fruitless_a hearer_n be_v proud_a man_n and_o out_o of_o their_o pride_n disobey_v the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n be_v profane_a man_n and_o so_o in_o this_o place_n i_o call_v they_o who_o hear_v god_n word_n out_o of_o custom_n but_o mind_n not_o nor_o care_v not_o what_o the_o preacher_n say_v he_o may_v talk_v what_o he_o please_v but_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o gallio_n in_o another_o case_n so_o it_o be_v true_a of_o these_o man_n they_o care_v for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n these_o hearer_n be_v herein_o like_o the_o unthankful_a guest_n who_o when_o they_o be_v invite_v make_v light_n of_o it_o and_o go_v away_o about_o their_o other_o occasion_n matth._n 22.5_o nor_o be_v they_o much_o unlike_a to_o those_o profane_a man_n of_o ephraim_n and_o manasses_n who_o when_o hezekiah_n send_v messenger_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o jerusalem_n that_o there_o they_o may_v keep_v the_o passeover_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n they_o mock_v the_o messenger_n and_o laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v 2._o chr._n 30.10_o and_o so_o if_o any_o make_v light_a of_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o scorn_n or_o despise_v god_n messenger_n who_o show_v they_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n such_o i_o call_v profane_a man_n who_o make_v no_o reckon_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o who_o disobey_v the_o gospel_n and_o do_v not_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n i_o say_v they_o be_v bad_a and_o ungodly_a hearer_n for_o if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o word_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o do_v they_o not_o he_o be_v like_o a_o man_n who_o without_o a_o foundation_n build_v a_o house_n upon_o the_o earth_n against_o which_o the_o stream_n do_v beat_v vehement_o and_o immediate_o it_o fall_v and_o the_o ruin_n of_o that_o house_n be_v great_a luk_n 6.48_o 49._o and_o therefore_o i_o may_v conclude_v of_o these_o as_o i_o do_v of_o the_o rest_n when_o our_o lord_n say_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v he_o mean_v that_o among_o other_o vice_n in_o hearer_n we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o fruitless_a hear_n when_o man_n hear_v and_o do_v not_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o bad_a hearer_n i_o now_o desire_v every_o christian_a that_o shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o read_v these_o line_n that_o after_o his_o read_n he_o will_v examine_v himself_o by_o these_o note_n i_o suppose_v he_o have_v be_v a_o hearer_n of_o god_n word_n for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n and_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o that_o practice_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o pity_v it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v lose_v all_o that_o labour_n in_o hear_v &_o the_o preacher_n his_o labour_n in_o instruct_v of_o he_o in_o god_n will_n and_o much_o more_o pity_n that_o god_n shall_v lose_v his_o labour_n in_o provide_v he_o so_o much_o good_a mean_n of_o grace_n without_o use_n and_o sure_o the_o labour_n be_v all_o lose_v which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o such_o as_o be_v bad_a hearer_n of_o who_o hitherto_o i_o have_v speak_v let_v every_o christian_a then_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n examine_v his_o own_o heart_n whether_o he_o have_v be_v either_o a_o negligent_a or_o a_o partial_a or_o a_o sensual_a or_o a_o forgetful_a or_o a_o unfruitful_a hearer_n and_o if_o he_o find_v himself_o guilty_a let_v he_o now_o at_o least_o amend_v his_o error_n and_o make_v better_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n for_o direction_n wherein_o i_o have_v in_o this_o place_n no_o more_o to_o say_v but_o that_o he_o will_v remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v cap._n xii_o preparative_a duty_n to_o be_v observe_v for_o right_a hear_n cap._n 12_o when_o our_o lord_n say_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v he_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v that_o there_o be_v danger_n in_o hear_v amiss_o but_o also_o do_v imply_v that_o by_o heedfulness_n we_o may_v avoid_v the_o danger_n and_o so_o hear_v that_o we_o may_v reap_v benefit_n by_o it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o point_n which_o after_o the_o danger_n discover_v come_v now_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o for_o better_o proceed_n wherein_o we_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v that_o this_o heedfulness_n include_v two_o thing_n consideration_n and_o execution_n consideration_n search_v out_o what_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v available_a for_o the_o purpose_n and_o execution_n put_v they_o in_o practice_n when_o once_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v good_a the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o be_v include_v in_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n for_o so_o much_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d see_v look_v or_o take_v heed_n do_v natural_o import_v and_o the_o late_a of_o they_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o speaker_n for_o search_v after_o available_a mean_n be_v vain_a without_o make_v use_n of_o they_o after_o they_o be_v find_v and_o therefore_o when_o our_o lord_n say_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v he_o mean_v that_o we_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o may_v hear_v with_o profit_n that_o we_o lose_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o labour_n and_o that_o what_o rule_v we_o find_v to_o be_v good_a for_o the_o purpose_n we_o make_v use_v of_o they_o according_o that_o our_o speculation_n may_v be_v second_v by_o our_o practice_n for_o our_o better_a direction_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v of_o four_o sort_n of_o duty_n necessary_a for_o this_o purpose_n the_o first_o be_v duty_n go_v before_o our_o hear_n the_o second_o be_v duty_n or_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o hear_n the_o three_o be_v such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v after_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hear_n &_o the_o last_o be_v common_a &_o do_v diffuse_v themselves_o through_o all_o these_o difference_n of_o time_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i._n first_o then_o before_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v there_o be_v certain_a preparative_n duty_n that_o may_v fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o work_n for_o god_n word_n be_v like_a seed_n sow_v by_o the_o preacher_n and_o the_o hearer_n be_v like_o the_o ground_n in_o which_o this_o seed_n be_v sow_v as_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a immediate_o precede_v this_o caveat_n of_o heedtaking_a how_o we_o hear_v now_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v sow_v his_o seed_n till_o he_o have_v manure_v his_o ground_n he_o will_v first_o plough_v &_o dung_n and_o gather_v out_o the_o stone_n &_o the_o rubbish_n and_o then_o cast_v in_o his_o seed_n with_o hope_n of_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n and_o so_o we_o before_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n be_v sow_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o make_v fit_a soil_n to_o receive_v such_o seed_n in_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o of_o jeremie_n break_v up_o your_o fallow_a ground_n and_o sow_v not_o among_o thorn_n jeremie_n 4.3_o he_o mean_v that_o as_o no_o man_n do_v sow_v his_o seed_n before_o he_o have_v plough_v the_o ground_n &_o pull_v up_o the_o weed_n and_o thorn_n for_o else_o all_o both_o labour_n and_o seed_n will_v be_v lose_v so_o every_o wise_a servant_n of_o god_n shall_v prepare_v his_o heart_n before_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n and_o good_a instruction_n be_v sow_v in_o it_o for_o else_o if_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n be_v hard_a and_o without_o feeling_n like_o the_o high_a way_n side_n that_o be_v harden_v by_o often_o tread_v upon_o it_o it_o will_v not_o open_a or_o unclose_v itself_o to_o receive_v the_o seed_n and_o if_o it_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n &_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n like_o the_o thorny_a ground_n that_o be_v overspread_v with_o rubbish_n though_o it_o receive_v the_o seed_n yet_o it_o choke_v it_o in_o the_o spring_a it_o be_v then_o a_o point_n of_o necessary_a observation_n that_o if_o we_o will_v hear_v with_o profit_n we_o prepare_v our_o heart_n aforehand_o that_o like_o good_a ground_n they_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n now_o for_o the_o plough_v up_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o prepare_v of_o it_o for_o the_o seed_n diverse_a duty_n be_v first_o to_o be_v perform_v which_o for_o that_o cause_n i_o call_v preparative_n duty_n and_o those_o be_v as_o follow_v i._o the_o first_o preparative_n duty_n be_v that_o we_o put_v off_o worldly_a business_n and_o empty_a our_o soul_n of_o earthly_a thought_n which_o either_o may_v take_v up_o our_o time_n due_a to_o this_o work_n or_o distract_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o look_v how_o long_o the_o mind_n rove_v and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o good_a seed_n be_v
service_n for_o what_o can_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o in_o god_n commandment_n who_o have_v forsake_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o they_o thus_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o all_o sin_n make_v a_o man_n ready_a for_o obedience_n of_o every_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o very_a crown_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o hear_n iii_o this_o cleanse_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o all_o sinful_a lust_n invit_v god_n to_o assist_v we_o with_o grace_n and_o to_o bless_v our_o hear_n with_o success_n and_o to_o increase_v all_o his_o mercy_n towards_o we_o for_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n psal_n 25.14_o and_o my_o son_n say_v solomon_n if_o thou_o will_v receive_v my_o word_n and_o hide_v my_o commandment_n with_o thou_o etc._n etc._n then_o shall_v thou_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n give_v wisdom_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n come_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n prov._n 2.1_o 5_o 6._o and_o of_o cornelius_n we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v a_o devout_a man_n and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v god_n continual_o god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v herewith_o that_o first_o he_o send_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v he_o what_o course_n he_o shall_v take_v for_o save_v of_o his_o soul_n and_o then_o he_o send_v peter_n to_o tell_v he_o those_o thing_n by_o which_o both_o he_o and_o his_o household_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o last_o while_o peter_n be_v preach_v and_o cornelius_n be_v hear_v he_o pour_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n act._n 10._o and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v with_o we_o if_o we_o be_v like_a to_o cornelius_n in_o devotion_n serve_v god_n in_o purity_n of_o heart_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o god_n will_v send_v we_o such_o teacher_n as_o may_v direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o bless_v our_o hear_n with_o a_o happy_a success_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o the_o conscience_n of_o know_a sin_n or_o with_o any_o lust_n that_o lie_v unmortified_a within_o he_o such_o a_o one_o provoke_v god_n to_o blind_v his_o eye_n and_o to_o curse_v his_o labour_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o prophet_n speak_v ezek._n 14.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o say_v to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o your_o idol_n and_o turn_v away_o your_o face_n from_o all_o your_o abomination_n for_o every_o one_o of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n or_o of_o the_o strange_a that_o sojourn_v in_o israel_n which_o separate_v himself_o from_o i_o and_o set_v up_o his_o idol_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o put_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o his_o iniquity_n before_o his_o face_n and_o come_v to_o a_o prophet_n to_o inquire_v of_o he_o concern_v i_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v answer_v he_o by_o myself_o and_o i_o will_v set_v my_o face_n against_o that_o man_n and_o will_v make_v he_o a_o sign_n and_o a_o proverb_n and_o i_o will_v cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n note_v here_o 1._o the_o sin_n that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o this_o people_n if_o they_o set_v up_o their_o idol_n in_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n he_o mean_v if_o they_o cherish_v idolatry_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o look_v on_o their_o abomination_n as_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o love_v 2._o consider_v the_o punishment_n that_o god_n threaten_v against_o this_o sin_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a 1._o that_o if_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o prophet_n for_o instruction_n god_n will_v give_v he_o the_o answer_n and_o set_v his_o face_n against_o he_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v instead_o of_o instruct_v he_o in_o his_o word_n he_o will_v persecute_v he_o with_o his_o judgement_n and_o 2._o that_o if_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v as_o some_o time_n they_o be_v god_n in_o his_o anger_n do_v suffer_v he_o to_o err_v for_o a_o punishment_n to_o that_o man_n that_o come_v to_o hear_v with_o a_o pollute_a soul_n 3._o note_v the_o remedy_n or_o the_o mean_n how_o to_o avoid_v this_o judgement_n and_o that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o your_o idol_n and_o from_o your_o abomination_n lay_v these_o note_n together_o and_o then_o you_o may_v see_v that_o if_o a_o man_n come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o a_o purpose_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o heart_n for_o every_o such_o sin_n be_v his_o idol_n god_n will_v give_v he_o over_o to_o be_v seduce_v and_o to_o be_v plague_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o the_o purge_n out_o of_o sin_n be_v the_o way_n to_o avoid_v all_o this_o mischief_n agreeable_a hereunto_o be_v that_o also_o of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v of_o antichrist_n that_o his_o come_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveablenesse_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2._o thess_n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o by_o all_o this_o we_o may_v see_v that_o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o a_o clear_a conscience_n purge_v from_o dead_a work_n god_n be_v ever_o ready_a to_o teach_v and_o direct_v that_o man_n in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n but_o if_o any_o come_v with_o a_o conscience_n defile_v with_o know_a sin_n god_n forsake_v that_o man_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o false_a teacher_n to_o be_v seduce_v and_o mislead_v to_o his_o ruin_n thus_o the_o point_n be_v clear_v that_o he_o who_o will_v hear_v with_o profit_n must_v first_o empty_v his_o soul_n of_o all_o sinful_a lust_n the_o use_v follow_v use_v 1_o see_v such_o preparative_n duty_n be_v require_v for_o a_o profitable_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n every_o wise_a christian_n shall_v examine_v himself_o how_o well_o he_o have_v perform_v those_o duty_n and_o by_o they_o plough_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o the_o good_a seed_n may_v be_v receive_v into_o a_o good_a soil_n more_o particular_o whether_o before_o his_o hear_n he_o have_v labour_v to_o empty_v his_o heart_n of_o earthly_a thought_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v at_o leisure_n for_o god_n whether_o he_o have_v use_v to_o season_v his_o mind_n with_o heavenly_a thought_n at_o home_n that_o he_o may_v be_v attentive_a in_o god_n service_n and_o whether_o by_o due_a examination_n of_o his_o way_n he_o have_v seek_v to_o cast_v out_o all_o unlawful_a lust_n out_o of_o his_o soul_n or_o whether_o he_o have_v not_o rather_o busy_v his_o mind_n with_o thought_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o be_v come_v before_o god_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o his_o word_n or_o whether_o he_o have_v not_o go_v into_o god_n house_n without_o think_v whither_o he_o be_v a_o go_v or_o final_o whether_o he_o have_v not_o carry_v some_o sin_n with_o he_o into_o the_o church_n which_o no_o persuasion_n of_o the_o preacher_n can_v make_v he_o to_o forsake_v those_o that_o have_v prepare_v themselves_o before_o hand_n may_v comfort_v themselves_o with_o this_o thought_n that_o the_o good_a seed_n have_v be_v sow_v in_o good_a ground_n and_o therefore_o will_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o little_a fruit_n of_o obedience_n there_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o most_o man_n have_v use_v but_o small_a preparation_n before_o their_o hear_n and_o therefore_o now_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o begin_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n that_o their_o negligence_n do_v not_o make_v their_o labour_n fruitless_a use_v 2._o see_v the_o heart_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n till_o the_o rubbish_n be_v weed_v out_o and_o the_o superfluity_n of_o sin_n purge_v away_o it_o stand_v we_o upon_o to_o search_v every_o corner_n of_o our_o soul_n lest_o some_o lust_n lie_v lurk_v there_o which_o we_o have_v not_o discover_v nor_o have_v have_v
of_o right_n hear_v god_n word_n hear_v and_o do_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o blessedness_n cap._n i._n the_o scope_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o author_n cap._n 1_o blessedness_n be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v make_v and_o to_o which_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n do_v direct_v and_o whereunto_o himself_o in_o his_o daily_a thought_n do_v aspire_v for_o though_o most_o man_n be_v much_o corrupt_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_n yet_o there_o be_v never_o any_o man_n but_o do_v desire_v his_o own_o happiness_n as_o the_o sovereign_a and_o most_o desirable_a good_a this_o be_v so_o he_o that_o can_v and_o will_v point_v out_o the_o ready_a way_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v become_v bless_v i_o suppose_v may_v deserve_v great_a thanks_n at_o every_o man_n hand_n and_o this_o our_o lord_n have_v do_v as_o elsewhere_o in_o sundry_a place_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o text_n of_o s._n luk_n but_o he_o say_v 11.28_o luke_n 11.28_o yea_o rather_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o for_o herein_o he_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o blessedness_n and_o that_o partly_o by_o his_o example_n and_o more_o full_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o first_o by_o his_o example_n for_o when_o he_o hear_v one_o of_o the_o company_n proclaim_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o woman_n who_o have_v breed_v and_o bring_v up_o such_o a_o son_n he_o take_v occasion_n hereby_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o true_a blessedness_n indeed_o which_o far_o exceed_v all_o such_o blessing_n as_o the_o breed_n and_o bear_v of_o a_o good_a son_n be_v teach_v we_o by_o this_o practice_n of_o he_o how_o to_o make_v that_o use_n of_o ordinary_a occurrence_n in_o the_o world_n which_o may_v stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o think_v on_o and_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o which_o be_v a_o good_a step_n towards_o the_o blessedness_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o second_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n more_o full_o by_o his_o doctrine_n here_o deliver_v in_o which_o we_o find_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o true_a blessedness_n arise_v out_o of_o piety_n and_o god_n service_n that_o it_o be_v contain_v and_o set_v out_o in_o god_n word_n and_o may_v be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o by_o our_o hear_n and_o keep_v of_o that_o word_n all_o which_o point_v brief_o and_o summary_o set_v down_o in_o our_o saviour_n word_n i_o intend_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o enlarge_v and_o amplify_v still_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o discourse_n in_o the_o sacred_a text_n hope_v by_o my_o poor_a labour_n in_o this_o argument_n i_o may_v somewhat_o further_o both_o myself_o and_o other_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o blessedness_n which_o we_o all_o do_v so_o much_o seek_v after_o that_o god_n which_o have_v put_v this_o thought_n into_o my_o heart_n put_v that_o virtue_n into_o my_o word_n that_o they_o may_v guide_v some_o soul_n or_o other_o to_o eternal_a life_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o propose_a point_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a first_o to_o unfold_v the_o text_n that_o so_o both_o our_o lord_n doctrine_n &_o my_o comment_n upon_o they_o may_v appear_v the_o more_o plain_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o speech_n be_v this_o our_o lord_n have_v be_v preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n and_o a_o woman_n of_o the_o company_n ravish_v with_o the_o gracious_a word_n that_o proceed_v from_o he_o break_v out_o into_o his_o praise_n in_o these_o word_n bless_a be_v the_o womb_n that_o bear_v thou_o and_o the_o pap_n that_o thou_o have_v suck_v but_o this_o commendation_n give_v by_o the_o woman_n our_o lord_n correct_v in_o this_o manner_n yea_o rather_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o which_o correction_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o be_v conceive_v we_o must_v inquire_v what_o there_o be_v amiss_o in_o this_o woman_n speech_n that_o deserve_v a_o correction_n and_o how_o our_o lord_n do_v amend_v it_o and_o my_o answer_n thereto_o i_o set_v down_o in_o two_o proposition_n 1._o proposition_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n so_o amiss_o in_o this_o woman_n speech_n as_o that_o she_o may_v be_v say_v either_o to_o have_v commit_v a_o sin_n or_o to_o have_v utter_v a_o untruth_n for_o by_o this_o word_n blessed_a this_o woman_n mean_v not_o that_o perfect_a blessedness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o all_o good_a such_o as_o our_o saviour_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 5.3_o but_o use_v the_o word_n in_o a_o vulgar_a sort_n she_o mean_v by_o it_o a_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o christ_n mother_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o s._n paul_n say_v i_o think_v myself_o happy_a king_n agrippa_n because_o i_o shall_v answer_v for_o myself_o this_o day_n before_o thou_o touch_v all_o these_o thing_n whereof_o i_o be_o accuse_v of_o the_o jew_n act._n 26.2_o for_o as_o paul_n by_o these_o word_n mean_v that_o he_o think_v it_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v such_o a_o judge_n so_o this_o woman_n by_o her_o word_n mean_v that_o she_o think_v it_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o christ_n mother_n that_o she_o have_v such_o a_o son_n and_o thus_o to_o call_v she_o a_o bless_a woman_n be_v neither_o a_o sin_n nor_o a_o untruth_n first_o it_o be_v not_o a_o untruth_n for_o solomon_n say_v the_o father_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v great_o rejoice_v and_o he_o that_o beget_v a_o wise_a child_n shall_v have_v joy_n of_o he_o thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n shall_v be_v glad_a and_o she_o that_o bear_v thou_o shall_v rejoice_v prov._n 23.24_o 25._o where_o by_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v glad_a and_o shall_v have_v joy_n of_o such_o a_o son_n he_o impli_v that_o he_o think_v this_o to_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n but_o david_n speak_v more_o plain_o and_o in_o the_o very_a dialect_n or_o phrase_n of_o this_o woman_n child_n say_v he_o be_v a_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n &_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v his_o reward_n he_o mean_v it_o of_o good_a child_n only_o and_o of_o they_o he_o add_v further_a blessed_n be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v his_o quiver_n full_a of_o they_o psal_n 127.3_o 5._o second_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n neither_o in_o this_o woman_n that_o she_o do_v thus_o magnify_v the_o happiness_n of_o christ_n mother_n in_o regard_n of_o such_o a_o son_n for_o solomon_n and_o david_n in_o the_o place_n now_o cite_v do_v the_o like_a in_o the_o same_o case_n or_o in_o a_o case_n not_o so_o just_a as_o this_o be_v and_o upon_o these_o ground_n i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o far_o amiss_o in_o this_o speech_n of_o the_o woman_n as_o that_o we_o can_v say_v she_o either_o commit_v a_o sin_n or_o speak_v a_o untruth_n 2._o propos_fw-fr there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o this_o speech_n which_o may_v be_v better_v and_o amend_v for_o else_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v correct_v it_o with_o a_o yea_o rather_o and_o to_o speak_v particular_o the_o defect_n herein_o be_v twofold_a 1._o that_o she_o do_v mind_n a_o lesser_a blessedness_n and_o fix_v her_o thought_n upon_o that_o when_o she_o may_v but_o do_v not_o think_v on_o a_o far_o great_a blessedness_n then_o that_o be_v and_o which_o concern_v she_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n for_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o blessedness_n indeed_o to_o have_v a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a child_n that_o may_v comfort_v we_o in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o great_a blessedness_n to_o enjoy_v a_o father_n in_o heaven_n in_o who_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n for_o evermore_o and_o if_o this_o woman_n do_v not_o so_o esteem_v of_o this_o blessedness_n but_o with_o neglect_n of_o it_o do_v magnify_v the_o other_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n that_o deserve_v reprehension_n or_o if_o she_o do_v upon_o the_o present_a occasion_n as_o i_o suppose_v she_o do_v magnify_v the_o happiness_n of_o have_v a_o gracious_a son_n reserve_v notwithstanding_o her_o best_a affection_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n then_o though_o she_o can_v not_o be_v blame_v yet_o her_o speech_n may_v be_v amend_v he_o that_o call_v they_o bless_v who_o have_v godly_a child_n say_v well_o but_o he_o that_o call_v they_o bless_v who_o keep_v god_n commandment_n say_v better_a and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n do_v amend_v the_o woman_n speech_n by_o turn_v it_o on_o that_o blessedness_n which_o she_o have_v
care_n to_o expel_v for_o every_o such_o lust_n be_v a_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n which_o hinder_v our_o grow_v by_o the_o word_n for_o example_n if_o there_o be_v a_o lust_n of_o adultery_n and_o uncleanness_n that_o be_v a_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n purge_v out_o this_o or_o else_o it_o will_v hinder_v your_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o lust_n of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n that_o be_v a_o superfluity_n which_o must_v be_v purge_v out_o or_o else_o the_o word_n will_v not_o enter_v in_o and_o so_o i_o may_v say_v of_o covetousness_n and_o of_o malice_n and_o of_o revenge_n and_o of_o every_o evil_a lust_n they_o be_v superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n and_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o harbour_v in_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v shut_v the_o door_n against_o all_o good_a instruction_n use_v 3_o there_o be_v hence_o encouragement_n and_o comfort_n for_o all_o true_a heart_a christian_n because_o have_v purge_v out_o their_o lust_n and_o resolve_v to_o do_v what_o god_n shall_v command_v they_o be_v right_o qualify_v for_o hear_v of_o god_n word_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v which_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o their_o understanding_n god_n promise_n be_v that_o he_o will_v reveile_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o right_a way_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v god_n will_v he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no._n joh._n 7.17_o where_o 1_o when_o he_o say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v god_n will_v he_o mean_v if_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o perform_v whatsoever_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o and_o 2._o when_o he_o say_v of_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n he_o mean_v he_o shall_v be_v guide_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n even_o so_o much_o as_o may_v serve_v to_o save_v his_o soul_n for_o first_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v clear_a from_o mist_n and_o fog_n of_o passion_n by_o reason_n whereof_o he_o will_v discern_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v proportionable_a to_o his_o understanding_n and_o second_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v too_o high_a for_o his_o apprehension_n god_n will_v reveile_v that_o unto_o he_o by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o rather_o than_o so_o faithful_a a_o servant_n of_o he_o shall_v err_v from_o the_o right_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o consequent_o he_o that_o do_v settle_v his_o heart_n in_o a_o sincere_a purpose_n to_o do_v what_o god_n shall_v enjoin_v he_o in_o his_o word_n may_v be_v confident_a in_o this_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o err_v with_o danger_n to_o his_o soul_n a_o great_a comfort_n this_o may_v be_v to_o a_o true_a christian_a in_o these_o wrangle_a time_n and_o day_n of_o contention_n wherein_o variety_n of_o question_n do_v much_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o man_n my_o conclusion_n be_v this_o when_o we_o go_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n preach_v or_o take_v a_o bible_n into_o our_o hand_n to_o read_v let_v we_o abandon_v every_o know_v sin_n and_o resolve_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o every_o know_a duty_n and_o then_o our_o comfort_n be_v we_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v we_o free_a cap._n xiii_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o hear_n cap._n 13_o hitherto_o of_o preparative_n duty_n which_o go_v before_o our_o hear_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v of_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o time_n of_o hear_v and_o they_o as_o i_o conceive_v of_o they_o at_o this_o time_n be_v three_o 1._o attention_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v 2._o reverence_n to_o the_o person_n that_o speak_v and_o 3._o wisdom_n in_o fit_v all_o to_o our_o own_o use_n i._o the_o first_o be_v attention_n and_o that_o as_o 89._o as_o nigron_n de_fw-fr exhor_n dome_a cap._n 5._o nu_fw-la 15._o p._n 89._o one_o define_v it_o not_o unfit_o be_v seria_fw-la &_o diligens_fw-la animi_fw-la applicatio_fw-la ad_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la a_o serious_a apply_v of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v or_o it_o be_v when_o we_o bend_v the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n to_o observe_v and_o mark_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v concern_v this_o duty_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v declare_v 1._o what_o use_n and_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o it_o in_o our_o hear_n and_o 2._o what_o mean_v we_o may_v use_v for_o attain_v to_o it_o 1_n what_o use_v there_o be_v of_o it_o and_o the_o answer_n be_v the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v three_o especial_o 1._o attention_n be_v that_o which_o do_v enlive_v our_o hear_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a and_o profitable_a for_o if_o we_o hear_v and_o attend_v not_o we_o do_v not_o learn_v by_o the_o instruction_n that_o shall_v teach_v we_o we_o be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o exhortation_n that_o shall_v persuade_v we_o to_o well-doing_n nor_o be_v we_o fear_v by_o the_o threaten_n that_o shall_v deter_v we_o from_o sin_n in_o sum_n whatsoever_o be_v say_v to_o do_v we_o good_a be_v as_o water_v spill_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o can_v be_v take_v up_o for_o any_o use_n but_o attention_n in_o hear_v be_v like_o the_o plough_n that_o go_v before_o the_o sour_a for_o as_o the_o plough_n open_v the_o ground_n that_o the_o seed_n may_v enter_v in_o and_o take_v root_n under_o the_o furrow_n so_o attention_n set_v open_v the_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v receive_v the_o word_n in_o when_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o preacher_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o scripture_n do_v describe_v diligent_a &_o zealous_a hearer_n they_o set_v they_o out_o by_o their_o attentivenes_n to_o the_o word_n speak_v thus_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o people_n in_o nehe._n time_n that_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v attentive_a unto_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n when_o it_o be_v read_v unto_o they_o nehem._n 8.3_o and_o so_o of_o the_o people_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v very_o attentive_a to_o hear_v he_o or_o as_o the_o other_o translation_n have_v it_o they_o hang_v upon_o he_o when_o they_o hear_v he_o luk._n 19.48_o the_o meaning_n be_v 6._o mark_n 6._o their_o mind_n do_v hang_v upon_o his_o lip_n to_o suck-in_a his_o doctrine_n as_o the_o child_n hang_v upon_o the_o dug_n that_o he_o may_v suck_v in_o his_o mother_n milk_n whence_o we_o be_v further_o advertise_v that_o as_o child_n who_o follow_v the_o dug_n do_v thrive_v and_o grow_v by_o the_o milk_n so_o the_o hearer_n that_o be_v attentive_a to_o the_o word_n do_v grow_v and_o thrive_v by_o it_o but_o without_o attention_n as_o our_o prayer_n be_v a_o lip-labour_n which_o god_n respect_v not_o and_o for_o which_o he_o reprove_v the_o jew_n this_o people_n draw_v near_o unto_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o matt._n 15.8_o so_o without_o attention_n our_o hear_n be_v a_o ear-labour_n of_o which_o god_n may_v say_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n this_o people_n draw_v near_o unto_o i_o with_o their_o ear_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o attention_n then_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a because_o it_o make_v our_o hear_n profitable_a &_o available_a 2._o attention_n to_o god_n word_n make_v god_n willing_a and_o ready_a to_o instruct_v we_o and_o lead_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n for_o as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v of_o wise_a man_n that_o they_o strike_v while_o the_o iron_n be_v hot_a because_o than_o it_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o hammer_n and_o may_v easy_o be_v facion_v as_o the_o workman_n will_v so_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a &_o right_o dispose_v for_o his_o blessing_n than_o he_o use_v to_o bestow_v they_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a say_v god_n and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o psal_n 81.10_o so_o if_o man_n open_v their_o heart_n &_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v than_o god_n open_v his_o hand_n and_o pour_v in_o his_o blessing_n but_o if_o man_n shut_v their_o mouth_n when_o they_o shall_v receive_v god_n will_v shut_v his_o hand_n when_o he_o shall_v give_v and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o a_o wise_a householder_n because_o he_o will_v not_o have_v his_o wine_n spill_v therefore_o will_v not_o pour_v it_o upon_o the_o vessel_n when_o the_o mouth_n be_v stop_v and_o so_o our_o wise_a god_n be-because_a he_o will_v not_o have_v his_o grace_n lose_v will_v not_o bestow_v they_o when_o man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o receive_v they_o this_o point_n be_v clear_o manifest_v in_o the_o example_n of_o samuel_n when_o god_n call_v samuel_n samuel_n once_o and_o again_o