some_o man_n and_o those_o of_o no_o small_a note_n for_o religion_n to_o pick_v and_o choose_v their_o duty_n this_o they_o will_v do_v and_o this_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o scum_v off_o the_o fat_a and_o sweet_a of_o duty_n and_o leave_v the_o difficult_a dangerous_a costly_a part_n of_o duty_n undo_v but_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a neither_o will_v it_o evidence_n any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o many_o especial_o great_a one_o run_v on_o with_o this_o mistake_n for_o a_o little_a grace_n make_v a_o great_a show_n in_o a_o great_a man_n yea_o ofttimes_o the_o show_n be_v take_v for_o the_o substance_n many_o will_v perform_v such_o duty_n as_o be_v in_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o like_a to_o cost_v they_o but_o a_o little_a which_o yet_o refuse_v self-denying_a difficult_a or_o dangerous_a duty_n they_o will_v hear_v and_o read_v and_o confer_v and_o perhaps_o pray_v in_o their_o family_n and_o some_o other_o such_o like_a external_n part_n of_o 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of_o their_o hand_n many_o that_o will_v hear_v and_o read_v and_o pray_v because_o it_o cost_v they_o little_a yet_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o liberal_a to_o pious_a uses_n because_o it_o be_v costly_a or_o to_o forgive_v injury_n love_v enemy_n make_v restitution_n of_o ill_n get_v good_n venture_v their_o estate_n life_n or_o liberty_n when_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n require_v it_o then_o they_o cry_v out_o with_o naaman_n the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o in_o this_o thing_n but_o god_n will_v abate_v nothing_o of_o his_o price_n he_o will_v have_v universal_a obedience_n or_o he_o will_v own_v none_o at_o all_o 3._o direct_v will_v thou_o perform_v duty_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n then_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o begin_v well_o but_o thou_o must_v hold_v out_o well_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o persuade_v thou_o to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o course_n of_o duty_n at_o the_o first_o may_v persuade_v thou_o to_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v because_o storm_n arise_v trouble_n and_o persecution_n look_v thou_o in_o the_o face_n this_o may_v have_v be_v fore-seen_a thou_o shall_v have_v sit_v down_o first_o and_o reckon_v the_o charge_n christ_n tell_v thou_o before_o through_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v come_v to_o heaven_n he_o that_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o cross_n of_o service_n the_o time_n be_v come_v christ_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o thou_o must_v follow_v he_o through_o thick_a and_o thin_a through_o good_a report_n and_o evil_a report_n or_o thou_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v he_o yea_o though_o thou_o meet_v death_n itself_o in_o the_o face_n it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o set_v out_o well_o but_o he_o that_o continue_v to_o run_v well_o be_v like_a to_o get_v the_o prize_n it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o give_v the_o onset_a but_o he_o that_o fight_v well_o be_v like_a to_o get_v the_o victory_n you_o do_v run_v wâ—ll_n say_v the_o apostle_n who_o hinder_v you_o gal._n 5.7_o so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v 1_o cor._n 9.24_o it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o begin_v well_o but_o he_o that_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v mark_v 13.13_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n that_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o many_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o overcome_v rev._n 2.11.17.26_o &_o 3.5.12.21_o there_o be_v many_o that_o in_o a_o day_n of_o gospel_n prosperity_n cry_v hosanna_n unto_o christ_n but_o when_o storm_n be_v up_o then_o cry_v crucify_v he_o this_o age_n give_v too_o full_a a_o testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n but_o those_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n will_v be_v constant_a in_o his_o service_n what_o danger_n soever_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n many_o be_v like_a to_o weathercock_n turn_v with_o every_o wind_n or_o like_o a_o ship_n without_o ballast_n be_v toss_v with_o every_o storm_n but_o a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v like_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o harbour_n that_o have_v a_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a rock_n to_o anchor_n upon_o many_o be_v like_o the_o planet_n mercury_n good_a in_o a_o good_a conjunction_n and_o bad_a with_o the_o bad_a or_o like_o proteus_n that_o can_v turn_v themselves_o into_o any_o shape_n for_o advantage_n but_o a_o true_a christian_a give_v this_o for_o his_o motto_n semper_fw-la idem_fw-la always_o the_o same_o the_o change_n of_o time_n the_o change_n of_o company_n the_o change_n of_o religion_n make_v no_o change_n in_o he_o he_o know_v god_n change_v not_o poverty_n and_o prosperity_n be_v god_n try_v time_n wherein_o may_v be_v discover_v what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n hazael_n when_o a_o mean_a man_n never_o think_v so_o much_o evil_n have_v be_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o appear_v to_o be_v there_o when_o he_o be_v advance_v the_o stony_a ground_n do_v not_o at_o first_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o deceitful_a as_o indeed_o it_o prove_v but_o holy_a job_n be_v the_o same_o on_o the_o dunghill_n as_o on_o the_o throne_n in_o adversity_n as_o in_o prosperity_n he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n for_o riches_n nor_o will_v he_o forsake_v he_o in_o poverty_n have_v thou_o be_v a_o professor_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v thou_o hitherto_o perform_v the_o duty_n command_v what_o madness_n now_o possess_v thou_o that_o thou_o will_v leave_v his_o service_n what_o can_v thou_o object_v against_o he_o be_v the_o devil_n a_o better_a master_n or_o will_v he_o set_v thou_o about_o better_a work_n or_o will_v he_o give_v thou_o better_a wage_n if_o religion_n be_v not_o good_a why_o do_v embrace_v
require_v not_o or_o do_v it_o in_o a_o manner_n he_o regard_v not_o they_o be_v like_o the_o son_n that_o say_v to_o his_o father_n i_o go_v sir_n but_o go_v not_o mat._n 21.30_o but_o shall_v we_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o thou_o will_v worship_v he_o but_o will_v thou_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o regard_v it_o i_o fear_v we_o may_v say_v of_o many_o as_o joshua_n of_o israel_n josh_n 24.19_o you_o can_v serve_v the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n but_o be_v it_o your_o resolution_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o verse_n follow_v nay_o but_o we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o you_o will_v choose_v the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o consider_v what_o you_o do_v you_o must_v take_v he_o to_o be_v your_o god_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v your_o soul_n cleanse_v from_o all_o your_o sin_n and_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o take_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v your_o lord_n and_o husband_n and_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o as_o save_v by_o he_o and_o must_v resolve_v to_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o live_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o spiritual_a duty_n he_o require_v at_o at_o thy_o hand_n yea_o thou_o must_v have_v a_o settle_a resolution_n to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o obey_v he_o even_o in_o the_o most_o despise_a disgraceful_a dangerous_a difficult_a and_o costly_a part_n of_o duty_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o thy_o worldly_a enjoyment_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o i_o know_v many_o will_v pick_v of_o choose_v their_o duty_n this_o they_o will_v do_v but_o that_o they_o will_v not_o they_o scum_v of_o the_o fat_a and_o sweet_a of_o duty_n but_o leave_v that_o which_o be_v difficult_a or_o dangerous_a but_o god_n will_v have_v no_o such_o servant_n obey_v he_o thou_o must_v though_o thy_o father_n mother_n and_o all_o thy_o friend_n become_v thy_o enemy_n upon_o the_o account_n yea_o in_o some_o case_n thou_o must_v not_o only_o leave_v but_o hate_v father_n and_o mother_n etc._n etc._n yea_o thy_o own_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n yea_o though_o thou_o lose_v thy_o credit_n and_o esteem_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v make_v a_o scorn_n and_o a_o reproach_n for_o his_o sake_n though_o thou_o lose_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o never_o see_v merry_a day_n whilst_o thou_o live_v though_o it_o endanger_v thy_o estate_n and_o bring_v thou_o to_o poverty_n though_o thou_o lose_v thy_o liberty_n and_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o prison_n yea_o though_o thou_o lose_v thy_o life_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o stake_n to_o suffer_v yea_o though_o thou_o see_v few_o or_o none_o walk_v that_o same_o way_n with_o thou_o noah_n must_v obey_v god_n though_o the_o whole_a world_n disobey_v he_o yea_o thou_o must_v obey_v he_o though_o his_o command_n be_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o thy_o carnal_a interest_n or_o never_o so_o opposite_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o hard_a or_o difficult_a or_o dangerous_a or_o costly_a before_o ever_o thou_o take_v upon_o thou_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n sit_v down_o first_o and_o reckon_v the_o charge_n lest_o like_o many_o thou_o begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v unable_a to_o finish_v it_o and_o not_o like_o many_o put_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o blow_n and_o then_o look_v back_o or_o like_o the_o stony_a ground_n when_o persecution_n arise_v present_o be_v offend_v resolve_v to_o give_v he_o thy_o heart_n with_o thy_o hand_n or_o he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o thou_o he_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o deceive_v he_o with_o a_o dissemble_a show_n when_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n offer_v strange_a fire_n he_o slay_v they_o when_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n play_v the_o hypocrite_n he_o strike_v they_o dead_a cleanse_v thy_o heart_n therefore_o if_o thou_o will_v serve_v he_o and_o serve_v he_o thou_o must_v or_o do_v worse_o thou_o can_v never_o err_v on_o that_o hand_n in_o serve_v he_o too_o well_o he_o deserve_v more_o and_o better_a than_o thou_o can_v give_v he_o his_o wage_n will_v be_v beyond_o thy_o work_n now_o that_o i_o may_v prevail_v with_o thou_o to_o serve_v god_n take_v these_o follow_a motive_n 1._o motive_n we_o shall_v worship_v and_o serve_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n because_o he_o have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o his_o command_n make_v it_o our_o duty_n we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o we_o owe_v ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o he_o for_o our_o creation_n he_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o have_v most_o right_a to_o we_o he_o make_v we_o for_o his_o service_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o for_o who_o be_v the_o pot_n but_o the_o potter_n and_o this_o be_v the_o service_n he_o require_v of_o we_o to_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o benefit_n this_o be_v all_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n even_o this_o tribute_n of_o praise_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o ingrateful_a to_o our_o great_a benefactor_n to_o deny_v he_o this_o nay_o we_o be_v his_o also_o by_o right_a of_o redemption_n for_o we_o have_v sell_v ourselves_o unto_o slavery_n even_o to_o satan_n and_o be_v become_v bondslave_n to_o this_o hellish_a pharaoh_n who_o exercise_v more_o cruelty_n to_o our_o soul_n than_o ever_o pharaoh_n do_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o in_o the_o slavery_n have_v remain_v for_o ever_o have_v not_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o ransom_n we_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n satan_n be_v the_o strong_a man_n arm_v that_o keep_v his_o house_n in_o peace_n till_o christ_n a_o strong_a than_o he_o disarm_v he_o and_o take_v away_o his_o weapon_n wherein_o he_o boast_v and_o now_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n with_o our_o body_n and_o with_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v go_n the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o in_o our_o redemption_n be_v his_o own_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o our_o liberty_n and_o this_o he_o expect_v from_o our_o hand_n be_v we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o enemy_n may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n luk._n 2.74,75_o nay_o we_o be_v also_o his_o by_o covenant_n under_o our_o hand_n and_o seal_n in_o our_o baptism_n we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n which_o covenant_n since_o we_o have_v often_o ratify_v at_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n and_o how_o can_v we_o deny_v our_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n he_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o we_o shall_v worship_v he_o psal_n 45_o 1â—_n now_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n be_v require_v of_o we_o be_v evident_a scripture_n and_o reason_n speak_v as_o much_o 2_o king_n 17.36_o you_o shall_v not_o fear_v other_o god_n nor_o bow_v yourselves_o to_o they_o nor_o serve_v they_o nor_o sacrifice_n to_o they_o but_o the_o lord_n who_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n with_o great_a power_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n he_o shall_v you_o fear_v and_o he_o shall_v you_o worship_n and_o to_o he_o you_o shall_v do_v sacrifice_n and_o his_o statute_n and_o his_o ordinance_n you_o shall_v observe_v exod._n 34.4_o you_o shall_v worship_v no_o other_o god_n but_o he_o the_o like_a we_o have_v exod._n 20.50_o 1_o chron._n 16.29_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n bring_v a_o offer_v and_o a_o oblation_n before_o he_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n yea_o christ_n himself_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v he_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o he_o answer_v it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v mat._n 4.8_o yea_o he_o direct_v we_o with_o what_o worship_n to_o worship_v he_o john_n 4.23,24_o the_o true_a worshipper_n worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o those_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o of_o this_o spiritual_a worship_n we_o may_v also_o read_v phil._n 3.3_o or_o will_v you_o hear_v the_o counsel_n of_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n you_o have_v it_o rev._n 19.10_o worship_n god_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o angel_n the_o work_n they_o do_v and_o the_o work_n that_o the_o angel_n and_o gloryfy_v saint_n shall_v do_v through_o all_o eternity_n heb._n 1.6_o but_o what_o be_v testimony_n in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n few_o deny_v it_o though_o few_o
what_o he_o teach_v thou_o that_o thou_o know_v not_o before_o now_o when_o thou_o have_v thus_o call_v these_o thing_n to_o mind_n meditate_v upon_o they_o for_o as_o meat_n can_v nourish_v if_o not_o digest_v no_o more_o will_v the_o word_n till_o by_o meditation_n thou_o make_v it_o thy_o own_o meat_n be_v easy_o cast_v up_o when_o it_o lie_v undigested_a in_o the_o stomach_n so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o not_o cover_v by_o harrow_n the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n pick_v it_o up_o and_o when_o the_o word_n be_v not_o cover_v by_o mediration_n the_o devil_n steal_v it_o away_o mat._n 13.4.19_o if_o any_o thing_n lie_v dark_a or_o difficult_a to_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o minister_n or_o some_o understanding_n christian_n to_o confer_v of_o it_o make_v know_v thy_o doubt_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o get_v knowledge_n the_o two_o disciple_n that_o come_v to_o emaus_n inquire_v by_o the_o way_n and_o discourse_v and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o word_n in_o thy_o house_n and_o as_o thou_o go_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o deut._n 6.7_o oh_o what_o benefit_n may_v christian_n get_v be_v they_o careful_a of_o this_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v then_o dwell_v plentuous_o in_o they_o this_o will_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n when_o thou_o have_v pass_v thus_o far_o than_o press_v it_o upon_o thy_o own_o heart_n for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v thou_o otherwise_o examine_v thyself_o by_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n whether_o thou_o have_v those_o gracious_a qualification_n yea_o or_o no_o whether_o thou_o be_v yet_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o whether_o deliver_v and_o be_v according_o affect_v press_v home_o every_o reproof_n to_o thyself_o and_o see_v how_o far_o guilty_a thou_o have_v be_v mourn_v for_o it_o and_o reform_v lay_v to_o heart_n every_o exhortation_n to_o duty_n and_o let_v every_o motive_n strengthen_v thy_o resolution_n practice_n every_o direction_n and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o every_o passage_n for_o thy_o soul_n good_a and_o be_v sure_a to_o practise_v what_o be_v teach_v thou_o otherwise_o thou_o may_v hear_v all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o little_a purpose_n it_o be_v not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o doer_n that_o be_v justify_v he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o thou_o practise_v it_o thyself_o but_o thou_o must_v endeavour_v that_o other_o may_v do_v so_o also_o to_o this_o end_n thou_o must_v instruct_v thy_o family_n thy_o child_n and_o thy_o servant_n what_o in_o thou_o lie_v press_v they_o on_o also_o to_o obedience_n this_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n eph._n 6.4_o deut._n 4.9_o and_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n deut._n 18.19_o prov._n 4.4_o and_o 31.1_o and_o because_o all_o thy_o service_n without_o god_n blessing_n be_v worth_a nothing_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o fasten_v these_o truth_n upon_o thy_o heart_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o thy_o family_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o it_o be_v god_n must_v give_v the_o increase_n mark_v also_o from_o time_n to_o time_n how_o thou_o do_v grow_v or_o decrease_v these_o direction_n well_o use_v through_o god_n blessing_n will_v make_v thou_o profit_n by_o hear_v chap._n iu_o direction_n in_o read_v the_o word_n the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v point_v out_o unto_o you_o be_v the_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n which_o open_a and_o apply_v it_o for_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a and_o very_o beneficial_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a where_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v have_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a addition_n and_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o much_o good_a receive_v by_o it_o this_o word_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n and_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o man_n convert_v by_o it_o especial_o where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o ordinary_o be_v preach_v that_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n see_v deut._n 17.19_o where_o the_o king_n be_v command_v to_o take_v this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o if_o king_n themselves_o be_v not_o exempt_v notwithstanding_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o business_n who_o then_o can_v plead_v exemption_n yea_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o israel_n deut._n 31.11_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n even_o to_o timothy_n to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v 1_o tim._n 4.13_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n so_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n moses_n take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n exod._n 24.7_o so_o do_v joshua_n chap._n 8.34,35_o so_o do_v josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34,35_o and_o nehemiah_n chap._n 8.38.18_o and_o 9.3_o thus_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8.30_o yea_o there_o be_v a_o blessing_n pronounce_v upon_o it_o rev._n 1.3_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o a_o christian_a the_o very_a light_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o sun_n because_o it_o common_o rise_v and_o set_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o heed_v and_o admire_v so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o word_n be_v common_a it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prize_v mannah_n you_o know_v be_v at_o first_o admire_v at_o the_o last_o loathe_a so_o it_o be_v here_o if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v prize_v as_o it_o be_v when_o a_o cart_n load_n of_o hay_n be_v give_v for_o a_o few_o chapter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o worth_n of_o it_o will_v be_v know_v in_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o health_n be_v best_a prize_v in_o sickness_n peace_n in_o war_n and_o liberty_n in_o bondage_n now_o for_o the_o person_n that_o ought_v to_o read_v they_o be_v all_o that_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n for_o if_o any_o be_v exempt_v they_o will_v be_v king_n for_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o business_n but_o the_o book_n of_o god_n must_v be_v to_o they_o a_o vade_fw-la mecum_fw-la a_o constant_a companion_n parent_n be_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n in_o it_o and_o under_o these_o two_o relation_n all_o superior_n and_o inferior_n be_v contain_v deut._n 6.7_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n practice_n and_o policy_n no_o doubt_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n christ_n bid_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o how_o dare_v papist_n and_o other_o speak_v the_o contrary_a we_o be_v command_v to_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o we_o and_o it_o be_v make_v a_o mark_n for_o a_o bless_a man_n to_o meditate_v in_o day_n and_o night_n here_o be_v the_o mine_n out_o of_o which_o we_o must_v dig_v for_o knowledge_n prov._n 2.3,4_o oh_o that_o man_n will_v spend_v that_o time_n in_o read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o do_v in_o vain_a and_o idle_a visit_n needless_a recreation_n card_v dice_a drink_v drab_v and_o such_o like_a how_o much_o will_v it_o conduce_v to_o their_o soul_n health_n this_o make_v more_o to_o the_o evening_n their_o account_n with_o god_n and_o make_v preparation_n for_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o other_o will_v i_o know_v it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a to_o understand_v and_o therefore_o dangerous_a to_o be_v meddle_v with_o lest_o they_o be_v abuse_v this_o be_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n and_o the_o slothful_a on_o the_o other_o who_o will_v not_o plough_n because_o of_o winter_n prov._n 20.4_o but_o this_o shall_v rather_o quicken_v our_o diligence_n than_o serve_v for_o a_o discouragement_n if_o difficult_a duty_n be_v neglect_v we_o shall_v never_o reach_v heaven_n it_o be_v true_a some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a but_o the_o most_o necessary_a be_v plain_a and_o easy_a here_o indeed_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_o
overwhelm_v in_o the_o sea_n exod._n 14.21_o over_o amalek_n exod._n 17.12_o over_o sennacherib_n 2_o king_n 19.32_o it_o have_v withhold_v rain_n from_o the_o earth_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o after_o procure_v it_o james_z 5.17,18_o it_o have_v bring_v angel_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o help_n of_o man_n thus_o to_o daniel_n chap._n 9.21_o for_o hezekiahs_n help_n 2_o king_n 19.35_o where_o a_o angel_n slay_v in_o one_o night_n in_o the_o camp_n of_o sennacherib_n a_o hundred_o forty_o and_o five_o thousand_o and_o to_o elisha_n 2_o king_n 6.17_o where_o the_o mountain_n be_v full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n about_o elisha_n it_o have_v bring_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o enemy_n 2_o kin._n 1.10.12_o it_o have_v procure_v bear_n to_o devour_v those_o child_n that_o mock_v the_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 2.24_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n mat._n 17.21_o and_o to_o work_v strange_a deliverance_n as_o jonah_n out_o of_o the_o whale_n belly_n jonah_n 2.10_o peter_n out_o of_o prison_n act_v 12.5_o etc._n etc._n by_o this_o the_o widow_n oil_n be_v increase_v 2_o king_n 4.3_o and_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v mark_n 11.23_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o recover_v the_o sick_a james_n 5.15_o to_o divert_v judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v thus_o moses_n oft_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n luke_n 18.13_o to_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n mat._n 26.41_o to_o have_v deliverance_n out_o of_o trouble_n psal_n 50.15_o to_o procure_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.13_o to_o get_v wisdom_n james_n 1.5_o who_o now_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o such_o a_o duty_n now_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n well_o take_v these_o direction_n 1._o direct_v there_o be_v several_a qualification_n requisite_a to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v right_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o which_o a_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o though_o christ_n bid_v ask_v and_o we_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o we_o yet_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o we_o ask_v and_o have_v not_o because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v upon_o thy_o heart_n or_o otherwise_o thou_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v the_o blind_a man_n john_n 9.31_o can_v say_v god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o pray_v and_o the_o apostle_n incourage_v simon_n magus_n to_o the_o duty_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v but_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v bring_v over_o to_o god_n we_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v we_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abomination_n to_o god_n till_o then_o we_o can_v comfortable_o call_v god_n father_n nor_o come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n neither_o will_v christ_n mediate_v or_o intercede_v for_o we_o while_o we_o remain_v his_o enemy_n neither_o will_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n rom._n 8.15_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o through_o faith_n that_o we_o have_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n to_o god_n eph._n 3_o 12._o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o that_o we_o hate_v sin_n if_o we_o come_v to_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o devour_a fire_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sin_n how_o can_v we_o hearty_o pray_v against_o sin_n and_o for_o holiness_n if_o we_o love_v sin_n and_o hate_v holiness_n as_o all_o unconverted_a sinner_n do_v this_o be_v dissemble_v with_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o with_o he_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n say_v david_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o yea_o god_n who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o require_v holiness_n in_o all_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n with_o comfort_n heb._n 12.14_o knowledge_n also_o be_v requisite_a for_o god_n can_v abide_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a in_o sacrifice_n without_o this_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a nor_o the_o service_n acceptable_a without_o this_o a_o man_n know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o or_o what_o to_o pray_v against_o what_o to_o seek_v or_o what_o to_o shun_v what_o be_v sin_n or_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o he_o want_v or_o what_o he_o have_v and_o what_o blind_a worship_n be_v he_o like_v to_o offer_v he_o can_v never_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v self-denial_n also_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n subject_a his_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o notable_a example_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n himself_o who_o meat_n and_o drink_v it_o be_v to_o do_v his_o father_n will._n so_o when_o he_o have_v pray_v that_o that_o bitter_a cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o yet_o add_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o thus_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n i'faith_o also_o be_v requireâ—_n for_o if_o those_o shaft_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o head_v by_o faith_n they_o will_v never_o reach_v heaven_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n require_v whatsoever_o you_o ask_v believe_o you_o shall_v receive_v and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o nay_o further_o patience_n be_v also_o require_v we_o must_v wait_v for_o a_o answer_n not_o like_o those_o short-winded_a bethulian_o that_o set_v god_n a_o time_n and_o will_v wait_v no_o long_o but_o refer_v all_o to_o his_o will_n who_o best_o know_v his_o own_o time_n yea_o the_o best_a time_n and_o fit_a season_n he_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v a_o humble_a man_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a he_o that_o have_v not_o low_o self-denying_a thought_n of_o himself_o god_n will_v have_v low_a thought_n of_o his_o service_n he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o he_o must_v also_o beg_v for_o the_o power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.26_o god_n know_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n come_v not_o in_o thy_o own_o strength_n thou_o must_v also_o be_v painful_a and_o laborious_a not_o only_o pray_v for_o mercy_n but_o endeavour_n for_o they_o a_o few_o faint_a wish_n will_v not_o serve_v turn_n sin_n must_v be_v fight_v against_o as_o well_o as_o pray_v against_o endeavour_n must_v be_v use_v 2._o direct_v before_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n prepare_v thy_o heart_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n be_v thou_o but_o to_o meet_v some_o prince_n or_o noble_a man_n thou_o will_v make_v some_o preparation_n much_o more_o shall_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v to_o meet_v the_o great_a god_n one_o that_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o end_n and_o motive_n in_o the_o duty_n what_o business_n of_o concernment_n be_v there_o but_o needs_o some_o preparation_n much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o examine_v therefore_o what_o relation_n thou_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n or_o a_o enemy_n who_o can_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o he_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o be_v not_o reconcile_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o thou_o and_o a_o surety_n to_o undertake_v thy_o debt_n how_o dare_v thou_o approach_v to_o the_o creditor_n to_o who_o thou_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o can_v not_o pay_v a_o farthing_n how_o dare_v approach_v this_o consume_a fire_n that_o be_v but_o chaff_n and_o stubble_n and_o what_o hope_n have_v of_o speed_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n the_o promise_n belong_v not_o to_o thou_o but_o when_o thou_o can_v find_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o christ_n can_v call_v god_n father_n yet_o rush_v not_o rude_o into_o his_o presence_n but_o study_v well_o what_o thing_n he_o have_v promise_v for_o those_o thou_o may_v bold_o ask_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v but_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v till_o it_o be_v fulfil_v but_o if_o thou_o ask_v amiss_o that_o be_v what_o he_o never_o promise_v no_o wonder_n if_o thou_o receive_v it_o not_o acquaint_v thyself_o well_o with_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o power_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n this_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a
other_o and_o derive_v a_o poysonful_a nature_n even_o from_o they_o for_o though_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v gracious_a yet_o they_o beget_v not_o their_o child_n as_o they_o be_v gracious_a but_o as_o man_n and_o woman_n the_o sinful_a offspring_n of_o adam_n it_o be_v nature_n and_o corruption_n and_o not_o grace_n that_o be_v derivative_a a_o man_n will_v never_o prize_v a_o plaster_n that_o know_v of_o no_o wound_n nor_o physic_n that_o know_v not_o that_o he_o be_v sick_a nor_o this_o remedy_n till_o he_o know_v of_o the_o disease_n the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o will_v make_v a_o man_n admire_v god_n goodness_n to_o himself_o and_o child_n and_o to_o bewail_v the_o inward_a distemper_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o this_o corruption_n and_o for_o his_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o spirit_n when_o other_o little_a regard_n it_o and_o bless_v god_n that_o have_v provide_v such_o a_o remedy_n send_v such_o a_o saviour_n into_o the_o world_n and_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o covenant_n not_o only_o with_o believer_n but_o their_o seed_n and_o give_v such_o a_o seal_n to_o it_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o though_o it_o abolish_v not_o sin_n utter_o as_o some_o teach_v yet_o have_v it_o a_o tendency_n to_o the_o mortification_n and_o the_o weaken_n of_o it_o they_o shall_v know_v also_o by_o what_o right_a their_o infant_n enjoy_v this_o privilege_n this_o shall_v put_v they_o upon_o it_o to_o clear_v up_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o improve_v it_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n to_o act_n faith_n and_o suck_v sweetness_n from_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o believer_n and_o their_o child_n and_o upon_o this_o confidence_n that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o their_o seed_n they_o shall_v offer_v up_o their_o child_n unto_o god_n and_o dedicate_v and_o devote_v they_o to_o his_o service_n as_o i_o say_v before_o listen_v they_o into_o his_o army_n and_o enter_v they_o into_o his_o school_n desire_v of_o he_o not_o only_o to_o allow_v they_o the_o external_a badge_n of_o church-member_n but_o also_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n yea_o live_v member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o be_v earnest_a with_o god_n to_o baptise_v they_o not_o only_o with_o water_n but_o also_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o lay_v claim_v to_o the_o ordinance_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o make_v they_o his_o servant_n by_o training_n they_o up_o in_o his_o fear_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o their_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n for_o as_o parent_n usual_o covenant_n for_o their_o child_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o interest_n they_o in_o earthly_a privilege_n so_o do_v they_o here_o enter_v they_o into_o the_o covenant_n and_o interest_n they_o thereby_o into_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n except_o afterward_o they_o wilful_o revoke_v it_o parent_n neglect_v of_o this_o be_v former_o account_v a_o great_a sin_n as_o we_o see_v in_o moses_n exod._n 4.24_o when_o god_n will_v have_v kill_v he_o for_o neglect_v circumcision_n and_o threaten_v such_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o thus_o dedicate_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n gen._n 17.14_o and_o where_o god_n change_v his_o mind_n or_o relax_v this_o law_n be_v not_o easy_o find_v but_o alas_o how_o careless_a be_v most_o parent_n of_o this_o duty_n some_o scruple_n it_o and_o so_o neglect_v it_o but_o most_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o ordinance_n as_o they_o themselves_o come_v to_o church_n mere_o for_o fashion_n sake_n as_o they_o beg_v for_o nothing_o so_o they_o expect_v no_o benefit_n by_o it_o it_o be_v more_o of_o custom_n than_o conscience_n and_o more_o of_o ceremony_n than_o service_n it_o be_v blind_a obedience_n they_o yield_v not_o know_v what_o god_n require_v at_o their_o hand_n 3._o direct_v in_o this_o duty_n aim_n at_o god_n glory_n the_o strengthen_n of_o thy_o faith_n and_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o own_o and_o thy_o child_n soul_n many_o a_o good_a action_n be_v spoil_v for_o want_n of_o a_o good_a end_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o fast_n prayer_n and_o alm_n of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v mat._n 6.1,2_o etc._n etc._n in_o this_o ordinance_n god_n aim_v at_o the_o foresay_a end_n his_o glory_n be_v his_o ultimate_a end_n and_o shall_v be_v we_o he_o annex_v this_o seal_n to_o his_o covenant_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n use_v it_o therefore_o to_o this_o end_n and_o by_o this_o our_o child_n be_v enter_v into_o covenant_n as_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v from_o he_o so_o we_o shall_v live_v and_o move_v and_o act_n for_o he_o not_o only_o in_o this_o but_o in_o all_o other_o duty_n this_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o this_o it_o excel_v all_o the_o water_n in_o the_o world_n for_o our_o baptismal_a water_n though_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o essence_n yet_o in_o its_o use_n and_o efficacy_n pass_v all_o other_o though_o never_o so_o precious_a other_o may_v comfort_v the_o heart_n but_o can_v sanctify_v it_o abana_n and_o pharpar_n rivers_n of_o damascus_n may_v be_v more_o beautiful_a to_o the_o eye_n than_o the_o river_n jordan_n yet_o can_v heal_v naaman_n leprosy_n it_o have_v not_o that_o sanctive_a virtue_n put_v into_o it_o by_o god_n so_o this_o baptismal_a water_n be_v set_v apart_o and_o sanctify_v to_o a_o holy_a use_n even_o to_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o believer_n in_o which_o covenant_n god_n offer_v christ_n to_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o promise_n with_o he_o to_o give_v we_o pardon_v of_o sin_n regeneration_n adoption_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n yea_o heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o thereupon_o set_v to_o his_o seal_n in_o this_o sacrament_n and_o man_n on_o his_o part_n promise_v to_o take_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o promise_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o to_o forsake_v all_o other_o for_o he_o and_o to_o be_v his_o faithful_a servant_n to_o his_o death_n and_o thereupon_o accept_v of_o the_o offer_a element_n and_o so_o put_v to_o his_o seal_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o so_o do_v devote_v himself_o to_o his_o service_n so_o that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o engage_v sign_n and_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v include_v here_o for_o the_o seal_n be_v of_o as_o large_a a_o extent_n as_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o as_o a_o seal_n accept_v to_o a_o evidence_n make_v it_o authentic_a much_o more_o god_n seal_n annex_v to_o his_o word_n be_v firm_a and_o sure_a heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v pass_v away_o but_o god_n word_n thus_o ratify_v shall_v never_o fail_v we_o have_v god_n promise_n under_o hand_n and_o seal_n and_o if_o we_o perform_v on_o our_o part_n doubtless_o god_n will_v never_o fail_v on_o he_o he_o assure_v we_o hereby_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o reconcile_v father_n to_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o adopt_a son_n and_o daughter_n he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n which_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v express_v in_o word_n or_o conceive_v in_o mind_n now_o from_o this_o covenant_n thus_o ratify_v a_o believer_n in_o the_o sad_a affliction_n may_v fetch_v comfort_n and_o refresh_v the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o this_o seal_n produce_v it_o many_o time_n to_o a_o christian_n comfort_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o read_v his_o name_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o show_v he_o the_o great_a seal_n for_o it_o thus_o david_n can_v fetch_v comfort_n from_o his_o circumcision_n when_o he_o be_v to_o encounter_n with_o goliath_n what_o be_v this_o uncircumcised_a philistine_n etc._n etc._n and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o from_o our_o baptism_n in_o our_o conflict_n with_o the_o goliath_n of_o hell_n god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v nor_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n see_v rom._n 4.11_o where_o circumcision_n be_v call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o place_n baptism_n succeed_v see_v also_o col._n 2.11,12_o wherein_o we_o see_v we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n and_o with_o he_o also_o raise_v again_o and_o that_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v seal_v by_o this_o be_v evident_a also_o gal._n 3.27_o for_o as_o many_o of_o you_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n rom._n 6.4,5_o where_o the_o benefit_n both_o of_o
his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v promise_v as_o also_o remission_n of_o sin_n mark_v 1.4_o yea_o salvation_n also_o tit._n 3.4_o by_o this_o ordinance_n we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o christ_n rom._n 6.34_o now_o what_o be_v the_o end_v thou_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o ordinance_n when_o thou_o present_v thy_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a be_v it_o the_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o privilege_n thou_o regard_v do_v thou_o enter_v he_o into_o the_o covenant_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o dedicate_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n and_z train_z he_o up_o in_o his_o fear_n to_o bring_v he_o into_o god_n family_n and_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n 1_o cor._n 1â—_n 13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n gal._n 3.27_o that_o he_o may_v be_v holy_a to_o marry_v he_o unto_o christ_n &_o c_o it_o be_v well_o if_o only_a custom_n not_o conscience_n move_v thou_o thy_o end_n be_v bad_a and_o thy_o action_n sinful_a 4._o direct_v rest_v not_o in_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o this_o sacrament_n take_v not_o up_o with_o common_a favour_n but_o lay_v hold_v by_o faith_n upon_o the_o main_a benefit_n what_o privilege_n will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v list_a into_o christ_n army_n when_o we_o neither_o fight_v his_o battle_n nor_o receive_v his_o pay_n or_o to_o be_v enter_v into_o his_o school_n if_o we_o be_v not_o teach_v nor_o instruct_v by_o he_o to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o worship_n god_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n to_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n without_o the_o practice_n to_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a or_o to_o have_v a_o name_n to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n without_o the_o privilege_n of_o child_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o no_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o vine_n and_o not_o be_v plant_v in_o it_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n as_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o not_o from_o rot_a member_n as_o hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n to_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n alas_o these_o thing_n be_v common_a to_o good_a and_o bad_a as_o circumcision_n do_v difference_n the_o jew_n from_o all_o other_o people_n yet_o most_o of_o they_o be_v stranger_n yea_o enemy_n to_o god_n for_o all_o be_v not_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n but_o it_o be_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o difference_v they_o from_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v here_o baptism_n difference_v christian_n from_o other_o but_o it_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o difference_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a yet_o these_o external_n privilege_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v at_o large_a rom._n 3.1,2_o etc._n etc._n yet_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o or_o rest_v in_o the_o main_a thing_n intend_v in_o this_o ordinance_n be_v that_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n be_v seal_v up_o unto_o the_o soul_n therefore_o lay_v hold_v by_o faith_n upon_o these_o thing_n or_o thy_o labour_n will_v be_v lose_v this_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.11_o lay_v hold_v therefore_o upon_o christ_n in_o the_o ordinance_n yea_o upon_o whole_a christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o with_o he_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o if_o thou_o take_v up_o any_o thing_n under_o christ_n the_o ordinance_n will_v be_v of_o little_a worth_n to_o thou_o when_o thou_o bring_v thy_o child_n therefore_o to_o the_o ordinance_n take_v not_o up_o with_o common_a benefit_n lay_v out_o for_o christ_n and_o satisfy_v not_o thyself_o without_o he_o the_o ordinance_n of_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o dry_a and_o empty_a husk_n christ_n be_v the_o kernel_n it_o be_v as_o a_o well_o christ_n be_v the_o water_n and_o what_o good_a will_v a_o dry_a well_o do_v thou_o it_o be_v but_o a_o break_a cistern_n if_o trust_v to_o it_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n what_o be_v a_o little_a cold_a water_n apply_v to_o the_o body_n if_o the_o water_n of_o life_n be_v not_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v thou_o real_a in_o thy_o dedication_n of_o thy_o child_n to_o god_n and_o real_o act_n faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n may_v bestow_v his_o son_n upon_o he_o thou_o may_v find_v in_o scripture_n foot_v for_o thy_o faith_n many_o divine_a and_o precious_a promise_n make_v by_o god_n consider_v such_o scripture_n as_o these_o rom._n 6.38_o as_o many_o as_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n we_o believe_v we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o even_o baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o etc._n etc._n mark_v 3.11_o heb._n 1.9_o john_n 3.5_o heb._n 10.22.24_o gal._n 3.16_o luke_n 3.3_o act_n 12.16_o &_o 22.16_o eph._n 5.26_o titus_n 3.5_o 1_o john_n 1.7_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n which_o blood_n be_v here_o signify_v by_o this_o baptismal_a water_n here_o thy_o faith_n may_v find_v a_o foundation_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a take_v up_o with_o nothing_o short_a of_o christ_n bring_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n along_o with_o thou_o to_o the_o ordinance_n press_v god_n with_o his_o word_n he_o can_v deny_v it_o but_o without_o the_o promise_v the_o ordinance_n be_v of_o little_a efficacy_n but_o thus_o do_v thou_o will_v find_v it_o a_o refresh_a ordinance_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n may_v be_v find_v in_o this_o baptismal_a water_n yea_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o soul_n persuade_v thyself_o therefore_o that_o see_v such_o scripture_n expression_n hold_v forth_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o new_a birth_n to_o wash_v from_o sin_n and_o be_v instrumental_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o seal_v up_o the_o covenant_n yea_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n no_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v so_o to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o child_n if_o the_o fail_a be_v not_o on_o your_o part_n when_o thou_o see_v the_o minister_n apply_v the_o baptismal_a water_n to_o the_o body_n of_o thy_o infant_n do_v thou_o by_o faith_n behold_v god_n the_o father_n apply_v christ_n his_o merit_n his_o blood_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o as_o very_o as_o thou_o see_v the_o one_o do_v sacramental_o so_o very_o do_v thou_o believe_v the_o other_o to_o be_v do_v real_o and_o true_o it_o be_v the_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o faith_n and_o without_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n that_o make_v it_o seem_v so_o empty_a and_o vain_a but_o doubtless_o there_o be_v a_o rich_a supply_n to_o be_v have_v if_o we_o suck_v we_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v the_o well_o indeed_o be_v deep_a and_o faith_n be_v the_o bucket_n if_o we_o have_v no_o bucket_n we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v no_o water_n 5._o direct_v that_o this_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v right_o administer_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v do_v agreeable_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_v of_o god_n express_v in_o his_o word_n for_o god_n will_v have_v his_o own_o work_n do_v in_o his_o own_o way_n he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o will_n in_o his_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v follow_v the_o pattern_n and_o example_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o and_o obey_v the_o precept_n and_o command_n he_o have_v give_v we_o and_o be_v direct_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n and_o form_n as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o right_a end_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o it_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o lawful_a minister_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o commission_n and_o we_o find_v not_o any_o commission_n seal_v unto_o any_o other_o than_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n and_o the_o church_n for_o this_o and_o other_o holy_a duty_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o this_o be_v part_n of_o their_o commission_n we_o may_v read_v mat._n 28.19,20_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o
be_v lawful_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o subject_a the_o party_n vow_v be_v right_o qualify_v now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o three_o thing_n be_v requisite_a they_o shall_v be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o other_o qualification_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o shall_v be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la at_o their_o own_o dispose_n in_o the_o thing_n they_o vow_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v free_a and_o no_o force_n put_v upon_o they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o shall_v do_v it_o willing_o and_o spontanious_o for_o god_n love_v cheerful_a not_o constrain_v service_n a_o free_a will_n offer_v that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v necessary_a none_o can_v doubt_v if_o a_o man_n vow_n and_o not_o know_v or_o not_o consider_v the_o nature_n use_v and_o end_n of_o a_o vow_n this_o will_v be_v but_o blind_a sacrifice_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v with_o great_a wisdom_n care_n deliberation_n and_o circumspection_n which_o can_v be_v without_o knowledge_n eccles_n 56._o suffer_v not_o thy_o mouth_n to_o cause_v thy_o flesh_n to_o sin_n neither_o say_v thou_o before_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o error_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o folly_n after_o the_o vow_n to_o inquire_v those_o that_o want_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n whither_o they_o be_v child_n in_o their_o nonage_n or_o fool_n or_o idiot_n such_o as_o be_v not_o compos_fw-la mentis_fw-la in_o their_o right_a mind_n but_o mad_a or_o brainsick_a these_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o make_v a_o vow_n now_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v the_o just_a time_n when_o a_o child_n vow_n be_v obligatory_a or_o become_v oblige_v some_o come_v to_o their_o discretion_n soon_o and_o some_o late_a and_o some_o as_o i_o say_v not_o at_o all_o the_o hebrew_n hold_v the_o vow_n of_o a_o man_n child_n be_v not_o valid_a till_o twelve_o year_n of_o age_n and_o the_o maid_n at_o eleven_o but_o this_o seem_v young_a enough_o there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v live_v many_o more_o year_n before_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o vow_n for_o till_o they_o know_v the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o a_o vow_n how_o shall_v they_o perform_v such_o a_o duty_n faith_n also_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n for_z whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n also_o be_v require_v yea_o a_o gracious_a temper_n and_o disposition_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n and_o they_o shall_v have_v grace_n not_o only_o in_o the_o habit_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act_n or_o they_o will_v receive_v little_a benefit_n by_o this_o duty_n again_o the_o party_n shall_v be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n and_o not_o under_o another_o command_n he_o must_v be_v at_o his_o own_o liberty_n as_o touch_v the_o thing_n he_o vow_v or_o else_o his_o vow_n be_v unlawful_a we_o read_v numb_a 30.4,5_o etc._n etc._n that_o if_o a_o woman_n in_o her_o youth_n that_o be_v past_o a_o child_n vow_v a_o vow_n in_o her_o father_n house_n if_o her_o father_n approve_v of_o her_o vow_n it_o be_v rati_fw-la fie_v if_o not_o it_o be_v well_o the_o like_a we_o read_v of_o a-married_n woman_n who_o vow_n be_v ratify_v or_o nullify_v by_o her_o husband_n and_o the_o like_a party_n of_o reason_n show_v that_o a_o son_n or_o servant_n or_o subject_a ought_v not_o to_o vow_v against_o the_o mind_n of_o parent_n master_n or_o prince_n concern_v thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v subject_v to_o they_o can_v a_o son_n vow_v to_o leave_v his_o parent_n or_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n service_n during_o his_o engagement_n without_o their_o leave_n to_o go_v on_o pilgimage_n or_o to_o live_v monastical_a life_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o equity_n make_v such_o vow_n sinful_a when_o it_o be_v to_o the_o wrong_n of_o the_o superior_n the_o inferior_a in_o this_o case_n put_v himself_o upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v by_o such_o a_o vow_n if_o he_o keep_v it_o he_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o command_v obedience_n to_o the_o superior_a who_o they_o disobey_v if_o they_o break_v it_o they_o sin_v also_o against_o god_n who_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o vow_v than_o to_o vow_n and_o not_o perform_v some_o of_o the_o papist_n themselves_o who_o give_v the_o large_a liberty_n in_o this_o case_n i_o conceive_v more_o than_o ever_o god_n give_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o wise_a without_o her_o husband_n consent_n ought_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o nunnery_n or_o vow_v a_o monastic_a life_n and_o the_o like_a parity_n of_o reason_n hold_v for_o other_o inferior_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v subject_v again_o this_o be_v a_o free_a will_n offer_v and_o no_o absolve_v command_v lie_v upon_o we_o neither_o do_v we_o sin_v if_o we_o vow_v not_o deut._n 23.22_o if_o thou_o forbear_v to_o vow_n it_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o the_o therefore_o none_o shall_v be_v constrain_v or_o compel_v to_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v voluntary_a at_o every_o one_o be_v own_o dispose_n there_o be_v none_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o it_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n by_o fear_n or_o violence_n it_o shall_v be_v voluntary_a out_o of_o faith_n and_o conscience_n in_o way_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o mercy_n receive_v and_o for_o the_o obtain_v those_o we_o want_v by_o which_o we_o bound_v ourselves_o to_o some_o necessary_a duty_n for_o good_a end_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v conducible_a to_o those_o end_n deut._n 23.21_o when_o thou_o shall_v vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thou_o shall_v not_o slack_v to_o pay_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v sure_o require_v it_o of_o thou_o and_o it_o will_v be_v sin_n in_o thou_o i_o will_v pay_v my_o vow_n say_v david_n which_o my_o lip_n have_v utter_v when_o i_o be_v in_o trouble_n psalm_n 66.13,14_o and_o 132.2,3_o 3._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o offend_v in_o thy_o vow_n take_v heed_n thou_o vow_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a or_o unsuitable_a if_o thou_o vow_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n or_o will_v of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n nay_o whether_o thou_o perform_v or_o no_o thou_o be_v a_o transgressor_n there_o be_v some_o vow_n which_o bound_v unto_o command_v duty_n as_o to_o dedicate_v ourselves_o whole_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o that_o our_o vow_n in_o baptism_n which_o we_o often_o iterate_v in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n these_o vow_n be_v absolute_a and_o without_o condition_n some_o be_v conditional_a as_o the_o vow_n of_o jacob_n and_o hannah_n before_o mention_v if_o god_n give_v in_o the_o mercy_n then_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o make_v good_a our_o word_n as_o they_o do_v and_o also_o jepththah_n but_o in_o all_o whether_o absolute_a or_o conditional_a beware_v of_o vow_v any_o unlawful_a thing_n we_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o evil_a yea_o from_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o it_o 1_o thes_n 5.22_o if_o in_o our_o vow_n we_o dedicate_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n let_v it_o be_v such_o as_o he_o approve_v of_o he_o like_v not_o the_o halt_a the_o blind_a nor_o the_o lame_a in_o sacrifice_n leu._n 22.23_o neither_o will_v he_o be_v serve_v with_o the_o hire_n of_o a_o whore_n nor_o the_o price_n of_o a_o dog_n deut._n 23.18_o thou_o must_v vow_v something_o that_o be_v thy_o own_o and_o lawful_o get_v thou_o must_v not_o vow_v any_o thing_n sinful_a in_o itself_o or_o sinful_a by_o circumstance_n or_o necessary_a accident_n we_o see_v the_o vow_n of_o paul_n persecutor_n that_o they_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v he_o act_v 23.12_o be_v sinful_a in_o a_o double_a respect_n first_o as_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v and_o also_o in_o that_o they_o vow_v a_o thing_n not_o in_o their_o own_o power_n so_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o break_v it_o our_o vow_n also_o shall_v be_v considerate_a and_o not_o rash_a nor_o heady_a as_o be_v that_o of_o jephthah_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o that_o unpleasing_a work_n of_o sacrifice_v his_o daughter_n judg._n 11.30,34_o and_o that_o of_o saul_n in_o bind_v his_o people_n from_o taste_v food_n which_o have_v like_a to_o have_v cost_n jonathan_n his_o life_n 1_o sam._n 14.25_o neither_o can_v those_o vow_n be_v justify_v of_o the_o papist_n wherein_o they_o bound_v themselves_o and_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o it_o to_o murder_n heretic_n king_n as_o they_o call_v the_o protestant_n and_o to_o massacree_n protestant_n themselves_o but_o by_o what_o warrant_n be_v it_o do_v and_o who_o give_v they_o this_o authority_n a_o vow_n shall_v not_o be_v vinculum_fw-la iniquitatis_fw-la a_o bond_n of_o
and_o promise_v of_o reformation_n which_o they_o forget_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o danger_n be_v past_a and_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n and_o the_o wash_a sow_n to_o her_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n chap._n xiii_o direction_n in_o fast_v the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v direct_v you_o in_o be_v that_o useful_a though_o much_o neglect_a duty_n of_o fast_v which_o though_o in_o itself_o be_v no_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n neither_o be_v it_o command_v for_o itself_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o right_a manner_n and_o to_o a_o right_a end_n be_v a_o notable_a help_n in_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o a_o good_a spur_n to_o put_v we_o forward_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o fit_v we_o for_o his_o worship_n now_o before_o i_o show_v you_o what_o a_o fast_a be_v i_o shall_v show_v you_o what_o fast_o i_o mean_v for_o there_o be_v fast_n of_o several_a sort_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a abstinence_n from_o meat_n that_o be_v sufficient_a there_o be_v some_o necessary_a fast_n when_o man_n fast_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o as_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o eat_v and_o this_o be_v too_o oft_o the_o poor_a man_n and_o the_o prisoner_n fast_o but_o this_o be_v against_o their_o will_n and_o so_o not_o thanks-worthy_a again_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a fast_n when_o a_o man_n abstain_v from_o food_n for_o want_n of_o a_o stomach_n as_o the_o other_o do_v for_o want_v of_o meat_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sick_a man_n fast_a and_o ofttimes_o the_o rich_a man_n fast_n also_o this_o also_o be_v in-voluntary_a and_o deserve_v no_o praise_n there_o be_v also_o a_o physical_a fast_o undertake_v for_o health_n sake_n this_o be_v not_o it_o we_o treat_v of_o and_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a fast_a when_o man_n use_v the_o creature_n very_o temperate_o and_o moderate_o not_o to_o please_v or_o satisfy_v their_o appetite_n but_o to_o maintain_v their_o life_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v god_n service_n they_o eat_v to_o live_v and_o not_o live_v to_o eat_v and_o live_v to_o serve_v and_o praise_n god_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v every_o christian_n fast_o there_o be_v also_o a_o superstitious_a fast_o such_o as_o the_o papist_n use_n a_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n upon_o religious_a account_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o full_o gorge_v themselves_o with_o other_o meat_n every_o way_n as_o nourish_v and_o provoke_v to_o lust_n and_o this_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o merit_n and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o civil_a fast_o when_o upon_o politic_a account_n some_o sort_n of_o meat_n be_v forbid_v at_o some_o time_n as_o with_o we_o flesh_n in_o the_o lent_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o our_o trade_n of_o fish_v and_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o cattle_n there_o be_v some_o miraculous_a fast_n as_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o elijah_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o all_o which_o fast_v forty_o day_n together_o and_o taste_v no_o food_n but_o these_o be_v for_o our_o admiration_n not_o for_o our_o imitation_n there_o be_v also_o a_o spiritual_a fast_a a_o abstinence_n from_o sin_n which_o all_o shall_v imitate_v and_o there_o be_v a_o hypocritical_a fast_n such_o as_o the_o pharisee_n use_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n mat._n 6.2_o etc._n etc._n these_o hang_v down_o the_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n isa_n 58.5_o and_o there_o be_v a_o diabolical_a fast_n wherein_o the_o devil_n service_n be_v promote_v a_o fast_a for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o to_o strike_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n isa_n 58.4_o such_o a_o fast_a jezebel_n proclaim_v when_o under_o pretence_n of_o religious_a worship_n she_o take_v away_o naboath_n life_n for_o his_o vineyard_n 1_o king_n 21.8_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n invention_n but_o there_o be_v a_o religious_a fast_o set_v apart_o upon_o a_o religious_a account_n for_o a_o man_n to_o afflict_v his_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o now_o speak_v to_o which_o be_v the_o sanctify_a or_o set_v apart_o a_o day_n or_o some_o portion_n of_o time_n to_o the_o lord_n upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n by_o the_o voluntary_a abstinence_n from_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o other_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n as_o also_o from_o labour_n and_o worldly_a business_n so_o far_o as_o mercy_n comeliness_n and_o necessity_n will_v permit_v for_o the_o more_o serious_a humble_v of_o the_o soul_n before_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o our_o request_n to_o he_o for_o the_o prevent_n or_o remove_v of_o judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v or_o the_o beg_n the_o mercy_n we_o want_v or_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o we_o enjoy_v that_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o fast_o be_v lawful_a the_o scripture_n be_v evident_a it_o be_v command_v leu._n 23.27,28_o exod._n 33.5_o joel_n 2.15_o mat._n 6.16,17_o &_o 9.15_o 1_o cor._n 7.5_o and_o such_o a_o fast_o be_v observe_v esther_n 4.16_o dan._n 9.2,3,4_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 7.5_o act_n 13.23_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a man_n yea_o of_o christ_n himself_o in_o so_o do_v nay_o jew_n turk_n papist_n protestant_n etc._n etc._n all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n though_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o manner_n and_o end_v of_o the_o duty_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o any_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o desirable_a for_o its_o own_o sake_n for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v use_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n and_o serve_v to_o the_o end_v propound_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o humble_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v we_o more_o sensible_a of_o our_o want_n and_o more_o fervent_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o experience_n show_v when_o it_o have_v be_v join_v with_o fervent_a prayer_n very_o great_a thing_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o it_o great_a deliverance_n have_v be_v get_v great_a mercy_n procure_v and_o great_a judgement_n divert_v now_o this_o religious_a fast_n be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a public_a when_o command_v by_o public_a authority_n and_o general_o observe_v as_o joel_n 1.19_o jonah_n 2.7_o 2_o chron._n 30.13_o and_o private_a when_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o person_n or_o family_n esther_n 4.6_o and_o of_o this_o fast_a christ_n speak_v mat._n 6.17,18_o now_o that_o you_o may_v keep_v a_o fast_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v take_v these_o follow_a direction_n 1._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v prevail_v with_o god_n in_o such_o a_o duty_n as_o this_o either_o to_o beg_v the_o mercy_n want_v for_o thyself_o or_o other_o or_o to_o divert_v the_o judgement_n feel_v or_o hear_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o be_v right_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n for_o a_o unqualified_a person_n be_v like_a to_o do_v but_o little_a good_a a_o fast_a as_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a that_o which_o be_v public_a be_v command_v by_o authority_n and_o here_o all_o man_n be_v enjoin_v for_o to_o come_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n because_o every_o man_n have_v offend_v for_o high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a noble_a and_o ignoble_a young_a and_o old_a one_o with_o another_o none_o be_v except_v no_o not_o the_o bridegroom_n or_o the_o bride_n nor_o the_o child_n that_o suck_v upon_o the_o mother_n breast_n joel_n 2.16_o gather_v the_o people_n sanctify_v the_o congregation_n assemble_v the_o elder_n gather_v the_o child_n and_o those_o that_o suck_v the_o breast_n let_v the_o bridegroom_n go_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o chamber_n and_o the_o bride_n out_o of_o her_o closet_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o very_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n be_v not_o exempt_v jonah_n 3.7,8_o let_v nither_o man_n or_o beast_n hear_v or_o flock_n taste_v any_o thing_n let_v they_o not_o feed_v or_o drink_v water_n but_o let_v man_n and_o beast_n be_v cover_v with_o sack_n cloth_n and_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n yea_o let_v they_o turn_v every_o one_o from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o the_o violence_n that_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v or_o repent_v etc._n etc._n in_o this_o fast_a the_o minister_n most_o common_o be_v their_o mouth_n to_o god_n and_o god_n mouth_n to_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v need_n of_o qualification_n for_o the_o duty_n for_o though_o he_o perform_v much_o of_o the_o external_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n yet_o the_o internal_a rest_n upon_o they_o thy_o heart_n shall_v be_v qualify_v to_o put_v up_o a_o acceptable_a prayer_n to_o god_n great_a one_o be_v not_o except_v from_o this_o duty_n for_o their_o sin_n be_v great_a yea_o perhaps_o great_a and_o admit_v of_o great_a aggravation_n than_o other_o do_v and_o their_o example_n much_o
followed_z infant_n you_o see_v though_o uncapable_a be_v not_o free_v even_o such_o as_o hang_v upon_o their_o mother_n breast_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o actual_o sin_v yet_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o sinful_a lump_n of_o mankind_n and_o deserve_a judgement_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v timely_o train_v up_o in_o this_o christian_a duty_n and_o their_o cry_n for_o meat_n and_o the_o very_a bellow_n of_o the_o beast_n may_v stick_v something_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o help_v further_o to_o humble_a and_o break_v it_o yea_o many_o of_o those_o little_a one_o be_v god_n elect_n their_o presence_n may_v be_v a_o argue_v with_o god_n to_o spare_v as_o the_o presence_n of_o jehosophat_n move_v elijah_n to_o come_v to_o ahab_n 2_o king_n 3.19_o this_o be_v one_o motive_n why_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o destroy_v niniveh_n because_o there_o be_v sixscore_o thousand_o soul_n in_o it_o that_o know_v not_o the_o right_a hand_n from_o the_o left_a but_o though_o all_o these_o come_v and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o come_v yet_o all_o come_v not_o right_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o that_o work_n if_o thou_o will_v indeed_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o turn_v away_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n from_o the_o land_n thou_o shall_v be_v one_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o that_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o thy_o soul_n one_o that_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o court_n a_o interest_n in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o can_v through_o he_o go_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n one_o that_o can_v without_o lie_v call_v god_n father_n and_o lie_v claim_v to_o the_o share_n in_o his_o promise_n one_o that_o art_n reconcile_v to_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n such_o a_o one_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v for_o mercy_n it_o be_v not_o those_o that_o howl_v for_o corn_n and_o wine_n he_o regard_v it_o be_v not_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o swine_n or_o the_o bellow_n of_o beast_n he_o matter_n if_o there_o be_v a_o full_a congregation_n of_o unconverted_a sinner_n that_o resolve_v to_o love_v and_o not_o leave_v their_o sin_n i_o question_v whether_o these_o man_n cry_n do_v not_o prevail_v more_o to_o bring_v down_o judgement_n than_o mercy_n when_o man_n covenant_n with_o â—od_n and_o promise_v obedience_n and_o never_o intend_v to_o perform_v it_o this_o be_v but_o a_o mock_n of_o god_n that_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o the_o break_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o he_o that_o can_v and_o will_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n we_o can_v deceive_v he_o though_o we_o come_v with_o tear_n in_o our_o eye_n if_o there_o be_v not_o sorrow_n in_o the_o heart_n our_o crocodile_n tear_n will_v not_o advantage_n we_o but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o weak_a gift_n and_o part_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v right_a yet_o they_o will_v be_v own_v god_n look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o the_o outside_n as_o the_o inside_n of_o duty_n though_o i_o know_v those_o that_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n especial_o in_o public_a shall_v be_v man_n of_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o be_v thus_o qualify_v it_o be_v a_o sweet_a conjunction_n where_o grace_n and_o part_n meet_v they_o shall_v know_v their_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o bewail_v and_o confess_v they_o ezra_n 9.4.6_o nehem._n 1.6,7_o they_o shall_v know_v their_o own_o want_n and_o the_o want_n of_o the_o nation_n dan._n 9.11.18_o in_o a_o word_n every_o novice_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o duty_n and_o therefore_o christ_n himself_o excuse_v his_o disciple_n for_o not_o fast_v not_o only_o because_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o but_z as_o it_o be_v conceive_v because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o duty_n luke_n 5.36,37_o mat._n 9.15,16_o 2._o direct_v will_v thou_o fast_o as_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o as_o god_n require_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o be_v right_o qualify_v but_o come_v prepare_v to_o the_o duty_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n of_o moment_n can_v be_v well_o do_v without_o preparation_n much_o less_o such_o a_o solemn_a work_n and_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a duty_n now_o the_o preparation_n requisite_a be_v partly_o external_n and_o partly_o internal_a the_o external_n help_v forward_o the_o other_o and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o on_o the_o evening_n before_o lay_v aside_o thy_o bodily_a labour_n betimes_o that_o thou_o may_v trim_v up_o thy_o lamp_n to_o meet_v the_o bride_n groom_n the_o day_n follow_v and_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n against_o the_o next_o day_n duty_n and_o take_v that_o evening_n but_o a_o moderate_a supper_n such_o as_o will_v help_v and_o not_o hinder_v thou_o in_o the_o ensue_a duty_n and_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o thou_o can_v without_o prejudice_n to_o thy_o health_n or_o hindrance_n to_o thy_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n follow_v for_o thou_o shall_v deny_v thyself_o in_o sleep_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n but_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o main_a work_n and_o so_o no_o further_o to_o be_v use_v than_o it_o be_v helpful_a to_o it_o now_o the_o main_a work_n be_v to_o get_v the_o heart_n into_o a_o melt_a frame_n and_o humble_a temper_n for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v we_o to_o come_v and_o go_v with_o the_o heart_n unbroken_a now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o the_o consideration_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n when_o they_o be_v press_v home_o upon_o the_o spirit_n by_o serious_a meditation_n call_v to_o mind_n therefore_o thy_o original_a gild_n and_o the_o pollution_n of_o thy_o nature_n and_o how_o the_o whole_a man_n soul_n and_o body_n be_v defile_v by_o it_o and_o thy_o best_a duty_n stain_v as_o also_o thy_o actual_a sin_n many_o for_o number_n and_o heinous_a for_o nature_n call_v to_o mind_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o of_o thy_o ripe_a age_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o call_v general_a and_o particular_a thy_o relation_n sin_n and_o how_o thou_o have_v fail_v in_o every_o relation_n thou_o have_v be_v in_o thy_o sin_n of_o omission_n commission_n and_o participation_n thy_o sin_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n of_o weakness_n and_o wilfulness_n against_o the_o law_n and_o against_o the_o gospel_n against_o god_n and_o against_o man_n with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o as_o against_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o love_n and_o light_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n promise_n and_o resolution_n vow_n and_o covenant_n mean_n and_o help_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o only_o thy_o own_o sin_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o family_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o relation_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v yea_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o superior_n and_o inferior_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n for_o these_o shall_v be_v confess_v as_o daniel_n do_v dan._n 9.2,3_o etc._n etc._n the_o sin_n of_o superior_n inferior_n and_o equal_n for_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o abuse_n of_o mercy_n which_o we_o have_v have_v in_o general_a in_o the_o nation_n or_o in_o particular_a ourselves_o david_n can_v mourn_v in_o secret_a when_o man_n keep_v not_o god_n law_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v mourning_n in_o zion_n and_o be_v sure_o come_v not_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o confess_v or_o bewail_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o and_o resolve_v to_o leave_v nor_o to_o bewail_v the_o omission_n of_o any_o one_o duty_n which_o thou_o be_v not_o resolve_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o practice_n nor_o to_o beg_v for_o one_o mercy_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o labour_v for_o as_o well_o as_o to_o pray_v for_o for_o if_o thou_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v thy_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o shall_v thou_o come_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o thou_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n that_o will_v not_o mock_v and_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a when_o thou_o say_v lord_n when_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o this_o mercy_n god_n may_v say_v man_z when_o will_v thou_o leave_v thy_o sin_n when_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n if_o thou_o say_v never_o god_n will_v return_v thou_o the_o like_a answer_n never_o think_v by_o thy_o prayer_n to_o benefit_n thyself_o or_o the_o church_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o reform_v thy_o own_o heart_n and_o as_o thou_o must_v consider_v thy_o sin_n so_o also_o thy_o want_n what_o mercy_n thou_o will_v beg_v for_o