psalm_n be_v appoint_v by_o he_o but_o in_o what_o tune_n he_o do_v not_o determine_v any_o further_a than_o the_o general_a direction_n of_o decent_o and_o in_o order_n reach_v hebrew_n tune_n as_o i_o say_v be_v much_o unknown_a and_o if_o know_v can_v agree_v with_o our_o language_n no_o more_o do_v we_o with_o other_o language_n now_o if_o we_o sing_v it_o must_v be_v in_o some_o tune_n but_o no_o tune_n be_v peculiar_o command_v our_o own_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v just_o call_v a_o innovation_n thrust_v into_o god_n worship_n any_o more_o than_o the_o word_n translate_v out_o of_o the_o original_a into_o english_a in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v yet_o this_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v lawful_a it_o be_v invention_n indeed_o which_o savour_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o the_o wit_n or_o will_v of_o man_n thrust_v into_o god_n service_n and_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n this_o may_v be_v suspect_v and_o reject_v but_o this_o be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n the_o question_n before_o we_o be_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o we_o may_v not_o use_v english_a tune_n as_o well_o as_o english_a word_n in_o god_n worship_n see_v the_o one_o be_v as_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n as_o the_o other_o another_o scruple_n that_o some_o make_v upon_o the_o like_a ground_n be_v the_o reading_z of_o the_o psalm_n in_o order_n to_o sing_v indeed_o be_v all_o man_n able_a to_o repeat_v the_o psalm_n without_o book_n or_o have_v all_o those_o to_o who_o sing_v be_v a_o duty_n the_o gift_n of_o read_v or_o be_v furnish_v with_o book_n to_o read_v this_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o till_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o will_v never_o be_v reading_n be_v of_o use_n the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v to_o sing_v and_o unless_o all_o be_v thus_o qualify_v how_o can_v they_o sing_v if_o it_o be_v not_o read_v nature_n itself_o dictate_v to_o we_o we_o must_v use_v mean_n to_o bring_v to_o the_o end_n and_o the_o scripture_n never_o deny_v it_o now_o this_o be_v a_o good_a mean_n for_o instruction_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o receive_v instruction_n by_o the_o ear_n in_o hear_v as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o eye_n in_o read_v in_o prayer_n we_o think_v it_o more_o convenient_a to_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n hear_v he_o than_o if_o we_o can_v read_v the_o same_o prayer_n along_o with_o he_o in_o a_o book_n when_o all_o israel_n sing_v together_o with_o moses_n it_o be_v like_o it_o be_v read_v to_o they_o exod._n 15.1,2_o etc._n etc._n for_o doubtless_o all_o have_v not_o copy_n of_o it_o if_o they_o can_v have_v read_v neither_o have_v commit_v it_o to_o memory_n neither_o can_v the_o read_n of_o it_o any_o way_n hinder_v the_o melody_n neither_o will_v it_o hinder_v but_o help_v the_o understanding_n neither_o any_o way_n dull_a the_o affection_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v remove_v those_o objection_n and_o answer_v the_o doubt_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n this_o ordinance_n 6._o direct_v if_o thou_o be_v now_o convince_v that_o sing_v psalm_n be_v a_o gospel_n duty_n yea_o thy_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o set_v upon_o it_o then_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n but_o be_v sure_a to_o observe_v that_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o duty_n thy_o end_n be_v good_a otherwise_o the_o action_n must_v needs_o be_v bad_a many_o a_o man_n lose_v much_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o spend_v much_o time_n to_o little_a purpose_n a_o evident_a example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o pharisee_n mat._n 6.1,2_o etc._n etc._n who_o fast_v pray_v and_o give_v alm_n all_o excellent_a duty_n but_o those_o sacrifice_n though_o otherwise_o good_a be_v mix_v with_o the_o dung_n of_o their_o own_o self-seeking_a and_o desire_v of_o popular_a applause_n god_n throw_v it_o back_o into_o their_o face_n as_o dung_n without_o a_o reward_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o if_o thou_o seek_v thyself_o and_o not_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n if_o custom_n credit_n or_o a_o desire_n of_o popular_a applause_n drive_v thou_o on_o to_o this_o duty_n and_o not_o the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o god_n glory_n thou_o may_v expect_v thy_o reward_n from_o man_n and_o not_o from_o god_n many_o man_n in_o sing_v psalm_n aim_v at_o no_o high_a end_n nor_o make_v any_o better_a use_n of_o it_o than_o they_o do_v in_o their_o profane_a song_n or_o ungodly_a ballad_n viz._n their_o own_o recreation_n to_o drive_v away_o the_o time_n or_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v applaud_v for_o their_o good_a voice_n or_o tune_n or_o excellent_a gift_n in_o sing_v but_o the_o chief_a end_n which_o every_o christian_a shall_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o his_o action_n especial_o in_o all_o his_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n good_a if_o this_o be_v lay_v aside_o thou_o may_v expect_v a_o curse_n and_o not_o a_o blessing_n upon_o thy_o proceed_n if_o this_o be_v want_v the_o duty_n be_v spoil_v if_o this_o be_v mind_v god_n will_v accept_v of_o it_o though_o accompany_v with_o many_o imperfection_n this_o heavenly_a duty_n be_v perform_v to_o this_o end_n by_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n triumphant_a as_o before_o be_v show_v and_o will_v be_v the_o work_n of_o eternity_n and_o here_o upon_o earth_n if_o heart_n and_o voice_n go_v together_o it_o be_v a_o resemblance_n of_o heaven_n and_o represent_v though_o dark_o that_o melodious_a harmony_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n among_o those_o glorious_a chorister_n we_o shall_v make_v melody_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o not_o only_o with_o our_o mouth_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o appoint_v for_o spiritual_a consolation_n not_o for_o profane_a recreation_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o psalmist_n say_v not_o unto_o we_o lord_n not_o to_o we_o but_o to_o thy_o own_o name_n be_v the_o glory_n let_v we_o work_v for_o god_n and_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o give_v we_o a_o reward_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v in_o this_o duty_n trumpet_n out_o his_o praise_n for_o all_o we_o have_v be_v he_o and_o from_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v we_o receive_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n we_o have_v our_o life_n and_o be_v from_o he_o and_o have_v no_o more_o breath_n than_o what_o he_o put_v into_o we_o and_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n we_o shall_v render_v to_o he_o the_o praise_n due_a for_o all_o and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n we_o have_v to_o praise_n he_o eph._n 5.19_o col._n 3.16_o thus_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a have_v go_v before_o we_o and_o aim_v at_o this_o very_a end_n thus_o deborah_n and_o barak_n moses_n and_o miriam_n and_o many_o more_o and_o thus_o david_n resolve_v to_o do_v psal_n 7.17_o i_o will_v sing_v praise_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a psal_n 111.1_o and_o exhort_v other_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n psal_n 30.4_o sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n o_o you_o saint_n of_o he_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 47.6_o &_o 92.1_o now_o this_o duty_n though_o it_o especial_o concern_v the_o godly_a as_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o most_o and_o great_a mercy_n and_o have_v the_o great_a ability_n for_o the_o work_n yet_o other_o also_o have_v receive_v all_o they_o have_v from_o god_n be_v also_o oblige_v to_o render_v praise_n and_o thanks_o to_o god_n and_o be_v frequent_o call_v upon_o thus_o to_o do_v psal_n 110.1_o where_o all_o nation_n be_v excite_v to_o this_o duty_n and_o as_o god_n glory_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v mind_v so_o our_o own_o benefit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v and_o our_o soul_n good_a and_o the_o psalm_n serve_v also_o for_o instruction_n and_o direction_n for_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o scripture_n serve_v to_o this_o end_n eph._n 5.19_o col._n 3.16_o and_o if_o we_o observe_v every_o psalm_n will_v yield_v we_o some_o profitable_a instruction_n direction_n or_o exhortation_n and_o inform_v we_o in_o many_o thing_n concern_v god_n word_n his_o attribute_n providence_n promise_n word_n and_o work_n or_o something_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o other_o good_a or_o bad_a concern_v this_o life_n or_o that_o to_o come_v and_o this_o we_o may_v not_o only_a treasure_n up_o in_o our_o own_o heart_n but_o also_o press_v it_o upon_o other_o and_o teach_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n nay_o wicked_a man_n may_v hence_o be_v instruct_v convince_v and_o reprove_v to_o this_o end_n moses_n song_n be_v indict_v deut._n 31.19_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o consolation_n also_o to_o the_o godly_a in_o all_o condition_n here_o be_v petition_n put_v up_o to_o god_n here_o be_v promise_v make_v by_o god_n
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
meditation_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n but_o of_o set_v and_o solemn_a meditation_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n at_o some_o time_n only_o and_o when_o thou_o come_v unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v come_v prepare_o no_o duty_n can_v be_v well_o perform_v without_o much_o less_o this_o so_o serious_a and_o solemn_a a_o duty_n this_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o must_v be_v whole_o set_v upon_o some_o special_a object_n which_o for_o the_o time_n we_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n this_o duty_n be_v as_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n in_o the_o clean_a beast_n or_o as_o in_o digestion_n to_o the_o body_n for_o as_o digestion_n turn_v food_n into_o soil_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n so_o meditation_n turn_v thou_o truth_n receive_v into_o affection_n resolution_n act_n yea_o into_o a-ho_o life_n and_o conversation_n now_o the_o preparation_n require_v be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n the_o internal_a be_v chief_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o understanding_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n in_o the_o work_n if_o the_o instrument_n be_v in_o tune_n the_o music_n will_v be_v good_a if_o that_o be_v out_o it_o will_v be_v little_a worth_n the_o success_n of_o the_o work_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o heart_n if_o that_o be_v right_a god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o dwell_v there_o and_o give_v in_o his_o assistance_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o without_o his_o assistance_n the_o duty_n will_v do_v we_o little_a good_a there_o must_v be_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n in_o the_o brain_n or_o the_o work_n will_v not_o prosper_v in_o our_o hand_n get_v thy_o affection_n as_o much_o off_o from_o the_o world_n and_o as_o resolve_o set_v upon_o christ_n as_o thou_o can_v for_o christ_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o partner_n and_o as_o a_o gracious_a heart_n so_o a_o understanding_n head_n will_v much_o forward_a the_o work_n it_o be_v a_o sweet_a conjunction_n where_o these_o meet_a but_o if_o sever_a the_o former_a be_v most_o requisite_a come_v with_o a_o empty_a heart_n and_o it_o will_v be_v fill_v with_o a_o enlarge_a heart_n and_o it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v this_o duty_n be_v enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o whole_a man_n be_v the_o faculty_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o capacious_a than_o they_o be_v angel_n themselves_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o many_o mystery_n lay_v by_o therefore_o all_o other_o thought_n occasion_n business_n and_o concernment_n whatsoever_o and_o gather_v in_o thy_o whole_a strength_n and_o set_v upon_o the_o duty_n bring_v not_o a_o full_a vessel_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o more_o if_o a_o vessel_n be_v full_a of_o water_n there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o wine_n if_o thy_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o muck_n thou_o can_v hold_v no_o money_n if_o thy_o heart_n be_v stuff_v with_o trifle_n it_o can_v hold_v no_o better_a treasure_n when_o thou_o mounte_v this_o hill_n of_o contemplation_n be_v sure_a with_o abraham_n leave_v all_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o hill_n say_v stand_v by_o pleasure_n stand_v by_o friend_n stand_v by_o world_n and_o worldly_a thing_n i_o be_o go_v to_o sacrifice_n and_o will_v come_v again_o when_o we_o come_v into_o our_o prince_n presence_n we_o leave_v our_o muck_n behind_o we_o and_o bring_v no_o unsuitable_a company_n with_o we_o much_o more_o when_o we_o come_v into_o god_n presence_n cast_v off_o all_o sin_n out_o with_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a thought_n yea_o all_o other_o thought_n though_o at_o other_o time_n good_a which_o will_v any_o way_n disturb_v thou_o and_o dispose_v thy_o business_n so_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v hinder_v and_o for_o external_a preparation_n it_o consist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o needful_a circumstance_n as_o time_n place_n etc._n etc._n for_o occasional_a meditation_n all_o time_n and_o all_o place_n be_v fit_a when_o a_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v but_o not_o so_o here_o the_o sabbath_n day_n be_v a_o fit_a time_n when_o other_o duty_n be_v not_o on_o foot_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o upon_o other_o day_n experience_n will_v best_o instruct_v thou_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o lively_a and_o active_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n in_o the_o morning_n or_o in_o the_o evening_n the_o like_a i_o say_v for_o place_n where_o thou_o find_v it_o most_o convenient_a at_o home_n or_o abroad_o in_o the_o house_n or_o in_o the_o field_n the_o place_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o free_a from_o distraction_n be_v the_o fit_a isaac_n walk_v into_o the_o field_n christ_n in_o the_o garden_n peter_n on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n but_o i_o conceive_v ordinary_o for_o this_o set_a meditation_n that_o place_n which_o christ_n appoint_v for_o private_a prayer_n be_v suitable_a for_o this_o secret_a duty_n viz._n the_o closet_n with_o the_o door_n shut_v mat_n 6.46_o in_o a_o word_n when_o thou_o feel_v a_o sweet_a gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n assist_v thou_o lose_v not_o the_o opportunity_n strike_v while_o the_o iron_n be_v hot_a perhaps_o thou_o may_v do_v more_o than_o in_o a_o hour_n than_o at_o another_o time_n in_o a_o day_n 3._o direct_v have_v thus_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o the_o work_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o fit_a time_n and_o place_n set_v upon_o it_o set_v thyself_o serious_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n apprehend_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o thou_o how_o thou_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v thy_o heart_n from_o wander_a and_o thy_o thought_n from_o rove_a yea_o before_o thou_o begin_v put_v up_o some_o pithy_a fervent_a petition_n for_o god_n assistance_n and_o direction_n and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v thou_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o end_n and_o that_o he_o will_v take_v possession_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o keep_v thy_o thought_n from_o wander_v from_o the_o duty_n for_o without_o god_n assistance_n thou_o will_v but_o strive_v in_o thy_o own_o strength_n and_o lose_v all_o thy_o labour_n when_o thou_o have_v make_v this_o entrance_n by_o prayer_n make_v choice_n of_o some_o profitable_a subject_n to_o meditate_v upon_o all_o meditation_n though_o set_v and_o solemn_a and_o serious_a be_v not_o that_o i_o treat_v of_o how_o serious_o do_v the_o covetous_a man_n study_v how_o to_o grow_v rich_a yea_o perhaps_o how_o to_o deceive_v his_o brother_n how_o serious_a be_v the_o voluptuous_a man_n study_v how_o to_o get_v pleasure_n or_o satisfy_v his_o lust_n the_o ambitious_a man_n how_o to_o get_v honour_n &_o the_o envious_a man_n how_o to_o do_v his_o neighbour_n a_o mischief_n yea_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v he_o can_v sleep_v till_o it_o be_v do_v but_o this_o be_v devilish_a and_o not_o divine_a meditation_n but_o single_a out_o some_o choice_n profitable_a subject_n and_o let_v thy_o thought_n run_v upon_o that_o that_o which_o may_v wind_v up_o thy_o affection_n near_o unto_o god_n and_o which_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o time_n thou_o imploye_v about_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n garden_n will_v furnish_v thou_o with_o flower_n enough_o to_o gather_v honey_n on_o the_o scripture_n will_v abundant_o furnish_v thou_o to_o this_o end_n no_o verse_n but_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o meditation_n this_o be_v the_o cannon_n whereby_o thou_o may_v try_v good_a from_o bad_a and_o truth_n from_o error_n by_o this_o thou_o may_v know_v what_o be_v duty_n what_o be_v sin_n what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a or_o thou_o may_v take_v any_o common_a place_n in_o divinity_n for_o the_o subject_a of_o thy_o meditation_n here_o thou_o may_v find_v a_o large_a field_n to_o walk_v in_o and_o many_o necessary_a yea_o fundamental_a truth_n may_v fall_v under_o consideration_n but_o take_v heed_n of_o meddle_v with_o secret_a thing_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n there_o be_v enough_o reveal_v for_o thy_o salvation_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o thy_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o needful_a i_o may_v lead_v thou_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o show_v thou_o matter_n sufficient_a to_o work_v upon_o as_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o bottomless_a gulf_n that_o the_o angel_n themselves_o can_v never_o sound_v or_o fathom_n yet_o here_o we_o may_v sail_v by_o the_o scripture_n chard_n in_o safety_n consider_v also_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o decree_n creation_n and_o providence_n consider_v thy_o own_o estate_n in_o the_o creation_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o in_o thy_o restauration_n consider_v christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o office_n his_o incarnation_n birth_n life_n doctrine_n miracle_n death_n and_o passion_n his_o resurrection_n ascention_n and_o intercession_n and_o his_o come_n at_o the_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