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rigorousness_n in_o any_o part_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n it_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o unnecessary_a over_o harsh_a or_o needless_o severe_a and_o strict_a command_n which_o among_o other_o we_o have_v vow_v obedience_n to_o no_o we_o have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o a_o hard_a master_n though_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o have_v prescribe_v we_o whatever_o he_o think_v good_a yet_o have_v he_o temper_v his_o prerogative_n with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o love_n and_o suit_v his_o prescription_n every_o way_n to_o our_o great_a good_a and_o best_a advantage_n so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n we_o can_v find_v no_o part_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o have_v vow_v to_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n but_o what_o be_v most_o high_o reasonable_a but_o what_o do_v we_o without_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n study_v and_o mind_n our_o own_o true_a interest_n we_o shall_v ready_o comply_v and_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o difficulty_n therefore_o in_o the_o case_n will_v be_v 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on_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o no_o alas_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a and_o patient_n and_o mortify_v as_o we_o time_n after_o time_n vow_v we_o will_v be_v because_o god_n be_v spare_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n on_o which_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o success_n must_v needs_o be_v found_v for_o he_o be_v ever_o free_a and_o open_o hand_v he_o be_v never_o want_v to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v we_o that_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o by_o way_n of_o assirmation_n therefore_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o keep_v and_o live_v up_o to_o our_o sacramental_a vow_n arise_v from_o a_o triple_a cause_n conjunct_o 1._o from_o the_o great_a slipperiness_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v such_o as_o that_o many_o time_n when_o they_o seem_v well_o fix_v and_o firm_o bend_v they_o shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a turn_n a_o side_n like_o a_o deceitful_a bow_n good_a impression_n that_o seem_v strong_a shall_v soon_o be_v lose_v and_o wear_v off_o by_o contrary_a impression_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a guard_n which_o few_o take_v care_n to_o keep_v up_o will_v but_o our_o heart_n keep_v in_o a_o even_a tenor_n can_v we_o retain_v that_o warm_a sense_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o we_o sometime_o feel_v can_v we_o maintain_v the_o same_o holy_a resolution_n we_o sometime_o find_v excite_v in_o a_o sacrament_n the_o difficulty_n we_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o complain_v of_o will_v soon_o vanish_v we_o shall_v find_v the_o pay_n of_o our_o vow_n a_o easy_a thing_n but_o herein_o our_o slippery_a heart_n deceive_v we_o for_o let_v we_o be_v never_o so_o warm_a to_o day_n we_o shall_v it_o may_v be_v be_v cold_a to_o morrow_n we_o feel_v our_o heart_n so_o often_o change_v that_o there_o be_v no_o know_v how_o to_o reckon_v upon_o they_o and_o where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o it_o require_v great_a application_n to_o 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obligation_n and_o engagement_n can_v we_o quell_v and_o master_v this_o contrary_a principle_n in_o we_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o live_v up_o to_o our_o sacred_a vow_n but_o this_o be_v a_o painful_a and_o laborious_a task_n of_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v very_o soon_o weary_a and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o we_o find_v that_o so_o difficult_a a_o matter_n 3._o the_o many_o bewitch_a temptation_n we_o be_v constant_o beset_v with_o be_v great_a occasion_n of_o this_o difficulty_n we_o have_v a_o subtle_a devil_n to_o deal_v with_o who_o will_v lay_v all_o the_o curb_n in_o our_o way_n that_o possible_o he_o can_v who_o so_o surround_v we_o on_o all_o hand_n with_o snare_n that_o we_o can_v hardly_o take_v a_o inadvertent_n step_v
bring_v themselves_o into_o by_o rush_v rash_o into_o such_o engagement_n jepthah_n vow_v that_o whatever_o meet_v he_o first_o out_o of_o his_o house_n when_o he_o return_v from_o his_o victory_n shall_v be_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o punish_v he_o for_o his_o rashness_n providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o his_o daughter_n be_v the_o person_n and_o therefore_o he_o present_o repent_v this_o be_v also_o saul_n fault_n who_o vow_v the_o death_n of_o any_o of_o his_o follower_n that_o shall_v stay_v to_o taste_v any_o of_o the_o honey_n that_o lie_v in_o his_o way_n whereby_o he_o exceed_o prejudice_v himself_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o refreshment_n disable_v his_o army_n from_o pursue_v the_o enemy_n of_o this_o sort_n also_o be_v the_o vow_n of_o the_o eleven_o tribe_n that_o they_o will_v none_o of_o they_o give_v any_o wife_n to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o judg._n 21._o but_o we_o find_v when_o they_o come_v sober_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v viz._n that_o a_o tribe_n be_v hereby_o likely_a to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o israel_n they_o present_o repent_v and_o indeed_o we_o may_v general_o observe_v that_o repentance_n and_o sorrow_n be_v the_o genuine_a product_n of_o rash_a vow_n we_o shall_v beware_v therefore_o of_o make_v a_o vow_n in_o a_o passion_n which_o be_v once_o move_v blind_v reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o hinder_v the_o weigh_a thing_n in_o a_o just_a balance_n a_o calm_a spirit_n and_o deliberate_a judgement_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o make_v vow_n that_o will_v give_v no_o cause_n for_o repentance_n 4._o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o make_v too_o many_o particular_a vow_n by_o mean_n whereof_o we_o may_v easy_o run_v into_o superstition_n this_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n of_o the_o time_n next_o precede_v the_o reformation_n in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n all_o religion_n almost_o be_v general_o run_v into_o vow_n about_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n fasting-day_n pilgrimage_n and_o visit_n to_o the_o shrine_n of_o saint_n bodily_a mortification_n and_o a_o thousand_o monkish_a invention_n which_o be_v also_o one_o great_a fault_n of_o the_o romanist_n to_o this_o day_n who_o by_o their_o particular_a vow_n eat_v out_o all_o real_a religion_n but_o we_o shall_v beware_v of_o frame_v a_o law_n and_o religion_n to_o ourselves_o by_o our_o voluntary_a vow_n which_o god_n never_o make_v we_o by_o his_o authority_n they_o be_v not_o to_o make_v we_o new_a duty_n and_o religion_n but_o to_o further_a we_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o that_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v impose_v on_o we_o 5._o it_o will_v be_v wisdom_n in_o we_o to_o take_v care_n that_o our_o particular_a vow_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n temporary_a for_o that_o vow_n which_o for_o a_o time_n may_v be_v tolerable_a and_o real_o beneficial_a may_v in_o time_n grow_v intolerable_a and_o wretched_o perplex_v we_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o bind_v ourselves_o for_o futurity_n to_o all_o that_o may_v possible_o be_v our_o duty_n at_o present_a by_o reason_n that_o a_o change_n of_o thing_n and_o circumstance_n may_v work_v a_o change_n in_o our_o duty_n we_o shall_v therefore_o take_v care_n that_o what_o we_o vow_v be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o our_o duty_n at_o present_a but_o that_o we_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o it_o by_o our_o vow_n no_o long_o than_o it_o shall_v remain_v consistent_a with_o our_o duty_n 6._o if_o we_o be_v under_o government_n we_o shall_v not_o without_o our_o governor_n be_v consent_n vow_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o may_v not_o lawful_o do_v without_o their_o consent_n in_o case_n we_o have_v not_o vow_v it_o for_o that_o be_v for_o person_n actual_o at_o present_a to_o disobey_v those_o to_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o to_o disobey_v they_o for_o the_o future_a in_o the_o thirty_o of_o number_n god_n have_v plain_o determine_v this_o matter_n as_o to_o woman_n that_o be_v in_o subjection_n either_o to_o their_o father_n or_o husband_n their_o vow_n be_v not_o bind_v unless_o they_o be_v ratify_v by_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o vow_v without_o their_o consent_n and_o we_o may_v natural_o draw_v a_o parallel_n as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o other_o also_o that_o be_v proportionable_o in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n but_o in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v or_o must_v do_v although_o our_o governor_n shall_v forbid_v it_o then_o may_v we_o vow_v it_o although_o they_o shall_v be_v averse_a to_o it_o these_o limitation_n and_o caution_n we_o must_v mind_n and_o observe_v if_o we_o desire_v to_o make_v use_n of_o david_n word_n with_o reference_n to_o they_o thy_o vow_n be_v upon_o i_o o_o god_n for_o of_o all_o particular_a vow_n these_o only_o he_o allow_v it_o be_v none_o but_o such_o as_o these_o that_o he_o approus_a and_o if_o we_o will_v put_v all_o together_o we_o may_v without_o much_o difficulty_n discern_v what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v to_o the_o three_o monastic_a vow_n so_o much_o celebrate_v among_o the_o papist_n viz._n the_o vow_n of_o continence_n poverty_n and_o blind_a obedience_n none_o of_o they_o be_v any_o where_o command_v of_o god_n nor_o be_v they_o lawful_a or_o allowable_a for_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n nor_o depend_v at_o all_o on_o our_o will_v his_o determination_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v repugnant_a to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o common_a call_v of_o all_o christian_n continence_n in_o their_o sense_n viz._n a_o total_a abstinence_n from_o the_o female_a sex_n without_o burn_v be_v not_o in_o some_o man_n power_n nor_o do_v it_o depend_v on_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o will_n but_o be_v the_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o a_o mortal_a man_n be_v contrary_a to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o live_v by_o beg_v and_o on_o other_o labour_n without_o do_v any_o thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a call_v of_o all_o to_o who_o this_o be_v give_v as_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o he_o who_o labour_v not_o shall_v not_o eat_v but_o those_o who_o will_v see_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o these_o sort_n of_o vow_n display_v must_v consult_v our_o protestant_a writer_n in_o their_o controversy_n with_o the_o romanist_n etc._n after_o all_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o observe_v how_o wretched_o some_o person_n be_v hamper_v and_o perplex_v about_o the_o bind_n and_o oblige_v force_n of_o their_o particular_a vow_n for_o who_o sake_n i_o shall_v close_v this_o chapter_n with_o some_o brief_n touch_v on_o this_o question_n how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o case_n such_o vow_n may_v be_v dispense_v with_o plain_o it_o be_v that_o vow_n well_o lawful_o and_o deliberate_o make_v about_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o our_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v careless_o nor_o will_v they_o be_v impune_o violate_v this_o be_v to_o break_v our_o faith_n with_o god_n which_o be_v a_o great_a impiety_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a such_o vow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pay_v 1._o which_o be_v make_v about_o a_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a thing_n such_o vow_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n null_n and_o to_o attempt_v to_o pay_v they_o be_v a_o aggravate_v crime_n herod_n therefore_o need_v not_o for_o his_o oath_n or_o vow_n sake_n have_v do_v what_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o be_v flat_o unlawful_a as_o he_o do_v in_o take_v away_o john_n baptist_n life_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o just_a man_n and_o to_o have_v do_v nothing_o deserve_v of_o death_n sorrow_n for_o his_o wicked_a vow_n or_o oath_n have_v be_v vast_o preferable_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o any_o such_o case_n the_o conscience_n of_o he_o who_o make_v the_o vow_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o discern_v it_o to_o be_v unjust_a suffice_v to_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v proper_o none_o at_o all_o 2._o neither_o be_v such_o vow_n to_o be_v pay_v as_o be_v make_v about_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n for_o they_o be_v not_o lawful_o make_v nor_o be_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o loose_v we_o from_o they_o beside_o a_o discern_a that_o the_o thing_n vow_v be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n or_o that_o he_o who_o vow_v it_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o do_v so_o for_o such_o vow_n be_v real_o null_a the_o vower_n in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v indeed_o be_v grieve_v at_o his_o rashness_n and_o inconsiderateness_n repent_v of_o it_o and_o beg_v pardon_n of_o god_n but_o he_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o any_o superior_a to_o loosen_v his_o conscience_n before_o
we_o to_o himself_o our_o god_n be_v sensible_a of_o the_o slipperyness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v for_o bind_v we_o as_o fast_o as_o may_v be_v he_o have_v so_o order_v matter_n as_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v consecrate_a and_o come_v under_o a_o vow_n to_o he_o as_o soon_o almost_o as_o we_o begin_v to_o be_v this_o vow_n we_o be_v with_o great_a solemnity_n to_o own_o and_o renew_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o become_v capable_a of_o transact_v for_o ourselves_o and_o afterward_o we_o be_v require_v frequent_o to_o give_v new_a security_n of_o our_o fidelity_n over_o the_o consecrate_a element_n at_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o design_n of_o all_o be_v only_o this_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v our_o unquestionable_a duty_n wherewith_o our_o interest_n be_v close_o connect_v in_o oblige_v we_o time_n after_o time_n to_o renew_v our_o bond_n god_n have_v consult_v our_o good_a design_v thereby_o to_o further_a 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it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o ordinance_n will_v do_v they_o more_o good_a and_o be_v attend_v with_o much_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o same_o person_n do_v they_o positive_o and_o express_o every_o time_n make_v a_o act_n of_o surrender_n of_o themselves_o to_o he_o who_o give_v himself_o for_o they_o and_o anew_o engage_v to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o they_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o must_v be_v enemy_n to_o themselves_o if_o they_o continue_v negligent_a now_o this_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v from_o these_o three_o consideration_n viz._n that_o our_o slippery_a heart_n will_v be_v more_o fix_v and_o awe_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v more_o eonfirm_v and_o strengthen_v and_o our_o comfort_n more_o increase_v by_o this_o mean_n than_o can_v be_v otherwise_o supposable_a 1._o the_o express_v renew_v our_o vow_n every_o time_n we_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n will_v much_o fix_v and_o awe_v our_o slippery_a heart_n none_o that_o be_v not_o great_a great_a stranger_n at_o home_n can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o apt_a our_o heart_n be_v to_o turn_v aside_o like_o a_o deceitful_a bow_n and_o to_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o ought_v continual_o to_o influence_n and_o govern_v we_o especial_o if_o remove_v from_o we_o by_o any_o distance_n of_o time_n how_o easy_o the_o continual_o surround_v object_n of_o sense_n deface_v those_o impression_n which_o be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v on_o our_o mind_n by_o high_a thing_n and_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o keep_v sensible_a from_o prevail_v over_o spiritual_a engagement_n alas_o the_o sensual_a carnal_a part_n be_v so_o powerful_a in_o the_o best_a and_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o fall_v in_o with_o it_o and_o the_o temptation_n we_o meet_v with_o to_o draw_v off_o our_o heart_n from_o god_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o we_o so_o prone_a to_o yield_v unto_o they_o that_o we_o can_v hardly_o tie_v ourselves_o fast_o enough_o or_o sufficient_o multiply_v obligation_n on_o ourselves_o to_o a_o holy_a a_o christian_a and_o a_o divine_a life_n if_o the_o sense_n of_o often_o repeat_v engagement_n be_v apt_a to_o wear_v off_o and_o who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o too_o too_o often_o do_v so_o even_o in_o the_o best_a how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o a_o single_a act_n of_o consecrate_v ourselves_o to_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n or_o the_o same_o repeat_v only_o now_o and_o then_o after_o large_a and_o considerable_a interval_n shall_v retain_v a_o constant_a govern_v power_n over_o we_o but_o the_o frequency_n and_o expresness_n of_o our_o renew_v vow_n if_o we_o take_v but_o care_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o they_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o that_o seriousness_n that_o suit_v such_o a_o solemnity_n will_v much_o promote_v their_o influence_n upon_o we_o for_o it_o will_v keep_v we_o under_o a_o stand_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n it_o will_v fortify_v we_o against_o temptation_n it_o will_v be_v a_o constant_a fence_n and_o spur_v and_o monitor_n to_o we_o for_o if_o i_o have_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o resolve_v not_o in_o the_o most_o dare_a and_o provoke_a manner_n possible_a to_o trifle_v with_o god_n and_o my_o own_o conscience_n can_v i_o who_o month_n after_o month_n while_o i_o be_o feast_v on_o the_o memorial_n of_o redeem_v love_n renew_v my_o self-dedication_n to_o the_o most_o high_a can_v i_o i_o say_v present_o forget_v that_o i_o be_o another_o and_o not_o my_o own_o can_v i_o or_o any_o one_o so_o easy_o forget_v this_o as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o once_o or_o twice_o in_o a_o whole_a live_v space_n that_o solemn_a vow_n be_v make_v and_o do_v not_o their_o expresness_n as_o well_o as_o their_o frequency_n add_v to_o their_o force_n for_o this_o imply_v not_o only_o a_o recollection_n that_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n but_o a_o serious_a resolution_n take_v up_o in_o his_o presence_n and_o form_v over_o the_o most_o awful_a emblem_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n and_o purity_n and_o the_o most_o endear_v pledge_n of_o his_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n that_o we_o will_v be_v his_o for_o the_o future_a more_o than_o ever_o we_o be_v before_o if_o we_o be_v serious_a in_o such_o frequent_o repeat_v engagement_n we_o can_v but_o be_v make_v more_o watchful_a more_o considerate_a and_o provident_a more_o diligent_a and_o more_o settle_a christian_n both_o in_o our_o temper_n and_o life_n than_o we_o shall_v otherwise_o be_v conscience_n work_n will_v be_v make_v more_o easy_a for_o we_o shall_v have_v but_o a_o little_a way_n at_o any_o time_n to_o look_v back_o to_o that_o which_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o will_v be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o curb_v the_o fury_n of_o lust_n and_o abate_v the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o quicken_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o cause_n repentance_n and_o rising_n again_o after_o our_o sin_n and_o fall_n now_o this_o be_v one_o one_o of_o the_o bless_a benefit_n design_v for_o we_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n no_o other_o way_n more_o likely_a to_o be_v gain_v than_o by_o this_o practice_n of_o express_o renew_v the_o christian_a vow_n every_o time_n we_o join_v therein_o 2._o this_o practice_n will_v help_v to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n there_o be_v no_o grace_n that_o be_v more_o employ_v at_o the_o sacrament_n by_o devout_a communicant_n than_o faith_n its_o work_n be_v to_o view_v christ_n through_o the_o element_n whereby_o he_o be_v represent_v to_o receive_v he_o when_o offer_v and_o to_o return_v our_o all_o back_n to_o he_o again_o though_o not_o by_o way_n of_o requital_n or_o out_o of_o any_o hope_n of_o desert_n yet_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o high_a
acceptable_o enough_o at_o other_o instant_n during_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n but_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o element_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o advantageous_a season_n at_o every_o sacrament_n therefore_o when_o thou_o take_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n as_o sensible_a representation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n as_o visible_a pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n to_o thy_o soul_n do_v thou_o give_v up_o thyself_o afresh_o to_o god_n through_o christ_n to_o live_v continual_o in_o his_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o in_o strict_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n till_o thou_o shall_v be_v take_v to_o glory_n when_o the_o minister_n as_o christ_n messenger_n put_v the_o consecrate_a element_n into_o thy_o hand_n then_o do_v thou_o after_o a_o thankful_a adoration_n of_o the_o divine_a clemency_n and_o bounty_n express_v itself_o by_o such_o inexpressible_a gift_n as_o be_v thereby_o represent_v then_o i_o say_v do_v thou_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o thy_o heart_n cry_v out_o i_o willing_o accept_v of_o thy_o offer_a covenant_n o_o lord_n my_o soul_n do_v glad_o take_v thou_o for_o my_o god_n and_o father_n for_o my_o saviour_n and_o my_o sanctifier_n and_o here_o i_o give_v up_o myself_o to_o thou_o as_o thy_o own_o thy_o subject_a and_o thy_o child_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v by_o thou_o to_o be_v belove_v by_o thou_o and_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o love_v thou_o to_o all_o eternity_n o_o seal_v up_o this_o covenant_n by_o thy_o spirit_n which_o thou_o seale_v to_o i_o in_o thy_o sacrament_n that_o without_o reserve_n i_o may_v be_v entire_o and_o for_o ever_o thou_o direct_v vi_o every_o time_n thou_o at_o the_o sacrament_n renewe_v thy_o vow_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n take_v care_n particular_o to_o vow_v the_o death_n of_o that_o corruption_n that_o stick_v close_a to_o thou_o whereby_o god_n be_v most_o dishonour_v and_o thy_o comfort_n and_o welfare_n most_o endanger_v give_v it_o up_o free_o to_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o he_o who_o give_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o thou_o thy_o darling_n corruption_n be_v thy_o near_a thy_o close_a and_o one_o of_o thy_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n vow_v therefore_o to_o maintain_v a_o constant_a combat_n against_o it_o that_o though_o thou_o can_v have_v little_a hope_n of_o quite_o eradicate_v it_o yet_o divine_a grace_n assist_v thou_o thou_o will_v not_o yield_v and_o give_v way_n to_o it_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v overpower_a by_o it_o take_v care_n express_o to_o vow_v a_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o by_o its_o prevalence_n will_v make_v all_o thy_o vow_n ineffectual_a direct_v vii_o thou_o shall_v at_o every_o sacrament_n not_o only_o vow_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n in_o general_a but_o to_o be_v his_o in_o all_o condition_n give_v up_o thyself_o time_n after_o time_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o he_o in_o all_o respect_n as_o he_o shall_v see_v good_a take_v this_o particular_o into_o thy_o vow_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n that_o thou_o will_v acquiesce_v in_o all_o the_o disposal_n of_o providence_n and_o be_v content_v in_o every_o state_n whereinto_o god_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o bring_v thou_o disclaim_v be_v the_o carver_n of_o thy_o own_o lot_n by_o thy_o renew_v vow_n willing_o resign_v all_o that_o belong_v to_o thou_o to_o divine_a management_n and_o conduct_n and_o resolve_v that_o thou_o will_v cleave_v to_o god_n whatever_o it_o cost_v thou_o that_o though_o he_o slay_v thou_o yet_o thou_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o that_o thou_o will_v follow_v he_o when_o he_o frown_v as_o well_o as_o when_o he_o smile_v that_o thou_o will_v bear_v his_o rebuke_n as_o the_o chastisement_n of_o a_o father_n design_v for_o thy_o good_a that_o thou_o will_v look_v on_o every_o thing_n as_o best_a whatever_o he_o allot_v thou_o in_o a_o word_n that_o thou_o will_v entire_o resolve_v thy_o will_n into_o he_o the_o do_v this_o at_o every_o sacrament_n serious_o will_v prevent_v we_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n it_o will_v be_v a_o spring_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o what_o ever_o be_v our_o condition_n whatever_o shall_v befall_v we_o direct_v viii_o take_v care_n that_o the_o deep_a thankfulness_n be_v a_o constant_a concomitant_a of_o all_o thy_o renew_a vow_n no_o great_a occasion_n for_o thankfulness_n than_o this_o that_o we_o have_v any_o ground_n at_o all_o for_o hope_n of_o be_v accept_v upon_o our_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o god_n through_o christ_n though_o past_a vow_n have_v be_v break_v we_o may_v be_v again_o accept_v upon_o renew_v they_o that_o we_o have_v heart_n and_o inclination_n to_o renew_v they_o that_o we_o have_v any_o ground_n to_o hope_v for_o strength_n from_o heaven_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o we_o have_v renew_v they_o that_o we_o have_v so_o advantageous_a a_o season_n for_o renew_v they_o as_o the_o sacrament_n bring_v with_o it_o all_o minister_n cause_n of_o thankfulness_n let_v we_o therefore_o with_o a_o holy_a exultation_n of_o soul_n with_o that_o cheerfulness_n and_o joy_n that_o be_v the_o natural_a indication_n of_o a_o thankful_a heart_n give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v we_o do_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o slavery_n or_o drudgery_n but_o as_o our_o great_a happiness_n these_o few_o direction_n well_o follow_v will_v make_v sacrament_n otherguess_v thing_n than_o they_o ordinary_o be_v and_o will_v help_v we_o to_o a_o much_o more_o sensible_a increase_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n by_o they_o than_o we_o be_v wont_n to_o receive_v chap._n ix_o of_o the_o nature_n sacredness_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v on_o all_o those_o to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n who_o often_o repeat_v sacramental_a vow_n have_v more_o obvious_a to_o be_v observe_v than_o that_o person_n may_v in_o many_o case_n be_v several_a way_n oblige_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n those_o who_o be_v under_o no_o sacramental_a vow_n at_o all_o do_v yet_o stand_v bind_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o which_o they_o oblige_v those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o viz._n to_o love_n and_o serve_v the_o lord_n all_o their_o day_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o may_v to_o live_v continual_o in_o his_o fear_n and_o walk_v in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n all_o rational_a creature_n as_o such_o be_v plain_o oblige_v hereto_o without_o any_o such_o vow_n antecedent_n as_o those_o before_o explain_v or_o with_o part_n of_o they_o only_o suppose_v person_n therefore_o to_o remain_v unbaptise_v which_o yet_o methinks_v none_o that_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n who_o have_v any_o value_n for_o their_o soul_n shall_v be_v content_a to_o remain_v and_o so_o not_o to_o have_v come_v under_o the_o christian_a vow_n at_o all_o with_o any_o of_o the_o prescribe_v solemnity_n or_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v take_v the_o christian_a vow_n initial_o upon_o they_o in_o infant_n baptism_n without_o a_o solemn_a recognition_n of_o it_o when_o at_o age_n and_o without_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o renew_v and_o repeat_v it_o which_o be_v the_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v case_n of_o many_o who_o pass_v for_o christian_n in_o the_o day_n we_o live_v in_o notwithstanding_o the_o defect_n in_o either_o case_n the_o person_n concern_v be_v yet_o high_o oblige_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o live_v to_o he_o withal_o vow_v make_v on_o a_o sick_a bed_n or_o in_o any_o hour_n of_o distress_n and_o danger_n give_v a_o superadded_a enforcement_n to_o the_o same_o obligation_n but_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a sacredness_n and_o strength_n and_o bind_v force_n in_o those_o vow_n that_o be_v manage_v in_o the_o order_n before_o describe_v and_o which_o particular_o be_v frequent_o repeat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o 1._o the_o obligation_n person_n be_v hereby_o lay_v under_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o freedom_n and_o voluntariness_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o their_o confirm_v and_o renew_v and_o not_o of_o their_o initial_a vow_n person_n hereby_o free_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o that_o whereto_o god_n have_v before_o oblige_v they_o they_o own_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o obligation_n they_o be_v under_o to_o god_n antecedent_o to_o any_o consent_n or_o act_v of_o they_o by_o own_v the_o justice_n equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o claim_n and_o consent_v to_o yield_v to_o they_o and_o so_o that_o which_o both_o be_v and_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o duty_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o choice_n for_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o a_o faithful_a performance_n now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a additional_a obligation_n because_o it_o be_v a_o self_n obligation_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n before_o
on_o none_o but_o themselves_o they_o break_v their_o vow_n and_o they_o will_v do_v so_o because_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v bear_v to_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o these_o thing_n serious_o weigh_v must_v needs_o make_v the_o guilt_n of_o wilful_a allow_v breaker_n of_o repeat_v sacramental_a vow_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o great_a and_o enormous_a but_o further_o 2._o let_v we_o also_o consider_v the_o danger_n which_o such_o person_n incur_v which_o be_v proportion_v to_o their_o guilt_n their_o danger_n must_v needs_o be_v great_a for_o 1._o the_o course_n they_o take_v have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o harden_n their_o heart_n and_o sear_v their_o conscience_n and_o make_v they_o impenetrable_a by_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v do_v they_o good_a that_o person_n heart_n that_o be_v not_o soften_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n often_o view_v commemorate_a and_o drink_v at_o the_o sacrament_n must_v needs_o grow_v more_o obstinate_a and_o 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to_o themselves_o i_o e._n 29._o as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v there_o they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o variety_n of_o temporal_a judgement_n by_o their_o egregious_a trifle_n with_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o profane_v so_o sacred_a a_o institution_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o feel_v the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o this_o their_o horrid_a sin_n either_o in_o their_o mind_n or_o body_n or_o estate_n for_o this_o cause_n say_v the_o apostle_n many_o be_v sick_a and_o weak_o among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n those_o that_o persist_v in_o break_v their_o vow_n and_o yet_o come_v time_n after_o time_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n may_v ever_o they_o be_v aware_a pull_v down_o judgement_n on_o themselves_o and_o i_o do_v much_o doubt_n but_o the_o sickness_n weakness_n melancholy_a loss_n in_o the_o world_n cross_n in_o friend_n disappointment_n in_o design_n and_o unhappy_a disaster_n which_o give_v so_o much_o trouble_v nay_o the_o untimely_a end_n that_o some_o person_n come_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o their_o sin_n 4._o their_o danger_n must_v needs_o be_v great_a for_o that_o they_o have_v the_o abuse_a blood_n of_o christ_n cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o vengeance_n on_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v miserable_a who_o have_v not_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o how_o dreadful_a must_v their_o case_n need_v be_v who_o have_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n plead_v against_o they_o which_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v their_o case_n who_o so_o much_o abuse_v despise_v and_o profane_v it_o and_o pour_v such_o contempt_n upon_o it_o 5th_o and_o last_o these_o person_n lay_v themselves_o open_a to_o the_o heavy_a condemnation_n in_o another_o wold_n their_o own_o sacramental_a vow_n and_o engagement_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o and_o sink_v they_o the_o deep_a in_o everlasting_a misery_n the_o utmost_a threaten_n of_o god_n be_v direct_o level_v against_o such_o and_o will_v without_o repentance_n in_o a_o little_a time_n overtake_v they_o to_o their_o utter_a ruin_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n twice_o argue_v strong_o with_o a_o comparative_a if_o which_o may_v also_o be_v apt_o use_v in_o this_o case_n if_o say_v he_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o 3._o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o 29._o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o if_o he_o that_o despise_a moses_n '_o s_o law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o 2_o or_o 3_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o like_a manner_n may_v we_o strong_o argue_v by_o way_n of_o comparison_n in_o our_o case_n thus_o if_o they_o be_v severe_o punish_v who_o break_v the_o mosaic_a covenant_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n will_v they_o be_v worthy_a that_o wilful_o violate_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n if_o they_o be_v former_o severe_o punish_v who_o break_v a_o legal_a vow_n about_o a_o ceremonial_a rite_n what_o punishment_n may_v not_o they_o expect_v who_o break_v their_o repeat_v vow_n about_o thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a importance_n if_o covenant_n breaker_n among_o man_n be_v to_o be_v severe_o punish_v how_o much_o more_o those_o that_o break_v their_o vow_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n if_o achan_n deserve_v to_o be_v stone_v for_o rob_v god_n of_o a_o little_a devote_a wealth_n what_o judgement_n may_v they_o not_o fear_v who_o sacrilegious_o alienate_v their_o devote_a self_n if_o nadab_n and_o abibu_n profaneness_n in_o offer_v strange_a fire_n bring_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n upon_o they_o that_o consume_v they_o what_o may_v not_o they_o expect_v who_o profaneness_n be_v rise_v to_o such_o a_o height_n if_o ioab_n perfidiousness_n to_o abner_n in_o cover_v so_o base_a a_o 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will_v do_v so_o whoever_o you_o be_v if_o you_o be_v under_o vow_n to_o god_n spend_v a_o few_o thought_n by_o way_n of_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o before_o describe_v be_v not_o your_o case_n if_o upon_o enquiry_n your_o heart_n smite_v you_o your_o conscience_n tell_v you_o you_o be_v guilty_a certain_o it_o can_v but_o amaze_v you_o you_o can_v sure_o think_v this_o a_o state_n and_o course_n to_o be_v rest_v in_o be_v deep_o humble_v out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o great_a sin_n and_o folly_n and_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o danger_n which_o be_v so_o very_o great_a persist_v no_o long_o in_o a_o breach_n of_o thy_o sacred_a vow_n lest_o a_o successive_a train_n of_o temporal_a judgement_n follow_v thou_o and_o those_o be_v accompany_v with_o spiritual_a judgement_n too_o and_o both_o issue_n in_o eternal_a one_o which_o be_v infinite_o great_a do_v but_o lay_v these_o thing_n to_o heart_n and_o endeavour_v by_o repeat_v reflection_n to_o drive_v they_o 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bring_v it_o to_o he_o he_o will_v soon_o afford_v thou_o help_v do_v but_o hold_v on_o and_o persevere_v and_o thou_o will_v find_v according_a to_o philip._n ii_o 12._o that_o in_o time_n god_n will_v work_v in_o thou_o to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o will_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n chap._n xiii_o direction_n that_o may_v help_v we_o to_o live_v more_o correspendent_o to_o our_o many_o solemn_a sacramental_a vow_n where_o a_o thing_n appear_v difficult_a help_n be_v general_o acceptable_a i_o shall_v therefore_o do_v what_o i_o can_v to_o afford_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o live_v up_o to_o our_o many_o sacred_a vow_n the_o forego_v chapter_n will_v from_o most_o be_v apt_a to_o draw_v forth_o this_o further_a enquiry_n how_o may_v we_o come_v to_o live_v correspondent_o to_o our_o many_o solemn_a tie_v what_o course_n must_v we_o take_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o christian_a vow_n may_v not_o wear_v off_o what_o shall_v we_o particular_o do_v after_o we_o have_v 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contract_n and_o thereby_o oblige_v ourselves_o under_o large_a penalty_n think_v ourselves_o thereupon_o present_o discharge_v without_o take_v any_o care_n to_o fulfil_v article_n alas_o who_o will_v care_v a_o rush_n for_o such_o a_o contract_n if_o he_o know_v the_o engage_v party_n will_v look_v no_o further_o so_o how_o can_v god_n at_o all_o regard_n those_o vow_n of_o we_o that_o stop_v even_o in_o the_o make_n and_o that_o sacramental_a seriousness_n that_o end_v with_o the_o ordinance_n if_o we_o rest_v in_o the_o work_n do_v and_o think_v that_o enough_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o any_o good_a impression_n make_v be_v as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o quick_o pass_v away_o 2._o endeavour_v by_o after_o serious_a and_o warm_a meditation_n to_o rivet_v and_o strengthen_v your_o renew_v resolution_n vow_n and_o promise_v think_v serious_o with_o who_o you_o have_v be_v transact_v and_o what_o you_o have_v be_v do_v take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n in_o your_o retirement_n to_o drive_v thing_n home_o endeavour_v to_o fix_v the_o impression_n you_o be_v under_o when_o you_o have_v the_o emblem_n of_o your_o crucified_a lord_n before_o your_o eye_n so_o firm_o on_o your_o heart_n as_o that_o nothing_o may_v be_v able_a to_o deface_v they_o think_v how_o odious_a sin_n in_o general_a than_o appear_v to_o you_o how_o loathsome_a your_o own_o iniquity_n seem_v to_o be_v when_o you_o anew_o resolve_v against_o they_o and_o how_o necessary_a aimiable_a and_o lovely_a a_o christ_n appear_v to_o you_o when_o you_o anew_o consecrate_a yourselves_o to_o his_o service_n and_o how_o firm_o then_o you_o seem_v bend_v against_o your_o lust_n and_o for_o your_o saviour_n how_o resolute_a to_o shake_v of_o every_o weight_n especial_o the_o sin_n that_o most_o easy_o beset_v you_o and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n the_o holy_a race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o think_v how_o you_o blame_v and_o condemn_v yourselves_o for_o your_o past_a sin_n and_o folly_n and_o how_o ashamed_a you_o be_v to_o reflect_v on_o your_o own_o vileness_n and_o with_o what_o seem_a warmth_n and_o vigour_n you_o vow_v through_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o pious_a life_n say_v each_o one_o to_o yourselves_o behold_v o_o my_o soul_n i_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o new_a league_n of_o friendship_n with_o god_n a_o league_n firm_a and_o strong_a and_o solemn_a and_o perpetual_a i_o must_v not_o i_o can_v i_o dare_v not_o i_o will_v not_o draw_v back_o i_o be_o come_v under_o new_a bond_n to_o my_o god_n and_o saviour_n bond_n that_o will_v never_o be_v cancel_v bond_n that_o can_v never_o be_v discharge_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v always_o pay_v the_o debt_n i_o owe._n my_o saviour_n have_v make_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o benefit_n over_o to_o i_o in_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n what_o can_v i_o then_o do_v less_o than_o 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