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 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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
some_o man_n and_o those_o of_o no_o small_a note_n for_o religion_n to_o pick_v and_o choose_v their_o duty_n this_o they_o will_v do_v and_o this_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o scum_v off_o the_o fat_a and_o sweet_a of_o duty_n and_o leave_v the_o difficult_a dangerous_a costly_a part_n of_o duty_n undo_v but_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a neither_o will_v it_o evidence_n any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o many_o especial_o great_a one_o run_v on_o with_o this_o mistake_n for_o a_o little_a grace_n make_v a_o great_a show_n in_o a_o great_a man_n yea_o ofttimes_o the_o show_n be_v take_v for_o the_o substance_n many_o will_v perform_v such_o duty_n as_o be_v in_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o like_a to_o cost_v they_o but_o a_o little_a which_o yet_o refuse_v self-denying_a difficult_a or_o dangerous_a duty_n they_o will_v hear_v and_o read_v and_o confer_v and_o perhaps_o pray_v in_o their_o family_n and_o some_o other_o such_o like_a external_n part_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o god_n will_v be_v please_v with_o these_o and_o heaven_n will_v be_v have_v upon_o such_o term_n they_o will_v have_v it_o but_o if_o he_o require_v self_n denial_n duty_n or_o those_o which_o across_o their_o own_o interest_n if_o they_o must_v take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o deny_v themselves_o hate_n and_o forsake_v father_n or_o mother_n wife_n or_o child_n land_n or_o live_n pleasure_n or_o honour_n liberty_n or_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n they_o will_v not_o buy_v heaven_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n but_o god_n be_v resolve_v he_o will_v abate_v nothing_o and_o they_o be_v resolve_v they_o will_v bid_v no_o more_o and_o so_o they_o part_v but_o have_v not_o the_o same_o god_n command_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o have_v he_o not_o wisdom_n enough_o to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o near_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o will_v he_o willing_o torment_v his_o creature_n and_o put_v his_o servant_n to_o unnecessary_a trouble_n can_v these_o man_n think_v to_o find_v out_o a_o near_a way_n to_o heaven_n than_o god_n have_v prescribe_v or_o that_o they_o shall_v ever_o come_v there_o without_o his_o knowledge_n without_o the_o qualification_n he_o require_v sure_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v yet_o how_o ordinary_a be_v it_o even_o for_o professor_n themselves_o to_o study_v argument_n for_o sin_n and_o against_o duty_n when_o the_o one_o suit_n with_o their_o carnal_a interest_n and_o the_o other_o cross_v it_o but_o christian_n that_o have_v take_v christ_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n and_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n think_v they_o can_v never_o do_v enough_o for_o christ_n they_o be_v always_o question_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v for_o he_o that_o have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o i_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n psal_n 118.12_o it_o be_v the_o very_a end_n why_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o our_o enemy_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n luke_n 1.74,75_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o those_o that_o love_n god_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n john_n 14.15_o when_o other_o perform_v duty_n only_o in_o subserviency_n to_o their_o own_o carnal_a interest_n and_o therefore_o only_a own_o that_o part_n and_o duty_n that_o suit_v with_o their_o design_n as_o jehu_n in_o his_o reformation_n of_o idolatry_n and_o set_v up_o their_o staff_n and_o say_v hitherto_o will_v i_o go_v and_o no_o further_o then_o a_o godly_a man_n that_o make_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n his_o ultimate_a end_n and_o aim_n will_n like_o daniel_n to_o the_o lion_n den_n or_o the_o three_o child_n to_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n before_o they_o will_v either_o neglect_v know_v duty_n or_o commit_v know_v sin_n other_o be_v forward_o in_o the_o cheap_a part_n but_o backward_o in_o the_o costly_a part_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o devil_n may_v also_o buy_v their_o profession_n itself_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n many_o that_o will_v hear_v and_o read_v and_o pray_v because_o it_o cost_v they_o little_a yet_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o liberal_a to_o pious_a uses_n because_o it_o be_v costly_a or_o to_o forgive_v injury_n love_v enemy_n make_v restitution_n of_o ill_n get_v good_n venture_v their_o estate_n life_n or_o liberty_n when_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n require_v it_o then_o they_o cry_v out_o with_o naaman_n the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o in_o this_o thing_n but_o god_n will_v abate_v nothing_o of_o his_o price_n he_o will_v have_v universal_a obedience_n or_o he_o will_v own_v none_o at_o all_o 3._o direct_v will_v thou_o perform_v duty_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n then_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o begin_v well_o but_o thou_o must_v hold_v out_o well_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o persuade_v thou_o to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o course_n of_o duty_n at_o the_o first_o may_v persuade_v thou_o to_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v because_o storm_n arise_v trouble_n and_o persecution_n look_v thou_o in_o the_o face_n this_o may_v have_v be_v fore-seen_a thou_o shall_v have_v sit_v down_o first_o and_o reckon_v the_o charge_n christ_n tell_v thou_o before_o through_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v come_v to_o heaven_n he_o that_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o cross_n of_o service_n the_o time_n be_v come_v christ_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o thou_o must_v follow_v he_o through_o thick_a and_o thin_a through_o good_a report_n and_o evil_a report_n or_o thou_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v he_o yea_o though_o thou_o meet_v death_n itself_o in_o the_o face_n it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o set_v out_o well_o but_o he_o that_o continue_v to_o run_v well_o be_v like_a to_o get_v the_o prize_n it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o give_v the_o onset_a but_o he_o that_o fight_v well_o be_v like_a to_o get_v the_o victory_n you_o do_v run_v wâ—ll_n say_v the_o apostle_n who_o hinder_v you_o gal._n 5.7_o so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v 1_o cor._n 9.24_o it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o begin_v well_o but_o he_o that_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v mark_v 13.13_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n that_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o many_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o overcome_v rev._n 2.11.17.26_o &_o 3.5.12.21_o there_o be_v many_o that_o in_o a_o day_n of_o gospel_n prosperity_n cry_v hosanna_n unto_o christ_n but_o when_o storm_n be_v up_o then_o cry_v crucify_v he_o this_o age_n give_v too_o full_a a_o testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n but_o those_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n will_v be_v constant_a in_o his_o service_n what_o danger_n soever_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n many_o be_v like_a to_o weathercock_n turn_v with_o every_o wind_n or_o like_o a_o ship_n without_o ballast_n be_v toss_v with_o every_o storm_n but_o a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v like_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o harbour_n that_o have_v a_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a rock_n to_o anchor_n upon_o many_o be_v like_o the_o planet_n mercury_n good_a in_o a_o good_a conjunction_n and_o bad_a with_o the_o bad_a or_o like_o proteus_n that_o can_v turn_v themselves_o into_o any_o shape_n for_o advantage_n but_o a_o true_a christian_a give_v this_o for_o his_o motto_n semper_fw-la idem_fw-la always_o the_o same_o the_o change_n of_o time_n the_o change_n of_o company_n the_o change_n of_o religion_n make_v no_o change_n in_o he_o he_o know_v god_n change_v not_o poverty_n and_o prosperity_n be_v god_n try_v time_n wherein_o may_v be_v discover_v what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n hazael_n when_o a_o mean_a man_n never_o think_v so_o much_o evil_n have_v be_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o appear_v to_o be_v there_o when_o he_o be_v advance_v the_o stony_a ground_n do_v not_o at_o first_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o deceitful_a as_o indeed_o it_o prove_v but_o holy_a job_n be_v the_o same_o on_o the_o dunghill_n as_o on_o the_o throne_n in_o adversity_n as_o in_o prosperity_n he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n for_o riches_n nor_o will_v he_o forsake_v he_o in_o poverty_n have_v thou_o be_v a_o professor_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v thou_o hitherto_o perform_v the_o duty_n command_v what_o madness_n now_o possess_v thou_o that_o thou_o will_v leave_v his_o service_n what_o can_v thou_o object_v against_o he_o be_v the_o devil_n a_o better_a master_n or_o will_v he_o set_v thou_o about_o better_a work_n or_o will_v he_o give_v thou_o better_a wage_n if_o religion_n be_v not_o good_a why_o do_v embrace_v
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
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
the_o ceremonial_a part_n concern_v they_o only_o and_o though_o we_o read_v not_o that_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o those_o first_o age_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o it_o be_v not_o when_o many_o thousand_o thing_n then_o do_v can_v not_o be_v express_v in_o so_o short_a a_o history_n yea_o the_o same_o seem_v to_o be_v know_v to_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v exod._n 16.23_o etc._n etc._n to_o morrow_n be_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a sabbath_n etc._n etc._n when_o it_o be_v after_o that_o god_n give_v it_o in_o the_o command_n and_o if_o this_o rest_n upon_o the_o seven_o day_n be_v ceremonious_a why_o not_o the_o command_n of_o labour_n on_o the_o six_o other_o day_n also_o and_o why_o do_v not_o this_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o then_o the_o idle_v person_n may_v be_v the_o best_a christian_n we_o may_v find_v this_o command_n reach_v even_o to_o the_o strange_a that_o be_v within_o the_o gate_n when_o i_o think_v the_o ceremony_n be_v not_o press_v upon_o they_o many_o reason_n also_o be_v give_v in_o the_o command_n which_o belong_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n as_o from_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o god_n who_o be_v the_o disposer_n of_o all_o give_v we_o six_o day_n and_o reserve_v one_o to_o himself_o which_o he_o call_v his_o own_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o christ_n tell_v we_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o from_o his_o own_o example_n he_o rest_v and_o therefore_o command_v we_o to_o rest_n the_o end_n be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o it_o and_o to_o dedicate_v it_o to_o his_o service_n for_o the_o rest_a of_o man_n and_o beast_n upon_o it_o and_o distinguish_v his_o people_n from_o other_o etc._n etc._n and_o do_v not_o this_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n god_n require_v no_o less_o proportion_n of_o service_n now_o than_o he_o do_v then_o and_o therefore_o no_o less_o time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o our_o body_n require_v as_o much_o rest_n as_o they_o and_o our_o soul_n as_o much_o food_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o we_o have_v the_o like_a time_n and_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o four_o command_n i_o think_v neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v alter_v it_o for_o who_o can_v proportion_v it_o better_o than_o god_n himself_o nay_o the_o circumstance_n in_o the_o deliver_n of_o this_o law_n show_v to_o be_v moral_a it_o be_v speak_v by_o god_n mouth_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o write_v by_o the_o same_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o table_n of_o stone_n put_v into_o the_o ark_n where_o the_o ceremony_n be_v not_o it_o have_v a_o special_a memento_n put_v upon_o it_o remember_v the_o sabbath_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a christ_n himself_o own_v it_o when_o he_o bid_v the_o jew_n pray_v that_o their_o flight_n be_v not_o in_o the_o winter_n nor_o on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n mat._n 24.20_o which_o flight_n be_v forty_o year_n after_o his_o death_n the_o opposition_n which_o wicked_a man_n make_v against_o it_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n also_o for_o if_o the_o devil_n herein_o prevail_v we_o may_v almost_o bid_v farewell_n to_o all_o our_o religion_n 1._o direct_v before_o thou_o can_v make_v conscience_n of_o observe_v the_o sabbath_n thou_o must_v be_v well_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n bind_v not_o only_a jew_n but_o christian_n also_o but_o i_o foresee_v one_o main_a rub_n must_v be_v remove_v before_o the_o way_n be_v clear_v that_o doubt_n which_o make_v many_o to_o stumble_v whether_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o christian_a sabbath_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o whether_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v it_o as_o a_o sabbath_n much_o have_v be_v write_v by_o divine_n to_o satisfy_v this_o doubt_n my_o purpose_n be_v not_o to_o speak_v much_o to_o it_o in_o this_o place_n this_o treatise_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n yet_o something_o be_v necessary_a for_o while_o this_o doubt_n remain_v who_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a direction_n it_o be_v true_a we_o can_v prove_v in_o scripture_n neither_o be_v it_o say_v totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la that_o christ_n do_v command_v that_o the_o sabbath_n shall_v be_v change_v from_o the_o last_o to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o controversy_n but_o we_o have_v that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o such_o a_o command_n that_o it_o be_v change_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o very_o probable_o by_o christ_n himself_o the_o scripture_n yield_v we_o sufficient_a witness_n christ_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v it_o his_o day_n rev._n 1.10_o which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v call_v his_o supper_n because_o he_o institute_v it_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v alter_v by_o he_o i_o know_v not_o who_o will_v have_v be_v so_o bold_a to_o have_v distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o day_n by_o this_o name_n he_o be_v every_o way_n as_o faithful_a in_o his_o house_n as_o moses_n be_v yet_o moses_n we_o know_v by_o god_n appointment_n state_v a_o time_n for_o god_n worship_n heb._n 3.2.6_o and_o no_o doubt_n a_o settle_a time_n be_v as_o necessary_a for_o we_o as_o for_o they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o we_o find_v christ_n himself_o own_v the_o day_n in_o his_o own_o person_n as_o in_o his_o resurrection_n and_o finish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n a_o great_a work_n than_o that_o of_o creation_n and_o better_a deserve_v a_o special_a memorial_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o he_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o cease_v from_o his_o own_o work_n as_o god_n do_v from_o his_o heb._n 4.10_o alude_v to_o the_o creation_n from_o which_o when_o god_n rest_v he_o ordain_v the_o sabbath_n we_o may_v also_o read_v that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v divers_a time_n to_o his_o disciple_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o read_v john_n 2.19_o and_o again_o verse_n 26._o and_o doubtless_o not_o without_o divine_a providence_n point_v out_o this_o day_n to_o we_o and_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o upon_o that_o day_n he_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o act_v 2.12_o we_o read_v also_o that_o this_o be_v the_o day_n the_o apostle_n do_v keep_v as_o a_o sabbath_n and_o also_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o to_o perform_v sabbath_n day_n duty_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n prayer_n work_v of_o charity_n etc._n etc._n act_v 20.7_o 1_o cor._n 18.2_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n let_v every_o one_o of_o you_o lay_v by_o in_o store_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v forty_o year_n after_o christ_n decease_n saint_n john_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v it_o the_o lord_n day_n whereupon_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n rev._n 1.10_o neither_o do_v we_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n ever_o keep_v any_o other_o day_n as_o a_o sabbath_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o upon_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n they_o often_o preach_v take_v advantage_n of_o the_o multitude_n then_o gather_v together_o which_o advantage_n at_o other_o time_n they_o want_v now_o if_o the_o change_n be_v thus_o make_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v but_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o day_n they_o meet_v to_o preach_v and_o break_v bread_n act_v 20.7_o 1_o cor._n 16.1,2_o now_o be_v there_o no_o precept_n the_o constant_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n may_v satisfy_v we_o for_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o appoint_v they_o both_o by_o doctrine_n and_o example_n to_o teach_v his_o church_n and_o to_o this_o end_n give_v they_o instruction_n in_o the_o time_n between_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n which_o instruction_n be_v not_o all_o record_v yea_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n give_v we_o no_o little_a light_n for_o though_o christian_n have_v be_v at_o great_a difference_n among_o themselves_o about_o other_o matter_n yet_o few_o question_v the_o change_n of_o the_o day_n both_o greek_n and_o latin_n both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n both_o lutheran_n and_o calvenist_n hold_v to_o this_o and_o
house_n but_o he_o propound_v some_o end_n for_o so_o do_v otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o irrational_a enterprise_n the_o skilful_a archer_n shoot_v not_o at_o random_n but_o the_o mark_n be_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o skilful_a pilot_n propound_v to_o himself_o the_o wish_a haven_n as_o his_o end_n and_o all_o his_o endeavour_n tend_v thither_o every_o one_o income_v to_o the_o ordinance_n propound_v one_o end_n or_o other_o but_o if_o thou_o propound_v a_o wrong_a end_n take_v what_o pain_n thou_o will_v thou_o will_v like_o the_o pharisee_n mat._n 6.1,2_o etc._n etc._n lose_v thy_o reward_n if_o thou_o perform_v with_o they_o a_o command_a duty_n and_o aim_v not_o at_o god_n glory_n but_o thy_o own_o thou_o must_v look_v a_o reward_n elsewhere_o and_o not_o from_o god_n the_o papist_n as_o they_o corrupt_v this_o sacrament_n in_o leave_v the_o institution_n and_o make_v addition_n and_o detraction_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v which_o never_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n so_o they_o pervert_v it_o to_o wrong_v end_n to_o further_a their_o own_o hellish_a design_n as_o to_o murder_n king_n blow_v up_o parliament_n massacree_n protestant_n and_o conceal_v their_o hellish_a plot_n etc._n etc._n and_o many_o other_o i_o fear_v come_v with_o base_a low_a and_o unworthy_a end_n to_o this_o sacrament_n custom_n bring_v some_o shame_v other_o fear_v of_o the_o law_n a_o three_o sort_n etc._n etc._n and_o come_v in_o their_o sin_n with_o unprepared_a heart_n and_o vicious_a life_n they_o make_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o table_n of_o devil_n as_o the_o apostle_n complain_v and_o instead_o of_o seal_v the_o covenant_n with_o god_n they_o seal_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o devil_n to_o remain_v his_o slave_n and_o have_v the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o damnation_n under_o seal_n now_o the_o principal_a end_n which_o christian_n shall_v aim_v at_o be_v god_n glory_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.24.26_o do_v this_o say_v christ_n in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o by_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n we_o show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v these_o element_n set_v apart_o and_o sanctify_v to_o this_o holy_a use_n be_v thus_o take_v we_o profess_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n preach_v to_o other_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o benefit_n thereby_o procure_v which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o sacrament_n be_v unto_o christian_n as_o the_o pillar_n of_o stone_n erect_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o jordan_n by_o joshua_n for_o a_o memorial_n of_o the_o wonderful_a pass_v of_o israel_n over_o jordan_n or_o as_o the_o pot_n of_o manna_n command_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o memorial_n that_o israel_n be_v forty_o year_n feed_v in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n so_o be_v this_o sacrament_n to_o be_v receive_v even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o memorial_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o bloody_a passion_n and_o the_o benefit_n procure_v to_o the_o church_n by_o it_o and_o if_o israel_n have_v sufficient_a cause_n to_o keep_v the_o passeover_n for_o a_o memorial_n of_o their_o deliverance_n from_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n much_o more_o and_o great_a cause_n have_v christian_n to_o keep_v this_o feast_n for_o a_o memorial_n of_o their_o deliverance_n from_o this_o hellish_a pharaoh_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o slavery_n this_o be_v one_o end_v why_o god_n leave_v we_o sacrament_n that_o whenever_o we_o do_v partake_v of_o they_o we_o may_v remember_v this_o deliverance_n and_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o this_o shall_v put_v we_o in_o mind_n what_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o we_o his_o life_n his_o doctrine_n his_o miracle_n his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o alas_o many_o man_n when_o they_o have_v the_o sacrament_n in_o their_o mouth_n have_v the_o devil_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o seldom_o mention_v god_n name_n except_o in_o a_o oath_n or_o vain_a speech_n but_o these_o man_n damnation_n sleep_v not_o another_o end_n be_v the_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o as_o i_o have_v often_o mention_v god_n on_o his_o part_n ratify_v it_o and_o assure_v we_o by_o his_o seal_n he_o will_v make_v it_o good_a and_o we_o on_o our_o part_n dedicate_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n and_o annex_v our_o seal_n he_o promise_v to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o promise_v to_o be_v his_o people_n but_o many_o be_v not_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o seal_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o beget_n ordinance_n but_o confirm_v those_o that_o be_v beget_v such_o as_o these_o seal_n a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o hell_n isa_n 28.15_o this_o sacrament_n be_v like_o the_o water_n of_o jealousy_n mention_v in_o the_o law_n if_o a_o woman_n that_o drink_v of_o it_o be_v pure_a it_o will_v make_v her_o fruitful_a if_o defile_v it_o will_v make_v her_o thigh_n to_o rot_v and_o her_o belly_n to_o swell_v another_o end_n be_v for_o the_o increase_a faith_n and_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o beget_n but_o increase_a grace_n and_o therefore_o presupposeth_a grace_n to_o be_v there_o as_o also_o for_o the_o maintain_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o love_v one_o with_o another_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o heir_n together_o of_o the_o same_o glory_n 4._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n profitable_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v thou_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o and_o what_o thou_o will_v have_v god_n to_o give_v thou_o or_o do_v for_o thou_o for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v ordain_v to_o supply_v our_o want_n and_o heal_v our_o disease_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n market_n day_n now_o when_o a_o man_n go_v unto_o the_o market_n he_o consider_v what_o he_o want_v and_o what_o he_o need_v to_o buy_v now_o a_o christian_n want_n which_o he_o here_o come_v to_o supply_v be_v principal_o in_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v spiritual_a want_n soul_n want_v that_o be_v here_o supply_v if_o grace_n be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o supply_n promise_v but_o if_o it_o be_v weak_a there_o be_v food_n may_v nourish_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o make_v he_o strong_a but_o it_o will_v not_o give_v life_n to_o a_o dead_a carcase_n the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o beget_n but_o a_o nourish_a ordinance_n and_o god_n give_v none_o leave_v to_o sit_v at_o his_o table_n but_o such_o as_o be_v his_o child_n who_o will_v invite_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o a_o feast_n now_o though_o all_o god_n child_n have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n yet_o have_v they_o many_o defect_n in_o grace_n a_o child_n that_o have_v life_n must_v have_v food_n to_o maintain_v life_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o his_o maturity_n and_o full_a growth_n now_o the_o want_v we_o shall_v examine_v before_o the_o sacrament_n be_v either_o defect_n in_o grace_n and_o decay_v of_o grace_n for_o here_o be_v a_o supply_n to_o be_v have_v for_o both_o if_o we_o make_v a_o right_a improvement_n of_o this_o ordinance_n defect_n in_o grace_n be_v often_o discern_v by_o the_o prevail_a of_o corruption_n examine_v thyself_o well_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o thy_o soul_n cast_v a_o eye_n over_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o bring_v thy_o thought_n and_o word_n and_o action_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hereby_o thou_o may_v see_v what_o be_v straight_o what_o be_v crooked_a look_v into_o this_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n and_o thou_o will_v see_v thy_o own_o spot_n when_o thou_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o rule_n thou_o will_v see_v thy_o deviation_n and_o will_v find_v where_o thou_o have_v come_v short_a and_o where_o thou_o have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n make_v a_o catalogue_n of_o thy_o sin_n especial_o those_o since_o thy_o conversion_n and_o since_o thy_o last_o renenewig_n thy_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o this_o sacrament_n and_o consider_v thy_o sin_n with_o their_o several_a aggravation_n and_o when_o thou_o see_v what_o thou_o shall_v have_v do_v and_o what_o thou_o have_v do_v compare_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o and_o compare_v the_o difference_n and_o see_v how_o short_a thou_o come_v it_o be_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n jer._n 3.40_o search_v and_o try_v your_o way_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n come_v then_o to_o god_n with_o shame_n in_o thy_o face_n and_o sorrow_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o if_o possible_a with_o tear_n in_o thy_o eye_n confess_v these_o thy_o sin_n with_o their_o aggravation_n aaron_n be_v command_v to_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o scape-goat_n and_o confess_v over_o he_o all_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o all_o their_o transgression_n and_o
not_o to_o be_v vow_v any_o more_o then_o swear_v hence_o the_o vow_n of_o those_o forty_o that_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o curse_n neither_o to_o eat_v nor_o drink_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v paul_n act._n 23.14_o be_v unlawful_a it_o must_v be_v upon_o some_o special_a occasion_n and_o the_o engage_a the_o heart_n more_o against_o sin_n and_o unto_o duty_n and_o to_o some_o spiritual_a end_n as_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o good_a now_o a_o vow_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o promissory_n oath_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o like_a care_n &_o take_v with_o the_o like_a deliberation_n &_o fulfil_v with_o the_o like_a fidelity_n eccles_n 54.56_o when_o thou_o vowe_v a_o vow_n to_o to_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n pay_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v vow_v isa_n 19.21_o psal_n 61.8_o &_o 66.13.19_o now_o a_o vow_n be_v either_o general_a or_o special_a a_o general_a vow_n i_o call_v that_o which_o concern_v all_o believer_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o age_n and_o this_o be_v that_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n and_o man_n be_v mutual_o engage_v and_o oblige_v each_o to_o other_o wherein_o god_n for_o his_o part_n promise_v christ_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o man_n promise_v to_o forsake_v all_o other_o and_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n god_n promise_v to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o promise_v to_o be_v his_o people_n this_o covenant_n be_v seal_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o by_o the_o jew_n in_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n and_o to_o christian_n and_o by_o christian_n in_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v this_o be_v part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o will_v be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v not_o proper_o call_v a_o vow_n neither_o come_v in_o the_o definition_n there_o be_v some_o legal_a vow_n and_o those_o be_v such_o as_o of_o the_o nazarite_n numb_a 16.2_o as_o also_o those_o of_o vow_v sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n these_o be_v part_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n but_o be_v not_o now_o and_o there_o be_v vow_n for_o some_o bodily_a exercise_n as_o for_o fast_v forbearance_n of_o wine_n or_o strong_a drink_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v not_o part_v of_o god_n worship_n but_o only_o help_v to_o it_o thus_o the_o forbearance_n of_o the_o rechabite_v drink_v wine_n jer._n 35.6_o vow_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v arbitrary_a that_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v do_v and_o be_v leave_v to_o man_n choice_n those_o be_v proper_o vow_n and_o not_o such_o which_o be_v command_v these_o be_v duty_n before_o they_o be_v vow_v nor_o of_o thing_n forbid_v these_o remain_v sin_n after_o the_o vow_n now_o a_o vow_n be_v either_o absolute_a or_o conditional_a when_o a_o mercy_n be_v give_v in_o and_o we_o vow_v some_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o thankfulness_n conditional_a when_o we_o promise_v if_o god_n will_v give_v we_o such_o a_o blessing_n than_o we_o will_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o thus_o jacob_n vow_v that_o if_o god_n will_v prosper_v his_o journey_n and_o give_v he_o bread_n to_o eat_v and_o raiment_n to_o put_v on_o than_o he_o shall_v be_v his_o god_n and_o that_o stone_n shall_v be_v god_n house_n gen._n 28.20_o the_o like_a do_v hannah_n 1_o sam._n 1.11_o some_o also_o be_v temporal_a bind_v for_o a_o time_n and_o some_o perpetual_a bind_n for_o ever_o now_o that_o you_o may_v vow_v and_o not_o sin_n take_v these_o follow_a direction_n 1_o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v make_v a_o vow_n than_o thou_o must_v make_v it_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o god_n alone_o for_o there_o be_v no_o scripture_n warrant_v to_o make_v it_o to_o any_o other_o thou_o have_v many_o command_n and_o many_o approve_a example_n of_o make_v vow_n to_o god_n but_o none_o at_o all_o to_o any_o other_o creature_n psalm_n 76.11_o vow_n and_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o where_o read_v thou_o make_v vow_n and_o fulfil_v they_o to_o this_o saint_n or_o that_o angel_n for_o vow_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o promissory_a or_o the_o oath_n but_o we_o may_v not_o swear_v by_o creature_n but_o by_o god_n alone_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v i_o know_v this_o contradict_v the_o practice_n of_o papist_n but_o why_o do_v they_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n by_o their_o practise_n they_o vow_n to_o this_o saint_n and_o that_o angel_n one_o vow_n so_o much_o oil_n another_o so_o many_o candle_n another_o this_o another_o that_o but_o who_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o their_o hand_n where_o have_v they_o their_o warrant_n what_o promise_n have_v they_o to_o ground_v their_o faith_n upon_o when_o we_o read_v of_o vow_n in_o scripture_n we_o read_v they_o be_v make_v to_o god_n numb_a 30.2,3_o if_o a_o man_n vow_v a_o vow_n a_o vow_n to_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n if_o a_o woman_n vow_v a_o vow_n to_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 23.21,22,23_o when_o thou_o shall_v vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thou_o shall_v not_o slack_v to_o pay_v it_o isa_n 19.21_o when_o jacob_n vow_v a_o vow_n it_o be_v neither_o to_o saint_n or_o angel_n but_o to_o god_n alone_o gen._n 28.20.21_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o follow_v such_o approve_a example_n but_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o brain_n some_o vow_n be_v conditional_a if_o thou_o will_v give_v i_o this_o and_o this_o then_o will_v i_o do_v thus_o and_o thus_o this_o be_v jacob_n in_o the_o place_n before_o recite_v if_o thou_o will_v give_v i_o food_n and_o raiment_n thou_o shall_v be_v my_o god_n and_o this_o stone_n shall_v be_v thy_o house_n thus_o be_v hannah_n 1_o sam._n 1.11_o if_o thou_o will_v give_v i_o a_o son_n then_o will_v i_o give_v he_o unto_o thou_o now_o this_o can_v be_v direct_v to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n alone_o because_o he_o alone_o can_v perform_v the_o condition_n o_o their_o vow_n be_v of_o thankfulness_n for_o mercy_n receive_v thus_o david_n frequent_o vow_n praise_n and_o thanks_o and_o to_o who_o shall_v this_o be_v make_v but_o unto_o he_o from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v jam._n 1.17_o who_o deserve_v the_o praise_n but_o he_o that_o grant_v the_o mercy_n we_o return_v thanks_o for_o i_o know_v the_o papist_n tell_v we_o we_o may_v as_o proper_o vow_v to_o saint_n as_o unto_o god_n with_o this_o distinction_n to_o god_n we_o vow_v thankfulness_n for_o mercy_n receive_v to_o the_o saint_n as_o our_o mediator_n for_o who_o sake_n we_o do_v receive_v they_o but_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n even_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n and_o how_o come_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o we_o know_v because_o god_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v from_o he_o but_o we_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o we_o receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o the_o intercession_n of_o saint_n or_o angel_n we_o have_v command_n to_o make_v vow_n to_o god_n but_o not_o to_o they_o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o honour_n due_a to_o saint_n depart_v the_o scripture_n doubtless_o will_v not_o have_v be_v altogether_o silent_a nay_o we_o read_v the_o heavy_a judgement_n the_o lord_n threaten_v jer._n 44.25.26_o to_o they_o that_o make_v vow_n and_o will_v fulfil_v they_o unto_o the_o queen_n of_o heaven_n and_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o a_o reward_n we_o deny_v it_o and_o they_o must_v prove_v it_o by_o scripture_n where_o such_o liberty_n be_v grant_v to_o pray_v to_o they_o as_o if_o we_o have_v which_o will_v never_o be_v prove_v yet_o be_v there_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o vow_n be_v a_o more_o strict_a and_o bind_a act_n of_o religion_n than_o prayer_n be_v for_o in_o a_o vow_n there_o be_v prayer_n and_o something_o more_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n to_o perform_v the_o vow_n and_o also_o a_o purpose_n and_o promise_v of_o performance_n we_o may_v put_v up_o petition_n to_o mortal_a man_n but_o not_o make_v vow_n to_o they_o yea_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o vow_n be_v sometime_o such_o as_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o as_o when_o obedience_n or_o such_o like_a be_v promise_v it_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o we_o may_v expect_v the_o mercy_n we_o want_v it_o be_v from_o he_o alone_o we_o receive_v what_o we_o have_v it_o be_v he_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n whether_o we_o be_v sincere_a or_o no_o and_o he_o only_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o account_n or_o reward_n or_o punish_v we_o as_o we_o deserve_v and_o therefore_o unto_o he_o alone_a vow_n be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o pay_v 2._o direct_v that_o a_o vow_n may_v
judgement_n be_v threaten_v and_o it_o be_v defer_v in_o his_o day_n 1_o king_n 21.27_o many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o prove_v time_n of_o public_a calamity_n seasonable_a time_n for_o this_o duty_n when_o sin_n also_o abound_v it_o be_v a_o time_n for_o god_n people_n to_o be_v mourner_n in_o zion_n for_o assure_o judgement_n will_v follow_v ezek._n 9_o 4._o 1_o sam._n 7.6,7_o psal_n 69.10_o david_n weep_v and_o chastened_a his_o soul_n with_o fast_v for_o where_o sin_n go_v before_o unbewailed_a judgement_n necessary_o follow_v after_o and_o a_o man_n may_v foresee_v the_o effect_n by_o the_o cause_n when_o such_o sin_n as_o usual_o bring_v judgement_n be_v act_v among_o we_o we_o may_v look_v for_o the_o like_a effect_n for_o like_a sin_n bring_v like_o plague_n lam._n 1.20_o i_o have_v grievous_o rebel_v and_o what_o follow_v abroad_o the_o sword_n bereave_v at_o home_o there_o be_v as_o death_n see_v also_o lam._n 2.17_o jer._n 7.12_o amos_n 6.2,3_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o prevail_a of_o sin_n we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o humble_v our_o soul_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o turn_v away_o the_o fierce_a anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o never_o more_o cause_o than_o at_o this_o day_n again_o when_o thou_o find_v thy_o corruption_n strong_a and_o thy_o grace_n weak_a or_o when_o thou_o find_v some_o notable_a decay_n in_o thy_o grace_n it_o be_v time_n then_o to_o look_v about_o thou_o as_o also_o when_o thou_o will_v beg_v any_o great_a thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n go_v to_o he_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n thus_o daniel_n beg_v the_o deliverance_n of_o god_n people_n out_o of_o babylon_n according_a to_o god_n promise_n he_o seek_v to_o he_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n dan._n 9.1,2_o etc._n etc._n &_o 10.2_o etc._n etc._n for_o though_o god_n determine_v to_o do_v it_o yet_o will_v he_o be_v seek_v to_o for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n and_o likewise_o when_o some_o person_n be_v design_v for_o some_o great_a work_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n it_o have_v usual_o be_v do_v by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n thus_o christ_n spend_v a_o whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n before_o he_o choose_v his_o disciple_n luke_n 6.12_o paul_n and_o silas_n be_v set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n act_v 14.2,3_o and_o in_o case_n of_o spiritual_a desertion_n we_o shall_v thus_o seek_v to_o god_n mat._n 9.14_o and_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o some_o great_a undertake_n esther_n 4.16_o when_o corruption_n be_v strong_a when_o ordinary_a food_n wlll_v not_o serve_v we_o must_v use_v physic_n some_o sin_n like_o some_o devil_n go_v not_o out_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v these_o be_v the_o time_n for_o this_o extraordinary_a duty_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o lent_n or_o holiday_n eve_n whereon_o the_o papist_n keep_v their_o mock-fast_n but_o come_v not_o to_o humble_v their_o soul_n for_o their_o sin_n 6._o direct_v propound_v a_o right_a end_n to_o thyself_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o fast_v or_o otherwise_o it_o will_v prove_v in_o vain_a and_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n take_v it_o ill_o from_o god_n that_o he_o regard_v they_o not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o see_v not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o our_o soul_n and_o thou_o take_v no_o notice_n isa_n 58.3_o behold_v say_v god_n you_o fast_o for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o to_o strike_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n etc._n etc._n be_v it_o such_o a_o fast_a that_o i_o have_v choose_v etc._n etc._n zach._n 7.5_o when_o you_o fast_v and_o mourn_v in_o the_o five_o and_o seven_o month_n even_o these_o seventy_o year_n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_a unto_o i_o even_o to_o i_o hos_fw-la 7.14_o they_o have_v not_o cry_v to_o i_o with_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o howl_v upon_o their_o bed_n they_o assemble_v themselves_o for_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o they_o rebel_n against_o i_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v absent_a god_n regard_v not_o the_o service_n the_o pharisee_n mat._n 6.16,17_o they_o fast_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n that_o other_o may_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o of_o a_o austee_a course_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o reward_n from_o man_n not_o from_o god_n the_o papist_n make_v merit_v their_o end_n they_o fast_v and_o think_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o it_o but_o alas_o what_o can_v poor_a sinful_a creature_n merit_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o divine_a indignation_n and_o fierce_a judgement_n god_n may_v say_v of_o we_o as_o of_o those_o jer._n 14.12_o when_o they_o fast_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o cry_n when_o they_o offer_v burnt-offering_n and_o a_o oblation_n i_o will_v not_o accept_v they_o but_o i_o will_v consume_v they_o by_o the_o sword_n and_o by_o the_o famine_n and_o by_o the_o pestilence_n luke_n 18_o 12._o i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n say_v the_o pharisee_fw-mi yet_o the_o poor_a publican_n be_v regard_v before_o he_o see_v also_o rom._n 14.6_o 1_o cor._n 8_o 8._o alas_o be_v man_n but_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n this_o conceit_n of_o merit_n will_v soon_o vanish_v fast_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o only_o useful_a as_o it_o suit_v with_o the_o main_a end_n bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a but_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 4.7,8_o the_o true_a end_n of_o fast_v be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a in_o both_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v the_o ordinary_a end_n be_v such_o as_o these_o the_o subdue_a the_o flesh_n and_o bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n thus_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 9.27_o i_o bring_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n god_n people_n have_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n and_o have_v need_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o subject_v it_o that_o they_o may_v subdue_v their_o corruption_n and_o if_o ordinary_a mean_n will_v not_o do_v extraordinary_n must_v be_v use_v if_o the_o temptation_n remain_v this_o duty_n must_v be_v follow_v and_o at_o length_n god_n will_v give_v strength_n and_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o corroborate_v and_o strengthen_v the_o spirit_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o perform_v the_o require_v duty_n this_o put_v fervency_n into_o our_o prayer_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n this_o way_n man_n take_v some_o revenge_n upon_o themselves_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o abuse_n of_o mercy_n by_o this_o mean_v a_o man_n be_v better_a enable_v to_o grapple_v with_o temptation_n and_o bring_v under_o corruption_n and_o perform_v duty_n of_o our_o general_n and_o particular_a call_v more_o heavenly_a this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n zach._n 12.10_o thus_o the_o prophetess_n anna_n spend_v her_o time_n in_o serve_v god_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n luke_n 2.37_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o body_n become_v dull_a and_o heavy_a and_o unfit_a for_o spiritual_a duty_n but_o by_o moderate_a abstinence_n it_o become_v more_o active_a and_o lively_a and_o therefore_o fast_v and_o prayer_n be_v usual_o join_v together_o for_o fast_v of_o itself_o do_v little_o good_a fast_v testify_v our_o humility_n our_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o guilt_n before_o god_n and_o our_o unworthiness_n of_o meat_n drink_v sleep_v raiment_n or_o other_o refresh_a comfort_n be_v these_o the_o end_v you_o aim_v at_o be_v this_o the_o mark_v you_o shoot_v at_o and_o the_o white_a that_o be_v in_o your_o eye_n it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v you_o fit_a for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o may_v do_v your_o master_n will_v better_o and_o wind_n up_o the_o heart_n to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o holiness_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n but_o if_o custom_n or_o fashion_v or_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n or_o popular_a applause_n or_o hope_n of_o merit_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n be_v your_o end_n your_o duty_n will_v be_v curse_v and_o blast_v to_o you_o and_o be_v return_v sin_n into_o your_o bosom_n the_o extraordinary_a end_n we_o aim_v at_o in_o our_o fast_n shall_v be_v the_o remove_n of_o evil_n feel_v or_o fear_v either_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a from_o ourselves_o or_o other_o the_o beg_v those_o mercy_n we_o want_v and_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o we_o have_v and_o fear_v to_o lose_v these_o be_v the_o end_v the_o godly_a have_v use_v these_o extraordinary_a fast_n for_o and_o this_o have_v be_v successful_a to_o these_o end_n these_o be_v mean_n of_o god_n own_o prescribe_v and_o promise_n be_v add_v of_o a_o good_a success_n and_o many_o christian_n for_o themselves_o and_o other_o
goodness_n of_o god_n in_o they_o value_v they_o according_a to_o their_o worth_n as_o jacob_n do_v gen._n 22.9.10_o lord_n say_v he_o i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o thy_o mercy_n which_o thou_o have_v show_v i_o for_o with_o my_o staff_n i_o pass_v over_o this_o jordan_n and_o now_o i_o be_o become_v two_o band_n david_n when_o he_o behold_v the_o glorious_a lamp_n of_o heaven_n the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n break_v out_o into_o admiration_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o 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 8.3.4_o outward_a mercy_n but_o especial_o spiritual_a shall_v &_o will_v affect_v the_o heart_n if_o lay_v home_o by_o meditation_n 2._o direct_v when_o thou_o keep_v a_o day_n keep_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o to_o thyself_o let_v thy_o ultimate_a end_n and_o aim_n be_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o main_a design_n thou_o drive_v on_o be_v his_o praise_n it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o duty_n this_o shall_v be_v regard_v but_o especial_o in_o this_o for_o this_o time_n be_v set_v apart_o mere_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o praise_v he_o with_o a_o enlarge_a heart_n and_o if_o thou_o propound_v low_a end_n than_o these_o god_n will_v not_o own_v thy_o work_n these_o day_n be_v appoint_v to_o praise_n god_n and_o not_o as_o many_o abuse_v they_o and_o pamper_v the_o flesh_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o doubtless_o our_o duty_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 and_o if_o in_o our_o ordinary_a course_n we_o shall_v drive_v on_o this_o design_n much_o more_o in_o this_o extraordinary_a duty_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o day_n and_o exercise_n here_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v fill_v the_o heart_n spiritual_a and_o not_o carnal_a joy_n &_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v fill_v our_o mouth_n not_o vain_a laughter_n we_o shall_v speak_v out_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o soul_n and_o whatsoever_o suit_v not_o with_o this_o be_v unsuitable_a for_o the_o occasion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o many_o that_o pretend_v conscience_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o saints-day_n blame_v all_o those_o that_fw-mi look_v upon_o they_o as_o indifferent_a i_o say_v that_o those_o to_o who_o honest_a labour_n at_o other_o time_n lawful_a be_v hold_v a_o great_a transgression_n yet_o make_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o of_o serve_v god_n upon_o these_o day_n but_o spend_v their_o time_n vain_o and_o profane_o neither_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o soul_n or_o body_n these_o think_v they_o serve_v god_n better_o at_o a_o alehouse_n at_o a_o cockpit_n or_o bear-baiting_n or_o stage-play_a at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o other_o unlawful_a game_n than_o they_o can_v in_o a_o honest_a call_v but_o be_v this_o the_o feast_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v this_o may_v serve_v turn_n if_o we_o worship_v such_o a_o idol_n as_o israel_n then_o do_v fxod_n 32.6_o but_o shall_v we_o serve_v our_o god_n with_o such_o service_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v bacchus_n he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v to_o gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n this_o spiritual_a service_n that_o be_v command_v shall_v we_o praise_v god_n for_o his_o creature_n by_o intemperance_n and_o abuse_v of_o they_o yet_o be_v not_o these_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o of_o the_o great_a stickler_n for_o such_o festival_n look_v into_o a_o alehouse_n and_o see_v whether_o more_o meet_v not_o there_o upon_o such_o day_n as_o these_o than_o the_o whole_a week_n beside_o and_o many_o a_o oath_n swear_v and_o many_o a_o lie_v tell_v and_o many_o a_o vain_a word_n speak_v at_o such_o time_n and_o upon_o such_o occasion_n yea_o much_o drunkenness_n debauchery_n quarrel_n fight_n and_o sometime_o murder_n be_v there_o committtd_a and_o be_v this_o god_n feast_n or_o the_o devil_n sacrifice_n it_o more_o suit_v a_o heathen_a idol_n than_o a_o holy_a god_n be_v this_o the_o place_n where_o god_n be_v like_a to_o meet_v thou_o or_o will_v have_v death_n meet_v thou_o here_o or_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o company_n suitable_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n will_v thou_o thank_v god_n for_o thy_o reason_n when_o thou_o have_v lose_v the_o use_n of_o it_o by_o drink_v and_o transform_v thyself_o into_o a_o beast_n or_o can_v then_o remember_v god_n benefit_n to_o praise_v he_o for_o they_o when_o thou_o can_v not_o remember_v what_o thou_o do_v it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o judge_v any_o man_n that_o keep_v those_o day_n as_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n ought_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o approve_v of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v keep_v i_o know_v the_o godly_a be_v allow_v to_o eat_v their_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o drink_v their_o wine_n with_o a_o merry_a heart_n but_o it_o be_v spiritual_a not_o carnal_a joy_n they_o ought_v upon_o thanksgiving_n day_n to_o cease_v from_o their_o labour_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o than_o they_o keep_v it_o but_o as_o a_o beast_n but_o as_o a_o fast_o be_v a_o help_n to_o humiliation_n and_o make_v prayer_n the_o more_o fervent_a so_o feast_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n elevate_v the_o soul_n and_o make_v praise_n the_o more_o hearty_a when_o we_o fresh_o taste_v god_n goodness_n in_o the_o prevision_n make_v for_o we_o labour_v in_o both_o be_v forbid_v as_o it_o be_v a_o hindrance_n in_o the_o duty_n in_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o god_n be_v more_o dishonour_v in_o those_o day_n pretend_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o honour_v he_o in_o than_o in_o all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n beside_o but_o god_n will_v not_o own_o such_o servant_n nor_o accept_v of_o such_o service_n when_o man_n think_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o work_v forbid_v upon_o that_o day_n or_o nothing_o more_o than_o idleness_n require_v but_o many_o will_v glorify_v god_n much_o better_a in_o a_o lawful_a call_v than_o at_o a_o unlawful_a exercise_n or_o unnecessary_a recreation_n i_o know_v recreation_n be_v lawful_a as_o i_o hope_v in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n to_o demonstrate_v and_o give_v direction_n in_o it_o but_o why_o shall_v we_o take_v god_n time_n for_o our_o use_n if_o these_o day_n be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n service_n let_v they_o be_v spend_v in_o his_o service_n if_o for_o our_o recreation_n let_v we_o never_o put_v the_o title_n of_o holiday_n upon_o they_o let_v they_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o be_v use_v or_o not_o use_v at_o pleasure_n or_o people_n keep_v from_o dishonour_v god_n in_o they_o 3._o direct_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o day_n see_v thy_o ground_n be_v good_a and_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n to_o it_o or_o otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o own_v it_o it_o be_v true_a thanksgiving_n be_v a_o work_n of_o every_o day_n but_o every_o day_n be_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o a_o holy_a festival_n to_o god_n come_v not_o superstitious_o to_o it_o as_o the_o papist_n nor_o profane_o as_o the_o sensualist_n nor_o wicked_o as_o the_o profane_a enemies_n to_o god_n and_o godliness_n see_v thou_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o by_o real_a mercy_n receive_v and_o in_o give_v thanks_o mistake_v not_o judgement_n for_o mercy_n and_o mercy_n for_o judgement_n it_o be_v true_a we_o ought_v to_o observe_v all_o god_n providence_n and_o bless_v god_n for_o all_o chastisement_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o be_v for_o the_o good_a which_o we_o receive_v by_o they_o as_o job_n 1.21_o but_o this_o shall_v be_v with_o humiliation_n not_o exultation_n if_o thy_o foundation_n be_v rot_v the_o building_n can_v be_v good_a there_o be_v many_o that_o hearty_o rejoice_v and_o give_v thanks_o also_o to_o god_n after_o their_o manner_n for_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n i_o fear_v our_o time_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o example_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o ammonite_n and_o will_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a ezek._n 25.6_o because_o thou_o have_v clap_v thy_o hand_n and_o stamp_v with_o thy_o foot_n and_o rejoice_v in_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o despite_n against_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n therefore_o i_o will_v stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n against_o thou_o and_o deliver_v thou_o for_o a_o spoil_n to_o the_o heathen_a etc._n etc._n see_v god_n take_v it_o ill_o when_o man_n exult_v over_o his_o people_n in_o distress_n and_o if_o they_o praise_v he_o for_o correct_v they_o it_o be_v unpleasing_a service_n to_o he_o