my_o god_n and_o â—or_a the_o office_n thereof_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o way_n whereby_o we_o can_v express_v our_o love_n to_o god_n so_o well_o as_o by_o love_v and_o delight_v in_o and_o take_v care_n for_o the_o house_n and_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n therefore_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o last_o day_n they_o that_o make_v conscience_n of_o that_o commandment_n that_o use_n and_o love_v that_o worship_n only_o that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o word_n appoint_v be_v call_v such_o as_o love_n god_n exodus_fw-la 20.6_o and_o they_o that_o be_v addict_v to_o will-worship_n and_o care_v not_o for_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v call_v ver_fw-la 5._o hater_n of_o god_n thus_o do_v david_n express_v his_o love_n to_o god_n psal._n 26.8_o lord_n i_o have_v love_v the_o habitation_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o the_o place_n where_o thy_o honour_n dwell_v he_o that_o care_v not_o for_o the_o house_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v maintain_v in_o purity_n or_o be_v corrupt_v whether_o it_o prosper_v or_o no_o certain_o have_v no_o love_n of_o god_n no_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v for_o my_o first_o sort_n of_o proof_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o shall_v be_v more_o general_a now_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o point_n open_v and_o confirm_v unto_o you_o in_o four_o particular_n first_o he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v rejoice_v to_o see_v religion_n prosper_v to_o see_v the_o purity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o god_n worship_n restore_v and_o set_v up_o see_v what_o joy_n there_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o day_n of_o david_n when_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o jerusalem_n 1_o chron._n 15.28_o and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n when_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v celebrate_v according_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o it_o which_o it_o have_v not_o be_v of_o a_o long_a time_n before_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v write_v say_v the_o text_n 2_o chron._n 30.5_o and_o verse_n 26._o from_o salomon_n reign_n to_o that_o time_n there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o passeover_n keep_v it_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 25_o 26._o all_o god_n people_n do_v marvellous_o rejoice_v in_o it_o so_o when_o nehemiah_n have_v reform_v and_o purge_v the_o house_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o sundry_a corruption_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o the_o primitive_a purity_n and_o sincerity_n thereof_o it_o be_v say_v neh_n 12.43_o that_o god_n people_n do_v rejoice_v for_o god_n have_v make_v they_o to_o rejoice_v with_o great_a joy_n their_o wife_n also_o and_o their_o child_n rejoice_v so_o that_o the_o joy_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v hear_v even_o a_o far_o off_o nay_o he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o he_o will_v rejoice_v to_o see_v any_o beginning_n of_o reformation_n in_o place_n that_o be_v rude_a before_o to_o see_v religion_n get_v any_o entrance_n or_o foot_n any_o beginning_n of_o a_o church_n in_o such_o place_n it_o be_v say_v ezra_n 3.11_o that_o all_o god_n people_n shout_v with_o a_o great_a shout_n when_o they_o praise_v the_o lord_n because_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v lay_v on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o grieve_v to_o see_v or_o hear_v that_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v banish_v from_o any_o place_n and_o that_o idolatry_n and_o a_o false_a worship_n be_v set_v up_o in_o it_o old_a ely_n be_v note_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o sam._n 4.17_o 18._o to_o have_v grieve_v much_o more_o deep_o for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n then_o either_o for_o israel_n fly_v from_o before_o the_o philistine_n or_o for_o the_o great_a slaughter_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o god_n people_n or_o for_o the_o death_n of_o his_o two_o son_n hophâ—i_n and_o phineas_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v say_v the_o text_n that_o when_o the_o messenger_n make_v mention_v of_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n he_o fall_v from_o of_o his_o seat_n backward_o and_o his_o neck_n break_v and_o he_o die_v and_o this_o be_v also_o note_v to_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a grief_n of_o his_o daughter_n in_o law_n and_o main_a cause_n of_o her_o death_n too_o verse_n 22._o this_o will_v never_o out_o of_o her_o mouth_n in_o all_o the_o extremity_n of_o her_o pain_n and_o anguish_n while_o breath_n be_v in_o her_o body_n the_o glory_n be_v depart_v from_o israel_n for_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n be_v take_v away_o and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o trouble_v that_o zealous_a man_n of_o god_n eliah_n and_o make_v he_o even_o weary_a of_o his_o life_n through_o grief_n and_o discontentment_n 1_o king_n 19.10_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v forsake_v thy_o covenant_n say_v he_o they_o be_v fall_v from_o thy_o holy_a religion_n they_o have_v throw_v down_o thy_o altar_n that_o be_v they_o have_v abolish_v and_o show_v contempt_n and_o hatred_n to_o thy_o true_a worship_n and_o why_o shall_v i_o desire_v to_o live_v any_o long_o in_o such_o a_o time_n he_o that_o have_v any_o love_n or_o zeal_n of_o god_n in_o he_o can_v but_o grieve_v to_o see_v or_o hear_v that_o idolatry_n be_v set_v up_o in_o any_o place_n that_o it_o grow_v and_o increase_v any_o where_o special_o in_o any_o place_n where_o god_n be_v true_o worship_v before_o we_o read_v of_o bless_a paul_n act_v 17.16_o that_o when_o he_o see_v even_o the_o city_n of_o athens_n where_o god_n have_v never_o be_v true_o worship_v whole_o give_v unto_o idolatry_n his_o spirit_n be_v stir_v in_o he_o he_o be_v incense_v with_o zealous_a grief_n and_o indignation_n to_o see_v it_o o_o how_o will_v it_o have_v trouble_v the_o good_a man_n to_o have_v see_v or_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o corinth_n or_o galatia_n or_o ephesus_n that_o be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v faithful_o and_o plentiful_o preach_v nay_o he_o that_o have_v any_o true_a love_n or_o zeal_n of_o god_n in_o he_o can_v but_o grieve_v at_o the_o least_o eclipse_n that_o religion_n suffer_v in_o any_o place_n though_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o do_v still_o remain_v yet_o if_o it_o have_v lose_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o lustre_n of_o that_o purity_n sincerity_n and_o power_n that_o once_o it_o have_v even_o that_o be_v sufficient_a cause_n of_o grief_n to_o every_o good_a man_n we_o read_v that_o when_o in_o the_o day_n of_o zerubbabel_n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v lay_v and_o god_n people_n that_o have_v see_v no_o better_a do_v great_o rejoice_v in_o it_o ezra_n 3.12_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n who_o be_v ancient_a man_n that_o have_v see_v the_o first_o house_n weep_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n even_o when_o the_o rest_n shout_v for_o joy_n and_o the_o noise_n of_o their_o weep_n be_v as_o great_a every_o whit_n as_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o other_o rejoice_v and_o why_o do_v they_o so_o sure_o it_o grieve_v their_o heart_n to_o see_v how_o far_o the_o house_n that_o god_n be_v now_o to_o have_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v short_a in_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o that_o god_n have_v have_v before_o in_o that_o place_n second_o he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o will_v joy_v in_o the_o frequency_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o church-assembly_n when_o david_n to_o aggravate_v the_o misery_n of_o his_o present_a estate_n ps._n 42.4_o speak_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n that_o he_o have_v former_o take_v in_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n he_o name_v this_o twice_o in_o that_o verse_n as_o a_o main_a cause_n of_o that_o great_a joy_n he_o take_v in_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o there_o go_v such_o a_o multitude_n with_o he_o and_o this_o be_v note_v for_o one_o cause_n of_o that_o great_a joy_n the_o people_n of_o god_n express_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o that_o passeover_n in_o hezekiahs_n time_n 2_o chron._n 30.26_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o communicant_n be_v so_o great_a as_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 13._o there_o assemble_v to_o jerusalem_n much_o people_n to_o keep_v the_o passeover_n a_o very_a great_a congregation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n even_o this_o have_v grieve_v god_n people_n to_o see_v the_o church-assembly_n neglect_v and_o unfrequented_a to_o see_v the_o congregation_n much_o thin_a than_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v i_o will_v gather_v they_o say_v the_o lord_n zeph._n 3.18_o that_o be_v sorrowful_a for_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n who_o be_v of_o thou_o to_o who_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o
and_o so_o long_o as_o thou_o can_v do_v thus_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o bless_a state_n for_o so_o say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n 5.3.4_o 6._o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o mourn_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n nourish_v these_o thing_n in_o thyself_o and_o thou_o be_v safe_a enough_o these_o non-proficients_a that_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o enjoy_n and_o frequent_v also_o the_o mean_n can_v obtain_v no_o grace_n by_o they_o no_o save_a knowledge_n no_o faith_n no_o change_n of_o heart_n at_o all_o but_o become_v the_o worse_a by_o they_o rather_o and_o yet_o be_v never_o trouble_v nor_o grieve_v for_o it_o the_o second_o caution_n that_o i_o tell_v you_o i_o must_v premise_v to_o prevent_v the_o mistake_n of_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v 2_o be_v this_o that_o even_o of_o these_o that_o i_o have_v long_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n and_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o the_o worse_a rather_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v they_o be_v reprobate_n i_o dare_v not_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v damn_v none_o of_o we_o be_v able_a to_o say_v unto_o the_o worst_a man_n that_o hear_v we_o as_o that_o prophet_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v able_a to_o say_v unto_o amaziah_n the_o king_n 2_o chron._n 25.6_o i_o know_v that_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v thou_o because_o thou_o have_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o counsel_n for_o god_n may_v be_v please_v hereafter_o to_o make_v the_o mean_v effectual_a unto_o they_o though_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o yet_o and_o we_o know_v by_o matthew_n 20.6_o that_o he_o have_v sometime_o call_v they_o at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n that_o have_v stand_v idle_a all_o the_o day_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o these_o man_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o fearful_a yea_o the_o more_o excellent_a the_o mean_n have_v be_v which_o they_o have_v enjoy_v the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o fearful_a their_o estate_n be_v if_o they_o can_v profit_v by_o they_o and_o to_o persuade_v you_o of_o this_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o how_o fearful_a a_o sentence_n â—hrist_n have_v give_v of_o they_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o profit_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n whosoever_o shall_v not_o receive_v you_o nor_o hear_v your_o word_n say_v he_o to_o his_o apostle_n matth_n 10.14_o 15._o and_o that_o which_o he_o say_v of_o their_o ministry_n in_o that_o place_n he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o other_o who_o he_o send_v to_o teach_v his_o people_n job._n 13.20_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o the_o land_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n then_o for_o that_o city_n yea_o will_v thou_o say_v they_o that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v god_n minister_n be_v in_o this_o danger_n i_o grant_v for_o that_o be_v a_o high_a contempt_n do_v to_o the_o word_n indeed_o but_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o be_o none_o of_o those_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hear_v true_o but_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o danger_n christ_n speak_v of_o here_o unless_o thou_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o profit_n by_o thy_o hear_n unless_o thou_o hear_v it_o and_o receive_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o good_a hearer_n mar._n 4.20_o thou_o will_v say_v again_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o profit_n too_o i_o get_v some_o knowledge_n by_o my_o hear_n true_o but_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o danger_n christ_n speak_v of_o here_o unless_o thou_o profit_v unto_o repentance_n unless_o thou_o be_v humble_v and_o reform_v by_o that_o thou_o hear_v so_o our_o saviour_n expound_v himself_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n why_o shall_v they_o of_o capernaum_n be_v in_o worse_a case_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o they_o of_o sodom_n as_o he_o say_v mat._n 11.24_o he_o tell_v we_o ver_n 20._o because_o have_v such_o mean_n of_o grace_n they_o repent_v not_o second_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n convert_v thou_o not_o thou_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n that_o any_o thing_n else_o will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n rom._n 1_o 1â—_n that_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n â—_o cor._n 3.8_o three_o and_o last_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n thou_o can_v not_o profit_v and_o then_o thou_o shall_v see_v yet_o more_o just_a cause_n of_o fear_n and_o tremble_a in_o thyself_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o thou_o be_v a_o chief_a cause_n of_o it_o thyself_o 1._o thou_o have_v not_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o thou_o to_o make_v the_o word_n profitable_a to_o thou_o so_o as_o the_o lord_n may_v say_v to_o thou_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o sense_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 6.12_o thou_o have_v not_o be_v straighten_a in_o i_o but_o thou_o have_v be_v straiten_v in_o thy_o own_o bowel_n i_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o thou_o but_o thou_o have_v be_v want_v to_o thyself_o 2._o thou_o have_v wilful_o hinder_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o word_n in_o thy_o own_o heart_n when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o that_o fearful_a sentence_n that_o god_n have_v pronounce_v against_o the_o wicked_a jew_n matth._n 13.14_o you_o shall_v hear_v and_o shall_v not_o understand_v you_o shall_v see_v and_o shall_v not_o perceive_v he_o lay_v all_o the_o blame_n of_o this_o upon_o themselves_o and_o give_v this_o for_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o verse_n 15._o for_o this_o people_n heart_n be_v wax_v gross_a and_o their_o ear_n be_v dull_a of_o hear_v and_o their_o eye_n have_v they_o close_v leâ—t_v at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n so_o expound_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a and_o show_v how_o many_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o he_o give_v this_o for_o a_o cause_n of_o it_o luke_n 8.14_o that_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v they_o go_v forth_o and_o be_v choke_v with_o care_n and_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n 3._o thy_o former_a sin_n have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o judgement_n to_o give_v thou_o up_o to_o this_o blockishness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o no_o mean_n can_v do_v thou_o good_a as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 1.28_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n all_o this_o be_v true_a i_o say_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o thyself_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o profit_v thou_o can_v not_o be_v convert_v but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o then_o so_o we_o have_v hear_v in_o this_o doctrine_n whereof_o we_o be_v now_o make_v use_n that_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v a_o chief_a hand_n as_o in_o giving_z and_o withhold_a the_o mean_n of_o grace_n so_o in_o make_v or_o not_o make_v they_o fruitful_a in_o they_o that_o do_v enjoy_v they_o to_o have_v the_o mean_n and_o to_o have_v grace_n deny_v thou_o of_o god_n to_o profit_n by_o they_o be_v a_o fearful_a sign_n that_o god_n love_v thou_o not_o that_o he_o regard_v thou_o not_o that_o he_o never_o ordain_v nor_o appoint_v thou_o unto_o life_n you_o know_v who_o it_o be_v that_o say_v john_n 8.47_o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o 10_o 26._o you_o therefore_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v none_o of_o my_o sheep_n what_o will_n you_o say_v be_v we_o all_o reprobate_n that_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o your_o preach_n no_o i_o say_v not_o so_o for_o they_o may_v do_v thou_o good_a hereafter_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o but_o this_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o die_v in_o this_o estate_n thou_o shall_v carry_v with_o thou_o to_o thy_o grave_n as_o fearful_a a_o mark_n and_o note_n of_o reprobation_n as_o any_o we_o can_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n i_o tell_v you_o even_o now_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a sign_n when_o god_n deny_v unto_o a_o people_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o worse_a sign_n to_o enjoy_v they_o and_o to_o be_v never_o the_o betterr_v but_o the_o worse_a rather_o for_o they_o therefore_o john_n baptist_n compare_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 3.12_o unto_o a_o fan_n when_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o this_o fan_n among_o a_o people_n it_o will_v appear_v who_o among_o they_o be_v wheat_n that_o shall_v be_v gather_v in_o the_o
state_n wherein_o we_o live_v first_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o love_v their_o country_n dear_o and_o hearty_o to_o desire_v the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n thereof_o consist_v every_o man_n own_o peace_n and_o welfare_n the_o country_n that_o god_n have_v make_v the_o place_n of_o our_o dwell_n and_o abode_n though_o it_o be_v not_o our_o native_a country_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o wicked_a place_n yet_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o desire_v the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o it_o as_o be_v plain_a by_o that_o charge_n that_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o people_n concern_v babylon_n jer._n 29.7_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o city_n whether_o i_o have_v cause_v you_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o captive_n and_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o it_o for_o in_o the_o peace_n thereof_o shall_v you_o have_v peace_n but_o we_o be_v more_o bind_v to_o desire_v the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o our_o own_o country_n special_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o it_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v david_n psal._n 122.6_o they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n thou_o let_v no_o man_n look_v to_o prosper_v that_o love_v not_o the_o church_n of_o god_n unfeigned_o that_o do_v not_o hearty_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v flourish_v and_o prosper_v second_o he_o that_o do_v love_v the_o church_n and_o land_n he_o live_v in_o unfeigned_o must_v needs_o desire_v and_o joy_n to_o see_v the_o gospel_n free_o and_o plentiful_o preach_v in_o it_o to_o see_v god_n pure_a religion_n profess_v and_o maintain_v in_o it_o for_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o state_n and_o church_n so_o happy_a every_o way_n as_o this_o will_v do_v see_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o in_o three_o particular_a degree_n of_o outward_a and_o worldly_a happiness_n for_o of_o that_o happiness_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a no_o man_n will_v doubt_v 1_v nothing_o will_v make_v a_o nation_n so_o honourable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 2_o nothing_o so_o strong_a and_o peaceable_a 3_o nothing_o so_o prosperous_a and_o plentiful_a in_o all_o outward_a blessing_n as_o religion_n will_v do_v for_o the_o first_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o israelite_n roman_n 9.4_o that_o to_o they_o pertain_v the_o glory_n that_o nation_n excel_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o procure_v they_o that_o honour_n sure_o this_o they_o only_o enjoy_v the_o word_n and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n this_o be_v their_o chief_a honour_n and_o preferment_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 3.2_o that_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o 9.4_o they_o have_v the_o glory_n because_o they_o have_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o they_o the_o law_n be_v give_v they_o have_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o ark_n which_o be_v then_o the_o principal_a mean_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v take_v from_o they_o than_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o that_o nation_n go_v the_o glory_n be_v depart_v from_o israel_n 1_o sam._n 4.21_o and_o they_o be_v now_o by_o reject_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o persecute_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n become_v the_o most_o contemptible_a nation_n under_o heaven_n nothing_o will_v make_v a_o person_n a_o family_n a_o state_n so_o honourable_a as_o religion_n will_v do_v nothing_o so_o contemptible_a and_o vile_a as_o irreligiousnesse_n and_o profaneness_n since_o thou_o be_v precious_a in_o my_o sight_n say_v the_o lord_n to_o his_o people_n that_o fear_v his_o name_n esa._n 43.4_o for_o all_o such_o be_v his_o jewel_n mal._n 3.17_o thou_o have_v be_v honourable_a and_o 1_o sam._n 1.30_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o will_v i_o honour_v and_o they_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v despise_v though_o all_o the_o world_n say_v nay_o to_o it_o second_o nothing_o will_v make_v a_o kingdom_n so_o strong_a and_o free_a from_o all_o danger_n of_o enemy_n as_o religion_n will_v do_v no_o policy_n no_o munition_n no_o bulwark_n be_v such_o a_o strength_n to_o a_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o israel_n excel_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o strength_n and_o puissance_n god_n be_v know_v in_o her_o palace_n for_o a_o refuge_n for_o lo_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 48.3_o 4_o 5._o the_o king_n be_v assemble_v many_o great_a king_n oft_o join_v together_o in_o battle_n against_o it_o they_o go_v together_o they_o see_v it_o and_o so_o marvel_v they_o well_o discern_v how_o invincible_a that_o nation_n be_v and_o they_o wonder_v at_o it_o never_o be_v any_o nation_n so_o admirable_a in_o victory_n and_o deliverance_n as_o israel_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o israel_n sure_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god_n the_o true_a worship_n and_o religion_n of_o god_n which_o they_o and_o they_o only_o do_v enjoy_v be_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o strength_n as_o the_o lord_n call_v it_o ezek._n 24.21_o the_o faithful_a prophet_n and_o preacher_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o chariot_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o horseman_n thereof_o as_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n himself_o acknowledge_v elizeus_fw-la to_o be_v 2_o king_n 13.14_o so_o it_o be_v say_v 2_o chron._n 11.16_o 17._o of_o those_o godly_a levite_n and_o people_n that_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o jeeroboam_n idolatry_n but_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o they_o strengthen_v the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o make_v rehoboam_n strong_a three_o year_n for_o three_o year_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n observe_v two_o thing_n in_o this_o example_n 1._o the_o levite_n and_o people_n that_o set_v their_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v zealous_o religious_a they_o strengthen_v the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o king_n such_o levite_n and_o such_o people_n be_v the_o best_a subject_n that_o any_o king_n can_v have_v the_o best_a member_n that_o any_o commonwealth_n can_v have_v they_o be_v the_o very_a prop_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o state_n and_o kingdom_n 2_o though_o rehoboam_n himself_o be_v not_o sound_o religious_a nor_o the_o most_o of_o his_o people_n neither_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o of_o solomon_n profess_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a relion_n he_o be_v strong_a and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v strong_a so_o long_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v sound_o and_o free_o preach_v in_o a_o nation_n and_o the_o pure_a religion_n of_o god_n profess_v and_o maintain_v in_o it_o though_o many_o or_o most_o that_o profess_v it_o have_v no_o truth_n of_o heart_n in_o they_o that_o nation_n will_v be_v strong_a the_o lord_n will_v be_v as_o a_o wall_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o it_o as_o he_o promise_v zach._n 2.5_o on_o the_o other_o side_n nothing_o can_v make_v a_o nation_n strong_a or_o secure_a from_o danger_n that_o shall_v forsake_v or_o decline_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n they_o choose_v new_a god_n say_v holy_a deborah_n of_o israel_n jud._n 5.8_o then_o be_v war_n in_o the_o gate_n while_o israel_n be_v without_o the_o true_a god_n without_o a_o teach_a priest_n and_o without_o the_o law_n as_o the_o prophet_n azariah_n tell_v king_n asa_n 2_o chron._n 15.3.5_o in_o those_o time_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o he_o that_o go_v out_o nor_o to_o he_o that_o come_v in_o but_o great_a vexation_n be_v upon_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o country_n every_o one_o then_o that_o desire_v that_o the_o strength_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n may_v continue_v will_v joy_v in_o the_o liberty_n that_o the_o gospel_n have_v in_o it_o in_o the_o store_n of_o able_a preacher_n and_o prophet_n that_o be_v in_o it_o that_o the_o pure_a religion_n of_o god_n do_v prosper_v in_o it_o and_o will_v mourn_v to_o see_v the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n hinder_v any_o way_n to_o hear_v of_o any_o decline_a in_o it_o from_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o holy_a religion_n of_o god_n three_o and_o last_o nothing_o will_v make_v a_o kingdom_n so_o prosperous_a and_o plenteous_a in_o outward_a blessing_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o religion_n will_v do_v when_o jehoshaphat_n have_v reform_v religion_n in_o judah_n and_o establish_v it_o in_o sincerity_n and_o purity_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o 2_o chron._n 17.5_o that_o therefore_o god_n establish_v the_o kingdom_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o he_o have_v riches_n and_o honour_n in_o abundance_n and_o when_o he_o have_v take_v order_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o preach_a ministry_n in_o all_o congregation_n within_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v also_o all_o good_a encouragement_n give_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n he_o
be_v for_o this_o first_o the_o best_a be_v much_o want_v in_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n and_o will_v be_v while_o they_o live_v and_o he_o have_v no_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o that_o do_v not_o find_v and_o feel_v it_o to_o be_v so_o with_o himself_o our_o saviour_n call_v his_o best_a disciple_n little_a child_n joh._n 13.33_o and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n all_o the_o faithful_a that_o he_o write_v unto_o 1_o john_n 5.21_o and_o preach_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n eph._n 4.12_o it_o be_v able_a to_o build_v man_n up_o in_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v act_n 20.32_o therefore_o though_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o write_v to_o the_o thessalonian_n and_o do_v so_o twice_o yet_o he_o pray_v exceed_o as_o he_o say_v 1_o thes._n 3.10_o that_o he_o may_v see_v their_o face_n and_o may_v perfect_v that_o that_o be_v lack_v in_o their_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o such_o mean_n to_o make_v man_n grow_v in_o faith_n and_o every_o other_o save_v grace_n to_o perfect_a that_o that_o be_v lack_v in_o it_o as_o sound_z preach_v be_v second_o they_o that_o have_v grace_n in_o the_o great_a measure_n be_v apt_a to_o decay_v and_o cool_v and_o go_v backward_o if_o they_o have_v not_o continual_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o nourish_v the_o grace_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v as_o the_o most_o healthful_a and_o strong_a man_n will_v do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o daily_a food_n and_o the_o most_o fertile_a soil_n if_o the_o rain_n fall_v not_o oft_o upon_o it_o which_o be_v the_o very_a comparison_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n express_v this_o point_n heb._n 6.7_o the_o man_n that_o have_v feed_v most_o liberal_o yesterday_o will_v find_v as_o much_o need_n of_o food_n again_o to_o day_n as_o if_o he_o have_v eat_v nothing_o then_o and_o our_o soul_n be_v apt_a to_o decay_v in_o strength_n as_o well_o as_o our_o body_n be_v and_o have_v need_n of_o ordinary_a and_o continual_a food_n as_o they_o this_o the_o lord_n have_v respect_n unto_o in_o enjoin_v we_o to_o spend_v one_o whole_a day_n every_o week_n in_o his_o service_n exod._n 20_o 8_o he_o know_v well_o our_o soul_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o decay_v unless_o they_o may_v have_v a_o feast_a day_n once_o a_o week_n i_o be_o like_o a_o green_a olive_n tree_n say_v david_n psal._n 52.8_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o continue_v as_o the_o green_a olive_n tree_n to_o flourish_v or_o keep_v in_o himself_o the_o vigour_n of_o grace_n if_o he_o grow_v or_o dwell_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n where_o he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n ordinary_o they_o that_o have_v have_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v profit_v most_o by_o they_o let_v they_o but_o want_v those_o mean_v a_o while_n and_o the_o decay_n will_v be_v sensible_a even_o unto_o man_n israel_n have_v enjoy_v excellent_a mean_n in_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o eleazar_n and_o phineas_n and_o have_v profit_v great_o by_o they_o also_o as_o appear_v by_o that_o protestation_n and_o vow_v they_o make_v josh._n 24.16_o 18.24_o but_o when_o they_o have_v want_v those_o mean_n but_o a_o while_o they_o turn_v quick_o out_o of_o the_o way_n judg._n 2.17_o and_o fall_v into_o gross_a idolatry_n now_o sound_v preach_v be_v not_o only_o the_o seed_n whereby_o we_o be_v first_o beget_v unto_o god_n but_o it_o be_v also_o the_o food_n whereby_o our_o soul_n be_v nourish_v and_o strengthen_v both_o milk_n for_o babe_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o such_o as_o be_v of_o more_o growth_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o heb._n 5.12_o they_o that_o have_v more_o profit_v by_o it_o have_v great_a need_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o have_v i_o will_v not_o be_v negligent_a say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1.12_o to_o put_v you_o always_o in_o remembrance_n of_o these_o thing_n though_o you_o know_v they_o and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n three_o and_o last_o the_o long_a that_o any_o people_n have_v enjoy_v a_o good_a ministry_n and_o the_o more_o they_o have_v profit_v by_o it_o the_o more_o pity_n it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v want_v it_o for_o as_o they_o be_v dear_a unto_o god_n so_o their_o decay_n will_v more_o dishonour_n god_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n i_o have_v not_o write_v unto_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o job._n 12.21_o because_o you_o know_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o because_o you_o know_v it_o and_o that_o no_o lie_n be_v of_o the_o truth_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v therefore_o have_v i_o have_v more_o care_n of_o you_o than_o otherwise_o i_o will_v have_v have_v see_v this_o also_o in_o the_o example_n of_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n antioch_n be_v the_o place_n that_o of_o all_o the_o city_n of_o the_o gentile_n have_v enjoy_v the_o best_a ministry_n and_o have_v profit_v most_o by_o it_o and_o the_o disciple_n be_v call_v christian_n first_o in_o antioch_n act_v 11.26_o and_o there_o be_v no_o place_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o apostle_n show_v so_o much_o care_n of_o nor_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o as_o they_o do_v there_o when_o barnabas_n come_v and_o see_v how_o the_o gospel_n prosper_v there_o he_o do_v not_o only_o rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o take_v great_a pain_n there_o himself_o but_o seek_v out_o paul_n and_o bring_v he_o thither_o too_o and_o they_o both_o take_v pain_n there_o a_o whole_a year_n together_o act._n 11.23_o 26._o and_o act._n 14.28_o they_o come_v thither_o again_o and_o abode_n there_o a_o long_a time_n with_o the_o disciple_n and_o so_o do_v they_o again_o and_o with_o they_o silas_n also_o act._n 15.34_o 35._o and_o spend_v a_o good_a time_n there_o two_o objection_n more_o there_o be_v that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v which_o i_o will_v pass_v over_o very_o brief_o 3_o admit_v say_v they_o three_o that_o preach_v be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o feed_v the_o soul_n yet_o as_o the_o stomach_n special_o of_o a_o child_n may_v be_v overcharge_v and_o glut_v with_o the_o best_a food_n that_o be_v and_o so_o take_v much_o hurt_n by_o it_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o word_n the_o people_n be_v in_o these_o day_n even_o glut_v and_o cloy_v with_o it_o and_o grow_v thereby_o to_o a_o loathe_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o common_a it_o will_v be_v more_o precious_a than_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 3.1_o answ._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v so_o with_o some_o that_o they_o have_v loathe_v the_o word_n but_o much_o preach_n have_v not_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o many_o that_o be_v not_o trouble_v with_o much_o preach_n loathe_v it_o as_o much_o as_o any_o and_o feel_v no_o sweetness_n in_o it_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o reproach_n unto_o they_o they_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o it_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v jer._n 6.10_o and_o many_o that_o be_v the_o most_o constant_a hearer_n of_o it_o be_v far_a from_o be_v glutt_v with_o it_o hear_v it_o with_o the_o best_a appetite_n and_o delight_n the_o more_o they_o hear_v the_o more_o they_o may_v the_o bless_a man_n that_o david_n speak_v of_o ps._n 1.2_o though_o he_o meditate_v in_o god_n law_n day_n and_o night_n delight_v in_o it_o nevertheless_o for_o that_o he_o find_v no_o satiety_n in_o it_o he_o be_v not_o glut_v nor_o cloy_v with_o it_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o this_o loathe_n of_o the_o word_n be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.5_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n do_v savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o carnal_a man_n find_v no_o savour_n in_o any_o thing_n save_v only_o in_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a thing_n no_o man_n can_v find_v sweetness_n in_o the_o word_n till_o he_o be_v a_o regenerate_a and_o new_a man_n second_o much_o preach_v if_o it_o be_v sound_a and_o substantial_a be_v not_o food_n only_o but_o physic_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o cure_v this_o nausea_n this_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o make_v it_o so_o apt_a for_o to_o loathe_v the_o word_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o 3._o of_o such_o as_o can_v not_o endure_v â—ound_v doctrine_n wholesome_a food_n prescribe_v he_o this_o for_o the_o remedy_n against_o it_o therefore_o preach_v the_o more_o say_v he_o and_o the_o more_o profitable_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long_a