dedication_n but_o by_o a_o real_a inward_a sanctification_n at_o least_o of_o unblameable_a conversation_n free_a from_o scandal_n be_v without_o offence_n though_o not_o before_o god_n yet_o before_o man_n a_o profane_a wicked_a minister_n be_v a_o gross_a solecism_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v count_v a_o monster_n and_o to_o be_v drive_v from_o among_o man_n as_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v when_o brutify_v dan._n 4.25_o but_o while_o you_o do_v shine_v with_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o holiness_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o bless_a rule_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n which_o you_o ought_v to_o preach_v you_o may_v bold_o and_o comfortable_o without_o any_o severe_a gripe_n within_o &_o without_o any_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o you_o from_o without_o bend_v your_o utmost_a force_n against_o those_o extravagant_o who_o walk_v contrary_a to_o they_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n let_v we_o all_o study_n the_o gospel_n we_o preach_v and_o live_v it_o as_o well_o as_o know_v it_o for_o knowledge_n will_v not_o be_v save_v until_o it_o influence_n heart_n and_o life_n and_o be_v reduce_v into_o practice_n let_v we_o i_o say_v think_v with_o ourselves_o and_o repeat_v the_o thought_n often_o and_o often_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n and_o then_o may_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o voice_n like_o trumpet_n and_o decry_v all_o the_o wickedness_n we_o know_v to_o be_v act_v herein_o will_v you_o do_v singular_o good_a service_n both_o to_o the_o great_a god_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o our_o king_n and_o magistrate_n upon_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a land_n we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o fight_n with_o amalek_n while_o israel_n be_v in_o the_o valley_n moses_n be_v in_o the_o mount_n with_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n in_o his_o hand_n which_o he_o lift_v up_o and_o when_o his_o hand_n be_v weary_a and_o ready_a to_o flag_n aaron_z and_z hur_z be_v by_o to_o sustain_v and_o uphold_v they_o aaron_z be_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o lord_n and_z hur_z be_v a_o prince_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n let_v this_o example_n teach_v all_o their_o duty_n and_o excite_v and_o quicken_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o when_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n the_o supreme_a magistrate_n i_o mean_v be_v lift_v up_o with_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n let_v both_o aaron_z and_z hur_z magistrate_n and_o minister_n come_v in_o cheerful_o and_o strenuous_o to_o his_o assistance_n for_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o pity_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v work_v alone_o when_o set_v about_o so_o great_a and_o good_a a_o work_n as_o this_o do_v you_o back_o he_o and_o afford_v unto_o he_o all_o the_o assistance_n that_o you_o can_v use_v 3_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n direct_v my_o discourse_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o a_o low_a sphere_n for_o the_o present_a not_o put_v into_o any_o office_n nor_o clothe_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o magistratical_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o altogether_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v to_o do_v for_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o every_o one_o though_o you_o be_v not_o to_o reach_v out_o your_o hand_n to_o work_n or_o act_n of_o office_n neither_o in_o the_o state_n nor_o in_o the_o church_n yet_o you_o be_v not_o to_o lay_v aside_o nor_o neglect_v any_o part_n of_o that_o work_n which_o belong_v to_o you_o as_o member_n of_o both_o and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a person_n in_o a_o kingdom_n but_o may_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n so_o there_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a but_o if_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n may_v do_v some_o good_a solomon_n tell_v we_o eccl._n 9.14_o 15._o of_o a_o little_a city_n that_o have_v but_o few_o man_n and_o be_v besiege_v by_o a_o great_a king_n and_o there_o be_v find_v in_o it_o a_o poor_a man_n who_o by_o his_o wisdom_n deliver_v the_o city_n and_o in_o 2_o sam._n 20._o when_o sheba_n rise_v up_o in_o rebellion_n against_o david_n and_o be_v pursue_v go_v to_o abel_n joab_n with_o his_o host_n cast_v up_o a_o bank_n against_o it_o and_o batter_v the_o wall_n but_o a_o woman_n save_v it_o from_o ruin_n every_o one_o may_v be_v instrumental_a for_o good_a since_o it_o be_v then_o the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a to_o act_v what_o they_o can_v towards_o the_o suppression_n of_o profaneness_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n unto_o which_o i_o will_v exhort_v you_o who_o be_v in_o private_a station_n first_o set_v a_o high_a value_n and_o esteem_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o those_o magistrate_n who_o you_o know_v or_o hear_v to_o be_v herein_o true_a to_o their_o trust_n and_o careful_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n you_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o this_o that_o they_o will_v find_v discouragement_n enough_o &_o opposition_n from_o the_o rant_a crew_n the_o wicked_a themselves_o at_o who_o lust_n they_o strike_v will_v hate_v they_o with_o a_o implacable_a hatred_n and_o curse_v they_o and_o drink_v to_o their_o confusion_n and_o with_o long_a desire_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o they_o and_o do_v whatever_o they_o can_v in_o order_n thereunto_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v to_o hear_v of_o the_o plotting_n and_o combination_n both_o of_o atheist_n and_o papist_n in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o they_o hate_v more_o than_o reformation_n and_o religion_n nothing_o they_o will_v be_v more_o impatient_a under_o than_o a_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o their_o lust_n therefore_o those_o that_o be_v pious_a and_o sober_a that_o fear_n god_n and_o be_v friend_n to_o the_o nation_n shall_v be_v exceed_o dear_a over_o they_o and_o prize_v they_o at_o a_o high_a rate_n and_o love_v they_o with_o their_o heart_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o willing_o pay_v tribute_n and_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o we_o be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o mercy_n and_o aught_o to_o own_v they_o much_o more_o great_a mercy_n a_o good_a servant_n in_o a_o family_n be_v a_o blessing_n to_o it_o laban_n confess_v it_o to_o jacob_n gen._n 30.27_o i_o have_v learn_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v i_o for_o thy_o sake_n how_o great_a a_o blessing_n then_o be_v a_o good_a king_n upon_o the_o throne_n a_o good_a lord-mayor_n in_o the_o chair_n good_a justice_n upon_o the_o bench_n certain_o these_o be_v blessing_n with_o all_o thankfulness_n to_o be_v own_v they_o be_v mercy_n among_o temporal_a one_o of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n they_o do_v make_v a_o happy_a nation_n and_o a_o happy_a people_n unless_o that_o people_n will_v be_v so_o vile_a and_o froward_a as_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o happiness_n those_o that_o be_v protestant_n in_o their_o heart_n who_o while_o they_o verbal_o profess_v that_o religion_n be_v sincere_a in_o that_o profession_n can_v but_o with_o delight_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o choice_n and_o singular_a mercy_n for_o our_o gracious_a god_n in_o a_o day_n wherein_o there_o be_v great_a search_n &_o sinking_n of_o heart_n to_o set_v over_o we_o our_o king_n and_o queen_n a_o protestant_a king_n and_o queen_n who_o heart_n we_o persuade_v ourselves_o be_v set_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n and_o we_o hope_v for_o the_o pull_n down_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a and_o bid_v defiance_n thereunto_o in_o its_o principle_n and_o precept_n love_v they_o for_o this_o let_v they_o be_v our_o dear_a as_o well_o as_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n and_o let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o likewise_o for_o conscience_n sake_n yea_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n and_o let_v we_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o plead_v for_o they_o and_o strive_v both_o together_o and_o apart_o with_o god_n for_o they_o and_o bring_v down_o upon_o they_o from_o heaven_n all_o the_o blessing_n we_o can_v this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n psal_n 20._o the_o lord_n hear_v thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n defend_v thou_o send_v thou_o help_v from_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o strengthen_v thou_o out_o of_o zion_n remember_v all_o thy_o offering_n and_o accept_v thy_o burn_a offering_n grant_v thou_o according_a to_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o fulfil_v all_o thy_o counsel_n and_o hear_v thou_o from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n with_o the_o save_a strength_n of_o his_o right_a hand_n thus_o they_o do_v bless_v their_o king_n in_o his_o exploit_n and_o thus_o let_v we_o bless_v our_o king_n in_o he_o yea_o let_v the_o blessing_n of_o joseph_n come_v upon_o he_o gen._n 49.25_o 26._o let_v the_o almighty_a bless_v he_o with_o the_o blessing_n of_o
the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n to_o you_o as_o well_o as_o of_o regeneration_n pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o frame_n of_o a_o child_n fill_v with_o zeal_n for_o the_o father_n name_n and_o interest_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n that_o teach_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n rom._n 8.15_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o give_v we_o a_o inward_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n 2_o cor._n 3.17_o whâ—â—e_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n this_o spirit_n will_v not_o give_v you_o a_o liberty_n unto_o sin_n but_o from_o it_o nor_o from_o god_n but_o with_o he_o this_o spirit_n will_v not_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o commandment_n but_o tie_v up_o your_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o give_v you_o liberty_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o it_o we_o read_v that_o the_o son_n make_v we_o free_a john_n 8.36_o if_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a then_o be_v you_o free_a indeed_o we_o read_v also_o that_o the_o spirit_n make_v we_o free_a too_o but_o in_o different_a respect_n the_o son_n make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n make_v we_o free_a too_o from_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o bondage_n that_o be_v in_o the_o conscience_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n have_v make_v his_o precept_n necessary_a what_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o precept_n the_o spirit_n make_v voluntary_a in_o the_o principle_n god_n charge_v the_o conscience_n with_o duty_n and_o the_o spirit_n enlarge_v the_o heart_n to_o obedience_n psal_n 119.32_o i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n when_o thou_o shall_v enlarge_v my_o heart_n 3._o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o will_v perform_v his_o whole_a office_n to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v not_o partake_v only_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o some_o one_o or_o some_o few_o of_o his_o operation_n but_o in_o all_o that_o be_v common_a to_o believer_n and_o especial_o that_o he_o that_o have_v be_v a_o anoint_v spirit_n to_o you_o will_v be_v a_o seal_a spirit_n to_o you_o also_o that_o he_o that_o have_v seal_v you_o may_v be_v a_o witness_v spirit_n to_o his_o own_o work_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v the_o earnest_n of_o your_o inheritance_n a_o pledge_n of_o what_o god_n have_v further_a promise_v and_o purpose_v for_o you_o 2_o cor._n 1.21_o 22._o now_o he_o which_o stablish_v we_o with_o you_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v anoint_v you_o be_v god_n who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n into_o our_o heart_n 2._o to_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o what_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o his_o ephesian_n in_o more_o general_a term_n he_o pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n more_o particular_o col._n 1.9_o 10._o we_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o when_o i_o have_v open_v the_o particular_n of_o this_o scripture_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o seek_v elsewhere_o for_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o inquiry_n what_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o strive_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o i._o let_v we_o pray_v and_o strive_v and_o strive_v and_o pray_v again_o add_v endeavour_n §_o 1_o to_o prayer_n and_o prayer_n to_o endeavour_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o we_o have_v need_v to_o make_v this_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o our_o prayer_n for_o first_o we_o may_v happy_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n material_o when_o we_o do_v it_o not_o formal_o not_o under_o that_o formal_a and_o precise_a consideration_n that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o do_v it_o under_o that_o consideration_n because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o man_n may_v perhaps_o stumble_v upon_o some_o practice_n that_o be_v command_v by_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o this_o not_o do_v god_n will_v but_o his_o own_o that_o which_o in_o all_o our_o obedience_n we_o be_v to_o eye_n and_o regard_n be_v the_o authority_n the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o observe_v a_o commandment_n unless_o we_o observe_v god_n authority_n in_o that_o commandment_n nor_o to_o keep_v god_n statute_n unless_o we_o keep_v god_n in_o our_o eye_n as_o the_o great_a legislator_n and_o statute_n maker_n a_o blind_a obedience_n even_o to_o god_n be_v no_o more_o acceptable_a than_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o man_n be_v justifiable_a second_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o employment_n for_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o in_o every_o heart_n wherein_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n radical_o be_v be_v in_o the_o general_a incline_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o well_o dispose_v christian_n of_o strong_a affection_n and_o good_a inclination_n to_o do_v god_n will_v who_o be_v but_o slender_o furnish_v with_o knowledge_n what_o that_o will_n of_o god_n be_v which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v and_o thus_o those_o warm_a propension_n of_o spirit_n either_o lie_n like_o dead_a stock_n upon_o their_o hand_n or_o else_o they_o lay_v out_o the_o zeal_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o when_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o soul_n upon_o it_o they_o come_v to_o god_n for_o a_o reward_n who_o ask_v they_o who_o require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n and_o thus_o even_o holy_a david_n zeal_n be_v mislay_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o god_n have_v not_o speak_v a_o word_n nor_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o the_o case_n 2_o sam._n 7.7_o three_o it_o be_v our_o great_a concern_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o that_o knowledge_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v may_v be_v a_o operative_a principle_n of_o obedience_n thus_o david_n pray_v psal_n 143.10_o teach_v i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n we_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o know_v and_o then_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v his_o will_n knowledge_n without_o obedience_n be_v lame_a obedience_n without_o knowledge_n be_v blind_a and_o we_o must_v never_o hope_v for_o acceptance_n if_o we_o offer_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a to_o god_n luke_n 12.47_o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_v and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n as_o therefore_o all_o our_o practice_n must_v be_v guide_v by_o knowledge_n so_o must_v all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v refer_v to_o practice_n four_o and_o last_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o our_o soul_n it_o may_v render_v that_o obedience_n easy_a and_o delightful_a which_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o its_o acceptation_n when_o satan_n have_v enter_v judas_n his_o heart_n he_o will_v not_o stick_v at_o any_o of_o the_o devil_n command_n and_o when_o he_o have_v fill_v the_o heart_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act_v 5.3_o how_o ready_a be_v they_o to_o lie_v unto_o god_n if_o our_o heart_n be_v more_o fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n that_o this_o divine_a law_n be_v write_v there_o duty_n will_v be_v our_o delight_n obedience_n our_o meat_n and_o drink_n nor_o will_v there_o be_v room_n leave_v for_o those_o corruption_n which_o hang_v upon_o we_o like_o dead_a weight_n always_o encumber_v we_o in_o our_o obedience_n §_o 2_o ii_o let_v we_o pray_v again_o that_o we_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o wisdom_n in_o the_o do_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o want_v knowledge_n much_o we_o want_v wisdom_n more_o we_o need_v more_o light_n into_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o more_o judgement_n how_o to_o perform_v it_o for_o first_o it_o be_v one_o great_a instance_n of_o wisdom_n to_o know_v the_o season_n of_o duty_n and_o what_o every_o day_n call_v for_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n dispose_v we_o under_o various_a circumstance_n so_o it_o call_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o various_a duty_n one_o circumstance_n call_v for_o mourn_a another_o for_o
among_o they_o or_o if_o report_v be_v of_o no_o more_o concern_v to_o a_o judge_n or_o magistrate_n or_o the_o public_a than_o a_o counter-scuffle_n of_o boy_n in_o their_o sport_n to_o a_o general_n and_o his_o army_n 3._o there_o be_v other_o news_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n and_o which_o concern_v the_o state_n or_o church_n which_o import_n some_o threaten_a danger_n or_o some_o smile_a providence_n the_o approach_n of_o somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n or_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n such_o be_v the_o news_n of_o joseph_n that_o he_o be_v alive_a lord_n of_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o have_v send_v to_o fetch_v jacob_n and_o his_o family_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o that_o day_n to_o preserve_v a_o seed_n alive_a such_o be_v the_o news_n of_o cyrus_n come_v to_o the_o throne_n favour_v the_o jew_n and_o issue_v out_o the_o edict_n of_o their_o return_n which_o make_v the_o jew_n dreamer_n like_a think_v it_o be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v true_a or_o when_o sad_a news_n alarm_n the_o world_n as_o when_o rumour_n of_o war_n come_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o threaten_v the_o world_n with_o a_o universal_a deluge_n of_o blood_n in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v yet_o considerable_a how_o certain_a or_o how_o dubious_a the_o report_n be_v which_o we_o hear_v how_o near_o at_o hand_n or_o how_o far_o off_o the_o effect_n be_v which_o attend_v the_o good_a or_o bad_a news_n we_o hear_v how_o likely_a it_o be_v the_o evil_a may_v be_v divert_v lessâ—â—â—_n or_o remove_v or_o whether_o inevitable_a and_o grow_a great_a how_o probable_a or_o sure_o the_o hope_a good_a accompany_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o such_o case_n be_v etc._n etc._n of_o such_o like_a news_n this_o case_n speak_v tiding_n which_o do_v import_v great_a good_a or_o great_a evil_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n call_v upon_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o inquire_v into_o 3._o in_o such_o case_n the_o person_n be_v of_o very_o different_a capacity_n who_o as_o they_o ought_v do_v inquire_v and_o according_a to_o the_o different_a capacity_n each_o be_v in_o so_o each_o aught_o to_o inquire_v what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o himself_o to_o prevent_v lessen_v or_o remove_v afflict_a evil_n or_o what_o may_v be_v do_v to_o hasten_v increase_n and_o secure_v hope_v or_o enjoy_v good_a this_o by_o such_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v seasonable_o and_o effectual_o do_v the_o divine_a providence_n do_v advance_v some_o to_o place_n of_o the_o high_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o entru_v they_o with_o advantage_n of_o be_v shield_n of_o the_o earth_n nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n to_o his_o church_n v._n psal_n 47.9_o isa_n 49.22_o obad._n 21._o v._n saviour_n upon_o mount_n zion_n they_o that_o be_v defender_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o shall_v inquire_v what_o tiding_n for_o or_o against_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v in_o repel_v violence_n and_o injustice_n or_o in_o promote_a the_o welfare_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o public_a the_o enquiry_n such_o make_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o more_o exact_a constant_a and_o solicitous_a these_o shall_v not_o only_o receive_v intelligence_n but_o seek_v it_o maintain_v such_o as_o from_o abroad_o be_v fit_a to_o give_v account_n what_o be_v frame_v against_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o civil_a state_n or_o against_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n neither_o of_o which_o will_v be_v long_o in_o safety_n peace_n or_o prosper_v if_o those_o who_o be_v watchman_n 34.2_o ezek._n 34.2_o and_o like_a shepherd_n shall_v neglect_v to_o inquire_v what_o raven_a beast_n usual_o haunt_v the_o adjoin_a wood_n or_o wilderness_n now_o because_o it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a to_o mention_v the_o several_a rank_n of_o man_n concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o news_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n as_o counsellor_n and_o lawgiver_n judge_n and_o inferior_a magistrate_n martial_a and_o fighting-man_n who_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o battle_n in_o the_o gate_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spiritual_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o what_o god_n be_v do_v for_o or_o against_o his_o church_n as_o they_o have_v in_o their_o present_a station_n opportunity_n to_o do_v as_o nehemiah_n do_v who_o enquire_v of_o they_o that_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n what_o condition_n that_o city_n and_o people_n of_o god_n be_v in_o they_o who_o have_v any_o ability_n and_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o do_v good_a to_o help_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o under_o distress_n proportionable_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v to_o awaken_v their_o inquiry_n after_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o set_v themselves_o with_o diligence_n to_o relieve_v it_o and_o since_o we_o may_v as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n praise_v god_n for_o his_o mercy_n show_v to_o the_o church_n and_o pray_v for_o mercy_n when_o want_v we_o shall_v know_v by_o enquiry_n what_o be_v our_o duty_n herein_o so_o then_o by_o this_o we_o may_v see_v it_o be_v the_o particular_a office_n of_o some_o to_o inquire_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o care_n of_o all_o in_o their_o place_n to_o know_v what_o the_o church_n needs_o and_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v for_o it_o but_o none_o may_v inquire_v like_o the_o athenian_n into_o which_o we_o must_v inquire_v now_o and_o pray_v the_o liberty_n of_o make_v discovery_n of_o this_o by_o what_o help_v we_o can_v meet_v with_o both_o from_o human_n and_o sacred_a testimony_n what_o they_o be_v athenae_n incepit_fw-la regnum_fw-la atheniensium_fw-la a._n m._n 2496._o ante_fw-la c._n n._n 1553._o hottom_n lexic_fw-la univer_n ad_fw-la voc_fw-la athenae_n etc._n etc._n 1._o these_o athenian_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o people_n about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 2496._o about_o 1558_o an._n before_o christ_n birth_n and_o when_o this_o be_v write_v it_o be_v the_o 51st_o year_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o city_n 1609_o year_n old_a under_o various_a change_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o great_a trade_n for_o merchant_n and_o as_o great_a learning_n for_o it_o be_v through_o a_o long_a course_n of_o year_n the_o university_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o place_n that_o wander_a wit_n delight_v to_o visit_v now_o among_o such_o capriccio_n so_o many_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a humour_n succeed_v one_o another_o and_o invent_v new_a thing_n and_o glory_v in_o the_o invention_n no_o wonder_n that_o their_o inquiry_n be_v vain_a or_o ridiculous_a or_o mischievous_a to_o other_o if_o sad_a threaten_a news_n be_v report_v they_o inquire_v into_o it_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o antiquity_n their_o power_n wisdom_n and_o their_o idol_n etc._n etc._n so_o do_v niniveh_n of_o old_a so_o do_v a_o city_n more_o ancient_a than_o nineveh_n nah._n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n if_o tiding_n affright_v rome_n the_o palladium_n the_o duration_n of_o the_o city_n roma_fw-la aeternum_fw-la duratura_fw-la and_o such_o like_a be_v inquire_v after_o as_o the_o security_n they_o trust_v in_o jerusalem_n though_o better_a teach_v yet_o become_v so_o brutish_a as_o to_o inquire_v after_o vain_a and_o helpless_a refuge_n against_o bad_a news_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 7.4_o or_o else_o they_o contenm_fw-la the_o rod_n and_o he_o that_o use_v it_o can_v the_o ancient_a city_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n be_v destroy_v or_o shall_v the_o course_n of_o its_o prosperity_n after_o many_o hundred_o year_n be_v change_v into_o misery_n this_o be_v athenian_a like_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o effect_n of_o new_a cause_n if_o new_a judgement_n threaten_v we_o for_o our_o old_a sin_n and_o we_o hear_v that_o they_o approach_v a_o christian_a enquiry_n shall_v be_v how_o we_o may_v prevent_v the_o execution_n by_o a_o speedy_a return_n unto_o god_n 2._o second_o the_o temper_n the_o athenian_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o will_v help_v we_o to_o guess_v what_o inquiry_n they_o will_v make_v upon_o new_a emergency_n and_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o all_o such_o inquiry_n unbeseem_v a_o christian_n let_v we_o view_v the_o athenian_n in_o their_o temper_n as_o plutarch_n varro_n polybius_n aristophanes_n and_o aristotle_n etc._n etc._n give_v it_o we_o 1._o very_o suspicious_a and_o jealous_a now_o whatever_o other_o ability_n a_o man_n may_v have_v to_o make_v right_a inquiry_n of_o new_a occurrence_n this_o one_o vice_n or_o distemper_n be_v enough_o to_o disturb_v all_o jealousy_n will_v take_v amiss_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o suspect_v it_o be_v evil_a it_o will_v aggravate_v evil_a and_o make_v it_o worse_o than_o it_o be_v no_o right_a judgement_n be_v make_v or_o if_o a_o man_n of_o such_o temper_n
6.12_o you_o be_v not_o straighten_a in_o i_o but_o you_o be_v straighten_a in_o your_o own_o bowel_n our_o heart_n be_v narrow_a towards_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v so_o enlarge_v towards_o earthly_a and_o visible_a thing_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v as_o hell_n and_o death_n that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v hab._n 2.5_o for_o these_o perish_a thing_n no_o wonder_n if_o there_o be_v little_a room_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v therefore_o our_o great_a concern_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v enlarge_v our_o desire_n that_o he_o may_v satisfy_v and_o fill_v they_o 4._o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o strive_v that_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n may_v be_v fill_v according_a to_o their_o measure_n there_o be_v much_o room_n in_o our_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o furnish_v much_o waste_a ground_n there_o that_o be_v not_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v to_o its_o utmost_a we_o may_v have_v more_o light_n in_o the_o understanding_n more_o tractableness_n in_o the_o will_n more_o heat_n in_o our_o love_n and_o a_o sharp_a edge_n set_v upon_o our_o zeal_n and_o we_o have_v warrant_v to_o pray_v for_o this_o measure_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n 1_o thess_n 5.23_o now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o whole_o and_o i_o pray_v god_n your_o whole_a spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n may_v be_v preserve_v blameless_a unto_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 5._o every_o gracious_a soul_n ought_v to_o pray_v and_o strive_v for_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o may_v be_v qualify_v for_o any_o duty_n and_o service_n that_o god_n shall_v call_v he_o to_o and_o engage_v he_o in_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o we_o render_v consecration_n or_o separation_n to_o a_o office_n be_v fill_v the_o hand_n exod._n 29.9_o consecrate_v you_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o hebrew_n fill_v the_o hand_n of_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n where_o god_n employ_v the_o hand_n he_o will_v fill_v the_o hand_n we_o have_v ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v send_v we_o about_o no_o errand_n but_o he_o will_v bear_v our_o charge_n wherever_o he_o give_v a_o commission_n he_o will_v bestow_v a_o competent_a qualification_n when_o we_o go_v about_o his_o work_n we_o may_v expect_v his_o presence_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o work_n and_o moses_n seem_v to_o stand_v upon_o these_o term_n with_o god_n exod._n 33.15_o if_o thy_o presence_n go_v not_o with_o i_o carry_v we_o not_o up_o hence_o as_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o duty_n in_o our_o christian_a call_v we_o may_v in_o faith_n expect_v and_o from_o that_o believe_a expectation_n pray_v that_o we_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o suitable_a variety_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o they_o 6._o every_o true_a christian_n ought_v to_o pray_v &_o strive_v for_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o bear_v patient_o cheerful_o and_o creditable_o those_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n which_o either_o god_n good_a pleasure_n shall_v lay_v upon_o we_o or_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n we_o may_v draw_v upon_o ourselves_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v that_o either_o he_o will_v lay_v no_o more_o upon_o we_o than_o our_o present_a strength_n can_v bear_v or_o if_o he_o increase_v our_o trial_n he_o will_v increase_v our_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o excess_n in_o our_o prayer_n when_o we_o confine_v they_o to_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o gracious_a promise_n now_o here_o we_o have_v encouragement_n from_o his_o word_n 1_o cor._n 10.13_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o 7._o every_o true_a christian_n ought_v to_o pray_v and_o strive_v for_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o may_v bring_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o settlement_n and_o stability_n that_o he_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v by_o the_o cross_n and_o adverse_a evil_n that_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o prayer_n 1_o pet._n 5.10_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n who_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o christ_n jesus_n after_o that_o you_o have_v suffer_v a_o while_n make_v you_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v settle_v you_o and_o herein_o especial_o let_v we_o keep_v a_o eye_n upon_o these_o particular_n §_o 1._o pray_o that_o god_n will_v so_o establish_v you_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v blow_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n a_o sorry_a trivial_a error_n many_o time_n overset_n and_o puzzle_v a_o weak_a understanding_n now_o it_o be_v our_o great_a interest_n to_o pray_v and_o strive_v that_o we_o may_v reach_v such_o a_o clear_a distinct_a coherent_a light_n into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o every_o small_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n may_v not_o perplex_v and_o stagger_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n eph._n 4.14_o will_v have_v believer_n be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v §_o 2._o pray_v also_o that_o god_n will_v so_o establish_v you_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o your_o faith_n may_v not_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o providence_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v our_o heart_n toss_v by_o contrary_a dispensation_n so_o upon_o a_o rumour_n isa_n 7.2_o the_o heart_n of_o asa_n be_v move_v and_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n as_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n be_v move_v with_o the_o wind_n it_o argue_v great_a weakness_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o can_v maintain_v a_o equality_n of_o mind_n under_o various_a providence_n the_o only_a remedy_n of_o which_o evil_n be_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v increase_v and_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v be_v so_o firm_o build_v upon_o the_o unmoveable_a rock_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n have_v our_o heart_n fix_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n psal_n 112.7_o and_o this_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o job_n faith_n job_n 13.15_o that_o though_o god_n shall_v slay_v he_o yet_o will_v he_o trust_v in_o he_o §_o 3._o let_v we_o pray_v and_o strive_v that_o god_n will_v so_o settle_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o love_n to_o himself_o that_o no_o blast_n of_o affliction_n from_o his_o hand_n may_v cool_v the_o fire_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o want_v exceed_o the_o faith_n that_o god_n carry_v on_o a_o design_n of_o love_n under_o all_o his_o various_a and_o seem_o contrary_n deal_n with_o we_o he_o can_v love_v and_o correct_v why_o then_o can_v we_o love_v a_o correct_a god_n whether_o he_o wound_v or_o heal_v his_o love_n be_v the_o same_o and_o why_o not_o we_o can_v we_o not_o love_n god_n upon_o the_o security_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o will_v do_v we_o good_a as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v do_v we_o good_a §_o 4._o pray_v we_o and_o strive_v that_o god_n will_v so_o settle_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o our_o inward_a peace_n that_o no_o wind_n of_o temptation_n may_v overthrow_v it_o it_o be_v a_o slender_a and_o ill-made_a peace_n which_o every_o assault_n of_o the_o tempter_n dissolve_v the_o psalmist_n stand_v upon_o a_o firm_a bottom_n when_o the_o terrify_a onset_n from_o without_o make_v he_o fly_v more_o confident_o to_o his_o god_n psal_n 56.3_o what_o time_n i_o be_o afraid_a i_o will_v put_v my_o trust_n in_o thou_o and_o we_o have_v god_n own_o promise_n to_o answer_v our_o faith_n isa_n 26.3_o thou_o will_v keep_v he_o in_o perfect_a peace_n who_o mind_n be_v stay_v on_o thou_o because_o he_o trust_v in_o thou_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v return_v some_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o question_n what_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n with_o which_o every_o true_a christian_n ought_v to_o pray_v and_o strive_v to_o be_v fill_v there_o will_v still_o remain_v a_o enquiry_n how_o we_o may_v reach_v to_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o divine_a fullness_n as_o have_v be_v describe_v to_o which_o though_o the_o limit_n of_o this_o discourse_n will_v not_o allow_v a_o full_a and_o just_a answer_n yet_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o question_n will_v oblige_v i_o to_o point_n at_o some_o few_o thing_n upon_o which_o your_o own_o meditation_n may_v find_v matter_n of_o enlargement_n 1._o and_o first_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o we_o be_v very_o far_o short_a
it_o be_v a_o rule_n among_o the_o heathen_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v worship_v all_o their_o deity_n the_o roman_n be_v so_o insatiable_a in_o idolatry_n that_o they_o send_v to_o foreign_a country_n to_o bring_v the_o god_n of_o several_a nation_n a_o unpolisht_a stone_n a_o tame_a serpent_n that_o be_v repute_v deity_n they_o receive_v with_o great_a solemnity_n and_o reverence_n but_o the_o true_a god_n have_v no_o temple_n no_o worship_n in_o rome_n where_o there_o be_v a_o pantheon_n dedicate_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o all_o the_o false_a god_n the_o reason_n he_o give_v of_o it_o be_v that_o the_o true_a god_n who_o alone_o have_v divine_a excellency_n and_o divine_a empire_n will_v be_v worship_v alone_o and_o strict_o forbid_v the_o assumption_n of_o any_o into_o his_o throne_n to_o adore_v any_o beside_o he_o be_v infinite_o debase_v and_o provoke_v to_o his_o dread_a majesty_n now_o sin_n in_o its_o nature_n be_v a_o conversion_n from_o god_n to_o the_o creature_n and_o whatever_o the_o temptation_n be_v in_o yield_v to_o it_o there_o be_v signify_v that_o we_o choose_v something_o before_o his_o favour_n sin_n be_v found_v in_o bono_fw-mi jucundo_fw-la something_o that_o be_v delectable_a to_o the_o carnal_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o universal_a character_n of_o carnal_a man_n they_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n to_o some_o riches_n be_v the_o most_o allure_a object_n the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o our_o saviour_n command_v he_o to_o give_v his_o estate_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o he_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n go_v away_o sorrowful_a as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o his_o loss_n to_z other_o the_o pleasure_n that_o in_o strict_a propriety_n be_v sensual_a be_v most_o charm_a love_n be_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o turn_v it_o not_o like_o a_o dead_a weight_n of_o the_o scale_n but_o with_o election_n free_o to_o its_o object_n in_o the_o carnal_a balance_n the_o present_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o conspicuous_a moment_n and_o outweigh_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n although_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v eminent_o all_o that_o can_v be_v desire_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n and_o every_o atom_n of_o our_o affection_n be_v due_a to_o he_o yet_o carnal_a man_n think_v it_o a_o cheap_a purchase_n to_o obtain_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n by_o sinful_a mean_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o favour_n this_o their_o action_n declare_v prodigious_a folly_n as_o if_o a_o few_o spark_n strike_v out_o of_o a_o flint_n that_o can_v neither_o afford_v light_n or_o warmth_n be_v more_o desirable_a than_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o brightness_n and_o how_o contumelious_a and_o provoke_a it_o be_v to_o god_n he_o declare_v in_o the_o most_o move_a expression_n be_v astonish_v o_o you_o heaven_n 13._o jer._n 2.12_o 13._o at_o this_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a be_v you_o very_o desolate_a say_v the_o lord_n for_o my_o people_n have_v commit_v two_o evil_n they_o have_v forsake_v i_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o hew_v they_o out_o break_v cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n this_o immediate_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o jew_n who_o set_v up_o idol_n of_o jealousy_n and_o adore_v they_o rather_o than_o the_o glorious_a jehovah_n and_o in_o proportion_n it_o be_v true_a of_o all_o sinner_n for_o every_o vicious_a affection_n prefer_v some_o vain_a object_n before_o his_o love_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o glorious_a presence_n that_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n 5._o the_o sinner_n disparage_v the_o impartial_a justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o divine_a law_n there_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o sin_n and_o punishment_n the_o evil_a of_o do_v and_o the_o evil_a of_o suffer_v this_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a arbitrary_a constitution_n but_o found_v on_o the_o inseparable_a desert_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o rectitude_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o unchangable_o love_v holiness_n and_o hate_v sin_n although_o the_o threaten_a do_v not_o lay_v a_o strict_a necessity_n upon_o the_o lawgiver_n always_o to_o inflict_v the_o punishment_n yet_o god_n have_v declare_v his_o equal_a law_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o of_o his_o judgement_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v usual_o without_o effect_n upon_o offender_n the_o band_n of_o government_n will_v be_v dissolve_v and_o consequent_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n stain_v both_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o nature_n and_o office_n for_o as_o a_o essential_a attribute_n it_o be_v the_o correspondence_n of_o his_o will_n and_o action_n with_o his_o moral_a perfection_n and_o as_o sovereign_a ruler_n he_o be_v to_o preserve_v equity_n and_o order_n in_o his_o kingdom_n now_o those_o who_o voluntary_o break_v his_o law_n presume_v upon_o impunity_n the_o first_o rebellious_a sin_n be_v commit_v upon_o this_o presumption_n god_n threaten_v if_o you_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n you_o shall_v die_v the_o serpent_n say_v eat_v and_o you_o shall_v not_o die_v and_o assent_v to_o the_o temptation_n adam_n fall_v to_o disobedience_n and_o ever_o since_o man_n be_v fearless_a to_o sin_n upon_o the_o same_o motive_n 50._o psalm_n 50._o god_n charge_v the_o wicked_a thou_o think_v that_o i_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o not_o concern_v to_o punish_v the_o violation_n of_o his_o sacred_a law_n the_o sinner_n commit_v the_o divine_a attribute_n to_o fight_v against_o one_o another_o presume_v that_o mercy_n will_v disarm_v justice_n and_o stop_v its_o terrible_a effect_n upon_o impenitent_a obstinate_a sinner_n from_o hence_o they_o become_v bold_a and_o hardnen_v in_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o sin_n 20._o deut._n 29.17_o 19_o 20._o there_o be_v a_o root_n that_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o when_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v declare_v and_o denounce_v against_o sin_n the_o wicked_a bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n this_o cast_v such_o a_o foul_a blemish_n upon_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o he_o threaten_v the_o severe_a vengeance_n for_o it_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n 50._o psalm_n 50._o consider_v this_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n lest_o i_o tear_v you_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v 6._o the_o sinner_n implicit_o deny_v god_n omniscience_n there_o be_v such_o a_o turpitude_n adhere_v to_o sin_n that_o it_o can_v endure_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n but_o seek_v to_o be_v conceal_v under_o a_o mask_n of_o virtue_n or_o a_o vail_n of_o darkness_n there_o be_v very_o few_o on_o this_o side_n hell_n so_o transform_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o to_o be_v impenetrable_a by_o shame_n what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o adulterer_n and_o thief_n sinner_n of_o great_a guilt_n and_o deep_o die_v job_n job_n be_v true_a in_o proportion_n of_o every_o sinner_n if_o a_o man_n see_v they_o they_o be_v in_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n now_o from_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o many_o who_o if_o they_o be_v surprise_v in_o the_o act_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o a_o child_n or_o a_o stranger_n will_v blush_v and_o tremble_v yet_o although_o the_o holy_a god_n see_v all_o their_o sin_n in_o order_n to_o judge_v they_o and_o will_v judge_v in_o order_n to_o punish_v they_o be_v secure_a without_o any_o fearful_a or_o shameful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o presence_n do_v they_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o their_o foul_a villainy_n be_v open_a to_o his_o pierce_a pure_a and_o severe_a eye_n they_o must_v be_v strike_v with_o terror_n and_o cover_v with_o confusion_n will_v he_o force_v the_o queen_n before_o my_o face_n be_v the_o speech_n of_o the_o king_n inflame_v with_o wrath_n and_o the_o prologue_n of_o death_n against_o the_o fall_a favourite_n will_v man_n dare_v to_o affront_v god_n authority_n and_o outrageous_o break_v his_o law_n before_o his_o face_n if_o they_o due_o consider_v his_o omnipresence_n and_o observance_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o infidelity_n be_v the_o radical_a cause_n of_o their_o inconsideration_n it_o be_v a_o false_a imputation_n against_o job_n but_o just_o apply_v to_o the_o wicked_a 14_o jâ—â—_n 22.13_o 14_o thou_o say_v how_o do_v god_n know_v can_v he_o judge_v through_o the_o dark_a cloud_n thick_a cloud_n be_v a_o cover_n to_o he_o that_o he_o see_v not_o and_o such_o be_v introduce_v by_o
pitch_n of_o holiness_n that_o you_o may_v raise_v a_o admiration_n of_o you_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o otherwise_o will_v have_v no_o great_a reverence_n for_o religion_n and_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o say_v as_o it_o be_v report_v that_o libanius_n a_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v proh_fw-la quales_fw-la faeminas_fw-la habent_fw-la christiani_n oh_o what_o excellent_a woman_n have_v these_o christian_n the_o correspondence_n between_o the_o text_n and_o the_o question_n have_v be_v as_o i_o think_v sufficient_o insist_v upon_o i_o shall_v now_o apply_v myself_o to_o give_v a_o direct_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o question_v propound_v and_o that_o i_o may_v speak_v to_o it_o the_o more_o intelligible_o and_o profitable_o i_o shall_v consider_v 1._o the_o person_n mention_v in_o it_o and_o they_o be_v private_a christian_n 2._o their_o duty_n and_o work_v and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v helpful_a to_o promote_v the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3_o the_o way_n that_o they_o be_v to_o take_v and_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o they_o may_v be_v most_o helpful_a in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o that_o bless_a work_n 1._o the_o person_n specify_v and_o they_o be_v private_a christian_n in_o which_o be_v intimate_v 1._o their_o general_a character_n as_o christian_n 2._o the_o restrictive_a term_n that_o be_v add_v to_o denote_v their_o special_a circumstance_n as_o they_o be_v private_a christian_n which_o limit_n our_o inquiry_n or_o call_v on_o we_o to_o speak_v more_o special_o at_o least_o of_o the_o duty_n and_o work_v of_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o undertake_n mention_v in_o the_o question_n 1._o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o christian_n only_o will_v be_v willing_a or_o proper_a to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o holy_a work_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n and_o put_v away_o salvation_n from_o they_o as_o those_o do_v who_o be_v mention_v act_v 13.46_o will_v never_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o temper_n and_o disposition_n promote_v the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o will_v endeavour_v to_o obstruct_v and_o hinder_v it_o but_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a latitude_n both_o stand_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o may_v also_o eventual_o be_v helpful_a to_o promote_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n even_o every_o one_o who_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n 2_o tim._n two_o 19_o or_o that_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n as_o jer._n fourteen_o 8._o even_o those_o christian_n as_o be_v such_o only_o by_o external_n profession_n though_o they_o remain_v destitute_a of_o internal_a and_o real_a sanctification_n may_v be_v helpful_a herein_o by_o their_o common_a gift_n their_o interest_n their_o service_n and_o by_o contribute_v their_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o this_o holy_a work_n and_o they_o may_v be_v influence_v by_o such_o motive_n and_o inducement_n as_o may_v excite_v and_o engage_v they_o thereunto_o such_o as_o these_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v may_v be_v admit_v to_o contribute_v their_o help_n to_o build_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v for_o probable_o christ_n aphorism_n mark_v ix_o 40._o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n may_v be_v understand_v of_o such_o but_o how_o far_o such_o may_v be_v accept_v or_o reward_v fall_v not_o under_o our_o present_a enquiry_n this_o i_o presume_v will_v be_v admit_v by_o all_o that_o such_o only_a as_o be_v christian_n indeed_o as_o christ_n say_v of_o nathanael_n john_n i_o 47._o behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o be_v right_o principled_a and_o will_v be_v find_v sincere_o affect_v to_o this_o bless_a work_n and_o will_v be_v most_o vigorous_o active_a in_o carry_v it_o on_o this_o may_v suffice_v touch_v the_o person_n under_o their_o general_a character_n as_o christian_n 2._o their_o special_a circumstance_n as_o they_o be_v private_a christian_n whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o such_o as_o be_v invest_v with_o public_a office_n such_o be_v christian_a ruler_n and_o magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n who_o bear_v the_o sword_n and_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n i_o confess_v these_o come_v not_o directly_z within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o question_n for_o that_o concern_v private_a christian_n neither_o yet_o ought_v they_o whole_o to_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o silent_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o and_o so_o i_o shall_v say_v something_o yet_o but_o little_a of_o they_o doubtless_o both_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o promote_v the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o private_a christian_n and_o they_o may_v do_v more_o because_o they_o have_v great_a advantage_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o that_o be_v a_o rule_n lay_v down_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o luk._n twelve_o 48._o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v 1._o for_o christian_a ruler_n when_o their_o heart_n be_v thorough_o knit_v to_o christ_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o they_o act_v upon_o gospel-principle_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n thereof_o what_o wonderful_a thing_n may_v they_o perform_v towards_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n if_o a_o poor_a bondslave_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o low_a rank_n of_o man_n may_v in_o his_o station_n serve_v the_o lord_n christ_n col._n iii._o 24._o what_o eminent_a service_n may_v prince_n and_o potentate_n do_v he_o who_o be_v place_v in_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o dignify_v with_o the_o title_n of_o god_n the_o zeal_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a for_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v praise_v by_o more_o than_o be_v dispose_v to_o imitate_v it_o but_o when_o those_o who_o have_v give_v their_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o the_o beast_n shall_v hate_v the_o whore_n and_o make_v her_o desolate_a and_o devote_v their_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n to_o the_o lamb_n we_o may_v hope_v for_o those_o bless_a day_n wherein_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v shine_v forth_o so_o glorious_o as_o to_o illustrate_v the_o whole_a world_n this_o shall_v excite_v all_o private_a christian_n to_o pray_v hard_a that_o god_n will_v put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o king_n and_o those_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n to_o kiss_v the_o son_n by_o who_o they_o reign_v 2._o as_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o they_o who_o understand_v and_o attend_v unto_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o forcible_a engagement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o lay_v out_o themselves_o entire_o and_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o capacity_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o to_o help_v forward_o the_o enlargement_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n and_o work_v of_o every_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o go_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o heathen_a as_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n do_v rom._n xv_o 20._o yea_o so_o have_v i_o strive_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n where_o christ_n be_v not_o name_v because_o they_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o attend_v upon_o their_o proper_a flock_n act._n xx_o 28._o 1_o pet._n v._o 1_o 2._o but_o what_o measure_v they_o be_v to_o take_v far_o or_o what_o method_n they_o be_v to_o pursue_v to_o promote_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v indeed_o a_o very_a christian_a and_o noble_a enquiry_n at_o the_o debate_n whereof_o i_o shall_v most_o glad_o stand_v as_o a_o silent_a learner_n and_o not_o presume_v to_o be_v 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