word_n be_v not_o only_o a_o light_n to_o discover_v what_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o a_o help_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v the_o very_a mean_n that_o god_n appoint_v to_o overcome_v your_o averseness_n and_o assist_v your_o weakness_n and_o if_o ever_o this_o be_v effect_v it_o must_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v by_o converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n that_o sick_a man_n have_v lose_v his_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o his_o health_n who_o shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v physic_n because_o if_o it_o do_v not_o work_n it_o will_v but_o make_v he_o the_o worse_o why_o the_o way_n to_o make_v it_o work_n be_v by_o take_v it_o so_o it_o be_v a_o distemper_a kind_n of_o argue_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o physic_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v mortal_a and_o deadly_a if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v into_o practice_n the_o way_n to_o make_v it_o work_v into_o practice_n be_v to_o take_v it_o first_o into_o our_o knowledge_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o great_a discouragement_n if_o the_o scripture_n only_o show_v you_o how_o much_o work_v you_o have_v to_o do_v what_o temptation_n to_o resist_v what_o corruption_n to_o mortify_v what_o grace_n to_o exercise_n what_o duty_n to_o perform_v and_o leave_v all_o that_o upon_o your_o own_o hand_n but_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o leave_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n they_o strengthen_v as_o well_o as_o inlighten_v and_o have_v not_o only_o a_o command_v but_o a_o assist_a office_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n do_v two_o way_n first_o it_o direct_v where_o we_o may_v receive_v supply_n of_o ability_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o whatsoever_o it_o require_v it_o lead_v thou_o unto_o christ_n who_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v thou_o with_o supernatural_a strength_n for_o supernatural_a duty_n his_o treasury_n stand_v open_a for_o all_o concern_v and_o his_o almighty_a power_n stand_v engage_v to_o assist_v those_o who_o rely_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o discourage_v therefore_o he_o that_o find_v we_o work_v find_v we_o strength_n and_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o enjoin_v we_o obedience_n exhibit_v god_n promise_n of_o bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o power_n of_o obey_v thou_o who_o work_v all_o work_n in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o isaiah_n 26.12_o and_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n 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 phil._n 2.12_o 13._o why_o then_o shall_v we_o so_o complain_v of_o hard_a say_n and_o grievous_a commandment_n have_v we_o not_o god_n omnipotence_n oblige_v by_o promise_n to_o assist_v in_o the_o same_o word_n wherein_o we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v what_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o phil._n 4.13_o when_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n thou_o meet_v with_o difficult_a and_o rigorous_a duty_n the_o severity_n of_o mortification_n the_o self_n cruelty_n of_o pluck_v out_o right_a eye_n and_o cut_v off_o right_a hand_n commend_v they_o self_n to_o these_o promise_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n that_o the_o same_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o and_o lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n in_o that_o divine_a meditation_n of_o st._n augustine_n lord_n give_v what_o thou_o command_v and_o command_v what_o thou_o please_v whilst_o thou_o thus_o due_o depende_v on_o christ_n strength_n and_o make_v use_v of_o thy_o own_o it_o be_v as_o much_o his_o honour_n and_o office_n to_o enable_v thou_o as_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o require_v second_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o direct_v we_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o quicken_v and_o excite_v our_o own_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n it_o discover_v wherefore_o be_v those_o press_a exhortation_n and_o those_o dreadful_a threaten_n every_o where_o so_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n but_o that_o when_o we_o be_v slow_a and_o dull_a and_o drowsy_a the_o spirit_n may_v by_o these_o as_o by_o so_o many_o goad_n rouse_v we_o and_o make_v we_o start_v into_o duty_n such_o a_o spiritual_a sloth_n have_v benumb_v we_o that_o without_o this_o quicken_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o david_n pray_v psalm_n 119.88_o quicken_v i_o so_o shall_v i_o keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v also_o the_o word_n itself_o that_o quicken_v we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o word_n psal_n 119.50_o thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o and_o indeed_o if_o you_o can_v come_v from_o read_v the_o word_n that_o so_o abound_v with_o promise_n with_o threaten_n with_o rational_a argument_n with_o pathetic_a expostulation_n win_v insinuation_n importunate_a entreaty_n heroic_a example_n propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n with_o all_o the_o persuasive_a art_n and_o rhetoric_n that_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n to_o use_v if_o you_o can_v read_v this_o word_n and_o yet_o find_v from_o it_o no_o warmth_n of_o affection_n no_o quicken_n to_o duty_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o either_o read_v it_o without_o attend_v to_o it_o or_o else_o attend_v without_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o discouragement_n from_o search_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n that_o its_o command_n be_v many_o and_o difficult_a for_o it_o direct_v you_o whither_o to_o go_v for_o promise_a strength_n and_o the_o more_o you_o converse_v with_o it_o the_o more_o will_v you_o find_v your_o heart_n quicken_v to_o a_o due_a obedience_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o answer_n but_o than_o second_o whereas_o many_o think_v that_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o know_v than_o not_o to_o practice_v we_o must_v here_o distinguish_v of_o ignorance_n which_o be_v of_o too_o kind_n either_o invincible_a or_o else_o affect_v invincible_a ignorance_n be_v such_o as_o be_v conjoin_v with_o and_o proceed_v from_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o right_a information_n and_o it_o arise_v only_o from_o two_o thing_n first_o absolute_a want_n of_o necessary_a instruction_n or_o second_o want_v of_o natural_a capacity_n to_o receive_v it_o affect_a ignorance_n be_v a_o ignorance_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o always_o arise_v from_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o they_o such_o be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o who_o do_v or_o may_v live_v where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o where_o by_o pain_n and_o industry_n they_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o here_o for_o ever_o to_o answer_v this_o objection_n and_o to_o show_v you_o how_o necessary_a knowledge_n be_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o particular_n first_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o unpractised_a knowledge_n be_v a_o far_o great_a sin_n than_o invincible_a ignorance_n and_o expose_v to_o a_o much_o sore_a condemnation_n hell_n fire_n burn_v with_o rage_n and_o meet_v with_o fuel_n full_o prepare_v for_o it_o when_o god_n doom_v unto_o it_o a_o head_n full_a of_o light_n and_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o lust_n those_o who_o know_v god_n will_n but_o do_v it_o not_o do_v but_o carry_v a_o torch_n with_o they_o to_o hell_n to_o fire_v that_o pile_n that_o must_v for_o ever_o burn_v they_o we_o have_v a_o common_a proverb_n that_o knowledge_n be_v no_o burden_n but_o believe_v it_o if_o your_o knowledge_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v mere_o speculative_a and_o overbear_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o unruly_a lust_n this_o whole_a word_n will_v be_v no_o otherwise_o to_o you_o than_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v a_o burden_n that_o will_v lie_v insupportable_o heavy_a upon_o you_o for_o ever_o better_o far_o you_o be_v bear_v under_o barbarism_n in_o some_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o the_o least_o gleam_n of_o gospel-light_n never_o shine_v and_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v never_o mention_v than_o to_o have_v this_o weighty_a book_n a_o book_n which_o you_o have_v read_v and_o know_v hang_v about_o you_o to_o sink_v you_o infinite_o deep_o in_o the_o burn_a lake_n than_o a_o millstone_n hang_v about_o you_o can_v do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n what_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o apostate_n 2_o pet._n 2.21_o be_v but_o too_o well_o applicable_a to_o the_o know_a sinner_n it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v aside_o from_o the_o commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o how_o better_o not_o to_o have_v know_v it_o why_o be_v there_o any_o possibility_n to_o escape_v the_o condemnation_n of_o hell_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o
be_v give_v alm_n to_o other_o or_o whilst_o we_o be_v pray_v to_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o make_v frail_a mortal_a man_n like_o ourselves_o our_o idol_n which_o we_o do_v whensoever_o we_o pray_v rather_o that_o we_o may_v be_v hear_v and_o admire_v by_o man_n than_o that_o god_n shall_v hear_v we_o and_o accept_v we_o in_o the_o next_o word_n our_o saviour_n proceed_v in_o lay_v down_o some_o other_o direction_n concern_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o therein_o he_o forbid_v his_o hearer_n to_o use_v vain_a repetition_n in_o prayer_n verse_n 7._o when_o you_o pray_v use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v not_o that_o all_o repetition_n in_o prayer_n be_v vain_a babble_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o our_o lord_n himself_o pray_v thrice_o use_v the_o same_o word_n for_o so_o we_o read_v matth._n 26._o and_o 44._o for_o doubtless_o as_o copiousness_n and_o variety_n of_o fluent_a expression_n in_o any_o usual_o flow_v from_o raise_a affection_n so_o when_o those_o affection_n be_v heighten_v and_o raise_v to_o a_o ecstasy_n and_o agony_n of_o soul_n in_o our_o wrestle_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n ingemination_n be_v then_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o most_o elegant_a way_n of_o express_v they_o double_v and_o redouble_v the_o same_o petition_n again_o and_o again_o not_o allow_v god_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o holy_a reverence_n so_o much_o time_n nor_o ourselves_o so_o much_o leisure_n as_o to_o form_v in_o our_o mind_n much_o more_o with_o our_o lip_n to_o offer_v up_o any_o new_a request_n till_o by_o a_o holy_a violence_n in_o wrestle_v with_o god_n we_o have_v extort_a out_o of_o his_o hand_n those_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n our_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o sue_n to_o he_o for_o vain_a repetition_n therefore_o be_v such_o as_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o any_o without_o new_a and_o lively_a stir_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o that_o which_o make_v a_o prayer_n vain_a make_v a_o repetition_n in_o prayer_n to_o be_v vain_a also_o now_o that_o be_v a_o vain_a prayer_n and_o we_o shall_v certain_o find_v it_o so_o when_o the_o request_v we_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n therein_o be_v heartless_a and_o lifeless_a for_o we_o must_v know_v god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o pray_v not_o that_o he_o may_v be_v excite_v and_o move_v by_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o cry_n in_o prayer_n to_o give_v unto_o we_o those_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o resolve_v before_o hand_n to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o but_o that_o we_o ourselves_o may_v be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v from_o he_o what_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o confer_v upon_o we_o he_o require_v prayer_n from_o we_o not_o that_o he_o may_v be_v affect_v therewith_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n st._n james_n tell_v we_o with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v james_z 1.17_o but_o that_o we_o ourselves_o may_v have_v our_o heart_n raise_v and_o affect_v therewith_o and_o therefore_o the_o chief_a effect_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o affect_v ourselves_o if_o prayer_n itself_o be_v not_o vain_a neither_o be_v repetition_n in_o prayer_n vain_a if_o whilst_o we_o be_v spread_v the_o same_o request_n before_o god_n we_o do_v it_o with_o new_a affection_n and_o desire_v no_o prayer_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v accuse_v of_o idle_a babble_v and_o vain_a repetition_n but_o those_o that_o pray_v may_v i_o fear_v too_o often_o be_v charge_v with_o it_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o desire_v all_o those_o who_o be_v offend_v at_o or_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o the_o state_v form_n of_o prayer_n that_o the_o church_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a because_o the_o same_o request_n do_v many_o time_n occur_v therein_o to_o keep_v a_o strict_a eye_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n and_o then_o the_o scruple_n and_o objection_n that_o they_o make_v will_v present_o be_v remove_v for_o it_o be_v much_o in_o their_o own_o power_n to_o make_v they_o to_o be_v either_o vain_a repetition_n or_o the_o most_o fervent_a ingemination_n of_o their_o most_o affectionate_a desire_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o forcible_n part_n of_o all_o their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n they_o offer_v up_o unto_o he_o but_o then_o further_o as_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v vain_a repetition_n in_o prayer_n so_o he_o likewise_o forbid_v much_o speak_n for_o they_o think_v say_v our_o saviour_n st._n matth._n 6.7_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n now_o as_o the_o former_a prohibition_n do_v not_o exclude_v all_o repetition_n in_o prayer_n so_o neither_o do_v this_o latter_a exclude_v as_o some_o ignorant_a person_n perhaps_o who_o be_v soon_o weary_v out_o with_o the_o service_n of_o god_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v long_a prayer_n for_o this_o will_v be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o st._n luke_n 6.12_o that_o he_o go_v out_o into_o a_o mountain_n to_o pray_v and_o continue_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n some_o indeed_o take_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prayer_n to_o signify_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o our_o saviour_n continue_v only_o in_o such_o a_o dedicate_v house_n or_o chappel_n all_o night_n according_a as_o juvenal_n use_v the_o word_n in_o quâ_fw-la te_fw-la quaero_fw-la prosencha_fw-la yet_o as_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v any_o such_o house_n for_o prayer_n beside_o their_o synagogue_n which_o be_v not_o seat_v in_o desolate_a whither_o our_o saviour_n go_v then_o to_o pray_v but_o in_o populous_a city_n and_o frequent_a place_n so_o it_o will_v be_v more_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v continue_v all_o night_n in_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o much_o speak_n in_o prayer_n and_o speak_v much_o in_o prayer_n for_o certain_o a_o man_n may_v speak_v much_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n when_o yet_o he_o may_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o much_o speak_n for_o there_o be_v a_o compendious_a way_n of_o speak_v to_o speak_v much_o in_o a_o little_a and_o there_o be_v a_o babble_a way_n of_o speak_v when_o by_o many_o tedious_a ambages_fw-la and_o long_a impertinency_n man_n pour_v out_o a_o sea_n of_o word_n and_o scarce_o one_o drop_n of_o sense_n or_o matter_n now_o it_o be_v this_o last_o way_n of_o speak_v unto_o god_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o condemn_v and_o condemn_v it_o just_o for_o it_o show_v either_o folly_n or_o irreverence_n folly_n in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n we_o do_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v what_o we_o ask_v irreverence_n in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n we_o do_v not_o consider_v of_o who_o we_o ask_v and_o such_o man_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v esteem_v talkative_a than_o devout_a but_o when_o a_o man_n soul_n be_v full_o fraught_v with_o matter_n of_o which_o if_o he_o due_o weigh_v either_o his_o spiritual_a want_n or_o his_o temporal_a sorrow_n and_o affliction_n he_o can_v never_o be_v unfurnished_v to_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o a_o torrent_n of_o holy_a rhetoric_n lay_v open_a his_o case_n before_o god_n beg_v seasonable_a supply_n in_o suitable_a expression_n certain_o he_o can_v fall_v under_o the_o reproof_n of_o much_o speak_n although_o he_o may_v speak_v much_o and_o long_a for_o such_o a_o one_o have_v much_o to_o say_v and_o whilst_o matter_n and_o affection_n last_o let_v his_o prayer_n be_v a_o hour_n long_o yea_o a_o day_n long_o yea_o a_o eternity_n long_o as_o our_o praise_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v censure_v for_o a_o babbler_n but_o have_v still_o speak_v much_o in_o a_o little_a it_o be_v true_a the_o wise_a man_n have_v command_v that_o our_o word_n be_v few_o in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n eccles_n 5.2_o and_o he_o give_v a_o most_o forcible_a reason_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n his_o infinite_a majesty_n shall_v therefore_o over-awe_n thou_o from_o use_v any_o rash_a and_o vain_a loquacity_n but_o yet_o this_o make_v not_o against_o long_a prayer_n for_o many_o word_n may_v be_v but_o a_o few_o to_o express_v the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o none_o can_v be_v too_o many_o while_o the_o heart_n keep_v pace_n with_o the_o tongue_n and_o every_o petition_n be_v fill_v with_o matter_n and_o wing_a with_o affection_n and_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n condemn_v the_o pharisee_n who_o devour_v widow_n house_n
as_o have_v in_o all_o age_n befall_v it_o now_o god_n never_o enjoin_v we_o this_o as_o our_o duty_n although_o he_o lay_v they_o upon_o we_o as_o our_o burden_n 2._o god_n will_v of_o purpose_n permit_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n for_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a even_o those_o very_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o his_o will_n of_o precept_n forbid_v his_o will_n of_o purpose_n permit_v for_o if_o god_n do_v not_o will_n to_o permit_v they_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n second_o hence_o arise_v another_o very_a remarkable_a difference_n that_o we_o may_v effectual_o resist_v god_n will_n of_o precept_n so_o as_o to_o hinder_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o but_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v so_o it_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o will_v without_o repentance_n be_v our_o condemnation_n so_o stephen_n accuse_v the_o jew_n act._n 7.51_o you_o do_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v by_o your_o practice_n you_o do_v always_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n reveal_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o word_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o resist_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v perfect_o holy_a and_o blameless_a but_o we_o can_v resist_v the_o will_n of_o god_n purpose_n so_o as_o to_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o although_o sometime_o to_o endeavour_v it_o may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o sin_n as_o to_o be_v our_o necessary_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o bring_v we_o into_o poverty_n or_o into_o prison_n or_o to_o lay_v sore_a disease_n upon_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o we_o but_o we_o be_v oblige_v as_o far_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o hinder_v these_o evil_n of_o punishment_n from_o befalling_a we_o and_o to_o preserve_v our_o estate_n our_o liberty_n our_o health_n and_o all_o our_o outward_a comfort_n by_o all_o lawful_a and_o allow_v way_n and_o mean_n much_o more_o if_o god_n shall_v will_v to_o permit_v a_o sin_n in_o other_o or_o in_o ourselves_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o it_o for_o for_o we_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o permit_v because_o god_n be_v though_o it_o be_v a_o conformity_n of_o our_o will_n to_o god_n will_n of_o purpose_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o our_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o it_o be_v a_o wretched_a rebellion_n against_o his_o will_n of_o precept_n which_o alone_o we_o be_v to_o respect_v in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o unto_o doubtless_o it_o be_v god_n will_n of_o purpose_n that_o christ_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n shall_v be_v crucify_a but_o yet_o the_o jew_n conform_v themselves_o according_a to_o this_o will_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o horrid_a wickedness_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n for_o both_o these_o we_o have_v confirm_v to_o we_o act_v 2.23_o he_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n you_o have_v take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v although_o it_o be_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o slay_v yet_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v wicked_a hand_n that_o be_v imbrue_v in_o that_o precious_a and_o inestimable_a blood_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v how_o the_o will_n of_o god_n purpose_n and_o precept_n do_v differ_v but_o yet_o second_o although_o there_o be_v this_o great_a difference_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o contrariety_n or_o repugnancy_n but_o a_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o uniformity_n between_o they_o some_o have_v think_v that_o if_o god_n will_v such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v as_o for_o instance_n the_o crucify_a of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n by_o his_o will_n of_o purpose_n and_o yet_o will_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v do_v by_o his_o will_n of_o precept_n that_o these_o two_o will_n must_v needs_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o this_o argument_n some_o do_v make_v no_o small_a use_n of_o to_o explode_v the_o distinction_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o the_o solution_n be_v most_o easy_a for_o when_o will_n be_v contrary_a to_o each_o other_o there_o must_v be_v a_o willing_a and_o a_o nilling_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o for_o the_o object_n of_o god_n will_n of_o purpose_n be_v event_n but_o of_o his_o will_n of_o precept_n duty_n now_o it_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o have_v any_o shadow_n of_o a_o contradiction_n for_o god_n to_o will_n or_o permit_v that_o to_o be_v which_o he_o have_v will_v or_o command_v we_o not_o to_o do_v indeed_o to_o will_v such_o a_o event_n to_o be_v and_o not_o to_o be_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v my_o duty_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v my_o duty_n be_v contradiction_n and_o not_o to_o be_v impute_v unto_o god_n but_o to_o will_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v eventual_o be_v and_o yet_o to_o will_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o hinder_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a and_o evident_a and_o fall_v out_o most_o frequent_o in_o our_o ordinary_a converse_n in_o the_o world_n so_o in_o the_o forementioned_a famous_a instance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n god_n will_v by_o his_o will_n of_o purpose_n that_o it_o shall_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v perpetrate_v but_o then_o he_o will_v by_o his_o will_n of_o precept_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o duty_n not_o to_o do_v it_o now_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n or_o absurdity_n that_o duty_n and_o event_n may_v be_v quite_o contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o unless_o we_o can_v take_v away_o all_o sin_n and_o authorize_v all_o the_o great_a villainy_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v under_o the_o sun_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o head_n and_o have_v thus_o see_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o next_o general_n be_v to_o inquire_v what_o will_v it_o be_v we_o pray_v may_v be_v do_v when_o we_o say_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v and_o here_o first_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o we_o especial_o and_o absolute_o pray_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n precept_n may_v be_v do_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o we_o but_o by_o all_o man_n for_o this_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o according_a to_o it_o we_o ought_v to_o conform_v all_o our_o action_n and_o because_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n of_o ourselves_o much_o less_o to_o perform_v all_o those_o various_a and_o weighty_a duty_n of_o holiness_n which_o god_n have_v enjoin_v we_o in_o his_o word_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o beg_v of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistanee_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o fullfil_v his_o will_n give_v we_o not_o only_o command_v of_o obedience_n but_o promise_v for_o our_o relief_n and_o encouragement_n instruct_v we_o in_o the_o word_n to_o crave_v supply_n of_o grace_n from_o he_o who_o have_v require_v duty_n from_o we_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n we_o shall_v pray_v that_o his_o will_n of_o precept_n shall_v be_v do_v on_o earth_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o great_a reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n against_o it_o the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a but_o we_o be_v carnal_a and_o sell_v under_o sin_n rom._n 7.4_o and_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o their_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o when_o they_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v incline_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o commandment_n and_o then_o strengthen_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o that_o as_o our_o will_n to_o good_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n so_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o will_n may_v be_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o will._n second_o god_n glory_n be_v deep_o concern_v in_o the_o do_n of_o his_o will._n for_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o king_n to_o have_v his_o law_n obey_v and_o so_o be_v it_o god_n when_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o pray_v that_o his_o kingdom_n may_v come_v it_o be_v but_o fit_a and_o rational_a that_o we_o shall_v pray_v likewise_o thy_o will_v be_v do_v without_o which_o this_o his_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n will_v be_v but_o mere_o titular_a for_o his_o word_n be_v the_o sceptre_n and_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o if_o we_o yield_v not_o obedience_n to_o it_o we_o do_v
blood_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n 6._o the_o glory_n be_v god_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n for_o it_o be_v his_o honour_n to_o protect_v his_o own_o subject_n q._n what_o observe_v you_o from_o that_o particle_n for_o ever_o a._n that_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n be_v eternal_a q._n what_o be_v eternity_n a._n eternity_n be_v a_o duration_n that_o have_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o end_n nor_o succession_n of_o part_n or_o it_o be_v the_o complete_a possession_n of_o a_o endless_a life_n all_o at_o once_o q._n what_o collect_v you_o hence_o a._n two_o thing_n 1._o the_o duration_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o day_n or_o year_n and_o that_o he_o wax_v not_o elder_a neither_o have_v continue_v long_o this_o day_n than_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n 2._o that_o in_o strict_a propriety_n of_o speech_n god_n only_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v only_o allowable_a for_o want_v of_o expression_n to_o say_v that_o he_o either_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o he_o call_v his_o name_n i_o be_o exod._n 3.14_o i_o be_o have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o q._n how_o prove_v you_o that_o god_n be_v eternal_a a._n both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n q._n what_o scripture_n prove_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n a._n several_a especial_o psalm_n 102.25_o 26_o 27._o thou_o be_v the_o same_o and_o thy_o year_n shall_v have_v no_o end_n psal_n 90.2_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n 1_o tim._n 1.17_o to_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a be_v honour_n and_o glory_n q._n how_o do_v you_o demonstrate_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n a._n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v by_o any_o and_o therefore_o be_v from_o everlasting_a neither_o can_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o dependent_a on_o any_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v to_o everlasting_a q._n what_o duty_n do_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o god_n eternity_n oblige_v we_o to_o a._n 1._o to_o venerate_v and_o adore_v so_o great_a and_o inconceivable_a a_o attribute_n 2._o to_o leave_v the_o care_n of_o all_o future_a event_n whether_o concern_v our_o own_o private_a or_o the_o public_a interest_n to_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o providence_n who_o for_o ever_o live_v to_o mind_v they_o 3._o to_o give_v unto_o he_o the_o same_o honour_n respect_n and_o service_n as_o his_o saint_n have_v do_v in_o former_a generation_n q_o what_o encouragement_n have_v our_o faith_n to_o expect_v the_o mercy_n we_o pray_v for_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n eternity_n a._n that_o because_o he_o be_v the_o same_o god_n who_o in_o all_o age_n have_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o those_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o have_v the_o same_o disposition_n and_o affection_n with_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a we_o shall_v obtain_v the_o same_o mercy_n and_o favour_n heb._n 1.12_o but_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o and_o thy_o year_n shall_v not_o fail_v q._n what_o signify_v that_o particle_n amen_o which_o be_v the_o end_n and_o close_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n a._n as_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o speech_n it_o be_v assertory_n and_o signify_v so_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o end_n of_o it_o it_o be_v precatory_a and_o signify_v so_o be_v it_o which_o denote_v our_o earnest_n desire_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n hear_v and_o our_o petition_n grant_v q._n what_o learn_v you_o from_o hence_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o conclude_v our_o prayer_n with_o amen_o a._n i_o learn_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v with_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o not_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n for_o who_o can_v say_v amen_o to_o what_o he_o understand_v not_o 1_o cor._n 14.16_o how_o shall_v he_o that_o occupi_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a say_v amen_o at_o the_o give_v of_o thanks_o see_v he_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v 2._o that_o all_o our_o prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v present_v to_o god_n with_o fervent_a zeal_n and_o affection_n 1_o thes_n 5.17_o pray_v without_o cease_v q._n what_o be_v prayer_n a._n prayer_n be_v a_o humble_a representation_n of_o our_o want_n and_o desire_n to_o god_n through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o glory_n q._n what_o be_v it_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a._n to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o present_v our_o request_n to_o god_n with_o holy_a and_o fervent_a affection_n excite_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 8.26_o but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v q._n may_v those_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n who_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n a._n yes_o they_o may_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a some_o may_v have_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n who_o pray_v not_o by_o the_o spirit_n for_o they_o who_o use_v prescribe_v and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n when_o their_o petition_n be_v accompany_v with_o fervent_a affection_n stir_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o again_o some_o who_o be_v most_o fluent_a in_o conceive_a prayer_n may_v pray_v only_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o natural_a part_n and_o endowment_n q._n but_o do_v not_o the_o use_n of_o form_n damp_n and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n a._n form_n indeed_o be_v too_o often_o use_v formal_o and_o so_o be_v any_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o true_a test_n and_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n when_o we_o be_v fervent_a in_o put_v up_o these_o request_n to_o god_n where_o neither_o novelty_n variety_n nor_o copiousness_n of_o expression_n can_v be_v suspect_v to_o move_v our_o affection_n but_o only_o the_o genuine_a importance_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o though_o in_o prescribe_a word_n q._n to_o who_o must_v our_o prayer_n be_v direct_v a._n to_o god_n only_o and_o not_o to_o saint_n or_o angel_n q._n how_o ought_v we_o to_o conceive_v of_o god_n when_o we_o pray_v to_o he_o a._n as_o a_o infinite_o glorious_a wise_a powerful_a and_o gracious_a be_v who_o presence_n be_v every_o where_o who_o providence_n and_o goodness_n be_v over_o all_o thing_n and_o thus_o we_o pray_v at_o once_o to_o each_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n q._n may_v we_o not_o particular_o address_v our_o prayer_n to_o some_o one_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n a._n we_o may_v especial_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o their_o particular_a office_n and_o dispensation_n be_v more_o immediate_o concern_v q._n what_o thing_n ought_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o a._n only_o such_o as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 1_o john_n 5.14_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o q._n what_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a._n chief_o spiritual_a blessing_n 1_o thes_n 4.3_o for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o our_o sanctification_n that_o we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o fornication_n and_o for_o these_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v absolute_o and_o importunate_o q._n may_v we_o not_o also_o pray_v for_o temporal_a mercy_n a._n we_o may_v but_o as_o these_o be_v promise_v only_o conditional_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o if_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o his_o will_n and_o glory_n and_o our_o good_a and_o benefit_n q._n how_o must_v we_o direct_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n a._n 1._o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n trust_v only_o in_o his_o merit_n and_o mediation_n for_o acceptance_n and_o answer_n john_n 15.16_o that_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v of_o the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o may_v give_v it_o you_o 2._o in_o faith_n and_o persuasion_n of_o be_v hear_v james_n 1.6_o but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v mark_v 11.24_o what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o 3._o with_o fervency_n and_o affection_n james_n 5.16_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o q._n what_o end_n ought_v we_o to_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o in_o beg_v blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n a._n chief_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n sincere_o purpose_v to_o improve_v those_o blessing_n which_o
righteousness_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o damnation_n have_v be_v unavoidable_a without_o this_o knowledge_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v not_o know_v it_o for_o here_o be_v the_o hyperbole_n of_o their_o misery_n better_o they_o have_v be_v damn_v than_o to_o have_v know_v these_o truth_n and_o this_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o turn_v from_o the_o obedience_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o o_o fearful_a state_n o_o dreadful_a doom_n when_o a_o simple_a and_o genuine_a damnation_n shall_v be_v reckon_v a_o gain_n and_o favour_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o exquisite_a one_o which_o god_n will_v with_o all_o his_o wisdom_n prepare_v and_o all_o his_o power_n inflict_v on_o those_o who_o know_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n do_v notwithstanding_o persevere_v in_o they_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n luke_n 12.47_o and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 15.22_o the_o sin_n and_o punishment_n of_o those_o who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a be_v as_o nothing_o compare_v to_o what_o the_o know_a sinner_n lie_v under_o but_o do_v not_o flatter_v yourselves_o your_o ignorance_n be_v not_o invincible_a be_v you_o not_o call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v you_o not_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n do_v you_o not_o enjoy_v gospel_n ordinance_n and_o ministry_n may_v you_o not_o if_o you_o will_v be_v but_o diligent_a and_o industrious_a understand_v what_o you_o be_v ignorant_a of_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v prove_v your_o ignorance_n invincible_a unless_o it_o be_v your_o obstinacy_n that_o you_o will_v not_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n your_o ignorance_n must_v therefore_o be_v affect_v well_o then_o attend_v unto_o the_o second_o particular_a affect_a ignorance_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o will_v be_v more_o sore_o punish_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o unpractised_a knowledge_n this_o kind_n of_o ignorance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v pleadable_a as_o a_o excuse_n that_o it_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o man_n guilt_n and_o will_v be_v so_o of_o their_o condemnation_n there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n that_o complete_a a_o christian_n knowledge_n and_o practice_n both_o these_o god_n do_v strict_o require_v knowledge_n may_v be_v without_o practice_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n can_v be_v without_o knowledge_n god_n i_o say_v require_v they_o both_o now_o judge_v you_o which_o be_v the_o great_a sinner_n he_o that_o labour_v after_o knowledge_n though_o he_o neglect_v practice_n or_o he_o that_o neglect_v they_o both_o he_o that_o fulfil_v some_o part_n of_o god_n will_n or_o he_o that_o fulfil_v nothing_o of_o it_o certain_o in_o your_o own_o judgement_n this_o latter_a deserve_v to_o be_v double_o punish_v once_o for_o not_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o again_o for_o not_o know_v it_o when_o he_o may_v true_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o righteous_a that_o god_n shall_v with_o the_o high_a disdain_n and_o indignation_n say_v unto_o they_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v i_o know_v you_o not_o since_o they_o have_v audacious_o say_v unto_o he_o depart_v from_o we_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o god_n patience_n towards_o heathen_n who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n tell_v we_o act_v 17.30_o that_o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n and_o yet_o a_o ignorance_n it_o be_v that_o put_v they_o upon_o no_o less_o than_o brutish_a idolatry_n god_n wink_v at_o ignorant_n person_n in_o ignorant_a time_n while_o as_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o darkness_n overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o god_n connive_v and_o wink_v at_o but_o ignorant_a person_n in_o know_v time_n god_n do_v not_o wink_v at_o but_o frown_v upon_o i_o be_o the_o more_o earnest_n in_o press_v this_o because_o i_o perceive_v that_o vile_a and_o rot_a principle_n unworthy_a of_o a_o christian_n who_o be_v a_o child_n of_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n be_v take_v up_o by_o many_o that_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o little_o we_o know_v if_o we_o do_v but_o practice_v what_o we_o know_v what_o a_o cheat_n have_v the_o devil_n put_v upon_o they_o have_v not_o god_n command_v you_o to_o know_v more_o as_o well_o as_o to_o practice_v what_o you_o know_v be_v it_o likely_a you_o shall_v practice_v what_o you_o know_v upon_o god_n command_n who_o will_v not_o upon_o his_o command_n increase_v your_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a plea_n of_o profane_a men._n ask_v they_o why_o they_o frequent_v the_o public_a ordinance_n so_o seldom_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o they_o know_v more_o by_o one_o sermon_n than_o they_o can_v practice_v but_o how_o can_v such_o make_v conscience_n of_o practise_v who_o make_v none_o of_o know_v though_o the_o same_o god_n have_v enjoin_v they_o both_o yea_o though_o they_o can_v practice_v what_o they_o know_v yet_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o that_o for_o those_o who_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o may_v be_v instruct_v if_o they_o will_v it_o may_v be_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o omit_v a_o duty_n out_o of_o neglect_n of_o know_v it_o as_o out_o of_o neglect_n of_o do_v it_o yea_o and_o much_o great_a we_o shall_v ourselves_o judge_v that_o servant_n who_o while_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o he_o stop_v his_o ear_n on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v not_o hear_v what_o we_o command_v he_o we_o shall_v i_o say_v judge_v he_o worthy_a of_o more_o stripe_n than_o he_o who_o give_v diligent_a ear_n to_o our_o command_n although_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v they_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n thou_o who_o stop_v thy_o ear_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v what_o the_o will_n of_o thy_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v deserve_v much_o more_o punishment_n than_o he_o who_o take_v pain_n to_o know_v it_o although_o he_o do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v damnable_a not_o to_o give_v god_n the_o service_n that_o he_o require_v but_o o_o insolence_n not_o to_o give_v god_n thy_o lord_n and_o master_n so_o much_o as_o the_o hear_n have_v god_n send_v man_n into_o the_o world_n and_o send_v the_o scripture_n after_o as_o letter_n of_o instruction_n what_o we_o shall_v do_v for_o he_o here_o and_o will_v it_o think_v thou_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n when_o thou_o return_v to_o thy_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v true_a thou_o have_v instruction_n but_o never_o opened'_v they_o never_o looked'_v into_o they_o what_o a_o fearful_a contempt_n be_v this_o cast_n upon_o the_o great_a god_n never_o so_o much_o as_o to_o inquire_v what_o his_o will_n be_v whether_o or_o no_o he_o command_v that_o which_o be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v and_o therefore_o refuse_v not_o to_o search_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n upon_o pretence_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o you_o can_v fulfil_v will_v but_o aggravate_v your_o sin_n and_o condemnation_n for_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o great_a sin_n and_o sore_a condemnation_n can_v no_o man_n have_v than_o he_o who_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n thereby_o to_o disoblige_v himself_o from_o practice_n and_o again_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o it_o require_v from_o we_o they_o do_v not_o only_o inform_v the_o judgement_n but_o quicken_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o strengthen_v the_o whole_a soul_n to_o its_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n second_o some_o will_v say_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n possess_v they_o with_o strange_a fear_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o incredible_a terror_n it_o raise_v up_o such_o dreadful_a apparition_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n as_o make_v they_o a_o terror_n to_o themselves_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o may_v be_v thy_o condition_n be_v such_o as_o require_v it_o possible_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o wrath_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o thou_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v terrible_a unto_o thou_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o hate_v the_o word_n as_o ahab_n hate_v micaiah_n because_o it_o prophesi_v no_o good_a concern_v thou_o alas_o what_o good_a can_v it_o speak_v as_o long_o as_o thou_o thyself_o continue_v evil_a second_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o scripture_n as_o