petition_n that_o his_o people_n â—enders_v but_o with_o a_o smile_a countenance_n if_o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a petition_n he_o accept_v it_o of_o they_o and_o receive_v it_o gracious_o it_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o luther_n speak_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o contrite_a heart_n the_o least_o sigh_n of_o a_o contrite_a heart_n so_o fill_v heaven_n with_o noise_n that_o there_o be_v no_o noise_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n hear_v at_o that_o time_n but_o only_o the_o noise_n of_o prayer_n certain_o a_o faithful_a prayer_n take_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n very_o much_o yea_o every_o faithful_a prayer_n be_v record_v in_o heaven_n you_o keep_v your_o letter_n upon_o the_o file_n that_o you_o may_v ready_o find_v they_o when_o you_o have_v occasion_n to_o look_v on_o such_o a_o letter_n send_v from_o such_o a_o country_n so_o god_n have_v his_o file_n in_o heaven_n where_o all_o faithful_a prayer_n be_v keep_v upon_o record_n as_o prince_n have_v their_o paper_n office_n where_o transaction_n between_o one_o state_n &_o another_o be_v keep_v so_o the_o lord_n have_v his_o prayer-office_n where_o he_o keep_v all_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o saint_n that_o ever_o be_v put_v up_o to_o he_o revel_v 8.3_o another_o angel_n come_v and_o stand_v at_o the_o altar_n have_v a_o golden_a censer_n and_o there_o be_v give_v he_o much_o incense_n that_o he_o shall_v offer_v it_o with_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o saint_n where_o be_v those_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o he_o must_v take_v a_o censer_n and_o offer_n incense_v with_o god_n have_v they_o record_v with_o he_o and_o now_o they_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o and_o see_v what_o great_a thing_n follow_v upon_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o incense_n which_o come_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n ascend_v up_o before_o god_n out_o of_o the_o angel_n hand_n and_o the_o angel_n take_v the_o censer_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v voice_n and_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o a_o earthquake_n these_o follow_v upon_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n it_o signify_v the_o time_n wherein_o all_o shall_v come_v in_o remembrance_n before_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o a_o angel_n be_v offer_v yea_o christ_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v a_o time_n to_o take_v the_o prayer_n present_v long_o ago_o and_o to_o offer_v they_o to_o god_n with_o his_o own_o incense_n they_o be_v all_o record_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a when_o a_o petition_n be_v take_v and_o put_v upon_o record_n the_o petitioner_n petition_v not_o in_o vain_a his_o petitionis_fw-la not_o throw_v out_o if_o a_o petition_n be_v present_v to_o the_o parliament_n and_o they_o take_v it_o and_o tell_v you_o it_o shall_v be_v keep_v on_o record_n and_o charge_v the_o clerk_n to_o keep_v it_o there_o and_o say_v they_o will_v take_v due_a time_n to_o consider_v of_o it_o you_o will_v not_o say_v such_o a_o petition_n be_v in_o vain_a god_n do_v so_o to_o all_o his_o people_n he_o take_v their_o petition_n and_o record_v they_o they_o be_v all_o file_a in_o heaven_n yet_o further_o there_o be_v no_o faithful_a petition_n but_o god_n put_v his_o fiat_fw-la to_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o at_o the_o instant_n that_o it_o be_v put_v up_o to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o decree_n in_o heaven_n issue_v out_o for_o mercy_n at_o the_o very_a instant_n that_o the_o petition_n be_v put_v up_o god_n deal_v not_o with_o we_o in_o this_o kind_n as_o man_n do_v who_o be_v count_v very_o gracious_a if_o they_o please_v to_o tell_v we_o they_o will_v consider_v of_o our_o petition_n no_o but_o your_o petition_n be_v present_o gtant_v a_o petitioner_n when_o there_o be_v time_n take_v to_o consider_v of_o his_o petition_n tremble_v and_o shake_v for_o fear_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v grant_v but_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n be_v grant_v present_o when_o daniel_n have_v be_v seek_v god_n at_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n a_o angel_n come_v to_o he_o &_o tell_v he_o that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o decree_n to_o grant_v it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o he_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o prayer_n dan._n 9.23_o &_o psa_n 56.9_o when_o i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o then_o shall_v my_o enemy_n turn_v back_o this_o i_o know_v for_o god_n be_v for_o i_o do_v not_o david_n cry_v oft_o and_o yet_o his_o enemy_n do_v not_o turn_v their_o back_n when_o he_o cry_v he_o cry_v oft_o when_o his_o enemy_n prevail_v yet_o he_o say_v when_o i_o cry_v than_o my_o enemy_n turn_v back_o and_o this_o i_o know_v why_o for_o god_n be_v for_o i_o the_o meaning_n must_v be_v this_o that_o at_o that_o instant_n that_o he_o cry_v there_o be_v a_o decree_n in_o heaven_n the_o thing_n be_v do_v he_o look_v on_o it_o as_o do_v even_o as_o certain_o as_o if_o he_o have_v see_v it_o with_o his_o eye_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o saint_n after_o they_o have_v pray_v though_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o actual_o do_v fall_v to_o praise_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o notable_a example_n in_o jehoshaphat_n of_o who_o we_o read_v 2._o chron._n 20.3_o that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a fear_n have_v set_v himself_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a throughout_o all_o judah_n he_o do_v not_o seek_v god_n slight_o but_o set_v himself_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o what_o his_o prayer_n be_v you_o may_v see_v from_o vers_fw-la 6._o to_o 12._o and_o jehoshaphat_n say_v o_o lord_n god_n of_o our_o father_n be_v not_o thou_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o rule_a over_o all_o kingdom_n mark_v how_o he_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o the_o covenant_n he_o have_v make_v vers_fw-la 8._o speak_v of_o the_o sanctuary_n they_o have_v build_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n if_o when_o evil_a come_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o sword_n judgement_n or_o pestilence_n or_o famine_n we_o stand_v before_o this_o house_n and_o in_o thy_o presence_n for_o thy_o name_n be_v in_o this_o house_n and_o cry_v unto_o thou_o in_o our_o affliction_n than_o thou_o will_v hear_v and_o help_v he_o urge_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o solomon_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o that_o prayer_n of_o faith_n which_o solomon_n make_v and_o god_n accept_v have_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o promise_n in_o it_o o_o our_o god_n say_v he_o will_v thou_o not_o judge_v they_o for_o we_o have_v no_o might_n against_o this_o great_a company_n that_o come_v against_o we_o neither_o know_v we_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v upon_o thou_o though_o he_o profess_v that_o his_o enemy_n be_v so_o many_o that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o might_n to_o resist_v they_o yet_o after_o his_o prayer_n be_v do_v and_o before_o the_o battle_n begin_v when_o he_o have_v consult_v with_o the_o people_n he_o appoint_v singer_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o shall_v praise_v for_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n as_o they_o go_v out_o before_o the_o army_n and_o to_o say_v praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o vers_fw-la 21._o mark_n he_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v the_o victory_n the_o battle_n be_v not_o fight_v yet_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v end_v his_o prayer_n he_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o he_o make_v account_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v it_o be_v decree_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o sure_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v not_o seek_v he_o in_o vain_a nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_o decree_v but_o ere_o long_a god_n will_v satisfy_v his_o people_n and_o fill_v their_o long_a soul_n with_o goodness_n psal_n 107.9_o a_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v say_v their_o prayer_n be_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o have_v enough_o yea_o the_o lord_n give_v more_o sometime_o than_o his_o people_n mention_v in_o their_o prayer_n they_o ask_v temporal_a blessing_n and_o he_o bestow_v spiritual_a yea_o he_o give_v they_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v all_o in_o all_o sure_o then_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a but_o wherein_o lie_v the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n what_o make_v prayer_n so_o powerful_a and_o present_a with_o god_n one_o thing_n be_v because_o god_n delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o in_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n he_o take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o do_v good_a than_o any_o can_v in_o seek_v it_o yea_o than_o any_o can_v in_o enjoy_v it_o from_o he_o our_o heart_n can_v be_v so_o strong_o set_v to_o seek_v for_o any_o mercy_n from_o god_n as_o he_o be_v to_o communicate_v mercy_n to_o
but_o though_o god_n have_v such_o a_o house_n in_o heaven_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v content_v with_o that_o house_n but_o he_o desire_v another_o house_n he_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o zion_n to_o be_v his_o habitation_n and_o the_o house_n where_o his_o honour_n dwell_v you_o know_v a_o prince_n may_v have_v some_o house_n of_o mean_a regard_n when_o he_o go_v to_o his_o sport_n he_o may_v have_v a_o mean_a house_n to_o lodge_v in_o for_o a_o while_n but_o his_o palace_n where_o he_o show_v his_o majesty_n and_o honour_n that_o be_v more_o glorious_a so_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n honour_n it_o be_v not_o a_o mean_a house_n but_o a_o house_n of_o honour_n further_o it_o be_v that_o house_n that_o he_o mean_v to_o dwell_v in_o for_o ever_o he_o love_v it_o so_o well_o this_o be_v my_o house_n i_o will_v dwell_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o i_o be_o so_o well_o please_v with_o it_o i_o will_v rest_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o sure_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o rest_v our_o heart_n in_o god_n people_n when_o god_n find_v rest_n there_o and_o for_o ever_o it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o you_o be_v sometime_o acquaint_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o at_o the_o first_o delight_n in_o they_o but_o your_o heart_n be_v carnal_a you_o soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n he_o delight_v in_o his_o people_n and_o rest_v there_o and_o rest_v there_o for_o ever_o but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o be_v god_n present_a with_o his_o saint_n more_o than_o in_o other_o place_n why_o be_v god_n say_v to_o dwell_v among_o his_o people_n his_o saint_n i_o answer_v in_o two_o regard_v god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v among_o his_o people_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n first_o because_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o his_o people_n more_o than_o to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o there_o be_v none_o that_o know_v the_o counsel_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n so_o as_o his_o saint_n do_v god_n be_v know_v in_o judah_n psalm_n 29.9_o there_o god_n open_v himself_o in_o his_o temple_n every_o man_n speak_v of_o his_o glory_n second_o because_o god_n communicate_v himself_o most_o among_o his_o people_n god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o heaven_n why_o but_o because_o there_o he_o manifest_v his_o glory_n more_o than_o in_o other_o place_n therefore_o heaven_n be_v his_o habitation_n if_o that_o be_v his_o habitation_n where_o he_o manifest_v himself_o more_o than_o his_o people_n be_v his_o habitation_n because_o he_o manifest_v himself_o most_o there_o second_o heaven_n be_v the_o place_n of_o god_n residence_n because_o he_o communicate_v himself_o most_o there_o then_o also_o god_n people_n be_v his_o residence_n he_o communicate_v himself_o there_o and_o he_o communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n in_o four_o regard_n 1._o he_o communicate_v more_o choice_n mercy_n 2._o he_o communicate_v mercy_n more_o full_o 3_o he_o communicate_v mercy_n more_o powerful_o 4._o more_o universal_o then_o to_o other_o 1._o he_o communicate_v goodness_n among_o his_o people_n and_o saint_n more_o choice_o more_o choice_n mercy_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a place_n in_o the_o psalm_n the_o lord_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n bless_v thou_o out_o of_o zion_n psal_n 143._o ult_n he_o say_v not_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n bless_v thou_o either_o out_o of_o heaven_n or_o earth_n but_o out_o of_o zion_n as_o note_v that_o the_o choice_n mercy_n that_o god_n have_v to_o communicate_v be_v out_o of_o zion_n among_o his_o people_n join_v together_o in_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n will_v you_o desire_v that_o god_n shall_v bless_v you_o with_o the_o chief_a mercy_n that_o he_o have_v look_v upon_o god_n as_o blessing_n out_o of_o zion_n out_o of_o zion_n god_n communicate_v his_o choice_a mercy_n therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o to_o be_v in_o zion_n that_o they_o may_v have_v god_n to_o bless_v they_o out_o of_o zion_n there_o run_v the_o sweet_a of_o god_n mercy_n indeed_o in_o zion_n again_o god_n communicate_v his_o mercy_n more_o full_o among_o his_o people_n then_o any_o other_o way_n psalm_n 36.7_o 8._o how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o love_a kindness_n o_o god_n therefore_o the_o child_n of_o man_n put_v their_o trust_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o thy_o wing_n they_o shall_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o the_o fatness_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o thou_o shall_v make_v they_o drink_v of_o the_o river_n of_o thy_o pleasure_n they_o shall_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v how_o not_o with_o the_o creature_n but_o with_o the_o fatness_n of_o thy_o house_n neither_o with_o thy_o communication_n to_o they_o alone_o god_n have_v abundance_n of_o mercy_n for_o his_o saint_n alone_o but_o when_o they_o be_v among_o the_o saint_n joint_o together_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o the_o fatness_n of_o his_o house_n and_o he_o shall_v make_v they_o drink_v of_o his_o river_n of_o pleasure_n while_o they_o be_v alone_o in_o corner_n they_o may_v have_v many_o sweet_a drop_n of_o pleasure_n from_o god_n but_o when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o the_o saint_n there_o be_v river_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n that_o come_v to_o their_o heart_n therefore_o there_o be_v great_a delight_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v join_v together_o three_o he_o communicate_v they_o more_o powerful_o mark_v in_o psalm_n 13â—_n 3_o as_o the_o dew_n that_o descend_v upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o zion_n for_o there_o the_o lord_n command_v a_o blessing_n even_o life_n for_o evermore_o there_o be_v blessing_n and_o the_o lord_n command_v it_o there_o go_v a_o powerful_a work_n of_o god_n grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o people_n there_o when_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o zion_n there_o god_n command_v the_o blessing_n if_o you_o will_v have_v god_n speak_v powerful_o to_o command_v a_o blessing_n on_o your_o soul_n you_o must_v be_v among_o his_o people_n you_o must_v join_v in_o a_o holy_a fellowship_n with_o his_o people_n there_o god_n command_v it_o in_o the_o last_o place_n more_o universal_o all_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v communicate_v among_o his_o people_n therefore_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n psalm_n 50._o that_o some_o translate_v the_o universality_n of_o excellency_n and_o beauty_n there_o be_v a_o universality_n of_o all_o among_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o in_o another_o place_n all_z my_o spring_n be_v in_o thou_o psa_fw-la 87._o speak_v of_o join_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v all_o my_o spring_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o i_o all_o the_o spring_n of_o comfort_n that_o i_o have_v communicate_v to_o my_o soul_n all_o the_o spring_n of_o grace_n that_o i_o have_v to_o quicken_v i_o they_o be_v all_o in_o thou_o in_o the_o joint_a society_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n people_n i_o find_v all_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n among_o his_o people_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o himself_o to_o they_o and_o therefore_o what_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o cause_n there_o be_v to_o joy_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o saint_n joint_o together_o again_o further_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o cause_n to_o delight_v in_o they_o join_v together_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o admirable_a privilege_n as_o they_o be_v join_v together_o they_o have_v privilege_n as_o they_o be_v alone_o but_o as_o they_o be_v join_v they_o have_v commit_v to_o they_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.2_o all_o the_o ordinance_n by_o which_o god_n convey_v himself_o to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n you_o can_v single_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o join_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n close_v with_o they_o to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o very_a power_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n when_o you_o be_v together_o with_o the_o power_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o a_o glorious_a privilege_n yea_o further_o take_v this_o one_o thing_n they_o be_v inheritor_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o society_n of_o saint_n that_o join_v in_o christian_a fellowship_n but_o they_o be_v so_o see_v a_o remarkable_a place_n for_o that_o in_o isa_n 54.17_o no_o weapon_n that_o be_v form_v against_o thou_o shall_v prosper_v and_o every_o tongue_n that_o shall_v rise_v against_o thou_o in_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v condemn_v this_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o promise_n that_o god_n make_v to_o the_o church_n before_o this_o be_v their_o heritage_n and_o conceive_v of_o this_o
christ_n with_o his_o people_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o go_v up_o and_o down_o and_o now_o and_o then_o get_v a_o good_a sermon_n and_o snatch_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o another_o but_o you_o dishonour_v god_n and_o be_v unthankful_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o you_o do_v not_o what_o you_o can_v to_o join_v with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o the_o near_a communion_n you_o can_v so_o that_o you_o may_v not_o only_o come_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o man_n but_o to_o look_v on_o man_n as_o the_o officer_n of_o god_n set_v over_o by_o christ_n to_o watch_v over_o your_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o ascend_v he_o give_v gift_n some_o prophet_n some_o apostle_n some_o teacher_n the_o gift_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n to_o show_v his_o magnificence_n to_o appoint_v ordinance_n to_o build_v up_o the_o body_n that_o there_o may_v be_v relation_n between_o people_n and_o pastor_n so_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o look_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v now_o and_o then_o but_o to_o join_v with_o the_o saint_n in_o a_o way_n of_o ordinance_n in_o the_o strict_a communion_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n may_v be_v set_v in_o a_o solemn_a way_n according_a to_o all_o his_o ordinance_n that_o you_o may_v look_v on_o man_n as_o pastor_n set_v over_o you_o by_o christ_n to_o watch_v over_o your_o soul_n and_o herein_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v build_v up_o the_o exercise_n of_o gift_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n though_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o do_v good_a it_o be_v not_o the_o special_a ordinance_n the_o benefit_n that_o chief_o you_o have_v be_v to_o receive_v good_a by_o man_n depute_v as_o officer_n and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v man_n of_o mean_a gift_n than_o you_o may_v expect_v to_o be_v build_v up_o therefore_o let_v it_o be_v your_o care_n to_o come_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o near_a relation_n that_o may_v be_v it_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o calvin_n concern_v that_o text_n seek_v my_o face_n psalm_n 27._o he_o interpret_v seek_v of_o god_n face_n to_o seek_v god_n among_o his_o people_n in_o his_o ordinance_n there_o be_v god_n face_n say_v he_o though_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o i_o to_o get_v my_o live_n but_o by_o scratch_v in_o the_o ground_n with_o my_o nail_n i_o will_v seek_v to_o get_v my_o live_n that_o way_n rather_o than_o not_o be_v where_o the_o face_n of_o god_n be_v i_o will_v be_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinance_n therefore_o plead_v not_o it_o be_v difficult_a and_o hard_o you_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v for_o this_o the_o people_n of_o god_n former_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v it_o be_v observable_a concern_v those_o godly_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v divide_v from_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o godly_a who_o heart_n the_o lord_n stir_v and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_a to_o be_v at_o samaria_n or_o where_o jâ—reboams_v false_a worship_n of_o the_o calf_n be_v set_v up_o but_o they_o will_v needs_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o will_v obey_v there_o though_o they_o suffer_v much_o before_o they_o come_v thither_o you_o shall_v find_v a_o expression_n in_o hosea_n that_o show_v that_o there_o be_v watch_v of_o those_o that_o do_v go_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o entrap_v they_o and_o catch_v they_o and_o inflict_v punishment_n upon_o they_o hear_v you_o this_o o_o priest_n and_o hearken_v you_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o give_v you_o ear_n o_o house_n of_o the_o king_n for_o judgement_n be_v towards_o you_o because_o you_o have_v be_v a_o snare_n in_o mizpah_n and_o a_o net_n spread_v upon_o tabor_n hos_fw-la 5.1_o mizpah_n and_o tabor_n be_v two_o place_n between_o the_o place_n of_o idolatry_n and_o jerusalem_n that_o as_o they_o go_v from_o samaria_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o go_v that_o way_n now_o they_o be_v a_o snare_n on_o mizpah_n that_o be_v they_o watch_v who_o do_v go_v from_o samaria_n to_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n yet_o many_o go_v as_o the_o story_n say_v though_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o their_o life_n be_v worth_a yet_o they_o will_v go_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n through_o the_o valley_n of_o tear_n and_o they_o be_v content_v though_o they_o suffer_v much_o to_o go_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o bacah_n that_o they_o may_v come_v at_o length_n to_o zion_n there_o be_v many_o difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n and_o many_o objection_n against_o they_o but_o certain_o those_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n have_v touch_v they_o will_v not_o be_v quiet_a if_o there_o be_v any_o near_a union_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o saint_n they_o will_v never_o rest_v till_o they_o come_v to_o it_o and_o god_n will_v make_v the_o way_n plain_a to_o those_o that_o have_v upright_a heart_n he_o will_v take_v the_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o their_o way_n and_o show_v they_o the_o way_n that_o meet_v god_n in_o uprightness_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o stumble_a block_n yet_o god_n will_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o way_n and_o will_v take_v the_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n psalm_n 84._o bless_a be_v he_o say_v the_o psalmist_n in_o who_o heart_n be_v thy_o way_n if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n though_o they_o have_v not_o get_v to_o god_n people_n in_o the_o near_a communion_n yet_o if_o the_o way_n to_o zion_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n bless_a be_v they_o and_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n too_o of_o strength_n for_o they_o though_o you_o find_v difficulty_n god_n will_v grant_v his_o strength_n as_o moses_n say_v that_o god_n in_o his_o strength_n will_v lead_v they_o to_o his_o holy_a habitation_n exod._n 15.13_o indeed_o it_o require_v the_o strength_n of_o god_n to_o lead_v man_n to_o his_o holy_a habitation_n there_o be_v so_o many_o trouble_n that_o lie_v in_o their_o way_n there_o be_v a_o prophecy_n that_o man_n shall_v bring_v to_o zion_n man_n and_o woman_n in_o chariot_n and_o litter_n now_o litter_n be_v instrument_n to_o convey_v weak_a one_o in_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o those_o that_o be_v old_a and_o weak_a what_o shall_v we_o do_v where_o god_n stir_v the_o heart_n though_o they_o be_v carry_v in_o litter_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o weak_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o will_v go_v through_o that_o which_o we_o delight_v in_o we_o be_v never_o quiet_a till_o we_o enjoy_v it_o and_o every_o one_o of_o god_n people_n can_v say_v those_o that_o be_v excellent_a in_o earth_n be_v all_o my_o delight_n i_o find_v sweetness_n when_o i_o find_v but_o one_o or_o two_o of_o they_o o_o if_o there_o be_v more_o of_o they_o what_o delight_n shall_v i_o have_v to_o conclude_v if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o delight_n in_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o world_n what_o will_v there_o be_v in_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o great_a labour_n and_o pain_n to_o join_v with_o they_o here_o what_o will_v it_o be_v worth_a to_o have_v everlasting_a communion_n with_o they_o for_o than_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v communion_n with_o a_o few_o but_o with_o all_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n and_o all_o the_o worthy_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v delight_n in_o one_o what_o will_v there_o be_v when_o there_o shall_v be_v all_o and_o we_o shall_v delight_v in_o all_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v spotless_a now_o it_o damp_n our_o joy_n the_o weakness_n that_o we_o see_v in_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v sincere_a we_o see_v many_o froward_a passion_n in_o they_o many_o passionate_a fit_n that_o make_v their_o communion_n uncomfortable_a many_o time_n but_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o sullenness_n or_o passion_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o indiscretion_n or_o weoknesse_n as_o there_o be_v now_o now_o to_o come_v to_o join_v with_o any_o if_o there_o be_v a_o little_a grace_n to_o sanctify_v they_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o weakness_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o saint_n that_o shall_v be_v all_o fill_v with_o god_n there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n in_o they_o man_n now_o have_v excellent_a gift_n but_o their_o corruption_n so_o darken_v the_o communion_n that_o it_o be_v not_o delightful_a but_o then_o all_o shall_v be_v in_o holiness_n there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n in_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v always_o exercise_v in_o praise_v god_n it_o be_v comfortable_a to_o be_v with_o the_o saint_n in_o civil_a affair_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v but_o it_o be_v more_o delightful_a to_o pray_v and_o to_o have_v the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o confer_v gracious_o with_o they_o but_o then_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n with_o they_o and_o shall_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o always_o worship_n and_o praise_n god_n night_n and_o day_n together_o one_o day_n with_o god_n people_n what_o be_v it_o worth_a when_o it_o be_v gracious_o spend_v in_o holy_a exercise_n how_o delightful_a be_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o weariness_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v never_o depart_v nor_o never_o be_v weary_a now_o when_o we_o come_v to_o god_n people_n to_o be_v with_o they_o a_o hour_n or_o a_o day_n or_o two_o it_o be_v delightful_a but_o this_o do_v not_o last_v long_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o they_o then_o as_o never_o to_o part_v how_o delightful_a will_v that_o be_v and_o all_o this_o in_o our_o father_n house_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o enemy_n to_o hurt_v we_o and_o before_o our_o father_n child_n and_o friend_n delight_v in_o one_o another_o in_o a_o strange_a place_n but_o in_o their_o father_n house_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o father_n they_o have_v more_o delight_n we_o shall_v then_o all_o come_v before_o god_n our_o father_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o a_o dungeon_n as_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n they_o find_v it_o delightful_a but_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o in_o the_o palace_n of_o our_o father_n before_o the_o king_n even_o in_o his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o labour_n to_o get_v heaven_n if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o this_o to_o be_v with_o paul_n that_o gracious_a spirit_n if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o be_v with_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o worthy_n of_o god_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o heaven_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n say_v sizillanum_n speak_v of_o death_n o_o famous_a day_n i_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o this_o world_n to_o cato_n and_o to_o such_o wise_a man_n my_o soul_n shall_v go_v to_o they_o and_o shall_v converse_v no_o more_o with_o these_o people_n in_o the_o world_n a_o heathen_a have_v so_o much_o in_o his_o moral_a virtue_n but_o now_o the_o child_n 〈…〉_o of_o god_n how_o comfortable_a may_v they_o die_v how_o famous_a a_o day_n will_v it_o be_v to_o they_o here_o through_o god_n mercy_n i_o have_v much_o sweetness_n in_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n i_o delight_v in_o they_o in_o the_o world_n now_o i_o go_v to_o change_v my_o place_n but_o not_o my_o company_n it_o be_v the_o die_a speech_n of_o doctor_n preston_n i_o go_v where_o i_o shall_v converse_v with_o those_o that_o i_o live_v with_o here_o he_o mean_v especial_o god_n and_o christ_n we_o change_v our_o place_n and_o our_o individual_a company_n for_o a_o while_n but_o we_o go_v to_o a_o place_n where_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o they_o again_o as_o it_o be_v a_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v come_v to_o a_o innumerable_a number_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o saint_n make_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v be_v fullfil_v in_o heaven_n we_o be_v to_o go_v to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n &_o to_o all_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o excellent_a on_o earth_n that_o be_v make_v perfect_a therefore_o as_o ever_o you_o will_v have_v communion_n with_o they_o hereafter_o delight_v yourselves_o in_o their_o communion_n here_o the_o more_o comfortable_a delight_n you_o have_v in_o they_o here_o the_o more_o comfortable_a assurance_n you_o shall_v have_v of_o communion_n with_o they_o hereafter_o finis_fw-la
though_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v exceed_v hazzardable_a to_o daniel_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v deter_v from_o it_o but_o every_o light_a trifle_n take_v off_o our_o heart_n again_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a for_o wicked_a man_n to_o seek_v he_o though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o seek_v god_n as_o they_o aught_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abominable_a prov._n 15.8_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o every_o man_n that_o be_v unregenerate_a wickedness_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v take_v in_o that_o place_n for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n have_v regard_v the_o prayer_n of_o man_n unregenerate_a the_o prayer_n and_o fast_v of_o niniveh_n be_v regard_v of_o god_n the_o prayer_n and_o fast_v of_o ahab_n be_v regard_v of_o god_n god_n have_v grant_v the_o wicked_a some_o mercy_n he_o have_v look_v on_o they_o as_o his_o creature_n though_o god_n see_v enough_o in_o their_o prayer_n to_o cast_v they_o off_o yet_o god_n have_v manifest_v his_o regard_n to_o they_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o wicked_a to_o seek_v the_o lord_n much_o less_o be_v it_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n to_o seek_v he_o yea_o the_o lord_n hear_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o very_a raven_n and_o the_o beast_n psalm_n 147.9_o and_o psalm_n 104.21_o 27_o 28._o therefore_o the_o people_n of_o niniveh_n will_v have_v the_o beast_n eat_v nothing_o that_o they_o may_v cry_v unto_o god_n jonah_n 3.7_o 8._o sure_o if_o the_o brute_n beast_n and_o the_o foul_n be_v hear_v when_o they_o cry_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n to_o seek_v god_n again_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a because_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o have_v be_v wise_a and_o have_v converse_v with_o god_n and_o have_v know_v much_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n have_v give_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o strength_n to_o this_o duty_n now_o it_o be_v a_o weak_a part_n and_o a_o idle_a thing_n for_o any_o one_o to_o give_v up_o his_o strength_n and_o all_o his_o might_n to_o that_o which_o be_v vanity_n and_o whereby_o there_o be_v no_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v obtain_v it_o be_v say_v of_o jehoshaphat_n 2._o chron._n 20.3_o that_o he_o fear_v and_o set_v himself_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v translate_v composuit_fw-la faciem_fw-la svam_fw-la he_o set_v his_o face_n he_o give_v himself_o up_o full_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n they_o know_v what_o they_o do_v that_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o seek_v god_n indeed_o carnal_a heart_n condemn_v the_o people_n of_o god_n because_o they_o see_v they_o so_o earnest_a in_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o think_v to_o be_v vain_a for_o it_o argue_v weakness_n in_o any_o man_n to_o give_v up_o himself_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v vanity_n and_o have_v no_o strength_n in_o they_o therefore_o because_o carnal_a man_n look_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o end_n they_o think_v it_o foolish_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o earnest_a to_o give_v up_o their_o strength_n and_o their_o whole_a soul_n for_o it_o but_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n know_v what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a again_o this_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v much_o advantage_n by_o prayer_n because_o man_n that_o be_v wise_a and_o holy_a have_v so_o prize_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o make_v such_o high_a account_n of_o they_o mark_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o saint_n for_o their_o prayer_n rom._n 15.30_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_z for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o you_o strive_v together_o in_o prayer_n with_o i_o in_o your_o heart_n to_o god_n for_o i_o the_o apostle_n paul_n so_o great_a a_o man_n and_o one_o that_o have_v a_o mighty_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n write_v to_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n he_o beseech_v they_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o strive_v in_o prayer_n for_o he_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v much_o to_o be_v have_v this_o way_n yea_o further_o god_n be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o isaiah_n 65.1_o then_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n to_o seek_v he_o yea_o yet_o further_o god_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o show_v no_o mercy_n give_v a_o straight_a charge_n to_o his_o people_n not_o to_o pray_v or_o he_o shut_v up_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pray_v this_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o prayer_n be_v prevalent_a because_o when_o god_n will_v not_o show_v mercy_n he_o will_v not_o have_v such_o a_o precious_a thing_n lose_v and_o spend_v in_o vain_a last_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a because_o if_o it_o shall_v than_o a_o pray_a heart_n be_v not_o always_o a_o mercy_n from_o god_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v therefore_o though_o perhaps_o you_o can_v find_v the_o thing_n grant_v that_o you_o pray_v for_o yet_o to_o have_v a_o continual_a pray_v heart_n know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n from_o god_n and_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a prize_n more_o the_o continuance_n of_o a_o pray_a heart_n many_o time_n than_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o pray_v for_o all_o these_o put_v together_o be_v full_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o seek_v the_o lord_n there_o be_v many_o other_o evidence_n which_o i_o pass_v by_o on_o purpose_n that_o i_o may_v have_v as_o much_o time_n as_o may_v be_v for_o application_n but_o now_o wherein_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o seek_v the_o lord_n what_o do_v prayer_n do_v first_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o seek_v god_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o prayer_n but_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o our_o grace_n this_o alone_o be_v worth_a our_o time_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v exercise_v about_o somewhat_o now_o prayer_n serve_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n second_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o creature_n to_o god_n there_o be_v many_o people_n that_o be_v weary_a of_o prayer_n because_o they_o have_v not_o that_o by_o it_o that_o they_o expect_v but_o know_v that_o there_o be_v two_o argument_n to_o prayer_n the_o performance_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o mercy_n if_o there_o be_v but_o only_o the_o former_a that_o alone_o shall_v suffice_v to_o keep_v thou_o pray_v as_o long_o as_o thou_o live_v three_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o tender_v that_o homage_n and_o worship_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n prayer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o duty_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o world_n while_o we_o be_v worship_v of_o god_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o time_n again_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a if_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o this_o that_o we_o come_v and_o show_v what_o side_n we_o be_v of_o that_o we_o join_v and_o side_n with_o god_n against_o his_o adversary_n and_o for_o his_o people_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n here_o intend_v further_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a because_o there_o be_v no_o faithful_a prayer_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v but_o god_n accept_v of_o it_o in_o heaven_n there_o be_v never_o one_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n that_o ever_o put_v up_o a_o faithful_a petition_n to_o god_n but_o god_n take_v it_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o read_v it_o a_o king_n or_o any_o superior_a when_o you_o come_v with_o a_o petition_n may_v refuse_v to_o take_v it_o but_o god_n never_o refuse_v to_o take_v any_o petition_n from_o a_o faithful_a soul_n therefore_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psal_n 6.9_o the_o lord_n have_v hear_v my_o supplication_n the_o lord_n will_v receive_v my_o prayer_n he_o will_v take_v it_o and_o look_v on_o it_o and_o read_v it_o &_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o will_v also_o accept_v it_o and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o a_o prince_n may_v take_v a_o petition_n and_o look_v on_o it_o and_o after_o frown_n and_o show_v anger_n in_o his_o countenance_n but_o god_n do_v not_o so_o with_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o upright_o be_v his_o delight_n prov._n 15.8_o he_o never_o read_v a_o