look_v on_o the_o heart_n for_o the_o lord_n know_v full_a well_o that_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o right_o set_v for_o god_n he_o will_v never_o walk_v upright_o before_o god_n how_o great_a a_o semblance_n or_o show_v of_o pietâ—_n soever_o a_o man_n may_v make_v therefore_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n look_v on_o the_o heart_n deut._n 32._o 46._o set_a your_o heart_n unto_o all_o these_o word_n say_v moses_n it_o be_v not_o set_v of_o the_o ear_n to_o hear_v only_o or_o the_o mouth_n to_o speak_v no_o nor_o the_o hand_n to_o work_v nor_o foot_n to_o walk_v that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n unless_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v right_o set_v for_o that_o purpose_n therefore_o say_v david_n psalm_n 119._o 11._o i_o have_v hide_v thy_o word_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o lo_o the_o chief_a antidote_n against_o sin_n be_v to_o hide_v and_o ponder_v the_o word_n of_o god_n within_o our_o heart_n a_o excellent_a direction_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n 4._o 8._o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n and_o he_o will_v draw_v nigh_o to_o you_o if_o we_o desire_v that_o god_n shall_v draw_v nigh_o to_o we_o in_o mercy_n we_o must_v strive_v to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o in_o service_n and_o obedience_n but_o what_o be_v require_v that_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n wash_v your_o hand_n or_o cleanse_v your_o hand_n you_o sinner_n and_o purify_v your_o heart_n you_o double_v mind_v it_o be_v only_o a_o clean_a and_o a_o true_a heart_n that_o will_v make_v a_o man_n fit_a to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n heb._n 10._o 22._o let_v we_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n with_o a_o true_a heart_n etc._n etc._n hereupon_o david_n pray_v so_o earnest_o for_o such_o a_o heart_n psalm_n 119._o 80._o o_o let_v my_o heart_n be_v upright_o in_o thy_o statute_n that_o i_o be_v not_o ashamed_a for_o indeed_o god_n love_v truth_n of_o heart_n or_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a affection_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n that_o he_o desire_v psalm_n 51._o 6._o he_o that_o ever_o mean_v to_o be_v religious_a indeed_o must_v of_o necessity_n begin_v with_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o chief_a great_a wheel_n of_o the_o clock_n that_o move_v all_o the_o rest_n psalm_n 37._o 30_o 31._o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o righteous_a will_v speak_v wisdom_n his_o tongue_n will_v be_v talk_v of_o judgement_n how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o none_o of_o his_o step_n shall_v slide_v it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o set_v both_o the_o tongue_n and_o hand_n a_o work_n for_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o matthew_n 12._o 34._o oh_o therefore_o all_o that_o will_v spend_v much_o time_n in_o god_n service_n which_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v be_v absolute_o and_o incomparable_o the_o best_a spend_v time_n labour_v to_o have_v your_o heart_n right_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o that_o purpose_n even_o such_o a_o heart_n as_o i_o have_v former_o describe_v unto_o you_o namely_o a_o believe_a heart_n a_o love_a heart_n a_o sincere_a and_o a_o upright_a heart_n full_a of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o a_o heart_n also_o fraught_v with_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n he_o that_o have_v such_o a_o heart_n be_v right_o set_v for_o god_n service_n it_o be_v just_a such_o a_o heart_n as_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o have_v sc_n a_o heart_n fraught_v and_o furnish_v with_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n deut._n 5._o 29._o they_o have_v well_o say_v all_o that_o they_o have_v speak_v say_v the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 28._o oh_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o good_a word_n without_o a_o good_a heart_n be_v little_a worth_n well_o what_o kind_n of_o heart_n will_v god_n have_v they_o to_o have_v that_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o that_o they_o will_v fear_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n always_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o they_o a_o heart_n fraught_v with_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o god_n especial_o desire_v shall_v be_v in_o his_o child_n and_o which_o he_o do_v exceed_o delight_v in_o when_o he_o find_v in_o it_o they_o 2._o we_o must_v be_v constant_a and_o conscionable_a religion_n in_o the_o private_a exercise_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o right_a frame_n for_o the_o public_a ordinance_n this_o be_v like_o the_o tune_n of_o the_o instrument_n so_o that_o he_o that_o care_v not_o for_o spend_v any_o time_n at_o all_o in_o private_a duty_n care_v not_o how_o little_a time_n he_o spend_v that_o way_n in_o public_a oh_o that_o we_o will_v lay_v this_o to_o heart_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o spend_v time_n in_o private_a prayer_n and_o read_v and_o holy_a meditation_n even_o prince_n be_v not_o exempt_v in_o this_o case_n see_v that_o direction_n in_o deut._n 17._o 18_o 19_o see_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n duty_n when_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o kingdom_n he_o shall_v write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o god_n law_n in_o a_o book_n out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n etc._n etc._n where_o we_o see_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n even_o of_o king_n themselves_o to_o fear_n god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o 2._o that_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v fear_v god_n he_o must_v be_v acquaint_v with_o god_n word_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n must_v be_v learn_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n 3._o he_o be_v to_o get_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o god_n book_n that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v a_o bible_n king_n must_v get_v they_o bibles_n as_o well_o as_o priest_n and_o levite_n 4._o he_o must_v read_v in_o it_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n and_o if_o king_n then_o much_o more_o all_o subject_n and_o private_a person_n must_v spend_v some_o part_n of_o every_o day_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n service_n in_o private_a who_o need_v think_v himself_o too_o good_a for_o private_a duty_n when_o king_n themselves_o be_v not_o exempt_v yea_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o god_n people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5._o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n yea_o we_o shall_v all_o study_v to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n by_o private_a read_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o delight_v with_o the_o public_a hear_v colossian_n 3._o 16._o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritivall_n song_n etc._n etc._n lo_o how_o god_n people_n shall_v spend_v their_o time_n in_o private_a o_o how_o this_o will_v fit_v we_o for_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o public_a what_o make_v those_o noble_a boerean_o act_n 17._o 11._o willing_a to_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o hear_v paul_n preach_v in_o public_a sure_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n among_o the_o rest_n sc_n the_o care_n which_o they_o have_v to_o spend_v their_o time_n well_o even_o in_o private_a they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o so_o find_v how_o sweet_o paul_n doctrine_n accord_v with_o that_o which_o they_o find_v write_v in_o god_n book_n they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o take_v delight_n to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o service_n deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o thy_o child_n and_o lo_o this_o will_v make_v we_o love_n to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o god_n service_n public_o etc._n etc._n three_o religion_n he_o that_o will_v have_v a_o heart_n right_o prepare_v that_o he_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o willing_a to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n and_o service_n must_v have_v a_o care_n to_o begin_v the_o day_n with_o religious_a exercise_n and_o holy_a meditation_n godly_a cogitation_n let_v into_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o morning_n will_v season_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n
just_o to_o be_v excuse_v namely_o that_o they_o be_v preach_v to_o a_o plain_a country_n people_n which_o though_o of_o good_a affection_n and_o inclination_n towards_o piety_n i_o hope_v be_v yet_o but_o of_o mean_a and_o small_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n beside_o my_o care_n have_v ever_o be_v rather_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o a_o plain_a way_n then_o tickle_v the_o ear_n with_o a_o neat_a discourse_n perhaps_o not_o understand_v and_o therefore_o without_o all_o benefit_n and_o profit_n beside_o no_o marvel_n if_o these_o sermon_n want_v ornament_n when_o the_o anthour_n himself_o be_v scarce_o supply_v with_o necessary_n the_o great_a part_n of_o my_o mean_n at_o that_o time_n be_v whole_o take_v from_o i_o so_o that_o some_o small_a pittance_n only_o of_o outward_a mean_n be_v leave_v i_o though_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n have_v gracious_o by_o your_o hand_n principal_o provide_v for_o i_o this_o i_o propound_v not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o just_a excuse_n for_o these_o my_o impolished_a labour_n but_o also_o to_o preserve_v alive_a and_o keep_v awake_v your_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o i_o and_o to_o stir_v up_o your_o zealous_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n which_o seem_v some_o way_n endanger_v yea_o hereby_o you_o shall_v deep_o engage_v a_o number_n of_o poor_a soul_n to_o pray_v for_o you_o when_o they_o perceive_v the_o constancy_n of_o your_o love_n towards_o both_o they_o and_o i_o in_o support_v of_o i_o by_o way_n of_o maintenance_n that_o i_o may_v still_o impart_v the_o word_n of_o life_n among_o they_o and_o go_v on_o still_o to_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thus_o leave_v these_o thing_n to_o your_o grave_n and_o love_a consideration_n i_o commend_v the_o book_n unto_o your_o read_n and_o your_o worship_n to_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o both_o yourselves_o and_o it_o unto_o his_o blessing_n i_o humble_o take_v leave_v and_o rest_n canwicke_n this_o 1._o of_o july_n 1638._o your_o worship_n ever_o to_o be_v command_v in_o the_o lord_n william_n harrison_n imprimatur_fw-la tho._n wykes_n octob._n 15._o 1638._o the_o purchase_n of_o grace_n chap._n i._n rev._n 3._o 18._o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a such_o be_v the_o gracious_a disposition_n of_o the_o almighty_a coherence_n and_o so_o sweet_a be_v his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o dear_a servant_n that_o he_o do_v usual_o most_o comfortable_o reveal_v and_o communicate_v himself_o unto_o they_o in_o their_o extremity_n he_o have_v his_o cordial_n ready_a against_o the_o sick_a fit_n of_o his_o child_n he_o love_v to_o comfort_v the_o abject_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a to_o speak_v peace_n to_o the_o afflict_a witness_v the_o carriage_n of_o our_o saviour_n towards_o saint_n john_n that_o belove_a disciple_n always_o belove_v but_o most_o manifest_v in_o his_o affliction_n when_o do_v the_o lord_n reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o so_o sweet_o and_o full_o but_o in_o his_o banishment_n when_o he_o be_v banish_v into_o the_o isle_n patmos_n revel_v 1._o 9_o then_o and_o there_o be_v he_o ravish_v in_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n ver_fw-la 10._o then_o come_v the_o great_a and_o yet_o sweet_a voice_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o charge_n to_o write_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n ver_fw-la 11._o unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n unto_o pergamos_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n unto_o sardys_n and_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n unto_o these_o seven_o the_o evangelist_n dedicate_v this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 1._o 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o unto_o each_o of_o these_o he_o direct_v as_o from_o christ_n a_o several_a epistle_n now_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v be_v part_n of_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n which_o continue_v from_o ver_fw-la 14._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o epistle_n itself_o consist_v of_o three_o part_n 1._o a_o proemium_fw-la or_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n ver_fw-la 14._o 2._o a_o narration_n or_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n unto_o ver_fw-la 22._o 3._o a_o peroration_n or_o conclusion_n verse_n the_o last_o again_o in_o the_o second_o part_n or_o narration_n we_o have_v three_o thing_n 1._o a_o reprehension_n increpation_n or_o objurgation_n ver_fw-la 15._o 16_o 17._o 2._o a_o exhortation_n or_o direction_n v_o 18._o 19_o 3._o a_o solemn_a promise_n or_o protestation_n ver_fw-la 20._o 21._o now_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v be_v part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n or_o direction_n and_o in_o general_a they_o hold_v out_o our_o saviour_n advice_n or_o counsel_n to_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o fit_o prescribe_v several_a remedy_n for_o all_o their_o infirmity_n a_o salve_n for_o every_o sore_a they_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a now_o in_o this_o verse_n we_o have_v a_o remedy_n for_o all_o these_o 1._o here_o be_v gold_n to_o enrich_v they_o 2._o white_a raiment_n to_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n 3._o eye_n salve_n to_o anoint_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v see_v i_o intend_v to_o insist_v only_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o which_o contain_v a_o remedy_n for_o their_o poverty_n and_o wretchedness_n i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a which_o word_n be_v the_o advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a counsellor_n isa._n 9_o 6._o to_o this_o church_n of_o laoâ—icea_n and_o in_o they_o to_o we_o also_o and_o to_o all_o true_a christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n now_o i_o think_v in_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v every_o man_n attention_n for_o behold_v we_o have_v here_o a_o lecture_n of_o thrift_n a_o way_n nay_o the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v make_v true_o rich_a there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a psal._n 4._o 6_o behold_v here_o be_v for_o you_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la the_o chief_a good_a gold_n yea_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n gold_z to_o enrich_v you_o gold_n and_o better_a than_o gold_n durable_a riches_n that_o which_o will_v make_v you_o rich_a indeed_o rich_a towards_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v luk._n 12._o 21._o now_o for_o the_o part_n of_o the_o text._n here_o be_v direction_n to_o get_v a_o precious_a and_o excellent_a commodity_n text._n metaphorical_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o under_o the_o name_n of_o gold_n wherein_o we_o have_v more_o particular_o describe_v 1._o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v a_o precious_a rare_a spiritual_a commodity_n which_o be_v like_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n 2._o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o that_o be_v buy_v it_o must_v be_v buy_v 3._o the_o chapman_n of_o who_o we_o must_v buy_v it_o and_o that_o be_v christ_n buy_v of_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n 4._o the_o end_n of_o buy_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a which_o argue_v still_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o commodity_n and_o so_o you_o see_v the_o part_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o word_n divide_v 2._o explication_n for_o the_o explication_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n be_v metaphorical_a the_o chapman_n the_o commodity_n the_o bargain_n the_o profit_n all_o be_v spiritual_a 1._o the_o chapman_n be_v christ_n even_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o send_v the_o epistle_n to_o this_o church_n he_o be_v the_o chapman_n 2._o the_o commodity_n to_o be_v buy_v here_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n or_o if_o you_o please_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n which_o be_v fit_o compare_v unto_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o the_o bargain_n or_o buy_v be_v spiritual_a and_o so_o be_v the_o riches_n here_o mention_v spiritual_a riches_n such_o as_o will_v make_v we_o rich_a towards_o god_n the_o word_n thus_o open_v and_o explain_v doct._n do_v hold_v out_o unto_o we_o these_o three_o proposition_n or_o point_n of_o instruction_n or_o doctrine_n 1._o that_o christ_n jesus_n doct._n and_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v fit_o resemble_v and_o compare_v unto_o gold_n yea_o pure_a gold_n gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n 2._o that_o this_o gold_n doct._n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o spiritual_o and_o true_o rich_a 3._o that_o all_o that_o will_v have_v this_o precious_a commodity_n doct._n must_v buy_v it_o of_o
he_o so_o busy_a at_o their_o return_n that_o he_o have_v forget_v both_o his_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o urge_v he_o say_v master_n eat_v ver_fw-la 31._o now_o mark_v the_o sweet_a answer_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o have_v meat_n to_o eat_v that_o you_o know_v not_o of_o ver_fw-la 32._o and_o see_v how_o he_o do_v far_a express_v his_o full_a meaning_n ver._n 34._o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o my_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o to_o finish_v his_o work_n oh_o admirable_a pattern_n oh_o heavenly_a example_n such_o be_v his_o delight_n in_o do_v god_n will_v that_o he_o prefer_v it_o before_o his_o meat_n and_o drink_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o great_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n now_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o point_n to_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o to_o set_v the_o better_a edge_n upon_o our_o appetite_n let_v we_o consider_v these_o three_o particular_n first_o motive_n that_o we_o may_v love_v god_n ordinance_n the_o better_a ordinance_n and_o delight_n to_o spend_v more_o time_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o consider_v who_o ordinance_n they_o be_v they_o be_v the_o lord_n ordinance_n of_o divine_a authority_n they_o come_v from_o above_o they_o be_v token_n of_o love_n send_v from_o our_o heavenly_a father_n the_o word_n preach_v be_v god_n word_n the_o sacrament_n be_v his_o broad_a seal_n of_o righteousness_n and_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n express_o require_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o due_a regard_n and_o esteem_v for_o his_o sake_n that_o have_v send_v they_o now_o a_o token_n send_v from_o a_o dear_a friend_n o_o how_o welcome_a a_o letter_n a_o book_n a_o ring_n etc._n etc._n these_o find_v special_a regard_n with_o we_o and_o shall_v the_o lord_n word_n that_o gracious_a epistle_n send_v from_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n to_o we_o shall_v that_o be_v account_v as_o a_o strange_a thing_n god_n forbid_v oh_o let_v we_o love_v the_o word_n faithful_o preach_v because_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n word_n it_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v the_o apostle_n argument_n rom._n 1._o 16._o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n grace_n act._n 20._o 32._o and_o now_o brethren_n i_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o far_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v yea_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v a_o special_a fruit_n of_o his_o favour_n peculiar_a to_o those_o that_o be_v god_n people_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o he_o send_v it_o he_o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o save_v some_o there_o see_v how_o this_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o special_a privilege_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v then_o the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n under_o heaven_n psal._n 147._o 19_o 20._o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n oh_o how_o we_o shall_v value_v the_o lord_n goodness_n herein_o to_o we_o if_o this_o be_v right_o and_o thorough_o consider_v this_o be_v the_o jew_n chief_a privilege_n that_o they_o have_v the_o lord_n word_n in_o special_a for_o their_o direction_n when_o all_o nation_n beside_o be_v leave_v in_o darkness_n deut._n 4._o 8._o for_o what_o nation_n be_v there_o so_o great_a that_o have_v statute_n and_o judgement_n so_o righteous_a as_o all_o this_o law_n which_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o this_o day_n so_o mark_v how_o the_o apostle_n set_v out_o the_o jew_n privilege_n above_o all_o other_o nation_n which_o he_o show_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v the_o lord_n lively_a oracle_n for_o their_o direction_n rom._n 3._o 1_o 2._o what_o advantage_n then_o have_v the_o jew_n and_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o of_o circumcision_n much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o lord_n oracle_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v and_o their_o privilege_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a that_o do_v enjoy_v they_o so_o again_o set_v out_o the_o jewish_a privilege_n see_v how_o the_o apostle_n report_v the_o matter_n rom._n 9_o 4._o to_o who_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n the_o lord_n covenant_n the_o lord_n law_n the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o esteem_v they_o yea_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o send_v prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o pastor_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v his_o people_n in_o this_o word_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o jer._n 3._o 15._o i_o will_v give_v you_o pastor_n according_a to_o my_o own_o heart_n that_o shall_v feed_v you_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o that_o send_v the_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n mat._n 28._o 20._o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o i_o command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o this_o send_n of_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n unto_o we_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o god_n singular_a love_n towards_o we_o it_o argue_v the_o lord_n fatherly_a pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o we_o according_a to_o that_o we_o read_v in_o 2_o chron._n 36._o 15._o and_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n send_v unto_o they_o by_o his_o messenger_n rise_v early_o and_o send_v because_o he_o have_v compassion_n on_o his_o people_n and_o on_o his_o dwell_a place_n now_o lay_v up_o all_o these_o together_o if_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v if_o he_o send_v the_o minister_n to_o preach_v it_o if_o their_o comâ—â—â—_n to_o do_v this_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n yea_o 〈◊〉_d compassion_n towards_o we_o then_o sure_o if_o this_o 〈◊〉_d right_o consider_v we_o can_v choose_v â—ut_v love_n it_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n do_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o prayer_n and_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v also_o of_o god_n ordain_v second_o ordinance_n consider_v the_o worth_n &_o excellency_n of_o these_o ordinance_n in_o themselves_o the_o word_n of_o god_n faithful_o preach_v be_v a_o excellent_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v prayer_n and_o so_o be_v the_o sacrament_n matter_n of_o special_a and_o exceed_a worth_n now_o you_o know_v man_n love_v and_o delight_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o excellent_a this_o be_v one_o reason_n that_o david_n give_v why_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o society_n of_o god_n saint_n sc_n because_o they_o be_v excellent_a person_n psal._n 16._o 2._o my_o goodness_n extend_v not_o unto_o thou_o say_v he_o to_o god_n v._n 3._o but_o to_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o excellent_a in_o who_o be_v all_o my_o delight_n do_v thou_o delight_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a o_o than_o delight_n thyself_o in_o god_n ordinance_n which_o be_v most_o excellent_a the_o word_n of_o god_n faithful_o preach_v be_v a_o most_o sweet_a and_o excellent_a ordinance_n of_o god._n see_v how_o high_o david_n that_o man_n of_o god_n commend_v and_o extoll_v it_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 and_o ver_fw-la 10._o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v they_o then_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n oh_o the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n faithful_o preach_v have_v i_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n i_o can_v not_o express_v it_o to_o the_o full_a take_v notice_n of_o a_o testimony_n or_o two_o to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o for_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n yea_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v satan_n fall_v down_o from_o heaven_n like_o lightning_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n great_a ordinance_n to_o batter_v the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n and_o satan_n they_o be_v excellent_a thing_n for_o the_o demolition_n of_o satan_n ammunition_n this_o cast_v out_o the_o strong_a man_n arm_v and_o take_v away_o his_o armour_n wherein_o
23._o all_o be_v you_o whether_o it_o be_v paul_n or_o apollo_n etc._n etc._n all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n now_o what_o great_a comfort_n so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o the_o word_n faithful_o preach_v be_v the_o word_n of_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o love_v it_o in_o that_o regard_n four_o consolation_n because_o carnal_a or_o worldly_a comfort_n be_v little_a worth_n therefore_o in_o the_o four_o place_n the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o spiritual_a comfort_n gracious_a and_o heavenly_a consolation_n hereupon_o it_o be_v call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n titus_n 2._o 11._o and_o the_o word_n of_o 〈◊〉_d grace_n act._n â—0_n 32._o and_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 8._o it_o be_v the_o instrument_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v to_o work_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n it_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 18._o yea_o the_o word_n of_o regeneration_n jam._n 1._o 18._o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v the_o immortal_a sâ—ede_n of_o our_o new_a birth_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o yea_o the_o chief_a mean_n of_o our_o conversion_n 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 yea_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a mean_n of_o our_o sanctification_n psal._n 119._o 9_o wherewithal_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n &_o c_o joh_n 15._o 3._o now_o be_v you_o clean_o through_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o joh._n 17._o 17._o sanctify_v they_o with_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n loe_o the_o chief_a instrument_n of_o our_o sanctification_n yea_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n so_o be_v his_o word_n the_o word_n of_o all_o grace_n for_o what_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v it_o that_o be_v not_o usual_o beget_v in_o we_o by_o the_o word_n whether_o knowledge_n or_o faith_n or_o repentance_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n 1._o out_o of_o question_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n see_v it_o in_o david_n example_n psal._n 119._o 98._o thou_o through_o thy_o commandment_n have_v make_v i_o wise_a than_o my_o enemy_n for_o they_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o ver._n 99_o i_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o my_o teacher_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n ver._n 100_o i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n then_o for_o faith_n the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o beget_v and_o preserve_v that_o for_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n rom._n 10._o 8._o and_o the_o apostle_n conclusion_n be_v ver._n 17._o so_o then_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o then_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n another_o excellent_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a mean_n to_o beget_v that_o deut._n 17._o 19_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o king_n that_o he_o shall_v write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o read_v in_o it_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n why_o so_o that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o public_a meeting_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n faithful_o preach_v all_o both_o old_a and_o young_a must_v come_v to_o hear_v it_o deut._n 31._o 12._o gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o the_o strange_a that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n all_o sort_n must_v constant_o frequent_v the_o church_n assembly_n and_o depend_v upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n why_o so_o that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n must_v be_v learn_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o mean_n to_o attain_v thereunto_o the_o like_a might_n easy_o be_v show_v of_o sundry_a other_o grace_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v not_o only_o the_o mean_n to_o beget_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o but_o to_o increase_v they_o also_o observe_v it_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desiâ—e_v you_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o say_v the_o apostle_n so_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o only_o the_o seed_n of_o our_o new_a birth_n but_o also_o the_o chief_a mean_n of_o our_o increase_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n yea_o it_o will_v still_o build_v we_o up_o far_a until_o we_o come_v to_o perfection_n act._n 20._o 32._o and_o now_o brethren_n i_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o far_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v oh_o precious_a word_n and_o well_o worthy_a of_o all_o high_a esteem_n that_o be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o in_o grace_n far_o and_o far_o until_o we_o come_v to_o perfection_n how_o can_v we_o choose_v but_o love_v the_o word_n exceed_o and_o delight_n to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o it_o if_o we_o serious_o consider_v how_o useful_a it_o be_v unto_o we_o also_o in_o this_o respect_n five_o salvation_n and_o last_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a mean_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o comfort_n but_o of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n but_o of_o glory_n too_o and_o of_o salvation_n roman_n 1._o 16._o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n why_o so_o because_o how_o simple_a or_o despicable_a so_o ever_o it_o may_v seem_v in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n a_o foolish_a thing_n indeed_o it_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o of_o carnal_a reason_n but_o yet_o it_o please_v god_n even_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o which_o do_v believe_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o yea_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n so_o that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o salvation_n that_o reject_v it_o psalm_n 119._o 155._o yea_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o thrust_v it_o from_o he_o do_v judge_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n see_v two_o direct_a testimony_n for_o this_o the_o one_o be_v the_o speech_n of_o peter_n to_o our_o saviour_n john_n 6._o 68_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n the_o apostle_n peter_n make_v answer_v whither_o shall_v we_o go_v where_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o mend_v ourselves_o thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o reject_v it_o and_o care_v not_o to_o spend_v time_n in_o the_o hear_n and_o read_v and_o serious_a perusal_n of_o it_o do_v even_o judge_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o everlasting_a life_n act_v 13._o 46._o say_v the_o apostle_n address_v his_o speech_n to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v first_o preach_v unto_o you_o the_o preach_v of_o god_n word_n be_v of_o necessary_a use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o since_o that_o you_o thrust_v it_o from_o you_o and_o judge_v yourselves_o unworthy_a of_o everlasting_a life_n etc._n etc._n behold_v we_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n oh_o how_o ready_o and_o with_o what_o great_a affection_n will_v we_o receive_v the_o word_n if_o this_o be_v right_o consider_v chap._n x._o contain_v part_n of_o the_o five_o direction_n etc._n etc._n five_o time_n all_o that_o desire_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o god_n service_n must_v follow_v that_o golden_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n sc_n of_o redeem_v the_o time_n redeem_v the_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a say_v the_o apostle_n ephes._n 5._o 16._o which_o rule_n he_o repeat_v again_o to_o the_o colossian_n colos._n 4._o 5._o now_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o from_o what_o we_o must_v redeem_v the_o time_n i_o answer_v from_o all_o such_o let_n and_o impediment_n that_o will_v hinder_v this_o way_n there_o be_v diverse_a great_a consumer_n of_o precious_a time_n from_o which_o he_o must_v careful_o redeem_v it_o that_o will_v spend_v much_o time_n in_o god_n service_n i_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v
of_o profitable_a and_o excellent_a use_n for_o god_n people_n that_o have_v occasion_n to_o join_v together_o in_o the_o celebration_n and_o participation_n of_o they_o first_o excellent_a for_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o congregation_n see_v how_o express_o the_o apostle_n require_v it_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o i_o exhort_v that_o first_o of_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_z and_o intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n let_v no_o man_n despise_v the_o public_a lyturgie_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o prayer_n that_o be_v use_v there_o as_o if_o god_n regard_v not_o such_o prayer_n as_o be_v read_v upon_o a_o book_n for_o certain_o the_o most_o godly_a devotion_n learned_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o have_v approve_v of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n yea_o one_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o able_a even_o of_o those_o that_o have_v dislike_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n have_v yet_o high_o esteem_v of_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v appointeh_a to_o be_v read_v in_o our_o public_a lyturgie_n yea_o and_o do_v profess_v public_o that_o in_o his_o opinion_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v dislike_v such_o kind_n of_o prayer_n either_o because_o they_o be_v read_v upon_o a_o book_n 68_o or_o for_o their_o length_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o yea_o you_o show_v plain_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o best_a church_n to_o have_v book_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o approve_v of_o and_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o god_n church_n in_o that_o regard_n yea_o 37._o see_v how_o high_o that_o pious_a man_n have_v approve_v of_o the_o book_n of_o prayer_n appoint_v by_o authority_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o public_a fast_n concern_v which_o this_o reverend_a divine_a say_v thus_o concern_v the_o say_a book_n of_o prayer_n that_o they_o be_v as_o ample_a holy_a effectual_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o present_a occasion_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o any_o lyturgie_n that_o he_o have_v see_v have_v therefore_o clear_v this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o show_v you_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o congregation_n in_o some_o respect_n above_o any_o prayer_n that_o be_v make_v in_o secret_a in_o our_o closet_n or_o in_o private_a among_o our_o people_n in_o our_o family_n see_v it_o in_o four_o particular_n first_o the_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o company_n that_o be_v present_a there_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n which_o i_o will_v manifest_v unto_o you_o in_o these_o three_o particular_n first_o there_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n be_v present_a there_o in_o a_o most_o special_a manner_n and_o ready_a to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o these_o public_a prayer_n people_n now_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n and_o very_o beneficial_a unto_o we_o in_o this_o regard_n this_o make_v david_n delight_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o service_n yea_o and_o carry_v his_o whole_a household_a a_o multitude_n with_o he_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n because_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n there_o in_o who_o next_o under_o god_n himself_o be_v all_o his_o delight_n psal._n 42._o 4._o psal._n 16._o 3._o my_o goodness_n o_o lord_n extend_v not_o to_o thou_o but_o to_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o excellent_a in_o who_o be_v all_o my_o delight_n this_o make_v he_o so_o glad_a when_o he_o be_v exhort_v by_o any_o to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n sc_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a company_n that_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v there_o psal._n 122._o 1._o 4._o i_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n why_o so_o that_o you_o shall_v see_v ver_fw-la 4._o thither_o the_o tribe_n go_v up_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n to_o give_v thanks_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o ver_fw-la 8._o for_o my_o brebren_n and_o companion_n sake_n i_o will_v now_o say_v peace_n be_v within_o thou_o loe_o this_o be_v one_o strong_a motive_n that_o shall_v persuade_v we_o not_o only_o due_o to_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n ourselves_o but_o to_o exhort_v and_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o join_v with_o we_o therein_o sc_n because_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v there_o present_a in_o a_o special_a manner_n second_o there_o not_o only_a god_n people_n be_v there_o present_a but_o also_o the_o holy_a angel_n of_o god_n be_v present_a in_o our_o church_n assembly_n as_o they_o be_v at_o all_o time_n fent_fw-la forth_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n heb._n 1._o 14._o so_o especial_o then_o when_o we_o be_v the_o most_o serious_o employ_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o service_n they_o then_o pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o we_o to_o defend_v we_o psal._n 34._o 7._o and_o keep_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n much_o more_o when_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n they_o be_v then_o present_a with_o we_o in_o a_o most_o special_a manner_n this_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v in_o â—hat_n direction_n which_o he_o give_v to_o woman_n â—_o cor._n 11._o 10._o for_o this_o cause_n ought_v the_o woman_n to_o have_v power_n on_o her_o head_n 117._o that_o be_v to_o have_v her_o head_n cover_v in_o token_n of_o sujection_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n i.e._n the_o angel_n be_v in_o a_o most_o special_a manner_n present_a in_o our_o church_n assembly_n and_o will_v dislike_v such_o disorder_n yea_o this_o be_v also_o figure_v to_o god_n people_n in_o salomon_n time_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wall_n of_o salomon_n temple_n be_v full_a of_o cherubim_n round_o about_o 1_o king_n 6._o 29._o to_o intimate_v unto_o god_n people_n that_o the_o holy_a angel_n of_o god_n be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n present_a in_o the_o church_n assembly_n this_o shall_v persuade_v we_o to_o make_v great_a account_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o congregation_n three_o present_a not_o only_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o also_o the_o lord_n himself_o be_v in_o a_o most_o special_a manner_n present_a at_o our_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o congregation_n loe_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n 18._o 20._o especial_o at_o public_a prayer_n for_o of_o such_o kind_n of_o assembly_n our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v mat._n 18._o 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o oh_o how_o this_o shall_v persuade_v we_o not_o only_o to_o spend_v time_n in_o god_n service_n ourselves_o but_o also_o exhort_v other_o to_o do_v so_o too_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o excellent_a company_n that_o we_o be_v there_o sure_a to_o meet_v withal_o the_o holy_a saint_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o the_o lord_n himself_o second_o prevalent_a because_o public_a prayer_n that_o be_v present_v to_o god_n in_o the_o congregation_n be_v usual_o most_o prevalent_a and_o powerful_a and_o likely_a to_o prevail_v with_o god_n either_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o some_o special_a blessing_n that_o we_o want_v or_o prevent_v or_o remove_v some_o heavy_a judgement_n either_o feel_v or_o fear_v for_o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n psal._n 87._o 2._o such_o prayer_n do_v usual_o find_v special_a acceptance_n with_o he_o see_v what_o a_o promise_n our_o saviour_n have_v make_v to_o such_o prayer_n mat._n 18._o 19_o again_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o if_o two_o of_o you_o much_o more_o if_o two_o hundred_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o there_o the_o lord_n command_v his_o blessing_n and_o life_n for_o evermore_o say_v the_o text_n psal._n 133._o 3._o yea_o the_o lord_n himself_o direct_v to_o these_o public_a and_o solemn_a prayer_n as_o those_o that_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a to_o prevail_v with_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o joell_n 2._o when_o he_o foretell_v a_o judgement_n future_a see_v what_o the_o lord_n prescribe_v as_o the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v it_o v._o 15._o blow_v the_o trumpet_n in_o zion_n sanctify_v a_o fast_a call_v a_o solemn_a assembly_n v._n 16._o gather_v the_o people_n sanctify_v the_o congregation_n assemble_v the_o elder_n yea_o gather_v the_o child_n yea_o the_o bride_n and_o bridegroom_n the_o priest_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o must_v bestir_v
two_o treatise_n i._o the_o purchase_n of_o grace_n show_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n ii_o the_o soul_n delight_n in_o god_n tabernacle_n show_v the_o excellency_n of_o time_n spend_v in_o duty_n of_o god_n solemn_a service_n instance_n in_o the_o chief_a viz._n prayer_n word_n and_o sacrament_n motive_n and_o direction_n for_o right_a performance_n last_o the_o chief_a usurper_n of_o time_n discover_v with_o apt_a remedy_n against_o each_o of_o they_o the_o content_n of_o the_o book_n be_v methodical_o express_v in_o the_o margin_n which_o to_o the_o diligent_a reader_n may_v serve_v instead_o of_o a_o table_n by_o william_n harrison_n mr._n of_o art_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o canwicke_n near_o lincoln_n london_n print_v by_o the_o assign_v of_o t._n p._n for_o philemon_n stephens_n and_o christopher_n meredith_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1639._o the_o purchase_n of_o grace._n a_o treatise_n show_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o true_a gold_n rule_n to_o discover_v the_o gold_n of_o true_a grace_n from_o counterfeit_n the_o christian_n true_a riches_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o gold_n with_o direction_n how_o and_o of_o who_o to_o purchase_v this_o wealth_n prov_n 3._o 13._o happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n ver_fw-la 15._o she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o she_o mat._n 25._o 9_o go_v to_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v for_o yourselves_o by_o william_n harrison_n mr._n of_o art_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o canwicke_n near_o lincoln_n london_n print_v by_o the_o assign_v of_o t._n p._n for_o philemon_n stephens_n and_o christopher_n meredith_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o their_o shop_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1639._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a the_o master_n warden_n assistant_n and_o communality_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o mercer_n in_o london_n my_o right_a worthy_a friend_n and_o patron_n etc._n etc._n right_o worshipful_a etc._n etc._n most_o lamentable_a it_o be_v to_o see_v man_n eager_a pursuit_n of_o earthly_a vanity_n and_o their_o woeful_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n which_o be_v durable_a riches_n to_o which_o two_o may_v be_v fit_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o saul_n and_o david_n the_o two_o first_o king_n of_o israel_n sc_n that_o the_o one_o have_v slay_v thousand_o and_o the_o other_o ten_o thousand_o both_o which_o arise_v chief_o as_o i_o conceive_v from_o man_n ignorance_n or_o the_o want_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o piety_n and_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n or_o save_v grace_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n joh._n 4._o 10._o if_o thou_o know_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o if_o they_o know_v these_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a resplendent_a nature_n of_o they_o if_o man_n be_v but_o acquaint_v with_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o precious_a and_o golden_a commodity_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n they_o will_v not_o labour_v so_o immoderate_o for_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v but_o for_o the_o meat_n that_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o speak_v joh._n 6._o 29._o yea_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o cumber_v with_o martha_n about_o many_o thing_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o one_o thing_n needful_a be_v neglect_v but_o rather_o with_o mary_n choose_v the_o better_a part_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v from_o they_o luk._n 10._o 42._o to_o this_o end_n i_o at_o first_o fasten_v my_o meditation_n upon_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n and_o take_v into_o my_o serious_a consideration_n this_o clause_n of_o holy_a writ_n yea_o and_o have_v still_o fix_v my_o sad_a thought_n upon_o this_o golden_a counsel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n wherein_o the_o great_a counsellor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v give_v his_o bless_a advice_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o he_o general_o find_v like_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n sc_n wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a now_o unto_o all_o such_o who_o he_o find_v in_o this_o woeful_a and_o wretched_a condition_n he_o propound_v this_o sweet_a and_o heavenly_a counsel_n and_o direction_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n rev._n 3._o 18._o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a wherein_o our_o saviour_n direct_v we_o unto_o the_o true_a riches_n indeed_o and_o commend_v unto_o we_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o himself_o his_o merit_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o a_o right_n precious_a nature_n and_o of_o great_a worth_n and_o value_n even_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o such_o as_o will_v true_o enrich_v we_o unto_o life_n eternal_a in_o prosecute_a of_o which_o text_n i_o have_v run_v this_o course_n and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n that_o it_o be_v most_o fit_o resemble_v to_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n yea_o indeed_o to_o be_v far_o prefer_v before_o it_o and_o that_o in_o sundry_a respect_n yea_o not_o only_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o grace_n itself_o but_o also_o the_o admirable_a worth_n of_o such_o as_o do_v enjoy_v this_o precious_a jewel_n that_o all_o such_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o golden_a person_n indeed_o as_o come_v of_o golden_a parentage_n have_v a_o golden_a portion_n and_o inheritance_n and_o also_o golden_a attendant_n have_v the_o holy_a angel_n of_o god_n daily_o to_o pitch_v their_o tent_n round_o about_o they_o for_o their_o safety_n far_o by_o way_n of_o application_n i_o have_v earnest_o press_v and_o persuade_v unto_o the_o duty_n of_o examination_n that_o we_o shall_v all_o try_v what_o metal_n our_o grace_n be_v make_v of_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o a_o right_n golden_a nature_n yea_o or_o no._n and_o because_o herein_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o natural_o backward_o i_o have_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n by_o sundry_a motive_n draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o danger_n of_o be_v mistake_v as_o also_o the_o possibility_n of_o performance_n and_o comfort_n that_o will_v hereby_o redound_v unto_o we_o when_o the_o work_n be_v once_o thorough_o perform_v and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v about_o it_o nor_o gule_v with_o satan_n device_n in_o a_o business_n of_o such_o importance_n i_o have_v therefore_o also_o endeavour_v to_o manifest_v and_o discover_v the_o true_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o this_o golden_a metal_n together_o with_o the_o comfortable_a and_o happy_a estate_n and_o condition_n of_o all_o such_o as_o do_v enjoy_v this_o precious_a commodity_n 2._o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o all_o such_o as_o have_v true_a grace_n be_v absolute_o and_o incomparable_o the_o rich_a person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o piety_n be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o make_v we_o true_o and_o spiritual_o rich_a so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a let_v such_o come_v and_o see_v the_o short_a and_o yet_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o get_v wealth_n yea_o durable_a riches_n and_o righteousness_n last_o if_o any_o be_v so_o far_o wrought_v upon_o as_o to_o cry_v out_o with_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n lord_n evermore_o give_v we_o this_o bread_n this_o wealth_n this_o precious_a treasure_n i_o have_v therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o discover_v the_o direct_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o that_o be_v buy_v and_o the_o rather_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o make_n of_o this_o happy_a bargain_n for_o our_o soul_n i_o have_v here_o describe_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o chapman_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o sell_v we_o this_o rare_a commodity_n of_o save_a grace_n here_o you_o shall_v also_o find_v a_o description_n of_o all_o the_o particular_n requisite_a to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o this_o bargain_n with_o christ._n here_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o price_n of_o true_a grace_n and_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o such_o customer_n as_o be_v ready_a in_o appearance_n to_o bargain_n with_o this_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a chapman_n here_o have_v you_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o this_o treatise_n whereunto_o i_o have_v adjoin_v another_o of_o like_a argument_n show_v the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o time_n that_o be_v spend_v in_o god_n service_n or_o in_o the_o use_n
themselves_o with_o fast_v and_o weep_v and_o pray_v and_o then_o see_v the_o event_n promise_v v._o 18._o then_o will_v the_o lord_n be_v jealous_a for_o his_o land_n and_o pity_v his_o people_n ver._n 19_o the_o like_a promise_n we_o have_v 2_o chron._n 7._o 13_o 14._o if_o the_o people_n that_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n shall_v humble_v themselves_o and_o pray_v and_o seek_v my_o face_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o god_n himself_o such_o prayer_n be_v excellent_a because_o most_o effectual_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o frequent_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n the_o place_n appoint_v for_o public_a prayer_n though_o he_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_o furnish_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n of_o any_o that_o ever_o be_v yea_o and_o those_o synagogue_n have_v great_a corruption_n in_o they_o which_o show_v how_o high_o he_o esteem_v of_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v solemn_o make_v to_o god_n in_o the_o congregation_n this_o also_o appear_v by_o experience_n see_v what_o wonderful_a success_n the_o ninivite_n have_v in_o proclaim_v public_a fast_v and_o prayer_n jonah_n 8._o 10._o when_o god_n see_v their_o work_n how_o public_o &_o solemn_o they_o go_v to_o work_v he_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o intend_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o so_o see_v the_o success_n that_o johosophat_n have_v by_o this_o mean_n even_o at_o a_o dead_a lift_n 2_o chron._n 20._o 3._o 13._o concern_v which_o the_o story_n set_v out_o three_o thing_n in_o that_o case_n as_o the_o most_o remarkable_a 1._o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o their_o enemy_n be_v many_o in_o number_n be_v ready_a even_o sudden_o to_o set_v upon_o they_o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o 2._o the_o course_n that_o they_o take_v to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n v_o 3._o he_o proclaim_v a_o fast_n and_o set_v himself_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n yea_o see_v how_o solemn_o they_o go_v to_o work_v ver._n 4._o judah_n gather_v themselves_o together_o to_o ask_v help_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o out_o of_o all_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n they_o come_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o ver_fw-la 13._o and_o all_o judah_n stand_v before_o the_o lord_n with_o their_o little_a one_o their_o wife_n and_o their_o child_n there_o be_v none_o leave_v out_o then_o three_o see_v the_o strange_a and_o admirable_a success_n that_o follow_v hereupon_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23_o 24._o etc._n etc._n they_o have_v the_o victory_n without_o so_o much_o as_o strike_v of_o a_o stroke_n the_o enemy_n destroy_v one_o another_o and_o the_o jew_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o only_o to_o divide_v the_o spoil_n and_o return_v due_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o so_o miraculous_a a_o deliverance_n see_v here_o the_o power_n of_o joint_a prayer_n like_o a_o great_a flood_n they_o beat_v down_o all_o before_o they_o and_o indeed_o in_o all_o reason_n the_o prayer_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o public_a vote_n of_o god_n people_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a for_o if_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o one_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o jam._n 5._o 17._o much_o more_o of_o many_o mat._n 7._o 7._o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v and_o knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v if_o a_o whole_a town_n or_o parish_n do_v all_o join_v together_o to_o ask_v a_o boon_n at_o some_o great_a man_n hand_n they_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v rather_o than_o one_o man_n alone_o 2._o if_o many_o eye_n do_v join_v in_o seek_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v lose_v there_o be_v the_o more_o probability_n to_o find_v it_o and_o if_o many_o join_v together_o with_o joint_a force_n to_o knock_v at_o heaven_n gate_n be_v they_o not_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o beat_v they_o open_v o_o than_o the_o blockish_a folly_n of_o such_o as_o regard_v not_o these_o public_a prayer_n that_o be_v make_v to_o god_n in_o the_o church_n assembly_n but_o do_v often_o absent_v themselves_o upon_o every_o light_n and_o trivial_a occasion_n yea_o and_o see_v the_o folly_n of_o those_o that_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a prayer_n before_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o congregation_n but_o above_o all_o the_o folly_n of_o those_o be_v most_o palpable_a that_o do_v bestow_v that_o time_n in_o private_a read_n upon_o a_o book_n which_o they_o shall_v employ_v in_o join_v with_o god_n people_n in_o public_a and_o solemn_a prayer_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n i_o must_v needs_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v three_o glory_n the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o the_o worth_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o prayer_n appear_v be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o hereby_o redound_v to_o god_n i_o know_v the_o lord_n receive_v glory_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n in_o secret_a and_o in_o our_o family_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o congregation_n but_o as_o 1_o cor._n 15._o there_o be_v degree_n of_o glory_n there_o be_v one_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n another_o of_o the_o moon_n &_o another_o of_o the_o star_n so_o in_o this_o case_n 1._o secret_n duty_n in_o our_o closet_n that_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o star_n 2._o private_a duty_n in_o our_o family_n that_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o moonlight_n 3._o public_a duty_n in_o the_o congregation_n that_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o that_o the_o most_o glory_n do_v hereby_o redound_v to_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o david_n have_v such_o a_o special_a respect_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o service_n as_o psal._n 111._o 1._o i_o will_v praise_v thou_o o_o lord_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o upright_a and_o in_o the_o congregation_n so_o psal._n 116._o 18._o i_o will_v pay_v my_o vow_n now_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o his_o people_n why_o so_o sure_o because_o he_o know_v that_o much_o glory_n do_v hereby_o redound_v to_o god_n psal._n 29._o 1_o 2._o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n glory_n and_o strength_n give_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n but_o how_o it_o follow_v worship_n the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n four_o comfortable_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o sweetness_n &_o comfort_n that_o hereby_o redound_v to_o god_n people_n this_o be_v afeast_n of_o fat_a thing_n yea_o hereby_o we_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a 1_o pet._n 2._o 3._o and_o it_o be_v unto_o god_n people_n the_o very_a joy_n &_o rejoice_v of_o the_o heart_n they_o be_v like_a unto_o they_o that_o keep_v holy_a day_n as_o david_n express_v it_o ps._n 42._o 4._o v._n chap._n fourteen_o contain_v a_o description_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n second_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n shall_v persuade_v we_o not_o only_o to_o frequent_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n ourselves_o but_o also_o move_v we_o to_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v other_o sacrament_n so_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v right_o and_o due_o administer_v in_o our_o church_n assembly_n shall_v also_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o o_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o seal_n of_o righteousness_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o rom._n 4._o 11._o see_v it_o in_o both_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o first_o it_o for_o baptism_n consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o sacrament_n in_o itself_o &_o the_o usefulness_n &_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o that_o institute_v &_o appoint_v this_o sacrament_n it_o be_v he_o that_o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n mat._n 28._o 19_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n himself_o and_o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v slight_v or_o disregard_v let_v no_o man_n therefore_o despise_v this_o sacrament_n or_o scornful_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o when_o it_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o congregation_n as_o many_o do_v who_o either_o depart_v thence_o or_o else_o employ_v that_o time_n in_o private_a read_n as_o if_o this_o ordinance_n do_v nothing_o at_o all_o concern_v they_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n himself_o that_o institute_v it_o &_o therefore_o any_o contempt_n or_o indignity_n offer_v herein_o must_v needs_o reach_v unto_o christ_n himself_o we_o as_o the_o