to_o be_v worthy_a the_o weight_n of_o a_o oath_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o we_o call_v to_o witness_v and_o under_o who_o divine_a judgement_n we_o set_v ourselves_o in_o case_n we_o speak_v false_a and_o in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v be_v lawful_a and_o possible_a and_o like_a to_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o good_a to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o 4._o direct_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o this_o also_o be_v stumble_v at_o by_o some_o and_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n this_o shall_v be_v agreeable_a or_o at_o least_o not_o contradictory_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v either_o external_n or_o internal_a the_o external_n form_n consist_v in_o word_n or_o sign_n or_o both_o the_o internal_a form_n consist_v in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n a_o little_a of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n the_o external_n sometime_o consist_v in_o word_n without_o sign_n and_o thus_o a_o man_n swear_v and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o intention_n in_o plain_a word_n and_o this_o oath_n be_v various_o word_v according_a to_o the_o use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n man_n live_v in_o and_o thus_o we_o may_v find_v as_o before_o have_v be_v prove_v god_n angel_n and_o man_n have_v thus_o swear_v sometime_o also_o man_n swear_v and_o affirm_v by_o sign_n without_o word_n and_o this_o be_v most_o frequent_a where_o there_o be_v many_o that_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o covenant_n be_v either_o read_v or_o speak_v and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o enter_v into_o that_o bond_n make_v it_o know_v by_o some_o external_n sign_n or_o token_n by_o some_o action_n or_o gesture_n as_o by_o a_o nod_n with_o the_o head_n bow_v the_o body_n stand_v up_o or_o to_o a_o side_n lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o otherwise_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v by_o the_o imposer_n or_o by_o write_v down_o their_o name_n by_o any_o of_o those_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o consent_n and_o this_o be_v as_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v utter_v and_o sometime_o we_o may_v find_v a_o oath_n take_v both_o by_o word_n and_o sign_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n of_o swear_v thus_o god_n frequent_o be_v say_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n when_o he_o swear_v to_o his_o people_n thus_o the_o angel_n dan._n 12.7_o he_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o left_a hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n in_o make_v oath_n and_o covenant_n divers_n be_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o heathen_n have_v use_v at_o such_o time_n yea_o many_o and_o various_a be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o such_o case_n one_o be_v the_o put_v the_o hand_n under_o the_o thigh_n thus_o abraham_n swear_v his_o servant_n gen._n 24.2_o and_o thus_o joseph_n swear_v unto_o his_o father_n jacob_n gen._n 47.29_o another_o form_n much_o in_o use_n be_v lift_v up_o the_o hand_n as_o be_v even_o now_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v use_v by_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n by_o god_n deut._n 32.40_o for_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n and_o say_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o by_o abraham_n gen._n 19.22_o i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a and_o false_a swearer_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_a hand_n of_o deceit_n because_o they_o lift_v it_o up_o deceitful_o psal_n 144.8_o 11._o and_o various_a have_v be_v the_o ceremony_n that_o have_v be_v use_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o in_o succeed_a generation_n among_o we_o the_o put_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n and_o kiss_v it_o be_v most_o in_o use_n or_o both_o which_o be_v but_o a_o profess_v sign_n of_o our_o consent_n and_o i_o know_v not_o any_o cause_n of_o scruple_n in_o it_o thus_o for_o the_o external_n the_o internal_a form_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o a_o oath_n shall_v not_o consist_v in_o equivalent_a or_o ambiguous_a word_n or_o phrase_n for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v take_v they_o in_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o the_o imposer_n mind_n and_o may_v require_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o may_v attest_v another_o but_o the_o sense_n shall_v be_v obvious_a to_o both_o giver_n and_o taker_n or_o otherwise_o nothing_o or_o at_o least_o we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v witness_v and_o the_o oath_n prove_v vain_a nay_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n be_v close_v heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o end_n of_o strife_n and_o thus_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v take_v in_o vain_a and_o this_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n profane_v and_o abuse_v and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o lie_n when_o we_o affirm_v by_o oath_n what_o in_o the_o imposer_n sense_n be_v not_o true_a and_o so_o it_o prove_v perjury_n but_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_a common_a sense_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o all_o neither_o shall_v there_o be_v equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n use_v in_o a_o oath_n this_o be_v the_o sallacious_a deal_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n think_v to_o evade_v all_o oath_n and_o delude_v the_o imposer_n but_o they_o most_o delude_v themselves_o and_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v who_o worship_n be_v abuse_v they_o hide_v part_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o subvert_v the_o sense_n as_o thus_o they_o swear_v they_o be_v not_o at_o rome_n and_o think_v in_o their_o mind_n not_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o but_o what_o be_v mentire_fw-la but_o contra_fw-la mentum_fw-la ire_n though_o this_o may_v serve_v in_o foro_fw-la humano_fw-la god_n can_v easy_o detect_v such_o juggle_a deceit_n and_o will_v never_o hold_v those_o guiltless_a that_o thus_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o like_o jezebel_n deceive_v under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v honour_v god_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n see_v then_o that_o thou_o aim_v at_o right_a ends._n in_o thy_o oath_n the_o end_n must_v be_v lawful_a and_o good_a or_o the_o duty_n will_v prove_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o snare_n a_o man_n may_v swear_v that_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o yet_o if_o his_o end_n be_v bad_a it_o will_v prove_v his_o sin_n now_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o say_v before_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o some_o necessary_a truth_n in_o question_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v prove_v heb._n 6.16_o man_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o themselves_o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n to_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n now_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o weighty_a business_n that_o require_v a_o oath_n and_o a_o necessary_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o question_n some_o doubtful_a matter_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v find_v out_o or_o prove_v that_o can_v be_v evidence_v but_o by_o a_o oath_n in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n vindicate_v himself_o this_o way_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o do_v it_o rom._n 1.9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o my_o spirit_n that_o without_o cease_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o always_o in_o my_o prayer_n 2_o cor._n 1.23_o i_o call_v god_n to_o record_v upon_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v he_o appeal_v to_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n to_o witness_v with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o his_o affection_n to_o they_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n and_o our_o own_o and_o neighbour_n good_a shall_v be_v principal_o mind_v in_o this_o duty_n but_o too_o many_o have_v by_o and_o base_a and_o low_a end_n in_o it_o and_o not_o according_o when_o a_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o can_v otherwise_o be_v find_v out_o and_o yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v impose_v exod._n 22.10,11_o if_o a_o man_n deliver_v unto_o his_o neighbour_n a_o ass_n or_o a_o ox_n or_o a_o sheep_n or_o any_o beast_n to_o keep_v and_o it_o die_v or_o be_v hurt_v or_o be_v drive_v away_o no_o man_n see_v it_o then_o shall_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v between_o they_o both_o that_o he_o have_v not_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o his_o neighbour_n good_n and_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o shall_v accept_v thereof_o
42.15_o josh_n 14.9_o 1_o king_n 20.3_o yea_o in_o gospel_n time_n paul_n rom._n 1.9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v in_o my_o spirit_n i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n which_o show_v it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n who_o when_o witness_n be_v want_v take_v a_o oath_n as_o a_o religious_a band_n and_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o heart_n appeal_v to_o god_n that_o do_v know_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o a_o oath_n that_o be_v intrinsical_o evil_a neither_o the_o matter_n form_n nor_o end_v the_o call_n upon_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o that_o can_v otherwise_o be_v satisfy_v what_o evil_a can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n be_v for_o confirmation_n the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n 2_o cor._n 1.23_o indeed_o all_o rash_a common_a swear_v be_v forbid_v by_o christ_n and_o also_o by_o st._n james_n 1._o direct_v as_o concern_v oath_n consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o party_n themselves_o concern_v and_o they_o be_v either_o the_o party_n require_v a_o oath_n or_o the_o party_n of_o who_o a_o oath_n be_v require_v for_o both_o of_o they_o require_v some_o satisfaction_n he_o that_o require_v it_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o authority_n and_o have_v a_o lawful_a ground_n or_o otherwise_o he_o can_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o exact_v it_o by_o force_n every_o man_n can_v force_v another_o to_o swear_v and_o without_o just_a cause_n no_o one_o ought_v in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o for_o the_o person_n swear_v which_o be_v agens_fw-la principalis_fw-la the_o chief_a actor_n in_o the_o business_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o he_o be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o swear_v to_o give_v be_v at_o his_o own_o dispose_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v the_o child_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n ought_v not_o to_o take_v a_o oath_n neither_o indeed_o shall_v their_o oath_n be_v impose_v or_o regard_v neither_o do_v such_o a_o oath_n bound_v the_o conscience_n be_v ignorant_o take_v they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n neither_o can_v they_o come_v with_o deliberation_n as_o they_o ought_v or_o compare_v their_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n or_o right_a reason_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o at_o what_o age_n that_o be_v i_o think_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v for_o doubtless_o some_o attain_v it_o soon_o some_o late_a but_o i_o think_v our_o law_n say_v sixteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o before_o that_o time_n their_o testimony_n be_v not_o valid_a and_o a_o oath_n may_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o if_o otherwise_o lawful_a though_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o valid_a by_o the_o law_n but_o alas_o how_o common_a oh_o too_o common_a be_v that_o customary_a swear_v of_o child_n even_o before_o they_o can_v speak_v plain_a as_o if_o they_o suck_v it_o in_o with_o their_o mother_n milk_n and_o have_v be_v teach_v it_o with_o their_o mother_n tongue_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v either_o by_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o how_o many_o before_o they_o can_v speak_v plain_a lisp_v out_o oath_n against_o god_n himself_o who_o name_n they_o profane_o abuse_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o shame_n of_o their_o parent_n the_o damage_n of_o the_o nation_n where_o they_o live_v for_o because_o of_o oath_n the_o land_n mourn_v and_o to_o the_o apparent_a hazard_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o without_o repentance_n will_v eternal_o curse_v their_o parent_n in_o hell_n for_o their_o sinful_a education_n again_o mad_a and_o frantic_a man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o though_o they_o once_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n yet_o through_o their_o distemper_n it_o be_v lose_v the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o fool_n and_o idiot_n that_o never_o have_v it_o and_o so_o never_o know_v the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n though_o too_o many_o of_o they_o though_o they_o can_v speak_v reason_n can_v swear_v and_o curse_v and_o take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o their_o proneness_n to_o this_o and_o other_o sin_n and_o their_o backwardness_n to_o what_o be_v good_a discover_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o sinful_a offspring_n of_o lapse_v adam_n and_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n for_o original_a sin_n and_o their_o want_n of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v some_o extenuation_n of_o their_o sin_n god_n require_v little_a where_o little_o be_v give_v yet_o it_o excuse_v not_o a_o toto_fw-la but_o a_o tanto_fw-la it_o discover_v a_o foul_a fountain_n that_o thus_o bubble_n up_o their_o word_n their_o action_n their_o discourse_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v why_o then_o their_o oath_n again_o man_n when_o far_o go_v in_o drink_n or_o passion_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o considerate_a duty_n neither_o can_v they_o do_v it_o without_o sin_n because_o not_o with_o mature_a deliberation_n though_o some_o case_n their_o promisory_a oath_n may_v bind_v they_o and_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o break_v they_o though_o it_o be_v to_o their_o own_o damage_n psal_n 15.4_o for_o drunkenness_n or_o immoderate_a passion_n be_v no_o excuse_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o a_o aggravation_n for_o one_o sin_n will_v not_o excuse_v another_o again_o if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o right_a mind_n and_o otherwise_o qualify_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n at_o his_o own_o dispose_n and_o not_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o swear_v otherwise_o he_o can_v avoid_v sin_n what_o course_n soever_o he_o take_v as_o suppose_v a_o son_n under_o the_o tuition_n of_o a_o father_n or_o a_o servant_n of_o a_o master_n shall_v without_o parent_n or_o master_n consent_n swear_v to_o go_v a_o journey_n as_o suppose_v in_o popery_n on_o a_o pilgrimage_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o at_o his_o own_o dispose_n we_o read_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n if_o a_o woman_n vow_v a_o vow_n or_o a_o maid_n in_o her_o father_n house_n if_o her_o husband_n or_o father_n approve_v not_o of_o it_o it_o be_v void_a consider_v then_o whether_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n or_o marriage_n promise_v without_o parent_n consent_n be_v valid_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v sinful_a those_o under_o authority_n shall_v not_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o by_o oath_n without_o parent_n consent_v 2._o direct_v have_v already_o show_v you_o who_o may_v swear_v and_o who_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o tell_v you_o by_o who_o you_o ought_v to_o swear_v and_o here_o also_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o much_o corruption_n in_o practice_n though_o a_o oath_n be_v lawful_a when_o lawful_o require_v as_o by_o a_o lawful_a magistrate_n in_o a_o lawful_a cause_n from_o a_o person_n right_o qualify_v as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o who_o he_o please_v for_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v part_n of_o divine_a worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o another_o gen._n 21.53_o jacob_n swear_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n that_o be_v by_o the_o god_n who_o his_o father_n fear_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o swear_v by_o god_n i_o have_v show_v you_o already_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o example_n deut._n 6.13_o &_o 10.20_o and_o many_o more_o but_o where_o we_o have_v any_o injunction_n or_o toleration_n give_v to_o swear_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v yea_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n to_o ascribe_v unto_o any_o creature_n divine_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o set_n of_o they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n yea_o a_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o something_o else_o in_o his_o stead_n in_o a_o lawful_a oath_n we_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v the_o truth_n for_o that_o we_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o a_o oath_n but_o we_o ascribe_v omniscience_n omnipotence_n omnipresence_n yea_o the_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o truth_n to_o god_n we_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o tryer_n of_o the_o reins_o and_o that_o he_o be_v both_o the_o witness_n judge_n and_o revenger_n of_o falsehood_n and_o lie_v and_o furthermore_o by_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n god_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o give_v testimony_n with_o
this_o be_v not_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v have_v some_o better_a shelter_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o storm_n of_o god_n fiery_a indignation_n the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o all_o our_o righteousness_n be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n or_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n isa_n 6.6_o and_o will_v god_n think_v you_o delight_n in_o this_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_a and_o never_o cleanse_v from_o original_a corruption_n and_o can_v we_o think_v the_o stream_n thence_o issue_v can_v be_v sweet_a this_o bitter_a root_n send_v many_o branch_n of_o actual_a sin_n which_o mix_v themselves_o with_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o make_v they_o abominable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o dead_a fly_n that_o spoil_v all_o the_o ointment_n we_o can_v do_v a_o duty_n but_o we_o spoil_v it_o in_o the_o do_n and_o if_o we_o can_v unless_o we_o can_v do_v every_o duty_n thus_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n what_o advantage_n shall_v we_o have_v by_o that_o one_o we_o must_v live_v free_a from_o evil_a thought_n vain_a word_n and_o evil_a action_n or_o we_o can_v stand_v approve_v by_o god_n nay_o if_o we_o can_v do_v so_o and_o live_v free_a from_o the_o least_o transgression_n for_o the_o future_a this_o will_v not_o discharge_v we_o of_o our_o forepast_a debt_n will_v the_o constant_a payment_n of_o rent_n for_o the_o future_a clear_v up_o the_o arrear_n that_o be_v behind_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o think_v to_o be_v save_v by_o our_o own_o good_a work_n or_o justify_v by_o our_o good_a duty_n alas_o they_o be_v too_o much_o defile_v with_o sin_n and_o self_n to_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o how_o ready_a be_v man_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o any_o thing_n that_o will_v give_v they_o the_o least_o hope_n and_o trust_v to_o good_a heart_n and_o good_a duty_n and_o good_a meaning_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o loath_a they_o be_v to_o come_v out_o of_o themselves_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o bankrupt_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o the_o vanity_n of_o these_o hope_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o able_a divine_a who_o speak_v full_o to_o my_o purpose_n who_o tell_v thou_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o bring_v in_o perfect_a righteousness_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o christ_n to_o trust_v unto_o thou_o must_v desire_v and_o pray_v till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shake_v till_o thou_o have_v wear_v thy_o tongue_n to_o the_o stump_n endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v and_o other_o commend_v thou_o for_o a_o exact_a christian_a mourn_v in_o some_o wilderness_n till_o doom_n day_n dig_v thy_o grave_n with_o thy_o nail_n weep_v bucket_n full_a of_o hourly_a tear_n till_o thou_o can_v weep_v no_o more_o fast_a and_o pray_v till_o thy_o skin_n and_o bone_n cleave_v together_o promise_v and_o purpose_n with_o full_a resolution_n to_o be_v better_a yea_o reform_v thy_o head_n heart_n life_n and_o tongue_n leave_v some_o nay_o all_o sin_n live_v like_o a_o angel_n shine_v like_o a_o sun_n walk_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n like_o a_o distress_a pilgrim_n so_o that_o all_o that_o see_v thou_o may_v commend_v and_o admire_v thou_o die_v ten_o thousand_o death_n lie_v at_o the_o fire_n back_o of_o hell_n as_o many_o million_o of_o year_n as_o there_o be_v grass_n pile_n upon_o the_o earth_n sands_n on_o the_o sea_n shore_n star_n in_o heaven_n or_o mote_n in_o the_o sun_n i_o tell_v thou_o not_o one_o spark_n of_o god_n wrath_n will_v be_v quench_v by_o all_o these_o duty_n for_o they_o be_v not_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n chap._n iii_o direction_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n have_v give_v you_o some_o general_a direction_n necessary_a in_o all_o duty_n without_o which_o no_o duty_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n i_o shall_v next_o descend_v to_o some_o particular_n which_o god_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n how_o they_o may_v be_v perform_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o soul_n advantage_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mere_a do_v of_o a_o duty_n but_o the_o well_o do_v of_o it_o that_o attain_v these_o end_n the_o first_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v that_o great_a duty_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n as_o for_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v give_v direction_n among_o those_o relative_n duty_n which_o god_n willing_a i_o intend_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o its_o place_n if_o i_o can_v sufficient_o instruct_v you_o in_o this_o i_o need_v not_o speak_v much_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o this_o will_v be_v a_o help_n in_o all_o the_o other_o for_o in_o the_o word_n be_v direction_n for_o the_o other_o also_o i_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v this_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o hope_v few_o will_v deny_v it_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v above_o ordinance_n so_o as_o to_o neglect_v they_o time_n have_v discover_v their_o folly_n do_v not_o god_n send_v his_o messenger_n to_o preach_v and_o be_v it_o not_o our_o duty_n to_o hear_v the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o and_o woe_n to_o he_o if_o he_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9.18_o and_o be_v preach_v their_o duty_n and_o be_v not_o hear_v we_o yea_o do_v not_o christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o hear_v and_o give_v we_o caution_n to_o that_o purpose_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v and_o what_o we_o hear_v mark_v 4.24_o luke_n 8.18_o and_o oftentimes_o call_v upon_o those_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v that_o they_o shall_v hear_v and_o in_o many_o parable_n give_v direction_n about_o hear_v as_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o good_a seed_n and_o the_o tare_n and_o many_o more_o but_o my_o business_n be_v at_o present_a only_o by_o way_n of_o motive_n to_o put_v you_o on_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o by_o way_n of_o direction_n to_o help_v you_o in_o it_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a use_n those_o motive_n draw_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o word_n for_o who_o be_v not_o move_v with_o profit_n and_o gain_v but_o here_o be_v the_o great_a gain_n to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n i_o say_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o it_o rom._n 10.14,17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v to_o this_o end_n god_n send_v paul_n to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n act_v 26.17,18_o when_o christ_n meet_v with_o paul_n in_o the_o way_n act_n 9.9,10_o he_o do_v not_o instruct_v he_o himself_o but_o send_v he_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o ananias_n and_o when_o he_o send_v a_o angel_n to_o cornelius_n it_o be_v not_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o he_o but_o to_o direct_v he_o to_o peter_n act_v 10.35_o it_o be_v by_o preach_v that_o peter_n convert_v 3000._o at_o one_o time_n act_v 2.37.41_o the_o word_n be_v the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o a_o good_a heart_n fructify_v abundant_o mat._n 13.8_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o be_v threaten_v mat._n 10.14_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o receive_v you_o nor_o hear_v your_o word_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o they_o and_o few_o be_v bring_v in_o that_o neglect_n this_o duty_n nay_o it_o be_v of_o daily_a use_n to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v to_o build_v they_o up_o it_o be_v the_o milk_n that_o must_v nourish_v they_o and_o make_v they_o grow_v for_o where_o there_o be_v life_n there_o must_v be_v food_n david_n by_o this_o mean_n become_v wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n and_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o the_o ancient_n and_o what_o condition_n soever_o a_o poor_a soul_n be_v in_o here_o he_o may_v find_v direction_n be_v thou_o in_o sorrow_n and_o distress_n here_o consolation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v here_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n suck_v sweetness_n out_o of_o the_o promise_n be_v thou_o in_o affliction_n here_o be_v cordial_n to_o uphold_v a_o faint_a heart_n direction_n to_o bear_v they_o well_o and_o promise_n of_o a_o seasonable_a deliverance_n if_o thou_o run_v astray_o here_o thou_o may_v hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o thou_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o god_n have_v here_o set_v way-mark_n to_o guide_v thou_o if_o thou_o be_v dead_a or_o dull_a here_o be_v rouse_a consideration_n to_o quicken_v thou_o if_o thy_o faith_n be_v weak_a here_o it_o may_v be_v strengthen_v if_o thy_o soul_n be_v sin_n sick_a here_o be_v a_o physician_n direct_v to_o and_o a_o potion_n prescribe_v
a_o elephant_n may_v swim_v but_o the_o gain_n will_v countervail_v the_o loss_n and_o charge_n here_o be_v a_o lamp_n to_o light_v we_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n to_o refresh_v we_o a_o sword_n to_o defend_v we_o a_o key_n to_o open_a christ_n will_n to_o we_o flagon_n of_o wine_n and_o apple_n of_o paradise_n take_v therefore_o these_o direction_n in_o thy_o read_n 4._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v read_v the_o word_n with_o profit_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n come_v not_o out_o of_o a_o huddle_n of_o business_n with_o thy_o heart_n full_a of_o the_o world_n to_o discourse_v with_o god_n take_v not_o god_n word_n any_o more_o than_o his_o name_n in_o vain_a take_v it_o not_o profane_o into_o thy_o mouth_n without_o due_a regard_n or_o consideration_n lest_o he_o turn_v thou_o away_o with_o a_o curse_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a concernment_n even_o of_o life_n and_o death_n yea_o of_o the_o eternal_a well_o or_o ill_o be_v of_o thy_o soul_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v slight_v beg_v leave_v therefore_o of_o god_n before_o thou_o meddle_v with_o it_o yea_o beg_v his_o blessing_n upon_o it_o without_o which_o nothing_o can_v do_v we_o good_a for_o soul_n or_o body_n the_o want_n of_o due_a preparation_n cause_v many_o to_o find_v the_o word_n so_o ineffectual_a yea_o find_v so_o little_a sweetness_n in_o it_o again_o if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o it_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o read_v it_o be_v not_o read_v by_o fit_n and_o start_n will_v serve_v turn_n many_o be_v now_o off_o now_o on_o now_o they_o will_v and_o then_o they_o will_v not_o as_o the_o world_n give_v they_o leave_v or_o as_o the_o humour_n take_v they_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o get_v a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o read_v what_o ever_o come_v of_o it_o break_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n a_o little_a now_o and_o then_o will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a without_o this_o resolution_n satan_n will_v baffle_v thou_o and_o lay_v some_o temptation_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v the_o world_n will_v divert_v thou_o and_o one_o business_n or_o other_o present_v itself_o to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n thy_o own_o corruption_n will_v oppose_v it_o and_o thy_o deceitful_a heart_n make_v thou_o delay_v it_o but_o this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v not_o divert_v from_o it_o any_o more_o than_o thou_o will_v be_v from_o thy_o meat_n but_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a thou_o must_v not_o only_o do_v the_o duty_n but_o do_v it_o well_o to_o this_o end_n get_v thy_o heart_n in_o order_n get_v it_o cleanse_v from_o distract_n thought_n and_o care_n &_o free_v from_o disquiet_v motion_n &_o perterbation_n a_o full_a vessel_n can_v receive_v no_o more_o and_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o the_o world_n have_v no_o room_n for_o heaven_n say_v therefore_o to_o thy_o worldly_a care_n and_o thought_n when_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o go_v to_o sacrifice_n stay_v here_o and_o i_o will_v come_v to_o you_o again_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n apprehend_v he_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n behold_v thou_o this_o will_v keep_v thy_o thought_n from_o rove_a and_o thy_o imagination_n from_o wander_a in_o his_o service_n and_o awe_v thy_o heart_n and_o curb_v thy_o affection_n bring_v with_o thou_o also_o a_o spiritual_a appetite_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n come_v with_o a_o empty_a stomach_n or_o why_o do_v thou_o seek_v after_o food_n a_o hungry_a man_n be_v most_o like_a to_o taste_v and_o relish_v those_o dainty_n the_o word_n be_v to_o david_n sweet_a than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n if_o there_o be_v spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o soul_n there_o will_v be_v a_o appetite_n for_o no_o life_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o food_n bring_v faith_n also_o along_o with_o thou_o which_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o without_o this_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v no_o nourishment_n the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v profit_v they_o not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4.2_o reading_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a if_o thou_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o thou_o read_v or_o doubte_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o threaten_n i'faith_o also_o will_v subdue_v carnal_a reason_n and_o help_v thou_o out_o when_o thou_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n but_o above_o all_o seek_v help_n from_o above_o from_o god_n here_o be_v many_o difficulty_n too_o hard_o for_o thou_o to_o grapple_v with_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o divine_a assistance_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n it_o be_v he_o that_o open_v lydia_n heart_n and_o must_v open_v thou_o or_o the_o word_n can_v do_v it_o beg_v therefore_o his_o assistance_n and_o come_v thus_o prepare_v to_o the_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o likely_a way_n to_o speed_n 2._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o read_v of_o the_o word_n be_v sure_a to_o propound_v right_a end_n to_o thyself_o for_o the_o end_n crown_v the_o action_n many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o their_o end_n be_v bad_a they_o undo_v themselves_o and_o lose_v their_o labour_n by_o this_o mean_n some_o read_v for_o custom_n and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o make_v read_v the_o end_n of_o read_v and_o be_v like_o the_o silly_a woman_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o always_o learn_v and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o work_n be_v do_v matter_n it_o no_o more_o some_o read_v to_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o knowledge_n and_o their_o brain_n with_o notion_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v with_o applause_n when_o yet_o they_o never_o suffer_v it_o to_o sink_v down_o or_o soak_v into_o or_o season_v the_o heart_n but_o such_o speculative_a knowledge_n do_v little_a good_a yea_o great_a hurt_n it_o make_v they_o sin_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o read_v to_o a_o worse_a end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o maintain_v error_n and_o pervert_v the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n thus_o the_o jesuit_n and_o many_o heretic_n but_o every_o one_o shall_v and_o a_o true_a christian_a do_v in_o this_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o make_v god_n glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n the_o mark_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o regulate_v his_o action_n according_o and_o doubtless_o from_o god_n he_o will_v receive_v his_o reward_n when_o other_o as_o it_o be_v self_n they_o aim_v at_o so_o from_o self_n they_o must_v expect_v their_o wage_n a_o believer_n he_o will_v know_v more_o that_o he_o may_v obey_v better_a he_o will_v know_v god_n better_o that_o he_o may_v love_v he_o more_o and_o know_v god_n will_n that_o he_o may_v do_v his_o work_n he_o will_v know_v his_o work_n as_o well_o as_o his_o wage_n his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o his_o privilege_n he_o read_v he_o word_n of_o god_n and_o those_o book_n which_o open_a and_o apply_v it_o that_o he_o may_v know_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o follow_v the_o one_o and_o fly_v the_o other_o and_o may_v not_o be_v seduce_v by_o false_a teacher_n nor_o draw_v aside_o from_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a he_o will_v know_v light_a from_o darkness_n and_o have_v the_o scale_n of_o ignorance_n fall_v from_o his_o eye_n he_o will_v know_v good_a from_o evil_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o yea_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a he_o will_v know_v vice_n from_o virtue_n and_o discern_v what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o those_o that_o in_o persecute_v the_o saint_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n he_o will_v be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o know_v the_o state_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o whether_o his_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n be_v good_a or_o no_o he_o observe_v what_o qualification_n the_o scripture_n require_v for_o heaven_n and_o then_o by_o scripture-light_n he_o will_v discern_v they_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o endeavour_n to_o read_v his_o own_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o see_v what_o interest_n he_o have_v in_o
be_v also_o necessary_a that_o thou_o understand_v what_o thou_o read_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o the_o sense_n thou_o shall_v look_v after_o the_o jew_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o have_v great_a care_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o count_v the_o word_n syllable_n and_o letter_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o miss_v of_o the_o meaning_n when_o thou_o read_v a_o dark_a passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n rest_v not_o till_o thou_o understand_v it_o to_o this_o end_n divine_n have_v give_v several_a direction_n such_o as_o these_o if_o thou_o be_v able_a compare_v the_o original_a and_o translation_n together_o and_z perhaps_o this_o may_v resolve_v thy_o doubt_n every_o language_n have_v a_o peculiar_a elegancy_n and_o some_o word_n be_v of_o so_o hard_a a_o signification_n that_o they_o can_v full_o be_v express_v in_o a_o translation_n now_o know_v the_o original_a will_n abundant_o help_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o art_n and_o science_n be_v also_o of_o great_a use_n let_v the_o enemy_n to_o learning_n say_v what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n if_o this_o help_v thou_o not_o look_v into_o the_o context_n observe_v the_o circumstance_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o receive_v no_o interpretation_n which_o cross_v that_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v compare_v this_o place_n with_o other_o the_o like_a and_o admit_v not_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o contradict_v other_o scripture_n especial_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n those_o plain_a doctrinal_a conclusion_n gather_v out_o of_o other_o plain_a scripture_n of_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v make_v and_o if_o it_o agree_v not_o with_o this_o reject_v it_o for_o truth_n itself_o can_v oppose_v itself_o we_o must_v reduce_v dark_a place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o not_o force_v those_o that_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o dark_a one_o if_o this_o help_v not_o read_v some_o learned_a exposition_n upon_o the_o place_n if_o this_o fail_v seek_v assistance_n from_o god_n for_o as_o the_o sun_n can_v be_v see_v but_o by_o its_o own_o light_n so_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n he_o that_o faithful_o and_o careful_o observe_v these_o direction_n may_v through_o god_n blessing_n come_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n thou_o read_v careful_o observe_v the_o general_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o what_o design_n god_n be_v aim_v at_o and_o what_o end_v he_o aim_v at_o in_o it_o and_o prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o mark_n that_o he_o do_v for_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v for_o our_o instruction_n now_o if_o we_o heedful_o mark_v the_o general_a scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o end_n which_o god_n drive_v on_o in_o the_o main_a be_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o world_n in_o his_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v own_v he_o as_o their_o lord_n owner_n and_o benefactor_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n that_o he_o may_v get_v himself_o glory_n in_o their_o salvation_n now_o in_o thy_o read_n prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n that_o god_n do_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o end_n which_o he_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o likely_a way_n to_o profit_n the_o scripture_n in_o general_n set_v before_o thou_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o thyself_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v what_o thou_o be_v by_o nature_n what_o by_o the_o fall_n and_o what_o by_o thy_o restauration_n and_o also_o what_o god_n require_v at_o thy_o hand_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o end_n the_o scripture_n handle_v those_o point_n which_o conduce_v hereunto_o as_o first_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n thou_o may_v see_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n for_o none_o else_o can_v make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o yea_o every_o creature_n will_v point_v out_o god_n to_o a_o understand_a man_n for_o it_o pass_v the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o make_v the_o least_o fly_n especial_o without_o pre-existent_a matter_n nay_o the_o creature_n do_v not_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o also_o sâ—…_n forth_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n as_o his_o eternity_n wisdom_n power_n majesty_n goodness_n and_o perfection_n these_o clear_o shine_v forth_o in_o these_o his_o work_n the_o least_o creature_n if_o you_o follow_v he_o home_o to_o his_o original_a by_o divine_a meditation_n will_v point_v out_o a_o omnipotent_a arm_n for_o his_o creator_n and_o when_o thou_o read_v of_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n these_o also_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o teach_v the_o same_o lesson_n the_o wonderful_a work_n and_o miracle_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o people_n the_o rule_n and_o government_n which_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o world_n the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o frequent_a deliverance_n he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n bespeak_v to_o we_o his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n when_o thou_o read_v of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n this_o bespeak_v christ_n the_o lord_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v witness_v from_o heaven_n by_o angel_n by_o saint_n by_o enemy_n by_o devil_n all_o which_o give_v testimony_n to_o his_o divinity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v true_o man_n be_v also_o evident_a by_o his_o incarnation_n birth_n growth_n action_n passion_n death_n and_o burial_n and_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o evident_a by_o scripture_n light_n here_o thou_o may_v find_v that_o all_o the_o prophecy_n that_o go_v before_o of_o he_o be_v clear_o fulfil_v in_o he_o and_o no_o other_o and_o such_o miracle_n wrought_v and_o such_o mighty_a work_v do_v and_o such_o gracious_a word_n speak_v that_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n again_o when_o thou_o read_v the_o command_n threaten_n punishment_n etc._n etc._n know_v these_o be_v to_o deter_v thou_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o drive_v thou_o home_o to_o god_n thy_o benefactor_n and_o when_o thou_o read_v the_o promise_n invitation_n and_o encouragement_n these_o be_v to_o draw_v the_o near_a to_o he_o therefore_o careful_o observe_v what_o ever_o thou_o read_v and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o it_o will_v conduce_v to_o bring_v thou_o near_o to_o god_n this_o be_v god_n end_n in_o write_v the_o word_n and_o shall_v be_v thy_o end_n in_o read_v it_o 6._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o read_v then_o meditate_v upon_o what_o thou_o read_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v what_o thou_o read_v thy_o own_o it_o be_v this_o way_n that_o david_n get_v more_o understanding_n than_o the_o ancient_n and_o become_v wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n psal_n 119.98,99,100_o and_o 66.11_o now_o meditation_n be_v a_o studious_a art_n of_o the_o mind_n wherein_o a_o man_n search_v out_o some_o hide_a truth_n by_o the_o discourse_n of_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o profitable_a heart-enriching_a duty_n thou_o can_v perform_v this_o will_v fetch_v in_o provision_n like_o a_o bee_n from_o every_o herb_n and_o flower_n yea_o from_o every_o weed_n thorn_n and_o bramble_n will_v yield_v some_o honey_n this_o will_v store_v thy_o heart_n with_o treasure_n new_a and_o old_a there_o be_v no_o creature_n so_o barren_a but_o will_v yield_v some_o fruit_n nor_o dead_a tree_n or_o hard_a stone_n that_o be_v so_o barren_a but_o it_o will_v yield_v some_o increase_n no_o creature_n but_o will_v yield_v a_o help_a hand_n no_o fowl_n but_o will_v lend_v a_o feather_n to_o mount_v the_o soul_n aloft_o a_o christian_a skill_v in_o the_o divine_a art_n of_o holy_a meditation_n can_v never_o want_v a_o object_n fit_a to_o work_v upon_o and_o if_o the_o creature_n thus_o furnish_v we_o doubtless_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v fruitless_a the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o itself_o be_v mysterious_a and_o dark_a at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o it_o the_o well_o be_v deep_a and_o meditation_n be_v the_o bucket_n hereby_o divine_a mystery_n be_v draw_v out_o and_o the_o water_n of_o life_n pump_v in_o cursory_a read_v many_o thing_n pass_v by_o without_o regard_n which_o by_o meditation_n be_v fetch_v back_o and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o help_n to_o the_o understanding_n but_o the_o memory_n also_o it_o leave_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o it_o what_o in_o cursory_a read_n be_v soon_o forget_v be_v press_v hard_o upon_o and_o imprint_v to_o the_o memory_n by_o meditation_n hereby_o the_o heart_n
angel_n psal_n 8.1,2_o etc._n etc._n such_o occasional_a object_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o many_o of_o christ_n speech_n and_o sermon_n and_o a_o christian_a by_o this_o mean_n may_v learn_v something_o from_o every_o thing_n he_o either_o see_v or_o hear_v that_o meditation_n that_o be_v set_v and_o solemn_a be_v when_o a_o man_n separate_v himself_o from_o other_o employment_n and_o sequester_v himself_o and_o thought_n from_o worldly_a affair_n to_o consider_v of_o some_o portion_n of_o scripture_n or_o some_o point_n of_o divinity_n or_o some_o work_n of_o nature_n for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o his_o soul_n good_a that_o this_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n few_o christian_n will_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v a_o beneficial_a duty_n all_o that_o have_v try_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n will_v easy_o confess_v experto_fw-la crede_fw-la roberto_n that_o it_o be_v too_o much_o neglect_v we_o may_v acknowledge_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n joshua_n be_v command_v to_o meditate_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n josh_n 1.8_o this_o be_v david_n practice_n psal_n 119.59_o and_o this_o he_o make_v the_o character_n of_o a_o godly_a and_o bless_a man_n psal_n 1.2,3_o it_o be_v isaac_n custom_n as_o also_o paul_n and_o peter_n and_o many_o other_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o digest_v the_o meat_n we_o eat_v and_o can_v meat_n nourish_v if_o not_o digest_v this_o be_v the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n when_o we_o ruminate_v upon_o what_o we_o hear_v or_o see_v meat_n undigested_a in_o the_o stomach_n feed_v disease_n when_o it_o be_v digest_v it_o feed_v the_o body_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n so_o many_o good_a sermon_n be_v lose_v among_o we_o and_o so_o many_o gracious_a providence_n pass_v un-observed_n but_o for_o want_v of_o this_o doubtless_o one_o sermon_n well_o digest_v by_o meditation_n will_v bring_v more_o nourishment_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o breed_v more_o good_a blood_n than_o now_o twenty_o do_v by_o meditation_n a_o man_n search_v and_o ransack_v the_o soul_n and_o find_v out_o every_o dust-heap_n every_o corruption_n and_o see_v whether_o those_o divine_a qualification_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v there_o or_o no_o when_o other_o be_v stranger_n at_o home_n by_o this_o he_o get_v light_a into_o the_o understanding_n heat_n into_o the_o affection_n and_o it_o put_v life_n into_o all_o his_o duty_n by_o this_o he_o come_v to_o see_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o emptiness_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o vileness_n of_o sin_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o the_o heart_n be_v take_v off_o the_o world_n and_o set_v upon_o heaven_n and_o see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v invisible_a by_o this_o he_o trample_v upon_o sublunary_a thing_n and_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o thing_n within_o the_o vail_n by_o this_o stephen_n see_v god_n and_o moses_n talk_v with_o god_n and_o paul_n be_v carry_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n by_o this_o affliction_n be_v make_v light_n and_o the_o cross_a easy_a and_o christ_n yoke_n delightful_a this_o make_v a_o man_n choose_v suffering_n rather_o than_o sin_n and_o pain_n rather_o than_o sinful_a pleasure_n this_o help_v the_o soul_n to_o fly_v to_o heaven_n and_o hold_v communion_n with_o christ_n himself_o and_o like_o the_o busy_a bee_n to_o gather_v honey_n from_o flower_n and_o weed_n which_o to_o effect_v take_v these_o follow_a direction_n 1._o direct_v concern_v occasional_a meditation_n though_o it_o be_v not_o what_o i_o chief_o intend_v yet_o be_v of_o daily_a use_n i_o shall_v speak_v something_o of_o it_o at_o present_a a_o christian_a that_o trade_n for_o heaven_n may_v have_v much_o good_n bring_v home_n in_o this_o ship_n he_o may_v get_v advantage_n by_o all_o he_o hear_v or_o see_v or_o observe_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n book_n or_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n but_o will_v instruct_v we_o in_o some_o necessary_a lesson_n concern_v god_n or_o ourselves_o and_o mind_v we_o of_o something_o that_o may_v conduce_v to_o our_o advantage_n and_o he_o that_o can_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o every_o thing_n he_o see_v or_o hear_v and_o pick_v some_o spiritual_a food_n and_o refresh_v from_o it_o must_v doubtless_o be_v a_o flourish_a cedar_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o enjoy_v heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o spiritualise_v all_o the_o creature_n how_o often_o in_o scripture_n may_v we_o read_v that_o christ_n by_o occasional_a occurrence_n mind_n his_o hearer_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n from_o a_o well_o of_o water_n he_o instruct_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n concern_v the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o by_o occasion_n of_o bread_n he_o mind_v they_o of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o from_o a_o sour_a and_o his_o seed_n show_v that_o a_o bad_a heart_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o the_o word_n prove_v unfruitful_a and_o many_o more_o such_o like_a david_n as_o before_o be_v hint_v behold_v the_o heaven_n be_v raise_v up_o in_o his_o meditation_n to_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o love_n to_o man_n psal_n 8.1,2,3_o etc._n etc._n solomon_n send_v the_o sluggard_n to_o school_n to_o the_o ant_n or_o pismire_n that_o gather_v in_o summer_n for_o winter_n and_o christ_n send_v those_o that_o be_v distrustful_a of_o their_o father_n providence_n to_o observe_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n how_o he_o feed_v they_o and_o the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n how_o he_o clothes_n it_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o a_o wise_a man_n may_v make_v a_o sanctify_a use_n of_o all_o these_o if_o a_o good_a wit_n can_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o every_o thing_n much_o more_o a_o good_a heart_n have_v we_o but_o this_o art_n of_o meditation_n every_o thing_n will_v yield_v a_o suitable_a object_n we_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n before_o we_o the_o great_a want_n be_v of_o a_o good_a heart_n to_o improve_v these_o object_n that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o view_n the_o least_o creature_n will_v be_v useful_a if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v every_o day_n that_o pass_v over_o our_o head_n may_v put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o latter_a end_n thy_o bed_n may_v mind_v thou_o of_o thy_o latter_a end_n and_o the_o time_n when_o thou_o must_v lie_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o thy_o rise_n up_o may_v mind_v thou_o of_o thy_o resurrection_n the_o rise_a sun_n may_v mind_v thou_o what_o a_o glorious_a day_n that_o will_v be_v when_o christ_n with_o his_o saint_n and_o angel_n shall_v appear_v at_o judgement_n each_o one_o shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o lustre_n when_o night_n approach_v it_o may_v mind_v thou_o that_o thy_o day_n be_v number_v and_o that_o thou_o have_v now_o one_o few_o to_o spend_v than_o thou_o have_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o mind_v thou_o what_o account_v thou_o can_v give_v of_o it_o and_o make_v thou_o consider_v that_o the_o world_n can_v recall_v it_o every_o pain_n and_o grief_n ache_n and_o trouble_v yea_o every_o gray_a hair_n may_v mind_v thou_o of_o thy_o mortality_n and_o how_o little_o behold_v thou_o be_v to_o sin_n which_o bring_v all_o this_o into_o the_o world_n when_o thou_o see_v the_o heaven_n adorn_v with_o those_o beauty_n spot_n the_o sun_n the_o moon_n the_o star_n thou_o may_v think_v if_o the_o porch_n be_v so_o glorious_a what_o be_v the_o palace_n if_o the_o pavement_n be_v so_o beautiful_a what_o be_v the_o court_n the_o throne_n itself_o when_o thou_o consider_v their_o beauty_n altitude_n magnitude_n selerity_n and_o influence_n thou_o may_v well_o admire_v the_o creator_n and_o with_o david_n cry_v out_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n etc._n etc._n who_o can_v but_o admire_v when_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o huge_a and_o massy_a globe_n the_o unweiley_o creature_n hang_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o air_n of_o nothing_o distinguish_v into_o hill_n and_o dale_n and_o wood_n and_o river_n furnish_v with_o such_o variety_n of_o tree_n and_o grass_n and_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o the_o numberless_a number_n of_o live_a creature_n bird_n and_o beast_n and_o fish_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o all_o provide_v for_o by_o the_o great_a householder_n who_o can_v behold_v the_o rage_a sea_n keep_v within_o his_o bank_n in_o the_o ebb_n and_o flow_n and_o view_v the_o stream_n and_o fountain_n the_o spring_n and_o river_n and_o not_o cry_v out_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n now_o among_o all_o these_o there_o be_v not_o one_o fly_n or_o flea_n not_o one_o graspile_v or_o leaf_n of_o a_o tree_n but_o yield_v matter_n of_o meditation_n and_o admiration_n ah_o what_o a_o rich_a soul_n will_v that_o be_v that_o gather_v fruit_n from_o all_o these_o 2._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v perform_v thy_o duty_n well_o it_o be_v necessary_a thou_o set_v upon_o it_o with_o due_a preparation_n i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o occasional_a
overwhelm_v in_o the_o sea_n exod._n 14.21_o over_o amalek_n exod._n 17.12_o over_o sennacherib_n 2_o king_n 19.32_o it_o have_v withhold_v rain_n from_o the_o earth_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o after_o procure_v it_o james_z 5.17,18_o it_o have_v bring_v angel_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o help_n of_o man_n thus_o to_o daniel_n chap._n 9.21_o for_o hezekiahs_n help_n 2_o king_n 19.35_o where_o a_o angel_n slay_v in_o one_o night_n in_o the_o camp_n of_o sennacherib_n a_o hundred_o forty_o and_o five_o thousand_o and_o to_o elisha_n 2_o king_n 6.17_o where_o the_o mountain_n be_v full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n about_o elisha_n it_o have_v bring_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o enemy_n 2_o kin._n 1.10.12_o it_o have_v procure_v bear_n to_o devour_v those_o child_n that_o mock_v the_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 2.24_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n mat._n 17.21_o and_o to_o work_v strange_a deliverance_n as_o jonah_n out_o of_o the_o whale_n belly_n jonah_n 2.10_o peter_n out_o of_o prison_n act_v 12.5_o etc._n etc._n by_o this_o the_o widow_n oil_n be_v increase_v 2_o king_n 4.3_o and_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v mark_n 11.23_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o recover_v the_o sick_a james_n 5.15_o to_o divert_v judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v thus_o moses_n oft_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n luke_n 18.13_o to_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n mat._n 26.41_o to_o have_v deliverance_n out_o of_o trouble_n psal_n 50.15_o to_o procure_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.13_o to_o get_v wisdom_n james_n 1.5_o who_o now_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o such_o a_o duty_n now_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n well_o take_v these_o direction_n 1._o direct_v there_o be_v several_a qualification_n requisite_a to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v right_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o which_o a_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o though_o christ_n bid_v ask_v and_o we_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o we_o yet_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o we_o ask_v and_o have_v not_o because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v upon_o thy_o heart_n or_o otherwise_o thou_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v the_o blind_a man_n john_n 9.31_o can_v say_v god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o pray_v and_o the_o apostle_n incourage_v simon_n magus_n to_o the_o duty_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v but_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v bring_v over_o to_o god_n we_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v we_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abomination_n to_o god_n till_o then_o we_o can_v comfortable_o call_v god_n father_n nor_o come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n neither_o will_v christ_n mediate_v or_o intercede_v for_o we_o while_o we_o remain_v his_o enemy_n neither_o will_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n rom._n 8.15_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o through_o faith_n that_o we_o have_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n to_o god_n eph._n 3_o 12._o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o that_o we_o hate_v sin_n if_o we_o come_v to_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o devour_a fire_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sin_n how_o can_v we_o hearty_o pray_v against_o sin_n and_o for_o holiness_n if_o we_o love_v sin_n and_o hate_v holiness_n as_o all_o unconverted_a sinner_n do_v this_o be_v dissemble_v with_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o with_o he_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n say_v david_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o yea_o god_n who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o require_v holiness_n in_o all_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n with_o comfort_n heb._n 12.14_o knowledge_n also_o be_v requisite_a for_o god_n can_v abide_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a in_o sacrifice_n without_o this_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a nor_o the_o service_n acceptable_a without_o this_o a_o man_n know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o or_o what_o to_o pray_v against_o what_o to_o seek_v or_o what_o to_o shun_v what_o be_v sin_n or_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o he_o want_v or_o what_o he_o have_v and_o what_o blind_a worship_n be_v he_o like_v to_o offer_v he_o can_v never_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v self-denial_n also_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n subject_a his_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o notable_a example_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n himself_o who_o meat_n and_o drink_v it_o be_v to_o do_v his_o father_n will._n so_o when_o he_o have_v pray_v that_o that_o bitter_a cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o yet_o add_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o thus_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n i'faith_o also_o be_v requireâ—_n for_o if_o those_o shaft_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o head_v by_o faith_n they_o will_v never_o reach_v heaven_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n require_v whatsoever_o you_o ask_v believe_o you_o shall_v receive_v and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o nay_o further_o patience_n be_v also_o require_v we_o must_v wait_v for_o a_o answer_n not_o like_o those_o short-winded_a bethulian_o that_o set_v god_n a_o time_n and_o will_v wait_v no_o long_o but_o refer_v all_o to_o his_o will_n who_o best_o know_v his_o own_o time_n yea_o the_o best_a time_n and_o fit_a season_n he_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v a_o humble_a man_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a he_o that_o have_v not_o low_o self-denying_a thought_n of_o himself_o god_n will_v have_v low_a thought_n of_o his_o service_n he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o he_o must_v also_o beg_v for_o the_o power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.26_o god_n know_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n come_v not_o in_o thy_o own_o strength_n thou_o must_v also_o be_v painful_a and_o laborious_a not_o only_o pray_v for_o mercy_n but_o endeavour_n for_o they_o a_o few_o faint_a wish_n will_v not_o serve_v turn_n sin_n must_v be_v fight_v against_o as_o well_o as_o pray_v against_o endeavour_n must_v be_v use_v 2._o direct_v before_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n prepare_v thy_o heart_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n be_v thou_o but_o to_o meet_v some_o prince_n or_o noble_a man_n thou_o will_v make_v some_o preparation_n much_o more_o shall_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v to_o meet_v the_o great_a god_n one_o that_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o end_n and_o motive_n in_o the_o duty_n what_o business_n of_o concernment_n be_v there_o but_o needs_o some_o preparation_n much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o examine_v therefore_o what_o relation_n thou_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n or_o a_o enemy_n who_o can_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o he_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o be_v not_o reconcile_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o thou_o and_o a_o surety_n to_o undertake_v thy_o debt_n how_o dare_v thou_o approach_v to_o the_o creditor_n to_o who_o thou_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o can_v not_o pay_v a_o farthing_n how_o dare_v approach_v this_o consume_a fire_n that_o be_v but_o chaff_n and_o stubble_n and_o what_o hope_n have_v of_o speed_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n the_o promise_n belong_v not_o to_o thou_o but_o when_o thou_o can_v find_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o christ_n can_v call_v god_n father_n yet_o rush_v not_o rude_o into_o his_o presence_n but_o study_v well_o what_o thing_n he_o have_v promise_v for_o those_o thou_o may_v bold_o ask_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v but_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v till_o it_o be_v fulfil_v but_o if_o thou_o ask_v amiss_o that_o be_v what_o he_o never_o promise_v no_o wonder_n if_o thou_o receive_v it_o not_o acquaint_v thyself_o well_o with_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o power_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n this_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a
imagine_v that_o god_n immediate_o from_o heaven_n strike_v they_o dead_a for_o every_o such_o transgression_n we_o find_v indeed_o the_o law_n execute_v numb_a 15.36_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o man_n that_o gather_v stick_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n though_o man_n can_v be_v compel_v to_o become_v true_a christian_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v to_o a_o outward_a compliance_n and_o restrain_v from_o the_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n though_o they_o will_v not_o sanctify_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o shall_v be_v restrain_v from_o profane_v it_o with_o their_o hand_n or_o tongue_n false_a prophet_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o those_o that_o teach_v error_n and_o heresy_n shall_v be_v restrain_v but_o alas_o here_o be_v our_o misery_n we_o have_v few_o nehemiah_n in_o our_o time_n to_o redress_v these_o abuse_n many_n not_o only_o do_v it_o themselves_o but_o take_v pleasure_n in_o those_o that_o do_v and_o the_o sabbath_n be_v profane_v and_o few_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n minister_n also_o in_o their_o place_n shall_v see_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o though_o they_o can_v compel_v yet_o they_o may_v persuade_v and_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o the_o wilful_a breaker_n of_o his_o law_n the_o word_n and_o sword_n shall_v go_v together_o and_o if_o they_o prove_v obstinate_a sinner_n they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o as_o those_o that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o a_o christian_a society_n excommunication_n have_v proceed_v i_o suppose_v against_o person_n for_o less_o fault_n in_o god_n account_n governor_n of_o family_n also_o whether_o parent_n or_o master_n shall_v look_v to_o those_o under_o their_o charge_n for_o neither_o son_n nor_o daughter_n manservant_n nor_o maid-servant_n shall_v break_v this_o law_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o the_o magistrate_n have_v yet_o he_o have_v power_n to_o command_v rebuke_v restrain_v and_o if_o need_v be_v to_o correct_v and_o why_o have_v god_n give_v this_o power_n into_o their_o hand_n but_o to_o this_o end_n abraham_n joshua_n david_n and_o other_o do_v thus_o reform_v their_o family_n gen._n 18.19_o josh_n 24.15_o psal_n 101._o throughout_o eph._n 6.4_o esther_n 4.6_o servant_n that_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n as_o suppose_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o mahometan_a yet_o aught_o to_o be_v restrain_v from_o the_o open_a profanation_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o many_o parent_n and_o master_n will_v profane_v it_o themselves_o and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v see_v to_o their_o child_n or_o servant_n yea_o often_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o precedent_n they_o command_v the_o violation_n and_o many_o that_o will_v not_o open_o profane_v it_o themselves_o yet_o wink_v at_o other_o when_o they_o do_v it_o but_o can_v god_n think_v thou_o discern_v the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o see_v thy_o approbation_n of_o it_o some_o plead_v as_o lot_n of_o zoar_n it_o be_v a_o little_a one_o it_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n the_o more_o shame_n to_o break_v a_o command_n of_o god_n for_o a_o small_a matter_n if_o the_o devil_n mend_v thy_o wage_n thou_o will_v mend_v thy_o work_n and_o a_o great_a temptation_n will_v make_v thou_o break_v they_o all_o but_o thou_o will_v find_v none_o so_o small_a some_o plead_v a_o necessity_n for_o do_v this_o or_o that_o but_o be_v it_o not_o thy_o neglect_n that_o make_v it_o necessary_a some_o plead_v youth_n must_v have_v some_o recreation_n so_o they_o must_v have_v food_n and_o raiment_n shall_v they_o therefore_o steal_v for_o it_o why_o may_v they_o not_o have_v it_o out_o of_o thy_o six_o day_n as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o god_n one_o give_v they_o of_o thy_o own_o and_o not_o of_o another_o time_n for_o it_o chap._n ix_o direction_n in_o baptism_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v come_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o give_v some_o direction_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o business_n of_o very_a great_a concernment_n and_o the_o most_o miscarry_v and_o lose_v their_o labour_n that_o use_v they_o i_o shall_v spend_v a_o few_o word_n concern_v sacrament_n in_o general_a and_o then_o treat_v of_o they_o several_o a_o sacrament_n be_v a_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n institute_v and_o ordain_v by_o god_n himself_o whereby_o he_o confirm_v unto_o the_o elect_n the_o free_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o also_o bind_v they_o unto_o obedience_n to_o his_o revealed_z will._n the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o adam_n in_o paradise_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n engage_v to_o perfect_a obedience_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o damnation_n do_v this_o and_o live_v and_o have_v man_n continue_v in_o innocency_n he_o have_v be_v everlasting_o happy_a upon_o that_o covenant_n term_n but_o when_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o satan_n man_n have_v break_v this_o covenant_n and_o transgress_v that_o command_n which_o forbid_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a he_o lose_v by_o this_o transgression_n that_o image_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v create_v and_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o have_v the_o image_n of_o satan_n stamp_v upon_o his_o soul_n and_o instead_o of_o original_a righteousness_n have_v original_a sin_n and_o his_o whole_a nature_n be_v deprave_v and_o after_o which_o fall_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o posterity_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v save_v upon_o the_o first_o covenant_n term_n and_o lay_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o perish_v if_o the_o great_a god_n have_v not_o find_v out_o a_o way_n which_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v not_o have_v do_v to_o reconcile_v sinful_a man_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o mediator_n and_o to_o this_o end_n send_v his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n to_o be_v make_v man_n that_o be_v god_n and_o man_n he_o may_v be_v a_o fit_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n who_o by_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n discharge_v the_o debt_n buy_v the_o prisoner_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n with_o they_o even_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o tenor_n of_o it_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o unto_o this_o covenant_n the_o sacrament_n seal_n now_o this_o covenant_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n though_o under_o a_o different_a administration_n it_o be_v then_o more_o dark_a and_o typical_a now_o more_o clear_a and_o manifest_v and_o even_o then_o also_o god_n give_v they_o seal_n to_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n not_o that_o they_o be_v needful_a on_o god_n part_n for_o his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n but_o on_o man_n part_n they_o be_v lest_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n he_o shall_v doubt_v and_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n alter_v the_o administration_n for_o when_o the_o substance_n be_v come_v the_o shadow_n flee_v away_o he_o alter_v the_o seal_n also_o and_o appoint_v only_o two_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o one_o for_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n the_o other_o for_o our_o growth_n and_o nourishment_n these_o and_o these_o only_o be_v our_o gospel_n sacrament_n as_o for_o these_o five_o add_v by_o the_o papist_n they_o be_v proper_o no_o sacrament_n at_o all_o for_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o seal_v by_o they_o some_o of_o they_o want_v a_o divine_a institution_n some_o of_o they_o have_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n and_o a_o divine_a promise_n be_v want_v and_o therefore_o a_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v now_o baptism_n be_v the_o first_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o institution_n administration_n order_n and_o use_v and_o therefore_o come_v first_o to_o be_v treat_v of_o the_o word_n be_v take_v from_o the_o greek_n and_o signify_v to_o wash_v or_o dip_v etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v attribute_v in_o scripture_n to_o many_o thing_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o they_o only_o in_o this_o place_n we_o treat_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n institute_v by_o christ_n whereby_o person_n be_v dip_v in_o or_o sprinkle_v with_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o dedicate_v and_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o enter_v into_o his_o
covenant_n now_o if_o thou_o perform_v thy_o part_n god_n will_v doubtless_o perform_v his_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o before_o one_o tittle_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v pass_v especial_o that_o give_v and_o ratify_v under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_n but_o if_o thou_o break_v with_o he_o and_o accept_v not_o of_o those_o mercy_n upon_o the_o require_a condition_n god_n be_v not_o engage_v to_o make_v good_a what_o be_v thus_o conditional_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n unless_o thou_o can_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a grant_n that_o all_o that_o be_v thus_o baptise_a live_v how_o they_o listen_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o then_o the_o minister_n scripture_n yea_o spirit_n and_o all_o be_v of_o little_a use_n no_o no_o god_n will_v cashier_v and_o disband_v such_o soldier_n and_o cast_v out_o such_o non-proficients_a out_o of_o his_o school_n and_o such_o unfaithful_a servant_n out_o of_o his_o family_n but_o alas_o how_o many_o of_o these_o may_v we_o find_v in_o the_o world_n that_o vow_n obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o perform_v service_n to_o the_o devil_n if_o he_o bid_v they_o swear_v they_o will_v swear_v if_o he_o bid_v they_o be_v drink_v they_o will_v obey_v yea_o many_o that_o though_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o break_v their_o word_n with_o man_n much_o more_o their_o vow_n or_o their_o oath_n yet_o make_v nothing_o of_o these_o sacramental_a vow_n but_o consider_v god_n will_v not_o lose_v by_o thou_o neither_o thy_o sin_n or_o obedience_n can_v hurt_v or_o benefit_v he_o but_o the_o benefit_n or_o damage_n will_v accrue_v to_o thy_o own_o soul_n 7._o direct_v make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o thy_o baptism_n and_o improve_v it_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o thy_o life_n for_o the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o be_v not_o limit_v or_o bind_v up_o to_o any_o moment_n of_o time_n but_o be_v a_o flower_n that_o never_o lose_v savour_n a_o jewel_n that_o never_o lose_v its_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o fountain_n that_o never_o be_v draw_v dry_a and_o breast_n of_o consolation_n where_o thou_o may_v suck_v and_o be_v satisfy_v those_o that_o use_v it_o only_o as_o a_o idle_a ceremony_n that_o never_o improve_v it_o or_o look_v after_o it_o when_o it_o be_v once_o past_a and_o make_v no_o advantage_n or_o use_v of_o it_o be_v more_o foolish_a than_o those_o that_o take_v great_a care_n to_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o land_n seal_v and_o never_o make_v use_n of_o the_o inheritance_n thereby_o convey_v use_v it_o therefore_o for_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o thy_o soul_n this_o be_v a_o needful_a though_o much_o neglect_a duty_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o baptism_n and_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n seal_v up_o by_o it_o to_o we_o and_o we_o and_o our_o own_o engagement_n therein_o to_o god_n may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n in_o many_o case_n and_o condition_n baptism_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o marriage_n knot_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o wife_n lay_v claim_v not_o only_o to_o her_o husband_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v her_o husband_n and_o it_o be_v as_o a_o seal_n to_o a_o evidence_n which_o ratify_v it_o and_o make_v it_o authentic_a and_o add_v force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o it_o baptism_n though_o not_o to_o be_v iterate_v or_o renew_v yet_o the_o covenant_n thereby_o once_o seal_v remain_v authentic_a for_o ever_o till_o we_o pluck_v off_o the_o seal_n or_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o put_v we_o on_o to_o mourn_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n as_o it_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o repent_v for_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o miscarriage_n towards_o god_n since_o we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o the_o fall_a short_a of_o what_o we_o have_v promise_v and_o may_v have_v be_v and_o do_v may_v well_o keep_v we_o humble_a and_o penitent_a when_o we_o be_v tempt_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o break_v the_o command_n of_o god_n by_o sin_n we_o may_v look_v back_o to_o our_o covenant_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o vow_n which_o we_o have_v make_v and_o it_o may_v terrrifie_v we_o to_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v break_v such_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n when_o we_o make_v some_o conscience_n of_o promise_n to_o man._n think_v with_o thyself_o have_v i_o dedicate_v myself_o to_o god_n what_o sacrilege_n be_v it_o what_o perfidious_a treachery_n be_v it_o now_o to_o serve_v the_o devil_n his_o swear_a enemy_n have_v thou_o vow_v obedience_n to_o thy_o maker_n and_o promise_v to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n how_o then_o can_v thou_o think_v to_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o now_o thou_o side_v with_o his_o great_a enemy_n be_v thy_o body_n wash_v with_o water_n signify_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v still_o defile_v will_v thou_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n and_o the_o wash_a sow_n to_o her_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n how_o may_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o fill_v thou_o with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n hence_o also_o thou_o may_v set_v faith_n on_o work_n to_o fetch_v virtue_n from_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o kill_v sin_n in_o thou_o and_o raise_v thou_o up_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o if_o thou_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v thy_o duty_n thus_o to_o do_v rom._n 6.3,4,5_o when_o corruption_n be_v strong_a fetch_v strength_n hence_o to_o weaken_v it_o when_o grace_n be_v weak_a hence_o thou_o may_v strengthen_v it_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o assure_v thou_o of_o thy_o salvation_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o mercy_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o covenant_n be_v ratify_v and_o seal_v what_o shall_v hinder_v the_o performance_n god_n doubtless_o be_v real_a in_o his_o promise_n and_o true_a in_o his_o covenant_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o deceive_v thou_o by_o a_o empty_a ceremony_n or_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a no_o no_o nor_o if_o thou_o revoke_v not_o he_o will_v not_o revoke_v be_v not_o this_o the_o sacrament_n of_o regeneration_n be_v it_o not_o call_v the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n signify_v the_o wash_n away_o of_o sin_n act_v 22.16_o arise_v and_o be_v baptise_a and_o wash_v away_o thy_o sin_n yea_o of_o salvation_n it_o be_v say_v to_o save_v we_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o have_v not_o god_n give_v thou_o a_o pledge_n in_o thy_o hand_n of_o his_o gracious_a meaning_n towards_o thou_o and_o what_o need_n have_v he_o to_o dissemble_v with_o thou_o do_v he_o gain_v any_o thing_n by_o thou_o yea_o though_o thou_o be_v relapse_v yet_o look_v back_o to_o thy_o covenant_n and_o return_v see_v god_n advice_n in_o such_o a_o case_n jer._n 3.1_o thou_o have_v play_v the_o harlot_n with_o many_o lover_n yet_o return_v unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n will_v not_o depart_v till_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o let_v he_o go_v and_o from_o hence_o also_o you_o may_v fetch_v argument_n for_o brotherly_a love_n among_o saint_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a by_o one_o spirit_n into_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o shall_v sympathize_v each_o with_o other_o as_o the_o member_n do_v those_o be_v some_o of_o the_o daily_a fruit_n you_o may_v gather_v of_o this_o tree_n many_o more_o grow_v upon_o it_o chap._n x._o direction_n in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n the_o next_o duty_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n wherein_o by_o the_o external_n sign_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n set_z apart_z and_o sanctify_v to_o that_o end_n and_o use_v and_o due_o administer_v by_o god_n appointment_n the_o lord_n signify_v and_o seal_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o his_o elect_n and_o they_o seal_v up_o their_o covenant_n with_o he_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o sign_n to_o represent_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v and_o a_o instrument_n to_o convey_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o a_o believe_v soul_n the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n or_o author_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v the_o whole_a trinity_n but_o especial_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o it_o be_v that_o make_v the_o covenant_n and_o ratify_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v he_o that_o add_v the_o seal_n he_o make_v the_o promise_n and_o must_v make_v they_o good_a the_o essential_a part_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v either_o external_n or_o internal_a the_o one_o perceive_v by_o our_o bodily_a eye_n the_o other_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n the_o external_n be_v
law_n of_o god_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o man_n yea_o make_v god_n law_n of_o no_o effect_n mark_v 7.8_o it_o make_v they_o do_v all_o in_o way_n of_o merit_n which_o the_o scripture_n deny_v luke_n 17.10_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v command_v say_v yc_n be_v unprofitable_a servant_n rom._n 6.23_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n rom._n 4.6_o &_o 8.18_o &_o 9.16_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o where_o we_o see_v all_o we_o enjoy_v be_v of_o free_a grace_n &_o an_o no_o room_n leave_v for_o man_n merit_n such_o vow_n as_o these_o therefore_o have_v no_o foot_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o for_o our_o imitation_n 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v by_o thy_o vow_n glorify_v god_n or_o benefit_v thy_o own_o soul_n thou_o must_v look_v at_o the_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n for_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v many_o a_o duty_n material_o good_a be_v spoil_v by_o the_o ill_a performance_n as_o we_o see_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o solemn_a assembly_n all_o appoint_a and_o command_v duty_n so_o spoil_v in_o the_o do_n that_o god_n will_v not_o own_v they_o yea_o his_o soul_n do_v abominate_a they_o isa_n 1.10_o etc._n etc._n and_o 66.3_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n and_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n he_o that_o offer_v a_o oblation_n as_o if_o he_o offer_v swine_n blood_n he_o that_o burn_v incense_n as_o if_o he_o bless_v and_o idol_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v command_v duty_n may_v be_v grievous_a sin_n when_o ill_o perform_v now_o a_o vow_n as_o well_o as_o a_o oath_n for_o a_o vow_n be_v a_o promissory_a oath_n to_o god_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n in_o truth_n and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v with_o a_o sincere_a heart_n without_o fraud_n deceit_n aequivocation_n or_o hypocrisy_n for_o as_o god_n require_v the_o heart_n in_o all_o service_n so_o likewise_o in_o this_o a_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o with_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v but_o a_o mock_n of_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v it_o be_v like_a annanias_n and_o sapphira_n their_o devote_v the_o price_n of_o their_o land_n to_o god_n and_o afterward_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n to_o themselves_o and_o by_o this_o lose_a themselves_o a_o notable_a example_n we_o have_v of_o a_o serious_a vow_n worthy_a our_o imitation_n we_o may_v read_v 2_o chron._n 15.14,15_o where_o we_o find_v judah_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v say_v they_o swear_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o trumpet_n and_o shout_v and_o with_o the_o cornet_n and_o all_o judah_n rejoice_v at_o the_o oath_n for_o they_o have_v swear_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o seek_v he_o with_o all_o their_o desire_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o acceptable_a this_o be_v to_o god_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o rest_v round_o about_o but_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v like_o those_o jer._n 3.10_o that_o turn_v to_o god_n but_o it_o be_v feign_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o vow_v than_o to_o vow_n and_o not_o perform_v for_o god_n will_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o as_o a_o vow_n shall_v be_v in_o truth_n so_o it_o shall_v be_v voluntary_a not_o by_o constraint_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o freewill_n offer_v and_o god_n expect_v it_o shall_v cheerful_o be_v perform_v deut._n 23.23_o that_o which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o thy_o lip_n thou_o shall_v keep_v and_o perform_v the_o free_a will_n offer_v according_a to_o what_o thou_o have_v vow_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o thou_o have_v promise_v with_o thy_o mouth_n though_o god_n do_v not_o command_v thou_o to_o vow_n as_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o if_o thou_o shall_v forbear_v to_o vow_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o thou_o yet_o when_o thou_o have_v engage_v thy_o soul_n he_o expect_v the_o performance_n for_o as_o a_o vow_n be_v free_a so_o shall_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o also_o this_o show_v when_o young_a person_n be_v put_v into_o monastery_n nunnery_n or_o religious_a house_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o force_v there_o to_o take_v the_o require_v oath_n of_o single_a life_n regular_a obedience_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o against_o their_o will_n it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n devise_v but_o of_o the_o devil_n invention_n and_o likewise_o when_o child_n against_o their_o parent_n will_n be_v entice_v or_o allure_v to_o take_v such_o oath_n and_o vow_n and_o so_o alienate_v themselves_o from_o their_o parent_n obedience_n this_o be_v no_o please_a service_n to_o he_o see_v his_o mind_n mat._n 15.5,6_o parent_n must_v not_o be_v wrong_v upon_o religious_a account_n and_o as_o vow_n shall_v be_v in_o truth_n so_o likewise_o in_o judgement_n blind_a sacrifice_n be_v never_o acceptable_a to_o god_n man_n shall_v well_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v and_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o vow_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n vow_v and_o the_o profitableness_n thereof_o and_o how_o it_o conduce_v to_o their_o main_a design_n before_o they_o engage_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n god_n will_v not_o have_v devote_v to_o he_o as_o the_o price_n of_o a_o dog_n or_o the_o hire_n of_o a_o whore_n deut._n 23.18_o those_o that_o vow_v also_o shall_v know_v their_o ability_n to_o perform_v and_o not_o make_v they_o and_o be_v force_v to_o break_v they_o for_z ultra_fw-la posse_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la god_n delight_v not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o such_o fool_n eccl._n 4.5_o a_o vow_n shall_v tend_v also_o for_o some_o profit_n for_o body_n or_o soul_n as_o jacob_n do_v but_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o in_o voluntary_a poverty_n pilgrimage_n in_o vow_v oil_n candle_n etc._n etc._n to_o saint_n depart_v no_o man_n be_v ever_o yet_o able_a to_o find_v out_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o righteousness_n also_o and_o shall_v be_v at_o their_o own_o dispose_n as_o before_o be_v say_v to_o vow_v that_o service_n to_o one_o which_o be_v due_a to_o another_o be_v a_o point_n of_o injustice_n and_o no_o law_n of_o god_n require_v it_o it_o must_v be_v of_o fit_a thing_n also_o we_o must_v not_o serve_v god_n with_o what_o be_v not_o our_o own_o it_o must_v in_o a_o word_n be_v in_o that_o which_o may_v conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o furtherance_n of_o our_o great_a design_n or_o otherwise_o it_o be_v either_o sinful_a or_o foolish_a 6._o direct_v when_o thou_o make_v a_o vow_n look_v to_o it_o that_o thy_o end_n be_v right_a for_o that_o denominate_v the_o action_n to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a though_o the_o duty_n be_v never_o so_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n they_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n if_o do_v for_o base_a or_o byend_n now_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o duty_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n convince_v with_o our_o own_o or_o other_o good_a this_o shall_v be_v our_o ultimate_a end_n and_o aim_n a_o gracious_a soul_n in_o every_o duty_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v propter_fw-la te_fw-la propter_fw-la te_fw-la domine_fw-la this_o i_o do_v for_o thou_o and_o for_o thy_o sake_n and_o with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 115.1_o not_o unto_o we_o lord_n not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thy_o name_n be_v the_o glory_n a_o christian_a in_o all_o his_o duty_n shall_v follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n col._n 3.17_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n though_o vow_n be_v not_o strict_o any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o be_v they_o help_v and_o furtherance_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v careful_o make_v and_o faithful_o perform_v we_o read_v i_o know_v of_o believer_n that_o have_v make_v vow_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n which_o they_o must_v not_o have_v neglect_v though_o they_o have_v not_o vow_v it_o but_o this_o make_v it_o not_o worship_n but_o a_o help_n to_o worship_n and_o if_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o part_v of_o god_n worship_n but_o that_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o worship_n i_o know_v the_o papist_n they_o say_v they_o be_v part_n of_o his_o worship_n though_o they_o be_v make_v of_o
thing_n not_o command_v as_o meat_n drink_n apparel_n etc._n etc._n and_o tend_v to_o perfection_n and_o by_o the_o keep_n of_o they_o a_o man_n may_v attain_v to_o a_o high_a perfection_n than_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o command_a duty_n but_o what_o scripture_n say_v thus_o their_o end_n which_o be_v to_o merit_v by_o they_o spoil_v all_o their_o duty_n and_o make_v they_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o vow_n we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n be_v make_v to_o other_o end_n and_o be_v all_o conducible_a to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n god_n glory_n some_o have_v vow_v thankfulness_n for_o mercy_n receive_v some_o sacrifice_n burn_a offering_n incense_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 66.13,14_o &_o 61.8_o &_o 132.2_o etc._n etc._n some_o have_v make_v conditional_a vow_n if_o god_n will_v give_v they_o in_o such_o mercy_n they_o will_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o thus_o jacob_n dedicate_v himself_o to_o god_n for_o ever_o if_o he_o will_v make_v provision_n for_o he_o in_o his_o journey_n gen._n 28.20,21_o and_o hannah_n that_o if_o god_n will_v give_v she_o a_o son_n she_o will_v devote_v he_o unto_o god_n for_o ever_o 1_o sam._n 1.11_o read_v leu._n 27._o throughout_o psal_n 116.12,13,14_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v pay_v my_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o god_n glory_n so_o our_o own_o and_o other_o benefit_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o may_v be_v regard_v in_o a_o vow_n it_o be_v some_o stay_n and_o ground_n for_o our_o faith_n and_o some_o confirmation_n for_o our_o assurance_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o forecited_n place_n 1_o sam._n 1.11_o etc._n etc._n when_o hannah_n have_v make_v her_o vow_n she_o look_v no_o more_o sad_a sometime_o they_o be_v make_v of_o thanksgiving_n for_o deliverance_n as_o the_o mariner_n in_o jonah_n ship_n jonah_n 1.16_o make_v vow_n to_o their_o god_n sometime_o they_o be_v make_v to_o prevent_v sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v as_o when_o we_o vow_v sobriety_n and_o moderation_n to_o prevent_v the_o sin_n of_o drunkenness_n gluttony_n pride_n or_o covetousness_n thus_o some_o vow_v against_o drink_v wine_n or_o strong_a drink_n as_o the_o rechabite_v nazarites_n and_o other_o some_o make_v vow_n to_o humble_v their_o soul_n numb_a 30.13_o every_o vow_n and_o every_o bind_a oath_n to_o afflict_v the_o soul_n the_o husband_n may_v establish_v it_o or_o the_o husband_n may_v make_v it_o void_a sometime_o for_o the_o mend_n of_o our_o life_n or_o the_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o sometime_o for_o the_o leave_v of_o some_o sin_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v the_o end_n which_o we_o shall_v look_v after_o when_o we_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a vow_n so_o likewise_o at_o the_o good_a of_o other_o as_o when_o we_o bound_v ourselves_o to_o give_v alm_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a to_o redeem_v captive_n or_o do_v work_n of_o charity_n to_o our_o power_n these_o be_v good_a end_n if_o god_n glory_n and_o not_o our_o own_o applause_n or_o thought_n of_o merit_n interpose_v not_o as_o also_o to_o lay_v out_o something_o for_o religious_a and_o pious_a uses_n the_o maintain_n of_o faithful_a able_a minister_n etc._n etc._n david_n vow_n he_o will_v not_o give_v rest_n or_o sleep_v to_o his_o eye_n or_o come_v within_o his_o house_n till_o he_o have_v find_v out_o a_o place_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n psal_n 132.2_o etc._n etc._n but_o where_o do_v you_o read_v of_o any_o that_o vow_v and_o think_v to_o merit_v at_o god_n hand_n by_o so_o do_v 7._o direct_v when_o thou_o have_v make_v thy_o vow_n thy_o next_o duty_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o word_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o vow_v than_o to_o vow_n and_o not_o perform_v but_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v then_o that_o the_o vow_n be_v lawful_a and_o allow_v by_o god_n otherwise_o the_o performance_n be_v but_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n and_o increase_v the_o guilt_n he_o that_o vow_v to_o commit_v sin_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o if_o thou_o sin_n in_o thy_o vow_n do_v not_o ratify_v it_o by_o perform_v it_o as_o herod_n who_o make_v a_o rash_a vow_n but_o do_v increase_v his_o guilt_n by_o cut_v off_o john_n baptist_n head_n but_o suppose_v thy_o vow_n be_v lawful_a thou_o can_v not_o lawful_o break_v it_o nay_o though_o the_o performance_n tend_v to_o thy_o damage_n for_o if_o thou_o do_v thou_o commit_v a_o sin_n as_o bad_a if_o not_o worse_o than_o perjury_n when_o thou_o have_v vow_v therefore_o defer_v not_o to_o pay_v for_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n pay_v that_o therefore_o which_o thou_o have_v vow_v eccl._n 5.3,4,5,6_o deut._n 23.23_o when_o thou_o have_v vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v sure_o require_v it_o of_o thou_o and_o it_o will_v be_v sin_n to_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v forbear_v to_o vow_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v sin_n to_o thou_o that_o which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n thou_o shall_v keep_v and_o perform_v a_o freewill_n offer_v according_a to_o what_o thou_o have_v vow_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v promise_v with_o thy_o mouth_n psal_n 76.11_o vow_n and_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n more_o place_n may_v be_v instance_a in_o if_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a if_o thy_o vow_n be_v rash_a repent_v of_o the_o rashness_n of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o lawful_a it_o must_v be_v perform_v if_o it_o prove_v to_o thy_o damage_n it_o be_v a_o reward_n of_o thy_o folly_n but_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o folly_n in_o make_v it_o but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v perform_v for_o a_o vow_n must_v not_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n christ_n himself_o show_v the_o wickedness_n of_o such_o a_o vow_n mat._n 15.5,6_o where_o by_o their_o vow_n corban_n they_o make_v null_a the_o command_n of_o god_n concern_v honour_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o relieve_v they_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o dedicate_v those_o thing_n to_o pious_a uses_n yea_o to_o god_n himself_o which_o we_o owe_v to_o anotner_n david_n rash_a vow_n 1_o sam._n 2.5.12.39_o be_v not_o perform_v he_o vow_v the_o destruction_n of_o nabal_n and_o all_o his_o family_n and_o bless_a god_n for_o keep_v he_o from_o do_v evil_a the_o wicked_a vow_n of_o paul_n persecutor_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v fulfil_v have_v the_o power_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n act_n 23.21_o nor_o the_o rash_a and_o unadvised_a vow_n of_o saul_n which_o tend_v to_o hurt_v and_o not_o to_o good_a 1_o sam._n 14.39_o nor_o such_o superstitious_a vow_n as_o we_o read_v of_o jer._n 44.25_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n say_v you_o and_o your_o wife_n have_v both_o speak_v with_o your_o mouth_n and_o fulfil_v with_o your_o hand_n say_v we_o will_v sure_o perform_v our_o vow_n that_o we_o have_v vow_v to_o burn_v incense_n to_o the_o queen_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o drink-offering_n unto_o she_o you_o will_v sure_o accomplish_v your_o vow_n etc._n etc._n god_n take_v it_o ill_a in_o they_o and_o sore_o threaten_v they_o for_o it_o but_o if_o the_o vow_n be_v lawful_a he_o expect_v the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o jacob_n vow_n make_v gen._n 28.20_o god_n mind_v he_o of_o it_o gen._n 31.13_o i_o be_o the_o god_n of_o bethel_n where_o thou_o anoint_v the_o pillar_n numb_a 30.3_o etc._n etc._n a_o young_a woman_n vow_n if_o her_o father_n contradict_v it_o not_o shall_v sure_o stand_v good_a see_v also_o leu._n 7.16_o &_o 22.17_o &_o 27.2_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 76.12_o yea_o the_o lord_n threaten_v those_o that_o make_v not_o good_a their_o vow_n that_o vow_v a_o better_a and_o pay_v a_o worse_o mal._n 1.14_o curse_a be_v the_o deceiver_n which_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n yea_o we_o find_v he_o punish_v this_o sin_n in_o annanias_n and_o sapphira_n who_o devote_v the_o price_n of_o a_o possession_n to_o god_n and_o after_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o it_o and_o be_v both_o strike_v dead_a for_o it_o act_n 5.1,2_o etc._n etc._n a_o godly_a man_n when_o he_o promise_v reformation_n of_o life_n the_o leave_v of_o any_o know_a sin_n the_o performance_n of_o any_o religious_a duty_n the_o do_v of_o any_o pious_a or_o charitable_a work_n etc._n etc._n will_v make_v good_a his_o vow_n but_o how_o usual_a be_v it_o for_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o sickness_n distress_n or_o danger_n to_o make_v vow_n
receive_v take_v notice_n of_o your_o unworthiness_n the_o more_o to_o exalt_v the_o mercy_n receive_v but_o confession_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o afflict_v the_o soul_n with_o they_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o day_n bring_v thy_o family_n in_o due_a time_n to_o the_o public_a if_o it_o be_v public_o observe_v otherwise_o carry_v it_o on_o in_o private_a and_o pay_v your_o vow_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o behave_v yourselves_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o day_n as_o be-you_a be_v direct_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n for_o this_o time_n be_v consecrate_a and_o make_v holy_a to_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v whole_o spend_v in_o his_o service_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v as_o careful_a of_o thy_o thought_n thy_o word_n and_o thy_o affection_n as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o sabbath_n for_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o keep_v they_o too_o intent_n upon_o god_n when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n thou_o may_v say_v as_o jacob_n gen._n 28.17_o this_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n for_o here_o be_v do_v the_o work_n that_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o heaven_n as_o for_o the_o oher_z expression_n of_o joy_n as_o ring_v of_o bell_n shoot_v off_o gun_n make_v of_o bonfire_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v so_o far_o lawful_a as_o they_o help_v forward_o the_o work_n and_o raise_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n 5._o direct_v have_v thus_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o the_o work_n and_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n that_o see_v and_o know_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o thou_o set_v thyself_o then_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o glorify_v god_n and_o render_v thanks_o to_o he_o from_o thy_o heart_n for_o all_o the_o benefit_n thou_o have_v receive_v praise_n be_v comely_a for_o the_o saint_n and_o this_o religious_a thankfulness_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v be_v thy_o duty_n now_o it_o be_v either_o external_n or_o internal_a the_o internal_a be_v to_o carry_v a_o thankful_a heart_n to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v every_o day_n duty_n external_n be_v when_o the_o thankfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v express_v in_o word_n or_o action_n the_o former_a without_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o sufficient_a the_o latter_a without_o the_o former_a be_v little_a worth_n now_o the_o external_n manifestation_n of_o thy_o thankfulness_n be_v either_o private_a or_o public_a private_a by_o thyself_o or_o family_n public_a in_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o this_o also_o be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a ordinary_a and_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v at_o every_o time_n when_o we_o come_v together_o to_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o extraordinary_a be_v upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n as_o some_o great_a deliverance_n or_o the_o obtain_n some_o great_a mercy_n or_o the_o bring_n down_o some_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n this_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o and_o offer_v this_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n who_o pray_v over_o all_o our_o prayer_n for_o we_o and_o offer_v our_o praise_n perform_v with_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n now_o it_o be_v requisite_a as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o mercy_n god_n have_v give_v in_o as_o a_o return_n of_o prayer_n be_v lay_v up_o either_o in_o a_o book_n or_o in_o the_o memory_n for_o if_o we_o neglect_v or_o forget_v they_o how_o shall_v we_o speak_v of_o they_o to_o god_n praise_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o remember_v they_o but_o we_o must_v also_o mention_v they_o to_o his_o praise_n thus_o david_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n he_o acknowledge_v god_n the_o author_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o do_v not_o sacrifice_n to_o his_o own_o net_n as_o many_o do_v and_o burn_v incense_n to_o his_o drag_v hab._n 1.16_o but_o as_o the_o church_n not_o unto_o we_o lord_n not_o to_o we_o but_o to_o thy_o name_n be_v the_o praise_n he_o acknowledge_v frequent_o his_o own_o worthlessness_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v god_n lord_n say_v he_o what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o regard_v he_o psal_n 8.4_o i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o thy_o mercy_n say_v jacob_n i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o thy_o saint_n say_v paul_n yea_o when_o it_o come_v let_v it_o be_v a_o freewill_n offer_n do_v it_o cheerful_o ready_o willing_o as_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v it_o in_o heaven_n hearty_o not_o heavy_o god_n love_v a_o cheerful_a giver_n and_o matter_n not_o grumble_a service_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o return_v thanks_o as_o ever_o thou_o be_v to_o have_v the_o mercy_n set_a thy_o heart_n on_o work_n in_o this_o duty_n stir_v up_o thyself_o like_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 103.1_o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o praise_v he_o with_o the_o lip_n or_o bring_v our_o body_n before_o he_o but_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n shall_v praise_n he_o the_o heart_n shall_v indite_v thy_o praise_n and_o thy_o tongue_n utter_v they_o and_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n seal_v to_o they_o thou_o shall_v do_v thanks_o and_o live_v thanks_o as_o well_o as_o speak_v thanks_o this_o be_v every_o day_n duty_n especial_o when_o we_o receive_v signal_n mercy_n we_o shall_v return_v answerable_a thanks_o when_o national_a mercy_n national_a thanks_o shall_v be_v return_v psal_n 50.15_o moses_n do_v so_o at_o the_o deliverance_n at_o the_o red_a sea_n exod._n 15.1_o deborah_n and_o barak_n do_v so_o judg._n 5.12_o the_o jew_n also_o when_o deliver_v from_o haman_n plot_n est_fw-la 8.11.17_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o praise_n be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o to_o he_o the_o vow_n shall_v be_v perform_v all_o our_o spring_n be_v in_o he_o and_o all_o our_o mercy_n be_v from_o he_o yea_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o he_o give_v they_o and_o it_o be_v all_o he_o require_v for_o they_o this_o pepper-corn_n of_o homage_n be_v all_o his_o rent_n who_o be_v the_o great_a landlord_n and_o though_o it_o be_v due_a from_o all_o yet_o he_o expect_v it_o from_o his_o own_o people_n especial_o he_o will_v extort_v his_o own_o from_o other_o in_o another_o way_n and_o none_o but_o his_o people_n can_v do_v it_o to_o please_v he_o this_o be_v to_o his_o saint_n a_o foretaste_a of_o glory_n where_o it_o must_v be_v their_o constant_a work_n it_o be_v a_o beneficial_a duty_n also_o for_o thanksgiving_n for_o one_o mercy_n be_v a_o real_a yea_o a_o prevail_a request_n for_o another_o those_o that_o offer_v praise_n glorify_v god_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v how_o negligent_a must_v be_v in_o this_o duty_n few_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o mercy_n they_o receive_v but_o like_o swine_n eat_v the_o acorn_n or_o crab_n and_o regard_v not_o whence_o they_o come_v ten_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o but_o one_o return_v thanks_o many_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o want_n and_o with_o the_o horse-leach_n cry_v give_v give_v yet_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o their_o enjoyment_n to_o return_v thanks_o yea_o suffer_v some_o petty_a cross_n to_o hide_v a_o thousand_o blessing_n and_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n 6._o direct_v when_o thou_o be_v thus_o prepare_v thus_o fit_v go_v on_o in_o recounting_a the_o mercy_n thou_o have_v receive_v and_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o this_o be_v the_o main_a work_n of_o the_o day_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o mercy_n be_v various_a all_o man_n receive_v not_o alike_o yet_o all_o receive_v some_o for_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v thankful_a give_v i_o leave_v to_o lead_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n a_o little_a and_o show_v you_o some_o the_o rest_n you_o may_v observe_v yourselves_o bless_v god_n for_o what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o his_o creature_n in_o himself_o admire_v his_o essence_n for_o fathom_v it_o thou_o can_v not_o the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o his_o attribute_n his_o eternity_n immutability_n his_o power_n wisdom_n holiness_n justice_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n thou_o may_v spend_v thy_o day_n also_o in_o admire_v he_o in_o the_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n lift_v up_o thy_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o see_v the_o sun_n the_o moon_n and_o star_n those_o glorious_a lamp_n those_o beauty_n spot_n of_o heaven_n observe_v their_o distance_n course_n influence_n and_o virtue_n and_o well_o thou_o may_v