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be_v eternal_a and_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o and_o run_v parallel_n with_o the_o long_a line_n of_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o precious_a the_o vanity_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n be_v see_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v uncertain_a and_o momentary_a duration_n now_o this_o precious_a and_o immortal_a piece_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n and_o without_o our_o care_n diligence_n and_o pain_n be_v like_a to_o be_v lose_v a_o thousand_o enemy_n besiege_v it_o and_o set_v it_o round_o enemy_n without_o and_z within_z and_o on_o every_o side_n without_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n who_o spread_v a_o thousand_o snare_n to_o entrap_v it_o within_o corruption_n yea_o a_o inbred_a traitor_n a_o false_a perfidious_a treacherous_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n these_o be_v politic_a subtle_a crafty_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n the_o devil_n will_v make_v no_o peace_n with_o we_o but_o upon_o worse_a condition_n than_o nahash_n the_o amonite_n offer_v to_o the_o man_n of_o jabish_a gillead_v 1._o sam._n 11.2_o upon_o this_o condition_n will_v i_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o you_o that_o i_o may_v thrust_v out_o all_o your_o right_a eye_n and_o lay_v it_o for_o a_o reproach_n upon_o all_o israel_n but_o his_o condition_n be_v the_o everlasting_a destruction_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o lose_v thou_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o a_o thousand_o world_n can_v redeem_v it_o though_o they_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o heap_n of_o diamond_n or_o a_o globe_n of_o gold_n now_o be_v thou_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o can_v thou_o see_v thyself_o thy_o better_a part_n in_o so_o much_o danger_n and_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o will_v thou_o so_o regard_v a_o limb_n or_o sense_n a_o eye_n or_o a_o tooth_n and_o shall_v the_o soul_n be_v unregarded_a will_v thou_o consult_v the_o lawyer_n about_o thy_o estate_n the_o physician_n about_o thy_o health_n yea_o the_o farrier_n about_o thy_o horse_n and_o shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v neglect_v god_n forbid_v will_v take_v care_n for_o trifle_n and_o neglect_v thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n what_o great_a note_n of_o a_o fool_n can_v be_v express_v god_n be_v yet_o call_v thou_o and_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v not_o yet_o shut_v against_o thou_o opportunity_n be_v yet_o offer_v thou_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_n but_o how_o long_o it_o may_v continue_v thou_o know_v not_o up_o and_o be_v do_v make_v sure_a of_o heaven_n while_o it_o may_v be_v have_v one_o of_o these_o day_n it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o examine_v thyself_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n cleanse_v the_o fountain_n that_o the_o stream_n may_v be_v clear_a stub_n up_o the_o root_n of_o sin_n when_o other_o be_v lop_n at_o the_o branch_n begin_v reformation_n at_o the_o right_a end_n i_o shall_v here_o have_v give_v you_o some_o motive_n rule_n direction_n mark_n and_o character_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o guide_v you_o in_o this_o difficult_a work_n but_o this_o i_o have_v do_v already_o in_o another_o treatise_n of_o that_o subject_a call_v the_o soul_n looking-glass_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o if_o you_o have_v no_o better_o at_o hand_n yea_o when_o by_o examination_n thou_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o thy_o grace_n yet_o be_v not_o examination_n useless_a but_o consider_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o also_o true_a grace_n be_v of_o a_o grow_a nature_n like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n that_o in_o time_n become_v a_o great_a tree_n thy_o growth_n shall_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a to_o the_o food_n thou_o eat_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n thou_o enjoy_v that_o which_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n or_o decline_v may_v be_v suspect_v it_o be_v not_o true_a it_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v no_o big_a at_o twenty_o year_n old_a than_o at_o two_o it_o be_v sad_a when_o man_n that_o shall_v grow_v decline_v and_o lose_v their_o first_o love_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o case_n consider_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n consider_v who_o thou_o leave_v and_o whither_o thou_o go_v and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o at_o least_o consider_v what_o thou_o do_v which_o no_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v and_o never_o give_v thyself_o any_o rest_n till_o thou_o know_v that_o thou_o outstrip'_v they_o all_o yea_o till_o thou_o can_v read_v thy_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o can_v call_v god_n father_n and_o say_v with_o the_o spouse_n my_o beloved_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o cant._n 6.3_o 2._o direct_v the_o next_o private_a duty_n be_v when_o thou_o know_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o a_o title_n to_o glory_n and_o can_v without_o check_n of_o conscience_n call_v god_n thy_o father_n and_o christ_n thy_o head_n and_o husband_n be_v sure_a then_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o he_o hold_v he_o fast_o and_o do_v not_o let_v he_o go_v like_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 3.4_o it_o be_v say_v of_o enoch_n and_o noah_n that_o they_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o thus_o in_o some_o measure_n do_v every_o faithful_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a safe_a course_n thou_o can_v take_v for_o there_o be_v none_o can_v hurt_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v under_o his_o wing_n no_o enemy_n can_v molest_v thou_o while_o thou_o be_v under_o his_o tuition_n trouble_n never_o grind_v a_o man_n till_o it_o find_v he_o from_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o grow_v strange_a with_o god_n if_o thou_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v go_v thou_o may_v seek_v he_o sorrow_v and_o not_o find_v he_o many_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o public_a duty_n be_v defective_a in_o private_a but_o it_o be_v secret_a duty_n that_o chief_o maintain_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o those_o it_o be_v we_o most_o engage_v our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o we_o now_o if_o thou_o will_v keep_v this_o communion_n with_o god_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v some_o thing_n do_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v avoid_v be_v especial_o sin_n but_o above_o all_o our_o bosom_n sin_n those_o that_o thou_o be_v most_o incline_v to_o and_o most_o easiy_a yield_v to_o and_o can_v most_v hardly_o say_v nay_o these_o god_n be_v most_o jealous_a of_o and_o these_o will_v make_v the_o great_a breach_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o most_o havoc_n among_o thy_o grace_n these_o be_v they_o that_o most_o deep_o wound_v the_o conscience_n break_v thy_o peace_n with_o thy_o god_n and_o if_o not_o forsake_v will_v procure_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n it_o be_v thy_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o judgement_n temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a and_o withhold_v mercy_n from_o thou_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n can_v stand_v
butter_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o commend_v the_o widow_n mite_n when_o she_o have_v no_o more_o i_o hope_v will_v receive_v this_o when_o he_o know_v i_o have_v no_o better_o where_o but_o little_a be_v give_v of_o he_o less_o will_v be_v require_v the_o subject_a i_o know_v be_v necessary_a if_o not_o spoil_v in_o the_o handle_n though_o the_o ring_n look_v dusk_n yet_o the_o diamond_n will_v sparkle_v multiplicity_n of_o contrary_a study_n and_o other_o employment_n as_o most_o that_o know_v i_o can_v witness_v might_n perhaps_o have_v plead_v my_o excuse_n for_o write_v as_o indeed_o it_o do_v satisfy_v i_o for_o several_a year_n so_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v plead_v my_o excuse_n for_o come_v forth_o in_o so_o homely_a a_o dress_n when_o paul_n behold_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o athenian_n his_o spirit_n be_v move_v and_o when_o i_o behold_v the_o formality_n of_o professor_n no_o wonder_n if_o with_o crassus_n dumb_a son_n i_o speak_v when_o i_o see_v my_o father_n wrong_v among_o all_o the_o objection_n i_o can_v think_v of_o that_o may_v come_v in_o against_o this_o my_o well-meant_a labour_n i_o find_v none_o that_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v do_v good_a i_o be_o sure_a none_o can_v just_o object_n it_o be_v not_o intend_v for_o good_a those_o that_o real_o desire_v to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n i_o hope_v will_v own_v it_o as_o for_o other_o those_o that_o have_v neither_o good_a word_n for_o god_n nor_o for_o his_o way_n i_o can_v expect_v they_o shall_v have_v any_o for_o i_o however_o my_o witness_n against_o they_o will_v be_v upon_o record_n madam_n if_o you_o have_v better_o at_o hand_n you_o may_v bestow_v this_o upon_o some_o want_a soul_n for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v write_v i_o have_v not_o further_o to_o add_v but_o desire_v of_o god_n in_o these_o decline_a time_n when_o atheism_n profaneness_n superstition_n and_o debauchery_n be_v too_o much_o in_o fashion_n that_o he_o will_v keep_v you_o and_o you_o from_o the_o temptation_n lay_v in_o your_o way_n that_o you_o may_v shine_v as_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n to_o enlighten_v this_o dark_a hemisphere_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n as_o you_o grow_v in_o year_n and_o may_v be_v present_v blameless_a at_o the_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o your_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o title_n to_o glory_n may_v be_v clear_v up_o that_o when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v you_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o die_v and_o resign_v up_o your_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n these_o be_v the_o desire_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v madam_n you_o to_o his_o power_n to_o serve_v you_o edw._n bury_n eton_n nou._n 2._o 1674._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o give_v thou_o some_o account_n of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n for_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o thou_o will_v find_v mention_n make_v of_o a_o former_a treatise_n which_o indeed_o be_v not_o yet_o publish_v contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o holy_a walk_n now_o although_o this_o be_v first_o design_v and_o first_o begin_v and_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n shall_v have_v be_v the_o first_o bear_v yet_o it_o fare_v with_o it_o as_o it_o do_v with_o zarah_n gen._n 38.28_o this_o pharez_n have_v make_v a_o breach_n and_o come_v out_o first_o and_o like_o jacob_n supplant_v his_o brother_n and_o get_v the_o birthright_n yet_o haply_o the_o other_o may_v not_o be_v strangle_v in_o the_o birth_n if_o this_o prove_v not_o too_o chargeable_a in_o the_o keep_n know_v then_o when_o i_o first_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n i_o intend_v it_o to_o be_v divide_v into_o five_o part_n all_o in_o the_o same_o method_n the_o first_o contain_v 1._o a_o introduction_n to_o the_o whole_a 2._o the_o explication_n what_o holy_a walk_n imply_v 3._o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v necessary_a 4._o the_o objection_n against_o it_o answer_v 5._o reproof_n to_o several_a sort_n that_o live_v otherwise_o 6._o some_o consideration_n put_v to_o they_o 7._o some_o gross_a mistake_n about_o holiness_n 8._o mark_n of_o holy_a walk_n 9_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o sin_n 10._o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o godly_a 11._o qualification_n requisite_a to_o a_o holy_a life_n 12._o move_a consideration_n thereunto_o 13._o hindrance_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o last_o help_n and_o direction_n the_o second_o part_n be_v the_o present_a book_n here_o present_v of_o which_o i_o need_v give_v you_o no_o other_o account_n the_o three_o contain_v direction_n 1._o for_o the_o thought_n 2._o for_o the_o word_n 3._o for_o the_o action_n 4._o for_o the_o affection_n 5._o for_o the_o conscience_n 6._o for_o recreation_n 7._o for_o apparel_n 8._o for_o eat_v and_o drink_v 9_o for_o redeem_v time_n 10._o for_o buy_v and_o selling._n 11._o for_o company_n 12._o for_o solitariness_n 13._o to_o bear_v affliction_n well_o 14._o in_o a_o particular_a call_v the_o four_o contain_v a_o dissuasive_a 1._o from_o sin_n in_o general_n 2._o from_o pride_n 3._o atheism_n 4._o covetousness_n 5._o drunkenness_n 6._o adultery_n 7._o swear_v 8._o lie_v 9_o murder_n 10._o idleness_n 11._o apostasy_n 12._o idolatry_n 13._o hypocrisy_n 14._o steal_v 15._o contention_n the_o 5._o and_o last_o contain_v relative_n duty_n 1._o of_o the_o unmarried_a in_o reference_n to_o marriage_n 2._o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o the_o husband_n and_o wife_n 3._o the_o husband_n peculiar_a duty_n 4._o the_o wife_n duty_n 5._o parent_n duty_n 6._o the_o duty_n of_o child_n 7._o of_o master_n 8._o of_o servant_n 9_o of_o magistrate_n 10._o of_o subject_n 11._o of_o minister_n 12._o of_o people_n now_o only_o the_o second_o of_o these_o see_v the_o light_n the_o first_o and_o last_o be_v well_o near_o finish_v and_o may_v ere_o long_o show_v themselves_o and_o the_o rest_n in_o time_n if_o my_o life_n and_o health_n be_v continue_v and_o i_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n convince_v that_o tâ—ey_n will_v be_v useless_a i_o know_v the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o book_n &_o many_o that_o complain_v most_o read_v least_o but_o shall_v we_o observe_v most_o man_n devotion_n and_o their_o carriage_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v imagine_v that_o book_n that_o reduce_v christianity_n into_o practice_n and_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v yet_o want_v that_o be_v not_o sufficient_o teach_v that_o be_v not_o sufficient_o learn_v there_o be_v need_n of_o more_o book_n that_o maintain_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o age_n when_o almost_o all_o religigion_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o matter_n of_o formality_n and_o ceremony_n and_o little_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n appear_v i_o have_v not_o in_o this_o neither_o do_v i_o intend_v in_o the_o other_o bring_v you_o any_o new_a light_n but_o to_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o good_a old_a way_n mention_v jer._n 6.16_o which_o the_o saint_n in_o former_a age_n have_v walk_v in_o and_o which_o will_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o heaven_n though_o of_o late_a there_o be_v many_o new_a attempt_n to_o find_v a_o better_a but_o if_o any_o but_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n end_n in_o happiness_n let_v i_o be_v call_v a_o false_a prophet_n man_n brain_n be_v never_o better_o stuff_v nor_o their_o tongue_n ever_o more_o busy_a but_o their_o heart_n be_v empty_a and_o their_o hand_n be_v idle_a never_o more_o talk_v of_o the_o way_n and_o never_o less_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o if_o good_a word_n will_v save_v without_o good_a heart_n or_o good_a work_n or_o good_a duty_n never_o so_o many_o will_v go_v to_o heaven_n as_o in_o our_o age._n most_o man_n knowledge_n float_v in_o the_o brain_n and_o little_a sink_n or_o soak_v down_o into_o the_o heart_n or_o season_v the_o life_n or_o conversation_n hence_o like_o child_n that_o have_v the_o rickets_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o obstruction_n the_o head_n grow_v too_o big_a for_o the_o body_n if_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o religion_n will_v serve_v turn_n for_o salvation_n but_o it_o will_v not_o mat._n 7.22_o &_o 25.1,2,3_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o 14._o many_o will_v be_v save_v for_o they_o can_v number_v their_o prayer_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v his_o bead_n but_o god_n do_v not_o accept_v they_o by_o number_n but_o by_o weight_n he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n a_o little_a grace_n i_o fear_v a_o little_a profession_n make_v a_o great_a show_n in_o a_o great_a man_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n leave_v to_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o take_v pain_n and_o have_v little_a to_o lose_v but_o whether_o god_n
what_o he_o teach_v thou_o that_o thou_o know_v not_o before_o now_o when_o thou_o have_v thus_o call_v these_o thing_n to_o mind_n meditate_v upon_o they_o for_o as_o meat_n can_v nourish_v if_o not_o digest_v no_o more_o will_v the_o word_n till_o by_o meditation_n thou_o make_v it_o thy_o own_o meat_n be_v easy_o cast_v up_o when_o it_o lie_v undigested_a in_o the_o stomach_n so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o not_o cover_v by_o harrow_n the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n pick_v it_o up_o and_o when_o the_o word_n be_v not_o cover_v by_o mediration_n the_o devil_n steal_v it_o away_o mat._n 13.4.19_o if_o any_o thing_n lie_v dark_a or_o difficult_a to_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o minister_n or_o some_o understanding_n christian_n to_o confer_v of_o it_o make_v know_v thy_o doubt_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o get_v knowledge_n the_o two_o disciple_n that_o come_v to_o emaus_n inquire_v by_o the_o way_n and_o discourse_v and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o word_n in_o thy_o house_n and_o as_o thou_o go_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o deut._n 6.7_o oh_o what_o benefit_n may_v christian_n get_v be_v they_o careful_a of_o this_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v then_o dwell_v plentuous_o in_o they_o this_o will_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n when_o thou_o have_v pass_v thus_o far_o than_o press_v it_o upon_o thy_o own_o heart_n for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v thou_o otherwise_o examine_v thyself_o by_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n whether_o thou_o have_v those_o gracious_a qualification_n yea_o or_o no_o whether_o thou_o be_v yet_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o whether_o deliver_v and_o be_v according_o affect_v press_v home_o every_o reproof_n to_o thyself_o and_o see_v how_o far_o guilty_a thou_o have_v be_v mourn_v for_o it_o and_o reform_v lay_v to_o heart_n every_o exhortation_n to_o duty_n and_o let_v every_o motive_n strengthen_v thy_o resolution_n practice_n every_o direction_n and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o every_o passage_n for_o thy_o soul_n good_a and_o be_v sure_a to_o practise_v what_o be_v teach_v thou_o otherwise_o thou_o may_v hear_v all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o little_a purpose_n it_o be_v not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o doer_n that_o be_v justify_v he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o thou_o practise_v it_o thyself_o but_o thou_o must_v endeavour_v that_o other_o may_v do_v so_o also_o to_o this_o end_n thou_o must_v instruct_v thy_o family_n thy_o child_n and_o thy_o servant_n what_o in_o thou_o lie_v press_v they_o on_o also_o to_o obedience_n this_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n eph._n 6.4_o deut._n 4.9_o and_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n deut._n 18.19_o prov._n 4.4_o and_o 31.1_o and_o because_o all_o thy_o service_n without_o god_n blessing_n be_v worth_a nothing_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o fasten_v these_o truth_n upon_o thy_o heart_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o thy_o family_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o it_o be_v god_n must_v give_v the_o increase_n mark_v also_o from_o time_n to_o time_n how_o thou_o do_v grow_v or_o decrease_v these_o direction_n well_o use_v through_o god_n blessing_n will_v make_v thou_o profit_n by_o hear_v chap._n iu_o direction_n in_o read_v the_o word_n the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v point_v out_o unto_o you_o be_v the_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n which_o open_a and_o apply_v it_o for_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a and_o very_o beneficial_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a where_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v have_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a addition_n and_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o much_o good_a receive_v by_o it_o this_o word_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n and_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o man_n convert_v by_o it_o especial_o where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o ordinary_o be_v preach_v that_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n see_v deut._n 17.19_o where_o the_o king_n be_v command_v to_o take_v this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o if_o king_n themselves_o be_v not_o exempt_v notwithstanding_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o business_n who_o then_o can_v plead_v exemption_n yea_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o israel_n deut._n 31.11_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n even_o to_o timothy_n to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v 1_o tim._n 4.13_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n so_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n moses_n take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n exod._n 24.7_o so_o do_v joshua_n chap._n 8.34,35_o so_o do_v josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34,35_o and_o nehemiah_n chap._n 8.38.18_o and_o 9.3_o thus_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8.30_o yea_o there_o be_v a_o blessing_n pronounce_v upon_o it_o rev._n 1.3_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o a_o christian_a the_o very_a light_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o sun_n because_o it_o common_o rise_v and_o set_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o heed_v and_o admire_v so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o word_n be_v common_a it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prize_v mannah_n you_o know_v be_v at_o first_o admire_v at_o the_o last_o loathe_a so_o it_o be_v here_o if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v prize_v as_o it_o be_v when_o a_o cart_n load_n of_o hay_n be_v give_v for_o a_o few_o chapter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o worth_n of_o it_o will_v be_v know_v in_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o health_n be_v best_a prize_v in_o sickness_n peace_n in_o war_n and_o liberty_n in_o bondage_n now_o for_o the_o person_n that_o ought_v to_o read_v they_o be_v all_o that_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n for_o if_o any_o be_v exempt_v they_o will_v be_v king_n for_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o business_n but_o the_o book_n of_o god_n must_v be_v to_o they_o a_o vade_fw-la mecum_fw-la a_o constant_a companion_n parent_n be_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n in_o it_o and_o under_o these_o two_o relation_n all_o superior_n and_o inferior_n be_v contain_v deut._n 6.7_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n practice_n and_o policy_n no_o doubt_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n christ_n bid_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o how_o dare_v papist_n and_o other_o speak_v the_o contrary_a we_o be_v command_v to_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o we_o and_o it_o be_v make_v a_o mark_n for_o a_o bless_a man_n to_o meditate_v in_o day_n and_o night_n here_o be_v the_o mine_n out_o of_o which_o we_o must_v dig_v for_o knowledge_n prov._n 2.3,4_o oh_o that_o man_n will_v spend_v that_o time_n in_o read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o do_v in_o vain_a and_o idle_a visit_n needless_a recreation_n card_v dice_a drink_v drab_v and_o such_o like_a how_o much_o will_v it_o conduce_v to_o their_o soul_n health_n this_o make_v more_o to_o the_o evening_n their_o account_n with_o god_n and_o make_v preparation_n for_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o other_o will_v i_o know_v it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a to_o understand_v and_o therefore_o dangerous_a to_o be_v meddle_v with_o lest_o they_o be_v abuse_v this_o be_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n and_o the_o slothful_a on_o the_o other_o who_o will_v not_o plough_n because_o of_o winter_n prov._n 20.4_o but_o this_o shall_v rather_o quicken_v our_o diligence_n than_o serve_v for_o a_o discouragement_n if_o difficult_a duty_n be_v neglect_v we_o shall_v never_o reach_v heaven_n it_o be_v true_a some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a but_o the_o most_o necessary_a be_v plain_a and_o easy_a here_o indeed_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_o
a_o elephant_n may_v swim_v but_o the_o gain_n will_v countervail_v the_o loss_n and_o charge_n here_o be_v a_o lamp_n to_o light_v we_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n to_o refresh_v we_o a_o sword_n to_o defend_v we_o a_o key_n to_o open_a christ_n will_n to_o we_o flagon_n of_o wine_n and_o apple_n of_o paradise_n take_v therefore_o these_o direction_n in_o thy_o read_n 4._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v read_v the_o word_n with_o profit_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n come_v not_o out_o of_o a_o huddle_n of_o business_n with_o thy_o heart_n full_a of_o the_o world_n to_o discourse_v with_o god_n take_v not_o god_n word_n any_o more_o than_o his_o name_n in_o vain_a take_v it_o not_o profane_o into_o thy_o mouth_n without_o due_a regard_n or_o consideration_n lest_o he_o turn_v thou_o away_o with_o a_o curse_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a concernment_n even_o of_o life_n and_o death_n yea_o of_o the_o eternal_a well_o or_o ill_o be_v of_o thy_o soul_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v slight_v beg_v leave_v therefore_o of_o god_n before_o thou_o meddle_v with_o it_o yea_o beg_v his_o blessing_n upon_o it_o without_o which_o nothing_o can_v do_v we_o good_a for_o soul_n or_o body_n the_o want_n of_o due_a preparation_n cause_v many_o to_o find_v the_o word_n so_o ineffectual_a yea_o find_v so_o little_a sweetness_n in_o it_o again_o if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o it_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o read_v it_o be_v not_o read_v by_o fit_n and_o start_n will_v serve_v turn_n many_o be_v now_o off_o now_o on_o now_o they_o will_v and_o then_o they_o will_v not_o as_o the_o world_n give_v they_o leave_v or_o as_o the_o humour_n take_v they_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o get_v a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o read_v what_o ever_o come_v of_o it_o break_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n a_o little_a now_o and_o then_o will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a without_o this_o resolution_n satan_n will_v baffle_v thou_o and_o lay_v some_o temptation_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v the_o world_n will_v divert_v thou_o and_o one_o business_n or_o other_o present_v itself_o to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n thy_o own_o corruption_n will_v oppose_v it_o and_o thy_o deceitful_a heart_n make_v thou_o delay_v it_o but_o this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v not_o divert_v from_o it_o any_o more_o than_o thou_o will_v be_v from_o thy_o meat_n but_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a thou_o must_v not_o only_o do_v the_o duty_n but_o do_v it_o well_o to_o this_o end_n get_v thy_o heart_n in_o order_n get_v it_o cleanse_v from_o distract_n thought_n and_o care_n &_o free_v from_o disquiet_v motion_n &_o perterbation_n a_o full_a vessel_n can_v receive_v no_o more_o and_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o the_o world_n have_v no_o room_n for_o heaven_n say_v therefore_o to_o thy_o worldly_a care_n and_o thought_n when_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o go_v to_o sacrifice_n stay_v here_o and_o i_o will_v come_v to_o you_o again_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n apprehend_v he_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n behold_v thou_o this_o will_v keep_v thy_o thought_n from_o rove_a and_o thy_o imagination_n from_o wander_a in_o his_o service_n and_o awe_v thy_o heart_n and_o curb_v thy_o affection_n bring_v with_o thou_o also_o a_o spiritual_a appetite_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n come_v with_o a_o empty_a stomach_n or_o why_o do_v thou_o seek_v after_o food_n a_o hungry_a man_n be_v most_o like_a to_o taste_v and_o relish_v those_o dainty_n the_o word_n be_v to_o david_n sweet_a than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n if_o there_o be_v spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o soul_n there_o will_v be_v a_o appetite_n for_o no_o life_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o food_n bring_v faith_n also_o along_o with_o thou_o which_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o without_o this_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v no_o nourishment_n the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v profit_v they_o not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4.2_o reading_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a if_o thou_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o thou_o read_v or_o doubte_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o threaten_n i'faith_o also_o will_v subdue_v carnal_a reason_n and_o help_v thou_o out_o when_o thou_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n but_o above_o all_o seek_v help_n from_o above_o from_o god_n here_o be_v many_o difficulty_n too_o hard_o for_o thou_o to_o grapple_v with_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o divine_a assistance_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n it_o be_v he_o that_o open_v lydia_n heart_n and_o must_v open_v thou_o or_o the_o word_n can_v do_v it_o beg_v therefore_o his_o assistance_n and_o come_v thus_o prepare_v to_o the_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o likely_a way_n to_o speed_n 2._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o read_v of_o the_o word_n be_v sure_a to_o propound_v right_a end_n to_o thyself_o for_o the_o end_n crown_v the_o action_n many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o their_o end_n be_v bad_a they_o undo_v themselves_o and_o lose_v their_o labour_n by_o this_o mean_n some_o read_v for_o custom_n and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o make_v read_v the_o end_n of_o read_v and_o be_v like_o the_o silly_a woman_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o always_o learn_v and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o work_n be_v do_v matter_n it_o no_o more_o some_o read_v to_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o knowledge_n and_o their_o brain_n with_o notion_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v with_o applause_n when_o yet_o they_o never_o suffer_v it_o to_o sink_v down_o or_o soak_v into_o or_o season_v the_o heart_n but_o such_o speculative_a knowledge_n do_v little_a good_a yea_o great_a hurt_n it_o make_v they_o sin_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o read_v to_o a_o worse_a end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o maintain_v error_n and_o pervert_v the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n thus_o the_o jesuit_n and_o many_o heretic_n but_o every_o one_o shall_v and_o a_o true_a christian_a do_v in_o this_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o make_v god_n glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n the_o mark_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o regulate_v his_o action_n according_o and_o doubtless_o from_o god_n he_o will_v receive_v his_o reward_n when_o other_o as_o it_o be_v self_n they_o aim_v at_o so_o from_o self_n they_o must_v expect_v their_o wage_n a_o believer_n he_o will_v know_v more_o that_o he_o may_v obey_v better_a he_o will_v know_v god_n better_o that_o he_o may_v love_v he_o more_o and_o know_v god_n will_n that_o he_o may_v do_v his_o work_n he_o will_v know_v his_o work_n as_o well_o as_o his_o wage_n his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o his_o privilege_n he_o read_v he_o word_n of_o god_n and_o those_o book_n which_o open_a and_o apply_v it_o that_o he_o may_v know_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o follow_v the_o one_o and_o fly_v the_o other_o and_o may_v not_o be_v seduce_v by_o false_a teacher_n nor_o draw_v aside_o from_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a he_o will_v know_v light_a from_o darkness_n and_o have_v the_o scale_n of_o ignorance_n fall_v from_o his_o eye_n he_o will_v know_v good_a from_o evil_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o yea_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a he_o will_v know_v vice_n from_o virtue_n and_o discern_v what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o those_o that_o in_o persecute_v the_o saint_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n he_o will_v be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o know_v the_o state_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o whether_o his_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n be_v good_a or_o no_o he_o observe_v what_o qualification_n the_o scripture_n require_v for_o heaven_n and_o then_o by_o scripture-light_n he_o will_v discern_v they_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o endeavour_n to_o read_v his_o own_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o see_v what_o interest_n he_o have_v in_o
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to_o help_v he_o to_o thy_o power_n as_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o many_o man_n show_v more_o divinity_n in_o their_o word_n than_o humanity_n in_o their_o action_n one_o penny_n be_v more_o hardly_o get_v from_o they_o than_o thrice_o god_n help_v you_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v put_v up_o thy_o request_n then_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o a_o answer_n as_o hannah_n when_o she_o have_v pour_v out_o her_o soul_n to_o god_n she_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o look_v no_o more_o sad_a 1_o sam._n 1.18_o it_o may_v be_v though_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o will_v perform_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o at_o the_o first_o ask_v he_o will_v make_v thou_o seek_v again_o and_o wait_v also_o when_o peter_n be_v in_o prison_n and_o the_o church_n pray_v for_o his_o deliverance_n it_o be_v the_o last_o night_n before_o god_n grant_v their_o petition_n act_n 12.5,6_o but_o be_v it_o soon_o or_o late_a when_o the_o mercy_n come_v give_v god_n his_o tribute_n of_o praise_n this_o he_o require_v psal_n 50.15_o and_o this_o be_v david_n practice_n psal_n 116.2_o and_o christ_n charge_v this_o upon_o the_o leper_n as_o their_o fault_n if_o he_o deny_v thy_o request_n seek_v out_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o perhaps_o thou_o may_v find_v some_o sin_n un-repented_n of_o and_o then_o no_o wonder_n if_o god_n hear_v thou_o not_o resolve_v with_o saul_n it_o shall_v die_v though_o it_o be_v thy_o jonathan_n 1_o sam._n 4.37_o destroy_v that_o achan_n that_o offend_v god_n and_o trouble_v israel_n or_o perhaps_o the_o petition_n require_v be_v not_o suitable_a or_o thou_o fail_v either_o in_o the_o manner_n or_o end_n if_o so_o be_v more_o wary_a the_o next_o time_n if_o neither_o of_o these_o wait_n for_o a_o answer_n set_v upon_o the_o duty_n with_o strong_a resolution_n if_o prayer_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o join_v fast_v some_o sin_n like_o some_o devil_n come_v not_o out_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v it_o thyself_o call_v in_o help_n take_v these_o direction_n and_o thou_o will_v find_v the_o banefit_n of_o prayer_n chap._n vii_o direction_n in_o and_o about_o sing_v of_o psalm_n the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v instruct_v you_o in_o be_v sing_v of_o psalm_n a_o duty_n much_o press_v and_o practise_v both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o many_o thousand_o of_o believer_n have_v receive_v benefit_n and_o have_v be_v refresh_v by_o it_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n it_o be_v evident_a be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o compile_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o though_o sundry_a other_o piece_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v by_o several_a person_n in_o several_a age_n call_v in_o question_n yet_o this_o be_v never_o question_v by_o any_o it_o be_v express_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n act_v 1.20_o yea_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n by_o christ_n himself_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n luke_n 20.42_o and_o david_n himself_o say_v in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o my_o lord_n sit_v thou_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n till_o i_o make_v thy_o enemy_n thy_o footstool_n luke_n 24.44_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n concern_v i_o the_o hebrew_n title_n of_o this_o book_n be_v sepher_n tehillim_n a_o book_n of_o hymn_n because_o it_o chief_o consist_v in_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n and_o this_o title_n seem_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o 145_o psalm_n where_o the_o word_n be_v use_v and_o the_o whole_a psalm_n spend_v itself_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n indeed_o we_o read_v of_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n eph._n 5.19_o col._n 3.16_o but_o what_o the_o difference_n be_v between_o these_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o show_v no_o doubt_n one_o and_o the_o same_o psalm_n may_v admit_v of_o either_o of_o these_o name_n some_o have_v distinguish_v they_o thus_o psalm_n say_v they_o be_v those_o that_o contain_v exhortation_n to_o holiness_n and_o direction_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n hymn_n contain_v praise_n to_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a song_n be_v a_o mixture_n of_o both_o the_o original_a word_n mizmar_n come_v from_o a_o word_n that_o signify_v cut_v off_o superfluous_a thing_n and_o signify_v a_o eomposure_n of_o harmonious_a word_n without_o superfluity_n or_o excess_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o whole_a book_n contain_v several_a subject_n be_v call_v by_o this_o one_o name_n of_o psalm_n even_o by_o christ_n himself_o now_o this_o divine_a ordinance_n or_o holy_a duty_n though_o both_o command_v and_o commend_v and_o practise_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o down_o from_o david_n time_n to_o this_o day_n yet_o be_v deny_v by_o some_o and_o question_v by_o other_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o i_o think_v they_o may_v question_v as_o some_o indeed_o do_v all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o what_o but_o the_o ignorance_n or_o wilful_a pervert_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o denial_n it_o may_v be_v indeed_o they_o have_v never_o perform_v this_o duty_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o so_o never_o receive_v that_o benefit_n and_o refresh_n from_o it_o that_o other_o have_v do_v and_o hence_o they_o judge_v it_o be_v improfitable_a and_o condemn_v the_o ordinance_n for_o their_o own_o fault_n but_o doubtless_o many_o thousand_o of_o believer_n may_v speak_v out_o their_o experience_n and_o tell_v you_o they_o have_v be_v refresh_v by_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n shall_v god_n willing_a be_v further_o show_v you_o and_o that_o it_o be_v both_o profitable_a and_o pleasant_a be_v easy_a to_o prove_v the_o psalm_n be_v a_o rich_a store-house_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o provision_n and_o those_o that_o be_v conversant_a herein_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o here_o be_v instruction_n for_o the_o ignorant_a to_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o guide_v they_o by_o all_o the_o byway_n of_o error_n and_o folly_n here_o be_v incitation_n to_o the_o dull_a and_o sluggish_a to_o rouse_v they_o up_o out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n here_o be_v prayer_n to_o draw_v down_o mercy_n from_o god_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n receive_v what_o shall_v i_o say_v whatsoever_o estate_n a_o christian_n can_v be_v in_o here_o he_o may_v find_v comfort_n or_o company_n or_o both_o here_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n be_v represent_v and_o