap._n vii_o the_o next_o impediment_n be_v want_v of_o consideration_n the_o second_o great_a impediment_n of_o holiness_n be_v want_v of_o consideration_n there_o be_v many_o truth_n not_o only_o such_o glorious_a truth_n as_o the_o gospel_n but_o even_o such_o truth_n that_o even_o the_o very_a heathen_a themselves_o do_v and_o do_v believe_v the_o bare_a knowledge_n whereof_o though_o it_o have_v little_a excellency_n in_o itself_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v true_o consider_v and_o improve_v will_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o who_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o know_v not_o that_o he_o must_v die_v yet_o how_o few_o do_v consider_v and_o improve_v this_o plain_a truth_n we_o let_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n lie_v by_o we_o and_o store_v they_o up_o as_o divers_a lady_n do_v their_o rarity_n and_o curiosity_n in_o their_o closert_n only_o to_o show_v they_o to_o those_o that_o come_v to_o see_v we_o so_o we_o make_v use_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o discourse_v of_o they_o and_o rather_o as_o matter_n of_o ostentation_n to_o boast_v of_o and_o pride_n ourselves_o in_o than_o as_o thing_n by_o the_o improvement_n whereof_o we_o may_v gain_v everlasting_a life_n or_o as_o great_a person_n do_v of_o their_o garden_n sometime_o to_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o send_v of_o the_o flower_n that_o grow_v there_o than_o as_o the_o bee_n do_v to_o draw_v honey_n from_o they_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kingdom_n that_o revolt_v from_o their_o prince_n and_o stand_v in_o open_a defiance_n against_o he_o
what_o book_n soever_o you_o read_v or_o minister_v you_o hear_v when_o you_o do_v understand_v what_o they_o mean_v you_o be_v to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n or_o not_o which_o they_o teach_v but_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n you_o be_v not_o to_o say_v how_o can_v this_o be_v but_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o once_o know_v be_v not_o to_o be_v examine_v any_o further_a since_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o evident_a by_o which_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v try_v for_o since_o it_o be_v god_n word_n it_o be_v as_o true_a as_o that_o god_n be_v true_a for_o since_o truth_n be_v essential_a unto_o god_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v true_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v as_o since_o roundness_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o circle_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o round_o as_o to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o 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the_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o abraham_n as_o abraham_n but_o to_o abraham_n as_o believe_v abraham_n and_o that_o promise_v which_o be_v make_v personal_o to_o he_o and_o confirm_v with_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o make_v or_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v strong_a consolation_n only_o but_o that_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n shall_v have_v strong_a consolation_n also_o heb._n 6.14_o 17._o compare_v together_o 8._o thou_o must_v read_v it_o frequent_o but_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v more_o large_o in_o that_o little_a treatise_n viz._n direction_n to_o christian_a perfection_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o nominate_v what_o other_o book_n i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o read_v chap._n v._o wherein_o be_v set_v down_o a_o catalogue_n of_o several_a book_n for_o the_o ignorant_a and_o poor_a sort_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o poverty_n can_v buy_v and_o of_o their_o ignorance_n can_v understand_v book_n of_o great_a value_n and_o depth_n after_o 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commend_v this_o only_a upon_o that_o account_n not_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n but_o if_o any_o better_a way_n can_v be_v find_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n or_o a_o better_a model_n for_o keep_v a_o diary_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o may_v be_v use_v they_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n neglect_v not_o the_o use_n of_o any_o because_o you_o can_v have_v the_o best_a 5._o i_o understand_v not_o this_o question_n it_o be_v somewhat_o like_o a_o question_n once_o propose_v to_o i_o i_o press_v one_o of_o my_o parishioner_n some_o year_n since_o to_o mind_n holiness_n make_v it_o his_o business_n and_o to_o spend_v one_o hour_n a_o day_n read_v and_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o give_v more_o particular_a direction_n for_o the_o daily_a time_n set_v apart_o for_o god_n service_n after_o by_o many_o evasion_n and_o excuse_n he_o endeavour_v to_o shift_v off_o this_o exhortation_n all_o which_o by_o god_n assistance_n i_o have_v take_v off_o and_o answer_v he_o at_o last_o in_o some_o discontent_n ask_v i_o why_o i_o shall_v offer_v to_o press_v he_o to_o spend_v a_o hour_n a_o day_n in_o the_o immediate_a service_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n have_v i_o press_v any_o of_o the_o neighbour_n to_o it_o or_o do_v i_o ever_o press_v it_o to_o any_o other_o before_o why_o shall_v he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o so_o it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o ask_v why_o shall_v i_o be_v the_o first_o that_o shall_v keep_v a_o diary_n though_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o first_o as_o i_o suppose_v of_o thousand_o yet_o because_o scripture_n be_v the_o soundation_n of_o all_o matter_n of_o piety_n therefore_o i_o shall_v show_v many_o place_n where_o the_o year_n the_o month_n the_o day_n of_o the_o month_n be_v set_v down_o when_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v when_o the_o water_n abate_v and_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n first_o appear_v when_o the_o ark_n rest_v when_o the_o earth_n be_v quite_o dry_a the_o very_a day_n when_o moses_n speak_v to_o the_o people_n such_o and_o such_o thing_n the_o very_a month_n day_n and_o year_n of_o solomon_n reign_n and_o from_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n come_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v set_v down_o when_o the_o temple_n begin_v to_o be_v build_v and_o the_o very_a day_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v the_o very_a year_n and_o month_n and_o day_n when_o nabuchadnezzar_n come_v up_o against_o jerusalem_n and_o when_o the_o famine_n begin_v etc._n etc._n gen._n 8.4_o 5_o 13_o 14._o exod._n 19.1_o deut._n 1.3_o 1_o king_n 6.1_o &_o 38._o 2_o king_n 25.1_o 3_o 8_o 2_o king_n 25.27_o and_o as_o for_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n he_o have_v keep_v a_o perfect_a diary_n of_o several_a time_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v unto_o he_o and_o divers_a other_o circumstance_n add_v also_o beside_o the_o year_n month_n and_o day_n as_o of_o place_n where_o and_o person_n with_o who_o he_o be_v as_o by_o these_o place_n follow_v plain_o appear_v ezekiel_n 1.1_o 2._o ezek._n 8.1_o ezek._n 20.1_o ezek._n 24.1_o ezek._n 26.1_o ezek._n 29.1.31.1.32.1.40.1_o why_o shall_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n write_v down_o so_o particular_o the_o year_n the_o month_n and_o the_o day_n sure_o it_o be_v for_o our_o instruction_n there_o may_v be_v some_o spiritual_a advantage_n get_v by_o know_v the_o very_a day_n when_o the_o lord_n do_v bestow_v such_o or_o such_o a_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n then_o only_o to_o know_v that_o god_n do_v bestow_v it_o on_o we_o but_o not_o know_v when_o this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o practice_n of_o ezekiel_n but_o of_o other_o prophet_n also_o as_o jer._n 29.1_o 2_o hagg._n 1.1_o hagg._n 2.1_o 10_o 20._o so_o if_o you_o observe_v the_o book_n of_o psalm_n there_o be_v 99_o that_o be_v ascribe_v to_o david_n 74._o have_v his_o name_n prefix_v 25._o of_o they_o have_v no_o name_n prefix_v yet_o some_o of_o they_o the_o scripture_n itself_o entitle_v david_n to_o act_v 4.29_o heb._n 4.7_o and_o ainsworth_n suppose_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o 25._o to_o be_v his_o also_o now_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o those_o psalm_n as_o it_o be_v a_o diary_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o david_n life_n nay_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o many_o of_o the_o psalm_n the_o very_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n that_o david_n have_v upon_o several_a particular_a occasion_n as_o in_o these_o psalm_n follow_v 51.52.54.56.57.59.60_o so_o psal_n 3._o and_o many_o other_o as_o by_o their_o several_a title_n do_v appear_v how_o often_o do_v you_o find_v mention_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n gad_n the_o seer_n ahijah_n the_o shilonite_n jaddai_n shemmajah_n iddo_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v private_a record_n or_o diaries_n keep_v by_o they_o of_o remarkable_a passage_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o expression_n be_v not_o this_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n joshua_n 10.13_o and_o 2_o sam._n 1.18_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o any_o 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do_v but_o consider_v that_o whether_o you_o keep_v a_o diary_n or_o no_o god_n do_v revel_v 20.12_o and_o in_o his_o diary_n be_v all_o your_o sin_n and_o all_o your_o good_a work_n set_v down_o sure_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o see_v it_o every_o minute_n we_o shall_v see_v something_o write_v either_o in_o the_o black_a register_n of_o our_o sin_n or_o in_o the_o record_n of_o our_o good_a work_n and_o it_o will_v startle_v we_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v be_v by_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o write_v down_o every_o idle_a word_n as_o we_o speak_v it_o and_o tell_v we_o this_o you_o must_v answer_v for_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n it_o will_v make_v we_o more_o watchful_a yet_o though_o we_o can_v see_v this_o do_v nor_o read_v what_o be_v write_v in_o those_o book_n yet_o we_o may_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o by_o keep_v a_o diary_n of_o our_o own_o and_o by_o judge_v and_o condemn_v ourselves_o out_o of_o our_o own_o we_o may_v prevent_v our_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v out_o of_o god_n diary_n nor_o be_v david_n ignorant_a of_o this_o truth_n that_o god_n do_v keep_v several_a book_n of_o record_n to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n some_o where_o our_o sin_n be_v write_v down_o psalm_n 51.9_o for_o blot_v out_o suppose_v write_v down_o and_o other_o where_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n be_v set_v down_o psalm_n 139.16_o a_o three_o book_n that_o david_n observe_v that_o god_n keep_v be_v of_o the_o affliction_n and_o tear_n of_o his_o people_n of_o their_o several_a wander_n when_o they_o be_v drive_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o as_o for_o their_o tear_n he_o bottle_n they_o up_o and_o write_v
may_v easy_o spiritualise_v it_o be_v store_v of_o m._n dod_n who_o intend_v to_o marry_v but_o be_v trouble_v with_o fear_n and_o care_n how_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o live_v in_o that_o condition_n since_o his_o income_n be_v but_o small_a and_o but_o enough_o to_o maintain_v he_o in_o a_o unmarried_a condition_n look_v out_o of_o the_o window_n and_o see_v a_o hen_n scrape_v for_o food_n for_o her_o numerous_a brood_n about_o she_o think_v thus_o with_o himself_o this_o hen_n do_v but_o live_v before_o it_o have_v these_o chicken_n and_o now_o she_o live_v with_o all_o her_o little_a one_o upon_o which_o he_o add_v this_o thought_n also_o i_o see_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n neither_o sow_n nor_o reap_v nor_o gather_v into_o barn_n and_o yet_o my_o heavenly_a father_n feed_v they_o and_o if_o thou_o get_v that_o spiritual_a art_n like_o the_o bee_n to_o draw_v sweetness_n from_o every_o flower_n and_o if_o thou_o can_v turn_v every_o thing_n thou_o hear_v and_o see_v into_o holy_a meditation_n these_o ejaculatorie_a prayer_n will_v come_v of_o themselves_o for_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n end_n in_o holy_a prayer_n to_o god_n 4._o get_v a_o sense_n of_o thy_o own_o vileness_n and_o inability_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a or_o resist_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o that_o will_v make_v thou_o cry_v to_o god_n upon_o all_o occasion_n whether_o of_o duty_n or_o temptation_n 5._o hinder_v not_o the_o motion_n and_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o thou_o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v inflame_v thou_o for_o when_o the_o fire_n of_o his_o love_n be_v kindle_v in_o thy_o heart_n what_o will_v he_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v burn_v nay_o we_o must_v not_o only_o not_o hinder_v but_o earnest_o desire_v these_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n cant._n 4._o &_o ult_n awake_v o_o north_n wind_n and_o blow_n o_o south_n wind_n upon_o my_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v forth_o for_o if_o the_o fire_n be_v blow_v the_o spark_n will_v arise_v 6._o much_o frequent_a the_o company_n of_o god_n people_n for_o their_o company_n will_v much_o inflame_v green_a wood_n will_v burn_v when_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o that_o which_o be_v very_o dry_a and_o if_o thou_o can_v get_v thy_o heart_n inflame_v love_n will_v dictate_v and_o furnish_v thou_o with_o thought_n enough_o but_o i_o must_v give_v some_o few_o caution_n 1._o by_o this_o expression_n of_o ejaculatorie_a prayer_n i_o mean_v all_o manner_n of_o holy_a thought_n whether_o they_o be_v praise_n of_o god_n or_o prayer_n to_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v any_o admiring_n as_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o regard_v he_o or_o any_o abase_v thought_n of_o ourselves_o psalm_n 73.22_o how_o foolish_a be_v i_o and_o ignorant_a etc._n etc._n or_o whether_o by_o inquiry_n after_o god_n as_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n psalm_n 42.2_o or_o with_o our_o own_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n psalm_n 42.5_o 6._o so_o that_o i_o use_v the_o word_n ejaculatorie_a prayer_n very_o comprehensive_o 2._o let_v thy_o ejaculatorie_a prayer_n be_v frequent_a but_o not_o customary_a for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v such_o kind_n of_o customary_a ejaculation_n whosoever_o use_v they_o be_v near_o of_o kin_n to_o a_o common_a swearer_n 3._o though_o they_o be_v short_a let_v they_o be_v fervent_a 4._o let_v they_o general_o be_v mental_a except_o thou_o be_v alone_o and_o if_o they_o be_v vocal_a be_v rather_o passive_a than_o active_a in_o they_o as_o david_n hold_v his_o tongue_n until_o the_o fire_n burn_v and_o he_o can_v hold_v in_o no_o long_a but_o burst_v out_o in_o this_o expression_n lord_n let_v i_o know_v my_o end_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o my_o day_n 5._o you_o must_v not_o leave_v off_o solemn_a duty_n and_o think_v to_o supply_v the_o want_n thereof_o by_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o justle_v out_o but_o help_v one_o another_o this_o be_v as_o if_o the_o priest_n shall_v content_v themselves_o with_o keep_v the_o fire_n burn_v always_o on_o the_o altar_n and_o neglect_v their_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n and_o as_o when_o solomon_n first_o offer_v sacrifice_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n there_o come_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v it_o but_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o fire_n day_n and_o night_n by_o continual_a supply_n of_o few_o so_o that_o if_o they_o let_v the_o fire_n go_v out_o they_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n consume_v their_o sacrifice_n as_o oft_o as_o they_o be_v to_o offer_v they_o so_o it_o be_v with_o every_o soul_n that_o belong_v to_o god_n at_o first_o god_n do_v inflame_v the_o soul_n with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o when_o once_o god_n have_v kindle_v that_o fire_n we_o be_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o by_o continual_a ejaculatorie_a prayer_n for_o else_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v always_o kindle_v it_o anew_o when_o we_o go_v to_o our_o solemn_a duty_n chap._n iu._n the_o next_o great_a help_n &_o direction_n for_o attain_v of_o holiness_n be_v read_v of_o holy_a book_n the_o next_o direction_n and_o advice_n be_v to_o read_v holy_a book_n the_o chief_a and_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n i_o confess_v it_o do_v amaze_v i_o to_o think_v that_o any_o one_o that_o dare_v own_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a shall_v forbid_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o read_v the_o bible_n but_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o popery_n be_v uphold_v by_o cruelty_n and_o policy_n and_o that_o it_o be_v unpossible_a but_o that_o their_o error_n shall_v be_v detect_v if_o their_o ignorance_n be_v dispel_v than_o no_o marvel_n they_o shall_v forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o fear_n that_o their_o error_n will_v be_v spread_v i_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o this_o point_n 1._o what_o reason_n imaginable_a be_v it_o that_o they_o to_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v command_v to_o be_v read_v shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v command_v to_o be_v read_v even_o to_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n deut._n 31.11_o 12._o 2._o how_o senseless_a be_v it_o to_o say_v i_o write_v and_o send_v a_o letter_n to_o such_o a_o man_n but_o i_o intend_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v read_v it_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o general_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n and_o other_o be_v write_v to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o that_o city_n to_o which_o the_o respective_a epistle_n be_v direct_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o title_n of_o the_o several_a epistle_n and_o for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o paul_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o intend_v that_o they_o shall_v read_v they_o notwithstanding_o they_o send_v they_o to_o they_o be_v so_o senseless_a that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a confutation_n but_o if_o any_o one_o desire_n further_a satisfaction_n in_o a_o thing_n so_o evident_a let_v they_o read_v the_o strict_a command_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o shall_v read_v it_o 1_o thes_n 5.27_o i_o charge_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o epistle_n he_o read_v unto_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colosian_o he_o command_v they_o not_o only_o to_o read_v the_o epistle_n write_v unto_o they_o but_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o laodicea_n also_o and_o that_o those_o of_o laodicea_n shall_v read_v the_o epistle_n write_v to_o coloss_n colosian_o 4.16_o 3._o those_o that_o have_v be_v frequent_a in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o st._n paul_n be_v commend_v than_o it_o be_v a_o commendable_a thing_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n except_o one_o can_v search_v the_o scripture_n without_o read_v of_o it_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o berean_o be_v high_o commend_v for_o this_o very_a thing_n act_v 17.11_o 4._o our_o saviour_n do_v command_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o paul_n commend_v timothy_n for_o learning_n the_o scripture_n from_o a_o child_n 2_o tim._n 3._o &_o 15._o and_o he_o be_v bless_v that_o read_v and_o that_o meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n rev._n 1.3_o psalm_n 1.2_o object_n but_o they_o say_v alas_o how_o can_v poor_a simple_a people_n understand_v the_o scripture_n i_o answer_v 1._o ask_v god_n that_o question_n who_o command_v they_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o 2._o one_o main_a end_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n