the_o text_n wherewith_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v 1._o a_o question_n ask_v 2._o a_o answer_n give_v in_o the_o question_n there_o be_v the_o person_n speak_v of_o a_o young_a man_n and_o his_o work_n wherewith_o shall_v he_o cleanse_v his_o way_n omnis_fw-la quaestio_fw-la supponit_fw-la unum_fw-la &_o inquirit_fw-la aliud_fw-la in_o this_o question_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n suppose_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v from_o the_o birth_n pollute_v with_o sin_n for_o we_o must_v be_v cleanse_v it_o be_v not_o direct_v his_o way_n but_o cleanse_v his_o way_n 2._o that_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o early_a and_o timous_o sensible_a of_o this_o evil_a for_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v concern_v the_o young_a man_n 3._o that_o we_o shall_v earnest_o seek_v for_o a_o remedy_n how_o to_o dry_v up_o the_o issue_n of_o sin_n that_o run_v upon_o we_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o which_o be_v inquire_v after_o be_v what_o remedy_n there_o be_v against_o it_o what_o course_n be_v to_o be_v take_v so_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o question_n be_v this_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n that_o be_v impure_a and_o natural_o defile_v with_o sin_n be_v make_v able_a as_o soon_o as_o he_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o purge_v out_o that_o natural_a corruption_n and_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o pure_a life_n to_o god_n the_o answer_n give_v be_v by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n where_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o the_o remedy_n 2._o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o 1._o the_o remedy_n be_v the_o word_n by_o way_n of_o address_n to_o god_n call_v thy_o word_n because_o if_o god_n have_v not_o give_v direction_n about_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v at_o a_o utter_a loss_n 2._o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o etc._n etc._n by_o study_v and_o endeavour_v a_o holy_a conformity_n to_o god_n will_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o question_n for_o as_o the_o careless_a world_n carry_v the_o matter_n it_o seem_v very_o impertinent_a and_o ridiculous_a what_o have_v youth_n and_o childhood_n to_o do_v with_o so_o serious_a a_o work_n when_o old_a age_n have_v snow_v upon_o their_o head_n and_o the_o smart_a experience_n of_o more_o year_n in_o the_o world_n have_v ripen_v they_o for_o so_o severe_a a_o discipline_n than_o it_o be_v time_n to_o think_v of_o cleanse_v their_o way_n or_o of_o enter_v upon_o a_o course_n of_o repentance_n and_o submission_n to_o god_n for_o the_o present_a dandum_fw-la est_fw-la aliquid_fw-la huic_fw-la aetati_fw-la youth_n must_v be_v a_o little_a indulge_v they_o will_v grow_v wise_a as_o they_o grow_v more_o in_o year_n oh_o no_o god_n demand_v his_o right_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o understand_v it_o and_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n present_o to_o mind_v his_o work_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o 1._o in_o regard_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o his_o right_n too_o long_o eccles._n 12._o 1._o remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n he_o be_v our_o creator_n we_o have_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o give_v we_o and_o that_o for_o his_o own_o use_n and_o service_n and_o therefore_o the_o vessel_n shall_v be_v cleanse_v as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o master_n use_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a restitution_n for_o the_o neglect_v of_o childhood_n and_o the_o forgetfulness_n of_o infancy_n when_o we_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o know_v our_o creator_n much_o less_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o therefore_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n we_o shall_v restore_v his_o right_n with_o advantage_n 2._o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o the_o first_o season_v of_o the_o vessel_n be_v very_o considerable_a prov._n 22._o 6._o train_z up_o a_o child_n in_o the_o way_n in_o which_o he_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o he_o be_v old_a he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o when_o well_o principled_a and_o season_v in_o youth_n it_o stick_v by_o they_o before_o sin_n and_o worldly_a lust_n have_v get_v a_o deep_a root_n if_o solomon_n observation_n be_v true_a a_o man_n infancy_n and_o young_a time_n be_v a_o notable_a presage_n what_o he_o will_v prove_v afterward_o prov._n 20._o 11._o even_o a_o child_n be_v know_v by_o his_o do_n whether_o his_o work_n be_v pure_a and_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a much_o may_v be_v know_v by_o our_o young_a inclination_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v not_o full_a out_o the_o case_n the_o vessel_n be_v season_v already_o but_o wherewith_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n which_o presuppose_v a_o defilement_n no_o infant_n be_v like_o a_o vessel_n that_o new_o come_v out_o of_o the_o potter_n shop_n indifferent_a for_o good_a or_o bad_a infusion_n the_o vessel_n be_v taint_v already_o and_o have_v a_o smatch_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o flesh_n psal._n 51._o 5._o behold_v i_o be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o in_o sin_n do_v my_o mother_n conceive_v i_o we_o come_v pollute_v into_o the_o world_n our_o business_n be_v to_o stop_v the_o growth_n of_o sin_n as_o a_o child_n wallow_v in_o his_o filthiness_n so_o we_o do_v all_o spiritual_o wallow_v in_o our_o blood_n ezek._n 16._o 4_o 5._o as_o for_o thy_o nativity_n in_o the_o day_n thou_o be_v bear_v thou_o be_v not_o wash_v in_o water_n nor_o swaddle_v at_o all_o no_o eye_n pity_v thou_o to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o unto_o thou_o to_o have_v compassion_n upon_o thou_o but_o thou_o be_v cast_v out_o into_o the_o open_a field_n to_o the_o loathe_n of_o thy_o person_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o be_v bear_v and_o when_o i_o see_v thou_o pollute_v in_o thy_o own_o blood_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o blood_n live_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o question_n be_v very_o savoury_a and_o profitable_a wherewith_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n etc._n etc._n but_o why_o be_v the_o young_a man_n only_o specify_v i_o answer_v all_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o work_n old_a man_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o themselves_o not_o whole_o give_v over_o as_o hopeless_a but_o youth_n need_v it_o most_o be_v incline_v to_o liberty_n and_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o most_o apt_a to_o be_v lead_v aside_o from_o the_o right_a way_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v headstrong_a in_o their_o passion_n and_o self-willed_a need_v to_o have_v their_o servour_n abate_v by_o the_o cool_a and_o chill_a doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o other_o be_v not_o exclude_v the_o young_a man_n be_v express_o mention_v unbroken_a colt_n need_v the_o strong_a bit_n the_o word_n be_v of_o use_n to_o all_o but_o especial_o to_o youth_n to_o bridle_v they_o and_o reduce_v they_o to_o reason_n 2._o the_o answer_n by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n the_o word_n as_o a_o remedy_n against_o natural_a uncleanness_n be_v considerable_a two_o way_n as_o a_o rule_n and_o as_o a_o instrument_n 1._o as_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o that_o holiness_n which_o god_n will_v accept_v all_o other_o way_n be_v but_o by-path_n as_o good_a meaning_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o a_o blind_a conscience_n custom_n example_n of_o other_o our_o own_o desire_n law_n of_o man_n superstitious_a observance_n a_o apocryphal_a holiness_n nothing_o be_v holiness_n in_o god_n account_n how_o specious_a soever_o it_o be_v unless_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n what_o do_v the_o word_n do_v about_o all_o these_o as_o the_o rule_n it_o show_v the_o only_a way_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n or_o be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o solid_a and_o true_a sanctification_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n which_o be_v our_o cleanse_n from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n all_o religion_n aim_v at_o this_o ut_fw-la anima_fw-la sit_fw-la subjecta_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o peccata_fw-la in_o se_fw-la no_o true_a peace_n without_o the_o word_n nor_o no_o true_a holiness_n the_o first_o be_v prove_v jer._n 6._o 16._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n stand_v you_o in_o the_o way_n and_o see_v and_o ask_v for_o the_o old_a path_n where_o be_v the_o good_a way_n and_o walk_v therein_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n for_o your_o soul_n the_o second_o be_v prove_v joh._n 17._o 17._o sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n so_o that_o a_o young_a man_n that_o be_v like_o hercules_n in_o bivio_fw-la to_o choose_v his_o path_n to_o true_a
young_a or_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o rest_n in_o that_o i_o have_v meditate_a and_o confer_v you_o must_v continue_v still_o in_o a_o holy_a course_n to_o begin_v to_o build_v and_o leave_v unfinished_a be_v a_o argument_n of_o folly_n there_o be_v always_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o go_v on_o that_o there_o be_v for_o beginning_n both_o for_o necessity_n profit_n and_o sweetness_n we_o have_v no_o licence_n to_o slack_v and_o give_v over_o till_o all_o be_v finish_v phil._n 2._o 12._o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n otherwise_o all_o you_o do_v be_v in_o vain_a yet_o not_o in_o vain_a gal._n 3._o 4._o in_o vain_a as_o to_o final_a reward_n yet_o not_o in_o vain_a as_o to_o increase_v of_o punishment_n you_o lose_v your_o cost_n your_o watch_n strive_v praying_n but_o you_o will_v gain_v a_o more_o heavy_a punishment_n so_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a you_o have_v never_o begin_v 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o you_o bring_v a_o ill_a report_n upon_o god_n your_o sense_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n must_v needs_o be_v great_a for_o your_o make_a trial_n and_o therefore_o your_o punishment_n for_o neglect_v the_o great_a into_o the_o vineyard_n they_o come_v at_o several_a hour_n but_o all_o tarry_v till_o the_o close_a of_o the_o day_n some_o call_v soon_o some_o late_a but_o all_o hold_v out_o till_o the_o end_n heb._n 6._o 10_o 11._o you_o have_v minister_v and_o must_v minister_v you_o have_v pray_v and_o must_v pray_v you_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n with_o gladness_n and_o must_v hear_v still_o many_o in_o youth_n be_v zealous_a but_o when_o their_o first_o heat_n be_v spend_v grow_v worldly_a careless_a and_o ready_a to_o sound_v a_o retreat_n from_o god_n the_o fire_n of_o the_o altar_n be_v never_o to_o go_v out_o so_o shall_v the_o life_n and_o warmth_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o affection_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v ever_o preserve_v god_n be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o so_o be_v the_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v ever_o be_v the_o same_o in_o our_o respect_n to_o it_o the_o devil_n in_o policy_n let_v man_n alone_o for_o a_o while_n to_o manifest_v some_o respect_n to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v after_o do_v religion_n a_o they_o be_v full_a of_o zeal_n strict_a holy_a diligent_a in_o attendance_n upon_o ordinance_n he_o never_o trouble_v they_o but_o be_v at_o truce_n with_o they_o all_o this_o while_n till_o they_o get_v some_o name_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n and_o then_o he_o know_v their_o fall_n will_v be_v the_o more_o scandalous_a and_o ignominious_a not_o only_o to_o themselves_o but_o to_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v forward_o and_o hot_a man_n a_o while_n till_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n and_o then_o by_o a_o notable_a defection_n shame_v themselves_o and_o harden_v other_o 2._o compare_v it_o with_o the_o 13_o verse_n i_o have_v declare_v now_o i_o will_v meditate_v to_o be_v warm_a and_o affectionate_a in_o our_o expression_n of_o respect_n to_o the_o word_n before_o other_o and_o to_o slight_v it_o in_o our_o own_o heart_n argue_v gross_a hypocrisy_n therefore_o david_n will_v not_o only_o confer_v but_o meditate_v many_o talk_n with_o other_o but_o not_o with_o their_o own_o soul._n commune_fw-la with_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v still_o true_a zeal_n be_v uniform_a when_o there_o be_v no_o witness_n but_o god_n it_o act_v alike_o 3._o refer_v it_o to_o the_o 14_o verse_n david_n have_v speak_v of_o his_o delight_n in_o the_o law_n now_o that_o he_o will_v meditate_v therein_o in_o both_o not_o to_o boast_v but_o to_o excite_v other_o by_o his_o example_n that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v all_o along_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o diligence_n in_o and_o about_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o mark_v first_o the_o word_n be_v his_o delight_n and_o then_o his_o meditation_n delight_n cause_v meditation_n and_o meditation_n increase_v delight_n psal._n 1._o 2._o but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n a_o man_n that_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n will_v exercise_v his_o mind_n therein_o our_o thought_n follow_v our_o affection_n it_o be_v tedious_a and_o irksome_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o meditate_v but_o delight_n will_v carry_v we_o out_o the_o small_a action_n when_o we_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o they_o seem_v tedious_a and_o burdensome_a it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n for_o haman_n to_o lead_v mordecai_n horse_n yet_o a_o burdensome_a offensive_a service_n because_o it_o be_v against_o his_o will_n the_o difficulty_n that_o we_o find_v in_o holy_a duty_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o duty_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o awkwardness_n of_o our_o affection_n many_o think_v they_o have_v no_o part_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v meditate_v he_o that_o find_v a_o heart_n to_o this_o work_n will_v find_v a_o head_n delight_n will_v set_v the_o mind_n a-work_o for_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o muse_v and_o pause_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v please_v to_o we_o why_o be_v not_o holy_a thought_n as_o natural_a and_o as_o kind_o to_o we_o as_o carnal_a the_o defect_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n i_o have_v rejoice_v in_o thy_o testimony_n say_v david_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v a_o double_a expression_n of_o david_n love_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1._o i_o will_v meditate_v in_o thy_o precept_n 2._o i_o will_v have_v respect_n to_o thy_o way_n concern_v which_o observe_v 1._o in_o both_o the_o notion_n by_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v express_v and_o diversify_v precept_n way_n the_o word_n precept_n imply_v god_n authority_n by_o which_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o word_n be_v ratify_v way_n imply_v a_o certain_a direction_n for_o our_o walk_n to_o heaven_n there_o be_v god_n way_n to_o we_o declare_v in_o his_o promise_n so_o it_o be_v say_v psal._n 25._o 10._o all_o the_o path_n of_o god_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n our_o way_n to_o god_n ver_fw-la 4._o of_o that_o psalm_n show_v i_o thy_o way_n teach_v i_o thy_o path_n these_o be_v his_o precept_n 2._o observe_v the_o one_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o other_o i_o will_v meditate_v and_o then_o i_o will_v have_v respect_n meditation_n be_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o if_o it_o be_v right_a it_o will_v beget_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n we_o do_v not_o meditate_v that_o we_o may_v rest_v in_o contemplation_n but_o in_o order_n to_o obedience_n joshua_n 1._o 8._o thou_o shall_v meditate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n day_n and_o night_n that_o thou_o may_v observe_v to_o do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o so_o phil._n 4._o 8_o 9_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n do_v these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o you_o cast_v up_o your_o account_n and_o consider_v what_o god_n have_v require_v of_o you_o it_o be_v that_o you_o may_v set_v upon_o the_o work_n meditation_n be_v not_o a_o flourish_a of_o the_o wit_n that_o we_o may_v please_v the_o fancy_n by_o play_v with_o divine_a truth_n sense_n be_v disease_v that_o must_v be_v feed_v with_o quail_n but_o a_o serious_a inculcation_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v urge_v it_o to_o practice_n nor_o yet_o a_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v speak_v of_o it_o in_o company_n conference_n be_v for_o other_o meditation_n for_o ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v alone_o word_n be_v but_o the_o female_a issue_n of_o our_o thought_n work_v the_o male_a nor_o mere_o to_o store_n ourselves_o with_o curious_a notion_n and_o subtle_a inquiry_n study_n search_v out_o a_o truth_n but_o meditation_n improve_v it_o for_o practical_a use_n it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v sincere_a than_o subtle_a 3._o observe_v this_o practical_a obedience_n be_v express_v by_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o respect_n god_n way_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o turn_v out_o of_o they_o to_o regard_v they_o and_o ourselves_o observe_v to_o do_v they_o josh._n 1._o 8._o and_o it_o be_v call_v elsewhere_o ponder_v our_o path_n prov._n 4._o 26._o ponder_v the_o path_n of_o thy_o foot_n that_o we_o
aetatis_fw-la partem_fw-la perdunt_fw-la vacando_fw-la intend_v their_o sabbath_n time_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o nature_n to_o think_v all_o lose_v that_o be_v bestow_v upon_o god_n flesh_n and_o blood_n cry_v out_o what_o need_v this_o waste_n they_o can_v spare_v time_n from_o their_o calling_n they_o have_v family_n to_o maintain_v oh_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o by_o serve_v god_n you_o drive_v on_o two_o care_n at_o once_o worldly_n interest_n be_v cast_v in_o to_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o though_o not_o design_v and_o intend_v by_o we_o these_o thing_n be_v add_v to_o we_o for_o comfort_n and_o manifestation_n of_o god_n we_o have_v they_o many_o time_n in_o our_o recess_n and_o the_o privacy_n of_o our_o retirement_n in_o a_o more_o plentiful_a manner_n than_o elsewhere_o the_o spouse_n invit_v the_o bridegroom_n cant._n 7._o 11._o come_v my_o belove_a let_v we_o go_v forth_o into_o the_o field_n upon_o which_o bernard_n o_o sancta_fw-la anima_fw-la fuge_fw-la publicum_fw-la fuge_fw-la a_o nescis_fw-la te_fw-la verecundum_fw-la habere_fw-la sponsum_fw-la qui_fw-la nequaquam_fw-la tibi_fw-la velit_fw-la indulgere_fw-la praesentiam_fw-la svam_fw-la coram_fw-la aliis_fw-la we_o have_v most_o experience_n of_o god_n when_o we_o be_v alone_o with_o he_o and_o sequester_v from_o all_o distraction_n of_o company_n and_o business_n solace_v ourselves_o with_o god_n exod._n 3._o 1._o moses_n drive_v the_o sheep_n to_o the_o backside_n of_o the_o wilderness_n and_o come_v to_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n he_o go_v aside_o from_o the_o other_o shepherd_n that_o he_o may_v converse_v with_o the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o there_o he_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o fiery_a bush_n usual_o god_n come_v to_o we_o in_o our_o deep_a meditation_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v most_o elevate_a and_o fit_a to_o entertain_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o presence_n than_o we_o have_v sensible_a experience_n of_o god_n the_o stand_a spiritual_a benefit_n of_o meditation_n be_v many_o it_o imprint_n and_o fasten_v a_o truth_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o memory_n deliberate_a thought_n stick_v with_o we_o as_o a_o lesson_n we_o have_v con_v be_v not_o easy_o forget_v civet_n long_o keep_v in_o a_o box_n the_o scent_n remain_v when_o the_o civet_n be_v take_v out_o sermon_n meditate_a on_o be_v remember_v by_o we_o long_o after_o they_o be_v deliver_v it_o set_v the_o heart_n a_o work_n the_o great_a matter_n will_v not_o work_v upon_o he_o that_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o tell_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o they_o stir_v they_o not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o take_v these_o truth_n into_o their_o deep_a thought_n or_o if_o they_o be_v stir_v a_o little_a it_o be_v but_o a_o fit_a while_o the_o truth_n be_v hold_v in_o the_o view_n of_o conscience_n we_o have_v need_n inculcate_v thing_n if_o we_o will_v have_v they_o to_o affect_v we_o the_o steel_n must_v beat_v again_o and_o again_o upon_o the_o flint_n if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o spark_n fly_v out_o so_o must_v the_o understanding_n bear_v hard_a upon_o the_o will_n to_o get_v out_o any_o affection_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n it_o show_v the_o beauty_n of_o truth_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o transâ—…_n we_o do_v not_o see_v half_a that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a view_n it_o more_o appear_v as_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a grace_n in_o some_o that_o be_v not_o discern_v but_o by_o much_o converse_n and_o narrow_a inspection_n it_o help_v to_o prevent_v vain_a thought_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v restless_a and_o can_v lie_v idle_a therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o employ_v it_o with_o good_a thought_n and_o set_v it_o a_o work_n on_o holy_a thing_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o time_n and_o heart_n for_o vanity_n the_o mind_n be_v prepossess_v and_o season_v already_o but_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v leave_v to_o run_v loose_a vanity_n increase_v upon_o we_o oh_o christian_n meditation_n be_v all_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o knowledge_n and_o godliness_n the_o great_a instrument_n in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o grace_n we_o resemble_v the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o god_n most_o in_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o thought_n without_o meditation_n we_o do_v but_o talk_v one_o after_o another_o like_a parrot_n and_o take_v up_o thing_n by_o mere_a hearsay_n and_o repeat_v they_o by_o rote_n without_o affection_n and_o life_n or_o discern_v the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v it_o be_v meditation_n that_o make_v truth_n always_o ready_a and_o present_a with_o we_o prov._n 6._o 21_o 22._o bind_v they_o continual_o upon_o thy_o heart_n when_o thou_o go_v it_o shall_v lead_v thou_o when_o thou_o wake_v it_o shall_v talk_v with_o thou_o but_o i_o forbear_v 2._o whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v apply_v to_o serious_a and_o solemn_a consideration_n i_o add_v this_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o occasional_a meditation_n and_o those_o good_a thought_n that_o accidental_o rush_v into_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o note_v the_o care_n and_o attention_n of_o soul_n that_o we_o shall_v use_v in_o such_o a_o exercise_n it_o be_v muse_v make_v the_o fire_n burn_v glance_n or_o transient_a thought_n or_o run_v over_o a_o truth_n in_o haste_n be_v not_o meditation_n but_o a_o serious_a attention_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o to_o take_v a_o snatch_n and_o away_o but_o to_o make_v a_o meal_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o work_v it_o into_o our_o heart_n alas_o a_o slight_a thought_n that_o be_v like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n go_v as_o soon_o as_o come_v do_v nothing_o constant_n thought_n be_v operative_a and_o a_o truth_n the_o long_a it_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o view_n of_o conscience_n the_o more_o powerful_a it_o be_v deut._n 32._o 46._o set_a your_o heart_n to_o all_o the_o word_n which_o i_o testify_v among_o you_o this_o day_n a_o sudden_a thought_n may_v be_v none_o of_o we_o it_o may_v be_v unwelcome_a and_o find_v no_o entertainment_n with_o we_o but_o set_v your_o heart_n to_o it_o luk._n 9_o 44._o let_v these_o thing_n sink_v down_o into_o your_o heart_n let_v they_o go_v to_o the_o quick_a prov._n 18._o 1._o through_o desire_v a_o man_n have_v separate_v himself_o intermeddle_v in_o all_o wisdom_n then_o be_v a_o man_n fit_a for_o these_o pure_a and_o holy_a thought_n for_o intermeddle_v in_o all_o wise_a and_o divine_a matter_n when_o he_o have_v divorce_v himself_o from_o other_o care_n and_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v his_o understanding_n under_o a_o prudent_a confinement_n 3._o of_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o understand_v and_o believe_v in_o meditation_n we_o suppose_v the_o object_n understand_v for_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o study_n to_o search_v it_o out_o of_o meditation_n to_o enforce_v and_o apply_v it_o and_o we_o suppose_v it_o believe_v and_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n the_o work_n now_o be_v to_o improve_v our_o assent_n that_o it_o may_v have_v a_o answerable_a force_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o soul._n 4._o it_o follow_v in_o the_o description_n for_o practical_a use_n and_o purpose_n meditation_n be_v not_o to_o store_v the_o head_n with_o notion_n but_o to_o better_v the_o heart_n we_o meditate_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v love_v he_o and_o fear_v he_o of_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v abhor_v it_o of_o hell_n that_o we_o may_v avoid_v it_o of_o heaven_n that_o we_o may_v pursue_v it_o still_o the_o end_n be_v practical_a to_o quicken_v we_o to_o great_a diligence_n and_o care_n in_o the_o heavenly_a life_n use_v 1_o to_o reprove_v those_o that_o be_v seldom_o in_o this_o work_n worldly_n care_n and_o sloth_n and_o ease_n divert_v we_o if_o we_o have_v a_o heart_n we_o will_v have_v time_n and_o leisure_n the_o clean_a beast_n do_v chew_v the_o cud_n we_o shall_v go_v over_o and_o over_o and_o over_o again_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o our_o thought_n but_o alas_o 1._o either_o man_n muse_v on_o trifle_n all_o the_o day_n their_o mind_n be_v full_a of_o chaff_n and_o vanity_n oh_o have_v thou_o thought_n for_o other_o thing_n and_o have_v thou_o no_o thought_n for_o god_n precept_n have_v thou_o not_o a_o god_n and_o a_o christ_n to_o think_v of_o and_o be_v not_o salvation_n by_o he_o and_o everlasting_a glory_n worthy_a of_o your_o choice_a thought_n you_o have_v thought_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v for_o other_o thing_n for_o base_a thing_n for_o very_a toy_n and_o why_o not_o for_o god_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o not_o for_o christ_n and_o that_o everlasting_a redemption_n he_o have_v accomplish_v for_o we_o if_o a_o man_n will_v throw_v his_o meat_n and_o drink_v down_o the_o kennel_n rather_o than_o give_v to_o he_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o world_n will_v cry_v shame_n
same_o mind_n for_o he_o that_o have_v suffer_v in_o the_o flesh_n have_v cease_v from_o sin_n that_o he_o no_o long_o shall_v live_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o time_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o that_o this_o resolution_n may_v be_v make_v know_o and_o with_o the_o great_a strength_n not_o only_o with_o the_o strength_n of_o inclination_n or_o our_o own_o resolve_v renew_a will_n but_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n authority_n a_o strong_a belief_n be_v necessary_a that_o this_o course_n of_o life_n be_v please_v to_o god_n 2._o that_o we_o may_v hold_v on_o with_o god_n in_o a_o awful_a watchful_a serious_a course_n of_o godliness_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v deep_o impress_v upon_o we_o alas_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v off_o and_o on_o forward_o and_o backward_o according_a to_o the_o impulsion_n of_o our_o own_o inclination_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n many_o of_o the_o commandment_n be_v cross_v to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o corrupt_a humour_n or_o contrary_a to_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n our_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o nothing_o will_v hold_v the_o heart_n to_o our_o duty_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n authority_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n will_n than_o the_o gracious_a soul_n submit_v 1_o thess._n 4._o 3._o for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o your_o sanctification_n that_o you_o shall_v abstain_v from_o fornication_n and_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 15._o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well-doing_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n that_o be_v reason_n enough_o and_o instead_o of_o all_o reason_n to_o a_o believer_n to_o awe_v and_o charge_v his_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v not_o shift_v and_o distinguish_v ourselves_o out_o of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v shake_v off_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n much_o more_o deceit_n and_o fraudulency_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n many_o shift_n will_v be_v study_v by_o a_o naughty_a heart_n that_o dispense_v with_o our_o credit_n esteem_v honour_n preferment_n in_o the_o world_n for_o our_o loyalty_n to_o god_n nothing_o but_o a_o deep_a belief_n of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o will_n can_v be_v of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o the_o soul_n when_o such_o temptation_n arise_v and_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n heb._n 11._o 8._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o go_v out_o into_o a_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v after_o receive_v for_o a_o inheritance_n he_o obey_v and_o he_o go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v and_o verse_n 17_o 18._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v gen._n 12._o 3._o in_o thou_o shall_v all_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v oh_o how_o have_v believer_n need_v to_o bestir_v themselves_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n and_o to_o remember_v no_o evil_a can_v be_v compare_v with_o god_n wrath_n no_o earthly_a good_a with_o his_o favour_n that_o transitory_a delight_n be_v dear_o buy_v if_o they_o endanger_v the_o soul_n to_o compass_v they_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o rom._n 8._o 18._o the_o ordinary_a experience_n of_o believer_n in_o lesser_a temptation_n be_v enough_o to_o evince_v this_o etc._n etc._n use_v 1_o be_v for_o reproof_n 1._o that_o man_n do_v so_o little_o revive_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n commandment_n hence_o sin_n of_o omission_n james_n 4._o 17._o therefore_o to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n of_o commission_n jer._n 8._o 6._o i_o hearken_v and_o hear_v but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v every_o one_o turn_v to_o his_o course_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n will_v man_n venture_v to_o break_v a_o know_a law_n if_o they_o do_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o have_v power_n to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v sure_o want_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o precept_n be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o their_o coldness_n in_o duty_n boldness_n in_o sin_v prov._n 13._o 13._o whoso_o despise_v the_o word_n shall_v be_v destroy_v but_o he_o that_o fear_v the_o commandment_n shall_v be_v reward_v now_o any_o one_o will_v fear_v god_n commandment_n if_o he_o do_v consider_v it_o in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n 2._o those_o that_o will_v strong_o believe_v the_o promise_n but_o weak_o believe_v that_o part_n of_o the_o word_n that_o require_v their_o duty_n from_o they_o all_o for_o privilege_n seldom_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o qualification_n it_o be_v a_o good_a temper_n when_o both_o go_v together_o psal._n 119._o 166._o i_o have_v hope_v for_o thy_o salvation_n and_o have_v do_v thy_o commandment_n so_o psalm_n 147._o 11._o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o in_o those_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n but_o when_o asunder_o all_o be_v naught_o god_n promise_n can_v comfort_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o they_o to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v not_o only_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v but_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o our_o qualification_n as_o well_o as_o his_o goodness_n our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o his_o mercy_n use_v 2._o to_o believe_v the_o commandment_n with_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o shall_v be_v tender_a of_o disobey_v god_n law_n the_o law_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n so_o it_o be_v satisfy_v by_o christ_n for_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o serve_v to_o quicken_v we_o to_o get_v this_o interest_n in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o life_n so_o in_o the_o new_a covenant_n we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o as_o israel_n by_o a_o voluntary_a submission_n exod._n 19_o 8._o all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v we_o will_v do_v so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o engage_v ourselves_o by_o a_o voluntary_a submission_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n well_o then_o we_o be_v still_o to_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o bind_a rule_n look_v for_o grace_n to_o perform_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o rule_n give_v we_o for_o advice_n and_o direction_n but_o for_o a_o strong_a obligation_n to_o urge_v and_o enforce_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n so_o psalm_n 40._o 8._o thy_o law_n be_v in_o my_o heart_n i_o delight_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n use_v 3_o do_v we_o believe_v the_o commandment_n then_o 1._o we_o will_v not_o please_v ourselves_o with_o a_o naked_a trust_n in_o the_o promise_n while_o we_o neglect_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n that_o which_o god_n have_v join_v together_o no_o man_n must_v put_v asunder_o the_o prophet_n say_v hos._n 10._o 11._o ephraim_n be_v a_o heifer_n that_o be_v teach_v and_o love_v to_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n compare_v with_o deut._n 25._o 4._o thou_o shall_v not_o muzzel_v the_o ox_n when_o he_o tread_v out_o the_o corn._n we_o be_v addict_v to_o our_o own_o ease_n prize_v comfort_n but_o loath_a duty_n oh_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o obedience_n 2._o their_o faith_n will_v be_v lively_a and_o operative_a cause_n to_o keep_v god_n charge_n and_o observe_v his_o commandment_n otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o a_o opinion_n and_o a_o dead_a faith_n james_n 2._o 20._o will_v thou_o know_v o_o vain_a man_n that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a many_o may_v discourse_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n that_o have_v little_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o the_o child_n in_o the_o furnace_n the_o fire_n have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o neither_o be_v one_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n singe_v nor_o their_o coat_n change_v not_o a_o lust_n mortify_v no_o good_a by_o their_o strict_a notion_n 3._o they_o must_v be_v obey_v as_o god_n command_n abstain_v from_o evil_a because_o god_n forbid_v it_o practise_v that_o which_o be_v good_a because_o god_n command_v it_o notitia_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la 1_o thess._n 4._o 3._o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o your_o sanctification_n that_o you_o shall_v abstain_v from_o
upon_o i_o that_o i_o may_v once_o more_o see_v good_a and_o comfortable_a day_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o life_n spend_v in_o sorrow_n be_v as_o no_o life_n or_o 2._o he_o put_v life_n for_o some_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o god_n mercy_n or_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n to_o he_o most_o interpreter_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a go_v this_o way_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v theodoret_n he_o count_v himself_o but_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n without_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o good_a will_n to_o he_o but_o it_o will_v be_v as_o a_o new_a life_n or_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a if_o god_n will_v show_v he_o mercy_n and_o cast_v a_o favourable_a aspect_n upon_o he_o this_o sense_n suit_v well_o with_o the_o context_n for_o david_n be_v for_o the_o present_a deprive_v of_o the_o token_n and_o effect_n of_o god_n tender_a mercy_n why_o else_o shall_v he_o so_o earnest_o beg_v for_o that_o to_o come_v to_o he_o which_o he_o have_v already_o and_o it_o suit_v well_o with_o a_o gracious_a spirit_n such_o as_o david_n have_v the_o point_n 1._o that_o god_n tender_a mercy_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o his_o people_n comfort_n and_o happiness_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o hear_v somewhat_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o we_o shall_v by_o all_o mean_n seek_v that_o it_o may_v come_v unto_o we_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v life_n to_o a_o believer_n to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n in_o christ_n and_o death_n to_o be_v without_o it_o 4._o such_o as_o will_v taste_v or_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n '_o mercy_n must_v delight_v in_o his_o law_n this_o be_v david_n plea._n the_o two_o last_o proposition_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o the_o other_o be_v handle_v elsewhere_o and_o so_o much_o consideration_n of_o they_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o open_n and_o improve_n of_o this_o verse_n will_v occur_v in_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o point_n that_o it_o be_v life_n to_o a_o believer_n to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n in_o christ_n and_o death_n to_o be_v without_o it_o david_n be_v a_o dead_a man_n because_o he_o feel_v not_o god_n mercy_n as_o former_o he_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v and_o transact_v his_o business_n as_o other_o do_v but_o he_o count_v this_o as_o no_o life_n because_o he_o feel_v not_o the_o wont_a sense_n of_o god_n love_n gracious_a spirit_n can_v live_v without_o divine_a comfort_n they_o take_v no_o joy_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o god_n favourable_o look_v upon_o they_o let_v i_o illustrate_v this_o note_n with_o these_o observation_n 1._o observe_v he_o seek_v all_o his_o comfort_n from_o mercy_n and_o tender_a mercy_n so_o in_o the_o former_a so_o in_o the_o present_a verse_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o necessity_n and_o utility_n of_o so_o do_v first_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o the_o best_a of_o god_n child_n have_v no_o other_o claim_n for_o a_o publican_n to_o come_v and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n luke_n 18._o 13._o be_v no_o such_o wonder_n but_o for_o a_o david_n to_o use_v the_o same_o plea_n that_o shall_v be_v note_v from_o first_o to_o last_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v no_o other_o claim_n it_o be_v mere_a mercy_n that_o take_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n at_o first_o and_o mere_a mercy_n that_o keep_v we_o in_o it_o and_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o supply_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o keep_v it_o up_o in_o vigour_n and_o comfort_n and_o mercy_n that_o give_v we_o the_o final_a consummation_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o at_o last_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v always_o ascribe_v to_o mere_a mercy_n nothing_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o bestow_v life_n upon_o dead_a and_o graceless_a sinner_n but_o his_o mere_a pity_n and_o tender_a compassion_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 3_o of_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n he_o have_v beget_v we_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n eph._n 2._o 4._o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o have_v love_v we_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n yet_o quicken_v we_o titus_n 3._o 5._o of_o his_o mercy_n he_o have_v save_v we_o by_o wash_v we_o in_o the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n mercy_n be_v then_o exercise_v not_o only_o without_o our_o desert_n but_o against_o our_o desert_n god_n be_v not_o move_v to_o bestow_v his_o grace_n by_o any_o goodness_n which_o he_o do_v foresee_v or_o find_v in_o we_o but_o mere_o by_o his_o own_o pity_n misery_n offer_v the_o occasion_n but_o mercy_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o good_a do_v unto_o we_o after_o conversion_n all_o our_o support_n and_o supply_n be_v give_v we_o of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n gal._n 6._o 16._o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n and_o mercy_n be_v upon_o they_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o most_o accurate_a walker_n be_v not_o so_o free_a from_o sin_n but_o they_o still_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n all_o their_o receipt_n come_v to_o they_o not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o merit_n but_o undeserved_a mercy_n our_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o we_o walk_v most_o according_a to_o rule_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o mercy_n the_o elect_n be_v call_v vessel_n of_o mercy_n rom._n 9_o 23._o because_o from_o first_o to_o last_o they_o be_v fill_v up_o with_o mercy_n and_o supply_v by_o the_o free_a favour_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ._n our_o final_a consummation_n be_v from_o mercy_n the_o same_o mercy_n that_o lay_v the_o first_o stone_n in_o this_o build_n do_v also_o finish_v the_o work_n jude_n 21._o verse_n look_v for_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o eternal_a life_n we_o take_v glory_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v mercy_n that_o set_v the_o crown_n upon_o our_o head_n after_o we_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n here_o upon_o earth_n we_o can_v merit_v no_o more_o after_o grace_n than_o before_o 2._o the_o utility_n of_o it_o this_o give_v boldness_n and_o more_o hopeful_a expectation_n that_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o mercy_n be_v it_o be_v god_n propension_n and_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a to_o the_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a so_o far_o as_o his_o wisdom_n see_v convenient_a as_o mercy_n be_v a_o perfection_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o god_n be_v necessary_o merciful_a as_o well_o as_o just_a but_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v free_a and_o arbitrary_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_o exercise_v but_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n to_o some_o more_o to_o some_o less_o as_o his_o wisdom_n think_v fit_a yet_o this_o advantage_n we_o have_v by_o it_o that_o mercy_n rather_o seek_v a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o discover_v itself_o than_o a_o well_o qualify_v object_n as_o justice_n do_v for_o it_o do_v not_o consider_v what_o be_v due_a or_o deserve_v but_o what_o be_v need_v therefore_o first_o the_o needy_a and_o miserable_a have_v some_o hope_n for_o misery_n as_o misery_n be_v the_o object_n of_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o when_o our_o affliction_n be_v press_v and_o sore_a our_o misery_n and_o straits_n be_v some_o kind_n of_o argument_n which_o we_o may_v plead_v to_o god_n psalm_n 79._o 8._o let_v thy_o tender_a mercy_n speedy_o prevent_v we_o for_o we_o be_v bring_v very_o low_a they_o plead_v their_o miserable_a condition_n mercy_n relent_v towards_o a_o sinful_a people_n when_o they_o be_v a_o waste_a people_n he_o hear_v the_o moan_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o therefore_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n against_o the_o cry_n of_o his_o people_n their_o very_a misery_n plead_v for_o they_o second_o the_o break_a heart_a that_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o misery_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n than_o other_o and_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o god_n mercy_n because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o miserable_a but_o miserable_a in_o their_o own_o feel_n especial_o if_o this_o feel_n be_v deep_a and_o spiritual_a they_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o true_a misery_n and_o they_o be_v more_o trouble_v about_o sin_n than_o temporal_a inconvenience_n matth._n 9_o 13._o go_v learn_v what_o that_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v 3._o when_o we_o flee_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o seek_v it_o in_o the_o appoint_a way_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o utter_o destroy_v a_o sinner_n flee_v to_o his_o mercy_n he_o have_v engage_v his_o word_n and_o oath_n heb._n 6._o 18._o and_o this_o comfort_n we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o partly_o when_o the_o sense_n of_o guilt_n sit_v
wrath_n and_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v to_o destruction_n and_o that_o he_o may_v make_v know_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n on_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v before_o prepare_v unto_o glory_n meet_v for_o heaven_n ripe_a for_o hell_n saint_n like_o a_o shock_n of_o corn_n in_o season_n so_o when_o sin_v enough_o than_o away_o to_o hell_n but_o this_o exhortation_n be_v like_a to_o be_v lose_v because_o no_o body_n will_v apply_v it_o let_v we_o see_v then_o the_o character_n of_o wicked_a man_n second_o they_o seek_v not_o thy_o statute_n doctrine_n they_o be_v wicked_a man_n who_o seek_v not_o god_n statute_n here_o i_o must_v inquire_v i._o what_o it_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n statute_n ii_o show_v why_o they_o be_v wicked_a that_o do_v not_o seek_v they_o i._o what_o it_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n statute_n there_o 1._o the_o object_n or_o thing_n seek_v be_v god_n statute_n those_o rule_n and_o counsel_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o to_o guide_v we_o in_o our_o service_n of_o himself_o and_o pursuit_n of_o true_a happiness_n these_o be_v all_o enforce_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o enact_v as_o law_n and_o statute_n which_o we_o can_v transgress_v without_o violation_n and_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n now_o he_o say_v statute_n indefinite_o because_o they_o must_v all_o be_v regard_v without_o exception_n for_o they_o all_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o authority_n it_o be_v say_v of_o ezra_n that_o good_a scribe_n ezra_n 10._o 7._o that_o he_o prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o do_v it_o that_o be_v to_o be_v thorough_o inform_v of_o and_o to_o practise_v whatsoever_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o must_v we_o prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o do_v all_o and_o because_o our_o christian_a law_n be_v broad_a and_o comprise_v gospel_n too_o which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v take_v care_n of_o all_o which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o charge_n and_o all_o that_o be_v adopt_v into_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o well_o as_o moral_a duty_n and_o because_o there_o be_v minutula_fw-la legis_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o our_o chief_a care_n must_v be_v about_o the_o weighty_a thing_n and_o those_o of_o great_a moment_n must_v be_v seek_v most_o earnest_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v mar._n 6._o 33._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o these_o concern_v the_o change_n of_o our_o estate_n 2._o the_o act_n of_o seek_v the_o word_n imply_v earnest_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n i_o seek_v for_o that_o which_o i_o mind_n and_o pursue_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n that_o i_o may_v obtain_v it_o till_o i_o do_v obtain_v or_o find_v it_o thus_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v good_a amos_n 5._o 14._o seek_v good_a and_o not_o evil_a that_o you_o may_v live_v and_o zeph._n 2._o 2._o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n all_o you_o meek_a of_o the_o earth_n which_o have_v wrought_v his_o judgement_n seek_v righteousness_n seek_v meekness_n it_o may_v be_v you_o shall_v be_v hide_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n anger_n so_o christ_n joh._n 5._o 30._o i_o seek_v not_o my_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o and_o here_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o seek_v god_n statute_n 1._o it_o imply_v earnest_a endeavour_n for_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v upon_o what_o he_o seek_v that_o it_o be_v the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n not_o a_o thing_n do_v by_o the_o by_o but_o our_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o work_n be_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o this_o all_o other_o thing_n must_v give_v way_n many_o think_v it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o trouble_v their_o head_n with_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o lay_v band_n of_o strictness_n upon_o themselves_o but_o it_o must_v not_o only_o have_v its_o turn_n and_o respect_n among_o other_o affair_n but_o be_v indeed_o as_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o our_o life_n there_o be_v no_o business_n of_o such_o weight_n and_o necessity_n because_o the_o save_n of_o our_o soul_n lie_v on_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v follow_v in_o good_a earnest_n as_o a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v seek_v a_o thing_n quit_v all_o other_o care_n and_o mind_v that_o only_a 2._o constant_a endeavour_n seek_v till_o we_o find_v as_o the_o woman_n for_o her_o lose_a groat_n luk._n 15._o 8._o what_o woman_n have_v ten_o piece_n of_o silver_n if_o she_o lose_v one_o piece_n do_v not_o light_v a_o candle_n and_o sweep_v the_o house_n and_o seek_v diligent_o till_o she_o find_v it_o so_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o our_o first_o and_o cold_a essay_n as_o many_o if_o they_o find_v not_o success_n upon_o some_o fair_a attempt_n give_v over_o all_o care_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o tedious_a thing_n not_o to_o be_v endure_v now_o seek_v imply_v a_o resolute_a diligence_n and_o persevere_v endeavourstill_v we_o find_v 3._o the_o end_n of_o seek_v after_o god_n statute_n it_o be_v to_o have_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o as_o christ_n say_v joh._n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o first_o have_v then_o keep_v to_o have_v the_o commandment_n be_v to_o know_v they_o to_o understand_v our_o duty_n and_o prove_v what_o be_v the_o reveal_v holy_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v we_o rom._n 12._o 2._o that_o it_o may_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o principle_n in_o our_o conscience_n to_o keep_v they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v actual_a obedience_n thereunto_o and_o to_o regulate_v our_o practice_n thereby_o for_o both_o these_o end_n do_v we_o seek_v and_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n do_v man_n show_v their_o wickedness_n 1._o we_o must_v make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o know_v the_o tenor_n and_o compass_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o we_o be_v say_v to_o seek_v after_o this_o because_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o pain_n ere_o we_o can_v obtain_v it_o all_o knowledge_n will_v cost_v we_o industry_n especial_o divine_a and_o practical_a knowledge_n as_o he_o that_o apply_v his_o heart_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o his_o duty_n will_v soon_o find_v prov._n 2._o 4._o if_o thou_o will_v seek_v for_o it_o as_o for_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n now_o this_o the_o wicked_a can_v endure_v they_o indulge_v the_o laziness_n of_o the_o flesh_n they_o know_v they_o that_o increase_n knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n if_o they_o do_v know_v more_o of_o their_o duty_n they_o shall_v be_v trouble_v for_o not_o observe_v it_o for_o knowledge_n will_v be_v urge_v duty_n upon_o the_o conscience_n it_o bring_v a_o great_a obligation_n along_o with_o it_o and_o as_o a_o obligation_n so_o a_o irritation_n or_o provocation_n it_o will_v call_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o do_v yea_o and_o further_o a_o self-condemnation_n and_o accusation_n or_o sting_v for_o not_o do_v it_o or_o break_v any_o of_o god_n statute_n therefore_o to_o prevent_v their_o own_o trouble_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seck_v light_n that_o they_o will_v shut_v it_o out_o and_o quench_v those_o conviction_n that_o break_v in_o upon_o they_o therefore_o the_o language_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v job_n 21._o 14._o depart_v from_o we_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n the_o language_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o not_o of_o their_o tongue_n they_o do_v not_o only_o err_v in_o their_o mind_n but_o err_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o have_v no_o will_n to_o know_v will_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o religion_n or_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o god_n neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n 2._o we_o must_v make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o observe_v they_o or_o our_o serious_a study_n to_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o practice_n from_o every_o know_a sin_n eschew_v what_o the_o lord_n forbid_v and_o endeavour_v every_o good_a duty_n which_o the_o lord_n command_v this_o will_v cost_v we_o pain_n indeed_o and_o require_v much_o seek_v to_o get_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o whoever_o try_v it_o will_v find_v it_o long_o ere_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o rom._n 7._o 18._o to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o he_o seek_v for_o his_o word_n imply_v that_o but_o he_o can_v not_o do_v as_o he_o will_v there_o be_v not_o a_o total_a omission_n but_o a_o come_v short_a of_o his_o aim_n we_o must_v