see_v the_o whole_a drift_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v to_o press_v man_n to_o give_v it_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a thing_n this_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o give_v to_o all_o and_o receive_v of_o none_o that_o he_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o communicate_v of_o his_o own_o fullness_n upon_o such_o free_a term_n joh._n 1._o 16._o of_o his_o fullness_n have_v all_o we_o receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n that_o be_v grace_n for_o grace_n sake_n thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o god_n be_v active_o bless_v 2._o god_n be_v passive_o bless_v as_o he_o be_v bless_v by_o we_o or_o as_o worthy_a of_o all_o praise_n from_o we_o for_o his_o goodness_n righteousness_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n there_o be_v two_o word_n by_o which_o our_o thanksgiving_n be_v express_v praise_n and_o blessing_n you_o have_v both_o in_o psal._n 145._o 10._o all_o thy_o work_n shall_v praise_v thou_o o_o lord_n and_o thy_o saint_n shall_v bless_v thou_o praise_n relate_v to_o god_n excellency_n and_o blessing_n to_o his_o benefit_n his_o work_n declare_v his_o excellency_n but_o his_o saint_n which_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o benefit_n they_o bless_v he_o they_o count_v he_o worthy_a of_o all_o honour_n and_o praise_n and_o be_v ever_o ascribe_v to_o he_o rev._n 5._o 13._o blessing_n honour_n glory_n and_o power_n be_v unto_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o unto_o the_o lamb_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o why_o blessing_n as_o for_o other_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v for_o open_v the_o book_n which_o be_v seal_v with_o seven_o seal_n and_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o his_o people_n as_o you_o may_v see_v v_o 9_o so_o david_n here_o bless_v be_v thou_o o_o lord_n teach_v i_o thy_o statute_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n thou_o be_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v bless_v i_o bless_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v teach_v i_o and_o i_o desire_v thou_o will_v teach_v i_o still_o that_o i_o may_v ever_o bless_v thou_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o passive_a sense_n as_o he_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o blessedness_n well_o then_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o compellation_n it_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o six_o proposition_n i._o that_o god_n be_v over_o all_o and_o above_o all_o blessed_a enough_o in_o himself_o and_o need_v nothing_o from_o we_o to_o add_v to_o his_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n that_o he_o be_v bless_v enough_o in_o himself_o rom._n 9_o 6._o god_n over_o all_o bless_v for_o ever_o that_o he_o need_v nothing_o from_o we_o to_o add_v to_o his_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n ps._n 16._o 2._o my_o righteousness_n my_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o thou_o he_o be_v above_o our_o benefit_n and_o injury_n if_o there_o can_v result_v any_o one_o happiness_n to_o god_n from_o the_o creature_n sure_o than_o he_o will_v have_v make_v the_o world_n soon_o what_o hinder_v he_o for_o why_o shall_v he_o keep_v himself_o out_o of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o he_o make_v the_o world_n not_o that_o he_o may_v be_v happy_a but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v liberal_a before_o ever_o there_o be_v hill_n or_o mountain_n man_n or_o angel_n god_n be_v happy_a enough_o in_o himself_o the_o divine_a person_n take_v infinite_a delight_n and_o complacency_n in_o each_o other_o as_o their_o rejoice_v be_v express_v prov._n 8._o 30_o 31._o i_o be_v daily_o his_o delight_n rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o god_n have_v infinite_a complacency_n in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o god_n both_o in_o the_o spirit_n all_o in_o each_o and_o each_o in_o all_o before_o ever_o there_o be_v hill_n or_o mountain_n the_o world_n be_v uphold_v as_o stone_n be_v in_o a_o arch_n by_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n by_o a_o combination_n of_o interest_n we_o need_v one_o another_o but_o god_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o we_o the_o head_n can_v say_v to_o the_o foot_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o the_o great_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o their_o labour_n their_o service_n the_o mean_a part_n have_v their_o use_n in_o the_o body_n but_o now_o god_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o we_o for_o he_o give_v all_o and_o he_o receive_v nothing_o back_o again_o as_o the_o fountain_n have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o stream_n but_o the_o stream_n have_v need_n of_o the_o fountain_n the_o sun_n fill_v the_o lap_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o blessing_n and_o the_o earth_n return_v nothing_o but_o vapour_n that_o obscure_v its_o beam_n rather_o than_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o its_o brightness_n god_n he_o fill_v every_o live_a thing_n especial_o his_o saint_n with_o blessing_n and_o receive_v nothing_o from_o we_o again_o ii_o though_o god_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o communicate_v his_o blessedness_n and_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a consideration_n which_o do_v advance_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n that_o to_o we_o that_o himself_o to_o we_o and_o that_o so_o ready_o and_o free_o 1._o that_o to_o we_o who_o can_v neither_o hurt_v he_o nor_o help_v he_o psal._n 8._o 3_o 4._o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o what_o a_o poor_a sorry_a creature_n be_v man_n will_v thou_o set_v thy_o eye_n upon_o such_o a_o one_o what_o will_v god_n lose_v if_o we_o be_v all_o damn_a or_o what_o will_v he_o gain_v if_o all_o be_v save_v he_o will_v lose_v no_o more_o by_o we_o than_o a_o bounteous_a man_n do_v by_o the_o death_n of_o a_o company_n of_o beggar_n and_o maim_a person_n which_o live_v upon_o his_o expense_n and_o charge_n wherein_o can_v we_o be_v useful_a to_o god_n 2._o herein_o lie_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o give_v we_o such_o a_o blessing_n as_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o when_o he_o have_v no_o great_a thing_n to_o swear_v by_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o swear_v by_o himself_o when_o god_n have_v no_o great_a thing_n to_o give_v we_o he_o give_v we_o himself_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n he_o scatter_v and_o shed_v abroad_o some_o common_a influence_n upon_o all_o creature_n but_o to_o we_o he_o give_v not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v he_o but_o give_v we_o himself_o that_o when_o our_o happiness_n be_v at_o the_o high_a we_o may_v immediate_o enjoy_v he_o for_o the_o open_n of_o this_o blessedness_n in_o give_v we_o the_o fruition_n of_o himself_o consider_v we_o enjoy_v god_n two_o way_n mediate_o and_o immediate_o one_o proper_a to_o this_o world_n the_o other_o to_o the_o next_o 1._o mediate_o we_o enjoy_v god_n when_o he_o communicate_v himself_o to_o we_o by_o secondary_a mean_n or_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o creature_n between_o he_o and_o we_o thus_o in_o common_a mercy_n when_o he_o feed_v we_o by_o his_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o enlighten_v we_o with_o his_o sun_n here_o in_o the_o world_n we_o have_v blessing_n at_o second_o or_o three_o hand_n i_o will_v hear_v the_o heaven_n and_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n hos._n 2._o 21_o 22._o whatever_o one_o creature_n afford_v to_o another_o it_o have_v it_o first_o from_o god_n the_o creature_n be_v but_o a_o empty_a hollow-pipe_n through_o which_o the_o blessing_n run_v and_o it_o pass_v from_o pipe_n to_o pipe_n god_n pour_v out_o his_o influence_n to_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o heaven_n pour_v out_o their_o influence_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o earth_n run_v up_o into_o corn_n wine_n and_o oil_n and_o by_o corn_n wine_n and_o oil_n israel_n have_v his_o refreshment_n so_o still_o from_o pipe_n to_o pipe_n be_v the_o blessing_n convey_v to_o the_o creature_n so_o for_o special_a mercy_n we_o have_v they_o by_o degree_n life_n comfort_n grace_n by_o the_o word_n and_o seal_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o only_o supply_v we_o at_o second_o and_o three_o hand_n but_z 2._o immediate_o when_o god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o we_o without_o any_o other_o thing_n between_o we_o and_o he_o when_o we_o be_v immediate_o present_a with_o god_n and_o have_v immediate_a influence_n from_o god_n this_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o heavenly_a state_n god_n shall_v be_v all_o in_o all_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 28._o he_o shall_v be_v both_o the_o dispenser_n and_o the_o dispensation_n there_o we_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o in_o his_o face_n and_o presence_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n psal._n 16._o 11._o that_o be_v our_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o world_n where_o immediate_a influence_n and_o virtue_n do_v pass_v out_o from_o he_o in_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o temple_n rev._n 21._o 22._o but_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o temple_n
needy_a be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v true_a knowledge_n that_o produce_v its_o effect_n so_o james_n 2._o 23._o by_o work_n faith_n be_v make_v perfect_a faith_n have_v produce_v its_o end_n so_o love_n be_v perfect_v in_o keep_v the_o commandment_n 1_o john_n 2._o 5._o whoso_o keep_v his_o word_n in_o he_o very_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n perfect_v as_o all_o thing_n be_v perfect_a when_o they_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o their_o consummate_a estate_n the_o plant_n be_v perfect_a when_o it_o rise_v up_o into_o stalk_v and_o flower_n and_o seed_n so_o these_o grace_n 4._o the_o person_n or_o christian_n be_v judge_v not_o only_o by_o what_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o be_v do_v not_o by_o what_o be_v approve_v but_o what_o be_v practise_v many_o profess_v faith_n and_o love_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o verify_v in_o practice_n they_o be_v not_o accept_v with_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 17._o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n who_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v according_a to_o every_o man_n work_n and_o rev._n 20._o 12._o i_o see_v the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n god_n will_v judge_v man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n john_n 5._o 29._o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v rise_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o life_n and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o condemnation_n the_o redeem_a sinner_n shall_v have_v his_o trial_n and_o judgement_n use_v 1_o be_v for_o the_o disproof_n of_o two_o sort_n preacher_n and_o professor_n 1._o preacher_n if_o they_o be_v strict_a in_o doctrine_n and_o loose_v in_o practice_n do_v they_o lift_v their_o hand_n to_o god_n commandment_n no_o they_o be_v like_o the_o pharisee_n who_o bind_v heavy_a burden_n upon_o other_o and_o do_v not_o touch_v they_o with_o their_o own_o little_a finger_n matt._n 23._o 4._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o lift_v up_o our_o voice_n in_o recommend_v but_o we_o must_v lift_v up_o our_o hand_n in_o practise_v lest_o like_o a_o mark-stone_n they_o show_v other_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o walk_v not_o in_o it_o themselves_o and_o contribute_v nothing_o of_o help_n by_o their_o example_n 2._o professor_n 1._o that_o approve_v the_o word_n only_o there_o may_v be_v a_o idle_a naked_a approbation_n rom._n 2._o 18._o thou_o know_v his_o will_n and_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o excellent_a be_v instruct_v out_o of_o the_o law_n video_fw-la meliora_fw-la probóque_fw-la they_o esteem_v these_o thing_n better_o but_o their_o heart_n incline_v they_o to_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o their_o reason_n be_v a_o slave_n to_o appetite_n 2._o that_o commend_v as_o well_o as_o approve_v rom._n 2._o 20._o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o law_n but_o without_o action_n and_o practice_n have_v many_o good_a word_n their_o voice_n iacob_n but_o their_o hand_n esau_n psal._n 50._o 16_o 17._o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o statute_n or_o to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n since_o thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o word_n behind_o thou_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o thou_o to_o profess_v religion_n since_o thou_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o to_o commend_v the_o law_n which_o thou_o observe_v not_o or_o to_o profess_v love_n to_o what_o thou_o do_v not_o obey_v use_v 2._o be_v to_o press_v you_o to_o lift_v up_o your_o hand_n and_o to_o obey_v and_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n do_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o notional_a part_n of_o religion_n that_o which_o will_v approve_v you_o to_o god_n be_v not_o a_o sharp_a wit_n or_o a_o firm_a memory_n or_o a_o nimble_a tongue_n but_o a_o ready_a practice_n god_n expect_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o his_o creature_n both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o therefore_o heart_n and_o tongue_n and_o hand_n and_o all_o shall_v be_v employ_v i_o will_v urge_v you_o with_o but_o two_o reason_n 1._o how_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o deceive_v ourselves_o with_o a_o fond_a love_n a_o naked_a approbation_n or_o good_a word_n without_o bring_v thing_n to_o this_o real_a proof_n whether_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o approve_v esteem_v and_o commend_v have_v a_o real_a dominion_n over_o and_o influence_n upon_o our_o practice_n 1_o john_n 2._o 4._o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o james_n 1._o 22._o be_v you_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v your_o own_o soul_n respect_n to_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v a_o true_a evidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n now_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v this_o respect_n be_v real_a but_o by_o our_o constant_a and_o uniform_a practice_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o deceive_v god_n he_o can_v be_v mock_v with_o a_o vain_a show_n sor_n he_o look_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o thing_n 1_o chron._n 28._o 9_o and_o thou_o solomon_n my_o son_n know_v thou_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n for_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o heart_n and_o understand_v all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n he_o search_v our_o heart_n know_v our_o inward_a disposition_n whether_o firm_a strong_a or_o productive_a of_o obedience_n now_o to_o he_o you_o be_v to_o approve_v yourselves_o and_o he_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v with_o lie_a pretence_n and_o excuse_n gal._n 6._o 7._o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v the_o all-seeing_a god_n can_v be_v blind_v he_o know_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o and_o see_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o cause_n much_o more_o can_v he_o judge_v of_o effect_n therefore_o whatsoever_o illumination_n we_o pretend_v unto_o if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o command_v of_o self-denial_n humility_n justice_n patience_z faith_n and_o love_n he_o can_v soon_o find_v we_o out_o if_o our_o action_n do_v not_o correspond_v to_o our_o profession_n it_o be_v a_o practical_a lie_n which_o the_o lord_n can_v easy_o find_v out_o 2_o doct._n whosoever_o will_v lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o god_n commandment_n and_o serious_o address_v himself_o to_o a_o course_n of_o obedience_n must_v use_v much_o study_n and_o meditation_n on_o the_o one_o side_n non-advertency_a to_o heavenly_a doctrine_n be_v the_o bane_n of_o many_o mat._n 13._o 19_o when_o any_o one_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o understand_v it_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d non_fw-la advertit_fw-la animum_fw-la then_o come_v the_o wicked_a one_o and_o catch_v away_o that_o which_o be_v sow_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o so_o jame_v 1._o 23_o 24._o if_o any_o be_v a_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o a_o doer_n he_o be_v like_o a_o man_n behold_v his_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n for_o he_o behold_v himself_o and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o straightway_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v god_n great_a complaint_n of_o his_o people_n be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o consider_v isa._n 1._o 3_o the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n do_v not_o know_v my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v so_o jer._n 8._o 6._o i_o hearken_v and_o hear_v but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v the_o heathen_n have_v commend_v such_o recollection_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o scripture_n recommend_v meditation_n as_o one_o great_a help_n to_o obedience_n lydia_n conversion_n be_v describe_v by_o attendency_n act_v 16._o 14._o the_o lord_n open_v her_o heart_n that_o she_o attend_v unto_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n because_o that_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o it_o mind_v choose_v prosecute_a so_o the_o man_n that_o will_v benefit_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v he_o james_n 1._o 25._o that_o look_v into_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n and_o continue_v therein_o that_o be_v abide_v in_o the_o view_n of_o these_o truth_n for_o a_o glance_n never_o convert_v nor_o warm_v the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n this_o man_n be_v not_o a_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n this_o man_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o end_n now_o more_o particular_o why_o meditation_n be_v
raise_v our_o body_n after_o eat_v out_o by_o worm_n and_o turn_v into_o dust_n matter_n of_o faith_n be_v chief_o or_o main_o future_a and_o to_o come_v and_o difficult_a to_o be_v perform_v therefore_o a_o express_a belief_n of_o god_n power_n be_v necessary_a to_o convert_v such_o a_o obstinate_a and_o to_o sanctify_v such_o a_o sinful_a creature_n and_o to_o raise_v the_o dead_a be_v no_o slight_a thing_n 2._o the_o emblem_n of_o this_o immutable_a constancy_n it_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o heaven_n it_o be_v not_o measure_v by_o the_o sloat_a estate_n of_o thing_n here_o upon_o earth_n but_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o heaven_n which_o be_v free_a from_o all_o change_n and_o chance_n 1._o they_o be_v fit_a emblem_n of_o the_o stability_n of_o the_o word_n for_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v what_o his_o word_n once_o make_v they_o to_o be_v there_o be_v no_o justle_n among_o the_o star_n but_o all_o obey_v god_n word_n and_o law_n psal._n 148._o 4_o 5_o 6._o praise_v he_o you_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n and_o water_n that_o be_v above_o the_o heaven_n let_v they_o praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v he_o have_v also_o establish_v they_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o he_o have_v make_v a_o decree_n which_o shall_v not_o pass_v so_o that_o when_o a_o believer_n look_v up_o to_o heaven_n there_o he_o see_v the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n open_v wherein_o he_o behold_v god_n constancy_n and_o certainty_n write_v in_o indelible_a character_n god_n powerful_a voice_n do_v first_o separate_v the_o water_n from_o the_o water_n and_o those_o celestial_a body_n move_v in_o that_o order_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v they_o now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o help_n to_o we_o when_o we_o open_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o compare_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o how_o the_o state_v course_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o state_v course_n of_o grace_n agree_v with_o his_o power_n for_o as_o long_o as_o you_o trust_v god_n word_n you_o can_v never_o fail_v for_o both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v sustain_v by_o it_o heb._n 1._o 3._o he_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n all_o be_v easy_a to_o god_n for_o he_o preserve_v the_o heaven_n in_o that_o estate_n wherein_o they_o be_v govern_v and_o can_v preserve_v his_o people_n in_o the_o most_o difficult_a case_n 2._o god_n constancy_n and_o truth_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o heaven_n also_o there_o be_v a_o witness_n there_o of_o his_o eternal_a truth_n for_o when_o he_o have_v once_o say_v let_v there_o be_v heaven_n etc._n etc._n they_o present_o be_v and_o ever_o since_o have_v keep_v one_o constant_a tenor_n and_o course_n yea_o heaven_n shall_v soon_o fail_v than_o god_n word_n fail_v he_o will_v not_o retract_v what_o he_o have_v once_o say_v and_o therefore_o his_o word_n be_v more_o firm_a and_o stable_a than_o the_o frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n mat._n 5._o 18._o till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v not_o one_o jot_n or_o tittle_n shall_v pass_v from_o the_o law_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v mat._n 24._o 30._o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o my_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o so_o that_o god_n word_n be_v more_o stable_a than_o heaven_n and_o earth_n 3._o the_o profit_n of_o this_o meditation_n 1._o that_o we_o may_v set_v the_o sureness_n of_o this_o word_n against_o the_o diffidence_n and_o distrustfulness_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n luk._n 24._o 25._o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v though_o god_n have_v so_o firm_o bind_v himself_o to_o the_o creature_n by_o his_o own_o word_n yet_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o seem_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a especial_o when_o man_n be_v cloud_v with_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n for_o we_o look_v only_o to_o present_a sense_n and_o will_v not_o be_v put_v on_o any_o trial_n now_o it_o be_v comfortable_a to_o remember_v that_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o so_o settle_v as_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v let_v it_o have_v its_o course_n resolve_v and_o patient_a obedience_n will_v at_o length_n end_v in_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v build_v sure_o upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n that_o we_o may_v not_o stagger_v through_o unbelief_n but_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n rom._n 4._o 20._o 2._o to_o comfort_v we_o when_o our_o hope_n be_v delay_v in_o due_a time_n the_o promise_n can_v want_v the_o effect_n heb._n 6._o 12._o there_o will_v be_v day_n and_o night_n summer_n and_o winter_n in_o their_o season_n therefore_o as_o in_o the_o night_n we_o wait_v for_o day_n and_o in_o the_o winter_n for_o summer_n so_o must_v we_o wait_v for_o our_o eternal_a consolation_n 3._o to_o support_v we_o against_o the_o various_a change_n in_o the_o state_n of_o worldly_a thing_n many_o thing_n fall_v out_o in_o this_o world_n that_o breed_v trouble_v in_o we_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v only_o look_v to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n our_o heart_n will_v float_v up_o and_o down_o but_o we_o must_v look_v to_o the_o immutable_a constancy_n of_o god_n word_n that_o be_v a_o sure_a rock_n for_o the_o anchor_n of_o hope_n to_o take_v hold_v on_o there_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o sure_a promise_n to_o build_v upon_o if_o we_o will_v be_v everlasting_o happy_a there_o be_v the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n isa._n 55_o 3._o the_o change_n of_o this_o world_n perplex_v our_o faith_n therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o look_v to_o the_o instability_n of_o thing_n below_o wherein_o there_o be_v continual_a vicissitude_n but_o to_o the_o sure_a covenant_n 4._o not_o only_a when_o our_o hope_n be_v delay_v and_o obscure_v by_o the_o change_n and_o chance_n of_o this_o world_n but_o contradict_v by_o contrary_a appearance_n god_n seem_v to_o cast_v we_o off_o to_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o we_o now_o to_o bear_v up_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o hard_a condition_n that_o we_o may_v say_v job_n 13._o 15._o though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o believe_v in_o hope_n against_o hope_n we_o shall_v remember_v the_o setledness_n and_o constancy_n of_o his_o word_n the_o promise_n stand_v firm_a in_o heaven_n when_o they_o seem_v to_o fail_v on_o earth_n god_n may_v cover_v himself_o with_o frown_n and_o his_o dispensation_n may_v seem_v contrary_a to_o his_o intention_n as_o joseph_n speak_v rough_o to_o his_o brethren_n when_o he_o mean_v to_o discover_v himself_o to_o they_o or_o as_o christ_n deal_v with_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15._o but_o when_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v such_o a_o contradiction_n between_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god_n when_o his_o voice_n be_v sweet_a like_o iacob_n and_o his_o hand_n rough_a like_o esau_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o smart_n rod_n be_v consistent_a with_o covenant_n love_n psal._n 89._o 32._o and_o we_o must_v not_o interpret_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n by_o his_o providential_a deal_n with_o we_o but_o rather_o his_o deal_n by_o his_o promise_n his_o promise_n be_v as_o the_o light_a part_n of_o the_o cloud_n and_o his_o deal_n as_o the_o dark_a part_n of_o it_o god_n be_v fulfil_a promise_n by_o hard_a dispensation_n and_o sharp_a affliction_n belong_v to_o his_o faithfulness_n psal._n 119._o 75._o many_o time_n that_o be_v best_a for_o we_o not_o what_o we_o think_v best_a but_o what_o god_n think_v best_a the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v most_o wholesome_a to_o we_o though_o not_o most_o please_v to_o the_o flesh_n 5._o to_o wean_v we_o from_o the_o fade_a vanity_n of_o the_o world_n isa._n 40._o 8._o and_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 24._o there_o be_v nothing_o firm_a and_o last_a in_o this_o world_n till_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o seek_v a_o happiness_n in_o the_o promise_n 1_o john_n 2._o 17._o our_o happiness_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o present_a life_n but_o in_o the_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n all_o be_v settle_v and_o sure_a but_o in_o the_o world_n all_o be_v unstable_a and_o uncertain_a god_n covenant_n provide_v for_o we_o eternal_a joy_n and_o bliss_n use_v 1_o to_o show_v what_o contrary_a and_o different_a conclusion_n the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a will_v draw_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n the_o scoffer_n say_v 2_o pet._n 3._o 4._o where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n â—…f_o the_o creation_n because_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n have_v keep_v one_o constant_a tenor_n and_o course_n they_o plead_v for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o promise_n now_o david_n reason_v
life_n ephes._n 5._o 14._o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o light_v that_o light_n be_v the_o life_n of_o man_n so_o be_v this_o spiritual_a life_n it_o not_o only_o discover_v the_o object_n but_o help_v the_o faculty_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o life_n and_o strength_n four_o it_o be_v lux_fw-la exhilarans_fw-la a_o comfort_v refresh_a cheer_v light_n eccl._n 11._o 7._o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o it_o be_v a_o comfortable_a thing_n to_o behold_v the_o sun_n it_o be_v so_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o it_o present_v we_o with_o excellent_a ground_n of_o comfort_n not_o only_o against_o affliction_n but_o against_o distress_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o great_a trouble_n that_o can_v befall_v the_o creature_n such_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n so_o it_o rejoice_v the_o soul_n psal._n 19_o 8._o the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a rejoy_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n it_o do_v we_o good_a to_o the_o heart_n other_o tickle_v the_o sense_n but_o be_v not_o affliction-proof_n stead_v we_o not_o when_o god_n rebuke_v we_o for_o sin_n the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n be_v display_v in_o the_o word_n psal._n 4._o 6_o 7._o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n more_o than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o wine_n increase_v second_o because_o it_o be_v a_o soul-satisfying_a light_n as_o light_n ease_v of_o trouble_n and_o restlessness_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o always_o lie_v under_o till_o we_o find_v a_o safe_a way_n of_o salvation_n which_o we_o never_o do_v till_o we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o word_n jer._n 6._o 16._o stand_v you_o in_o the_o way_n and_o see_v and_o ask_v for_o the_o old_a path_n where_o be_v the_o good_a way_n and_o walk_v therein_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o your_o soul_n there_o we_o find_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v conscience_n though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v curiosity_n which_o be_v libido_fw-la intellectûs_fw-la thirst_v of_o a_o sober_a man_n and_o thirst_n of_o a_o drunkard_n the_o one_o satisfy_v the_o other_o mortify_v use_v 1_o information_n 1._o that_o without_o the_o word_n man_n lie_v in_o darkness_n whatever_o learning_n they_o have_v if_o they_o want_v the_o gospel_n as_o the_o ephesian_n before_o it_o come_v to_o they_o though_o give_v to_o curious_a art_n the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v sometime_o darkness_n ephes._n 5._o 8._o the_o wise_a heathen_n can_v only_o grope_v and_o feel_v about_o for_o happiness_n if_o they_o neglect_v the_o light_n though_o it_o be_v among_o they_o it_o be_v not_o excusable_a john_n 1._o 5._o and_o the_o light_n shine_v in_o darkness_n but_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o but_o if_o they_o refuse_v the_o light_n and_o this_o carelessness_n grow_v obstinate_a their_o condition_n be_v the_o worse_o john_n 3._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a 2._o if_o we_o get_v not_o understanding_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n we_o may_v blame_v ourselves_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o if_o thou_o miss_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n accuse_v thy_o own_o blindness_n thou_o can_v not_o accuse_v the_o gospel_n plead_v its_o darkness_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o nonproficiency_n be_v unbelief_n they_o believe_v not_o the_o superadded_a cause_n be_v spiritual_a blindness_n use_v 2._o be_v exhortation_n to_o look_v after_o this_o light_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o comfort_v isai._n 50._o 10._o who_o be_v among_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n that_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n either_o under_o actual_a horror_n or_o doubtfulness_n and_o uncertainty_n every_o wicked_a man_n be_v trouble_v as_o the_o leaf_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n be_v shake_v with_o the_o wind._n now_o who_o will_v live_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n to_o be_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o tempter_n you_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o duty_n our_o own_o reason_n the_o counsel_n and_o example_n of_o other_o will_v mislead_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v unsteady_a carry_v away_o with_o every_o deceit_n of_o sin_n at_o least_o unsatisfied_a whether_o in_o god_n way_n or_o no_o 1_o john_n 2._o 11._o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v in_o darkness_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v because_o that_o darkness_n have_v blind_v his_o eye_n oh_o study_v the_o word_n but_o who_o have_v this_o light_n 1._o he_o that_o hearty_o desire_v knowledge_n prov._n 2._o 3._o if_o thou_o cry_v after_o wisdom_n and_o lift_a up_o thy_o voice_n for_o understanding_n he_o that_o diligent_o labour_v for_o it_o psal._n 1._o 2._o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n that_o propound_v a_o right_a end_n to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n to_o do_v god_n will_v john_n 7._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o that_o humble_v himself_o for_o his_o ignorance_n john_n get_v open_v the_o book_n with_o weep_v rev._n 5._o 5._o and_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n say_v unto_o i_o weep_v not_o behold_v the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n the_o root_n of_o david_n have_v prevail_v to_o open_v the_o book_n those_o berean_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d actâ—…_n 17._o 11._o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d james_n 3._o 17._o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v the_o opposite_a on_o the_o one_o side_n be_v slowness_n of_o heart_n luke_n 24._o 25._o o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v or_o obstinacy_n on_o the_o other_o a_o sluggish_a easiness_n when_o light_n of_o belief_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o search_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o or_o give_v up_o to_o a_o foolish_a credulity_n ephes._n 4._o 14._o that_o you_o be_v not_o as_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v like_o a_o reed_n shake_v with_o every_o wind._n but_o he_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o this_o light_n be_v one_o that_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o his_o own_o wit_n but_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o god_n prov._n 3._o 5_o 6._o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o lean_v not_o to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n well_o then_o this_o earnest_a desire_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n i_o open_v my_o mouth_n and_o pant_v i_o long_v for_o thy_o commandment_n this_o painful_a seeker_n will_v find_v out_o this_o treasure_n this_o humble_a trust_v soul_n will_v have_v it_o doctr._n iii_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v so_o that_o plain_a and_o private_a man_n may_v get_v this_o light_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n by_o they_o psal._n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a 1._o from_o the_o author_n god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o light_n and_o sure_o he_o be_v able_a and-willing_a convenient_o to_o express_v his_o mind_n to_o his_o creature_n can_v god_n speak_v plain_o deus_fw-mi &_o mentis_fw-la &_o linguae_fw-la &_o vocis_fw-la artifex_fw-la as_o lactantius_n call_v he_o he_o that_o be_v so_o wise_a so_o love_v of_o mankind_n our_o supreme_a judge_n and_o king_n will_v he_o hide_v this_o light_n under_o a_o bushel_n will_v he_o conceal_v his_o mind_n and_o leave_v thou_o in_o the_o dark_a mic._n 6._o 8._o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n 2._o for_o who_o