will_v bless_v the_o preacher_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o his_o sacred_a message_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o direct_v his_o messenger_n tongue_n to_o the_o meeting_n with_o our_o necessity_n that_o he_o will_v free_v our_o heart_n from_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o distraction_n that_o he_o will_v keep_v off_o all_o temptation_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o good_a entertainment_n and_o success_n of_o his_o bless_a word_n final_o that_o he_o will_v make_v we_o true_o teachable_a and_o his_o ordinance_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o act_n of_o hear_v devotion_n call_v we_o to_o reverence_n attention_n application_n reverence_n to_o that_o great_a god_n who_o speak_v to_o we_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o weak_a man_n for_o in_o what_o be_v speak_v from_o god_n chair_n agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o sound_n be_v man_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o message_n be_v god_n even_o a_o eglon_n when_o he_o hear_v of_o a_o 20._o message_n from_o god_n rise_v out_o of_o his_o seat_n it_o be_v not_o st._n paul_n condition_n only_o but_o of_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n they_o be_v ambassador_n 20_o for_o christ_n as_o if_o god_n do_v beseech_v we_o by_o they_o they_o pray_v we_o in_o christ_n stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n the_o embassy_n be_v not_o the_o bearer_n but_o the_o king_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o can_v but_o incur_v a_o contempt_n when_o therefore_o we_o see_v god_n messenger_n in_o his_o pulpit_n our_o eye_n look_v at_o he_o as_o if_o it_o say_v with_o cornelius_n we_o be_v all_o here_o present_a before_o 33._o god_n to_o hear_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v thou_o of_o god_n whence_o can_v but_o follow_v together_o with_o a_o awful_a disposition_n of_o mind_n a_o reverend_a deportment_n of_o the_o body_n which_o admit_v not_o a_o wild_a &_o rove_a eye_n a_o drowsy_a head_n a_o chat_a tongue_n a_o rude_a and_o indecent_a posture_n but_o compose_v itself_o to_o such_o a_o site_n a_o may_v befit_v a_o pious_a soul_n in_o sâ—_n religious_a a_o impoiment_n neither_o do_v we_o come_v as_o authorize_v judge_n to_o sit_v upon_o the_o preacher_n but_o as_o humble_a disciple_n to_o sit_v at_o his_o foot_n sect_n xxiv_o reverence_n can_v but_o draw_v on_o attention_n we_o need_v not_o be_v bid_v to_o hang_v on_o the_o lip_n of_o he_o who_o we_o honour_v it_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o spirit_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v every_o one_o have_v not_o a_o ear_n and_o of_o those_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n every_o one_o hear_v not_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o ear_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n if_o both_o these_o ear_n do_v not_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o act_n there_o be_v no_o hear_n common_a experience_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v otherwise_o take_v up_o we_o do_v no_o more_o hear_v what_o a_o man_n say_v than_o if_o we_o have_v be_v deaf_a or_o he_o silent_a hence_o be_v that_o first_o request_n of_o abigail_n to_o david_n let_v thy_o handmaid_n speak_v to_o 24._o thy_o ear_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n and_o job_n so_o importunate_o urge_v his_o friend_n hear_v diligent_o my_o 17._o speech_n and_o my_o declaration_n with_o your_o ear_n the_o outward_a ear_n may_v be_v open_a and_o the_o inward_a shut_v if_o way_n be_v not_o make_v through_o both_o we_o be_v deaf_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n my_o ear_n have_v thou_o bore_v or_o 6._o dig_v say_v the_o psalmist_n the_o vulgar_a read_v it_o my_o ear_n have_v thou_o perfect_v sure_o our_o ear_n be_v grow_v up_o with_o flesh_n there_o be_v no_o passage_n for_o a_o perfect_a hear_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n till_o he_o have_v make_v it_o by_o a_o spiritual_a perforation_n and_o now_o that_o the_o ear_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o good_a counsel_n it_o do_v as_o glad_o receive_v it_o take_v in_o every_o good_a lesson_n and_o long_v for_o the_o next_o like_a unto_o the_o dry_a and_o chap_a earth_n which_o soak_v in_o every_o silver_n drop_n that_o fall_v from_o the_o cloud_n and_o thirst_v for_o more_o not_o suffer_v any_o of_o that_o precious_a liquor_n to_o fall_v beside_o it_o sect_n xxv_o neither_o do_v the_o devout_a man_n care_n to_o satisfy_v his_o curiosity_n as_o hear_v only_o that_o he_o may_v hear_v but_o reduct_n all_o thing_n to_o a_o save_a use_n bring_v all_o he_o hear_v home_n to_o his_o heart_n by_o a_o self-reflecting_a application_n like_o a_o practiser_n of_o the_o art_n of_o memory_n refer_v every_o thing_n to_o its_o proper_a place_n if_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n there_o be_v for_o my_o sickbed_n there_o be_v for_o my_o outward_a loss_n there_o for_o my_o droop_a under_o affliction_n there_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o spiritual_a desertion_n if_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n there_o be_v for_o my_o settlement_n in_o such_o a_o truth_n there_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o a_o error_n there_o for_o my_o direction_n in_o such_o a_o practice_n if_o matter_n of_o reproof_n he_o do_v not_o point_n at_o his_o neighbour_n but_o deep_o charge_v himself_o this_o meet_v with_o my_o dead-heartedness_n and_o security_n this_o with_o my_o worldly-mindednesse_a this_o with_o my_o self-love_n and_o flattery_n of_o my_o own_o estate_n this_o with_o my_o uncharitable_a censoriousnesse_n this_o with_o my_o foolish_a pride_n of_o heart_n this_o with_o my_o hypocrisy_n this_o with_o my_o neglect_n of_o god_n service_n and_o my_o duty_n thus_o in_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o holy_a passage_n of_o the_o sermon_n the_o devout_a mind_n be_v take_v up_o with_o digest_v what_o it_o hear_v and_o work_v itself_o to_o a_o secret_a improvement_n of_o all_o the_o good_a counsel_n that_o be_v deliver_v neither_o be_v ever_o more_o busy_a than_o when_o it_o sit_v still_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v therefore_o approve_v the_o practice_n which_o yet_o i_o see_v common_o receive_v of_o those_o who_o think_v it_o no_o small_a argument_n of_o their_o devotion_n to_o spend_v their_o time_n of_o hear_v in_o write_v large_a note_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o preacher_n which_o however_o it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n for_o memory_n in_o the_o future_a yet_o can_v as_o i_o conceive_v but_o be_v some_o prejudice_n to_o our_o present_a edification_n neither_o can_v the_o brain_n get_v so_o much_o hereby_o as_o the_o heart_n lose_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o this_o mean_n a_o opportunity_n be_v give_v for_o a_o full_a rumination_n of_o wholesome_a doctrine_n afterward_o i_o yield_v it_o but_o withal_o i_o must_v say_v that_o our_o after-thought_n can_v never_o do_v the_o work_v so_o effectual_o as_o when_o the_o lively_a voice_n sound_v in_o our_o ear_n and_o beat_v upon_o our_o heart_n but_o herein_o i_o submit_v my_o opinion_n to_o better_a judgement_n sect_n xxvi_o the_o food_n that_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o ear_n be_v afterward_o chew_v in_o the_o mouth_n thereof_o by_o memory_n concoct_v in_o the_o stomach_n by_o meditation_n and_o disperse_v into_o the_o part_n by_o conference_n and_o practice_n true_a devotion_n find_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o work_n behind_o it_o be_v a_o just_a answer_n that_o john_n gerson_n report_v give_v cautelam_fw-la by_o a_o frenchman_n who_o be_v ask_v by_o one_o of_o his_o neighbour_n if_o the_o sermon_n be_v do_v no_o say_v he_o it_o be_v say_v but_o it_o be_v not_o do_v neither_o will_v be_v i_o fear_v in_o haste_n what_o be_v we_o the_o better_a if_o we_o hear_v and_o remember_v not_o if_o we_o be_v such_o auditor_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v sieve_n that_o retain_v no_o moisture_n that_o be_v pour_v into_o they_o what_o the_o better_a if_o we_o remember_v but_o think_v not_o serious_o of_o what_o we_o hear_v or_o if_o we_o practise_v not_o careful_o what_o we_o think_v of_o not_o that_o which_o we_o hear_v be_v our_o own_o but_o that_o which_o we_o carry_v away_o although_o all_o memory_n be_v not_o alike_o one_o receive_v more_o easy_o another_o retain_v long_o it_o be_v not_o for_o every_o one_o to_o hope_v to_o attain_v to_o that_o ability_n that_o he_o can_v go_v away_o with_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o a_o sermon_n and_o ready_o recount_v it_o unto_o other_o neither_o do_v god_n require_v that_o of_o any_o man_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v he_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n may_v not_o be_v want_v where_o our_o power_n fail_v it_o will_v be_v enough_o for_o weak_a memory_n if_o they_o can_v so_o lay_v up_o those_o wholesome_a counsel_n which_o they_o receive_v as_o that_o they_o may_v fetch_v they_o
the_o devout_n soul_n or_o rule_n of_o heavenly_a devotion_n also_o the_o free_a prisoner_n or_o the_o comfort_n of_o restraint_n by_o jos._n h._n b._n n._n london_n print_v by_o w._n h._n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o george_n latham_n junior_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o l._n to_o all_o christian_a reader_n grace_n and_o peace_n that_o in_o a_o time_n when_o we_o hear_v no_o noise_n but_o of_o drum_n and_o trumpet_n and_o talk_v of_o nothing_o but_o arm_n and_o siege_n &_o battle_n i_o shall_v write_v of_o devotion_n may_v seem_v to_o some_o of_o you_o strange_a &_o unseasonable_a to_o i_o contrary_o it_o seem_v most_o fit_a and_o opportune_a for_o when_o can_v it_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o direct_v our_o address_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n than_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o very_a jaw_n of_o death_n or_o when_o shall_v we_o go_v to_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o our_o god_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o needful_a time_n of_o trouble_n bless_a be_v my_o god_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o woeful_a tumult_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o give_v i_o these_o calm_a &_o holy_a thought_n which_o i_o just_o suppose_v he_o mean_v not_o to_o suggest_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v smother_v in_o the_o breast_n wherein_o they_o be_v conceive_v but_o with_o a_o purpose_n to_o have_v the_o benefit_n communicate_v unto_o many_o who_o be_v there_o that_o need_v not_o vehement_a excitation_n and_o help_v to_o devotion_n and_o when_o more_o than_o now_o in_o a_o tempest_n the_o mariner_n themselves_o do_v not_o only_o cry_v everyman_n to_o his_o god_n but_o awaken_v jonah_n that_o be_v fast_o asleep_a under_o the_o hatch_n and_o chide_v he_o to_o his_o prayer_n sure_o have_v we_o not_o be_v fail_v in_o our_o devotion_n we_o can_v not_o have_v be_v thus_o universal_o miserable_a that_o duty_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v guilty_a of_o our_o calamity_n must_v in_o the_o effectual_a performance_n of_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o 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church_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o his_o anoint_v and_o your_o country_n &_o yourselves_o and_o you_o join_v your_o force_n with_o i_o and_o let_v we_o by_o a_o holy_a violence_n make_v way_n to_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n with_o our_o petition_n for_o mercy_n and_o peace_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v beat_v off_o from_o the_o threshold_n of_o grace_n till_o we_o be_v answer_v with_o a_o condescent_n he_o who_o goodness_n be_v wont_a to_o prevent_v our_o desire_n will_v not_o give_v denial_n to_o our_o importunity_n pray_v and_o farewell_n norwich_n march_n 20._o 1643._o the_o devout_a soul_n sect_n i._o devotion_n be_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n the_o very_a soul_n of_o piety_n the_o high_a employment_n of_o grace_n and_o no_o other_o than_o the_o prepossession_n of_o heaven_n by_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n here_o upon_o earth_n every_o improvement_n whereof_o be_v of_o more_o advantage_n and_o value_n to_o the_o christian_a soul_n than_o all_o the_o profit_n &_o contentment_n which_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v it_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o art_n of_o devotion_n if_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o whereby_o the_o practice_n thereof_o may_v be_v much_o advance_v we_o have_v know_v indeed_o some_o holy_a soul_n which_o out_o of_o the_o general_a precept_n of_o piety_n and_o their_o own_o happy_a experiment_n of_o god_n mercy_n have_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n grow_v to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o perfection_n this_o way_n which_o yet_o may_v have_v be_v much_o expedit_v and_o complete_v by_o those_o help_n which_o the_o great_a illumination_n and_o experience_n of_o other_o may_v have_v afford_v they_o like_a as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o other_o faculty_n there_o be_v those_o who_o out_o of_o a_o natural_a dexterity_n and_o their_o own_o frequent_a practice_n have_v get_v into_o a_o safe_a posture_n of_o defence_n and_o have_v handle_v their_o weapon_n with_o commendable_a skill_n who_o yet_o the_o fence-school_n may_v have_v raise_v to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o cunning_n as_o nature_n be_v perfect_v so_o grace_n be_v not_o a_o little_a further_v by_o art_n since_o it_o please_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o work_v ordinary_o upon_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o miracle_n but_o in_o such_o method_n and_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v most_o conduce_v to_o his_o bless_a end_n it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o our_o good_a motion_n come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o less_o true_a that_o all_o the_o good_a counsel_n of_o other_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n &_o that_o good_a spirit_n can_v be_v cross_a to_o itself_o he_o therefore_o that_o infuse_v good_a thought_n into_o we_o suggest_v also_o such_o direction_n as_o may_v render_v we_o apt_a both_o to_o receive_v and_o improve_v they_o if_o god_n be_v bounteous_a we_o may_v not_o be_v idle_a and_o neglective_a of_o our_o spiritual_a aid_n sect_n ii_o if_o you_o tell_v i_o by_o way_n of_o instance_n in_o a_o particular_a act_n of_o devotion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o rule_n i_o yield_v both_o these_o but_o withal_o i_o must_v say_v there_o be_v also_o help_v of_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v immediate_a inspiration_n i_o find_v the_o world_n much_o mistake_v in_o both_o they_o think_v that_o man_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n that_o can_v utter_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n roundly_o unto_o god_n that_o can_v express_v himself_o smooth_o in_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o press_v god_n with_o most_o proper_a word_n &_o passionate_a vehemence_n and_o sure_o this_o be_v a_o commendable_a faculty_n whersoever_o it_o be_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n you_o may_v call_v it_o if_o you_o will_v the_o gift_n of_o elocution_n do_v we_o say_v that_o man_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o plead_v that_o can_v talk_v eloquent_o at_o the_o bar_n that_o can_v in_o good_a term_n loud_a and_o earnest_o importune_v the_o judge_n for_o his_o client_n and_o not_o rather_o he_o that_o bring_v the_o strong_a reason_n and_o quote_v his_o book_n and_o precedent_n with_o most_o truth_n and_o clear_a evidence_n so_o as_o may_v convince_v the_o jury_n and_o persuade_v the_o judge_n do_v we_o say_v he_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o preach_v that_o can_v deliver_v himself_o in_o a_o flow_a manner_n of_o speech_n to_o his_o hearer_n that_o can_v cite_v scripture_n or_o father_n that_o can_v please_v his_o auditory_a with_o the_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n or_o rather_o he_o that_o can_v divide_v the_o word_n aright_o interpret_v it_o sound_o apply_v it_o judicious_o put_v it_o home_o to_o the_o conscience_n speak_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n powerful_o convince_a the_o gainsayer_n comfort_v the_o deject_a and_o draw_v every_o soul_n near_o to_o heaven_n the_o like_a must_v we_o say_v for_o prayer_n the_o gift_n whereof_o he_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o have_v not_o that_o have_v the_o most_o rennible_a tongue_n for_o prayer_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o lip_n as_o of_o the_o heart_n but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o most_o illuminate_v apprehension_n of_o the_o god_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v the_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o want_n the_o most_o eager_a long_n after_o grace_n the_o fervent_a desire_n of_o supply_n from_o heaven_n and_o in_o a_o word_n who_o heart_n send_v up_o the_o strong_a groan_n and_o cry_v to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n neither_o may_v we_o look_v for_o enthusiasm_n &_o immediate_a inspiration_n put_v ourselves_o upon_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o our_o invocation_n without_o heed_n or_o meditation_n the_o
offer_v to_o god_n a_o mere_a carcase_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o profane_v that_o sacred_a name_n we_o will_v pretend_v to_o honour_v first_o then_o we_o must_v come_v to_o god_n book_n not_o without_o a_o holy_a reverence_n as_o due_o consider_v both_o what_o and_o who_o it_o be_v even_o no_o other_o than_o the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v once_o be_v judge_v great_a reason_n have_v we_o therefore_o to_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n even_o no_o less_o than_o betwixt_o the_o author_n of_o both_o god_n be_v true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o and_o that_o which_o david_n say_v in_o his_o haste_n s._n paul_n 4_o say_v in_o full_a deliberati_fw-la on_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n before_o we_o put_v our_o hand_n to_o this_o sacred_a volume_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o elevate_v our_o heart_n to_o that_o god_n who_o it_o be_v for_o both_o his_o leave_n and_o his_o blessing_n open_v my_o eye_n say_v the_o sweet_a singer_n 8._o of_o israel_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n lo_o david_n eye_n be_v open_a before_o to_o other_o object_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o god_n book_n he_o can_v see_v nothing_o without_o a_o new_a act_n of_o apertion_n letter_n he_o may_v see_v but_o wonder_v he_o can_v not_o see_v till_o god_n do_v unclose_v his_o eye_n and_o enlighten_v they_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o for_o we_o presumptuous_o to_o break_v in_o upon_o god_n and_o to_o think_v by_o our_o natural_a ability_n to_o wrest_v open_a the_o precious_a casket_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o to_o fetch_v out_o all_o his_o hide_a treasure_n thence_o at_o pleasure_n but_o we_o must_v come_v tremble_o before_o he_o and_o in_o all_o humility_n crave_v his_o gracious_a admission_n i_o confess_v i_o find_v some_o kind_n of_o envy_n in_o myself_o when_o i_o read_v of_o those_o scrupulous_a observance_n of_o high_a respect_n give_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o book_n of_o god_n law_n and_o when_o i_o read_v of_o a_o romish_a saint_n that_o never_o read_v romaeus_fw-la the_o scripture_n but_o upon_o his_o knee_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o careless_a neglect_n whereof_o i_o can_v accuse_v myself_o and_o perhaps_o some_o other_o not_o that_o we_o shall_v rest_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o outward_a ceremony_n of_o reverence_n wherein_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v superstitious_a than_o devout_a but_o that_o our_o outward_a deportment_n may_v testify_v and_o answer_v the_o awful_a disposition_n of_o our_o heart_n whereto_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o be_v excite_v if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o that_o sacred_a word_n it_o be_v motive_n enough_o to_o the_o ephesian_n zealous_o to_o plead_v for_o and_o religious_o to_o adore_v the_o image_n of_o their_o diana_n that_o it_o be_v the_o image_n that_o fall_v down_o 35._o from_o jupiter_n believe_v we_o and_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v by_o god_n and_o we_o can_v entertain_v it_o with_o no_o other_o than_o a_o awful_a address_n and_o we_o can_v be_v christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o believe_v every_o clause_n therefore_o of_o that_o god-inspired_n volume_n must_v be_v as_o reverent_o receive_v by_o we_o so_o serious_o weigh_v and_o careful_o lay_v up_o as_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o tittle_n therein_o without_o his_o use_n what_o we_o read_v we_o must_v labour_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o can_v understand_v we_o must_v admire_v silent_o and_o modest_o inquire_v of_o there_o be_v plain_a truth_n and_o there_o be_v deep_a mystery_n the_o bounty_n of_o god_n have_v leave_v this_o well_o of_o living-water_n open_a for_o all_o what_o run_v over_o be_v for_o all_o comer_n but_o every_o one_o have_v not_o wherewith_o to_o draw_v there_o be_v no_o christian_n that_o may_v not_o enjoy_v god_n book_n but_o every_o christian_a may_v not_o interpret_v it_o those_o shallow_a ford_n that_o be_v in_o it_o may_v be_v wade_v by_o every_o passenger_n but_o there_o be_v deep_n wherein_o he_o that_o can_v swim_v may_v drown_v how_o can_v i_o without_o a_o guide_n say_v that_o ethopian_a eunuch_n wherefore_o serve_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o to_o direct_v the_o ignorant_a their_o modesty_n be_v of_o no_o less_o use_n than_o the_o other_o skill_n it_o be_v a_o woeful_a condition_n of_o a_o church_n when_o no_o man_n will_v be_v ignorant_a what_o service_n can_v our_o eye_n do_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n without_o our_o thought_n our_o diligent_a and_o frequent_a read_n therefore_o must_v be_v attend_v with_o our_o holy_a meditation_n we_o feed_v on_o what_o we_o read_v but_o we_o digest_v only_o what_o we_o meditate_v of_o what_o be_v in_o our_o bible_n be_v god_n but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n be_v our_o own_o by_o all_o which_o our_o care_n must_v be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o become_v wise_a as_o to_o become_v better_a labour_v still_o to_o reduce_v all_o thing_n to_o godly_a practice_n final_o as_o we_o enter_v into_o this_o task_n with_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o our_o heart_n for_o a_o blessing_n so_o we_o shut_v it_o up_o in_o the_o ejaculation_n of_o our_o thanksgiving_n to_o that_o god_n who_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o the_o free_a use_n of_o his_o word_n sect_n xxiii_o our_o eye_n be_v our_o best_a guide_n to_o god_n our_o creator_n but_o our_o ear_n be_v it_o that_o lead_v we_o to_o god_n our_o redeemer_n how_o shall_v they_o believe_v except_o they_o hear_v which_o that_o we_o may_v effectual_o do_v our_o devotion_n suggest_v unto_o we_o some_o duty_n before_o the_o act_n some_o in_o the_o act_n some_o after_o the_o act_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n charge_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v swift_a to_o hear_v but_o heed_n must_v be_v take_v that_o we_o make_v not_o more_o haste_n than_o good_a speed_n we_o may_v not_o be_v so_o forward_o as_o not_o to_o look_v to_o our_o foot_n when_o 1._o we_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n lest_o if_o we_o be_v too_o ready_a to_o hear_v we_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n what_o be_v the_o foot_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o our_o affection_n if_o these_o be_v not_o set_v right_o we_o may_v easy_o stumble_v and_o wrench_v at_o god_n threshold_n rash_n action_n can_v never_o hope_v to_o prosper_v as_o therefore_o to_o every_o great_a work_n so_o to_o this_o there_o be_v a_o due_a preparation_n require_v and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o meditation_n first_o then_o by_o prayer_n our_o meditation_n first_o sequester_v the_o heart_n from_o the_o world_n and_o shake_v off_o those_o distractive_a thought_n which_o may_v carry_v we_o away_o from_o these_o better_a thing_n for_o what_o room_n be_v there_o for_o god_n where_o the_o world_n have_v take_v up_o the_o lodging_n we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n then_o second_o it_o seize_v upon_o the_o heart_n for_o gof_n fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o the_o great_a business_n we_o go_v about_o recall_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o majesty_n into_o who_o presence_n we_o enter_v and_o the_o main_a importance_n of_o the_o service_n we_o be_v undertake_v and_o examine_v our_o intention_n wherewith_o we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o the_o work_n intend_v i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o godâ—_n house_n wherefore_o do_v i_o go_v thither_o be_v it_o to_o see_v or_o to_o be_v see_v be_v it_o to_o satisfy_v my_o own_o curiosity_n in_o hear_v what_o the_o preacher_n will_v say_v be_v it_o to_o satisfy_v the_o law_n that_o require_v my_o presence_n be_v it_o to_o please_v other_o eye_n or_o to_o avoid_v their_o censure_n be_v it_o for_o fashion_n be_v it_o for_o recreation_n or_o be_v it_o with_o a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o do_v my_o soul_n good_a in_o gain_v more_o knowledge_n in_o quicken_a my_o affection_n be_v it_o in_o a_o desire_n to_o approve_v myself_o to_o my_o god_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o my_o humble_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o my_o holy_a attendance_n upon_o his_o ordinance_n and_o where_o we_o find_v our_o end_n amiss_o chide_v and_o rectify_v our_o obliquity_n where_o just_a and_o right_a prosecute_a they_o towards_o a_o further_a perfection_n which_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v our_o meditation_n must_v be_v second_v by_o our_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o unholy_a rudeness_n to_o press_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o god_n who_o we_o have_v not_o invoke_v our_o prayer_n must_v be_v that_o god_n will_v yet_o more_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o work_n and_o sanctify_v we_o to_o it_o and_o bless_v we_o in_o it_o that_o he_o will_v remove_v our_o sin_n that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o his_o spirit_n into_o our_o heart_n which_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o this_o great_a service_n that_o he_o
must_v needs_o follow_v a_o renew_a act_n of_o true_a thankfulness_n of_o heart_n to_o our_o good_a god_n that_o have_v both_o give_v we_o his_o dear_a son_n to_o work_v our_o redemption_n &_o his_o bless_a sacrament_n to_o seal_v up_o unto_o we_o our_o redemption_n thus_o wrought_v and_o purchase_v and_o with_o soul_n thus_o thankful_o elevate_v unto_o god_n we_o approach_v with_o all_o reverence_n to_o that_o heavenly_a table_n where_o god_n be_v both_o the_o feast-master_n and_o the_o feast_n what_o intention_n of_o holy_a thought_n what_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n what_o depth_n of_o devotion_n must_v we_o now_o find_v in_o ourselves_o doubtless_o out_o of_o heaven_n no_o object_n can_v be_v so_o worthy_a to_o take_v up_o our_o heart_n what_o a_o clear_a representation_n be_v here_o of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n how_o be_v my_o saviour_n by_o all_o my_o sense_n here_o bring_v home_o to_o my_o soul_n how_o be_v his_o passion_n lively_o act_v before_o my_o eye_n for_o lo_o my_o bodily_a eye_n do_v not_o more_o true_o see_v bread_n and_o wine_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o faith_n see_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o my_o dear_a redeemer_n thus_o be_v his_o sacred_a body_n tear_v and_o break_v thus_o be_v his_o precious_a blood_n pour_v out_o for_o i_o my_o sin_n wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o help_v thus_o to_o crucify_v my_o saviour_n and_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o my_o sin_n will_v he_o be_v thus_o crucify_v neither_o do_v he_o only_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o upon_o the_o cross_n but_o lo_o both_o offer_n and_o give_v himself_o to_o i_o in_o this_o his_o bless_a institution_n what_o have_v his_o general_a gift_n be_v without_o this_o application_n now_o my_o hand_n do_v not_o more_o sensible_o take_v nor_o my_o mouth_n more_o real_o eat_v this_o bread_n than_o my_o soul_n do_v spiritual_o receive_v and_o feed_v on_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n o_o saviour_n thou_o be_v the_o live_a bread_n that_o come_v doom_n from_o heaven_n thy_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o thy_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o oh_o that_o i_o may_v so_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n that_o i_o may_v live_v for_o ever_o he_o that_o come_v to_o thou_o shall_v never_o hunger_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o thou_o shall_v never_o thirst_v oh_o that_o i_o can_v now_o so_o hunger_n and_o so_o thirst_v for_o thou_o that_o my_o soul_n can_v be_v for_o ever_o satisfy_v with_o thou_o thy_o people_n of_o old_a be_v feed_v with_o manna_n in_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o they_o die_v that_o food_n of_o angel_n can_v not_o keep_v they_o from_o perish_v but_o oh_o for_o the_o hide_a manna_n which_o give_v life_n to_o the_o world_n even_o thy_o bless_a self_n give_v i_o ever_o of_o this_o bread_n and_o my_o soul_n shall_v not_o die_v but_o live_v oh_o the_o precious_a juice_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n wherewith_o thou_o refresh_a my_o soul_n be_v this_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o grape_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o thy_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v pour_v out_o for_o i_o thou_o speak_v o_o saviour_n of_o new_a wine_n that_o thou_o will_v drink_v with_o thy_o disciple_n in_o thy_o father_n kingdom_n can_v there_o be_v any_o more_o precious_a and_o pleasant_a than_o this_o wherewith_o thou_o cheer_v the_o believe_a soul_n our_o palate_n be_v now_o dull_a and_o earthly_a which_o shall_v then_o exquisite_a and_o celestial_a but_o sure_o no_o liquor_n can_v be_v of_o equal_a price_n or_o sovereignty_n with_o thy_o blood_n oh_o how_o unsavoury_a be_v all_o earthly_a delicacy_n to_o this_o heavenly_a draught_n o_o god_n let_v not_o the_o sweet_a taste_n of_o this_o spiritual_a nectar_n ever_o go_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o my_o soul_n let_v the_o comfortable_a warmth_n of_o this_o bless_a cordial_n ever_o work_v upon_o my_o soul_n even_o till_o and_o in_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o my_o dissolution_n do_v thou_o bid_v i_o o_o saviour_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o oh_o how_o can_v i_o forget_v thou_o how_o can_v i_o enough_o celebrate_v thou_o for_o this_o thy_o unspeakable_a mercy_n can_v i_o see_v thou_o thus_o crucify_v before_o my_o eye_n and_o for_o my_o sake_n thus_o crucify_v and_o not_o remember_v thou_o can_v i_o find_v my_o sin_n accessary_a to_o this_o thy_o death_n and_o thy_o death_n meritorious_o expiate_v all_o these_o my_o grievous_a sin_n and_o not_o remember_v thou_o can_v i_o hear_v thou_o free_o offer_v thyself_o to_o i_o and_o feel_v thou_o gracious_o convey_v thyself_o into_o my_o soul_n and_o not_o remember_v thou_o i_o do_v remember_v thou_o o_o saviour_n but_o oh_o that_o i_o can_v yet_o more_o effectual_o remember_v thou_o with_o all_o the_o passionate_a affection_n of_o a_o soul_n sick_a of_o thy_o love_n with_o all_o zealous_a desire_n to_o glorify_v thou_o with_o all_o fervent_a long_n after_o thou_o and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o remember_v thou_o in_o thy_o suffering_n oh_o do_v thou_o remember_v i_o in_o thy_o glory_n sect_n xxix_o have_v thus_o busy_v itself_o with_o holy_a thought_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o celebration_n the_o devout_a soul_n break_v not_o off_o in_o a_o abrupt_a unmannerliness_n without_o take_v leave_n of_o the_o great_a master_n of_o this_o heavenly_a feast_n but_o with_o a_o secret_a adoration_n humble_o bless_v god_n for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n and_o hearty_o resolve_v and_o desire_n to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o it_o have_v receive_v and_o to_o consecrate_v itself_o whole_o to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o have_v so_o dear_o buy_v it_o and_o have_v give_v it_o these_o pledge_n of_o its_o eternal_a union_n with_o he_o the_o devout_a soul_n have_v thus_o sup_v in_o heaven_n and_o returns_z home_o yet_o the_o work_n be_v not_o thus_o do_v after_o the_o element_n be_v out_o of_o eye_n and_o use_v there_o remain_v a_o digestion_n of_o this_o celestial_a food_n by_o holy_a meditation_n and_o now_o it_o think_v oh_o what_o a_o blessing_n have_v i_o receive_v to_o day_n no_o less_o than_o my_o lord_n jesus_n with_o all_o his_o merit_n and_o in_o and_o with_o he_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o all_o my_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a salvation_n how_o happy_a be_o i_o if_o i_o be_v not_o want_v to_o god_n &_o myself_o how_o unworthy_a shall_v i_o be_v if_o i_o do_v not_o strive_v to_o answer_v this_o love_n of_o my_o god_n and_o saviour_n in_o all_o hearty_a affection_n and_o in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n and_o now_o after_o this_o heavenly_a repast_n how_o do_v i_o feel_v myself_o what_o strength_n what_o advantage_n have_v my_o faith_n get_v how_o much_o be_o i_o near_o to_o heaven_n than_o before_o how_o much_o fast_o hold_v have_v i_o take_v of_o my_o bless_a redeemer_n how_o much_o more_o firm_a and_o sensible_a be_v my_o interest_n in_o he_o neither_o be_v these_o thought_n and_o this_o examination_n the_o work_n of_o the_o next_o instant_n only_o but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o must_v dwell_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o must_v often_o solicit_v our_o memory_n and_o excite_v our_o practice_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v frequent_o renew_v the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o our_o soul_n may_v batten_v more_o and_o more_o with_o this_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o may_v be_v feed_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n sect_n xxx_o these_o be_v the_o generality_n of_o our_o devotion_n which_o be_v of_o common_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n there_o be_v beside_o these_o certain_a specialty_n of_o it_o appliable_a to_o several_a occasion_n time_n place_n person_n for_o there_o be_v morning_n and_o evening_n devotion_n devotion_n proper_a to_o our_o board_n to_o our_o close_a to_o our_o bed_n to_o god_n day_n to_o our_o own_o to_o health_n to_o sickness_n to_o several_a calling_n to_o recreation_n to_o the_o way_n to_o the_o field_n to_o the_o church_n to_o our_o home_n to_o the_o student_n to_o the_o soldier_n to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o minister_n to_o the_o husband_n wife_n child_n servant_n to_o our_o own_o person_n to_o our_o family_n the_o severalty_n whereof_o as_o they_o be_v scarce_o finite_a for_o number_n so_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o holy_a manage_n of_o every_o christian_a neiis_n it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o soul_n which_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v any_o acquaintance_n with_o heaven_n can_v be_v to_o seek_v in_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o common_a rule_n to_o his_o own_o necessity_n or_o expedience_n the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v a_o devout_a man_n be_v he_o that_o ever_o see_v the_o invisible_a and_o ever_o tremble_v before_o that_o god_n he_o see_v that_o walk_v ever_o here_o on_o earth_n with_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o still_o adore_v