and_o thirst_n this_o will_v make_v that_o reproof_n which_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v most_o bitter_a sweet_a and_o pleasant_a for_o the_o person_n that_o be_v full_a despise_v the_o honey_n comb_n but_o to_o the_o hungry_a soul_n every_o bitter_a thing_n be_v sweet_a 27.7_o proposition_n 2._o now_o follow_v the_o second_o proposition_n arise_v from_o this_o verse_n namely_o proposition_n the_o psalmist_n pronounce_v he_o bless_v who_o day_n and_o night_n meditate_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o be_v no_o need_n to_o expound_v many_o word_n for_o some_o be_v clear_a enough_o of_o themselves_o and_o othersome_a have_v before_o be_v sufficient_o explain_v here_o only_o consider_v what_o be_v this_o meditation_n and_o how_o that_o phrase_n day_n and_o night_n express_v the_o continuance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v this_o word_n meditation_n imply_v a_o vehement_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n break_v forth_o into_o action_n the_o best_a interpreter_n even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o explain_v this_o word_n in_o another_o place_n 1.8_o let_v not_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n that_o thou_o may_v observe_v and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o where_o we_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o meditation_n right_o unfold_v consist_v 1._o in_o observation_n that_o include_v diligent_a attend_v mark_v and_o remember_v 2._o in_o practise_v so_o what_o he_o there_o particulary_a commend_n to_o joshua_n he_o enforce_v other_o where_o general_o upon_o all_o deut._n 6._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6â—_n 7._o etc._n etc._n where_o we_o be_v command_v to_o get_v these_o word_n by_o heart_n to_o teach_v they_o other_o continual_o to_o think_v of_o they_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v our_o heart_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 2._o night_n and_o day_n be_v a_o phrase_n of_o speech_n imply_v not_o only_a frequency_n but_o such_o a_o continuance_n as_o though_o it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o intermission_n yet_o be_v without_o negligence_n careful_o and_o cheerful_o perform_v in_o the_o season_n of_o it_o some_o have_v think_v that_o night_n signify_v the_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n day_n the_o time_n of_o our_o prosperity_n and_o gladness_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o darkness_n be_v in_o scripture_n often_o take_v for_o grievance_n and_o trouble_v light_n for_o solace_n and_o comfort_n no_o question_n also_o but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o the_o evil_a day_n and_o in_o all_o our_o rejoice_v to_o meditate_v in_o this_o word_n but_o see_v the_o former_a be_v not_o only_o the_o genuine_a or_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n but_o also_o include_v the_o latter_a by_o night_n and_o day_n must_v here_o be_v understand_v a_o continual_a revolve_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sometime_o in_o hear_v it_o when_o the_o season_n give_v leave_v sometime_o read_v it_o frequent_o recollect_v it_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o without_o intermission_n express_v it_o in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o constant_a practice_n thus_o then_o run_v the_o word_n whosoever_o with_o a_o fervent_a and_o zealous_a heart_n give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v read_v think_v of_o it_o to_o practice_n and_o do_v it_o and_o that_o not_o by_o start_n but_o in_o a_o continual_a course_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n this_o man_n be_v already_o bless_a and_o shall_v at_o length_n attain_v to_o perfect_a happiness_n 33._o proof_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o hear_v i_o watch_v daily_o at_o my_o gate_n and_o attend_v at_o the_o post_n of_o my_o door_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o 28._o he_o that_o look_v in_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n &_o continue_v therein_o 1.25_o not_o be_v a_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o work_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o deed_n the_o ground_n or_o reason_n may_v be_v 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n .2_o in_o god_n order_v it_o and_o work_v with_o it_o first_o therefore_o as_o god_n have_v give_v to_o every_o creature_n a_o certain_a nature_n whereby_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o any_o work_n or_o end_n and_o have_v in_o itself_o a_o power_n to_o work_v unto_o that_o end_n as_o to_o light_a to_o discover_v 16._o and_o present_a thing_n to_o the_o eye_n to_o feed_v to_o produce_v the_o like_a unto_o itself_o so_o have_v he_o make_v this_o word_n to_o be_v his_o ordinance_n 9.23.24_o which_o shall_v work_v powerful_o unto_o salvation_n and_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v that_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n shall_v consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o in_o sanctification_n and_o eternal_a life_n so_o have_v he_o give_v a_o virtue_n to_o this_o his_o immortal_a word_n to_o open_v all_o thing_n unto_o we_o necessary_a for_o this_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o call_v it_o light_n to_o sanctify_v and_o breed_v we_o to_o life_n eternal_a and_o as_o seed_v simple_o consider_v without_o his_o appointment_n can_v have_v no_o force_n to_o produce_v the_o like_a no_o more_o can_v this_o word_n which_o therefore_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v count_v foolishness_n 2._o in_o we_o who_o be_v whole_o dead_a in_o nature_n and_o have_v no_o power_n in_o ourselves_o to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n but_o as_o since_o the_o curse_n the_o earth_n must_v with_o much_o labour_n be_v order_v and_o fit_v before_o it_o can_v be_v fruitful_a so_o since_o our_o curse_a fall_n we_o can_v attain_v this_o fruit_n but_o with_o this_o spiritual_a labour_n and_o tillage_n 3._o in_o god_n work_v in_o his_o own_o institution_n he_o be_v the_o great_a husbandman_n john_n 15._o 1._o he_o that_o give_v the_o increase_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 6._o and_o 15._o 10._o now_o therefore_o as_o no_o instrument_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o work_v to_o its_o end_n but_o must_v be_v use_v apply_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o workman_n so_o here_o unless_o the_o spirit_n use_v this_o hammer_n it_o break_v not_o the_o stone_n in_o our_o heart_n look_v then_o as_o in_o earthly_a tillage_n the_o ground_n must_v be_v first_o plough_v up_o and_o prepare_v the_o labourer_n must_v cast_v in_o good_a seed_n harrow_n weed_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o still_o without_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o that_o almighty_a creator_n and_o governor_n all_o be_v in_o vain_a thus_o god_n have_v make_v the_o law_n to_o be_v as_o a_o coulter_n to_o break_v up_o this_o fallow_a ground_n of_o our_o heart_n send_v in_o his_o minister_n with_o this_o his_o plough_n to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v it_o so_o he_o give_v his_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o life_n cause_v his_o servant_n to_o scatter_v it_o nay_o make_v the_o same_o ordinance_n to_o be_v as_o rain_v and_o heat_n to_o draw_v out_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o it_o into_o our_o practice_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v do_v by_o his_o blessing_n he_o only_o give_v all_o the_o success_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o work_v to_o salvation_n use_v this_o first_o for_o instruction_n instruction_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n lay_v up_o and_o treasure_v in_o the_o scripture_n thence_o bring_v out_o to_o we_o by_o the_o steward_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o preach_v word_n which_o make_v man_n happy_a and_o indeed_o see_v the_o spirit_n do_v there_o not_o only_o set_v out_o one_o but_o the_o only_a way_n to_o a_o bless_a estate_n we_o may_v hence_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o happiness_n nor_o any_o other_o appoint_v and_o effectual_a reveal_v mean_v to_o attain_v it_o but_o this_o hence_o call_v the_o power_n if_o god_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 1._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 1.18_o hence_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n resemble_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o necessary_a cause_n and_o help_n of_o life_n before_o we_o attain_v the_o life_n of_o god_n it_o be_v as_o seed_v to_o beget_v we_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o jam._n 1._o 18._o when_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o it_o be_v food_n milk_n while_o we_o be_v babe_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o strong_a meat_n to_o establish_v we_o heb._n 5.13.14_o when_o we_o attain_v more_o ripeness_n observe_v continual_o that_o when_o the_o lord_n compare_v this_o our_o happiness_n to_o any_o earthly_a thing_n still_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hold_v that_o part_n in_o the_o similitude_n which_o evident_o show_v it_o to_o be_v his_o instrument_n whereby_o he_o begin_v &_o perfect_v this_o work_n in_o we_o 5._o as_o when_o in_o some_o place_n we_o be_v liken_v to_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 29â—_n &_o every_o particular_a christian_n to_o be_v a_o lively_a stone_n 13._o 32._o then_o in_o other_o place_n
some_o so_o gross_o paint_v that_o the_o daub_v be_v melt_v in_o the_o sun_n have_v hang_v by_o drop_n upon_o their_o cheek_n discover_v their_o deformity_n publish_v their_o shame_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o this_o paint_a whore_n of_o rome_n as_o thus_o they_o spew_v out_o their_o gall_n upon_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_a for_o they_o be_v those_o two_o faithful_a witness_n which_o vex_v these_o earthly_a man_n 10._o so_o especial_o have_v that_o pillar_n of_o the_o council_n hold_v in_o constance_n hâ—siuâ—_n disgorge_v his_o spleen_n against_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n in_o particular_a david_n say_v he_o write_v some_o fâ—w_a psalm_n why_o may_v he_o not_o for_o even_o now_o no_o prince_n be_v forbid_v to_o make_v rhythm_n psalm_n or_o verse_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n all_o sort_n of_o we_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a turn_n poet_n thus_o far_o the_o cardinal_n consider_v now_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o beast_n which_o usurp_v the_o horn_n the_o power_n of_o the_o lamb_n 13.11_o but_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o dragon_n reproof_n 1._o first_o those_o be_v here_o to_o be_v rebuke_v who_o from_o this_o gracious_a deal_n of_o god_n continual_o ply_v they_o by_o ceaseless_a teach_n admonish_a and_o exhort_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o indisposition_n and_o backwardness_n nor_o give_v any_o credit_n unto_o this_o truth_n when_o this_o their_o untowardness_n be_v evident_o discover_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v what_o stranger_n man_n be_v at_o home_n like_o some_o idle_a gallant_n who_o wander_v through_o all_o the_o world_n and_o know_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o country_n 17.24_o so_o these_o salomon_n fool_n their_o eye_n walk_v through_o the_o world_n but_o never_o look_v into_o their_o own_o heart_n sure_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o body_n stand_v natural_o outward_a and_o can_v turn_v themselves_o to_o spy_v out_o any_o thing_n within_o so_o the_o mind_n of_o natural_a man_n can_v roll_v themselves_o every_o way_n but_o have_v no_o sight_n inward_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o wicked_a man_n be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o themselves_o and_o mere_a foreigner_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n can_v endure_v to_o be_v alone_o which_o the_o philosopher_n give_v as_o a_o good_a reason_n why_o impious_a man_n hate_v solitariness_n and_o hence_o flow_v that_o vain_a and_o proud_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o ability_n despise_v &_o censure_v other_o discern_v every_o mote_n in_o our_o neighbour_n but_o not_o the_o beam_n in_o our_o own_o eye_n how_o scornful_o do_v the_o pharisee_n hear_v themselves_o tax_v with_o blindness_n 40._o they_o can_v soon_o spy_v the_o apostle_n hand_n unwashed_a but_o never_o dream_v of_o their_o own_o unwashed_a heart_n and_o those_o stink_a inside_n which_o never_o feel_v any_o water_n 2._o 5.33_o how_o soon_o can_v they_o find_v out_o the_o apostle_n not_o so_o frequent_o fast_v as_o themselves_o but_o the_o stew_n in_o their_o own_o eye_n fraught_v with_o adultery_n the_o carrion_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n rot_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o fair_o white_v over_o they_o never_o think_v of_o it_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n can_v perceive_v nothing_o till_o his_o eye_n begin_v to_o be_v open_v but_o then_o soon_o have_v feel_v of_o his_o imperfection_n in_o sight_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n he_o see_v be_v his_o want_n of_o perfect_a sense_n discern_v man_n as_o tree_n so_o while_o we_o lie_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n we_o discover_v no_o weakness_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o light_n of_o god_n spirit_n enter_v into_o the_o heart_n we_o present_o find_v out_o a_o world_n of_o wickedness_n what_o man_n be_v able_a till_o god_n set_v in_o his_o hand_n to_o make_v the_o ignorant_a man_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o ignorance_n as_o the_o natural_a so_o the_o spiritual_a fool_n the_o great_a idiot_n he_o be_v the_o better_a he_o conceit_n of_o himself_o as_o wise_a than_o seven_o man_n that_o can_v render_v a_o reason_n 26.16_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o wit_n as_o to_o know_v they_o have_v none_o who_o can_v persuade_v the_o natural_a man_n 406._o that_o his_o heart_n be_v a_o adamant_n that_o his_o ear_n be_v im-passable_a and_o must_v be_v bore_v see_v the_o conceit_n of_o man_n deut._n 5._o 27._o 29.4_o do_v but_o you_o say_v they_o to_o moses_n hear_v god_n and_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v and_o do_v it_o this_o they_o ignorant_o and_o arrogant_o speak_v of_o themselves_o when_o yet_o god_n have_v not_o give_v they_o heart_n to_o perceive_v eye_n to_o see_v ear_n to_o hear_v unto_o that_o day_n thus_o be_v it_o at_o this_o day_n with_o those_o who_o eye_n ear_n and_o heart_n god_n have_v not_o open_v they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v perceive_v their_o own_o want_n and_o so_o think_v and_o speak_v proud_o of_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v good_a heart_n to_o god_n that_o they_o have_v good_a intent_n strong_a faith_n love_n to_o god_n with_o all_o their_o soul_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o god_n shed_v his_o light_n into_o their_o soul_n what_o a_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n hardness_n of_o heart_n what_o coldness_n what_o deadness_n what_o unbelief_n what_o a_o world_n of_o factious_a flesh_n rebel_a against_o the_o spirit_n do_v they_o perceive_v in_o themselves_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o spiritual_a pride_n root_v in_o ignorance_n for_o as_o the_o corn_n must_v grow_v downward_o before_o it_o can_v shoot_v upward_o so_o must_v thou_o fall_v in_o thyself_o before_o thou_o can_v rise_v in_o christ_n die_v to_o thyself_o before_o thou_o can_v live_v to_o he_o 18._o learn_v first_o to_o be_v a_o fool_n before_o thou_o can_v be_v wise_a here_o likewise_o be_v fit_a occasion_n to_o reprove_v that_o heedless_a disposition_n never_o consider_v that_o god_n speak_v in_o his_o word_n whither_o we_o hear_v or_o readâ—_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o know_v both_o our_o carelessness_n in_o hear_v and_o danger_n of_o this_o negligence_n he_o will_v not_o needless_o have_v warn_v we_o 18._o take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v and_o so_o frequent_o have_v waken_v our_o attention_n cry_v out_o 8.8_o he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v some_o out_o of_o weakness_n together_o with_o satan_n lie_v in_o wait_n and_o want_v of_o right_a preparation_n soon_o forget_v what_o they_o be_v do_v never_o imagine_v that_o the_o work_n of_o their_o salvation_n be_v in_o hand_n and_o that_o christ_n himself_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o messenger_n be_v treat_v with_o they_o when_o we_o read_v the_o word_n too_o seldom_o do_v we_o observe_v who_o hold_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o thus_o the_o devil_n steal_v away_o our_o life_n from_o we_o certain_o most_o hearer_n be_v as_o the_o high_a way_n their_o heart_n and_o ear_n so_o traverse_v and_o trample_v by_o vain_a thought_n and_o worldly_a care_n go_v and_o come_v and_o continual_o pass_v to_o and_o fro_o that_o they_o hear_v little_a observe_v less_o profit_v nothing_o why_o do_v not_o we_o spy_v out_o our_o dissolute_a behaviour_n and_o judge_v ourselves_o before_o god_n 5.12_o nay_o how_o many_o be_v there_o which_o deny_v the_o lord_n and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o he_o the_o obstinate_a resolution_n of_o many_o to_o continue_v in_o sin_n so_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o deny_v their_o ow_v knowledge_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o dare_v not_o nor_o can_v gainsay_v see_v those_o israelite_n they_o know_v jeremy_n a_o true_a prophet_n for_o they_o have_v a_o dear-bought_a experience_n of_o god_n speak_v by_o he_o therefore_o they_o come_v to_o inquire_v of_o he_o 2._o and_o solemn_o swear_v to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o god_n give_v by_o he_o yet_o when_o he_o cross_v they_o in_o their_o particular_a and_o purpose_a design_n they_o give_v he_o nay_o indeed_o their_o own_o conscience_n witness_v for_o he_o the_o lie_n thou_o speak_v slals_o thus_o when_o the_o covetous_a hear_v the_o thunder_n of_o the_o word_n against_o riotour_n or_o the_o riotour_n against_o the_o niggard_n they_o can_v yield_v some_o honour_n to_o it_o and_o at_o least_o in_o word_n acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n but_o when_o the_o reproof_n be_v bring_v home_o to_o their_o own_o door_n and_o lay_v to_o their_o heart_n then_o present_o we_o shall_v hear_v the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o wind_n the_o word_n be_v not_o in_o they_o thus_o shall_v it_o be_v to_o they_o 5.13_o if_o we_o can_v but_o open_v our_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o careless_a behaviour_n sure_o it_o will_v provoke_v we_o to_o more_o diligence_n the_o danger_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n or_o the_o creature_n the_o crow_n be_v not_o so_o busy_a in_o thy_o seedtime_n as_o
receive_v christ_n come_v to_o thou_o believe_v only_o and_o thou_o shall_v live_v exhortation_n take_v heed_n now_o to_o thy_o foot_n and_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o way_n of_o scorner_n be_v no_o more_o a_o mocker_n lest_o thy_o bond_n increase_v thou_o can_v not_o but_o see_v every_o where_o profane_a man_n the_o plague_n of_o these_o last_o time_n make_v a_o jest_n of_o religion_n 28.52_o despise_v god_n in_o his_o work_n in_o his_o word_n in_o his_o saint_n set_v not_o in_o with_o they_o but_o fly_v from_o they_o as_o from_o the_o pestilence_n and_o for_o a_o motive_n to_o stop_v thou_o from_o this_o course_n consider_v theiâ—_n step_n how_o many_o foot_n have_v go_v that_o way_n how_o few_o return_v thou_o shall_v find_v they_o perish_v by_o score_n two_o king_n 2._o 24._o but_o hardly_o one_o or_o two_o single_a soul_n retire_v safe_o from_o this_o last_o step_n of_o sin_n but_o especial_o awaken_v thy_o soul_n from_o this_o sin_n with_o assurance_n of_o like_a measure_n from_o god_n o_o serious_o think_v with_o thyself_o will_v not_o the_o day_n come_v be_v it_o not_o run_v post_n towards_o i_o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o near_o when_o i_o shall_v fiâ—de_v no_o comfort_n but_o only_o in_o peace_n with_o god_n my_o pleasure_n my_o wealth_n will_v forsake_v i_o my_o friend_n will_v weep_v for_o i_o my_o body_n full_a of_o deadly_a grief_n my_o soul_n pinch_v with_o thousand_o pang_n of_o conscience_n the_o bell_n summon_v i_o the_o grave_n gape_v for_o i_o my_o accuser_n one_o without_o another_o within_o i_o and_o the_o judge_n who_o can_v be_v bribe_v much_o less_o any_o long_o mock_v â—eady_o to_o arraine_a i_o oh_o then_o how_o welcome_a to_o i_o will_v be_v the_o least_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v lend_v i_o a_o merciful_a ear_n to_o hear_v i_o if_o he_o shall_v then_o deride_v my_o petition_n scorn_v my_o supplication_n and_o laugh_v at_o my_o misery_n what_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o a_o fearful_a instant_a damnation_n how_o soon_o will_v those_o foul_a spirit_n plunge_v my_o desolate_a soul_n into_o that_o eternal_a torment_n that_o lake_n of_o fire_n &_o brimstone_n shall_v i_o then_o willing_o pluck_v this_o infinite_a misery_n upon_o my_o head_n have_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o can_v lie_v assure_v i_o and_o will_v not_o my_o reason_n confirm_v it_o that_o he_o scorn_v the_o scorner_n how_o shall_v i_o look_v upon_o his_o face_n when_o he_o must_v be_v my_o judge_n who_o i_o scorn_v to_o be_v my_o friend_n how_o shall_v i_o stand_v before_o his_o wrath_n who_o grace_n i_o deride_v o_o therefore_o my_o soul_n prevent_v this_o mischief_n betimes_o accept_v of_o grace_n while_o he_o offer_v it_o seek_v search_v sue_v for_o it_o now_o that_o thou_o may_v then_o assure_o find_v it_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v it_o which_o be_v send_v to_o meet_v thou_o take_v hold_v of_o it_o and_o leave_v it_o not_o which_o will_v hold_v up_o thy_o head_n at_o that_o day_n &_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o till_o thou_o be_v seat_v in_o eternal_a happiness_n psalm_n i._o ver._n 2._o but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n the_o prophet_n have_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n lay_v down_o the_o way_n which_o must_v be_v decline_v by_o all_o those_o which_o will_v come_v to_o happiness_n in_o this_o propound_v positive_o the_o path_n which_o without_o fail_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o it_o if_o we_o follow_v it_o to_o the_o end_n in_o this_o way_n he_o set_v out_o two_o period_n 1._o delight_v in_o god_n law_n 2._o meditate_a in_o it_o day_n &_o night_n from_o which_o issue_n two_o point_n of_o doctrine_n proposition_n 1._o the_o prophet_n affirm_v he_o bless_v who_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o psalmist_n pronounce_v he_o bless_v who_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o former_a these_o particular_n must_v be_v openedâ—_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o what_o this_o delight_n in_o the_o law_n the_o law_n be_v sometime_o strict_o take_v for_o the_o first_o scripture_n the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o then_o ordinary_o distinguish_v either_o from_o the_o writer_n and_o call_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n 44._o or_o by_o add_v the_o other_o opposite_a member_n the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n sometime_o it_o be_v more_o large_o extend_v as_o comprehend_v all_o the_o prophetical_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o be_v manifest_a john_n 10._o 34._o where_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n be_v make_v part_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o word_n here_o use_v proper_o signify_v doctrine_n yet_o be_v general_o and_o right_o translate_v law_n because_o whatsoever_o god_n will_v have_v we_o know_v concern_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v there_o by_o himself_o teach_v reveal_v and_o promulgate_v deut._n 29.29_o so_o that_o he_o appoint_v it_o the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o life_n luke_n 16._o 29_o 30_o 31._o 2._o because_o all_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o word_n be_v so_o many_o sanction_n of_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o all_o obedience_n and_o perfect_a subjection_n again_o his_o delight_n be_v by_o some_o translate_v his_o will_n the_o word_n signify_v that_o action_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o willing_o pleas_o and_o with_o love_n the_o heart_n cleave_v to_o any_o thing_n so_o use_v gen._n 34._o 19_o this_o then_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n whosoever_o love_v the_o law_n or_o word_n of_o god_n cleave_v to_o it_o takes_z pleasure_n in_o that_o which_o god_n there_o command_v he_o be_v enter_v already_o into_o a_o bless_a estate_n this_o as_o it_o be_v here_o plain_o testify_v so_o also_o the_o apostle_n add_v his_o suffrage_n unto_o it_o evident_o affirm_v that_o as_o his_o misery_n consist_v in_o be_v vex_v with_o the_o body_n of_o death_n resist_v the_o law_n of_o god_n 22._o so_o his_o happiness_n in_o delight_v in_o that_o law_n concern_v the_o inward_a man_n the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o this_o testimony_n in_o david_n be_v 1._o his_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 93._o whence_o he_o have_v take_v forth_o this_o lesson_v deut._n 28._o 2._o his_o experience_n have_v feel_v by_o this_o delight_n a_o unspeakable_a happiness_n be_v hold_v up_o in_o his_o deep_a affliction_n and_o quicken_v from_o his_o deadness_n by_o this_o word_n hence_o gather_v these_o lesson_n instruction_n the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v profitable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v he_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o if_o he_o be_v bless_v 7â—_n who_o with_o delight_n entertain_v it_o 17._o necessary_o it_o must_v contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a or_o profitable_a to_o that_o end_n thus_o elsewhere_o he_o pronounce_v it_o perfect_a and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v they_o able_a to_o make_v wise_a to_o salvation_n &_o profitable_a to_o instruct_v etc._n etc._n so_o far_o that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o when_o god_n by_o moses_n have_v write_v this_o law_n and_o deliver_v it_o to_o the_o people_n he_o strait_o charge_v thâ—m_n to_o add_v nothing_o to_o it_o nor_o take_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o 4.2_o and_o again_o double_v this_o precept_n deut._n 12._o 32._o and_o without_o all_o question_n howsoever_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n to_o expound_v and_o open_v the_o law_n and_o far_a to_o press_v and_o enforce_v it_o yet_o do_v never_o any_o prophet_n add_v any_o new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o former_a word_n they_o add_v to_o clear_v and_o unfold_v it_o but_o no_o new_a matter_n or_o precept_n to_o the_o duty_n command_v thus_o after_o do_v the_o apostle_n 26â—22_n as_o witness_v that_o choose_a vessel_n they_o say_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o those_o which_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v say_v shall_v come_v certain_o as_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o bodily_a light_n the_o lord_n make_v &_o spread_v over_o the_o world_n a_o general_a brightness_n which_o after_o he_o gather_v into_o one_o body_n the_o sun_n and_o make_v it_o as_o a_o fountain_n from_o who_o beam_n not_o only_o other_o creature_n but_o the_o heavenly_a light_n themselves_o shall_v borrow_v all_o their_o splendour_n even_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n so_o have_v in_o this_o little_a world_n of_o man_n create_v a_o spiritual_a light_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n in_o his_o understanding_n diffuse_v and_o spread_v it_o over_o mankind_n and_o for_o some_o age_n of_o the_o world_n derive_v both_o by_o tradition_n as_o
the_o spirit_n resemble_v the_o word_n to_o a_o hammer_n that_o break_v the_o stone_n 13._o and_o doctrine_n to_o mortar_n which_o hold_v we_o in_o this_o build_n 10â—_o so_o be_v it_o that_o mean_v whereby_o god_n build_v further_a when_o our_o happiness_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o harvest_n than_o the_o word_n be_v call_v seed_n 3â—6_n the_o prâ—achers_n of_o it_o sower_n the_o word_n likewise_o be_v rain_n thâ—_n preacher_n those_o that_o water_n 20.32_o when_o the_o bless_a estate_n of_o man_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o inheritance_n the_o word_n be_v not_o only_o make_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v son_n but_o be_v say_v to_o give_v we_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n very_o frequent_a be_v these_o similitude_n in_o the_o scripture_n look_v therefore_o as_o in_o all_o creature_n god_n have_v ordain_v the_o fruit_n and_o therefore_o appoint_v the_o mean_n which_o be_v bless_v by_o he_o bring_v forth_o their_o â—ffâ—cts_n so_o in_o this_o kind_n who_o god_n have_v ordain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n to_o they_o he_o send_v his_o word_n bless_v it_o and_o so_o produce_v the_o effect_n purpose_v by_o himself_o as_o when_o he_o create_v the_o first_o adam_n he_o create_v no_o more_o though_o he_o be_v almighty_a to_o have_v of_o nothing_o frame_v many_o million_o but_o appoint_v all_o other_o man_n yea_o even_a eve_n her_o self_n to_o flow_v from_o his_o loin_n so_o when_o he_o give_v our_o lord_n to_o be_v the_o second_o adam_n he_o decree_v that_o all_o his_o elect_n shall_v flow_v from_o he_o &_o sâ—t_o out_o this_o immortal_a seed_n to_o this_o end_n &_o though_o he_o be_v able_a of_o stone_n to_o raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n yet_o do_v he_o use_v no_o other_o mean_n then_o this_o appoint_v by_o his_o own_o wisdom_n either_o to_o give_v this_o life_n or_o to_o nourish_v it_o 2._o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o guide_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o happiness_n we_o learn_v also_o hence_o one_o of_o the_o most_o principal_a duty_n of_o man_n namely_o to_o hear_v read_v record_n and_o converse_v with_o it_o employ_v his_o time_n in_o it_o be_v thou_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n then_o have_v thou_o this_o precept_n from_o god_n 16_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v take_v heed_n unto_o learning_n &_o continue_v therein_o be_v thou_o a_o hearer_n thou_o must_v be_v swift_a to_o hear_v 19_o it_o in_o authority_n than_o god_n charge_n lie_v upon_o thou_o 19_o he_o shall_v write_v he_o this_o law_n repeat_v in_o a_o book_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v 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 8._o the_o like_a command_n be_v give_v to_o joshua_n whatsoever_o thou_o be_v hearken_v to_o that_o general_a commandment_n 6.7_o all_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v rehearse_v they_o continual_o 4.20.21_o my_o son_n hearken_v unto_o my_o word_n incline_v thy_o ear_n unto_o my_o say_n let_v they_o not_o depart_v from_o thy_o eye_n but_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thy_o heart_n 3.16_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n answer_v this_o precept_n 119.97_o thus_o david_n he_o love_v the_o law_n this_o constant_a love_n bring_v forth_o continual_a meditation_n so_o jeremie_n and_o job_n jer._n 15._o 16._o job_n 23._o 12._o and_o even_o our_o reason_n itself_o if_o we_o harken_v to_o it_o will_v strong_o enforce_v this_o duty_n upon_o we_o our_o own_o sense_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o a_o excellent_a object_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v the_o write_n of_o mâ—n_z skilful_a witty_a and_o learned_a whereby_o with_o little_a pain_n we_o come_v to_o know_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o study_n and_o reap_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n what_o they_o have_v labour_v many_o year_n now_o if_o the_o write_n of_o prudent_a and_o understand_a man_n in_o which_o all_o their_o wisdom_n and_o their_o very_a soul_n be_v open_v and_o discover_v to_o we_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a object_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n eye_n then_o certain_o the_o most_o excel_a object_n of_o a_o christian_a eye_n be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o unlock_v and_o bring_v forth_o unto_o our_o view_n the_o glorious_a wisdom_n of_o our_o god_n thy_o reason_n therefore_o will_v frame_v this_o argument_n every_o creature_n ought_v principal_o to_o employ_v itself_o in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a object_n of_o it_o but_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a object_n of_o the_o eye_n therefore_o the_o eye_n must_v especial_o busy_a and_o employ_v itself_o in_o converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n so_o likewise_o the_o most_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o ear_n be_v sound_a the_o most_o excellent_a object_n of_o the_o ear_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o man_n and_o word_n express_v their_o notion_n but_o that_o which_o infinite_o excel_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o voice_n unfolding_a his_o gracious_a purpose_n towards_o we_o and_o therefore_o above_o all_o other_o to_o be_v most_o attend_v &_o follow_v the_o most_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v truth_n the_o most_o excellent_a than_o must_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n certain_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o happiness_n consist_v in_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o behold_v he_o as_o he_o be_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o image_n be_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n most_o to_o be_v desire_v when_o therefore_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o know_v he_o as_o we_o be_v know_v then_o shall_v we_o in_o our_o measure_n be_v perfect_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o his_o glory_n see_v 1_o john_n 3._o 2._o thus_o when_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 30._o though_o he_o can_v not_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n which_o no_o man_n live_v on_o earth_n can_v do_v but_o the_o back_n part_v alone_o that_o be_v discern_v so_o much_o only_o of_o his_o glory_n as_o our_o imperfect_a nature_n can_v receive_v as_o when_o we_o see_v the_o back_n of_o a_o man_n our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o imperfect_a yet_o his_o face_n shine_v so_o glorious_o that_o the_o people_n yea_o his_o own_o brother_n aaron_n fear_v to_o come_v near_o he_o our_o imperfect_a happiness_n then_o to_o which_o we_o may_v attain_v on_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v imperfect_o conform_v to_o his_o likeness_n in_o some_o degree_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o behold_v he_o in_o his_o word_n for_o now_o in_o the_o preach_v word_n of_o god_n we_o see_v he_o not_o indeed_o face_n to_o face_n yet_o not_o as_o the_o jew_n veil_v but_o with_o open_a face_n and_o so_o by_o look_v into_o that_o perfect_a mirror_n wherein_o he_o shine_v forth_o unto_o we_o in_o his_o grace_n 3.18_o we_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n look_v as_o the_o eye_n receive_v into_o itself_o the_o object_n or_o thing_n it_o see_v so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o eye_n so_o the_o understanding_n be_v as_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v all_o to_o all_o take_v into_o itself_o the_o image_n of_o god_n express_v in_o his_o word_n be_v more_o &_o more_o conform_v unto_o it_o a_o seal_n join_v to_o wax_n bring_v forth_o the_o same_o impressure_n when_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n have_v grave_v this_o image_n of_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n thâ—n_o apply_v it_o effectual_o to_o the_o understanding_n it_o can_v but_o produce_v the_o same_o image_n and_o stamp_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v diligent_o consider_v and_o compare_v those_o place_n iâ—r_n 9.23.24_o and_o rom._n 10._o 14._o we_o will_v soon_o confess_v 1._o that_o all_o our_o good_a consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o 2._o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n depend_v on_o his_o word_n and_o then_o necessary_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o main_a duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o continual_o to_o meditate_v in_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v also_o a_o second_o duty_n belong_v to_o every_o christian_a to_o bring_v forth_o this_o word_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v up_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v this_o be_v especial_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n 10._o let_v every_o man_n as_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n 15_o minister_v the_o same_o one_o to_o another_o 28._o if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o ministry_n than_o have_v thou_o a_o strict_a charge_n from_o god_n 2._o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n 1.2_o and_o to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n if_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o
and_o will_v certain_o set_v our_o tooth_n on_o edge_n use_v for_o motive_n to_o stir_v up_o thy_o heart_n and_o to_o plant_v it_o with_o this_o good_a fruit_n 1._o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o desire_v thing_n excellent_a 2._o consider_v that_o they_o be_v more_o easy_o obtain_v then_o the_o other_o conscionable_o use_v the_o mean_n 1._o the_o word_n 2._o prayer_n be_v thou_o swift_a to_o hear_v pray_v continual_o 19_o and_o thou_o shall_v sure_o find_v thy_o soul_n to_o prosper_v 5.17_o and_o to_o be_v as_o a_o water_a garden_n full_a of_o that_o fruit_n which_o cheer_v god_n and_o man_n proposition_n 3._o and_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v in_o these_o word_n the_o psalmist_n propound_v the_o most_o general_a part_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o god_n without_o fail_n bestow_v on_o those_o who_o meditate_v with_o delight_n in_o his_o word_n namely_o prosperity_n amplify_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v hence_o arise_v the_o three_o proposition_n proposition_n whosoever_o with_o delight_n meditate_v in_o god_n word_n whatsoever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v now_o there_o be_v no_o word_n which_o need_v explication_n but_o this_o of_o prosperity_n and_o prosperity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o success_n in_o our_o end_n which_o we_o desire_v and_o by_o hope_n expect_v when_o therefore_o we_o purpose_v any_o action_n to_o some_o good_a end_n and_o we_o see_v our_o affair_n sort_n to_o that_o end_n or_o better_a than_o we_o hope_v than_o this_o action_n be_v say_v to_o prosper_v but_o observe_v that_o in_o prosperity_n either_o in_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o man_n or_o in_o any_o one_o particular_a action_n be_v require_v not_o only_o the_o attain_n some_o one_o the_o immediate_a or_o middle_a end_n unless_o we_o reach_v to_o the_o principal_a and_o supreme_a as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o man_n sow_n much_o that_o he_o may_v reap_v and_o enjoy_v abundance_n of_o fruit_n he_o desire_v abundance_n that_o he_o may_v rest_v and_o be_v merry_a if_o now_o he_o attain_v his_o hope_n in_o receive_v plenty_n and_o obtain_v not_o this_o rest_n and_o joy_n he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o prosper_v in_o this_o action_n thus_o that_o rich_a man_n superfluity_n prosper_v not_o with_o he_o luke_n 12._o 19.20_o the_o israeliâ—â—_n long_n satisfy_v abudant_o yet_o can_v be_v say_v to_o prosper_v with_o they_o numb_a 11._o but_o if_o we_o miss_v of_o the_o immediate_a and_o attain_v the_o supreme_a end_n our_o action_n prosper_v for_o he_o that_o fail_v of_o plenty_n but_o be_v fill_v with_o rest_n and_o joy_n prosper_v in_o his_o purpose_n prosperity_n therefore_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o absolute_o in_o the_o general_a and_o whole_a estate_n of_o man_n or_o in_o particular_a when_o we_o enjoy_v our_o hope_n in_o some_o or_o many_o end_n which_o we_o desire_v and_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o the_o sense_n then_o of_o this_o proposition_n be_v whosoever_o delight_n and_o meditate_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o set_v his_o hand_n unto_o shall_v sure_o have_v success_n in_o work_v for_o he_o that_o which_o he_o desire_v and_o hope_v at_o least_o in_o the_o main_a and_o general_a if_o not_o in_o the_o less_o and_o particular_a end_n proof_n for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o point_n read_v josh._n 1._o 8._o let_v not_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n that_o thou_o may_v observe_v and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o then_o shall_v thou_o make_v thy_o way_n prosperous_a and_o then_o shall_v thou_o have_v good_a success_n and_o 1_o king_n 2._o 3._o take_v heed_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o keep_v his_o statute_n and_o commandment_n that_o thou_o may_v prosper_v in_o all_o that_o thou_o do_v and_o in_o every_o thing_n whereunto_o thou_o turn_v thou_o ground_n the_o reason_n or_o cause_n of_o this_o success_n may_v be_v either_o in_o the_o word_n or_o in_o god_n in_o the_o word_n because_o it_o point_v out_o and_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o way_n and_o only_a mean_n of_o good_a and_o be_v that_o guide_n which_o will_v direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o if_o we_o follow_v it_o to_o the_o end_n instruction_n 2._o in_o god_n 1._o his_o grace_n and_o truth_n whereby_o he_o purpose_v promise_a and_o will_v perform_v it_o to_o give_v assistance_n and_o show_v all_o favour_n unto_o such_o 2._o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n rule_v and_o overrule_a all_o creature_n and_o subdue_a all_o thing_n to_o himself_o be_v able_a nay_o continual_o use_v to_o bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n oh_o that_o man_n will_v learn_v from_o hence_o this_o certain_a truth_n that_o wheresoever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v right_o entertain_v peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o necessary_a attendant_n sure_o follow_v it_o whether_o into_o any_o house_n or_o country_n read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o you_o shall_v ever_o find_v that_o as_o long_o as_o religion_n be_v in_o truth_n maintain_v among_o any_o people_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n set_v at_o liberty_n so_o long_o that_o nation_n prosper_v thus_o when_o hezekiah_n vzziah_n and_o divers_a other_o king_n be_v careful_a to_o restore_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o faithsull_n minister_n of_o god_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o their_o function_n they_o prosper_v wonderful_o see_v 2_o chron._n 26._o 5._o and_o 30._o and_o 31._o chapter_n especial_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o 31._o chap_n in_o all_o his_o work_n etc._n etc._n he_o do_v it_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o prosper_v see_v also_o hag._n 2._o 19_o 20._o and_o indeed_o that_o whole_a prophecy_n be_v altogether_o aim_v to_o that_o end_n namely_o that_o the_o people_n may_v see_v their_o error_n in_o neglect_v god_n house_n and_o build_v their_o own_o for_o all_o that_o time_n they_o prosper_v not_o but_o after_o when_o be_v admonish_v they_o set_v themselves_o cheerful_o to_o build_v the_o temple_n the_o lord_n turn_v his_o hand_n and_o make_v they_o prosper_v the_o whole_a chap_n deut._n 28._o be_v spend_v in_o this_o subject_n but_o what_o need_v we_o travail_v to_o foreign_a nation_n for_o witness_n to_o this_o truth_n when_o our_o own_o land_n even_o in_o our_o time_n be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o it_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o unspeakable_a misery_n of_o this_o land_n since_o that_o time_n wherein_o popish_a ignorance_n begin_v to_o creep_v upon_o it_o by_o pict_n dane_n norman_n and_o our_o own_o civil_a arm_n observe_v but_o the_o reign_n of_o two_o sister_n the_o elder_a be_v a_o papist_n marry_v a_o popish_a but_o a_o potent_a prince_n overthrow_v the_o gospel_n persecute_v the_o saint_n and_o burn_v many_o she_o reign_v a_o short_a time_n live_v inglorious_o die_v in_o great_a discontent_n lose_v her_o territory_n extreme_o impoverish_v the_o land_n so_o that_o her_o successor_n find_v neither_o armour_n navy_n nor_o any_o defence_n for_o the_o kingdom_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o treasure_n to_o supply_v so_o many_o want_n her_o young_a sister_n succeed_v seem_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o prey_n to_o any_o neighbour_n prince_n who_o will_v first_o invade_v she_o but_o no_o soon_o do_v she_o which_o present_o she_o do_v set_v herself_o and_o employ_v her_o sceptre_n to_o promote_v the_o gospel_n and_o root_v out_o popery_n but_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v pour_v upon_o she_o and_o though_o she_o be_v all_o alone_a without_o any_o associate_n yet_o god_n make_v she_o a_o great_a helper_n to_o all_o her_o neighbour_n and_o terror_n to_o her_o enemy_n insomuch_o that_o the_o most_o potent_a monarch_n of_o christendom_n be_v utter_o foil_v by_o she_o and_o bring_v into_o great_a straits_n and_o difficulty_n and_o so_o palbable_a even_o to_o the_o enemy_n be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n that_o the_o proud_a spaniard_n can_v not_o refrain_v from_o upbraid_v christ_n that_o he_o be_v turn_v lutheran_n the_o same_o be_v god_n deal_v in_o private_a with_o any_o house_n or_o person_n for_o god_n be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n who_o when_o he_o send_v his_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n command_v they_o to_o impart_v peace_n to_o any_o city_n or_o house_n into_o which_o they_o enter_v and_o assure_v we_o that_o where_o they_o be_v reject_v it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o sodom_n and_o gomorra_n but_o the_o contrary_n shall_v follow_v on_o the_o contrary_a entertainment_n luke_n 10._o when_o the_o way_n of_o a_o man_n please_v the_o lord_n he_o will_v make_v all_o his_o enemy_n at_o peace_n with_o he_o 16.7_o 14.27_o but_o do_v not_o
justice_n when_o he_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o poor_a he_o prosper_v be_v not_o this_o because_o he_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n settle_v this_o then_o in_o thy_o heart_n the_o lord_n promise_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v it_o good_a exhortation_n 5._o let_v we_o then_o be_v exhort_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o joshua_n 1.8_o let_v not_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n that_o thou_o may_v observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o or_o of_o this_o die_a prophet_n to_o his_o successor_n and_o son_n solomon_n 3_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o keep_v his_o testimony_n and_o commandment_n as_o it_o be_v write_v etc._n etc._n say_v unto_o the_o lord_n oh_o my_o saviour_n have_v thou_o make_v thy_o yoke_n so_o easy_a and_o thy_o commandment_n so_o far_o from_o grievous_a and_o shall_v not_o i_o take_v it_o joyful_o upon_o i_o have_v thou_o promise_v prosperity_n and_o happiness_n to_o all_o that_o bear_v it_o and_o shall_v i_o refuse_v it_o say_v unto_o thy_o soul_n ask_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o saint_n and_o with_o one_o voice_n thou_o shall_v hear_v they_o testify_v thy_o word_n be_v more_o sweet_a than_o honey_n more_o precious_a than_o all_o riches_n more_o necessary_a than_o our_o daily_a food_n the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o their_o heart_n a_o rich_a portion_n help_v thou_o to_o that_o most_o rich_a inheritance_n of_o glory_n a_o joyful_a guide_n lead_v to_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a and_o shall_v not_o i_o cleave_v unto_o it_o that_o i_o may_v prosper_v let_v great_a man_n seek_v wealth_n by_o oppression_n the_o mean_a by_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n flatterer_n by_o fawn_a epicure_n by_o surfeit_v in_o riot_n and_o pleasure_n but_o oh_o my_o god_n i_o will_v follow_v thy_o way_n in_o thy_o word_n look_v my_o soul_n look_v unto_o that_o guide_n and_o depart_v not_o from_o his_o direction_n and_o it_o will_v cause_v thou_o to_o prosper_v and_o conduct_v thou_o to_o that_o eternal_a rest_n and_o peace_n the_o end_n of_o all_o thy_o end_n and_o the_o only_a true_a prosperity_n psalm_n i._o verse_n iiij_o the_o ungodly_a be_v not_o so_o but_o as_o the_o chaff_n which_o the_o wind_n drive_v away_o true_a be_v it_o that_o one_o contrary_n will_v not_o a_o little_a illustrate_v another_o in_o colour_n when_o black_a and_o white_a in_o our_o estate_n when_o misery_n and_o felicity_n be_v compare_v together_o their_o proper_a nature_n will_v more_o evident_o appear_v to_o any_o who_o will_v heedful_o observe_v it_o therefore_o when_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n the_o spirit_n have_v set_v out_o the_o godly_a both_o in_o their_o course_n and_o success_n in_o these_o verse_n he_o describe_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o so_o both_o their_o estate_n may_v more_o clear_o be_v discern_v by_o those_o who_o will_v with_o any_o diligent_a eye_n consider_v it_o aim_v both_o to_o this_o end_n that_o as_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o one_o may_v allure_v and_o win_v we_o to_o the_o same_o practice_n so_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o may_v affright_v and_o drive_v we_o from_o the_o evil_a way_n this_o misery_n of_o ungodly_a man_n be_v lively_o portray_v and_o set_v out_o to_o the_o eye_n from_o the_o contrary_a and_o 1._o by_o negation_n of_o all_o that_o blessedness_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n in_o which_o the_o godly_a be_v instate_v by_o the_o lord_n even_o in_o this_o present_a life_n 2._o by_o a_o contrary_a curse_n and_o that_o curse_v express_v 1._o by_o a_o comparison_n of_o chaff_n 2._o by_o the_o consequent_a and_o conclusion_n of_o all_o wicked_a course_n in_o the_o 5._o verse_n the_o negative_a argument_n propound_v the_o contrary_a estate_n of_o wicked_a person_n include_v all_o these_o proposition_n 1._o the_o spirit_n and_o prophet_n affirm_v that_o a_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n be_v not_o bless_v 2._o the_o same_o spirit_n conclude_v that_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o a_o plant_v and_o water_v tree_n 3._o the_o prophet_n testify_v that_o ungodly_a person_n be_v not_o as_o a_o fruitful_a tree_n ever_o flourish_v 4._o the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n assure_v we_o that_o a_o ungodly_a man_n shall_v not_o prosper_v in_o all_o his_o way_n the_o first_o than_o be_v this_o proposition_n the_o spirit_n and_o prophet_n affirm_v that_o a_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n be_v not_o bless_v the_o word_n have_v before_o be_v open_v sufficient_o and_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v brief_o this_o whosoever_o delight_v not_o nor_o meditate_v in_o the_o word_n but_o rather_o with_o pleasure_n follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o ungodly_a person_n walk_v in_o their_o disobedience_n and_o scorn_v neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v happy_a in_o this_o estate_n proof_n the_o proof_n be_v evident_a and_o frequent_o confirm_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o wicked_a isaiah_n 48._o 22._o and_o again_o 57_o 21._o and_o the_o curse_n continual_o apply_v to_o they_o in_o scripture_n ground_n the_o ground_n be_v 1._o the_o justice_n of_o god_n who_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a 34._o 7._o the_o lord_n be_v know_v by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v the_o wicked_a be_v snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n psal._n 9_o 16._o 17._o upon_o the_o wicked_a god_n shall_v rain_v snare_n storm_n and_o tempest_n psalm_n 11._o 6._o 2._o the_o very_a nature_n of_o blessedness_n for_o blessedness_n be_v that_o estate_n wherein_o we_o enjoy_v good_a without_o evil_n or_o at_o least_o a_o measure_n of_o good_a outweighing_a evil_n but_o wickedness_n consider_v of_o itself_o without_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o it_o be_v to_o a_o man_n such_o a_o evil_a as_o weigh_v down_o any_o good_a he_o possess_v in_o this_o life_n as_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n in_o which_o he_o be_v create_v and_o to_o his_o end_n unto_o which_o he_o be_v ordain_v instruction_n learn_v here_o 1._o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o any_o one_o or_o all_o outward_a blessing_n nay_o some_o inward_a and_o some_o spiritual_a also_o may_v be_v cast_v in_o to_o a_o wicked_a man_n and_o he_o still_o continue_v most_o wretched_a shall_v riches_n honour_n power_n glory_n pleasure_n be_v all_o heap_v upon_o one_o man_n in_o that_o measure_n his_o own_o heart_n desire_v shall_v wisdom_n courage_n health_n strength_n beauty_n and_o other_o such_o endowment_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v add_v to_o the_o other_o nay_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o some_o illightning_n etc._n etc._n be_v adjoin_v all_o these_o can_v not_o make_v up_o this_o bless_a estate_n nor_o seat_v this_o man_n in_o a_o throne_n of_o happiness_n necessary_o this_o follow_v for_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v belong_v to_o a_o man_n drown_v in_o sin_n and_o hellish_a wickedness_n who_o contemn_v and_o hate_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v bless_v but_o because_o this_o truth_n do_v not_o easy_o sink_v into_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a as_o well_o by_o evident_a testimony_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v it_o as_o by_o reason_n also_o and_o experience_n to_o settle_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n first_o therefore_o god_n testify_v of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a our_o rejoice_v 24._o let_v not_o the_o rich_a man_n rejoice_v in_o his_o riches_n nor_o the_o strong_a man_n in_o his_o strength_n nor_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o his_o wisdom_n but_o let_v he_o that_o rejoice_v rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o he_o under_o stand_v and_o know_v i_o where_o purposely_o the_o lord_n choose_v out_o such_o blessing_n as_o be_v of_o all_o natural_a thing_n most_o excellent_a comprehend_v the_o rest_n by_o riches_n which_o be_v most_o embrace_v by_o earthly_a man_n he_o intend_v all_o the_o good_n of_o estate_n in_o strength_n all_o bodily_a in_o wisdom_n all_o gift_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v include_v yet_o in_o all_o these_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v or_o glory_n but_o only_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n many_o spiritual_a gift_n may_v also_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o former_a as_o some_o knowledge_n some_o kind_n of_o faith_n baptism_n whereby_o we_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n yet_o all_o these_o meeting_n in_o one_o man_n can_v give_v he_o this_o happiness_n simon_n magus_n believe_v be_v baptize_v 13.23_o yet_o still_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o very_a gall_n of_o bitterness_n no_o testimony_n can_v be_v of_o more_o or_o equal_a force_n then_o that_o of_o solomon_n who_o god_n purposely_o call_v out_o from_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o the_o foreman_n of_o all_o the_o jury_n to_o give_v in_o his_o verdict_n
concern_v this_o truth_n he_o be_v the_o wise_a that_o ever_o live_v the_o commander_n and_o sovereign_n of_o a_o great_a kingdom_n wonderful_o rich_a give_v his_o heart_n to_o pleasure_n joy_n and_o all_o outward_a blessing_n 2.3_o till_o he_o may_v find_v out_o that_o good_a of_o man_n now_o after_o he_o have_v pass_v through_o all_o outward_a good_a thing_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o uttermost_a sweetness_n of_o they_o the_o lord_n bring_v he_o forth_o as_o the_o most_o able_a judge_n and_o witness_n and_o by_o his_o mouth_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o leave_v it_o upon_o record_n to_o all_o age_n that_o they_o be_v all_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o commandment_n be_v the_o all_o of_o man_n eccles._n 2._o 17._o and_o 12._o 13._o certain_o if_o any_o outward_a thing_n can_v make_v bless_v then_o as_o that_o woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n bless_v be_v it_o to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o to_o bear_v he_o who_o bear_v up_o all_o thing_n by_o his_o mighty_a word_n to_o nurse_v he_o who_o nourish_v every_o creature_n but_o even_o of_o this_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n affirm_v 11.28_o that_o they_o rather_o be_v bless_v who_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o on_o which_o word_n right_o build_v that_o holy_a father_n augustin_n 3._o marry_o therefore_o be_v more_o bless_v by_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n then_o conceive_v the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n her_o motherly_a nearness_n have_v nothing_o profit_v unless_o shâ—e_v have_v more_o happy_o bear_v christ_n in_o her_o heart_n then_o in_o her_o womb_n and_o again_o 10._o my_o mother_n who_o you_o call_v happy_a be_v therefore_o happy_a because_o she_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o because_o the_o word_n in_o she_o be_v make_v flesh_n now_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o be_v a_o witness_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n so_o even_o reason_n itself_o especial_o as_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o confess_v ground_n of_o the_o word_n will_v further_o convince_v our_o understanding_n and_o enforce_v our_o judgement_n to_o witness_v this_o truth_n for_o first_o whereas_o it_o be_v know_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o because_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o the_o body_n mortal_a there_o must_v be_v a_o double_a life_n of_o man_n one_o present_a while_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v conjoin_v another_o to_o come_v after_o that_o separation_n whereof_o the_o former_a be_v short_a a_o span_n a_o vapour_n appear_v for_o a_o moment_n the_o oâ—her_n last_v and_o everlasting_a and_o again_o that_o both_o of_o these_o have_v certain_a peculiar_a blessing_n annex_v which_o make_v that_o estate_n comfortable_a and_o pleasant_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o fade_a thing_n perish_v in_o the_o use_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n help_v we_o in_o that_o other_o estate_n which_o be_v for_o ever_o and_o howsoever_o they_o may_v be_v some_o poor_a comfort_n and_o refresh_n to_o this_o momentary_a life_n yet_o to_o that_o other_o they_o be_v altogether_o dead_a now_o as_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v account_v that_o man_n rich_a who_o dwell_v in_o a_o fair_a house_n but_o yet_o a_o farm_n have_v much_o cattle_n money_n and_o good_n but_o another_o man_n and_o at_o the_o year_n end_n must_v be_v turn_v out_o naked_a without_o a_o rag_n to_o his_o back_n so_o all_o these_o temporal_a blessing_n can_v make_v we_o happy_a because_o howsoever_o we_o have_v a_o short_a use_n of_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o as_o we_o come_v in_o so_o shall_v we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n naked_a and_o strip_v of_o all_o earthly_a good_n and_o not_o only_o the_o thing_n themselves_o 4â—_n but_o all_o our_o thought_n about_o they_o perish_v utter_o second_o those_o thing_n can_v of_o themselves_o bless_v we_o which_o unless_o they_o be_v bless_v by_o some_o other_o fill_v we_o with_o curse_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o destruction_n but_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o all_o these_o 4.5_o they_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n and_o by_o prayer_n and_o again_o 15._o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o nothing_o pure_a to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieved_a 5.12_o do_v not_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n â—hat_n riches_n turn_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o owner_n see_v also_o prov._n 1_o 19â—_n consider_v it_o exemplify_v in_o that_o wicked_a ahab_n and_o naboths_n vineyard_n 1_o king_n 21._o thus_o also_o honour_n to_o those_o who_o by_o want_n of_o grace_n dishonour_n god_n be_v a_o burden_n which_o press_v they_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o utter_v ruin_n as_o we_o see_v in_o jeroboam_fw-la and_o all_o his_o successor_n so_o we_o find_v that_o strength_n beauty_n health_n work_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o owner_n by_o intemperance_n wantonness_n murder_n oppression_n nay_o even_a wisdom_n it_o seâ—e_v in_o achitophel_n wrought_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o himself_o and_o many_o other_o last_o those_o thing_n can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a which_o neither_o be_v any_o part_n of_o our_o supreme_a good_a nor_o yet_o single_o or_o joint_o of_o themselves_o any_o helper_n to_o advance_v he_o to_o that_o high_a good_a unto_o which_o he_o be_v create_v but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v no_o other_o for_o first_o they_o be_v all_o desire_a for_o some_o far_a end_n and_o no_o man_n do_v or_o can_v rest_v in_o they_o and_o the_o high_a good_a be_v the_o divine_a and_o glorious_a conformity_n to_o god_n which_o be_v not_o help_v forward_o by_o any_o of_o these_o earthly_a riches_n be_v common_o snare_v to_o inveigle_v and_o entice_v we_o from_o he_o but_o of_o themselves_o neither_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o as_o thâ—y_v help_v we_o to_o enjoy_v he_o only_o as_o they_o be_v sanctify_v by_o grace_n and_o overrule_v by_o it_o they_o give_v some_o opportunity_n to_o express_v our_o love_n to_o he_o in_o his_o saint_n 20._o even_o our_o wisdom_n in_o this_o case_n be_v folly_n and_o enmity_n and_o must_v be_v utter_o cast_v out_o 8.7_o and_o we_o become_v fool_n 18._o before_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o this_o estate_n thus_o both_o god_n himself_o and_o our_o reason_n also_o will_v ready_o testify_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n in_o any_o outward_a blessing_n 2._o learn_v we_o here_o what_o be_v the_o most_o and_o only_o accurse_v odious_a thing_n which_o make_v a_o man_n miserable_a there_o be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o can_v bring_v the_o curse_n and_o misery_n upon_o man_n sin_n be_v the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n 10._o and_o curse_a be_v every_o man_n which_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o and_o whereas_o misery_n consist_v in_o the_o deprivation_n of_o good_a thing_n and_o pressure_n of_o evil_a evident_a be_v it_o that_o sin_n of_o itself_o be_v a_o mere_a privation_n of_o all_o true_a good_a belong_v to_o man_n and_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v to_o he_o for_o that_o good_a of_o man_n which_o ennoble_v he_o above_o the_o common_a rank_n of_o ordinary_a creature_n be_v holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o image_n of_o god_n in_o which_o we_o be_v create_v now_o sin_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o holiness_n as_o darkness_n of_o light_n do_v but_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o excellence_n of_o man_n exalt_v he_o above_o other_o creature_n other_o creature_n have_v strength_n and_o continuance_n as_o stone_n some_o have_v life_n as_o tree_n some_o a_o soul_n sense_n and_o motion_n as_o beast_n some_o singular_a understanding_n and_o knowledge_n as_o devil_n yet_o a_o man_n may_v excel_v they_o all_o if_o his_o excellency_n stand_v in_o strength_n and_o durance_n the_o very_a stone_n go_v beyond_o he_o if_o in_o life_n many_o tree_n will_v just_o claim_v priority_n if_o in_o sense_n dog_n eagle_n ape_n yea_o spider_n be_v more_o eminent_a if_o in_o understanding_n he_o be_v inferior_a and_o worse_o than_o those_o curse_a spirit_n the_o worst_a of_o creature_n yet_o the_o faithful_a apparent_o excel_v all_o these_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o but_o holiness_n whereby_o he_o outgo_v other_o creature_n now_o sin_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o this_o holiness_n nay_o not_o only_o a_o mere_a privation_n as_o darkness_n of_o light_n but_o a_o destruction_n as_o ruin_v of_o a_o house_n or_o death_n of_o life_n again_o sin_n itself_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n the_o most_o filthy_a and_o detestable_a evil_n of_o all_o the_o world_n the_o abominable_a thing_n which_o god_n hate_v jer._n 44._o 4._o continual_o therefore_o compare_v by_o god_n to_o thing_n most_o abhor_v to_o clutterd_v blood_n to_o mire_n and_o mud_n to_o a_o vomit_n so_o loathsome_a that_o if_o it_o be_v