be_v acquaint_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n you_o must_v acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o the_o scripture_n read_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o search_v they_o joh._n 5.39_o read_v not_o only_o the_o history_n of_o the_o word_n but_o labour_v to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n therein_o reveal_v 1_o tim._n 3.16_o endeavour_v after_o a_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o doctrine_n in_o your_o read_v the_o word_n labour_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v they_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o precept_n labour_v to_o obey_v they_o when_o with_o prohibition_n and_o threaten_n be_v caution_v against_o sin_n by_o they_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o promise_n labour_v to_o apply_v they_o to_o draw_v virtue_n from_o they_o read_v this_o book_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o hide_v it_o in_o your_o heart_n lay_v it_o up_o there_o as_o a_o choice_a treasure_n get_v your_o heart_n cast_v into_o the_o mould_n of_o it_o get_v it_o write_v upon_o your_o heart_n and_o let_v it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o your_o whole_a conversation_n and_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v and_o apply_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n read_v as_o you_o have_v time_n other_o good_a book_n which_o open_v the_o scripture_n and_o treat_v of_o needful_a point_n of_o religion_n especial_o such_o as_o direct_v in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o conversion_n and_o give_v rule_n out_o of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o order_n of_o your_o whole_a conversation_n but_o above_o all_o book_n read_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n mean_v 3_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v it_o be_v by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v that_o god_n save_v such_o as_o do_v believe_v 1_o cor._n 1.21_o however_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n yet_o unto_o believer_n it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n therein_o god_n do_v put_v forth_o his_o power_n and_o make_v bare_a his_o arm_n in_o bring_v salvation_n to_o lose_a soul_n hear_v and_o thy_o soul_n shall_v live_v isa._n 55.3_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v rome_n 10.17_o lydia_n heart_n be_v open_v while_o she_o attend_v upon_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o paul_n act._n 16.14_o attend_v therefore_o diligent_o upon_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o christ_n minister_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n for_o the_o work_n and_o increase_n of_o grace_n look_v upon_o minister_n as_o christ_n ambassador_n he_o that_o hear_v they_o hear_v christ_n and_o he_o that_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v they_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o christ_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o speak_v from_o heaven_n unto_o man_n and_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o such_o to_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n see_v heb._n 12.25_o much_o more_o shall_v not_o they_o escape_v that_o turn_n away_o their_o ear_n from_o he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n hear_v the_o word_n with_o reverence_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v speak_v to_o you_o from_o heaven_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n hear_v the_o word_n with_o diligence_n and_o attention_n as_o for_o your_o life_n as_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n hear_v the_o word_n with_o faith_n and_o love_n without_o which_o it_o will_v not_o profit_v and_o work_v effectual_o in_o your_o heart_n and_o in_o hear_v look_v not_o so_o much_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v please_v as_o for_o that_o which_o may_v edify_v i_o mean_v do_v not_o regard_v so_o much_o man_n fancy_n as_o the_o wholesome_a truth_n of_o the_o word_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o conviction_n edification_n to_o the_o kill_n of_o sin_n quicken_a and_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o nourishment_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n mean_n 4._o meditation_n the_o word_n like_o food_n must_v be_v digest_v by_o meditation_n that_o it_o may_v turn_v to_o spiritual_a nourishment_n you_o must_v ponder_v and_o consider_v in_o your_o mind_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v both_o understand_v they_o and_o get_v your_o heart_n affect_v with_o they_o and_o your_o life_n order_v by_o they_o meditation_n be_v a_o great_a help_n in_o heaven_n way_n such_o as_o be_v remiss_a herein_o can_v walk_v so_o steady_o nor_o cheerful_o accustom_v yourselves_o unto_o this_o duty_n set_v apart_o time_n for_o it_o i_o know_v that_o some_o complain_v of_o barrenness_n in_o their_o thought_n when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o meditate_v such_o i_o will_v advise_v if_o they_o have_v not_o that_o fruitfulness_n of_o thought_n themselves_o to_o supply_v they_o with_o matter_n that_o they_o will_v make_v use_n of_o other_o help_v let_v they_o meditate_v on_o the_o scripture_n they_o read_v on_o the_o sermon_n they_o hear_v moreover_o i_o will_v offer_v some_o general_a head_n for_o meditation_n which_o you_o may_v make_v use_n of_o 1._o sometime_o meditate_v on_o god_n his_o attribute_n his_o infinite_a majesty_n power_n holiness_n omnipresence_n omniscience_n eternity_n unchangeableness_n his_o infinite_a wisdom_n truth_n faithfulness_n justice_n goodness_n mercy_n and_o lovingkindness_n his_o counsel_n especial_o his_o eternal_a decree_n of_o election_n which_o be_v of_o most_o sweet_a consideration_n to_o believer_n his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n 2._o sometime_o meditate_v on_o christ_n his_o near_a relation_n of_o friend_n brother_n husband_n his_o needful_a office_n of_o priest_n prophet_n and_o king_n 3._o sometime_o meditate_v on_o the_o spirit_n his_o way_n and_o work_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n how_o he_o enlighten_v enliven_v strengthen_v comfort_v etc._n etc._n 4._o sometime_o meditate_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o rich_a free_a suitable_a sure_a promise_n of_o pardon_n grace_n salvation_n therein_o 5._o sometime_o meditate_v on_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o privilege_n justification_n adoption_n sanctification_n assurance_n of_o god_n love_n peace_n of_o conscience_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n communication_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n 6._o sometime_o meditate_v on_o the_o four_o last_o thing_n namely_o death_n judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n 7._o sometime_o meditate_v and_o that_o frequent_o daily_o of_o such_o argument_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o mortify_n of_o your_o particular_a sin_n which_o be_v most_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a and_o to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o your_o grace_n which_o you_o find_v most_o weak_a and_o deficient_a mean_n 5._o prayer_n pray_v secret_o retire_v yourselves_o from_o company_n into_o your_o closet_n or_o some_o private_a place_n and_o there_o confess_v your_o sin_n and_o make_v know_v your_o request_n to_o god_n that_o see_v and_o hear_v in_o secret_a and_o have_v promise_v a_o open_a reward_n to_o such_o as_o secret_o and_o sincere_o seek_v he_o pray_v frequent_o be_v often_o upon_o your_o knee_n give_v yourselves_o unto_o prayer_n begin_v the_o day_n conclude_v the_o day_n with_o prayer_n and_o recover_v some_o other_o time_n to_o visit_v and_o speak_v to_o god_n at_o least_o mingle_v ejaculatory_a prayer_n with_o every_o other_o work_n and_o labour_n that_o your_o mind_n may_v be_v always_o in_o a_o pray_a frame_n and_o do_v not_o withdraw_v but_o be_v glad_a when_o a_o opportunity_n offer_v itself_o to_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n pray_v fervent_o pour_v forth_o your_o heart_n before_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n wrâ—stle_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n like_o jacob_n be_v earnest_n in_o your_o petition_n as_o for_o your_o life_n be_v instant_a and_o importunate_a take_v no_o denial_n follow_v hard_o after_o god_n stir_v up_o yourselves_o to_o take_v hold_n on_o he_o use_v argument_n in_o prayer_n to_o plead_v with_o he_o pray_v believingly_v mingle_v your_o prayer_n with_o faith_n make_v use_n of_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v application_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o his_o people_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o faith_n and_o which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o prayer_n mean_n 6._o christian_n conference_n take_v heed_n of_o the_o company_n of_o the_o wicked_a from_o such_o turn_n away_o if_o â—â—_o and_o when_o you_o be_v there_o labour_v to_o mourn_v for_o sin_n which_o have_v pierce_v the_o lord_n to_o hunger_n after_o his_o righteousness_n to_o receive_v he_o by_o faith_n to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereof_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o seal_n endeavour_v after_o a_o burn_a love_n to_o he_o who_o love_n have_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o die_v for_o you_o and_o let_v your_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o your_o mouth_n with_o praise_n and_o deliver_v up_o yourselves_o in_o covenant_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o ordinance_n after_o you_o come_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n reflect_v upon_o your_o carriage_n towards_o the_o lord_n if_o you_o have_v be_v straiten_v endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n mourn_v and_o by_o after-pain_n and_o application_n of_o christ_n endeavour_v to_o get_v some_o benefit_n and_o prepare_v better_o against_o the_o next_o time_n if_o you_o have_v be_v enlarge_v be_v humble_a be_v thankful_a be_v watchful_a live_v up_o to_o obligation_n draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n death_n for_o the_o crâ—â—cifying_a more_o and_o more_o of_o your_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n and_o fetch_v influence_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a nourishment_n that_o you_o may_v increase_v with_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n final_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o mean_n and_o help_n and_o so_o at_o length_n you_o shall_v attain_v the_o ultimate_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v even_o your_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n finis_fw-la motive_n 3._o
scripture_n let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o have_v find_v the_o truth_n keep_v it_o hold_v it_o fast_o labour_v to_o fix_v it_o in_o your_o mind_n let_v it_o be_v as_o a_o girdle_n about_o your_o loin_n lay_v it_o up_o in_o your_o heart_n let_v it_o be_v root_v there_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o christ_n as_o a_o prophet_n to_o lead_v you_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o to_o keep_v you_o from_o be_v deceive_v and_o delude_v and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institution_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o edify_a establishment_n and_o perfect_v of_o the_o saint_n eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 2._o you_o must_v be_v steadfast_a and_o persevere_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n you_o must_v patient_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n if_o you_o will_v obtain_v immortal_a glory_n rom._n 2.7_o you_o must_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n if_o you_o will_v be_v save_v matth._n 10.22_o you_o must_v be_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n if_o you_o will_v gain_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n that_o you_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n none_o but_o such_o which_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n will_v obtain_v the_o prize_n the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n lie_v at_o the_o further_o not_o the_o hither_o end_n of_o the_o holy_a path_n therefore_o you_o must_v steadfast_o persevere_v in_o this_o way_n if_o you_o shall_v fall_v down_o you_o must_v rise_v again_o and_o go_v on_o if_o you_o shall_v fall_v back_o or_o through_o mistake_n turn_v aside_o you_o must_v return_v again_o and_o make_v the_o more_o haste_n but_o if_o you_o shall_v fall_v off_o if_o you_o shall_v fall_v away_o as_o some_o have_v do_v who_o have_v seem_v very_o zealous_a and_o forward_a christian_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a profession_n you_o be_v lose_v you_o be_v castaway_n and_o you_o will_v tumble_v and_o fall_v down_o into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n from_o whence_o there_o be_v no_o return_v be_v not_o then_o follower_n of_o they_o that_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n but_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n heb._n 10.39_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n heb._n 6.12_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a inheritance_n that_o be_v before_o you_o that_o be_v promise_v and_o prepare_v in_o heaven_n let_v this_o encourage_v you_o to_o diligence_n and_o perseverance_n unto_o the_o end_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o asmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o direction_n what_o thing_n you_o must_v do_v that_o you_o may_v be_v save_v sect_n xix_o ii_o the_o second_o and_o last_o thing_n for_o your_o guidance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v to_o show_v you_o what_o mean_v you_o must_v make_v use_n of_o to_o help_v you_o in_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v ten_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o salvation_n 1._o self-examination_n 2._o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o other_o good_a book_n 3._o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v 4._o meditation_n 5._o prayer_n 6._o christian-conference_n 7._o watchfulness_n 8._o sanctification_n of_o fasting-day_n 9_o sanctification_n of_o sabbath-daye_n 10._o improvement_n of_o sacrament-daye_n mean_v 1_o self-examination_n you_o must_v examine_v yourselves_o if_o you_o will_v see_v yourselves_o lose_v you_o may_v read_v the_o mistake_n of_o the_o laodicean_n rev._n 3.17_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v in_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a you_o must_v examine_v and_o prove_v your_o spiritual_a state_n that_o you_o may_v have_v a_o right_a judgement_n thereof_o that_o you_o may_v perceive_v how_o poor_a and_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a you_o be_v while_o you_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n you_o must_v examine_v yourselves_o that_o you_o may_v get_v a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n jer._n 8.6_o i_o hearken_v and_o hear_v but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v every_o one_o turn_v to_o his_o course_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n you_o must_v examine_v what_o you_o have_v do_v if_o you_o will_v repent_v of_o your_o sin_n you_o must_v search_v and_o try_v your_o way_n if_o you_o will_v turn_v from_o your_o evil_a way_n you_o must_v commune_v with_o your_o heart_n and_o come_v to_o yourselves_o with_o the_o prodigal_n if_o you_o will_v return_v unto_o god_n and_o turn_v your_o foot_n unto_o his_o testimony_n be_v serious_a then_o in_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o self-examination_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v so_o i_o will_v advise_v that_o you_o will_v set_v apart_o time_n for_o it_o when_o your_o thought_n be_v most_o free_a and_o affection_n most_o sedate_v and_o quiet_a get_v out_o of_o the_o hurry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v aside_o other_o business_n for_o a_o while_n and_o withal_o separate_v yourselves_o from_o company_n and_o retire_v into_o secret_a where_o you_o may_v be_v free_a from_o external_a disturbance_n and_o interruption_n whatever_o indisposition_n and_o withdrawment_n of_o heart_n you_o find_v force_v yourselves_o to_o the_o work_n resist_v satan_n who_o will_v endeavour_v to_o divert_v and_o discourage_v you_o set_v yourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n desire_v he_o to_o search_v you_o beg_v his_o help_n in_o the_o duty_n labour_v to_o keep_v your_o mind_n close_o to_o it_o if_o vain_a thought_n arise_v and_o will_v hurry_v you_o away_o look_v up_o to_o christ_n to_o rebuke_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o captivity_n and_o obedience_n unto_o himself_o and_o then_o sit_v down_o and_o serious_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v do_v ever_o since_o you_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o withal_o think_v with_o yourselves_o what_o you_o will_v do_v when_o your_o life_n and_o this_o world_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o end_n take_v a_o review_n of_o your_o sin_n they_o be_v note_v down_o upon_o the_o book_n of_o your_o conscience_n peruse_v this_o book_n and_o if_o you_o extract_v a_o catalogue_n of_o your_o sin_n it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n to_o you_o note_v down_o your_o original_a sin_n your_o actual_a sin_n your_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n in_o the_o first_o and_o the_o second_o table_n thereof_o your_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n the_o aggravation_n of_o your_o sin_n mean_n 2._o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o other_o good_a book_n the_o rule_n whereby_o you_o be_v to_o examine_v yourselves_o be_v the_o word_n this_o be_v like_o a_o candle_n which_o will_v give_v light_n in_o dark_a corner_n this_o be_v like_o a_o glass_n which_o will_v discover_v spot_n in_o the_o face_n you_o must_v search_v the_o word_n and_o try_v yourselves_o hereby_o if_o you_o will_v have_v knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o your_o spiritual_a state_n and_o you_o must_v search_v the_o word_n if_o you_o will_v have_v knowledge_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o his_o will_n you_o may_v arrive_v to_o some_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o read_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v full_a of_o god_n and_o every_o creature_n do_v represent_v he_o but_o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o sin_n too_o and_o the_o more_o immediate_a representation_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v sensitive_a thing_n which_o our_o sense_n lay_v hold_v on_o first_o and_o be_v apt_a there_o to_o stick_v without_o further_a pierce_a and_o search_v to_o find_v out_o god_n and_o where_o we_o have_v one_o provocation_n from_o the_o creature_n to_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o through_o the_o bewitch_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n meet_v with_o the_o worldly_a lust_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o have_v a_o thousand_o incitement_n and_o allurement_n from_o they_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o the_o word_n be_v full_a of_o god_n and_o no_o incitement_n there_o to_o sin_n full_a of_o persuasive_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n god_n be_v to_o be_v see_v more_o easy_o and_o he_o set_v forth_o himself_o there_o most_o conspicuous_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n you_o have_v the_o most_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o god_n in_o his_o greatness_n majesty_n power_n holiness_n love_n mercy_n and_o the_o like_a and_o the_o way_n make_v know_v of_o acquaintance_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o if_o you_o will_v
the_o well_n of_o salvation_n open_v or_o word_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v by_o thomas_n vincent_n minister_v sometime_o in_o maudlin_n milk-street_n london_n act._n 16.29_o then_o he_o call_v for_o a_o light_n and_o spring_v in_o and_o come_v tremble_v and_o fall_v down_o before_o paul_n and_o silas_n vers._n 30._o and_o bring_v they_o out_o and_o say_v sir_n what_o must_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v v._o 31._o and_o they_o say_v believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o house_n v._o 32._o and_o they_o speak_v unto_o he_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o house_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n parkhurst_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o golden_a bible_n on_o london-bridge_n 1668._o to_o the_o citizen_n of_o london_n i_o have_v sound_v two_o trumpet_n of_o judgement_n in_o your_o ear_n the_o former_a signify_v god_n terrible_a voice_n to_o the_o city_n in_o the_o late_a terrible_a judgement_n of_o plague_n and_o fire_n which_o have_v devour_v so_o many_o inhabitant_n and_o habitation_n as_o the_o space_n of_o many_o age_n shall_v the_o world_n so_o long_o continue_v will_v not_o blot_v out_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o late_a signify_v god_n terrible_a voice_n to_o the_o world_n at_o the_o second_o appearance_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o and_o universal_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n which_o be_v both_o sure_a and_o near_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o which_o judgement_n to_o the_o wicked_a no_o tongue_n be_v able_a to_o express_v the_o chief_a intent_n of_o both_o my_o treatise_n concern_v the_o late_a and_o future_a judgement_n have_v be_v to_o awaken_v sleepy_a sinner_n out_o of_o their_o carnal_a security_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o great_a salvation_n purchase_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o proclaim_v proffer_a and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o have_v at_o first_o purpose_v and_o in_o my_o last_o book_n of_o christ_n appearance_n to_o judgement_n promise_v to_o treat_v more_o large_o of_o salvation_n than_o in_o the_o close_a of_o a_o use_v i_o can_v do_v i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o fulfil_v my_o promise_n in_o tell_v you_o word_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v save_v we_o read_v 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o heb._n 2.3_o 4._o that_o this_o salvation_n begin_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o you_o from_o heaven_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o word_n and_o minister_n that_o you_o will_v accept_v of_o this_o salvation_n see_v then_o that_o you_o refuse_v not_o he_o that_o speak_v for_o if_o they_o escape_v not_o who_o refuse_v he_o that_o speak_v on_o earth_n much_o more_o shall_v not_o you_o escape_v if_o you_o turn_v away_o from_o he_o that_o 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with_o the_o apostle_n peter_n because_o he_o have_v go_v in_o to_o and_o eat_v with_o such_o as_o be_v uncircumcised_a whereupon_o peter_n give_v a_o account_n to_o they_o of_o his_o reason_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o so_o do_v rehearse_v the_o matter_n more_o brief_o from_o verse_n 4._o to_o the_o 18_o which_o be_v relate_v more_o large_o in_o the_o whole_a forego_n ten_o chapter_n first_o he_o tell_v they_o of_o his_o trance_n at_o joppa_n and_o the_o vision_n which_o himself_o have_v of_o the_o vessel_n descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o unclean_a beast_n in_o it_o and_o the_o command_n from_o heaven_n to_o eat_v not_o call_v that_o common_a and_o unclean_a which_o god_n have_v cleanse_v the_o lord_n hereby_o give_v he_o to_o understand_v that_o like_o as_o under_o the_o law_n though_o there_o be_v divers_a kind_n of_o meat_n forbid_v and_o therefore_o unclean_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v eat_v yet_o under_o the_o gospel_n that_o prohibition_n be_v take_v off_o and_o the_o meat_n sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n command_n or_o allowance_n believer_n may_v free_o eat_v of_o they_o without_o sin_n so_o also_o though_o under_o the_o law_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n where_o only_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v be_v to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o heathen_a nation_n as_o unclean_a and_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o go_v in_o and_o eat_v with_o heathen_a or_o gentile_a person_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v defile_v and_o entice_v by_o such_o familiar_a converse_n with_o they_o unto_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n yet_o god_n have_v before_o foretell_v and_o promise_v the_o accession_n of_o the_o gentile_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n have_v send_v his_o son_n who_o break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_n and_o have_v sanctify_v the_o gentile_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o faith_n they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v account_v unclean_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o lawful_a for_o the_o believe_a jew_n to_o eat_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o as_o one_o with_o another_o moreover_o he_o he_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o vision_n which_o cornelius_n a_o gentile_a have_v of_o a_o angel_n and_o the_o command_n which_o he_o have_v from_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o angel_n to_o send_v for_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n unto_o he_o together_o with_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o preach_v namely_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o gentile_n as_o upon_o themselves_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o withstand_v of_o god_n himself_o for_o he_o still_o to_o have_v keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o gentile_n which_o answer_n of_o peter_n give_v such_o satisfaction_n that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o put_v to_o silence_v they_o which_o contend_v with_o he_o but_o also_o cause_v they_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o gentile_n my_o text_n be_v a_o brief_a rehearsal_n which_o peter_n give_v of_o cornelius_n his_o vision_n which_o he_o have_v from_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o show_v we_o how_o he_o have_v see_v a_o angel_n in_o his_o house_n which_o stand_v and_o say_v send_v man_n to_o joppa_n and_o call_v for_o simon_n who_o surname_n be_v peter_n who_o shall_v tell_v thou_o word_n whereby_o thou_o and_o all_o thy_o house_n shall_v be_v save_v i_o may_v present_v you_o with_o divers_a doctrine_n from_o the_o word_n but_o because_o i_o intend_v to_o handle_v but_o two_o i_o shall_v mention_v but_o two_o which_o to_o i_o be_v the_o most_o observable_a doct._n 1._o that_o god_n do_v make_v use_n of_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n rather_o than_o angel_n doct._n 2._o that_o minister_n be_v to_o tell_v people_n such_o word_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o latter_a of_o these_o which_o i_o intend_v chief_o to_o insist_v upon_o yet_o the_o former_a lie_v in_o the_o way_n and_o be_v so_o worthy_a of_o note_n and_o may_v be_v of_o such_o use_n i_o shall_v spend_v a_o little_a time_n about_o it_o sect_n i._o doct._n 1._o that_o god_n do_v make_v use_n of_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n rather_o than_o angel_n the_o angel_n appear_v to_o cornelius_n do_v not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o cornelius_n but_o from_o the_o lord_n direct_v he_o to_o send_v to_o peter_n to_z peter_z who_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n minister_n and_o he_o shall_v preach_v unto_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o such_o word_n whereby_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o angel_n can_v have_v tell_v he_o such_o word_n himself_o he_o can_v have_v
have_v judge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a call_n and_o commission_n which_o this_o man_n have_v from_o heaven_n and_o that_o with_o seem_a great_a ground_n than_o what_o other_o pretend_v for_o their_o extraordinary_a commission_n whereas_o upon_o further_a search_n you_o perceive_v it_o be_v the_o devil_n be_v send_v a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o his_o way_n if_o he_o be_v no_o minister_n have_v then_o preach_v upon_o this_o send_n he_o have_v be_v a_o messenger_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o a_o messenger_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o be_v call_v and_o commission_v by_o christ_n to_o preach_v unless_o they_o can_v show_v their_o call_n and_o commission_n in_o the_o scripture_n take_v heed_n then_o my_o beloved_n especial_o you_v which_o be_v young_a that_o if_o gift_n increase_v you_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o begin_v first_o to_o undervalue_v christ_n minister_n and_o think_v you_o can_v do_v their_o work_n better_a yourselves_o and_o so_o venture_v to_o transgress_v scripture-rule_n by_o preach_v without_o commission_n and_o scripture-warrant_a very_o dangerous_a may_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o preach_a be_v as_o i_o can_v give_v some_o instance_n god_n have_v appoint_v one_o office_n for_o this_o work_n of_o preach_v and_o that_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o though_o he_o have_v angel_n about_o he_o full_a of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o employ_v they_o in_o the_o work_n but_o qualifi_v and_o call_v some_o man_n unto_o it_o and_o if_o angel_n which_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v not_o preach_v much_o less_o may_v man_n do_v it_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n 2._o this_o reprove_v such_o as_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v minister_n and_o be_v no_o preacher_n god_n make_v use_v of_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n rather_o than_o angel_n therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o preach_v or_o they_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v minister_n such_o as_o call_v themselves_o minister_n but_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unskilful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v which_o minister_n be_v call_v unto_o such_o as_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o and_o have_v need_n to_o be_v teach_v themselves_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v child_n yea_o babe_n in_o understanding_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n and_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n such_o who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o and_o give_v every_o one_o his_o portion_n who_o sermon_n be_v like_o wood_n and_o hey_o and_o stubble_n without_o any_o silver_n or_o gold_n or_o precious_a stone_n of_o spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o soulsaving_a doctrine_n who_o give_v man_n chaff_n instead_o of_o corn_n and_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n who_o fill_v their_o sermon_n with_o frothy_a wit_n or_o husky_a quotation_n of_o author_n or_o knotty_a school-notion_n and_o distinction_n or_o secret_a bitter_a invective_n and_o scorpion-sling_n and_o lash_n at_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n instead_o of_o convince_a soul-edifying_a truth_n which_o may_v administer_v grace_n unto_o the_o hearer_n they_o will_v have_v a_o fearful_a account_n to_o give_v unto_o the_o great_a shepherd_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v to_o make_v inquiry_n concern_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o shall_v charge_v upon_o they_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n as_o have_v perish_v through_o their_o neglect_n be_v there_o not_o many_o such_o minister_n at_o this_o day_n in_o england_n that_o can_v neither_o pray_v without_o a_o book_n nor_o preach_v without_o a_o book_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o those_o minister_n who_o ride_v their_o own_o note_n which_o they_o have_v study_v in_o their_o closet_n but_o of_o they_o which_o read_v other_o note_n as_o if_o they_o be_v their_o own_o unto_o the_o people_n it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o i_o speak_v with_o a_o bookseller_n who_o have_v sell_v many_o manuscript_n sermon_n unto_o such_o who_o signify_v plain_o enough_o unto_o he_o the_o use_n they_o intend_v to_o put_v they_o unto_o yea_o some_o have_v be_v so_o audacious_a as_o to_o preach_v out_o of_o the_o print_a book_n of_o other_o as_o be_v well_o know_v both_o in_o the_o city_n and_o other_o place_n yet_o however_o such_o as_o can_v make_v their_o own_o sermon_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v by_o read_v good_a wholesome_a sermon_n of_o other_o be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o people_n than_o those_o who_o without_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o word_n preach_v their_o own_o but_o it_o be_v such_o raw_a crude_a indigested_a unprofitable_a matter_n as_o raise_v blush_n in_o the_o cheek_n of_o the_o judicious_a and_o render_v they_o ridiculous_a unto_o the_o most_o that_o hear_v they_o sure_o no_o angel_n from_o heaven_n will_v have_v direct_v a_o cornelâ—us_n to_o send_v for_o such_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o he_o 3._o this_o reprove_v such_o who_o blemish_n their_o ministry_n by_o a_o ungodly_a conversation_n when_o god_n honour_v minister_n so_o as_o to_o employ_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n rather_o than_o angel_n god_n do_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v angelical_a in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o angelical_a in_o their_o life_n some_o there_o be_v that_o be_v so_o in_o their_o doctrine_n but_o their_o life_n be_v so_o loose_a and_o intemperate_a that_o they_o both_o cast_v a_o blot_n upon_o their_o function_n and_o invalidate_v their_o doctrine_n yea_o be_v hereby_o instrument_n of_o harden_v the_o wicked_a more_o effectual_o than_o if_o they_o can_v not_o preach_v at_o all_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o woman_n who_o sit_v under_o the_o ministry_n of_o one_o who_o preach_v very_o powerful_o but_o live_v very_o wicked_o whereupon_o she_o be_v tempt_v to_o atheism_n of_o which_o she_o give_v this_o reason_n to_o he_o upon_o demand_n of_o the_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v from_o himself_o that_o when_o she_o hear_v he_o preach_v so_o like_o a_o angel_n and_o see_v he_o live_v so_o like_o a_o devil_n she_o be_v thence_o prone_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n we_o read_v of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o eli_n son_n who_o be_v priest_n which_o make_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v abhor_v 1_o sam._n 2.17_o and_o so_o the_o drunkenness_n uncleanness_n covetousness_n oppression_n and_o profaneness_n of_o many_o in_o our_o day_n who_o call_v themselves_o minister_n make_v the_o administration_n of_o god_n ordinance_n by_o such_o person_n to_o be_v abhor_v by_o many_o serious_a and_o soberminded_n christian_n none_o be_v more_o honourable_a than_o such_o minister_n as_o tread_v in_o their_o master_n step_n as_o be_v holy_a and_o exemplary_a in_o their_o conversition_n but_o wicked_a minister_n of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o vile_a and_o most_o contemptible_a they_o be_v spot_n and_o blemish_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v the_o scum_n the_o filth_n and_o offscouring_a of_o the_o pot_n the_o foam_n and_o froth_n of_o the_o water_n they_o be_v tree_n without_o fruit_n salt_n without_o savour_n candle_n without_o light_n they_o be_v a_o deep_a pit_n full_a of_o mire_n and_o dirt_n they_o be_v cloud_n without_o rain_n for_o who_o the_o mist_n of_o darkness_n be_v reserve_v for_o ever_o 4._o this_o reprove_v such_o as_o will_v hearken_v to_o the_o devil_n rather_o than_o to_o minister_n though_o god_n employ_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n rather_o than_o angel_n 1._o and_o first_o this_o reprove_v they_o that_o harken_v to_o the_o devil_n when_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o minister_n who_o persuade_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o jesus_n christ_n such_o as_o ready_o open_v the_o door_n when_o satan_n knock_v though_o he_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o intend_v their_o ruin_n but_o shut_v the_o door_n and_o deafen_v the_o ear_n against_o the_o call_v of_o minister_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v their_o friend_n and_o seek_v their_o salvation_n such_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o devil_n to_o wound_v themselves_o by_o sin_n to_o drink_v sweet_a poâ—son_n which_o will_v introduce_v eternal_a death_n and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v draw_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o hell_n but_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o minister_n who_o be_v spiritual_a physician_n and_o will_v endeavour_v the_o cure_n of_o their_o deadly_a wound_n who_o be_v spiritual_a guide_n and_o will_v lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n none_o in_o the_o world_n be_v such_o fool_n as_o those_o person_n who_o be_v satan_n slave_n and_o lead_v captive_a by_o he_o in_o the_o cord_n of_o their_o