live_v a_o entrance_n into_o thy_o kingdom_n not_o only_o by_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n but_o also_o by_o let_v he_o have_v a_o lively_a taste_n of_o those_o heavenly_a joy_n which_o thou_o have_v prepare_v for_o he_o moderate_a his_o grief_n and_o pain_n that_o they_o may_v not_o hinder_v his_o soul_n from_o mount_v aloft_o in_o divine_a contemplation_n and_o secret_o whisper_v unto_o his_o heart_n sweet_a comfort_n by_o thy_o spirit_n when_o as_o he_o be_v through_o weakness_n insensible_a of_o outward_a consolation_n inflame_v his_o heart_n with_o fervent_a love_n towards_o thou_o and_o his_o brethren_n yea_o even_o his_o enemy_n for_o thy_o sake_n that_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v of_o thou_o because_o thou_o give_v he_o grace_n to_o forgive_v all_o man_n strengthen_v he_o against_o the_o tentation_n of_o all_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o manifest_v thy_o power_n in_o his_o weakness_n by_o give_v unto_o he_o a_o full_a and_o final_a victory_n over_o they_o frustrate_v the_o malice_n of_o satan_n defeat_v his_o policy_n and_o confound_v his_o power_n that_o he_o may_v not_o prevail_v against_o he_o in_o this_o last_o conflict_n arm_v he_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o thy_o wrath_n and_o severe_a justice_n by_o assure_v he_o that_o christ_n have_v appease_v the_o one_o and_o satisfy_v the_o other_o comfort_v he_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o persuade_v he_o that_o christ_n death_n have_v swallow_v it_o in_o victory_n pull_v out_o the_o sting_n thereof_o and_o make_v it_o harmless_a yea_o exceed_a profitable_a as_o serve_v now_o for_o a_o passage_n to_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o by_o strengthen_v he_o to_o apply_v unto_o himself_o these_o consolation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n wean_v his_o heart_n from_o worldly_a care_n that_o they_o may_v be_v no_o distraction_n to_o hinder_v he_o in_o his_o heavenly_a journey_n and_o let_v the_o assurance_n and_o taste_v of_o immortal_a joy_n take_v away_o all_o loathness_n to_o leave_v earthly_a comfort_n set_a a_o guard_n of_o thy_o bless_a angel_n about_o he_o and_o let_v they_o serve_v as_o thy_o messenger_n and_o minister_n to_o convey_v his_o soul_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o his_o body_n into_o thy_o kingdom_n that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o crown_v with_o glory_n and_o immortality_n final_o we_o beseech_v thou_o give_v we_o all_o here_o present_a a_o holy_a use_n of_o these_o example_n of_o our_o mortality_n that_o thereby_o our_o heart_n be_v wean_v from_o the_o world_n we_o may_v make_v it_o our_o chief_a business_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n that_o so_o we_o may_v with_o joy_n and_o comfort_n appear_v before_o thou_o when_o thou_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o call_v we_o to_o give_v unto_o thou_o a_o account_n of_o our_o stewardship_n hear_v we_o we_o beseech_v thou_o in_o these_o our_o suit_n and_o supplication_n for_o thy_o son_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o and_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o glory_n and_o praise_n power_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o prayer_n for_o child_n o_o almighty_a god_n and_o my_o most_o gracious_a father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n i_o humble_o confess_v that_o i_o be_o a_o most_o wretched_a sinner_n and_o altogether_o unworthy_a to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n for_o i_o be_v not_o only_o conceive_v and_o bear_v in_o sin_n and_o corruption_n whereby_o thy_o glorious_a image_n be_v deface_v in_o i_o but_o i_o have_v add_v thereunto_o many_o actual_a sin_n by_o break_v thy_o commandment_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n whereby_o i_o have_v deserve_v thy_o just_a anger_n in_o this_o life_n and_o eternal_a death_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o see_v thou_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o receive_v i_o into_o thy_o covenant_n of_o thy_o free_a mercy_n give_v i_o the_o sign_n thereof_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o have_v send_v thy_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o die_v for_o and_o by_o his_o death_n to_o redeem_v the_o young_a as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a i_o beseech_v thou_o for_o his_o sake_n to_o pardon_v all_o my_o sin_n and_o to_o wash_v they_o all_o away_o in_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n to_o receive_v i_o into_o thy_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o to_o make_v i_o thy_o own_o child_n by_o adoption_n and_o grace_n give_v i_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n to_o sanctify_v rule_n and_o govern_v i_o that_o according_a to_o my_o age_n and_o small_a ability_n i_o may_v labour_v to_o serve_v thou_o make_v i_o daily_o to_o increase_v in_o grace_n as_o i_o increase_v in_o year_n inlighten_v my_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thou_o and_o my_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o truth_n sow_n in_o i_o the_o seed_n of_o faith_n and_o let_v it_o show_v itself_o assoon_o as_o i_o be_o capable_a thereof_o in_o repentance_n and_o true_a obedience_n make_v i_o love_v dutiful_a and_o awful_a to_o my_o parent_n and_o governor_n and_o let_v i_o learn_v by_o obey_v they_o in_o my_o tender_a youth_n to_o obey_v thou_o in_o my_o ripe_a age_n give_v i_o grace_n to_o hearken_v to_o their_o good_a admonition_n and_o instruction_n and_o to_o profit_n and_o amend_v by_o their_o reproof_n and_o chastisement_n make_v i_o humble_a courteous_a and_o meek_a modest_a and_o sober_a diligent_a to_o please_v in_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o virtuous_a in_o my_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n that_o so_o i_o may_v increase_v in_o favour_n with_o thou_o and_o all_o good_a man_n and_o as_o i_o beg_v these_o benefit_n at_o thy_o hand_n so_o i_o yield_v unto_o thou_o all_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_n and_o praise_n for_o all_o benefit_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a vouchsafe_v unto_o i_o and_o namely_o for_o that_o it_o have_v please_v thou_o to_o give_v i_o quiet_a rest_n and_o sleep_v this_o night_n past_a and_o have_v safe_o preserve_v i_o from_o all_o peril_n and_o danger_n to_o which_o my_o frail_a life_n be_v daily_a subject_n continue_v o_o lord_n thy_o love_n and_o favour_n towards_o i_o for_o ever_o and_o especial_o this_o day_n take_v i_o into_o thy_o fatherly_a protection_n preserve_v i_o from_o sin_n and_o peril_n and_o grant_v that_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o learn_v such_o good_a thing_n as_o be_v teach_v i_o i_o may_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o profit_n by_o instruction_n in_o such_o virtue_n and_o good_a quality_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o i_o o_o lord_n bless_v and_o preserve_v my_o father_n and_o mother_n my_o brethren_n and_o sister_n with_o all_o other_o my_o kindred_n and_o friend_n together_o with_o thy_o whole_a church_n and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o thy_o favour_n die_v in_o thy_o faith_n and_o after_o death_n inherit_v the_o joy_n of_o thy_o everlasting_a kingdom_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o and_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la fault_n escape_v in_o printing_n page_n 27._o line_n 23._o read_v be_v in_o the_o church_n p._n 29._o l._n 12_o r._n internal_a book_n p._n 30._o l._n a_o fin_n 8._o r._n he_o have_v make_v p._n 33_o l._n 5._o r._n the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o l_o 7._o r._n will_n and_o most_o free_a p_o 28._o l._n 11_o r._n and_o make_v man_n p._n 42._o l._n 12._o r._n sun_n p_o 30._o l._n 17._o r._n strong_a corruption_n p._n 52._o l._n 7._o r._n act_n of_o p._n 57_o l_o a_o fin_n 11._o read_v end_n that_o we_o may_v p._n 62._o l._n 23._o return_n to_o their_o p_o 66._o l._n 30._o r._n for_o the_o scan_n l._n 36._o r._n yet_o it_o never_o l._n 39_o r._n bare_a act_n 41._o thesi_fw-la p._n 71._o l._n 3._o r._n strong_a wind_n l._n 37._o r._n free_v from_o p._n 73_o l._n 4._o r._n when_o cease_v and_o l._n 38._o r._n upon_o us._n p._n 74._o l._n 5._o r._n carry_v it_o quiet_o p._n 75._o l._n 35._o r._n in_o a_o storm_n p._n 85._o in_o margin_n l._n 15._o 16._o r._n bons_fw-fr viri_fw-la p._n 95._o l._n 24._o r._n not_o divide_v and_o line_n 2d_o r._n chap._n 2._o of_o piety_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o first_o table_n §_o sect._n 1._o page_n 125._o line_n 17._o read_v dominion_n over_o all_o p._n 125._o l._n 17._o r._n one_o lawful_o and_o l._n 33._o r._n not_o man_n p._n 128._o l._n 16._o r._n god_n and_o us._n p._n 138._o in_o margin_n l._n 2._o r._n the_o manner_n p._n 140._o l._n 13_o r._n damp_n it_n p._n 142._o l_o 4_o r_o in_o our_o neighbour_n p._n 156._o l._n a_o fin_n 9_o r._n friar_n like_o affectation_n p._n 179._o l._n last_o r._n any_o intercision_n p._n 181_o l._n 7_o r._n in_o
sect._n 1._o what_o extraordinary_a meditation_n be_v and_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o 539_o 2_o what_o ordinary_a meditation_n be_v and_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o 541_o 3_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o religious_a exercise_n 542_o 4_o the_o singular_a profit_n of_o ordinary_a meditation_n 543_o 5_o that_o this_o meditation_n be_v effectual_a for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o the_o heart_n 544_o 6_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n be_v very_o necessary_a 546_o cap._n xvi_o answer_n to_o diverse_a objection_n make_v against_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n 547_o sect._n 1._o the_o objection_n of_o difficulty_n acknowledge_v and_o answer_v 547_o 2_o the_o objection_n of_o natural_a want_n and_o weakness_n in_o perform_v this_o exercise_n answer_v 548_o 3_o their_o objection_n answer_v who_o pretend_v want_v of_o matter_n to_o meditate_v upon_o 548_o 4_o other_o hindrance_n remoove_v 549_o 5_o that_o company_n and_o worldly_a business_n shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o this_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n 549_o cap._n xvii_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o meditation_n as_o the_o place_n time_n and_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n 552_o sect._n 1._o of_o the_o place_n of_o meditation_n 552_o 2_o of_o the_o time_n that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v continual_a but_o as_o we_o get_v fit_a opportunity_n 552_o 3_o of_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o meditation_n 553_o 4_o of_o constancy_n in_o this_o exercise_n 554_o 5_o of_o the_o disposition_n and_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n 555_o cap._n xviii_o of_o our_o entrance_n into_o meditation_n by_o due_a preparation_n 557_o sect._n 1._o that_o this_o preparation_n be_v necessary_a and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v 557_o 2_o that_o we_o must_v chief_o prepare_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n 558_o 3_o of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o meditation_n and_o what_o choice_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o 559_o 4._o to_o the_o ten_o that_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v fit_a matter_n of_o meditation_n 560_o 10._o rule_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o fit_a matter_n for_o our_o meditation_n 569_o 11_o that_o we_o must_v conclude_v our_o preparation_n with_o prayer_n 570_o cap._n xix_o of_o our_o progress_n and_o proceed_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n 572_o sect._n 1_o 2._o that_o we_o must_v proceed_v orderly_o in_o this_o exercise_n and_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v 572_o 3_o that_o in_o our_o meditation_n we_o must_v chief_o respect_v our_o will_n heart_n and_o affection_n our_o life_n and_o action_n 576_o 4_o that_o we_o must_v not_o be_v discourage_v though_o we_o can_v at_o the_o first_o feel_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o meditation_n 577_o 5_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v feel_v our_o heart_n affect_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o thing_n whereon_o we_o meditate_v 578_o 6_o of_o the_o egress_n and_o conclusion_n of_o our_o meditation_n 580_o cap._n xx._n a_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o meditation_n the_o subject_a matter_n whereof_o be_v true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n 582_o sect._n 1._o what_o repentance_n be_v and_o the_o cause_n thereof_o 582_o 2_o of_o the_o matter_n form_n and_o part_n of_o repentance_n and_o first_o of_o humiliation_n 584_o 3_o of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o conversion_n and_o amendment_n 586_o 4_o of_o the_o final_a cause_n subject_n and_o property_n of_o repentance_n the_o contrary_n unto_o it_o and_o comparison_n illustrate_v it_o 587_o 5_o of_o the_o kind_n of_o repentance_n ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a 588_o cap._n xxi_o how_o we_o must_v work_v the_o former_a point_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n 590_o sect._n 1._o how_o our_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o fervent_a desire_n to_o practice_v this_o duty_n of_o repentance_n 590_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o motive_n persuade_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o 597_o cap._n xxii_o of_o diverse_a special_a mean_n whereby_o the_o point_n meditate_a be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n 598_o sect._n 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n whereof_o examination_n confession_n complaint_n hearty_a wish_v to_o have_v our_o want_n supply_v acknowledgement_n of_o impotency_n petition_n enforcement_n confidence_n congratulation_n and_o recommendation_n 598_o cap._n xxiii_o of_o the_o three_o private_a mean_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n which_o be_v consideration_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o estate_n 605_o sect._n 1._o how_o consideration_n and_o examination_n differ_v 605_o 2_o of_o examination_n what_o it_o be_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v 605_o 3_o that_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o first_o our_o original_a corruption_n 607_o 4_o of_o examine_v ourselves_o concern_v our_o actual_a transgression_n according_a to_o the_o law_n 607_o 5_o how_o we_o must_v aggravate_v our_o sin_n in_o respect_n of_o circumstance_n 609_o 6_o that_o it_o be_v a_o profitable_a course_n to_o keep_v a_o register_n or_o catalogue_n of_o our_o special_a sin_n and_o of_o the_o manifold_a fruit_n that_o will_v arise_v out_o of_o it_o 610_o 7_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o punishment_n 612_o 8_o of_o the_o end_n of_o this_o examination_n and_o time_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v 612_o 9_o a_o complaint_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o the_o cause_n thereof_o 613_o cap._n xxiiii_o diverse_a effectual_a reason_n to_o move_v we_o unto_o this_o exercise_n of_o examination_n 614_o sect._n 1._o that_o this_o duty_n be_v require_v in_o the_o scripture_n 614_o 2_o the_o great_a profit_n of_o this_o exercise_n of_o examination_n 615_o 3_o 4._o that_o this_o exercise_n be_v very_o necessary_a 616_o cap._n xxv_o of_o the_o four_o private_a mean_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n which_o be_v walk_v daily_o with_o god_n 619_o sect._n 1._o that_o we_o be_v always_o in_o god_n presence_n 619_o 2_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o powerful_a mean_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n if_o we_o will_v always_o set_v god_n before_o us._n 620_o 3_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n presence_n will_v effectual_o move_v we_o unto_o all_o good_a duty_n 622_o cap._n xxvi_o of_o the_o last_o mean_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n which_o be_v experimental_a knowledge_n 623_o sect._n 1._o what_o this_o experimental_a knowledge_n be_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o show_v in_o many_o example_n 623_o 2_o the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o estate_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o diverse_a and_o contrary_a course_n 625_o 3_o that_o no_o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o this_o of_o experience_n 626_o cap._n xxvii_o that_o prayer_n be_v a_o singular_a mean_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n 628_o sect._n 1._o that_o nothing_o more_o than_o prayer_n make_v we_o godly_a and_o religious_a 628_o 2_o that_o prayer_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v all_o god_n gift_n and_o grace_n 629_o 3_o that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v singular_a help_n to_o a_o godly_a life_n 629_o cap._n xxviii_o of_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o religious_a writing_n 631_o sect._n 1._o who_o be_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o read_v 631_o 2_o that_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o read_v and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n 632_o 3_o their_o objection_n answer_v who_o pretend_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n 633_o 4_o that_o we_o must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n only_o but_o also_o other_o religious_a writing_n 635_o 5_o special_a direction_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o fit_a author_n which_o may_v help_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n 636_o cap._n xxix_o of_o our_o preparation_n to_o this_o exercise_n of_o read_v and_o what_o be_v require_v in_o it_o 638_o sect._n 1._o that_o we_o must_v come_v with_o reverence_n to_o this_o holy_a exercise_n and_o bring_v faith_n unto_o it_o 638_o 2_o that_o we_o must_v bring_v honest_a heart_n and_o earnest_a desire_n to_o profit_n by_o this_o exercise_n 639_o 3_o that_o we_o must_v come_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o all_o we_o read_v 639_o 4_o that_o we_o must_v pray_v before_o we_o read_v 640_o cap._n xxx_o of_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o action_n of_o read_v that_o we_o may_v profit_v by_o it_o 641_o sect._n 1._o of_o the_o end_n at_o which_o we_o must_v aim_v in_o our_o read_n 641_o 2_o that_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o theme_n and_o argument_n 642_o 3_o that_o we_o must_v observe_v a_o due_a order_n in_o our_o read_n 642_o 4_o that_o the_o devout_a reader_n be_v not_o to_o read_v many_o book_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n but_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o which_o be_v best_a 643_o 5_o that_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o read_v 644_o 6_o that_o we_o
13._o 18._o contrariwise_o in_o all_o our_o contract_n we_o must_v careful_o shun_v and_o avoid_v all_o guile_n and_o deceit_n all_o hollow_a and_o double_a deal_n tend_v to_o the_o undermine_v 2._o micah_n 7._o 2._o and_o circumvent_a of_o our_o neighbour_n so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v that_o no_o man_n go_v beyond_o or_o defraud_v his_o brother_n in_o any_o matter_n because_o the_o lord_n 6._o 1._o thes_n 4._o 6._o be_v the_o avenger_n of_o all_o such_o for_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v he_o abhor_v the_o deceitful_a 6._o psal_n 5._o 6._o and_o blood_n thirsty_a man_n more_n especial_o we_o must_v in_o all_o our_o deal_n observe_v truth_n in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o not_o only_o speak_v it_o from_o our_o lip_n but_o also_o from_o 2._o zach._n 8._o 16._o psal_n 15._o 2._o our_o heart_n hate_v &_o avoid_v all_o subtle_a equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n as_o tend_v to_o circumvent_v and_o deceive_v those_o with_o who_o we_o deal_v second_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o promise_n perform_v they_o although_o it_o be_v to_o 4._o verse_n 4._o our_o own_o hindrance_n unless_o he_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v do_v release_v we_o of_o they_o three_o justice_n in_o all_o our_o action_n give_v every_o man_n his_o due_a and_o deal_v with_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o to_o deal_v with_o us._n four_o charity_n and_o compassion_n in_o remit_v our_o right_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n when_o as_o the_o bargain_n proove_v hard_a and_o to_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o hindrance_n of_o our_o poor_a neighbour_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o last_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n when_o we_o sustain_v any_o damage_n and_o detriment_n or_o be_v otherwise_o cross_v or_o overreach_v in_o any_o of_o our_o contract_n either_o purposely_o by_o those_o with_o who_o we_o deal_v or_o by_o some_o casualty_n or_o accident_n which_o can_v not_o be_v foresee_v contrariwise_o in_o all_o our_o contract_n we_o must_v avoid_v lie_v and_o that_o which_o be_v equal_a unto_o it_o equivocation_n for_o the_o get_n of_o treasure_n by_o 6._o pro._n 21._o 6._o a_o lie_a tongue_n be_v a_o vanity_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o of_o they_o that_o seek_v death_n and_o again_o wealth_n get_v by_o vanity_n shall_v be_v diminish_v but_o he_o that_o gather_v by_o labour_n 11._o pro._n 13._o 11._o shall_v increase_v yea_o though_o a_o man_n can_v by_o lie_v get_v the_o whole_a world_n what_o will_v this_o profit_v he_o see_v thereby_o he_o shall_v lose_v his_o own_o soul_n for_o liar_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o also_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o 8._o apoc._n 22._o 15._o &_o 21._o 8._o second_o death_n with_o like_a care_n we_o must_v avoid_v in_o our_o deal_n all_o perfidiousness_n and_o breach_n of_o promise_n although_o it_o tend_v to_o our_o great_a advantage_n see_v god_n will_v not_o bless_v good_n get_v by_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v thrive_v by_o such_o course_n our_o worldly_a gain_n will_v in_o no_o sort_n recompense_v our_o spiritual_a loss_n we_o must_v shun_v also_o all_o kind_n of_o unjustice_n in_o our_o contract_n see_v though_o it_o bring_v in_o present_a gain_n yet_o no_o profit_n in_o the_o end_n for_o the_o treasure_n of_o wickedness_n profit_n nothing_o but_o righteousness_n deliver_v 2._o pro._n 10._o 2._o from_o death_n likewise_o we_o must_v avoid_v all_o uncharitableness_n raise_v our_o gain_n out_o of_o our_o neighbour_n loss_n but_o as_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n we_o must_v advance_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v our_o mutual_a profit_n and_o in_o some_o equality_n thrive_v together_o final_o we_o must_v not_o through_o impatiency_n murmur_n and_o repine_v fret_v and_o fume_n when_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o cross_n or_o loss_n in_o our_o contract_n but_o be_v content_a sometime_o to_o lose_v as_o well_o as_o gain_v and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o must_v not_o have_v our_o eye_n too_o much_o fasten_v upon_o secondary_a cause_n and_o inferior_a mean_n which_o perhaps_o be_v exceed_o cross_a and_o faulty_a but_o lift_v they_o above_o the_o earth_n and_o fix_v they_o upon_o the_o most_o wise_a providence_n of_o our_o good_a and_o gracious_a god_n who_o govern_v all_o thing_n which_o seem_v most_o contingent_a and_o casual_a and_o so_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o be_v most_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o spiritual_a good_a and_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o all_o those_o that_o love_n and_o depend_v upon_o he_o §._o sect._n 4_o that_o we_o must_v sell_v only_a thing_n saleable_a more_o especial_o there_o be_v diverse_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o in_o our_o buy_n and_o sell_v as_o first_o that_o the_o seller_n be_v the_o true_a and_o lawful_a owner_n of_o that_o he_o sell_v or_o his_o deputy_n appoint_v by_o he_o and_o that_o the_o buyer_n do_v not_o for_o private_a gain_n buy_v any_o thing_n from_o any_o man_n who_o he_o think_v not_o to_o have_v any_o right_a to_o sell_v it_o in_o which_o respect_n they_o grievous_o offend_v who_o buy_v or_o sell_v steal_v good_n if_o they_o know_v of_o it_o and_o they_o who_o sacrilegious_o sell_v and_o buy_v the_o live_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v free_o consecrate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n second_o the_o seller_n ought_v to_o sell_v and_o the_o buyer_n to_o buy_v such_o thing_n only_o as_o be_v vendible_a and_o may_v just_o be_v buy_v and_o sell_v in_o which_o regard_n they_o offend_v who_o sell_v or_o buy_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o simon_n magus_n or_o holy_a thing_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o those_o who_o sell_v and_o buy_v justice_n or_o injustice_n by_o bribery_n give_v or_o take_v either_o to_o fill_v their_o own_o purse_n 23._o amos_n 2._o 6._o esa_n 5._o 23._o esa_n 1._o 23._o or_o to_o pervert_v right_a they_o also_o who_o sell_v and_o buy_v truth_n and_o lie_n as_o false_a witness_n and_o they_o that_o hire_v they_o to_o give_v false_a testimony_n but_o they_o most_o of_o all_o who_o for_o corruptible_a thing_n sell_v their_o soul_n unto_o sin_n as_o achab_n do_v which_o christ_n redeem_v with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n three_o we_o ought_v to_o sell_v only_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o sale_n or_o know_v they_o to_o be_v otherwise_o to_o acquaint_v the_o buyer_n with_o it_o and_o so_o to_o pitch_v a_o low_a price_n according_a to_o their_o lesser_a value_n otherwise_o we_o be_v not_o to_o sell_v thing_n falsify_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o substance_n and_o such_o as_o be_v mix_v and_o corrupt_a for_o such_o as_o be_v pure_a and_o good_a which_o be_v a_o common_a fault_n among_o merchant_n and_o tradesman_n in_o these_o day_n who_o for_o their_o great_a gain_n adulterate_a their_o ware_n and_o jumble_v and_o intermingle_v thing_n of_o a_o different_a degree_n in_o goodness_n sell_v they_o all_o at_o the_o best_a rate_n four_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o sell_v those_o thing_n only_o which_o be_v some_o way_n profitable_a for_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n either_o for_o necessary_a use_n or_o for_o ornament_n and_o delight_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o benefit_n ourselves_o by_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v unprofitable_a unto_o other_o and_o much_o less_o by_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a uncharitable_o raise_v our_o own_o gain_n out_o of_o our_o neighbour_n loss_n as_o those_o that_o sell_v popish_a pardon_n and_o book_n to_o ignorant_a people_n who_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v seduce_v by_o they_o such_o also_o as_o further_o they_o in_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n obscene_a picture_n and_o book_n full_a of_o ribaldry_n and_o all_o profaneness_n fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o poison_v and_o corrupt_v such_o as_o see_v and_o read_v they_o §._o sect._n 5_o that_o we_o must_v set_v and_o sell_v our_o ware_n at_o a_o equal_a price_n five_o we_o ought_v in_o sell_v and_o buy_v to_o set_v our_o ware_n at_o a_o equal_a price_n the_o best_a rule_n whereof_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o ordinary_a price_n of_o the_o market_n which_o valu_v thing_n not_o simple_o in_o their_o own_o worth_n but_o with_o consideration_n of_o all_o circumstance_n as_o scarcity_n plenty_n time_n and_o place_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o price_n we_o give_v less_o or_o more_o nor_o only_o respect_v whether_o we_o gain_v much_o or_o little_a whether_o we_o get_v nothing_o or_o lose_v thereby_o for_o as_o of_o necessity_n through_o the_o change_n of_o price_n we_o must_v sometime_o lose_v so_o it_o be_v alike_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v gain_v at_o another_o time_n to_o repair_v these_o loss_n and_o maintain_v our_o state_n and_o
less_o serviceable_a and_o profitable_a for_o any_o good_a use_n for_o when_o our_o strength_n be_v repair_v by_o moderate_a rest_n excessive_a sleep_n weaken_v we_o again_o make_v our_o body_n heavy_a and_o lumpish_a and_o less_o able_a and_o active_a for_o any_o good_a employment_n and_o as_o we_o consume_v the_o forepart_n of_o the_o morning_n in_o drowsy_a sleep_v so_o the_o latter_a part_n in_o lazy_a stretch_n and_o slothful_a yawn_a make_v we_o sluggish_a with_o too_o much_o sleep_v as_o the_o drunkard_n become_v more_o dry_a with_o too_o much_o drink_v and_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v refresh_v and_o quicken_v with_o moderate_a sleep_n by_o that_o which_o be_v excessive_a they_o become_v dull_a again_o and_o be_v drown_v and_o stupefy_v with_o slothful_a vapour_n they_o be_v make_v unfit_a instrument_n to_o the_o soul_n for_o any_o good_a action_n and_o employment_n whereby_o we_o be_v notable_o hinder_v both_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n service_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o calling_n not_o only_o because_o it_o consume_v much_o of_o our_o time_n which_o shall_v be_v spend_v in_o they_o but_o also_o great_o disable_v we_o in_o that_o which_o remain_v when_o we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o pray_v hear_v the_o word_n read_v meditate_v or_o any_o civil_a duty_n which_o belong_v unto_o us._n final_o this_o excessive_a sleep_n be_v exceed_v hurtful_a both_o for_o our_o soul_n body_n and_o state_n for_o it_o hurt_v the_o brain_n dull_v the_o wit_n and_o much_o impair_v the_o memory_n make_v all_o these_o faculty_n unfit_a for_o their_o function_n and_o operation_n it_o breed_v obstruction_n and_o superfluous_a humour_n and_o so_o fill_v the_o body_n with_o innumerable_a disease_n it_o impoverish_v the_o estate_n and_o bring_v they_o who_o immoderate_o use_v it_o if_o they_o be_v of_o mean_a condition_n to_o beggary_n and_o penury_n and_o much_o disable_v those_o who_o be_v wealthy_a to_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o christian_a charity_n and_o on_o this_o mischief_n accompany_v sloth_n and_o sluggishness_n the_o wise_a solomon_n much_o insi_v for_o he_o tell_v the_o sluggard_n that_o by_o his_o sleep_n and_o slumber_v and_o his_o fold_n of_o his_o hand_n together_o poverty_n shall_v come_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o that_o travail_v who_o still_o approach_v though_o he_o come_v but_o slow_o and_o his_o want_n like_o 11._o pro._n 6._o 11._o a_o arm_a man_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v resist_v by_o one_o that_o lie_v naked_a in_o his_o bed_n so_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o sluggard_n desire_v 4._o pro._n 13._o 4._o and_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o diligent_a shall_v be_v make_v fat_a that_o because_o he_o will_v not_o plough_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o cold_a therefore_o he_o shall_v beg_v in_o harvest_n 4._o pro._n 20._o 4._o and_o have_v nothing_o and_o so_o in_o the_o chief_a time_n of_o other_o plenty_n he_o through_o his_o sloth_n shall_v pine_v in_o penury_n final_o that_o as_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o empty_a famish_a belly_n so_o also_o a_o cold_a and_o totter_a back_n for_o drowzinesse_n shall_v clothe_v a_o man_n with_o rag_n whereas_o they_o which_o have_v a_o vigilant_a eye_n and_o 21._o pro._n 23._o 21._o diligent_a hand_n cloth_n both_o themselves_o and_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o they_o 21._o pro._n 31._o 15_o 21._o with_o purple_a and_o scarlet_a as_o he_o show_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o virtuous_a huswife_n neither_o be_v this_o sluggish_a sleepiness_n less_o pernicious_a to_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n see_v it_o bring_v the_o soul_n also_o to_o beggary_n and_o to_o penurious_a want_n of_o all_o save_a grace_n by_o take_v up_o the_o time_n wherein_o we_o shall_v trade_v and_o traffic_n for_o they_o in_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o which_o it_o cause_v a_o utter_a neglect_n or_o a_o short_a and_o slubber_v performance_n because_o it_o scarce_o leave_v sufficient_a time_n for_o the_o necessary_a dispatch_n of_o such_o important_a business_n as_o do_v belong_v to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o sluggard_n out_o of_o his_o bed_n but_o even_o half_a unready_a he_o chop_v upon_o his_o worldly_a employment_n and_o utter_o neglect_v prayer_n meditation_n and_o all_o spiritual_a exercise_n he_o think_v himself_o sufficient_o excuse_v because_o he_o be_v scant_v of_o time_n and_o call_v away_o by_o some_o that_o attend_v his_o rise_n or_o by_o the_o importunity_n of_o his_o own_o affair_n though_o he_o have_v voluntary_o by_o his_o sloth_n bring_v himself_o into_o these_o strait_n and_o may_v easy_o have_v escape_v they_o and_o have_v time_n enough_o both_o for_o religious_a exercise_n and_o his_o worldly_a business_n yea_o even_o for_o the_o benefiting_a of_o his_o neighbour_n that_o need_v his_o help_n if_o he_o will_v not_o have_v consume_v so_o much_o in_o superfluous_a sleep_n §._o sect._n 3_o that_o the_o expense_n of_o our_o time_n in_o sloth_n be_v displease_v unto_o god_n and_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v but_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o wasteful_a expense_n of_o our_o precious_a time_n in_o sloth_n and_o sluggishness_n be_v very_o displease_v to_o god_n who_o have_v lend_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v spend_v it_o in_o his_o service_n and_o that_o this_o account_n will_v not_o well_o pass_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o god_n shall_v find_v it_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o our_o conscience_n so_o much_o time_n consume_v in_o superfluous_a sleep_n and_o so_o little_o employ_v in_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o god_n service_n prayer_n read_v hear_v meditation_n in_o the_o religious_a duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o charge_n and_o family_n or_o in_o the_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n help_n and_o comfort_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v unto_o one_o another_o as_o be_v child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n &_o fellow_n member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n at_o which_o day_n fearful_a will_v the_o estate_n be_v of_o those_o nice_a wanton_n and_o idle_a sluggard_n who_o divide_v the_o morning_n between_o sloth_n and_o pride_n have_v scarce_o time_n after_o they_o be_v rise_v out_o of_o their_o bed_n to_o paint_v and_o dress_v themselves_o before_o they_o come_v to_o dinner_n utter_o neglect_v all_o duty_n of_o god_n service_n and_o the_o honest_a labour_n of_o a_o lawful_a call_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o have_v touch_v their_o abuse_n who_o have_v learned_a to_o outface_v all_o that_o admonish_v they_o &_o to_o put_v off_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v with_o some_o merry_a jest_n or_o scornful_a smile_n like_o the_o fool_n laugh_v with_o great_a jollity_n when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o the_o stock_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o bar_n and_o carry_v out_o to_o execution_n but_o only_o to_o admonish_v those_o who_o desire_v to_o lead_v a_o christian_a life_n that_o they_o avoid_v such_o wasteful_a expense_n of_o precious_a time_n consume_v those_o good_a hour_n in_o superfluous_a sleep_n which_o be_v well_o employ_v will_v make_v they_o rich_a in_o grace_n and_o thrice_o happy_a in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o whosoever_o will_v do_v they_o must_v careful_o observe_v these_o two_o rule_n first_o they_o must_v be_v temperate_a in_o their_o meat_n and_o drink_n as_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o excessive_a sleep_n and_o sloth_n and_o to_o make_v we_o watchful_a unto_o all_o christian_a duty_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o in_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v conjoin_v be_v sober_a and_o watch_n 8._o 1._o pet._n 5._o 8._o because_o as_o sobriety_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o vigilancy_n so_o excess_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o excess_n in_o sleep_n and_o this_o help_n clemens_n propound_v let_v not_o say_v he_o our_o meat_n oppress_v but_o rather_o lighten_v 9_o ne_fw-fr ergo_fw-la cibi_fw-la nos_fw-la gravent_fw-la sed_fw-la alâ—event_v etc._n etc._n clem._n pae_v l._n 1._o c._n 9_o we_o that_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v our_o sleep_n may_v not_o hurt_v we_o as_o those_o that_o swim_v be_v oppress_v when_o heavy_a burden_n be_v fasten_v upon_o they_o the_o second_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o suffer_v a_o ill_a custom_n of_o lie_v long_o in_o bed_n to_o bring_v a_o habit_n of_o sloth_n upon_o we_o which_o be_v almost_o as_o hard_o to_o break_v as_o to_o alter_v nature_n or_o if_o we_o have_v already_o yield_v unto_o it_o our_o best_a course_n be_v to_o disuse_a ourselves_o from_o it_o by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o so_o attain_v by_o degree_n to_o a_o contrary_a habit_n for_o as_o the_o stomach_n which_o be_v enure_v to_o hot_a water_n be_v still_o crave_v they_o and_o become_v such_o a_o slug_n that_o it_o will_v digest_v nothing_o without_o these_o
the_o public_a ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v want_v as_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n private_a catechise_n holy_a conference_n instruction_n exhortation_n admonition_n good_a example_n extraordinary_a blessing_n strange_o confer_v sharp_a affliction_n and_o by_o they_o great_a and_o unusual_a humiliation_n the_o lord_n use_v his_o correction_n as_o a_o hand_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o sin_n which_o have_v bring_v they_o upon_o us._n and_o therefore_o as_o when_o we_o have_v the_o word_n we_o may_v hear_v diligent_o in_o hope_n of_o god_n blessing_n upon_o his_o own_o ordinance_n so_o when_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n we_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v and_o cast_v away_o all_o our_o confidence_n see_v the_o lord_n be_v able_a either_o without_o mean_n by_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o work_v his_o own_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n in_o we_o or_o to_o make_v other_o mean_n more_o weak_a in_o themselves_o as_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a unto_o we_o as_o the_o other_o yea_o will_n assure_o do_v it_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v fail_v of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v unto_o all_o those_o who_o trust_v and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n §._o sect._n 3_o that_o it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o our_o new_a birth_n and_o of_o work_a god_n grace_n in_o us._n second_o as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o our_o new_a birth_n and_o of_o beginning_n in_o we_o god_n spiritual_a grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v 2._o 1._o pet._n 2._o 2._o enable_v to_o move_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n so_o also_o of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n from_o strength_n to_o strength_n and_o of_o increase_a god_n grace_n where_o they_o be_v begin_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o neither_o be_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o word_n read_v either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o other_o be_v ordinary_o sufficient_a to_o work_v in_o we_o grace_n and_o godliness_n for_o if_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v show_v come_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v then_o also_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o fruit_n of_o sanctification_n which_o spring_n from_o it_o all_o which_o be_v nourish_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v first_o begin_v in_o us._n neither_o be_v we_o to_o dispute_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o power_n of_o other_o mean_n in_o themselves_o or_o compare_v with_o this_o see_v neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o work_n by_o any_o inherent_a virtue_n in_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o by_o his_o blessing_n attain_v to_o their_o end_n and_o be_v make_v powerful_a and_o effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o work_v and_o increase_v grace_n and_o sanctification_n in_o us._n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v in_o all_o age_n not_o only_o that_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v read_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o people_n but_o also_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v expound_v to_o their_o understanding_n and_o apply_v to_o their_o particular_a use_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o day_n of_o nehemiah_n who_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v 9_o nehem._n 8._o 8_o 9_o the_o law_n and_o not_o only_o read_v the_o book_n of_o god_n law_n distinct_o but_o also_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o read_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o when_o the_o law_n and_o 19_o luk._n 4._o 18_o 19_o prophet_n be_v read_v to_o the_o people_n content_v not_o themselves_o therewith_o but_o expound_v and_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o use_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n 15._o act._n 13._o 15._o of_o those_o time_n let_v not_o we_o therefore_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o god_n suppose_v that_o we_o can_v do_v his_o work_n better_o by_o tool_n of_o our_o own_o choose_n then_o by_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v and_o sanctify_v see_v nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o this_o supernatural_a work_n of_o grace_n without_o god_n blessing_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v with_o most_o assurance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n so_o that_o if_o either_o we_o desire_v the_o new_a birth_n of_o grace_n or_o be_v bear_v to_o grow_v therein_o from_o one_o degree_n to_o another_o let_v we_o conscionable_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o both_o these_o end_n neither_o let_v we_o think_v that_o be_v once_o regenerate_v we_o may_v grow_v up_o of_o ourselves_o by_o sole_a virtue_n of_o those_o principle_n then_o infuse_v unto_o we_o and_o need_v no_o further_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o preserve_v we_o in_o that_o state_n and_o be_v for_o as_o the_o child_n new_o bear_v can_v long_o continue_v in_o life_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o natural_a heat_n and_o moisture_n and_o much_o less_o can_v grow_v in_o strength_n and_o stature_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unless_o he_o receive_v daily_a nourishment_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o subsist_v in_o our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o be_v and_o much_o less_o grow_v in_o grace_n unto_o a_o perfect_a age_n in_o christ_n unless_o our_o soul_n be_v due_o nourish_v with_o spiritual_a food_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o which_o we_o be_v beget_v but_o our_o manna_n and_o meat_n milk_n for_o babe_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o man_n grow_v to_o ripe_a age_n especial_o see_v to_o our_o natural_a defect_n and_o sinful_a corruption_n which_o as_o inward_a impediment_n hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o there_o be_v add_v the_o outward_a assault_n of_o our_o malicious_a enemy_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n who_o by_o their_o tentation_n will_v keep_v we_o from_o thrive_v and_o increase_v unless_o what_o be_v diminish_v by_o their_o malice_n be_v supply_v plentiful_o by_o our_o spiritual_a nourishment_n neither_o do_v i_o thus_o magnify_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o other_o excellent_a mean_n as_o prayer_n sacrament_n the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o rest_n but_o be_o ready_a to_o give_v unto_o they_o their_o deserve_a praise_n in_o their_o own_o place_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o regeneration_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o chief_a if_o not_o sole_a mean_n of_o our_o new_a birth_n for_o how_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o who_o they_o 14._o rom._n 10._o 14._o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n yet_o in_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o other_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o we_o especial_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o most_o powerful_a mean_n to_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v want_v unto_o we_o although_o we_o can_v pray_v with_o hope_n to_o be_v hear_v unless_o we_o pray_v in_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n james_n teach_v we_o and_o we_o can_v ordinary_o have_v faith_n till_o first_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o set_v these_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o contend_v together_o for_o eminence_n and_o excellency_n and_o much_o less_o magnify_v one_o of_o they_o to_o exclude_v another_o but_o acknowledge_v all_o to_o be_v excellent_a and_o necessary_a in_o their_o place_n and_o time_n let_v we_o careful_o join_v they_o all_o together_o that_o be_v nourish_v in_o our_o soul_n with_o this_o plenty_n and_o variety_n of_o food_n we_o may_v grow_v up_o the_o fast_a in_o all_o grace_n and_o godliness_n §._o sect._n 4_o what_o be_v require_v in_o the_o minister_n that_o by_o his_o preach_n he_o may_v further_o the_o people_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n now_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o strengthen_v we_o unto_o all_o holy_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v both_o to_o the_o right_n preach_v and_o hear_v of_o it_o unto_o the_o former_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n necessary_a in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o preacher_n and_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o act_n and_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o person_n there_o must_v be_v skill_n to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o not_o only_o give_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o
small_a difference_n between_o meditation_n and_o contemplation_n yet_o as_o the_o school_n define_v it_o there_o be_v some_o in_o degree_n meditation_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a nature_n within_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o christian_n which_o will_v put_v out_o their_o hand_n unto_o it_o contemplation_n more_o high_a and_o heavenly_a fit_a only_o for_o such_o as_o by_o long_a exercise_n have_v attain_v to_o much_o perfection_n that_o exercise_v about_o any_o spiritual_a object_n not_o only_o original_o in_o the_o understanding_n but_o also_o imaginary_a and_o bring_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o sense_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o like_a but_o this_o about_o thing_n chief_o intellectual_a sublime_a and_o heavenly_a as_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o vniâ—â—_n of_o essence_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o other_o of_o like_a nature_n final_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n which_o of_o the_o most_o be_v perform_v with_o much_o difficulty_n because_o of_o their_o weakness_n and_o want_n of_o use_n be_v hinder_v in_o their_o spiritual_a flight_n by_o have_v the_o weight_n of_o earthly_a care_n and_o distraction_n as_o it_o be_v hang_v at_o their_o heel_n and_o the_o wing_n of_o their_o soul_n somewhat_o besmear_v with_o the_o lime_n of_o worldly_a vanity_n but_o this_o of_o great_a proficient_n who_o by_o much_o practice_n have_v bring_v their_o art_n into_o a_o habit_n and_o be_v able_a with_o ease_n yea_o with_o much_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n to_o soar_v with_o the_o eagle_n a_o high_a pitch_n in_o their_o heavenly_a thought_n and_o to_o spend_v herein_o great_a part_n of_o their_o time_n not_o stoop_v towards_o the_o earth_n but_o when_o they_o be_v force_v by_o natural_a necessity_n which_o be_v satisfy_v and_o their_o body_n and_o mind_n somewhat_o refresh_v they_o do_v as_o weary_a of_o the_o earth_n raise_v up_o their_o soul_n and_o renew_v their_o wont_a flight_n §._o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o efficicient_a cause_n or_o person_n who_o be_v to_o meditate_v the_o efficient_a cause_n or_o person_n who_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o exercise_n be_v the_o christian_n only_o and_o the_o man_n regenerate_v for_o holy_a thing_n must_v not_o be_v 13._o hag._n 2._o 13._o touch_v with_o profane_a hand_n see_v they_o do_v not_o sanctify_v they_o but_o be_v pollute_v with_o their_o uncleanness_n neither_o can_v they_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n do_v the_o action_n of_o the_o live_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o perform_v this_o holy_a duty_n in_o any_o acceptable_a manner_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n neither_o be_v it_o enough_o that_o we_o be_v once_o purge_v from_o their_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n in_o our_o justification_n by_o the_o death_n and_o bloodshed_n of_o christ_n apply_v by_o faith_n or_o that_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o our_o sanctification_n but_o see_v we_o do_v daily_o renew_v our_o sin_n and_o thereby_o defile_v our_o soul_n and_o body_n we_o must_v daily_o cleanse_v they_o by_o renew_v our_o repentance_n and_o not_o presume_v to_o undertake_v this_o holy_a work_n live_v and_o lie_v in_o our_o spiritual_a defilement_n but_o we_o must_v wash_v our_o soul_n as_o sometime_o the_o israelite_n their_o clothes_n before_o we_o presume_v to_o approach_v unto_o this_o mount_n of_o meditation_n wherein_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v see_v and_o to_o cleanse_v the_o table_n of_o our_o heart_n with_o the_o tear_n of_o true_a contrition_n before_o we_o go_v about_o to_o have_v any_o holy_a impression_n write_v in_o they_o and_o see_v sin_n like_o a_o thick_a cloud_n do_v dim_a and_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n so_o as_o we_o can_v see_v holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n we_o must_v first_o dispel_v they_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n before_o we_o can_v receive_v any_o comfort_n of_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a light_n and_o be_v to_o entertain_v our_o bridegroom_n christ_n in_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n into_o our_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v into_o our_o house_n and_o to_o solace_v our_o soul_n in_o a_o more_o here_o communion_n and_o familiarity_n with_o he_o we_o be_v first_o to_o purge_v they_o from_o all_o noisome_a defilement_n which_o will_v make_v our_o company_n loathsome_a unto_o he_o and_o though_o we_o can_v so_o sufficient_o purify_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v worthy_a to_o entertain_v so_o pure_a and_o holy_a a_o guest_n yet_o at_o least_o in_o a_o sincere_a affection_n let_v we_o labour_n to_o do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v that_o it_o may_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o fault_n of_o negligence_n but_o of_o our_o spiritual_a poverty_n and_o impotency_n which_o disable_v we_o to_o give_v he_o any_o better_a welcome_n the_o formal_a cause_n of_o this_o exercise_n be_v a_o serious_a cogitation_n or_o intentive_a deliberation_n neither_o be_v this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v do_v negligent_o and_o slight_o let_v the_o reins_n lose_v to_o our_o cogitation_n that_o they_o may_v wander_v whither_o they_o listen_v but_o we_o be_v to_o intend_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o our_o mind_n unto_o it_o and_o to_o set_v they_o strict_o to_o this_o holy_a task_n not_o suffer_v they_o to_o wander_v abroad_o whither_o they_o please_v but_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o that_o which_o they_o have_v undertake_v until_o they_o have_v bring_v their_o work_n unto_o some_o good_a perfection_n the_o subiect-matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n be_v something_o divine_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a unto_o which_o our_o thought_n for_o the_o time_n it_o last_v be_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o not_o suffer_v to_o wander_v after_o or_o to_o intermingle_v with_o they_o any_o worldly_a thing_n the_o final_a cause_n or_o end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n both_o which_o be_v advance_v when_o as_o we_o handle_v after_o a_o holy_a manner_n in_o our_o meditation_n some_o such_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o better_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o increase_v of_o our_o inward_a sanctity_n by_o work_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n zeal_n and_o devotion_n in_o his_o service_n a_o utter_a hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o sincere_a purpose_n to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o glorify_v his_o name_n by_o perform_v more_o careful_o and_o conscionable_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n §._o sect._n 4_o that_o meditation_n be_v a_o exercise_n which_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v general_o what_o christian_n meditation_n be_v and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o the_o which_o be_v a_o singular_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o work_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o great_a increase_n of_o all_o save_a grace_n and_o of_o strengthen_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o any_o one_o profession_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o dangerous_a monopoly_n tend_v to_o the_o inestimable_a prejudice_n of_o the_o christian_a commonwealth_n when_o such_o a_o singular_a commodity_n as_o be_v profitable_a for_o all_o be_v ingross_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o few_o but_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o common_a to_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v any_o way_n interest_v in_o grace_n or_o godliness_n neither_o ought_v any_o sort_n or_o sex_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v exempt_v from_o this_o exercise_n unless_o they_o think_v themselves_o so_o strong_a in_o grace_n that_o all_o mean_n of_o spiritual_a growth_n be_v needless_a or_o so_o weak_a and_o impotent_a that_o they_o hold_v they_o boot_v less_o see_v such_o exemption_n be_v no_o prerogative_n but_o a_o disfranchisement_n at_o least_o in_o part_n of_o their_o spiritual_a freedom_n and_o a_o loss_n of_o a_o singular_a privilege_n which_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o great_a charter_n of_o his_o covenant_n make_v in_o christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o they_o for_o he_o have_v not_o only_o allow_v all_o the_o faithful_a to_o have_v the_o book_n of_o his_o law_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o read_v it_o or_o in_o their_o mouth_n to_o talk_v of_o it_o but_o with_o the_o finger_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v write_v and_o engrave_v it_o in_o their_o 34._o jer._n 31._o 34._o heart_n that_o they_o may_v continual_o think_v and_o meditate_v upon_o it_o yea_o he_o have_v not_o only_o leave_v it_o unto_o we_o as_o a_o gracious_a liberty_n which_o we_o may_v take_v and_o leave_v at_o our_o pleasure_n but_o have_v strict_o impose_v it_o upon_o all_o his_o people_n as_o a_o necessary_a duty_n these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o 18._o deut_n 6._o 6_o 8._o
which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n more_o than_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o natural_a defect_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o dispatch_v our_o business_n and_o the_o cold_a we_o feel_v ourselves_o the_o more_o necessary_a we_o think_v it_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o fire_n or_o to_o use_v some_o exercise_n that_o we_o may_v recover_v our_o natural_a heat_n and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o sight_n of_o these_o defect_n shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o this_o exercise_n see_v it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o inlighten_v our_o mind_n with_o more_o knowledge_n to_o get_v spiritual_a health_n and_o strength_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v this_o and_o all_o other_o good_a duty_n daily_o in_o more_o perfection_n and_o to_o warm_v our_o cold_a and_o freeze_a heart_n that_o we_o may_v perform_v service_n unto_o god_n with_o more_o heat_n of_o godly_a zeal_n and_o fervour_n of_o devotion_n beside_o though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a of_o ourselves_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n yet_o if_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n we_o use_v this_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n he_o will_v enable_v we_o unto_o it_o be_v all-sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o both_o to_o think_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n §._o sect._n 3_o their_o objection_n answer_v who_o pretend_v want_v of_o matter_n to_o meditate_v upon_o three_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o object_v want_n of_o matter_n to_o meditate_v upon_o and_o that_o we_o be_v so_o barren_a in_o our_o invention_n that_o the_o fire_n of_o our_o devotion_n be_v ready_a to_o go_v out_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v kindle_v for_o want_v of_o this_o fuel_n to_o nourish_v and_o preserve_v it_o but_o this_o be_v to_o excuse_v one_o negligence_n with_o another_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v set_v before_o we_o and_o even_o put_v into_o our_o hand_n the_o large_a volume_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o both_o which_o there_o be_v abundant_a matter_n of_o meditation_n if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o heart_n to_o view_v and_o read_v they_o beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o misery_n our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o corruption_n want_n and_o imperfection_n god_n manifold_a mercy_n and_o innumerable_a blessing_n vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o such_o like_a of_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o good_a seed_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o barrenness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o their_o averseness_n to_o good_a thing_n if_o they_o bring_v not_o forth_o in_o this_o kind_n plentiful_a fruit_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v with_o true_a sorrow_n that_o we_o who_o have_v matter_n enough_o to_o think_v and_o meditate_v upon_o in_o worldly_a thing_n for_o a_o whole_a year_n together_o though_o none_o be_v prepare_v to_o our_o hand_n be_v herein_o such_o quick_a workman_n that_o we_o can_v both_o gather_v our_o straw_n and_o burn_v our_o brick_n in_o full_a tale_n shall_v be_v so_o barren_a of_o matter_n when_o we_o come_v to_o think_v of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a so_o it_o must_v move_v we_o with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o diligence_n and_o earnestness_n to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o observe_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o find_v our_o emptiness_n to_o resort_v to_o god_n storehouse_n like_o the_o egyptian_n to_o josephs_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o such_o provision_n as_o he_o have_v make_v for_o we_o and_o have_v no_o more_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o want_n §._o sect._n 4_o other_o hindrance_n remoove_v four_o we_o be_v hinder_v from_o perform_v this_o duty_n by_o manifold_a distraction_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a of_o the_o former_a kind_n be_v the_o indisposition_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o be_v carry_v away_o from_o they_o when_o they_o take_v they_o into_o their_o consideration_n after_o worldly_a vanity_n the_o which_o so_o much_o discourage_v many_o that_o they_o neglect_v this_o duty_n altogether_o because_o they_o find_v themselves_o so_o unfit_a to_o perform_v it_o but_o our_o want_v and_o weakness_n shall_v not_o drive_v we_o further_o from_o god_n but_o make_v we_o rather_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o crave_v the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v thereby_o to_o serve_v he_o better_o neither_o must_v our_o imperfection_n and_o distraction_n in_o perform_v christian_a duty_n move_v we_o to_o neglect_v they_o altogether_o for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v and_o if_o we_o thus_o far_o yield_v unto_o he_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o perform_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a see_v he_o will_v never_o let_v distraction_n and_o discouragement_n to_o be_v want_v unto_o we_o but_o be_v thorough_o humble_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o bewail_v our_o want_n let_v we_o labour_v daily_o after_o more_o perfection_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o use_v due_a preparation_n before_o we_o undertake_v this_o exercise_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o second_o let_v we_o keep_v the_o christian_a watch_n before_o speak_v of_o over_o our_o heart_n and_o repel_v these_o distraction_n at_o their_o first_o entrance_n three_o let_v we_o pray_v against_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o strengthen_v we_o that_o they_o may_v not_o prevail_v to_o pull_v away_o our_o heart_n from_o he_o four_o we_o must_v at_o other_o time_n restrain_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v not_o wander_v whither_o they_o listen_v and_o keep_v they_o under_o some_o command_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v when_o we_o will_v employ_v they_o about_o holy_a duty_n five_o we_o must_v fit_v the_o length_n of_o our_o meditation_n to_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o devotion_n and_o let_v they_o be_v enlarge_v as_o it_o increase_v which_o mean_v when_o we_o have_v use_v let_v we_o set_v upon_o this_o exercise_n and_o if_o our_o distraction_n be_v so_o great_a and_o many_o that_o they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o think_v upon_o nothing_o else_o let_v we_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n accuse_v our_o heart_n for_o their_o looseness_n and_o worldliness_n their_o deadness_n and_o backwardness_n to_o all_o good_a duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o unfeigned_a repentance_n §._o sect._n 5_o that_o company_n and_o worldly_a business_n shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o this_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n the_o outward_a distraction_n which_o be_v allege_v as_o necessary_a impediment_n of_o this_o holy_a exercise_n be_v the_o company_n of_o friend_n who_o come_v to_o visit_v we_o take_v up_o that_o time_n which_o shall_v be_v spend_v about_o it_o the_o multitude_n of_o business_n which_o afford_v we_o no_o leisure_n and_o want_v of_o convenient_a place_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v private_o by_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n which_o can_v be_v do_v in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o but_o for_o the_o first_o no_o company_n shall_v be_v so_o dear_a unto_o we_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v cause_v we_o to_o break_v off_o our_o communion_n and_o society_n with_o god_n or_o if_o to_o avoid_v incivility_n and_o give_v offence_n we_o do_v intermit_v this_o exercise_n and_o put_v it_o off_o to_o another_o time_n this_o must_v not_o make_v we_o to_o neglect_v it_o altogether_o but_o we_o must_v set_v ourselves_o about_o it_o when_o our_o company_n be_v go_v and_o redeem_v this_o loss_n by_o double_v our_o diligence_n in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n and_o for_o our_o business_n and_o employment_n we_o be_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n counsel_n to_o think_v this_o one_o thing_n 42._o luk._n 10._o 42._o necessary_a and_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o and_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n esteem_v no_o business_n so_o necessary_a as_o 33._o math._n 6._o 33._o the_o enrich_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n which_o may_v further_o and_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o salvation_n account_v those_o employment_n worldly_a carnal_a and_o not_o worthy_a our_o pain_n which_o shoulder_n and_o thrust_v out_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o yet_o if_o our_o important_a business_n shall_v whole_o take_v we_o up_o and_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o calling_n shall_v so_o strict_o at_o all_o time_n bound_v we_o unto_o they_o that_o we_o have_v no_o leisure_n for_o religious_a duty_n there_o be_v some_o colour_n and_o but_o a_o colour_n of_o excuse_n but_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o our_o employment_n but_o either_o
2._o tim._n 3._o 15._o 2_o john_n ver_fw-la 1_o 4._o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n the_o apostle_n john_n likewise_o write_v to_o child_n young_a and_o old_a man_n plain_o impli_v that_o no_o age_n be_v exempt_v but_o even_o little_a child_n must_v read_v that_o they_o may_v be_v season_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n from_o their_o tender_a age_n like_o young_a timothy_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o elect_a lady_n and_o so_o be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o way_n which_o they_o shall_v choose_v when_o they_o be_v old_a they_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o have_v this_o sound_a foundation_n of_o knowledge_n lay_v they_o may_v have_v the_o build_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n more_o easy_o erect_v and_o set_v up_o in_o they_o and_o young_a man_n also_o must_v read_v the_o scripture_n that_o be_v arm_v with_o this_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o resist_v the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o flesh_n which_o in_o that_o age_n be_v most_o strong_a and_o violent_a final_o old_a man_n after_o they_o have_v get_v much_o knowledge_n must_v still_o diligent_o study_v the_o scripture_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o confirm_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v recall_v those_o thing_n to_o memory_n which_o that_o age_n otherwise_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v and_o that_o have_v know_v god_n and_o his_o christ_n from_o the_o beginning_n not_o only_o by_o read_v and_o hear_v but_o by_o much_o experience_n they_o may_v be_v refresh_v and_o renew_v this_o knowledge_n be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o walk_v themselves_o in_o this_o clear_a light_n and_o guide_v and_o direct_v other_o also_o by_o their_o fatherly_a instruction_n in_o the_o right_a way_n that_o they_o shall_v choose_v but_o yet_o in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n this_o duty_n of_o read_v the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o 8._o deut._n 17._o 18_o 19_o josh_n 1._o 8._o god_n be_v press_v upon_o prince_n and_o governor_n that_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v and_o truth_n they_o may_v themselves_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o it_o see_v hereby_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o save_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o also_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o other_o their_o life_n and_o action_n be_v exemplary_a and_o powerful_a to_o draw_v those_o which_o be_v under_o they_o to_o follow_v and_o imitate_v they_o in_o that_o which_o be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o also_o that_o have_v this_o light_n to_o guide_v they_o they_o may_v administer_v righteous_a judgement_n and_o govern_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n establish_v among_o they_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o maintain_v in_o all_o their_o dominion_n justice_n and_o truth_n but_o above_o all_o other_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n be_v religious_o bind_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o diligent_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n see_v they_o must_v not_o only_o have_v skill_n to_o direct_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o family_n but_o to_o instruct_v all_o other_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n in_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o priest_n lip_n 7._o mal._n 2._o 7._o must_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o the_o people_n must_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o their_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o he_o principal_o more_o than_o ordinary_a christian_n must_v give_v attendance_n to_o read_v exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n 16._o 1._o tim._n 4._o 13_o 16._o and_o continue_v in_o they_o because_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v both_o save_v himself_o and_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o §._o sect._n 2_o that_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o read_v and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o general_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o read_n of_o which_o we_o must_v make_v good_a choice_n see_v it_o be_v much_o better_o not_o to_o read_v at_o all_o then_o to_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o peruse_v such_o book_n as_o be_v profane_a teach_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o lie_n wantonness_n ribaldry_n and_o contempt_n both_o of_o religion_n &_o common_a honesty_n in_o which_o number_n be_v book_n of_o scurrilous_a jest_n play_n and_o machiavellian_a policy_n for_o as_o we_o say_v in_o the_o proverb_n where_o god_n have_v his_o church_n there_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o chapel_n and_o apish_o imitate_v the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o he_o may_v blind_v his_o follower_n get_v from_o they_o the_o like_a glory_n and_o especial_o that_o he_o may_v disgrace_v god_n holy_a ordinance_n as_o god_n have_v his_o sacrament_n &_o ceremony_n so_o he_o will_v have_v he_o to_o seal_v up_o to_o his_o vassal_n their_o more_o assure_a condemnation_n and_o as_o god_n have_v his_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v his_o will_n and_o law_n for_o the_o sanctify_a and_o govern_v of_o his_o people_n so_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v scribe_n inspire_v with_o his_o will_n to_o set_v forth_o book_n of_o hellish_a impiety_n and_o damnable_a policy_n for_o the_o corrupt_a of_o man_n judgement_n the_o poison_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o manner_n and_o the_o train_n up_o and_o govern_v of_o his_o subject_n in_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n must_v with_o as_o much_o care_n flee_v such_o book_n as_o mariner_n do_v the_o rock_n and_o sand_n and_o as_o they_o profess_v themselves_o god_n servant_n so_o they_o must_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o book_n as_o will_v better_v their_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n in_o his_o law_n as_o they_o profess_v themselves_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o they_o must_v read_v and_o study_v such_o book_n as_o be_v religious_a will_v further_o they_o in_o christianity_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v unto_o god_n more_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a service_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v above_o all_o other_o see_v it_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o they_o all_o which_o have_v god_n for_o it_o author_n be_v of_o infallible_a truth_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o its_o own_o sole_a authority_n and_o need_v not_o the_o confirmation_n of_o reason_n or_o any_o humane_a testimony_n but_o shine_v like_o the_o sun_n in_o it_o own_o light_n whereas_o all_o writing_n of_o man_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n be_v only_o so_o far_o forth_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o embrace_v as_o they_o be_v consonant_n and_o agreeable_a with_o it_o for_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o through_o their_o ignorance_n subject_a to_o error_n apt_a to_o deceive_v and_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o further_o to_o be_v credit_v then_o as_o their_o say_n and_o work_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o canon_n and_o rule_n of_o god_n infallible_a truth_n beside_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o more_o majesty_n power_n &_o efficacy_n than_o any_o mortal_a man_n and_o his_o more_o immediate_a ordinance_n which_o be_v more_o effectual_o assist_v and_o wrought_v into_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n for_o the_o enlighten_v of_o our_o understanding_n the_o mollify_a of_o our_o heart_n the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o sanctify_v of_o our_o affection_n than_o all_o other_o writing_n without_o it_o and_o this_o david_n find_v by_o experience_n profess_v that_o by_o study_v and_o meditate_v in_o the_o book_n and_o law_n of_o god_n he_o become_v wise_a than_o the_o ancient_n and_o of_o more_o understanding_n than_o his_o teacher_n 100_o psal_n 119._o 9â—_n 100_o §._o sect._n 3_o their_o objection_n answer_v who_o pretend_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n neither_o let_v any_o man_n pretend_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o such_o difficulty_n and_o so_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o private_a man_n must_v not_o presume_v to_o 4._o psal_n 19_o 7_o 8._o pro._n 1._o 4._o read_v they_o see_v they_o have_v plain_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n inlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a and_o wise_a solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v one_o chief_a end_n of_o his_o pen_n that_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n that_o he_o may_v give_v subtlety_n that_o be_v more_o than_o common_a knowledge_n to_o the_o simple_a and_o to_o the_o young_a man_n knowledge_n and_o discretion_n so_o that_o though_o the_o scripture_n find_v man_n simple_a and_o ignorant_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o leave_v they_o so_o see_v they_o
be_v purposely_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o illuminate_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o to_o make_v the_o foolish_a wise_a and_o therefore_o to_o forbear_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o we_o be_v rude_a and_o of_o small_a understanding_n be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v refuse_v the_o medicine_n because_o we_o be_v sick_a the_o eye-salue_n because_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n because_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o dim-sighted_a it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o alike_o clear_a but_o though_o some_o be_v easy_a and_o plain_a yet_o other_o be_v so_o high_a and_o mystical_a hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o of_o such_o abstruse_a difficulty_n that_o the_o best_a wit_n and_o most_o learned_a may_v even_o their_o whole_a life_n be_v exercise_v about_o they_o and_o yet_o never_o reach_v to_o their_o height_n nor_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o bottom_n but_o this_o must_v not_o discourage_v the_o 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have_v take_v care_n of_o the_o simple_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o as_o in_o course_n of_o nature_n he_o have_v make_v those_o thing_n most_o common_a which_o be_v most_o excellent_a profitable_a and_o necessary_a as_o the_o sun_n air_n fire_n water_n bread_n and_o clothing_n and_o have_v only_o reserve_v to_o the_o rich_a and_o noble_a peculiar_a privilege_n in_o thing_n of_o less_o use_n and_o necessity_n as_o gold_n silver_n precious_a jewel_n so_o make_v and_o call_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o fantasy_n and_o opinion_n silken_a garment_n delicious_a cate_n and_o such_o like_a trifle_n so_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o in_o common_a the_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o make_v they_o so_o easy_a and_o familiar_a that_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v comprehend_v they_o if_o they_o will_v use_v the_o mean_n and_o help_n which_o he_o have_v sanctify_v for_o this_o use_n as_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o inlighten_v our_o blind_a eye_n reading_z meditation_n compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o private_a conference_n and_o have_v reserve_v other_o thing_n less_o necessary_a in_o abstruse_a obscurity_n as_o chronology_n genealogy_n quiddity_n and_o intricate_a question_n to_o exercise_v the_o curiosity_n of_o such_o as_o scorn_v to_o be_v vulgar_o wise_a and_o will_v gain_v unto_o themselves_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n yea_o even_o the_o same_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o some_o place_n plain_o express_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a be_v in_o other_o place_n more_o obscure_o deliver_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n the_o simple_a have_v no_o cause_n of_o discouragement_n by_o their_o difficulty_n nor_o the_o learned_a and_o man_n of_o great_a gift_n any_o cause_n of_o contempt_n or_o idle_a sloth_n through_o their_o easiness_n but_o may_v have_v matter_n deep_a enough_o to_o sound_v and_o search_v out_o by_o their_o great_a wit_n and_o most_o industrious_a endeavour_n so_o one_o say_v that_o the_o gregor_n quamuis_fw-la omnem_fw-la scientiam_fw-la &_o doctrinam_fw-la sacra_fw-la scriptura_fw-la sine_fw-la aliqua_fw-la comparatione_fw-la transcendat_fw-la etc._n etc._n gregor_n holy_a scripture_n without_o comparison_n excel_v all_o other_o science_n and_o learning_n for_o they_o publish_v and_o preach_v the_o truth_n call_v we_o to_o our_o heavenly_a country_n invite_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o reader_n from_o earthly_a desire_n to_o embrace_v heavenly_a excellency_n the_o which_o be_v not_o so_o shut_v up_o in_o obscurity_n that_o we_o need_v to_o fear_v they_o nor_o so_o open_a that_o we_o shall_v contemn_v they_o but_o the_o more_o they_o be_v use_v the_o less_o they_o be_v loathe_v and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v love_v the_o more_o they_o be_v study_v etc._n etc._n notwithstanding_o even_o in_o this_o paradise_n which_o abound_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o flower_n and_o medicinable_a herb_n fit_a for_o use_v necessity_n and_o delight_n there_o may_v general_o at_o all_o time_n be_v choice_n make_v of_o such_o as_o be_v most_o profitable_a and_o comfortable_a and_o special_o upon_o several_a occasion_n for_o howsoever_o all_o contain_v in_o they_o be_v excellent_a and_o fit_a for_o diverse_a use_n so_o that_o no_o part_n in_o our_o read_n be_v always_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o and_o neglect_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o place_n above_o other_o wherein_o we_o may_v have_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o great_a plenty_n and_o variety_n and_o better_o prepare_v for_o our_o weak_a stomach_n and_o though_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o comparison_n with_o other_o writing_n yet_o in_o themselves_o one_o part_n may_v excel_v another_o if_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o author_n or_o nature_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o use_n and_o edification_n as_o contain_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o main_a point_n of_o our_o salvation_n more_o full_o and_o plain_o then_o other_o in_o which_o respect_n the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o be_v a_o commentary_n and_o exposition_n of_o they_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n before_o diverse_a of_o they_o as_o be_v full_o fraught_v with_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o contain_v divine_a precept_n and_o counsel_n fit_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o all_o our_o course_n and_o above_o they_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n as_o be_v the_o lively_a anatomy_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a in_o all_o estate_n and_o condition_n a_o treasury_n of_o heavenly_a meditation_n divine_a wisdom_n holy_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n and_o a_o clear_a glass_n wherein_o we_o may_v see_v how_o in_o all_o estate_n and_o condition_n god_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n and_o they_o with_o he_o and_o final_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o old_a because_o god_n therein_o have_v more_o clear_o manifest_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n the_o send_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o the_o great_a work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o with_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o he_o and_o all_o his_o benefit_n god_n spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o howsoever_o they_o be_v both_o all_o one_o in_o substance_n &_o contain_v the_o same_o thing_n yet_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o new_a hide_v and_o shadow_v the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o old_a unfold_v and_o reveal_v §._o sect._n 4_o that_o we_o must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n only_o but_o also_o other_o religious_a writing_n but_o though_o a_o christian_a man_n be_v to_o study_v and_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n chief_o that_o he_o may_v out_o of_o they_o as_o out_o of_o the_o fountain_n know_v god_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n in_o which_o respect_n their_o practice_n be_v absolute_o to_o be_v condemn_v who_o be_v so_o whole_o take_v up_o in_o read_v the_o father_n schoolman_n and_o late_a writer_n that_o they_o can_v find_v little_a time_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v great_a stranger_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v best_o acquaint_v and_o like_o ill_a merchant_n who_o buy_v all_o their_o ware_n at_o the_o second_o or_o three_o hand_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o so_o whole_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o as_o to_o neglect_v or_o to_o want_v time_n to_o peruse_v the_o writing_n of_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o fervent_a prayer_n the_o gift_n of_o learning_n and_o tongue_n and_o their_o serious_a study_n and_o diligent_a labour_n have_v give_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n
of_o they_o and_o have_v distinct_o handle_v and_o clear_v the_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n contain_v in_o they_o not_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o themselves_o sufficient_o teach_v all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n without_o any_o humane_a addition_n but_o because_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n and_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o people_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v so_o pen_v as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v continual_a use_n both_o of_o their_o exposition_n and_o application_n which_o whoso_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v and_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o sole_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o eminent_a part_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o spiritual_a understanding_n they_o will_v but_o slow_o proceed_v in_o the_o growth_n of_o their_o knowledge_n nor_o without_o much_o labour_n and_o long_o study_v attain_v unto_o any_o great_a perfection_n though_o they_o may_v get_v some_o such_o competency_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o many_o eye_n see_v more_o than_o one_o and_o great_a work_n be_v effect_v more_o speedy_o and_o easy_o that_o be_v set_v forward_o with_o the_o help_n of_o many_o hand_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v commend_v their_o course_n though_o otherwise_o they_o be_v godly_a and_o religious_a and_o much_o less_o those_o who_o set_v they_o in_o it_o that_o neglect_v the_o read_n of_o all_o other_o book_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o they_o have_v all-sufficiency_n in_o they_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o public_a mean_n they_o much_o prefer_v as_o they_o have_v good_a cause_n the_o word_n sincere_o and_o sound_o preach_v before_o the_o word_n bare_o read_v notwithstanding_o that_o this_o public_a read_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o private_a as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v as_o though_o child_n shall_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o whole_a loaf_n of_o bread_n or_o joint_n of_o meat_n because_o they_o have_v in_o they_o sufficient_a nourishment_n and_o refuse_v to_o have_v it_o cut_v out_o and_o carve_v unto_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v at_o a_o public_a feast_n because_o with_o much_o ado_n they_o can_v twitch_v and_o pull_v some_o little_a piece_n and_o fragment_n from_o they_o which_o may_v be_v enough_o to_o hold_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o but_o let_v such_o know_v that_o howsoever_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n yea_o be_v sufficient_a to_o save_v the_o most_o ignorant_a through_o the_o inward_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o all_o other_o help_v and_o mean_n be_v want_v yet_o where_o these_o be_v to_o be_v have_v they_o will_v be_v less_o sufficient_a and_o effectual_a to_o we_o if_o we_o neglect_v they_o see_v the_o lord_n grant_v they_o unto_o we_o to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v use_v they_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v obscure_a and_o for_o the_o enforce_a and_o apply_v of_o those_o point_n that_o be_v more_o plain_a for_o the_o discuss_n of_o doubtful_a case_n and_o for_o the_o lay_v open_a of_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n necessary_a for_o our_o direction_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n which_o be_v many_o of_o they_o not_o manifest_o express_v but_o imply_v and_o to_o be_v gather_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o every_o one_o capacity_n to_o gather_v they_o sufficient_o by_o their_o own_o read_n and_o meditation_n especial_o if_o they_o neglect_v wilful_o those_o help_n which_o the_o lord_n gracious_o do_v offer_v unto_o they_o §._o sect._n 5_o some_o special_a direction_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o fit_a author_n which_o may_v help_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n now_o among_o those_o innumerable_a book_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n we_o must_v use_v singular_a care_n to_o choose_v such_o as_o be_v most_o profitable_a for_o our_o edification_n as_o those_o first_o and_o before_o other_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v our_o judgement_n in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n of_o which_o we_o may_v have_v plentiful_a choice_n both_o those_o which_o handle_v all_o these_o point_n more_o brief_o and_o compendious_o as_o doctor_n nowel_n catechism_n master_n bezaes_n confession_n question_n &_o answer_n doctor_n hall_n doctor_n burges_n and_o master_n ball_n catechism_n a_o brief_a method_n of_o catechise_v the_o way_n to_o true_a blessedness_n and_o many_o other_o and_o such_o as_o handle_v the_o same_o point_n more_o full_o and_o large_o as_o virel_n catechism_n bastingius_n the_o sum_n of_o sacred_a divinity_n a_o treatise_n of_o christian_a religion_n vrsinus_n catechism_n caluins_n institution_n and_o the_o work_n of_o our_o reverend_a countryman_n master_n perkins_n who_o have_v excellent_o handle_v the_o most_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o his_o learned_a and_o religious_a writing_n and_o have_v thorough_o inform_v our_o judgement_n by_o read_v and_o study_v some_o of_o these_o or_o other_o of_o like_a nature_n which_o by_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o judgement_n or_o help_v of_o other_o direction_n we_o think_v fit_a for_o we_o we_o may_v then_o also_o profitable_o peruse_v other_o writing_n which_o may_v further_o and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o of_o a_o godly_a life_n as_o master_n rogers_n his_o seven_o treatise_n or_o if_o they_o seem_v too_o long_o for_o our_o little_a leisure_n the_o abridgement_n of_o they_o the_o which_o be_v so_o exact_o do_v that_o in_o my_o judgement_n it_o full_o comprise_v in_o it_o the_o whole_a sum_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o all_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o many_o other_o particular_a point_n and_o proof_n or_o another_o entitle_v direction_n to_o a_o godly_a life_n gather_v out_o 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sound_o inform_v the_o judgement_n and_o work_v powerful_o upon_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n then_o of_o such_o as_o contain_v little_a but_o idle_a eloquence_n and_o frothy_a conceit_n of_o wit_n do_v nourish_v in_o the_o reader_n vain_a curiosity_n and_o please_v his_o fantasy_n with_o fruitless_a flash_n yea_o i_o will_v persuade_v the_o devout_a christian_n to_o who_o i_o chief_o write_v who_o labour_v more_o after_o piety_n than_o learning_n and_o speculative_a knowledge_n that_o they_o will_v principal_o read_v such_o book_n as_o will_v make_v they_o more_o holy_a and_o religious_a rather_o than_o more_o learned_a and_o such_o experimental_a divinity_n as_o will_v fit_v and_o further_o they_o for_o christian_a practice_n rather_o than_o for_o discourse_n neither_o can_v i_o commend_v to_o such_o the_o study_n of_o genealogy_n chronology_n &_o controversy_n except_o have_v begin_v with_o those_o beforenamed_n they_o have_v not_o only_a leisure_n
sufficient_a for_o the_o other_o also_o and_o excellent_a wit_n and_o part_n to_o comprehend_v and_o profit_v by_o they_o but_o also_o live_v in_o such_o place_n which_o be_v infect_v with_o error_n schism_n and_o heresy_n where_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o company_n they_o shall_v need_v to_o be_v extraordinary_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o confute_v and_o convince_v gainsayers_a yea_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o persuade_v and_o gain_v they_o that_o they_o may_v embrace_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v in_o which_o case_n i_o will_v commend_v unto_o they_o the_o learned_a writing_n of_o b._n jewel_n against_o harding_n of_o doctor_n fulke_n and_o especial_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o rhemish_a testament_n doctor_n reynolds_n conference_n with_o hart_n master_n perkins_n his_o reform_a catholic_n doctor_n abbot_n learned_a defence_n of_o it_o against_o bishop_n doctor_n whites_n way_n to_o the_o true_a church_n and_o doctor_n willet_n synopsis_n which_o comprise_v in_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o many_o other_o and_o learned_o dispute_v and_o discuss_v the_o most_o point_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n otherwise_o i_o shall_v persuade_v those_o who_o main_a aim_n be_v to_o inform_v themselves_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n that_o they_o may_v practice_v they_o in_o their_o life_n to_o be_v more_o spare_v in_o the_o study_n of_o controversy_n see_v if_o they_o clear_o see_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o truth_n it_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o discern_v the_o crooked_a error_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o it_o be_v such_o a_o light_n as_o not_o only_o show_v itself_o but_o also_o all_o falsehood_n which_o be_v opposite_a and_o oppugn_v it_o cap._n xxix_o of_o our_o preparation_n unto_o this_o exercise_n of_o read_v and_o what_o be_v require_v in_o it_o §._o sect._n 1_o that_o we_o must_v come_v in_o reverence_n to_o this_o holy_a exercise_n and_o bring_v faith_n unto_o it_o and_o thus_o have_v general_o show_v both_o who_o be_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o read_v and_o the_o subject_a matter_n which_o they_o be_v to_o read_v we_o be_v now_o to_o entreat_v of_o the_o duty_n itself_o and_o then_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a help_n and_o mean_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n in_o the_o duty_n we_o will_v consider_v the_o preparation_n unto_o it_o and_o then_o the_o action_n or_o exercise_n of_o read_v with_o some_o direction_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v it_o with_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n in_o our_o preparation_n our_o care_n must_v be_v to_o fit_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v perform_v this_o religious_a duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n and_o not_o to_o go_v about_o it_o rash_o and_o unaduised_o never_o so_o much_o as_o once_o think_v to_o what_o end_n we_o undertake_v it_o but_o only_o read_v to_o spend_v the_o time_n because_o we_o want_v some_o other_o employment_n and_o first_o we_o must_v come_v unto_o this_o duty_n with_o all_o reverence_n and_o perform_v it_o as_o in_o god_n presence_n and_o as_o be_v one_o of_o his_o gracious_a ordinance_n whereby_o hereveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n more_o clear_o unto_o we_o for_o the_o edify_a and_o build_n of_o we_o up_o in_o all_o grace_n and_o godliness_n second_o we_o must_v bring_v faith_n with_o we_o for_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o word_n hear_v so_o may_v it_o also_o of_o this_o namely_o that_o the_o word_n which_o we_o read_v will_v not_o profit_v we_o unless_o it_o 2._o heb._n 4._o 2._o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n in_o those_o that_o read_v it_o the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v first_o general_o of_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o our_o action_n that_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o god_n &_o more_o special_o in_o this_o see_v if_o christ_n be_v not_o in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n both_o to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o understand_v as_o he_o do_v the_o eye_n of_o saul_n 5._o act._n 16._o luk._n 24._o apoc._n 5._o 5._o and_o our_o hard_a heart_n shut_v up_o in_o sin_n as_o he_o do_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n and_o of_o the_o two_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n yea_o if_o this_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n do_v not_o open_v the_o seal_a book_n we_o shall_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v read_v and_o not_o understand_v besdy_n which_o we_o must_v bring_v a_o more_o special_a faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v ready_a to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v every_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o apply_v it_o for_o our_o own_o use_n as_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n for_o our_o instruction_n threaten_n for_o our_o humiliation_n promise_n for_o our_o confirmation_n in_o faith_n consolation_n for_o our_o comfort_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o act_n of_o it_o as_o it_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o as_o it_o believe_v the_o writing_n of_o man_n although_o most_o godly_a and_o learned_a for_o as_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v read_v with_o equal_a reverence_n and_o esteem_v unto_o the_o other_o so_o neither_o in_o all_o respect_n with_o the_o like_a faith_n for_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o scripture_n with_o a_o absolute_a faith_n without_o any_o doubt_n or_o dispute_n of_o reason_n &_o without_o other_o confirmation_n or_o appeal_n to_o further_a trial_n because_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v but_o all_o other_o writing_n of_o man_n must_v be_v read_v with_o a_o reserve_v faith_n believe_v they_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o upon_o due_a trial_n and_o examination_n we_o find_v their_o say_n consonant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o ground_v upon_o his_o infallible_a truth_n as_o upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o we_o all_o be_v but_o imperfect_o enlighten_v do_v know_v only_o in_o part_n and_o therefore_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n other_o also_o that_o shall_v build_v their_o faith_n upon_o our_o 15._o luk._n 8._o 15._o authority_n shall_v err_v with_o us._n §._o sect._n 2_o that_o we_o must_v bring_v honest_a heart_n and_o earnest_a desire_n to_o profit_n by_o this_o exercise_n three_o we_o must_v bring_v with_o we_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n that_o so_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n be_v sow_v in_o they_o as_o in_o good_a ground_n it_o may_v take_v deep_a 17._o psal_n 50._o 16_o 17._o root_n and_o bring_v forth_o in_o we_o plentiful_a fruit_n whereby_o i_o understand_v not_o only_o a_o heart_n purify_v by_o faith_n and_o purge_v from_o sinful_a corruption_n by_o true_a repentance_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o take_v god_n word_n and_o covenant_n into_o our_o mouth_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v replenish_v with_o sincere_a affection_n and_o holy_a desire_n as_o after_o all_o god_n grace_n so_o especial_o that_o we_o may_v profit_v by_o this_o present_a exercise_n without_o which_o we_o may_v long_o read_v and_o yet_o be_v never_o the_o better_a or_o holy_a like_o those_o who_o eat_v their_o meat_n without_o a_o appetite_n be_v after_o much_o feed_n never_o the_o fat_a unto_o such_o the_o say_n of_o solomon_n may_v be_v fit_o apply_v wherefore_o be_v there_o a_o 16._o prou._n 17._o 16._o price_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n to_o get_v wisdom_n see_v he_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o for_o though_o they_o abound_v in_o leisure_n and_o have_v the_o sight_n and_o peruse_n of_o many_o excellent_a book_n yet_o they_o purchase_v by_o they_o no_o spiritual_a grace_n because_o they_o have_v no_o such_o desire_n or_o end_n when_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o read_v but_o because_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o idleness_n or_o for_o curiosity_n that_o they_o may_v see_v what_o every_o one_o be_v able_a to_o say_v or_o to_o get_v speculative_a knowledge_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v to_o entertain_v discourse_n but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o good_a by_o our_o read_n we_o must_v come_v to_o it_o with_o a_o mind_n and_o desire_v to_o profit_v by_o it_o to_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n increase_v in_o we_o to_o have_v our_o mind_n more_o enlighten_v with_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n to_o have_v our_o faith_n affiance_n hope_v love_n zeal_n and_o all_o other_o god_n gift_n and_o grace_n confirm_v nourish_v and_o enlarge_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v express_v they_o in_o our_o life_n by_o increase_v daily_o in_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n for_o if_o these_o desire_n be_v want_v though_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o else_o but_o read_v the_o
of_o doctrine_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o be_v try_v with_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o with_o the_o berean_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o by_o 11._o act._n 17._o 11._o they_o to_o examine_v whether_o the_o thing_n we_o hear_v be_v so_o or_o no._n the_o three_o end_n at_o which_o we_o must_v aim_v be_v admonition_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o check_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o both_o take_v and_o give_v warning_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o when_o either_o they_o or_o we_o be_v enter_v into_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o may_v be_v reclaim_v and_o not_o proceed_v 24._o heb._n 10._o 24._o in_o they_o to_o our_o further_a detriment_n the_o four_o end_n be_v reproof_n and_o rebuke_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o apply_v god_n threaten_n and_o check_n unto_o ourselves_o and_o other_o when_o as_o either_o we_o or_o they_o do_v live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n that_o so_o we_o may_v by_o strong_a hand_n be_v pull_v like_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o perish_v by_o god_n approach_a judgement_n the_o five_o and_o last_o special_a end_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v in_o another_o place_n be_v comfort_n and_o consolation_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o cheer_v up_o our_o faint_a and_o droop_a heart_n and_o to_o strengthen_v 4._o rom._n 15._o 4._o our_o weak_a hand_n and_o knee_n against_o the_o manifold_a discouragement_n which_o affront_v we_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n whether_o they_o be_v inward_a or_o outward_a as_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n due_a unto_o they_o our_o corruption_n want_v and_o imperfection_n in_o our_o best_a action_n the_o tentation_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n affliction_n and_o persecution_n against_o which_o and_o all_o other_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rich_a treasury_n afford_v unto_o we_o plentiful_a consolation_n which_o be_v right_o apply_v will_v sufficient_o hearten_v we_o to_o go_v on_o with_o comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o as_o in_o our_o read_n we_o 17._o joh._n 17._o 17._o must_v aim_v at_o these_o particular_n so_o general_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sanctify_v with_o this_o word_n of_o truth_n throughout_o both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o that_o 23._o 1._o thes_n 5._o 23._o we_o may_v be_v make_v perfect_a be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 17._o 2._o tim._n 3._o 17._o §._o sect._n 2_o that_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o theme_n and_o argument_n the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o manner_n how_o we_o may_v so_o carry_v ourselves_o in_o this_o exercise_n as_o that_o we_o may_v perform_v it_o with_o most_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n to_o which_o purpose_n the_o direction_n follow_v may_v not_o unprofitable_o be_v observe_v as_o first_o we_o be_v diligent_o to_o mark_v the_o theme_n question_n or_o main_n point_n which_o be_v handle_v in_o that_o book_n or_o chapter_n which_o we_o read_v and_o how_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o aurthor_n tend_v to_o prove_v or_o illustrate_v it_o with_o the_o several_a argument_n which_o be_v produce_v to_o this_o end_n or_o if_o we_o want_v skill_n to_o do_v this_o yet_o we_o may_v observe_v if_o not_o by_o our_o own_o collection_n yet_o by_o help_n of_o the_o author_n pain_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o which_o he_o deliver_v in_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n or_o section_n which_o will_v give_v great_a light_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n when_o as_o we_o know_v the_o main_n scope_n at_o which_o he_o aim_v and_o how_o he_o frame_v his_o discourse_n and_o what_o argument_n and_o testimony_n he_o use_v to_o prove_v or_o enforce_v that_o point_n which_o he_o propound_v to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v also_o profitable_a to_o rule_n the_o second_o rule_n observe_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o author_n writing_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o use_n the_o writing_n be_v intend_v and_o of_o the_o time_n wherein_o he_o write_v with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o people_n that_o live_v in_o they_o unto_o what_o sin_n they_o be_v most_o addict_v and_o in_o what_o virtue_n and_o duty_n they_o be_v most_o defective_a and_o how_o the_o author_n cry_v down_o the_o one_o and_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o other_o the_o order_n also_o and_o method_n which_o he_o use_v the_o coherence_n of_o the_o part_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o how_o he_o pass_v from_o one_o point_n to_o another_o will_v give_v much_o light_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o what_o we_o read_v which_o if_o we_o neglect_v and_o consuse_o go_v on_o jumble_v all_o together_o we_o shall_v make_v even_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a hard_a and_o intricate_a observe_v little_a in_o much_o read_n and_o remember_v less_o and_o reap_v little_a profit_n by_o much_o pain_n §._o sect._n 3_o that_o we_o must_v observe_v a_o due_a order_n in_o our_o read_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o fit_a author_n with_o like_a care_n we_o must_v observe_v a_o due_a order_n in_o our_o own_o read_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o author_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o our_o own_o capacity_n and_o use_n and_o so_o proceed_v by_o degree_n from_o those_o which_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o such_o as_o be_v more_o difficult_a as_o we_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n first_o our_o care_n must_v be_v to_o lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n by_o read_v diligent_o some_o profitable_a catechism_n contain_v the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n not_o think_v it_o to_o be_v read_v sufficient_o although_o we_o have_v go_v over_o it_o diverse_a time_n till_o we_o so_o thorough_o understand_v &_o remember_v it_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o word_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o the_o point_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n 15._o 1._o pet._n 3._o 15._o whereby_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v arm_v against_o all_o error_n and_o lie_n when_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v all_o we_o read_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o also_o shall_v with_o much_o more_o ease_n understand_v all_o other_o discourse_n which_o without_o this_o help_n will_v be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a for_o want_v of_o which_o order_n observe_v in_o read_v it_o be_v pitiful_a to_o see_v how_o many_o that_o think_v themselves_o great_a proficient_o and_o even_o able_a to_o teach_v other_o not_o be_v thus_o ground_v be_v easy_o carry_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v for_o want_v of_o skill_n to_o examine_v what_o they_o read_v and_o hear_v be_v ready_a also_o to_o deceive_v other_o so_o impossible_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o amend_v such_o error_n as_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o foundation_n though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o curious_a in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o build_n but_o though_o our_o first_o care_n must_v be_v in_o lay_v the_o foundation_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v there_o but_o proceed_v and_o go_v forward_o till_o we_o be_v build_v up_o in_o knowledge_n unto_o some_o perfection_n we_o must_v not_o whilst_o we_o be_v babe_n in_o christ_n out_o of_o pride_n and_o curiosity_n affect_v strong_a meat_n which_o be_v of_o too_o hard_a digestion_n for_o our_o weak_a stomach_n but_o hunger_n after_o 2._o 1._o pet._n 2._o 1_o 2._o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n and_o main_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o which_o when_o we_o be_v well_o nourish_v and_o grow_v to_o some_o strength_n we_o must_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v leave_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o heb._n 6._o 1._o of_o christ_n namely_o the_o foundation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n and_o study_v both_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o such_o author_n as_o those_o beforenamed_a which_o will_v thorough_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o divinity_n in_o which_o when_o we_o have_v make_v some_o good_a proceed_n we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o read_v treatise_n of_o any_o argument_n which_o more_o thorough_o handle_v special_a part_n of_o religion_n wherein_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v special_o inform_v or_o to_o have_v they_o effectual_o press_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n §._o sect._n 4_o that_o the_o devoute_a reader_n be_v not_o to_o read_v many_o book_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n but_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o few_o which_o be_v best_a
the_o four_o rule_n of_o direction_n which_o i_o will_v commend_v to_o the_o devout_a christian_a in_o his_o read_n for_o the_o better_a enable_v of_o he_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n for_o i_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o prescribe_v direction_n unto_o the_o learned_a in_o their_o study_n but_o rather_o desire_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o be_v that_o they_o make_v choice_n not_o of_o many_o book_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n but_o of_o such_o as_o either_o in_o their_o own_o judgement_n &_o experience_n or_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o other_o they_o know_v to_o be_v best_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o inform_v of_o their_o judgement_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n and_o sanctify_v of_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n &_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o affect_v the_o read_n of_o many_o author_n as_o to_o study_v thorough_o those_o which_o they_o do_v read_v &_o by_o distinguish_v they_o through_o serious_a meditation_n to_o turn_v they_o in_o wholesome_a nourishment_n for_o the_o preserve_n of_o their_o spiritual_a health_n and_o the_o strengthen_n of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o make_v so_o neither_o of_o read_v many_o book_n and_o much_o read_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v a_o weariness_n to_o the_o flesh_n 12._o eccles_n 12._o 12._o and_o therefore_o as_o those_o which_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o great_a feast_n do_v not_o if_o they_o have_v care_n of_o their_o health_n eat_v a_o little_a of_o every_o dish_n or_o more_o than_o their_o stomach_n can_v well_o digest_v see_v the_o superfluity_n will_v turn_v to_o crudity_n and_o breed_v ill_a humour_n and_o obstruction_n in_o the_o body_n so_o in_o that_o great_a variety_n of_o spiritual_a food_n which_o in_o these_o day_n be_v set_v before_o we_o cook_v and_o dress_v after_o diverse_a manner_n it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a course_n for_o a_o christian_a who_o have_v a_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n health_n to_o feed_v of_o many_o or_o more_o than_o he_o be_v able_a by_o meditation_n to_o digest_v see_v this_o will_v but_o the_o more_o weaken_v and_o confound_v the_o memory_n and_o unsettle_v his_o judgement_n so_o as_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o take_v and_o what_o to_o leave_v and_o fill_v his_o mind_n with_o raw_a conceit_n and_o indigested_a opinion_n but_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a author_n in_o every_o kind_n and_o to_o study_v thorough_o till_o he_o have_v turn_v they_o to_o good_a nourishment_n and_o do_v feel_v his_o soul_n refresh_v and_o strengthen_v by_o they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a way_n for_o any_o that_o intend_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o good_a statesman_n to_o ramble_v and_o run_v over_o in_o his_o travail_n many_o country_n see_v much_o and_o make_v use_n of_o little_a for_o the_o improve_v of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o state-policie_n but_o rather_o to_o stay_v so_o long_o in_o every_o place_n till_o he_o have_v note_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v best_a worthy_a his_o observation_n so_o also_o be_v it_o in_o the_o travail_n and_o study_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o which_o if_o we_o will_v be_v better_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v not_o our_o best_a course_n to_o run_v slight_o over_o many_o thing_n take_v only_o such_o a_o general_a view_n of_o they_o as_o somewhat_o increase_v our_o speculative_a knowledge_n but_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o point_n we_o read_v that_o we_o may_v imprint_v they_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o work_v they_o into_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o save_v knowledge_n which_o chief_o consist_v in_o feeling_n and_o experience_n which_o course_n if_o we_o take_v we_o shall_v profit_v more_o by_o one_o good_a book_n often_o read_v and_o thorough_o ponder_v then_o by_o run_v over_o a_o multitude_n after_o a_o superficial_a manner_n for_o if_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o memory_n can_v hardly_o in_o once_o or_o twice_o read_v of_o a_o book_n attain_v unto_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n nor_o comprehend_v many_o of_o his_o notion_n and_o main_n intention_n in_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o their_o understanding_n only_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o most_o diligent_a reader_n be_v often_o carry_v away_o with_o distraction_n of_o many_o kind_n how_o much_o less_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o convert_v these_o spiritual_a treasure_n at_o the_o first_o view_n to_o all_o their_o special_a and_o several_a use_n to_o lay_v they_o up_o orderly_o in_o our_o memory_n that_o when_o we_o have_v most_o need_n we_o may_v know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o to_o work_v they_o into_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n that_o we_o may_v have_v sense_n and_o feel_n of_o their_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n for_o inward_a sanctification_n and_o outward_a practice_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n §._o sect._n 5_o that_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o understand_v thorough_o what_o we_o read_v the_o five_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o exercise_n be_v that_o we_o read_v with_o understanding_n and_o that_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o book_n as_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o capacity_n we_o do_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o slight_a perusal_n but_o that_o we_o thorough_o understand_v what_o we_o read_v and_o not_o pass_v to_o a_o new_a point_n till_o we_o see_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o meaning_n of_o that_o we_o last_o have_v in_o hand_n the_o which_o rule_n have_v place_n chief_o in_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n private_o by_o ourselves_o wherein_o it_o be_v better_a to_o read_v five_o word_n with_o the_o understanding_n than_o ten_o thousand_o when_o we_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o no_o more_o then_o if_o they_o be_v 19_o 1._o cor._n 14._o 19_o write_v in_o a_o strange_a language_n in_o which_o regard_n their_o practice_n bring_v little_a profit_n who_o set_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o their_o task_n in_o read_v over_o the_o bible_n every_o year_n and_o so_o many_o chapter_n every_o day_n if_o they_o rest_v in_o the_o deed_n do_v and_o have_v little_a care_n how_o they_o do_v it_o and_o take_v more_o pain_n in_o read_v over_o the_o word_n then_o in_o attain_v to_o their_o meaning_n unto_o who_o if_o philip_n question_n to_o the_o eunuch_n be_v propound_v understand_v thou_o what_o thou_o read_v they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o shape_v unto_o it_o so_o good_a a_o answer_n see_v they_o want_v not_o so_o much_o a_o 30._o acts._n 8._o 30._o interpreter_n to_o expound_v dark_a prophecy_n as_o a_o intentive_a and_o industrious_a mind_n set_v itself_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v able_a by_o study_n to_o comprehend_v the_o which_o i_o speak_v not_o to_o discourage_v any_o in_o this_o exercise_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o rather_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o continue_v it_o still_o with_o more_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n the_o taste_n and_o feel_n whereof_o can_v only_o make_v they_o constant_a in_o it_o for_o who_o delight_v long_o to_o feed_v on_o that_o meat_n wherein_o he_o find_v no_o relish_n or_o sweetness_n neither_o be_v it_o my_o meaning_n that_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n man_n of_o ordinary_a calling_n and_o gift_n shall_v tie_v themselves_o to_o understand_v all_o they_o have_v read_v before_o they_o proceed_v further_o for_o many_o point_n be_v so_o deep_a and_o mystical_a that_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o they_o will_v thorough_o exercise_v the_o great_a learning_n and_o best_a wit_n yea_o oftentimes_o even_o such_o with_o much_o study_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v they_o but_o only_o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o negligent_o to_o slight_v over_o what_o they_o read_v but_o serious_o to_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o understand_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o as_o for_o place_n of_o difficulty_n they_o be_v not_o by_o they_o to_o be_v stop_v in_o their_o course_n of_o read_v as_o it_o be_v with_o block_n lie_v in_o their_o way_n but_o to_o pass_v by_o they_o unto_o more_o easy_a and_o plain_a passage_n unless_o their_o leisure_n learning_n and_o liberty_n will_v afford_v they_o the_o help_n of_o some_o good_a commentary_n to_o clear_v their_o doubt_n only_o they_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o such_o difficult_a place_n as_o they_o think_v will_v if_o they_o be_v well_o understand_v be_v most_o profitable_a for_o their_o use_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o they_o by_o some_o of_o more_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n and_o chief_o of_o their_o own_o minister_n who_o lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n that_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n may_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n 7._o mal._n
ourselves_o enjoin_v to_o do_v it_o when_o they_o promise_v we_o be_v to_o hope_v when_o they_o threaten_v we_o be_v to_o be_v terrify_v as_o if_o the_o judgement_n be_v denounce_v against_o we_o and_o when_o they_o forbid_v any_o sin_n we_o be_v to_o think_v that_o they_o forbid_v it_o unto_o us._n by_o which_o application_n we_o shall_v make_v all_o the_o rich_a treasure_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n whole_o our_o own_o and_o in_o such_o a_o powerful_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n enjoy_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v whole_o write_v for_o we_o and_o for_o none_o other_o else_o beside_o us._n §._o sect._n 8_o that_o we_o must_v read_v orderly_o with_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n the_o last_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o our_o read_n be_v that_o we_o proceed_v in_o it_o after_o a_o orderly_a manner_n with_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n and_o not_o by_o fit_n and_o snatch_v here_o a_o chapter_n and_o there_o another_o or_o only_o the_o beginning_n of_o book_n and_o then_o lay_v they_o aside_o and_o take_v other_o in_o hand_n of_o which_o we_o be_v as_o soon_o weary_a as_o of_o the_o former_a only_o out_o of_o novelty_n and_o to_o feed_v our_o vain_a curiosity_n without_o any_o true_a desire_n of_o edification_n and_o spiritual_a profit_n but_o when_o upon_o sound_a advice_n we_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o book_n we_o be_v not_o to_o give_v it_o over_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o end_n yea_o if_o we_o find_v it_o sound_n and_o savoury_a useful_a and_o profitable_a we_o be_v to_o read_v it_o again_o and_o again_o as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v never_o think_v that_o we_o have_v peruse_v it_o sufficient_o till_o we_o have_v thorough_o understand_v it_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o our_o memory_n apply_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o draw_v it_o into_o use_n and_o practice_n the_o which_o constant_a course_n as_o we_o must_v observe_v in_o our_o study_n of_o other_o godly_a book_n so_o especial_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o which_o must_v not_o be_v read_v by_o piece_n without_o order_n as_o the_o book_n happen_v to_o open_v when_o we_o take_v it_o into_o our_o hand_n but_o the_o best_a way_n be_v in_o our_o ordinary_a course_n to_o begin_v at_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o to_o proceed_v till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o end_n the_o which_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a help_n both_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n when_o as_o we_o observe_v the_o coherence_n and_o how_o one_o thing_n depend_v upon_o another_o which_o if_o it_o be_v interrupt_v cause_v much_o obscurity_n and_o make_v we_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n see_v by_o reason_n of_o this_o confusion_n we_o shall_v read_v many_o thing_n often_o and_o as_o many_o other_o never_o at_o all_o the_o which_o rule_n have_v place_n in_o our_o ordinary_a course_n of_o read_v only_o for_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a to_o read_v in_o any_o place_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v as_o also_o some_o special_a part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n more_o often_o then_o other_o which_o be_v most_o full_a and_o fertile_a of_o spiritual_a instruction_n and_o most_o profitable_a for_o edification_n which_o out_o of_o our_o ordinary_a course_n we_o may_v read_v when_o we_o get_v any_o fit_a leisure_n and_o opportunity_n again_o though_o in_o our_o ordinary_a read_v no_o portion_n of_o scripture_n be_v always_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o see_v all_o be_v profitable_a for_o some_o use_n and_o purpose_n yet_o save_v other_o man_n better_a judgement_n i_o think_v that_o some_o part_n may_v be_v read_v much_o more_o seldom_o then_o other_o especial_o by_o common_a christian_n of_o mean_a knowledge_n and_o capacity_n who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v little_a use_n of_o they_o as_o the_o chapter_n which_o contain_v nothing_o but_o genealogy_n those_o in_o the_o new_a 3._o matth._n 1._o luk._n 3._o testament_n except_v the_o 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another_o who_o by_o spurt_n and_o fit_n ride_v upon_o his_o gallop_n and_o not_o mind_v his_o journey_n spend_v the_o most_o part_n of_o his_o time_n in_o needless_a stay_n upon_o the_o way_n §._o sect._n 9_o of_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o this_o exercise_n of_o read_v and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o read_n the_o next_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o time_n which_o we_o may_v most_o fit_o allot_v to_o this_o exercise_n when_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v it_o and_o how_o long_o it_o must_v be_v continue_v for_o either_o of_o which_o no_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v but_o they_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o every_o christian_n discretion_n and_o devotion_n according_a to_o their_o several_a occasion_n and_o opportunity_n we_o be_v general_o fit_a for_o this_o and_o other_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o like_a nature_n in_o the_o morning_n when_o our_o spirit_n and_o wit_n be_v fresh_a 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thing_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o practice_v in_o our_o life_n §._o sect._n 2_o that_o by_o read_v the_o mind_n be_v much_o enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n more_o especial_o this_o exercise_n of_o read_v do_v singular_o further_o we_o in_o a_o godly_a life_n as_o it_o do_v inlighten_v our_o understanding_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o show_v unto_o we_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o must_v walk_v to_o which_o purpose_n no_o exercise_n whatsoever_o be_v so_o useful_a and_o effectual_a for_o howsoever_o the_o preach_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n have_v a_o superior_a privilege_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o save_v grace_n in_o we_o as_o faith_n repentance_n and_o the_o rest_n yet_o for_o the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o full_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o be_v convert_v and_o illuminate_v in_o some_o measure_n this_o exercise_n of_o read_v have_v many_o special_a privilege_n for_o first_o we_o may_v use_v it_o as_o oft_o as_o we_o will_v and_o have_v any_o desire_n to_o gain_v knowledge_n but_o the_o other_o can_v be_v have_v but_o at_o certain_a time_n nor_o then_o neither_o in_o every_o place_n second_o by_o read_v we_o may_v in_o short_a time_n if_o we_o be_v studious_a and_o diligent_a be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o divinity_n and_o in_o all_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o which_o by_o preach_v we_o can_v come_v to_o know_v but_o in_o long_a time_n though_o our_o pastor_n take_v the_o best_a and_o most_o direct_a course_n of_o join_v catechise_v with_o preach_v nor_o in_o our_o whole_a life_n in_o any_o great_a perfection_n if_o this_o be_v neglect_v see_v in_o a_o sermon_n some_o few_o of_o innumerable_a point_n be_v usual_o deliver_v and_o they_o rather_o press_v upon_o the_o affection_n for_o use_v and_o practice_n then_o sufficient_o clear_v to_o the_o understanding_n three_o because_o by_o read_v we_o may_v help_v our_o understanding_n by_o review_v over_o and_o over_o again_o that_o which_o at_o first_o we_o conceive_v not_o and_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n also_o may_v recall_v to_o our_o remembrance_n the_o thing_n which_o after_o once_o or_o twice_o read_v we_o have_v forget_v the_o which_o help_v hear_v afford_v not_o especial_o when_o we_o most_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o final_o because_o we_o may_v at_o our_o own_o pleasure_n fit_v our_o read_n for_o our_o own_o occasion_n and_o furnish_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o point_n wherein_o we_o be_v most_o defective_a for_o the_o resolve_v of_o our_o particular_a question_n and_o doubt_n and_o for_o the_o inform_v our_o judgement_n in_o all_o point_n whereof_o for_o the_o present_a and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n we_o have_v special_a use_n whereas_o the_o preacher_n speak_v general_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o defect_n in_o knowledge_n seldom_o or_o never_o speak_v of_o all_o those_o point_n wherein_o we_o need_v instruction_n and_o often_o of_o such_o as_o we_o know_v already_o in_o all_o which_o respect_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v a_o christian_a thorough_o ground_v in_o all_o point_n contain_v in_o the_o body_n of_o divinity_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o diligent_a in_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o may_v have_v some_o competency_n of_o knowledge_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o some_o good_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o save_a grace_n if_o he_o utter_o neglect_v this_o duty_n of_o read_v §._o sect._n 3_o that_o read_n bring_v with_o it_o many_o other_o benefit_n again_o as_o read_v singular_o inlighten_v the_o mind_n so_o also_o it_o afford_v many_o other_o help_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n for_o it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o relieve_v the_o memory_n and_o to_o move_v the_o will_n incline_v it_o powerful_o unto_o good_a and_o withdraw_v it_o from_o evil_a though_o not_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o efficacy_n as_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o work_v upon_o the_o hart_n for_o the_o mollify_a &_o soften_a it_o and_o upon_o all_o the_o affection_n for_o the_o purge_n and_o sanctify_v of_o they_o inflame_v our_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o our_o hatred_n against_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a it_o kindle_v our_o zeal_n when_o it_o grow_v lukewarm_a and_o stir_v up_o our_o devotion_n when_o it_o be_v cold_a and_o sluggish_a it_o much_o increase_v all_o god_n grace_n in_o we_o as_o faith_n affiance_n repentance_n patience_n peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o rest_n by_o impart_v unto_o they_o that_o spiritual_a food_n whereby_o they_o be_v nourish_v it_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o make_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v perfect_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n it_o special_o enable_v 17._o 2._o tim._n 3._o 13_o 17._o we_o to_o the_o fruitful_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o as_o we_o can_v with_o the_o berean_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o the_o thing_n we_o hear_v be_v so_o or_o no_o and_o try_v 11._o act._n 17._o 11._o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o we_o hear_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o by_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o this_o truth_n beside_o that_o it_o make_v we_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o history_n so_o that_o when_o they_o be_v cite_v they_o be_v familiar_a unto_o us._n whereas_o without_o this_o benefit_n of_o read_v we_o can_v tell_v whether_o the_o testimony_n quote_v be_v in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n or_o no_o or_o if_o we_o take_v this_o upon_o our_o teacher_n word_n yet_o we_o can_v tell_v where_o they_o be_v nor_o easy_o turn_v to_o they_o upon_o the_o sudden_a it_o teach_v we_o to_o manage_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o and_o repel_v the_o tentation_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o etc._n eph._n 6._o 17._o math._n 4._o 3._o 4_o etc._n etc._n example_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n final_o if_o we_o use_v this_o exercise_n careful_o and_o conscionable_o to_o profit_v by_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v assure_v of_o everlasting_a blessedness_n for_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n 3._o apoc._n 1._o 3._o of_o god_n book_n and_o keep_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o bless_a be_v 2._o psal_n 1._o 1_o 2._o the_o man_n who_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n all_o which_o be_v due_o consider_v shall_v be_v effectual_a motive_n to_o make_v those_o diligent_a in_o read_v who_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v it_o and_o great_o to_o humble_v those_o who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o this_o great_a defect_n and_o either_o to_o labour_v that_o yet_o they_o may_v attain_v unto_o this_o skill_n if_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o have_v mean_n or_o else_o to_o supply_v their_o want_n by_o resort_v often_o unto_o other_o that_o they_o may_v read_v unto_o they_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o heavenly_a inheritance_n which_o themselves_o for_o want_n of_o skill_n be_v not_o able_a to_o peruse_v cap._n xxxii_o the_o last_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v the_o choice_n of_o our_o company_n shun_v the_o society_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o consort_a ourselves_o with_o the_o godly_a and_o religious_a §._o sect._n 1_o that_o we_o must_v careful_o avoid_v the_o society_n of_o wicked_a and_o profane_a person_n the_o last_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v that_o we_o make_v good_a choice_n of_o our_o company_n unto_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v first_o that_o we_o shun_v and_o avoid_v the_o society_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o wicked_a the_o other_o be_v that_o we_o consort_v ourselves_o with_o the_o godly_a and_o religious_a by_o the_o former_a we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v that_o we_o must_v forbear_v the_o society_n of_o all_o who_o be_v not_o as_o forward_o and_o zealous_a in_o their_o profession_n and_o practice_n as_o ourselves_o or_o who_o bewray_v in_o their_o course_n and_o conversation_n many_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n as_o though_o those_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v wicked_a and_o profane_a who_o have_v make_v but_o small_a progress_n in_o their_o sanctification_n if_o any_o spark_n of_o grace_n and_o goodness_n appear_v in_o they_o though_o as_o it_o be_v rake_v up_o under_o the_o ash_n of_o many_o and_o great_a corruption_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n and_o quench_v the_o 20._o matth._n 12._o 20._o smoke_a flax_n and_o by_o our_o censorious_a neglect_n utter_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o
duty_n of_o our_o calling_n importune_v we_o for_o a_o great_a allowance_n of_o time_n that_o we_o may_v dispatch_v they_o let_v we_o not_o encroach_v upon_o god_n right_a and_o rob_v our_o soul_n of_o that_o leisure_n and_o liberty_n which_o be_v require_v to_o spiritual_a exercise_n but_o let_v we_o rather_o borrow_v it_o from_o our_o flesh_n which_o may_v better_a spare_v it_o as_o either_o from_o our_o superfluous_a sleep_n or_o vain_a pastime_n or_o fruitless_a discourse_n or_o some_o other_o thing_n as_o worthless_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o time_n enough_o for_o our_o multitude_n of_o employment_n our_o best_a course_n be_v to_o imitate_v wise_a pilot_n and_o mariner_n who_o will_v lighten_v their_o ship_n of_o some_o part_n of_o her_o lade_n that_o they_o may_v save_v the_o rest_n and_o best_a part_n of_o their_o good_n from_o danger_n of_o sink_v and_o like_o wise_a travayler_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o faint_v under_o our_o burden_n let_v we_o cast_v away_o the_o refuse_n which_o may_v best_o be_v spare_v that_o we_o may_v bring_v our_o chief_a treasure_n and_o choice_a jewel_n to_o our_o journey_n end_n for_o if_o our_o saviour_n christ_n will_v have_v we_o to_o forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n yea_o even_o our_o own_o life_n rather_o than_o they_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o be_v his_o disciple_n if_o he_o 26._o luk._n 14._o 26._o will_v have_v we_o to_o pluck_v out_o our_o eye_n and_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n if_o they_o offend_v we_o and_o hinder_v our_o journey_n to_o heavenly_a happiness_n because_o it_o be_v better_a that_o 29._o matth._n 5._o 29._o some_o of_o our_o member_n shall_v perish_v then_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o hell_n then_o how_o much_o rather_o shall_v we_o cast_v off_o some_o of_o our_o worldly_a business_n when_o they_o so_o encumber_v and_o turmoil_n we_o that_o they_o allow_v we_o no_o leisure_n for_o spiritual_a exercise_n nor_o to_o perform_v those_o religious_a duty_n which_o be_v neglect_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n §._o sect._n 7_o that_o none_o be_v exempt_v by_o god_n from_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o service_n under_o pretence_n of_o any_o other_o business_n final_o let_v those_o who_o excuse_v their_o neglect_n of_o god_n service_n by_o pretend_v their_o multitude_n of_o important_a business_n which_o allow_v they_o no_o leisure_n for_o religious_a exercise_n know_v and_o remember_v that_o the_o lord_n exempt_v none_o no_o not_o king_n themselves_o from_o perform_v of_o they_o who_o employment_n notwithstanding_o exceed_v those_o of_o other_o man_n both_o in_o weight_n and_o number_n as_o have_v not_o only_o the_o charge_n and_o burden_n of_o their_o own_o family_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n lie_v upon_o they_o for_o even_o they_o be_v command_v to_o have_v with_o they_o continual_o the_o book_n of_o god_n law_n and_o to_o read_v and_o meditate_v 19_o deut._n 1._o 17_o 18_o 19_o therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v all_o the_o word_n of_o his_o law_n and_o his_o statute_n to_o do_v they_o let_v they_o also_o consider_v the_o care_n of_o god_n servant_n in_o all_o age_n to_o yield_v unto_o he_o this_o service_n and_o obedience_n so_o that_o though_o their_o business_n and_o employment_n have_v be_v never_o so_o manifold_a and_o weighty_a yet_o when_o they_o have_v be_v most_o encumber_a they_o ever_o find_v time_n sufficient_a for_o the_o religious_a duty_n of_o god_n service_n who_o ever_o have_v more_o and_o more_o weighty_a employment_n than_o josua_n both_o in_o war_n and_o peace_n as_o have_v not_o only_o a_o kingdom_n to_o conquer_v and_o many_o mighty_a and_o warlike_a enemy_n to_o subdue_v which_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v divide_v among_o all_o the_o tribe_n but_o also_o a_o stiffnecked_a people_n under_o his_o government_n unto_o who_o upon_o all_o weighty_a occasion_n he_o be_v to_o administer_v justice_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o lord_n charge_v he_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v 8._o jos_n 1._o 8._o not_o depart_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n that_o he_o may_v observe_v to_o do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o so_o do_v he_o answerable_o yield_v his_o obedience_n profess_v before_o all_o the_o people_n that_o though_o they_o shall_v all_o neglect_v these_o duty_n yet_o he_o and_o his_o household_n 15._o jos_n 24._o 15._o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n who_o can_v spare_v less_o time_n then_o holy_a david_n from_o his_o important_a employment_n both_o in_o war_n and_o peace_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o can_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o religious_a exercise_n but_o upon_o all_o occasion_n he_o meditate_a in_o god_n law_n both_o day_n and_o night_n 64._o psal_n 88_o 1._o &_o 119._o 55_o 62._o psal_n 55._o 17._o &_o 119._o 64._o and_o thrice_o in_o the_o day_n at_o least_o do_v in_o a_o set_n and_o solemn_a manner_n call_v upon_o he_o beside_o his_o often_o prayer_n and_o praise_n upon_o special_a occasion_n who_o can_v have_v less_o leisure_n than_o daniel_n that_o have_v the_o care_n of_o manage_v the_o chief_a affair_n of_o a_o mighty_a monarchy_n impose_v upon_o he_o have_v all_o his_o action_n so_o curious_o scan_v by_o his_o many_o mighty_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n that_o small_a negligence_n will_v have_v be_v aggravate_v against_o he_o as_o great_a fault_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o business_n of_o state_n and_o those_o that_o concern_v his_o own_o particular_a he_o can_v thrice_o a_o day_n sequester_v himself_o from_o 10._o dan._n 6._o 10._o they_o all_o and_o in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n devote_v himself_o to_o the_o religious_a duty_n of_o god_n service_n yea_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o man_n so_o serious_o employ_v in_o such_o important_a affair_n of_o his_o public_a call_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n so_o as_o he_o can_v scarce_o spare_v any_o time_n from_o his_o preach_n work_a miracle_n and_o such_o divine_a exercise_n for_o the_o relieve_v of_o his_o body_n and_o satisfy_v of_o his_o hunger_n and_o yet_o rather_o than_o he_o 37._o luk._n 6._o 12._o &_o 21_o 37._o will_v want_v time_n for_o his_o private_a prayer_n and_o devotion_n he_o borrow_v some_o from_o his_o sleep_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o will_v not_o be_v number_v among_o the_o faithful_a let_v we_o follow_v their_o example_n if_o we_o will_v be_v esteem_v christ_n disciple_n let_v we_o imitate_v his_o practice_n and_o not_o think_v ourselves_o excuse_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o religious_a duty_n by_o our_o worldly_a business_n which_o be_v incomparable_o less_o in_o number_n and_o light_a in_o value_n and_o true_a worth_n than_o those_o wherein_o many_o of_o god_n saint_n and_o servant_n have_v be_v daily_o employ_v from_o which_o notwithstanding_o they_o borrow_v time_n sufficient_a for_o spiritual_a exercise_n the_o which_o admonition_n as_o it_o general_o concern_v all_o christian_n of_o every_o call_n so_o especial_o student_n and_o professor_n of_o divinity_n who_o be_v more_o apt_a than_o other_o to_o excuse_v their_o neglect_n of_o christian_a practice_n in_o pious_a &_o religious_a duty_n because_o they_o be_v so_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o their_o study_n and_o speculation_n that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o leisure_n for_o the_o other_o the_o which_o they_o think_v not_o only_o justifiable_a but_o also_o commendable_a because_o their_o mind_n be_v continual_o exercise_v in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculation_n of_o religious_a object_n and_o in_o divine_a study_n and_o contemplation_n but_o such_o be_v to_o know_v that_o nothing_o more_o hinder_v the_o religious_a practice_n of_o christianity_n then_o when_o we_o spend_v our_o time_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o ieiune_n speculation_n &_o such_o study_n as_o be_v only_o mental_a because_o be_v exercise_n and_o labour_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n they_o toil_v and_o tire_v it_o and_o so_o spend_v all_o the_o virtue_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n belong_v unto_o it_o and_o waste_v and_o exhaust_v the_o spirit_n that_o no_o strength_n remain_v for_o practic_a duty_n nor_o any_o ability_n to_o perform_v any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n yea_o above_o all_o other_o employment_n they_o most_o alienate_v the_o mind_n and_o withdraw_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n whole_o from_o they_o for_o whereas_o those_o who_o be_v exercise_v about_o bodily_a labour_n as_o ride_v travayl_v work_v in_o their_o art_n and_o trade_n plough_v and_o such_o like_a may_v often_o have_v leisure_n without_o any_o great_a distraction_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n unto_o god_n in_o short_a