apostle_n tit._n 1.15_o thing_n be_v better_a or_o worse_o to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v common_o ourselves_o now_o we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n corrupt_v and_o stark_o nought_o so_o far_o forth_o be_v other_o thing_n sanctify_v to_o we_o but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o there_o be_v any_o relic_n or_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n in_o we_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o best_a that_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o be_v be_v corrupt_v to_o we_o second_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o be_v least_o of_o all_o fear_v and_o suspect_v that_o be_v another_o ground_n of_o this_o also_o where_o thing_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n lawful_a we_o do_v very_o ready_o venture_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v bold_a with_o they_o whereas_o other_o thing_n stick_v a_o little_a with_o we_o no_o man_n surfeit_v of_o poison_n but_o of_o good_a and_o wholesome_a food_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v good_a and_o so_o it_o be_v also_o here_o in_o these_o matter_n we_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o hence_o we_o come_v to_o exceed_v in_o the_o measure_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o watchful_a over_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n to_o beg_v assistance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o guide_n and_o direct_v of_o we_o take_v heed_n of_o ourselves_o in_o thing_n lawful_a satan_n be_v there_o vigilant_a over_o we_o and_o we_o be_v apt_a soon_a to_o be_v abuse_v let_v we_o not_o rest_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v employ_v in_o but_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o affection_n in_o it_o and_o as_o i_o say_v desire_v god_n himself_o to_o watch_v over_o we_o we_o stand_v not_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o be_v safe_a no_o further_o than_o a_o better_a hand_n keep_v we_o than_o our_o own_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o present_a point_n and_o business_n in_o the_o text_n this_o work_n of_o martha_n in_o her_o feast_n and_o entertain_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v considerable_a under_o a_o double_a notion_n either_o as_o a_o part_n of_o her_o particular_a call_v as_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o good_a housewifery_n in_o she_o and_o look_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o her_o family_n or_o as_o a_o part_n of_o her_o general_a call_v as_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o hospitality_n in_o she_o and_o kindness_n which_o she_o show_v to_o christ_n and_o according_a to_o each_o of_o these_o there_o be_v somewhat_o observable_a from_o they_o from_o the_o first_o we_o learn_v thus_o much_o that_o man_n and_o woman_n may_v sin_v and_o offend_v even_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o lawful_a call_v thus_o do_v martha_n here_o this_o look_v after_o household_n affair_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o she_o call_v the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o tim._n 5.14_o lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o belong_v to_o that_o sex_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o guide_v the_o house_n this_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v very_o lawful_a and_o commendable_a in_o she_o yet_o in_o the_o manage_n and_o carriage_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a abuse_n this_o offend_v in_o point_n of_o our_o calling_n may_v be_v explain_v divers_a â—ays_n first_o when_o man_n have_v sinister_a aim_n and_o â—as_v in_o the_o follow_n of_o they_o when_o man_n aim_v only_o at_o wealth_n and_o increase_v of_o their_o estate_n and_o not_o to_o do_v service_n by_o their_o calling_n either_o â—â—â—he_a church_n or_o commonwealth_n or_o when_o they_o improve_v their_o calling_n to_o bad_a and_o unwarrantable_a purpose_n minister_n when_o they_o preach_v false_a doctrine_n soldier_n when_o they_o fight_v in_o bad_a cause_n magistrate_n when_o they_o pervert_v righteous_a judgement_n etc._n etc._n second_o when_o man_n particular_a calling_n prove_v hindrance_n and_o imediment_n to_o their_o general_n when_o man_n be_v so_o intent_n upon_o these_o that_o they_o be_v neglectful_a of_o those_o this_o be_v another_o miscarriage_n likewise_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o so_o it_o be_v of_o many_o other_o beside_o their_o calling_n entrench_v upon_o the_o sabbath_n and_o the_o lord_n day_n their_o calling_n hinder_v they_o from_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o christianity_n both_o public_a and_o private_a they_o can_v hear_v nor_o pray_v nor_o meditate_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o christain_n and_o what_o be_v the_o excuse_n of_o all_o they_o have_v so_o much_o business_n in_o their_o particular_a calling_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a abuse_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o so_o to_o be_v account_v that_o man_n which_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o be_v save_v he_o want_v leisure_n indeed_o but_o of_o this_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o hereafter_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a that_o that_o be_v a_o great_a offence_n in_o our_o calling_n when_o they_o make_v we_o neglect_v our_o soul_n three_o when_o man_n undo_v their_o body_n and_o prejudice_v their_o health_n by_o they_o there_o be_v many_o so_o intent_n upon_o their_o calling_n as_o that_o they_o whole_o neglect_v their_o health_n this_o if_o it_o be_v any_o way_n tolerable_a it_o be_v in_o our_o call_v of_o the_o ministry_n where_o yet_o also_o there_o must_v be_v a_o regard_n and_o this_o now_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o last_o observable_a in_o this_o verse_n and_o that_o be_v martha_n solicitude_n and_o distraction_n this_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n do_v chief_o and_o principal_o tax_v in_o she_o which_o we_o may_v further_o consider_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o second_o notion_n also_o of_o her_o employment_n which_o we_o may_v take_v in_o with_o it_o as_o a_o part_n of_o her_o general_a call_v in_o the_o entertainment_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n martha_n entertainment_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v this_o respect_n to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o very_a noble_a and_o honourable_a work_n and_o performance_n in_o she_o and_o such_o as_o undoubted_o proceed_v from_o her_o special_a love_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v blamable_a in_o she_o that_o she_o be_v too_o anxious_a and_o solicitous_a about_o it_o which_o we_o have_v express_v in_o three_o word_n first_o she_o be_v cumber_v second_o she_o be_v careful_a three_o she_o be_v trouble_v all_o express_v her_o distraction_n and_o all_o express_v her_o miscarriage_n in_o this_o business_n the_o point_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o a_o christian_a shall_v have_v a_o free_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n and_o mind_n in_o those_o business_n which_o be_v undertake_v by_o he_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v whether_o matter_n of_o his_o particular_a call_v or_o general_a he_o shall_v still_o be_v careful_a to_o attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n martha_n be_v here_o censure_v because_o she_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v this_o be_v a_o temper_n ill-becoming_a a_o christian_n it_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v too_o cark_n and_o care_v and_o paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 4.6_o first_o distraction_n it_o do_v no_o way_n further_o or_o promote_v which_o of_o you_o by_o take_v care_n can_v add_v one_o cubit_n to_o his_o stature_n mat._n 6.27_o moderate_a care_n it_o further_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o mean_n conduce_v to_o such_o a_o end_n but_o anxiousness_n it_o do_v not_o further_o at_o all_o it_o carry_v no_o influence_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o produce_v of_o such_o and_o such_o effect_n second_o distraction_n it_o do_v very_o much_o hinder_v and_o put_v back_o both_o formal_o and_o demeritorious_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o weaken_v the_o mind_n and_o make_v it_o unfit_a for_o service_n and_o also_o moreover_o procure_v some_o displeasure_n from_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n when_o we_o so_o far_o distrust_v his_o providence_n as_o to_o be_v inordinate_o careful_a and_o solicitous_a about_o any_o thing_n we_o take_v in_o hand_n three_o distraction_n it_o do_v contract_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o guilt_n with_o it_o it_o be_v very_o sinful_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v it_o be_v a_o very_a vicious_a and_o inordinate_a affection_n as_o that_o which_o cast_v a_o disparagement_n upon_o his_o promise_n and_o care_n over_o his_o people_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o all_o we_o can_v to_o labour_n and_o strive_v against_o it_o it_o be_v that_o which_o ill-becomes_a a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n and_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n have_v great_a victory_n over_o themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a but_o it_o
god_n a_o people_n of_o inheritance_n as_o we_o shall_v serve_v god_n in_o our_o own_o generation_n so_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n that_o other_o may_v likewise_o serve_v he_o in_o they_o and_o thereby_o propagate_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o we_o have_v see_v the_o end_n of_o god_n deliver_v of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v be_v to_o he_o a_o people_n of_o inheritance_n now_o further_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o it_o also_o as_o a_o consequent_a and_o so_o see_v the_o connexion_n of_o these_o two_o both_o together_o how_o do_v god_n bring_v his_o people_n forth_o out_o of_o egypt_n make_v they_o to_o be_v to_o he_o a_o people_n of_o inheritance_n namely_o thus_o far_o as_o they_o have_v now_o large_a opportunity_n for_o the_o serve_v of_o he_o afford_v unto_o they_o while_o they_o be_v in_o egypt_n they_o be_v there_o restrain_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a people_n which_o they_o be_v mingle_v withal_o but_o now_o be_v escape_v they_o be_v more_o at_o liberty_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o advantage_n which_o we_o shall_v still_o make_v of_o such_o opportunity_n that_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n as_o it_o be_v there_o in_o zacharys_n song_n luk._n 1._o vers_fw-la 74.75_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o particular_a observable_a in_o this_o second_o general_n viz._n the_o design_n itself_o to_o be_v etc._n etc._n the_o second_o be_v the_o amplification_n of_o it_o that_o we_o have_v in_o those_o word_n as_o you_o be_v this_o day_n in_o which_o clause_n we_o have_v three_o thing_n especial_o hint_v to_o we_o concern_v god_n first_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o purpose_n second_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o promise_n three_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o performance_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o purpose_n god_n do_v whatsoever_o he_o decree_v and_o propound_v to_o himself_o he_o have_v propound_v this_o to_o make_v israel_n a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o himself_o and_o he_o have_v now_o at_o this_o day_n perform_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v so_o that_o we_o see_v how_o there_o be_v nothing_o stand_v in_o his_o way_n for_o the_o hinder_v of_o what_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o he_o speak_v and_o it_o be_v do_v he_o command_v and_o it_o stand_v fast_o psal_n 33.9_o our_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v psal_n 115._o vers_fw-la 3._o this_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o and_o encourage_v we_o as_o to_o our_o expectation_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o god_n thought_n of_o peace_n towards_o it_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v sure_a as_o if_o we_o see_v they_o do_v already_o before_o our_o eye_n wheresoever_o he_o intend_v good_a unto_o they_o their_o good_a shall_v not_o be_v keep_v from_o they_o but_o shall_v certain_o be_v effect_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o all_o the_o attempt_n to_o the_o contrary_n they_o prove_v in_o vain_a as_o for_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n they_o be_v both_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n and_o to_o let_v they_o go_v out_o of_o their_o land_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o bondage_n and_o service_n still_o and_o they_o think_v they_o deal_v very_o wise_o in_o so_o contrive_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o exod._n 1._o vers_fw-la 10.4.5_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o miss_v of_o their_o mark_n and_o their_o aim_n as_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o event_n and_o as_o it_o be_v now_o at_o this_o present_a day_n with_o they_o that_o be_v the_o first_o accomplishment_n of_o god_n purpose_n the_o second_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o promise_n as_o to_o the_o performance_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o also_o as_o you_o be_v at_o this_o day_n we_o see_v how_o punctual_a god_n be_v with_o they_o to_o a_o day_n he_o keep_v his_o time_n to_o a_o moment_n and_o as_o he_o have_v long_o ago_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v bring_v his_o people_n out_o of_o that_o land_n so_o he_o now_o effect_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v all_o god_n promise_n they_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_o 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 have_v he_o say_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o do_v it_o or_o have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o make_v it_o good_a as_o it_o be_v numb_a 23.19_o therefore_o let_v we_o rest_v upon_o his_o promise_n wherever_o he_o do_v vouchsafe_v they_o to_o we_o and_o comfort_n and_o encourage_v ourselves_o by_o they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o point_n as_o to_o corporal_a deliverance_n so_o to_o spiritual_a he_o promise_v for_o tread_v down_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o death_n and_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o the_o thraldom_n and_o captivity_n of_o they_o which_o he_o will_v sure_o do_v for_o we_o the_o three_o and_o last_o be_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o performance_n as_o you_o be_v this_o day_n namely_o in_o the_o fruit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o this_o be_v perform_v forty_o year_n ago_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o yet_o moses_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o do_v at_o that_o day_n to_o wit_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o benefit_n which_o thereby_o do_v redound_v unto_o they_o god_n mercy_n they_o be_v mercy_n of_o extent_n which_o do_v not_o only_o reach_v to_o the_o present_a time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o wought_v but_o also_o to_o many_o succeed_a generation_n now_o from_o hence_o will_v follow_v another_o point_n as_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v here_o also_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o that_o be_v that_o we_o be_v according_o to_o remember_v they_o and_o call_v they_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o so_o from_o thence_o make_v they_o fresh_a unto_o we_o as_o if_o do_v at_o this_o present_a time_n it_o be_v that_o which_o moses_n endeavour_v to_o make_v these_o israelite_n to_o do_v here_o in_o the_o text_n who_o mind_v they_o of_o a_o mercy_n which_o be_v do_v many_o year_n ago_o for_o they_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v do_v for_o they_o just_a at_o that_o time_n this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o narration_n and_o this_o also_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o other_o place_n thus_o psal_n 78.1.6_o give_v ear_n o_o my_o people_n to_o my_o law_n incline_v your_o ear_n to_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n i_o will_v open_v my_o mouth_n in_o a_o parable_n i_o will_v utter_v dark_a say_n of_o old_a which_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o know_v and_o our_o father_n have_v tell_v we_o we_o will_v not_o hide_v they_o from_o their_o child_n show_v to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o strength_n and_o his_o wonderful_a work_n that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o establish_v a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n which_o he_o command_v our_o father_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v they_o know_v to_o their_o child_n that_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v know_v they_o even_o the_o child_n which_o shall_v be_v bear_v who_o shall_v arise_v and_o declare_v they_o to_o their_o child_n etc._n etc._n thus_o there_o be_v very_a good_a ground_n for_o first_o because_o the_o mercy_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o time_n do_v not_o take_v away_o from_o the_o greatness_n or_o largeness_n of_o it_o that_o which_o be_v do_v so_o many_o year_n ago_o be_v as_o great_a a_o mercy_n as_o if_o do_v at_o this_o day_n three_o because_o one_o age_n alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o praise_v god_n for_o they_o therefore_o posterity_n must_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o for_o they_o the_o child_n must_v herein_o help_v the_o father_n to_o publish_v and_o set_v forth_o god_n praise_n for_o the_o mercy_n bestow_v upon_o they_o this_o therefore_o shall_v be_v our_o own_o particular_a practice_n as_o we_o have_v any_o occasion_n afford_v we_o for_o it_o not_o content_v ourselves_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o mercy_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o at_o present_a but_o which_o have_v a_o long_a time_n be_v bestow_v upon_o one_o to_o another_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o or_o upon_o ourselves_o though_o for_o many_o year_n past_a to_o conclude_v our_o meditation_n on_o this_o text_n we_o may_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o thing_n more_o with_o which_o i_o will_v shut_v up_o first_o the_o inlargement_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o people_n we_o see_v here_o in_o how_o many_o particular_n he_o express_v himself_o towards_o they_o first_o in_o that_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o that_o sad_a condition_n in_o which_o they_o be_v though_o in_o
in_o out_o cry_v in_o robbery_n in_o fire_n and_o the_o like_a in_o what_o ever_o calamity_n we_o can_v think_v off_o as_o tend_v upon_o the_o night_n how_o comfortable_a i_o say_v be_v this_o to_o a_o believe_a soul_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o be_v to_o be_v with_o god_n still_o when_o he_o awake_v this_o be_v the_o privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o such_o person_n as_o we_o have_v it_o further_o declare_v unto_o we_o in_o psal_n 91.5_o where_o speak_v to_o a_o man_n that_o maintain_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o most_o high_a he_o have_v this_o expression_n about_o he_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a for_o the_o terror_n by_o night_n nor_o for_o the_o arrow_n that_o fly_v by_o day_n nor_o for_o the_o pestilence_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n nor_o for_o the_o destruction_n that_o waste_v at_o noon_n day_n a_o thousand_o shall_v shall_fw-mi at_o thy_o side_n and_o ten_o thousand_o at_o thy_o right_a hand_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o thou_o hence_o he_o say_v again_o of_o himself_o psal_n 23.4_o though_o i_o shall_v walk_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadaw_n of_o death_n i_o will_v fear_v no_o evil_a for_o thou_o be_v with_o i_o thy_o rod_n and_o thy_o staff_n they_o comfort_v i_o in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n that_o be_v as_o we_o may_v explain_v it_o in_o the_o night_n for_o as_o sleep_n be_v the_o shadow_n of_o death_n so_o be_v the_o night_n the_o valley_n of_o that_o shadow_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a yea_o thou_o shall_v lie_v down_o and_o thy_o sleep_n shall_v be_v sweet_a be_v not_o afraid_a of_o sudden_a fear_n neither_o of_o the_o desolation_n of_o the_o wicked_a when_o it_o come_v for_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v thy_o confidence_n and_o shall_v keep_v thy_o foot_n from_o be_v take_v second_o it_o quicken_v to_o duty_n this_o wake_n with_o god_n in_o the_o morning_n it_o keep_v the_o heart_n in_o a_o holy_a frame_n and_o temper_v all_o the_o day_n after_o it_o make_v we_o so_o much_o the_o fit_a for_o those_o holy_a exercise_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o yea_o indeed_o for_o any_o thing_n the_o duty_n of_o our_o or_o ordinary_a calling_n and_o common_a and_o domestic_a affair_n they_o come_v off_o much_o the_o round_o from_o we_o as_o we_o make_v introduction_n to_o they_o by_o communion_n first_o with_o god_n three_o it_o prevent_v from_o sin_n and_o temptation_n at_o the_o least_o the_o prevalency_n of_o it_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v neglect_v god_n at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o open_n and_o begin_v of_o the_o day_n god_n many_o give_v he_o over_o to_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o it_o but_o now_o when_o he_o shall_v close_v with_o he_o betimes_o he_o will_v be_v watchful_a over_o he_o to_o preserve_v he_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v understanding_n shall_v keep_v his_o heart_n and_o mind_n through_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 4.7_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o several_a privilege_n and_o benefit_n that_o do_v attend_v upon_o this_o practice_n the_o use_n of_o all_o come_v to_o this_o even_o to_o excite_v we_o and_o provoke_v we_o and_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o all_o that_o may_v be_v as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n but_o also_o our_o advantage_n and_o confirm_v to_o we_o by_o the_o practice_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n we_o shall_v be_v much_o in_o this_o heavenly_a course_n of_o retire_v to_o god_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o special_o when_o we_o first_o awake_v to_o be_v still_o with_o he_o in_o all_o the_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v now_o give_v of_o it_o we_o shall_v wake_v ourselves_o and_o also_o wake_v he_o as_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o advise_v we_o and_o give_v we_o a_o example_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o church_n awake_v lord_n why_o sleep_v thou_o arise_v cast_v we_o not_o off_o for_o ever_o as_o it_o be_v in_o psal_n 44.23_o i_o have_v set_v watchman_n upon_o thy_o wall_n o_o jerusalem_n which_o shall_v not_o hold_v their_o peace_n day_n nor_o night_n you_o which_o be_v the_o lord_n remembrancer_n keep_v not_o silence_n and_o give_v he_o no_o rest_n till_o he_o establish_v and_o till_o he_o make_v jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n isa_n 62.6_o 7._o whatever_o we_o be_v mindful_a else_o of_o in_o any_o of_o our_o address_n to_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v still_o mindful_a of_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o put_v himself_o in_o mind_n of_o it_o not_o give_v sleep_n to_o our_o eye_n nor_o slumber_n to_o our_o eyelid_n till_o he_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n prevail_v with_o he_o for_o it_o there_o be_v a_o special_a emphasis_n in_o the_o word_n if_o you_o observe_v they_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o which_o denote_v continuance_n and_o perseverance_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v sudden_a flash_n and_o stir_n of_o good_a thought_n in_o we_o when_o we_o awake_v in_o the_o night_n or_o in_o the_o morning_n or_o at_o any_o other_o time_n of_o contemplation_n no_o but_o we_o must_v abide_v and_o fasten_v upon_o they_o i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o that_o be_v as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v i_o be_o yet_o with_o thou_o gnoâ—hi_o gnimal_n yet_o and_o yet_o and_o yet_o like_a friend_n that_o be_v like_a to_o depart_v and_o leave_v one_o another_o i_o be_o so_o with_o thou_o as_o that_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v from_o thou_o we_o shall_v please_v and_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o such_o a_o bless_a course_n as_o this_o be_v and_o that_o i_o say_v especial_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o upon_o our_o first_o awaken_n as_o indeed_o all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o shall_v be_v still_o suck_v and_o draw_v from_o he_o in_o set_v and_o limit_v time_n of_o duty_n there_o may_v be_v sometime_o if_o we_o look_v not_o better_o to_o it_o much_o of_o custom_n and_o formality_n and_o the_o do_v of_o thing_n as_o a_o tush_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o a_o continue_a frame_n of_o piety_n and_o inclination_n towards_o god_n be_v most_o satisfactory_a and_o acceptable_a and_o have_v a_o better_a evidence_n with_o it_o though_o the_o other_o likewise_o in_o its_o place_n be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v and_o as_o on_o all_o other_o day_n whatsoever_o so_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n more_o especial_o we_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o wake_v with_o god_n then_o we_o shall_v still_o with_o he_o and_o with_o he_o indeed_o as_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o rise_v in_o the_o morning_n of_o it_o whereby_o he_o do_v in_o some_o manner_n sanctify_v it_o and_o set_v it_o apart_o for_o we_o so_o shall_v we_o then_o be_v careful_a especial_o to_o rise_v in_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o meditation_n as_o he_o then_o awake_v from_o death_n so_o shall_v we_o at_o such_o time_n especial_o awake_a both_o from_o sleep_n and_o sin_n and_o be_v watchful_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n awake_v my_o glory_n awake_v psaltery_a and_o harp_n i_o myself_o will_v awake_v right_a early_a psal_n 57.8_o read_v psal_n 92._o to_o this_o purpose_n which_o be_v a_o psalm_n pen_v for_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o sing_v praise_n unto_o his_o name_n o_o most_o high_a to_o show_v forth_o thy_o love_a kindness_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o thy_o faithfulness_n every_o night_n upon_o a_o instrument_n of_o ten_o string_n and_o upon_o the_o psaltery_a upon_o the_o harp_n with_o solemn_a sound_n for_o thou_o lord_n have_v make_v i_o glad_a through_o thy_o work_n i_o will_v triumph_v in_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n o_o lord_n how_o great_a be_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o thought_n be_v very_o deep_a a_o brutish_a man_n know_v not_o neither_o do_v a_o fool_n understand_v this_o etc._n etc._n now_o if_o you_o shall_v ask_v how_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o this_o bless_a condition_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v when_o we_o awake_v to_o be_v thus_o still_o with_o god_n i_o answer_v brief_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o follow_a direction_n as_o pertinent_a hereunto_o first_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o the_o day_n the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v link_v and_o chain_v together_o and_o come_v off_o more_o easy_o in_o the_o conjunctive_a performance_n of_o each_o other_o thus_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o meditation_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n conscionable_o and_o religious_o perform_v do_v so_o much_o the_o better_a dispose_n to_o more_o immediate_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o the_o action_n of_o the_o day_n have_v
not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o ephes_n 5.17_o his_o doctrinal_a will_n and_o his_o preceptive_a will_n that_o both_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o yea_o and_o his_o providential_a will_v to_o in_o part_n it_o may_v sometime_o be_v conjecture_v at_o by_o we_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o but_o to_o attend_v unto_o it_o as_o it_o may_v be_v also_o hint_v in_o that_o place_n by_o reflect_v upon_o the_o verse_n before_o redeem_v the_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a wherefore_o be_v you_o not_o unwise_a but_o understanding_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v know_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n as_o to_o particular_a and_o determinate_a dispensation_n till_o he_o reveal_v it_o and_o discover_v it_o in_o the_o event_n but_o we_o may_v somewhat_o know_v it_o in_o the_o general_n scope_n and_o drift_n of_o it_o long_o before_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v any_o thing_n pertinent_a and_o preparative_n thereunto_o and_o his_o manner_n of_o deal_v and_o carriage_n in_o former_a day_n and_o time_n of_o the_o world_n at_o least_o which_o do_v most_o concern_v we_o we_o may_v know_v it_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o belong_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o child_n of_o issachar_n that_o be_v man_n that_o have_v understand_v of_o the_o time_n to_o know_v what_o israel_n ought_v to_o do_v this_o be_v that_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o according_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v after_o by_o ourselves_o though_o we_o can_v know_v what_o god_n will_v do_v yet_o we_o know_v what_o ourselves_o shall_v do_v in_o order_n to_o his_o several_a do_n this_o be_v obtain_v divers_a way_n first_o by_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o will_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v whether_o we_o take_v it_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o of_o himself_o psal_n 25.12_o what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o to_o practice_v the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o ver_fw-la 14._o second_o by_o humility_n and_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n proud_a and_o self-conceited_a person_n who_o be_v wise_a enough_o as_o they_o think_v without_o god_n he_o will_v not_o impart_v his_o counsel_n to_o they_o they_o be_v too_o full_a of_o the_o contrivance_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n no_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n psal_n 25.9_o three_o by_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n those_o who_o be_v much_o in_o god_n company_n they_o know_v much_o of_o his_o counsel_n and_o much_o of_o his_o mind_n we_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o he_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o god_n acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o sodom_n the_o disciple_n of_o the_o bosom_n have_v the_o privilege_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o christ_n secret_n and_o be_v therefore_o put_v upon_o it_o to_o inquire_v second_o when_o we_o know_v god_n counsel_n be_v careful_a to_o acknowledge_v it_o do_v not_o resist_v or_o stand_v out_o against_o it_o but_o meek_o close_a with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o do_v it_o though_o ignorant_o and_o for_o want_n of_o apprehension_n whatever_o be_v own_v of_o god_n himself_o it_o shall_v be_v own_v of_o we_o because_o that_o which_o be_v own_v of_o god_n it_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v esablish_v by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o gamalial_a in_o the_o counsel_n act_v 5.38_o if_o this_o counsel_n or_o this_o work_n be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v it_o lest_o haply_o you_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o thing_n proceed_v from_o the_o lord_n we_o can_v speak_v to_o thou_o either_o good_a or_o bad_a as_o laban_n and_o bethuel_n about_o rebecca_n gen._n 40.50_o and_o as_o the_o friend_n of_o paul_n about_o he_o after_o much_o importunity_n with_o he_o when_o we_o see_v he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v we_o cease_v say_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v do_v act._n 21.14_o there_o be_v man_n device_n and_o there_o be_v god_n counsel_n in_o those_o device_n the_o former_a be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v own_v the_o latter_a be_v where_o it_o be_v at_o any_o time_n discernible_a of_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v rest_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o if_o we_o let_v god_n have_v his_o will_n it_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a for_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o he_o will_v have_v it_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n last_o of_o all_o see_v his_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v therefore_o improve_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o have_v recourse_n with_o it_o we_o shall_v hence_o learn_v to_o resolve_v with_o god_n and_o to_o take_v he_o into_o consultation_n with_o we_o without_o who_o all_o our_o device_n will_v come_v to_o nothing_o the_o word_n here_o use_v for_o device_n do_v signify_v proper_o reckon_n or_o account_n which_o be_v no_o far_o authentic_a then_o as_o the_o lord_n give_v allowance_n to_o they_o what_o be_v other_o then_o so_o it_o be_v a_o reckon_n without_o a_o man_n host_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v it_o be_v man_n purpose_n but_o god_n dispose_v therefore_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o in_o all_o our_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o it_o be_v our_o great_a happiness_n and_o advantage_n that_o we_o may_v have_v god_n to_o be_v of_o counsel_n in_o our_o behalf_n who_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o hold_v ourselves_o to_o that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o we_o even_o the_o best_a of_o god_n servant_n themselves_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o advantage_n from_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n though_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o have_v by_o god_n himself_o determine_v and_o resolve_v for_o they_o his_o counsel_n for_o we_o be_v more_o than_o his_o counsel_n to_o we_o or_o his_o counsel_n in_o we_o because_o this_o latter_a be_v imperfect_a and_o mingle_v with_o much_o ignorance_n and_o perverseness_n and_o unsettledness_n of_o our_o own_o whereas_o the_o other_o be_v pure_a and_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a and_o free_a from_o exception_n which_o shall_v make_v we_o both_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o it_o and_o to_o depend_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a comfort_n and_o security_n and_o our_o best_a hold_n be_v god_n counsel_n shall_v stand_v therefore_o from_o hence_o cast_v away_o all_o solicitous_a and_o distract_n fear_n be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v to_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n shall_v keep_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v also_o with_o the_o second_o general_n part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o the_o former_a assertion_n and_o so_o with_o the_o whole_a verse_n itself_o there_o be_v many_o device_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xxxiv_o prov._n 22.3_o a_o prudent_a man_n forsee_v the_o evil_a and_o hide_v himself_o but_o the_o simple_a pass_n on_o and_o be_v punish_v as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o goodness_n and_o condescension_n in_o god_n to_o give_v warning_n before_o he_o strike_v and_o proceed_v to_o punishment_n so_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o god_n people_n to_o take_v warning_n and_o admonition_n from_o he_o in_o his_o alarm_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v the_o better_o escape_v those_o punishment_n that_o be_v threaten_v by_o he_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o in_o the_o text_n itself_o we_o have_v two_o general_a part_n considerable_a of_o we_o first_o the_o specification_n of_o the_o person_n second_o the_o different_a account_n which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o the_o person_n specify_v they_o be_v the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a express_v under_o those_o two_o title_n of_o prudent_a and_o simple_a the_o account_n which_o be_v different_o give_v of_o they_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o several_a part_n refer_v to_o each_o of_o the_o prudent_a in_o two_o particular_n his_o forecast_a itself_o together_o with_o his_o improvement_n of_o it_o he_o forseeth_a the_o evil_n and_o hide_v himself_o and_o the_o simple_a in_o two_o more_o his_o sinful_a security_n toether_o with_o the_o ill_a success_n of_o that_o likewise_o the_o simple_a pass_n on_o and_o be_v punish_v
again_o so_o grace_n in_o the_o great_a decay_n it_o have_v still_o a_o root_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o there_o be_v life_n at_o the_o heart_n when_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o body_n be_v as_o it_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n here_o considerable_a it_o shall_v not_o be_v lose_v or_o take_v away_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o root_n and_o principle_n the_o second_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o its_o operation_n and_o effect_n which_o it_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o better_a part_n shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o thus_o it_o still_o leave_v somewhat_o behind_o it_o which_o be_v sure_a to_o stick_v fast_o those_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o holy_a duty_n and_o well_o employ_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o still_o get_v somewhat_o or_o other_o which_o hereupon_o cleave_v unto_o they_o either_o more_o knowledge_n or_o more_o favour_n or_o more_o affection_n or_o more_o comfort_n or_o somewhat_o there_o be_v a_o better_a tincture_n and_o impression_n upon_o they_o than_o be_v before_o and_o so_o it_o continue_v other_o thing_n as_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n they_o pass_v with_o the_o very_a act_n of_o they_o and_o they_o leave_v nothing_o at_o all_o upon_o the_o heart_n but_o that_o which_o iâ—_n naught_o like_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v over_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o now_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o sit_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n with_o mary_n here_o in_o the_o text._n this_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n which_o it_o leave_v behind_o it_o it_o abide_v and_o remain_v still_o when_o the_o ordinance_n cease_v yet_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o still_o continue_v and_o when_o the_o bible_n itself_o be_v lose_v yet_o the_o benefit_n which_o come_v by_o read_v of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v lose_v nor_o take_v away_o with_o it_o it_o hold_v in_o regard_n of_o its_o effect_n three_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o reward_n and_o recompense_n both_o here_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o another_o world_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o so_o neither_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o shall_v lose_v any_o thing_n by_o his_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o religion_n but_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v it_o abundant_o supply_v and_o make_v up_o unto_o he_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o lose_v his_o reward_n godliness_n it_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o it_o have_v the_o promise_n and_o it_o have_v also_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o be_v promise_v together_o with_o it_o first_o even_o here_o in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v a_o reward_n of_o piety_n here_o especial_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o itself_o in_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o that_o quietness_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o duty_n conscientious_o perform_v be_v thus_o far_o a_o reward_n to_o itself_o and_o carry_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n in_o its_o own_o bosom_n in_o the_o keep_n of_o thy_o commandment_n be_v great_a reward_n psal_n 19.12_o and_o then_o second_o for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v there_o it_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v reward_v to_o purpose_n even_o where_o at_o present_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v neglect_v this_o better_a part_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o better_a part_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o some_o kind_n of_o eye_n and_o apprehension_n nay_o it_o rather_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o contrary_n to_o be_v lose_v and_o take_v away_o in_o regard_n of_o any_o good_a that_o come_v by_o it_o oh_o but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n a_o come_n when_o it_o shall_v appear_v and_o be_v make_v good_a abundant_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n heb._n 6.10_o and_o gal._n 6.9_o let_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a in_o well-doing_n for_o in_o due_a season_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o what_o shall_v we_o reap_v why_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a as_o it_o follow_v there_o in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o in_o 2_o joh._n 8._o there_o be_v mention_n make_v of_o a_o full_a reward_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o point_n may_v be_v thus_o far_o useful_a to_o we_o first_o as_o it_o may_v show_v we_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o religion_n and_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v nothing_o here_o below_o that_o we_o can_v absolute_o and_o peremptory_o conclude_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o we_o there_o be_v a_o great_a uncertainty_n upon_o it_o all_o the_o good_n of_o this_o present_a world_n they_o be_v moveable_n as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o favour_n and_o riches_n and_o honour_n they_o be_v all_o easy_o take_v away_o we_o have_v frequent_a experience_n of_o it_o upon_o every_o occasion_n and_o life_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o they_o all_o and_o whereupon_o they_o depend_v that_o be_v soon_o and_o quick_o at_o a_o end_n with_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o the_o long_a but_o this_o now_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o grace_n and_o piety_n that_o it_o be_v of_o eternal_a continuance_n the_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n abide_v for_o ever_o 1_o joh._n 2.17_o second_o this_o may_v serve_v also_o to_o encourage_v we_o and_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o a_o attendance_n upon_o those_o duty_n and_o exercise_n which_o be_v pertinent_a thereunto_o of_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o meditation_n and_o holy_a conference_n and_o the_o like_a such_o as_o these_o as_o this_o gracious_a woman_n here_o be_v employ_v in_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v loser_n but_o gainer_n by_o they_o in_o our_o spiritual_a part_n and_o beside_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o eternal_a reward_n which_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o they_o in_o the_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o they_o whatever_o diligence_n and_o industry_n be_v use_v by_o we_o herein_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v our_o own_o another_o day_n as_o we_o use_v to_o express_v it_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o our_o own_o experience_n it_o will_v stick_v by_o we_o when-as_a every_o thing_n else_o will_v give_v we_o the_o slip_n and_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o from_o we_o as_o i_o say_v before_o yea_o when_o the_o duty_n themselves_o be_v at_o a_o end_n as_o christ_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v all_o in_o all_o yet_o the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o they_o shall_v yet_o abide_v and_o continue_v still_o for_o ever_o and_o further_o let_v we_o remember_v to_o be_v conversant_a in_o these_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n after_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o be_v here_o employ_v and_o suppose_v when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o mary_n choose_v the_o better_a part_n she_o do_v not_o only_o sit_v at_o christ_n foot_n and_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o her_o outward_a car_n but_o she_o close_v with_o christ_n spirit_n and_o her_o heart_n open_v unto_o he_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o have_v it_o with_o we_o in_o such_o performance_n to_o choose_v the_o better_a part_n of_o the_o better_a part_n for_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n have_v a_o excellency_n consider_v in_o themselves_o above_o common_a and_o worldly_a performance_n and_o so_o be_v the_o better_a part_n in_o comparison_n of_o they_o so_o the_o spiritual_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n have_v a_o excellency_n consider_v in_o itself_o above_o the_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o be_v the_o better_a part_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o and_o we_o be_v to_o take_v it_o here_o in_o the_o text_n in_o this_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o it_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o commend_v mary_n only_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o her_o employment_n but_o also_o moreover_o from_o her_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n in_o it_o this_o be_v that_o therefore_o i_o say_v which_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v even_o to_o be_v spiritual_a in_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o to_o have_v a_o frame_n of_o heart_n answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o performance_n wherein_o we_o be_v employ_v that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v both_o the_o better_a in_o they_o and_o the_o better_a for_o they_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o this_o martha_n have_v
particular_a now_o therefore_o do_v christ_n here_o by_o his_o spirit_n awaken_v the_o habit_n and_o provoke_v we_o and_o set_v we_o on_o do_v make_v we_o ready_a and_o prepare_v as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o every_o good_a work_n three_o he_o assist_v the_o act_n that_o be_v he_o help_v and_o concur_v with_o we_o in_o the_o very_a performance_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o now_o especial_o speak_v of_o at_o this_o present_a time_n as_o considerable_a of_o we_o to_o this_o purpose_n for_o we_o though_o we_o have_v some_o general_a power_n and_o ability_n for_o such_o a_o duty_n and_o withal_o some_o kind_n of_o desire_n and_o propensity_n towards_o it_o yet_o we_o can_v particular_o act_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o about_o without_o the_o immediate_a help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n carry_v we_o &_o bring_v we_o through_o it_o for_o partly_o our_o own_o natural_a corruption_n which_o remain_v still_o in_o part_n in_o we_o do_v retard_v we_o and_o keep_v we_o back_o and_o partly_o satan_n join_v with_o our_o corruption_n do_v exceed_o hinder_v and_o interrupt_v we_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o strong_a than_o each_o come_v between_o which_o may_v scatter_v the_o power_n of_o either_o and_o may_v help_v our_o infirmity_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n complain_v sometime_o of_o himself_o that_o to_o will_v be_v present_a with_o he_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a he_o find_v not_o rom._n 7.17_o and_o speak_v of_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o bounty_n to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o require_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o readiness_n to_o will_n so_o there_o may_v be_v a_o performance_n also_o of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v 2_o cor._n 8.11_o because_o these_o two_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v possible_o separate_v and_o divide_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o oftentimes_o be_v but_o now_o christ_n he_o join_v they_o both_o together_o wheresoever_o he_o please_v the_o act_n with_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o performance_n together_o with_o the_o will_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o or_o else_o they_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o concur_v or_o meet_v together_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v without_o he_o assist_v of_o we_o in_o the_o very_a act_n and_o point_n of_o performance_n and_o god_n will_v have_v it_o thus_o to_o be_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n as_o namely_o first_o of_o all_o that_o so_o hereby_o he_o may_v keep_v we_o in_o a_o humble_a frame_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o dependence_n and_o subordination_n he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o see_v how_o that_o all_o our_o strength_n lie_v in_o himself_o and_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o any_o further_a than_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o concur_v with_o we_o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o engage_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n be_v from_o he_o so_o likewise_o the_o proceed_n and_o the_o further_a act_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o according_a to_o that_o also_o of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o philippian_n he_o that_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v perform_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o and_o he_o must_v perform_v it_o too_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v perform_v at_o all_o or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o be_v so_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o boldness_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a certainty_n and_o assurance_n which_o he_o have_v of_o it_o be_v confident_a of_o this_o very_a thing_n phil._n 1.6_o where_o by_o the_o way_n while_o it_o be_v say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v perform_v such_o and_o such_o good_a work_n it_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o subject_a of_o those_o work_n but_o only_o as_o the_o essicient_a not_o as_o if_o he_o himself_o do_v believe_v or_o repent_v or_o hope_v or_o any_o such_o as_o this_o but_o that_o he_o help_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v so_o which_o be_v observable_a in_o he_o he_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2.13_o and_o all_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o make_v we_o pure_a in_o spirit_n and_o sensible_a of_o our_o own_o insufficiency_n for_o humility_n it_o be_v the_o beatify_a grace_n it_o be_v that_o which_o do_v adorn_v and_o set_v forth_o all_o other_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o which_o god_n take_v so_o much_o delight_n to_o see_v act_v and_o flourish_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o take_v such_o a_o course_n as_o this_o be_v with_o we_o again_o second_o god_n will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o likewise_o that_o so_o we_o may_v relish_v the_o great_a comfort_n and_o sweetness_n in_o that_o which_o we_o do_v for_o whilst_o we_o have_v strength_n communicate_v to_o we_o from_o christ_n in_o every_o performance_n our_o heart_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o cheer_v and_o enlarge_v in_o it_o while_o we_o apprehend_v his_o assistance_n of_o we_o to_o be_v a_o pledge_n of_o his_o special_a love_n and_o favour_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o we_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v we_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o lively_a and_o comfortable_a in_o that_o which_o be_v undertake_v by_o we_o three_o that_o hereby_o christ_n may_v have_v the_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n from_o we_o as_o not_o only_o the_o author_n but_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n style_v he_o heb._n 12.2_o that_o be_v not_o only_o as_o of_o he_o that_o begin_v but_o that_o perfect_v grace_n in_o we_o and_o the_o author_n not_o only_o of_o salvation_n as_o the_o end_n but_o of_o sanctification_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o tend_v to_o it_o and_o of_o this_o sanctification_n of_o all_o the_o work_n and_o and_o operation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o better_a enlarge_n and_o illustrate_v of_o this_o point_n yet_o still_o further_o unto_o we_o while_o it_o be_v say_v that_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o here_o be_v a_o exclusion_n of_o a_o threefold_a strength_n as_o but_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o this_o purpose_n first_o the_o strength_n of_o mere_a natural_a part_n second_o the_o strength_n of_o mere_a habitual_a grace_n three_o the_o strength_n of_o no_o more_o than_o former_a assistance_n first_o i_o say_v the_o strength_n of_o mere_a natural_a part_n it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o will_v do_v the_o deed_n we_o know_v that_o natural_a part_n they_o do_v many_o time_n make_v a_o great_a show_n and_o lustre_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o man_n may_v go_v sometime_o very_o far_o with_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v apply_v unto_o they_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o any_o purpose_n or_o so_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o be_v very_o defective_a man_n may_v be_v able_a sometime_o hereby_o as_o i_o show_v you_o the_o last_o day_n to_o reach_v perhaps_o to_o the_o outward_a shell_n and_o hull_n of_o the_o action_n and_o carry_v it_o as_o it_o may_v be_v very_o glorious_o and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o humane_a applause_n but_o to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o to_o perform_v it_o so_o as_o whereby_o it_o may_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v that_o which_o such_o as_o these_o only_a can_v reach_v or_o attain_v unto_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n some_o of_o they_o though_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o mortification_n which_o they_o can_v accomplish_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o fall_v very_o short_a and_o wide_o of_o it_o second_o the_o strength_n of_o mere_a habitual_a grace_n it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n neither_o though_o habitual_a grace_n be_v very_o good_a and_o necessary_a also_o in_o order_n to_o spiritual_a performance_n yet_o this_o alone_a and_o of_o itself_o be_v not_o sufficient_a it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o but_o it_o be_v requisite_a also_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v somewhat_o else_o with_o it_o beside_o that_o especial_o according_a as_o the_o ease_n and_o condition_n may_v be_v with_o we_o it_o be_v not_o any_o inherent_a grace_n of_o our_o own_o which_o be_v our_o security_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n but_o the_o assist_v and_o strengthen_v and_o quicken_a grace_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o do_v actual_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o those_o fruit_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o which_o he_o have_v already_o bestow_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o principle_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n concur_v with_o they_o in_o we_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o eminent_a example_n in_o the_o apostle_n
peter_n as_o concern_v his_o denial_n of_o his_o master_n he_o be_v a_o person_n that_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o habitual_a grace_n in_o he_o and_o in_o particular_a of_o affection_n to_o christ_n and_o he_o poor_a man_n think_v that_o this_o will_v support_v he_o and_o carry_v he_o through_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o he_o so_o confident_o proclaim_v it_o that_o though_o all_o man_n shall_v for_o sake_n he_o yet_o that_o he_o will_v never_o forsake_v he_o but_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o conclusion_n we_o know_v how_o it_o be_v with_o he_o and_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o present_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v and_o also_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n have_v not_o keep_v his_o faith_n from_o fail_v it_o have_v fail_v and_o cease_v in_o he_o eternal_o look_v as_o when_o he_o walk_v upon_o the_o sea_n it_o be_v christ_n support_n that_o keep_v he_o from_o sink_v and_o perish_v in_o the_o water_n so_o also_o when_o he_o be_v under_o a_o temptation_n it_o be_v christ_n grace_n that_o preserve_v and_o sustain_v he_o when_o my_o foot_n slip_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n hold_v i_o up_o psal_n 84.18_o this_o we_o may_v see_v likewise_o in_o paul_n in_o the_o carriage_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o when_o he_o be_v there_o buffet_v with_o satan_n and_o have_v seek_v to_o god_n to_o be_v free_v from_o that_o temptation_n how_o do_v god_n endeavour_v to_o comfort_n and_o encourage_v he_o in_o that_o his_o conflict_n why_o he_o do_v it_o from_o this_o consideration_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o and_o my_o grace_n that_o be_v not_o only_o my_o prevent_a grace_n the_o grace_n which_o i_o have_v already_o wrought_v in_o thou_o when_o i_o at_o first_o call_v thou_o to_o myself_o but_o my_o grace_n that_o be_v my_o assist_a grace_n the_o grace_n wherewith_o i_o still_o follow_v thou_o and_o be_o continual_o present_a with_o thou_o it_o be_v not_o thy_o grace_n but_o my_o grace_n not_o so_o much_o the_o grace_n within_o thou_o as_o the_o grace_n without_o thou_o that_o be_v my_o favour_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o thou_o from_o whence_o i_o come_v to_o take_v special_a care_n of_o thou_o three_o the_o strength_n only_o of_o former_a assistance_n be_v not_o that_o which_o will_v suffice_v neither_o as_o we_o need_v christ_n actual_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o habitual_a and_o his_o assist_v grace_n as_o well_o as_o his_o prevent_v so_o we_o need_v the_o daily_a and_o continual_a and_o fresh_a supply_n of_o this_o grace_n unto_o we_o without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o at_o least_o for_o any_o time_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v this_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v add_v and_o take_v in_o by_o we_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o particular_a without_o i_o that_o be_v without_o i_o daily_o with_o you_o and_o stand_v by_o you_o and_o help_v of_o you_o and_o impart_v and_o communicate_v new_a strength_n and_o ability_n to_o you_o you_o be_v indeed_o able_a to_o do_v nothing_o according_a to_o our_o particular_a occasion_n so_o must_v answerable_o be_v our_o support_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n yesterday_n strength_n and_o assistance_n will_v not_o serve_v for_o the_o repel_v or_o conquer_a of_o this_o day_n temptation_n no_o more_o than_o yesterday_n meal_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n for_o this_o day_n strength_n and_o corporal_a improvement_n no_o but_o as_o new_a occasion_n do_v at_o any_o time_n increase_v upon_o we_o so_o proportionable_o be_v new_a ability_n to_o be_v impart_v to_o we_o as_o a_o man_n that_o carry_v a_o burden_n which_o be_v heavy_a than_o what_o he_o carry_v the_o day_n before_o he_o must_v have_v somewhat_o more_o strength_n in_o he_o than_o he_o have_v before_o as_o adequate_v and_o agreeable_a thereto_o every_o new_a affliction_n every_o new_a temptation_n every_o new_a condition_n every_o new_a duty_n and_o performance_n it_o require_v new_a strength_n from_o christ_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v former_o manife_v for_o the_o bear_n and_o resist_v and_o manage_v and_o accomplish_v of_o it_o so_o that_o though_o former_a assistance_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o very_o comfortable_a as_o it_o be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o the_o expectation_n of_o new_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a alone_o and_o of_o itself_o without_o new_a and_o thus_o have_v we_o see_v this_o point_n explicate_v and_o amplify_v in_o its_o several_a particular_n now_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o for_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o it_o may_v be_v draw_v out_o in_o a_o various_a improvement_n we_o may_v reduce_v it_o for_o method_n sake_n to_o three_o head_n first_o in_o a_o way_n of_o confutation_n second_o in_o a_o way_n of_o information_n and_o three_o in_o a_o way_n of_o excitement_n first_o it_o serve_v for_o confutation_n of_o the_o contrary_a error_n and_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o pelagian_o and_o other_o with_o they_o who_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v indeed_o general_a and_o universal_a grace_n communicate_v to_o all_o man_n from_o christ_n from_o whence_o they_o have_v power_n for_o the_o do_v of_o good_a but_o that_o the_o reduce_n of_o this_o power_n into_o act_n and_o the_o particular_a do_v of_o it_o it_o be_v pure_o and_o absolute_o from_o themselves_o who_o do_v determine_v themselves_o in_o particular_n to_o that_o which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o only_a power_n for_o in_o general_n this_o i_o say_v be_v plain_o refute_v from_o this_o present_a scripture_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o as_o well_o as_o will_v nothing_o answerable_a to_o that_o other_o place_n before_o mention_v for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o be_v not_o only_o the_o power_n but_o the_o act_n and_o indeed_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o for_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o act_n be_v more_o noble_a than_o the_o habit_n the_o operation_n than_o the_o power_n the_o second_o act_n than_o the_o first_o therefore_o the_o act_n can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o power_n only_o to_o god_n unless_o we_o will_v prefer_v ourselves_o before_o god_n and_o give_v he_o the_o low_a place_n and_o least_o stroke_n in_o any_o good_a which_o be_v at_o any_o time_n do_v by_o we_o again_o further_o it_o may_v be_v clear_v to_o we_o that_o christ_n must_v needs_o concur_v with_o we_o not_o only_o by_o a_o common_a and_o general_a qualification_n but_o also_o by_o a_o special_a and_o particular_a influence_n in_o every_o good_a work_n which_o be_v do_v by_o we_o by_o a_o proportionable_a consideration_n of_o what_o be_v observable_a even_o in_o natural_a action_n for_o so_o we_o see_v it_o be_v with_o fire_n the_o property_n whereof_o be_v to_o burn_v yet_o if_o god_n do_v suspend_v his_o influence_n from_o it_o and_o concourse_n with_o it_o it_o can_v produce_v no_o such_o effect_n notwithstanding_o the_o natural_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n of_o it_o thereto_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o three_o person_n in_o daniel_n which_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n and_o so_o though_o god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o power_n of_o natural_a life_n at_o first_o yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o preserve_v this_o life_n in_o we_o and_o give_v we_o motion_n together_o with_o life_n we_o can_v stir_v neither_o hand_n nor_o foot_n for_o all_o that_o because_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o thus_o may_v this_o passage_n here_o before_o we_o serve_v in_o a_o way_n of_o confutation_n second_o in_o a_o way_n of_o information_n and_o satisfaction_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o be_v now_o instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n which_o be_v here_o before_o we_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n where_o while_o it_o be_v say_v that_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o namely_o that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o explain_v it_o we_o be_v to_o take_v it_o in_o all_o te_fw-la appurtenance_n belong_v hereunto_o and_o the_o step_n and_o gradation_n of_o it_o whereby_o this_o assistance_n and_o enablement_n whereof_o we_o speak_v do_v proceed_v first_o it_o be_v he_o who_o must_v inform_v we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n which_o must_v inlighten_v out_o dark_a understanding_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o we_o be_v natural_o so_o blind_a of_o ourselves_o as_o that_o we_o be_v unable_a to_o discern_v it_o that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v we_o can_v do_v but_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o mic._n 6.8_o second_o it_o be_v
godliness_n by_o their_o scandalous_a live_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o these_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o they_o be_v not_o only_a enemy_n to_o religion_n who_o do_v in_o plain_a term_n and_o word_n revile_v it_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o but_o even_o those_o which_o silent_o walk_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o express_v not_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o improvement_n which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o all_o this_o be_v ourselves_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a in_o either_o of_o these_o particular_n or_o in_o any_o other_o way_n beside_o of_o act_v against_o religion_n for_o if_o we_o be_v we_o shall_v not_o escape_v unpunished_a what_o be_v say_v before_o of_o truth_n in_o the_o doctrinal_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v true_a likewise_o of_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v prove_v too_o hard_o for_o any_o that_o oppose_v it_o and_o so_o they_o shall_v find_v whosoever_o shall_v fall_v on_o this_o sione_n shall_v be_v break_v but_o on_o whosoever_o it_o shall_v fall_v it_o will_v grind_v he_o to_o powder_n as_o we_o find_v that_o expression_n use_v in_o matth._n 21.44_o but_o so_o much_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o general_n part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n proposition_n in_o the_o negative_a what_o he_o can_v not_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n the_o second_o be_v the_o affirmative_a but_o for_o the_o truth_n this_o it_o follow_v well_o upon_o the_o other_o and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v sever_v from_o it_o it_o be_v but_o small_a commendation_n for_o any_o not_o to_o be_v active_a against_o the_o truth_n though_o it_o be_v well_o some_o be_v but_o so_o no_o but_o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v active_a for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o true_a temper_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o especial_o of_o a_o minister_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n john_n in_o 3_o joh._n 8._o we_o ought_v to_o be_v fellow-helper_n to_o the_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d co-worker_n and_o assistant_n to_o it_o helper_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o fellow-helper_n one_o to_o another_o in_o help_v of_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o of_o negative_a christian_n which_o be_v as_o good_a as_o no_o christian_n at_o all_o and_o they_o please_v themselves_o wonderful_o in_o it_o and_o think_v to_o come_v off_o well_o enough_o with_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o and_o thus_o no_o they_o do_v not_o this_o and_o that_o but_o be_v that_o enough_o for_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o nay_o but_o what_o be_v they_o what_o good_a do_v they_o do_v how_o do_v they_o advance_v and_o promote_v religion_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v well_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o by_o they_o how_o far_o forth_o they_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v two_o things-considerable_a in_o this_o passage_n first_o that_o we_o may_v do_v somewhat_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o second_o that_o we_o must_v do_v somewhat_o for_o the_o truth_n here_o be_v our_o privilege_n and_o our_o duty_n the_o opportunity_n which_o be_v afford_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o engagement_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o as_o to_o the_o embracement_n of_o this_o opportunity_n first_o i_o say_v here_o be_v our_o opportunity_n we_o may_v do_v somewhat_o for_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v here_o suppose_v and_o imply_v in_o this_o opposition_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n god_n do_v put_v advantage_n into_o our_o hand_n very_o much_o for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o truth_n especial_o according_a to_o the_o several_a station_n and_o rank_n in_o which_o we_o be_v some_o have_v great_a advantage_n and_o some_o have_v less_o but_o all_o have_v some_o one_o way_n or_o other_o we_o that_o live_v under_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o especial_o which_o be_v dispenser_n of_o it_o god_n have_v commit_v his_o truth_n to_o our_o care_n and_o have_v entrust_v we_o with_o it_o so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v we_o may_v do_v very_o much_o for_o the_o promote_a and_o advance_v of_o it_o and_o he_o take_v delight_n to_o use_v and_o improve_v we_o in_o such_o a_o business_n as_o this_o be_v though_o he_o need_v none_o of_o our_o help_n himself_o nor_o his_o truth_n neither_o yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o desire_v so_o much_o of_o we_o and_o to_o give_v we_o occasion_n for_o it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o as_o a_o great_a honour_n and_o privilege_n to_o we_o and_o so_o to_o be_v account_v and_o esteem_v as_o what_o be_v do_v for_o our_o own_o good_a and_o advantage_n the_o reason_n why_o god_n call_v we_o to_o the_o help_a and_o assist_v of_o his_o truth_n be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o it_o as_o for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v honour_n by_o it_o and_o comfort_n from_o it_o and_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o far_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o bless_a account_n hereafter_o at_o another_o day_n second_o as_o here_o be_v our_o opportunity_n so_o likewise_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o one_o follow_v upon_o the_o other_o the_o more_o advantage_n god_n do_v afford_v we_o of_o helpfulness_n and_o assistance_n to_o his_o truth_n the_o more_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o improve_v they_o and_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o they_o and_o to_o do_v somewhat_o or_o other_o for_o it_o yea_o to_o do_v the_o most_o we_o can_v there_o be_v sundry_a way_n of_o do_v it_o which_o according_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o first_o and_o principal_o by_o our_o embrace_n and_o cherishing_n of_o it_o in_o our_o own_o heart_n we_o can_v do_v truth_n and_o religion_n any_o better_a service_n than_o by_o ourselves_o close_v with_o it_o and_o cleave_v to_o it_o and_o embrace_v of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o our_o profession_n of_o truth_n which_o make_v so_o much_o for_o it_o where_o it_o be_v single_a and_o go_v alone_o nay_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v make_v more_o against_o it_o where_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o a_o love_n of_o it_o and_o conformity_n to_o it_o no_o but_o it_o be_v the_o yield_n and_o comply_v with_o it_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n fashion_v and_o mould_v into_o it_o and_o better_v by_o it_o second_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n we_o promote_v it_o so_o as_o it_o be_v in_o 2_o thes_n 3.1_o brethren_n pray_v for_o we_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v free_a course_n and_o be_v glorify_v we_o shall_v be_v very_o earnest_a with_o god_n for_o truth_n and_o religion_n that_o it_o may_v flourish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o free_a course_n and_o passage_n of_o it_o three_o by_o our_o counsel_n and_o direction_n as_o we_o have_v occasion_n for_o it_o to_o speak_v a_o good_a word_n for_o truth_n and_o to_o advise_v other_o in_o order_n to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advancement_n of_o it_o which_o whenever_o we_o neglect_v to_o do_v we_o be_v very_o much_o want_v to_o it_o and_o to_o our_o duty_n about_o it_o who_o be_v require_v and_o call_v thus_o to_o do_v in_o a_o word_n whatever_o ability_n or_o talon_n god_n trust_v we_o withal_o whether_o of_o part_n or_o power_n or_o estate_n or_o whatever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o occasion_n which_o he_o put_v into_o our_o hand_n of_o do_v some_o good_a for_o his_o truth_n which_o according_o shall_v be_v follow_v by_o we_o and_o the_o great_a be_v our_o ability_n the_o more_o shall_v be_v our_o improvement_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o our_o self_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o other_o by_o those_o encouragement_n which_o we_o give_v to_o they_o also_o as_o in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v 3_o john_n 8._o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v such_o that_o we_o may_v be_v fellow-helper_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o point_n come_v home_o very_o close_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o abundance_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v gross_o guilty_a in_o this_o regard_n to_o who_o truth_n be_v very_o little_a behold_v as_o to_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n for_o it_o there_o be_v some_o which_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o and_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o embrace_n of_o it_o as_o think_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o wisdom_n to_o conceal_v and_o reserve_v themselves_o that_o so_o according_a to_o a_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n they_o may_v be_v of_o what_o judgement_n they_o please_v and_o take_v such_o way_n as_o in_o prudence_n may_v be_v most_o accommodate_v and_o convenient_a for_o they_o but_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o have_v