it_o be_v right_a see_v jer._n 17._o 9_o who_o can_v know_v it_o many_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a when_o it_o be_v not_o jehu_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o spur_n and_o his_o zeal_n on_o fire_n will_v have_v be_v angry_a if_o any_o one_o have_v then_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o prove_v a_o idolater_n doubtless_o these_o israelite_n when_o they_o make_v such_o promise_n and_o protestation_n as_o we_o find_v they_o do_v be_v very_o confident_a of_o their_o own_o integrity_n and_o yet_o the_o next_o hour_n of_o temptation_n discover_v their_o falseness_n there_o be_v therefore_o great_a need_n to_o be_v very_o wary_a of_o our_o heart_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v long_o hold_v out_o and_o keep_v true_a to_o their_o covenant_n that_o do_v not_o engage_v in_o they_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n what_o man_n be_v drive_v to_o do_v upon_o fear_n or_o force_n have_v no_o truth_n in_o it_o let_v but_o that_o fear_n be_v remove_v or_o constraint_n take_v off_o they_o and_o you_o shall_v quick_o see_v they_o return_v ageâ—_n to_o their_o old_a wont_v and_o forget_v every_o promise_n which_o they_o engage_v themselves_o in_o unto_o god_n a_o notable_a instance_n we_o have_v for_o this_o in_o those_o jew_n jer._n 34._o 8._o etc._n etc._n their_o heart_n be_v not_o to_o the_o law_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n hence_o though_o in_o a_o hurry_n and_o distress_n they_o make_v vow_n and_o begin_v to_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n yet_o the_o present_a danger_n be_v no_o soon_o over_o but_o they_o taste_v sweetness_n in_o their_o old_a sin_n and_o impudent_o return_v to_o they_o again_o yea_o this_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n render_v in_o our_o text_n why_o they_o so_o often_o revolt_v after_o so_o many_o return_n a_o thing_n that_o move_v by_o the_o force_n of_o weight_n will_v move_v but_o till_o they_o be_v down_o it_o must_v be_v a_o live_a thing_n that_o hold_v on_o its_o motion_n to_o the_o end_n hypocrisy_n and_o formality_n will_v tire_v by_o the_o way_n and_o give_v in_o it_o be_v only_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o will_v carry_v a_o man_n through_o his_o work_n 3._o god_n have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o look_v to_o our_o heart_n pro._n 4._o 23._o heb._n 3._o 12._o and_o although_o we_o can_v neither_o make_v nor_o keep_v they_o right_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n yet_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o go_v to_o he_o and_o wait_v upon_o he_o to_o do_v it_o for_o we_o and_o in_o our_o place_n to_o take_v pain_n and_o use_v uttermost_a diligence_n about_o it_o for_o if_o we_o fail_v the_o fault_n will_v not_o be_v lay_v upon_o he_o but_o the_o sin_n will_v be_v our_o own_o and_o indeed_o not_o to_o look_v to_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o our_o covenant_n be_v in_o itself_o true_o and_o proper_o a_o break_n of_o covenant_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o renew_v it_o and_o that_o bring_v in_o the_o next_o iii_o from_o the_o covenant_n itself_o in_o which_o we_o do_v actual_o and_o declarative_o engage_v our_o whole_a man_n to_o god_n service_n which_o can_v be_v the_o whole_a except_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o it_o the_o covenant_n precept_n bind_v we_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o our_o soul_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a covenant_n not_o only_o objective_o as_o the_o object_n we_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o subjectiu_o too_o viz._n as_o we_o who_o enter_v into_o covenant_n do_v engage_v all_o spiritual_a service_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n he_o that_o promise_v to_o reform_v and_o do_v not_o begin_v at_o the_o heart_n be_v a_o vile_a dissembler_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o first_o secure_v the_o quarter_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n all_o the_o pain_n he_o take_v in_o and_o about_o reformation_n will_v be_v but_o to_o give_v his_o lust_n a_o safe_a retirement_n to_o hide_v itself_o and_o lie_v lurk_v in_o his_o heart_n till_o it_o have_v a_o further_a &_o â—airer_a opportunity_n to_o walk_v abroad_o again_o in_o this_o life_n use_v in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v wave_v all_o other_o improvement_n which_o may_v have_v be_v make_v of_o it_o that_o so_o i_o may_v have_v the_o more_o room_n and_o opportunity_n to_o press_v this_o use_n of_o exhortation_n viz._n that_o as_o it_o concern_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o what_o thing_n soever_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v about_o with_o he_o so_o it_o especial_o call_v upon_o we_o who_o be_v this_o day_n engage_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o take_v special_a heed_n to_o ourselves_o that_o in_o all_o this_o procedure_v our_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n i_o may_v here_o urge_v many_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o motive_n but_o let_v these_o two_o or_o three_o suffice_v viz._n i._o consider_v who_o you_o have_v now_o to_o do_v and_o transact_v withal_o i_o know_v you_o have_v to_o do_v one_o with_o another_o but_o this_o be_v not_o your_o main_a business_n that_o be_v with_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v god_n you_o be_v now_o engage_v with_o let_v it_o then_o be_v think_v upon_o 1_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v your_o heart_n if_o not_o he_o who_o have_v he_o not_o make_v they_o do_v he_o not_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v they_o can_v he_o make_v they_o â—appy_a or_o miserable_a all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o all_o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v in_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o perform_v in_o your_o behalf_n if_o you_o true_o seek_v it_o of_o he_o challenge_v your_o heart_n to_o be_v devote_v unto_o he_o yea_o you_o do_v here_o engage_v yourselves_o to_o be_v his_o and_o can_v you_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o keep_v back_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a thing_n from_o he_o 2._o whether_o you_o can_v rational_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o your_o covenant_v except_o your_o heart_n be_v in_o it_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v to_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n do_v he_o not_o of_o all_o the_o sacrifice_n challenge_v the_o inward_o as_o the_o principal_a part_n for_o himself_o and_o what_o do_v that_o signify_v to_o we_o but_o that_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v his_o in_o every_o service_n of_o we_o do_v he_o accept_v of_o the_o plausible_a but_o heartless_a service_n of_o the_o jew_n ezek_n 33._o 31_o see_v vers_n ult_n do_v he_o accept_v of_o their_o fast_n isa_n 58_o no_o and_o why_o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v hypocritical_a and_o heartless_a 3._o whether_o you_o can_v impose_v upon_o he_o and_o cheat_v he_o with_o a_o heartless_a covenant_n can_v you_o kiss_v your_o hand_n and_o mean_a while_n hide_v hypocrisy_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o god_n not_o know_v it_o and_o can_v he_o know_v it_o and_o not_o bear_v witness_n against_o it_o have_v you_o only_o man_n to_o do_v withal_o you_o may_v with_o many_o fair_a word_n and_o deceitful_a show_v invite_v he_o to_o credit_n and_o confide_v in_o your_o false_a and_o deceitful_a promise_n for_o man_n judge_v according_a to_o appearance_n but_o he_o who_o search_v the_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o see_v our_o inside_n will_v not_o be_v so_o impose_v upon_o 4._o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o be_v accept_v notwithstanding_o all_o your_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n it_o be_v a_o sincere_a soul_n happiness_n as_o it_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n misery_n that_o he_o have_v god_n to_o deal_v withal_o in_o the_o covenant_n when_o you_o have_v do_v your_o utmost_a and_o take_v most_o pain_n to_o prepare_v yourselves_o for_o this_o business_n you_o will_v still_o unavoidable_o bring_v many_o and_o great_a infirmity_n with_o you_o but_o god_n love_v and_o will_v accept_v of_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o whatsoever_o frailty_n be_v with_o you_o yet_o this_o be_v pleadable_a in_o the_o great_a extremitye_n isa_n 38._o 3._o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n david_n have_v great_a sin_n yet_o god_n cast_v he_o not_o off_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v perfect_a saul_n do_v many_o specious_a thing_n but_o god_n reject_v he_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o true_a to_o god_n be_v but_o sincere_a and_o your_o covenant_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a 2._o consider_v what_o be_v your_o present_a design_n what_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o intend_v in_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v it_o a_o mere_a ceremony_n and_o show_n or_o be_v it_o a_o business_n of_o importance_n if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a ceremony_n it_o will_v come_v under_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o a_o vain_a oblation_n but_o if_o it_o have_v some_o
vain_a show_n and_o false_a pretence_n he_o that_o trust_v it_o be_v not_o wise_a 3._o be_v sure_a right_o to_o understand_v and_o clear_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o you_o engage_v in_o that_o christian_n be_v most_o like_a to_o stand_v firm_a to_o his_o covenant_n that_o enter_v upon_o they_o with_o the_o most_o mature_a deliberation_n the_o want_n of_o this_o may_v bring_v a_o man_n into_o a_o great_a snare_n and_o lay_v he_o open_v to_o grievous_a temptation_n prov._n 20._o 26._o it_o be_v a_o snare_n to_o a_o man_n to_o devour_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquiry_n without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o practice_n without_o consideration_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a resolution_n a_o man_n heart_n can_v be_v in_o that_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v not_o weigh_v in_o his_o understanding_n he_o that_o covenant_n to_o forsake_v that_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v a_o full_a purpose_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o keep_v and_o hug_v as_o his_o darling_n how_o be_v he_o like_v to_o stand_v to_o it_o remember_v then_o that_o you_o engage_v to_o be_v for_o god_n and_o for_o no_o other_o you_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n direct_v by_o his_o word_n to_o be_v at_o his_o dispose_n and_o not_o your_o own_o to_o make_v his_o will_n your_o rule_n and_o his_o glory_n your_o end_n you_o promise_v that_o you_o will_v not_o run_v in_o the_o current_n and_o stream_n of_o the_o time_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o vanity_n nor_o seek_v your_o own_o thing_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o word_n you_o promise_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n do_v you_o know_v or_o consider_v this_o have_v you_o think_v and_o do_v you_o approve_v of_o it_o in_o your_o heart_n if_o not_o your_o heart_n be_v false_a 4._o take_v up_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o stand_v to_o and_o perform_v your_o promise_n it_o be_v not_o word_n but_o performance_n that_o god_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v with_o flatter_a promise_n purpose_n do_v next_o come_v from_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v elicit_a act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o if_o these_o be_v waver_v or_o unfixt_v the_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a a_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o bond_n firm_o oblige_v the_o soul_n and_o our_o engagement_n to_o he_o will_v never_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o great_a resolution_n you_o shall_v meet_v with_o great_a and_o many_o temptation_n which_o will_v assault_v and_o batter_v you_o evermore_o when_o a_o people_n have_v be_v engage_v to_o god_n in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n they_o must_v expect_v some_o shake_a tyral_n and_o if_o than_o you_o will_v be_v strong_a and_o acquit_v yourselves_o like_o man_n your_o business_n now_o be_v to_o be_v fix_v when_o temptation_n come_v and_o assail_v you_o you_o must_v say_v with_o david_n the_o vow_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o i_o and_o as_o psal_n 119._o 106._o i_o have_v swear_v and_o i_o will_v perform_v if_o ever_o you_o repent_v of_o your_o engagement_n your_o heart_n be_v never_o firm_a in_o it_o if_o you_o find_v satan_n or_o your_o own_o heart_n lay_v bait_n before_o you_o to_o entice_v you_o you_o must_v say_v as_o abraham_n i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n let_v therefore_o your_o purpose_n be_v hearty_a purpose_n free_a and_o not_o constrain_v 5._o beware_v of_o sinful_a reserve_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a nor_o more_o dangerous_a than_o equivocation_n we_o make_v fair_a covenant_n and_o plausible_a but_o we_o have_v our_o mental_a reservation_n which_o spoil_v all_o if_o your_o covenant_n be_v not_o full_a and_o free_a and_o plain_a it_o be_v of_o no_o worth_n saul_n be_v send_v to_o destroy_v amalek_n and_o say_v i_o have_v do_v it_o only_o i_o reserve_v the_o best_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n he_o have_v that_o reserve_n in_o his_o mind_n before_o naaman_n have_v he_o reserve_v in_o this_o thing_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n it_o may_v be_v you_o think_v with_o yourselves_o i_o can_v do_v all_o and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o but_o this_o or_o that_o one_o particular_a thing_n one_o have_v his_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a call_v by_o which_o he_o get_v a_o live_n another_o his_o oppression_n &_o deceit_n another_o his_o excess_n in_o this_o or_o that_o lawful_a liberty_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o he_o intend_v to_o keep_v and_o think_v to_o say_v i_o never_o intend_v this_o know_v it_o this_o be_v a_o dreadful_a heart-deceit_n and_o god_n will_v find_v it_o out_o and_o it_o will_v render_v your_o whole_a covenant_n a_o vain_a oblation_n 6._o trust_v not_o in_o yourselves_o or_o your_o own_o strength_n in_o the_o first_o covenant_n man_n be_v to_o look_v upon_o and_o exercise_v his_o create_a grace_n though_o not_o without_o implore_v divine_a assistance_n and_o concourse_n in_o the_o new-covenant_n man_n be_v utter_o to_o disclaim_v himself_o and_o deny_v all_o his_o own_o strength_n the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o frailty_n and_o plain_a impotency_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v discouragement_n enough_o to_o our_o renewal_n of_o covenant_n if_o god_n expect_v or_o we_o promise_v performance_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n though_o every_o believer_n must_v acknowledge_v with_o paul_n that_o of_o himself_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o be_v he_o neither_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o do_v nothing_o or_o yet_o to_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o engage_v of_o himself_o to_o his_o service_n only_o he_o must_v careful_o beware_v that_o he_o do_v not_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n by_o be_v his_o own_o undertaker_n lest_o while_o he_o pretend_v to_o renew_v he_o destroy_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o paradox_n but_o be_v a_o evangelical_n truth_n that_o a_o christian_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o yet_o resolve_v and_o bind_v himself_o to_o do_v all_o therefore_o 7._o in_o sense_n of_o your_o own_o utter_a insufficiency_n be_v sure_a to_o get_v christ_n your_o undertaker_n and_o surety_n in_o the_o covenant_n the_o heart_n be_v never_o right_a till_o it_o come_v to_o this_o and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v not_o by_o a_o presumptuous_a cast_v all_o upon_o he_o while_o we_o indulge_v our_o careless_a neglect_n and_o say_v let_v christ_n answer_v for_o it_o but_o by_o a_o believe_a and_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o a_o political_a head_n stand_v responsible_a for_o the_o carriage_n of_o all_o his_o member_n but_o also_o as_o the_o head_n of_o influence_n from_o who_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o derive_v grace_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v and_o perform_v that_o duty_n which_o shall_v through_o he_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n and_o reckon_v to_o we_o as_o covenant-keeping_a and_o now_o have_v he_o thus_o relate_v and_o engage_v to_o we_o we_o may_v with_o a_o holy_a confidence_n devote_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n from_o he_o we_o shall_v derive_v wisdom_n to_o instruct_v and_o guide_v we_o in_o all_o the_o covenant-duty_n we_o be_v concern_v in_o from_o he_o we_o shall_v fetch_v down_o grace_n to_o animate_v quicken_v strengthen_v our_o soul_n to_o duty_n from_o he_o we_o shall_v have_v encouragement_n and_o support_v against_o all_o faint_n of_o spirit_n and_o despondencye_n under_o our_o work_n in_o he_o we_o shall_v have_v all_o our_o weakness_n pity_v and_o pardon_v through_o he_o we_o shall_v trample_v upon_o temptation_n and_o tread_v down_o opposition_n if_o christ_n be_v with_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v though_o we_o may_v fall_v for_o he_o will_v lift_v we_o up_o and_o if_o your_o heart_n do_v true_o and_o sincere_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o wait_v upon_o he_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v you_o whole_o to_o swerve_v or_o utter_o to_o violate_v your_o holy_a covenant_n but_o when_o hypocritical_a and_o heartless_a professor_n stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n receive_v the_o due_a reward_n of_o their_o dissimulation_n and_o falsehood_n you_o shall_v be_v keep_v preserve_v establish_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o the_o appearauce_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o that_o day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o perfidious_a and_o formal_a professor_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o open_a shame_n then_o shall_v your_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n be_v open_o acknowledge_v before_o angel_n and_o man_n and_o the_o glorious_a blessing_n of_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n shall_v be_v your_o portion_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la
their_o sin_n judah_n have_v the_o temple_n and_o ordinance_n with_o they_o when_o the_o ten_o tribe_n by_o their_o rebellion_n from_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o carnal_a policy_n of_o their_o own_o king_n be_v obstruct_v in_o and_o much_o hinder_v from_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o liberty_n god_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o set_v a_o signal_n caution_n upon_o it_o hos_fw-la 4._o 15._o though_o israel_n play_v the_o harlot_n let_v not_o judah_n offend_v the_o sum_n be_v the_o more_o liberal_a god_n have_v be_v to_o a_o people_n the_o great_a account_n they_o have_v to_o make_v up_o with_o he_o 4._o nothing_o soon_o or_o more_o provoke_v god_n then_o the_o abuse_n or_o not_o well_o improve_n of_o visible_a covenant-priviledge_n we_o shall_v find_v how_o god_n expostulate_v with_o israel_n in_o these_o very_a term_n amos_n 3._o 2._o thou_o only_o have_v 〈◊〉_d know_v etc._n etc._n the_o great_a the_o kindness_n be_v that_o be_v abuse_v the_o great_a a_o provocation_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v now_o covenant-priviledge_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o exeelent_a privilege_n which_o a_o people_n can_v enjoy_v it_o be_v the_o jew_n advantage_n take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o apostle_n with_o a_o note_n of_o specialty_n put_v upon_o it_o rom._n 3._o 1_o 2._o chief_o that_o to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o when_o david_n have_v enumerate_v the_o sundry_a favour_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o people_n israel_n he_o set_v the_o peculiar_a emphasis_n upon_o this_o psal_n 147._o ult_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o abuse_v the_o common_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n rom._n 2._o 3._o 4._o these_o be_v little_a and_o low_a favour_n compare_v with_o the_o gospel_n and_o covenant_n in_o which_o eternal_a life_n be_v exhibit_v and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o abuse_n god_n bear_v withal_o this_o he_o can_v away_o with_o if_o it_o once_o come_v to_o a_o despise_v and_o undervalue_v and_o not_o improve_n of_o such_o mercy_n than_o god_n can_v hold_v his_o peace_n but_o must_v declare_v his_o displeasure_n deut._n 32._o 6._o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n 5._o when_o god_n purpose_v to_o bestow_v his_o everlasting_a mercy_n upon_o a_o people_n he_o show_v it_o by_o enable_v of_o they_o to_o keep_v his_o covenant_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o god_n intention_n if_o he_o withhold_v this_o grace_n the_o most_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o a_o people_n be_v to_o they_o judicial_a it_o be_v a_o sad_a complaint_n which_o moses_n make_v and_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o very_a bad_a omen_n to_o that_o so_o high_o privilege_v people_n of_o israel_n deut._n 29._o 4._o god_n have_v not_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v and_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o ear_n to_o hear_v unto_o this_o day_n and_o very_o observable_a be_v that_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 31._o 31-35_a the_o new-covenant_n there_o mention_v be_v not_o another_o covenant_n for_o the_o substance_n or_o matter_n propound_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o be_v give_v to_o israel_n when_o they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n but_o it_o be_v to_o they_o only_o propound_v and_o outward_o make_v with_o they_o but_o they_o break_v it_o and_o thereby_o provoke_v god_n to_o swear_v against_o they_o in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n psalm_n 95._o ult_n but_o here_o be_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a application_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o work_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o a_o establishment_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o observe_v his_o commandment_n and_o to_o do_v they_o and_o thus_o they_o be_v make_v assure_v owner_n of_o and_o partaker_n in_o those_o everlasting_a mercy_n therein_o exhibit_v god_n treat_v with_o man_n only_o in_o a_o visible_a or_o outward_a way_n will_v vindicate_v his_o justice_n and_o leave_v they_o whole_o inexcusable_a when_o find_v despiser_n but_o it_o in_o only_a his_o gracious_a application_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o they_o all_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n that_o bring_v save_v good_a with_o it_o to_o his_o people_n this_o be_v grace_n indeed_o 6._o hence_o a_o true_a ground_a and_o permanent_a hope_n must_v be_v establish_v by_o a_o inward_a and_o self-search_a many_o be_v ready_a to_o boast_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o promise_n they_o hence_o carve_v out_o for_o themselves_o large_a consolation_n but_o who_o be_v they_o that_o so_o do_v there_o be_v some_o to_o who_o god_n will_v say_v hands_z off_z you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o these_o thing_n the_o promise_n indeed_o be_v full_a everlasting_a mercy_n be_v soulsaving_a mercy_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o you_o you_o will_v say_v they_o be_v free_a mercy_n and_o why_o may_v not_o i_o embrace_v they_o as_o well_o as_o another_o true_a but_o if_o god_n shall_v ask_v you_o that_o question_n psal_n 50._o 16_o 17_o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o covenant_n into_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v what_o answer_n can_v you_o make_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a piec_n of_o folly_n for_o a_o man_n to_o boast_v of_o a_o favour_n without_o consider_v of_o the_o way_n of_o a_o conveyance_n god_n say_v if_o you_o keep_v his_o covenant_n he_o have_v endless_a mercy_n for_o you_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v you_o oh_o yes_o say_v you_o give_v i_o everlasting_a mercy_n i_o need_v they_o i_o accept_v of_o they_o yes_o no_o doubt_n but_o do_v you_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n will_v you_o free_o close_a with_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o true_a and_o live_a faith_n will_v you_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o cast_v off_o your_o vanity_n will_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n what_o do_v you_o wince_v and_o boggle_v here_o be_v these_o hard_a say_n which_o you_o can_v bare_v let_v i_o say_v then_o what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v with_o mercy_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v if_o the_o filthy_a will_v be_v filthy_a still_o if_o the_o proud_a vain_a profane_a lewd_a etc._n etc._n will_v be_v so_o still_o and_o hold_v on_o those_o course_n let_v they_o not_o glory_n in_o covenant-priviledge_n and_o dream_n of_o golden_a mountain_n of_o mercy_n but_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n collect._n 3_o it_o may_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o relation_n wherein_o child_n stand_v relate_v to_o the_o covenant_n this_o enquiry_n and_o consideration_n both_o our_o doctrine_n and_o text_n lead_v we_o to_o for_o though_o i_o mention_v not_o child_n particular_o in_o the_o doctrine_n yet_o they_o be_v include_v in_o the_o general_a expression_n of_o it_o and_o distinct_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n and_o god_n bear_v a_o respect_n to_o they_o in_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n there_o be_v some_o that_o whole_o exclude_v their_o child_n from_o the_o covenant_n other_o there_o be_v who_o place_n too_o much_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o their_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o many_o child_n too_o that_o cheat_n themselves_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v good_a therefore_o that_o they_o shall_v know_v both_o their_o privilege_n and_o their_o danger_n the_o text_n put_v parent_n and_o child_n child_n 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o relation_n and_o under_o the_o same_o condition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o this_o collection_n by_o open_v three_o proposition_n prop._n 1._o that_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v equal_o interest_v in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n with_o their_o father_n by_o believer_n i_o do_v not_o only_o intend_v those_o that_o be_v such_o by_o a_o true_a and_o live_a faith_n but_o such_o also_o as_o be_v so_o by_o a_o open_a and_o acknowledge_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o these_o also_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o true_a believer_n and_o it_o be_v to_o such_o and_o in_o such_o a_o notion_n that_o the_o apostle_n write_v all_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n as_o have_v be_v before_o hint_v and_o prove_v by_o child_n also_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o the_o immediate_a seed_n of_o such_o as_o first_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v this_o faith_n nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n so_o intend_v but_o their_o posterity_n in_o all_o generation_n reject_v generation_n generation_n generation_n till_o for_o
to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v awaken_v our_o drowsy_a and_o quicken_v our_o slow_a heart_n to_o a_o diligence_n in_o perform_v that_o duty_n which_o by_o a_o natural_a propensity_n and_o too_o many_o insinuate_a temptation_n we_o be_v very_o prone_a to_o neglect_v as_o also_o that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v the_o gracious_a &_o favourable_a presence_n of_o god_n with_o we_o pardon_v own_v and_o accept_v of_o we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o often_o a_o necessary_a practise_v as_o be_v establish_v by_o precept_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o ancient_a time_n be_v not_o my_o present_a work_n to_o insist_v upon_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o and_o by_o the_o labour_n of_o another_o now_o make_v public_a sufficient_o clear_v the_o great_a thing_n be_v that_o we_o may_v so_o do_v it_o as_o to_o obtain_v and_o not_o miss_v of_o our_o end_n that_o we_o may_v not_o instead_o of_o obtain_v a_o blessing_n incense_v divine_a displeasure_n and_o pull_v down_o a_o curse_n upon_o our_o own_o head_n my_o design_n therefore_o be_v to_o enter_v caution_n and_o propound_v counsel_n to_o that_o purpose_n as_o god_n shall_v help_v and_o that_o by_o a_o improvement_n of_o these_o word_n to_o make_v way_n unto_o which_o let_v we_o only_o in_o general_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o occasion_n and_o intendment_n of_o they_o the_o psalmist_n in_o this_o psalm_n after_o solemn_a attention_n require_v and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v of_o more_o moment_n to_o be_v diligent_o ponder_v then_o this_o recount_v the_o ancient_a transaction_n which_o have_v pass_v between_o god_n and_o his_o covenant_n peopleâ—_n in_o which_o his_o main_a business_n be_v to_o inform_v we_o both_o of_o the_o mercy_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o fear_n and_o joy_n as_o also_o in_o the_o frailty_n and_o pronitude_n of_o a_o profess_v people_n to_o backslide_v and_o deal_v false_o with_o god_n to_o move_v we_o to_o the_o great_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n in_o in_o this_o historical_a narrative_n he_o first_o give_v a_o general_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o god_n controversy_n and_o the_o procure_a cause_n of_o the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n which_o befall_v that_o people_n vers_n 9_o 10_o 11._o from_o whence_o he_o proceed_v to_o a_o enumeration_n of_o sundry_a choice_n and_o singular_a act_n of_o providence_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n these_o be_v scatter_v through_o the_o whole_a psalm_n to_o which_o he_o adjoyne_v and_o by_o which_o he_o illustrate_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o provocation_n in_o sin_v and_o rebel_n against_o he_o and_o indeed_o for_o a_o people_n under_o the_o special_a and_o eminent_a conduct_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o revolt_v and_o degenerate_v be_v a_o deep_a die_v transgression_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o we_o find_v he_o enterweave_v the_o story_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o the_o mischief_n which_o waste_v and_o bring_v they_o low_o the_o particular_n whereof_o be_v record_v in_o moses_n history_n and_o that_o which_o most_o of_o all_o deserve_v remark_n be_v the_o moderation_n of_o divine_a severity_n and_o god_n remembrance_n of_o mercy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o judgement_n so_o far_o that_o he_o spare_v that_o people_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o settlement_n and_o establishment_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n notwithstanding_o they_o have_v so_o grievous_o incense_v his_o displeasure_n against_o they_o one_o most_o observable_a and_o indeed_o admirable_a circumstance_n whereof_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o text_n with_o some_o verse_n of_o the_o context_n viz._n their_o grievous_a dissimulation_n in_o their_o repentance_n and_o renewal_n of_o covenant_n this_o you_o may_v view_v from_o vers_fw-la 34._o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o much_o when_o god_n hand_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o they_o in_o sore_a and_o vex_a calamity_n they_o fly_v to_o their_o confession_n reformation_n and_o covenant_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o new_a but_o a_o frequent_a thing_n for_o a_o profess_v people_n under_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n anger_n to_o do_v thus_o judgement_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v distress_v do_v awaken_v the_o conscience_n which_o before_o be_v infect_v with_o a_o lethargy_n and_o this_o be_v affright_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a drive_v at_o least_o to_o use_v outward_a mean_n to_o pacify_v a_o offend_a majesty_n and_o come_v upon_o term_n of_o agreement_n with_o god_n but_o here_o lay_v the_o misery_n of_o all_o that_o in_o this_o they_o betray_v their_o horrible_a wickedness_n and_o do_v but_o dissemble_v flatter_v and_o lie_v and_o what_o can_v have_v be_v expect_v to_o befall_v they_o for_o this_o but_o more_o heavy_a wrath_n yet_o in_o vers_fw-la 38_o 39_o god_n pity_n prevail_v and_o when_o he_o may_v righteous_o have_v destroy_v he_o spare_v this_o 37._o vers_fw-la be_v a_o illustration_n or_o discovery_n of_o the_o deep_a dissimulation_n of_o this_o people_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o their_o renew_n covenant_n with_o god_n when_o they_o profess_a repentance_n and_o promise_a reformation_n and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o two_o proper_a head_n of_o a_o demonstrative_a syllogism_n viz._n the_o cause_n of_o it_o text._n and_o the_o effect_n by_o which_o they_o discover_v it_o in_o their_o after_o carriage_n neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n the_o former_a be_v our_o present_a business_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o word_n discover_v the_o moral_a reason_n of_o all_o false_a hypocritical_a and_o treacherous_a deal_n with_o god_n by_o a_o profess_v and_o covenant_v people_n the_o ground_n also_o and_o reason_n of_o all_o after_o apostasy_n and_o want_n of_o steadfastness_n in_o stand_v to_o covenant_n engagement_n viz._n the_o want_n of_o a_o upright_a heart_n they_o make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o do_v in_o covenant_n and_o reformation_n but_o all_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o issue_v at_o length_n in_o do_v worse_o than_o they_o have_v do_v before_o and_o whence_o be_v it_o why_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o and_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o find_v not_o fault_n with_o their_o return_v to_o god_n but_o only_o with_o that_o want_n of_o sincerity_n what_o they_o do_v have_v be_v well_o if_o their_o heart_n have_v be_v right_a in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o that_o which_o spoil_v all_o their_o defect_n be_v our_o admonition_n and_o teach_v we_o this_o doct._n if_o ever_o a_o people_n will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o purpose_n in_o a_o covenant_n of_o reformation_n they_o must_v above_o all_o see_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o man_n to_o return_v by_o a_o outward_a profession_n to_o make_v vow_n and_o enter_v into_o promise_n and_o engagement_n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o formality_n and_o a_o show_n of_o much_o solemnity_n in_o such_o thing_n but_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o true_a in_o it_o all_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o explication_n consider_v 1._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o heart_n 2._o when_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v right_a with_o god_n 3._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o heart_n answ_n the_o word_n be_v various_o use_v in_o scripture_n sometime_o proper_o for_o that_o member_n in_o a_o live_a creature_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a seat_n of_o life_n and_o first_o spring_n of_o life_n action_n sometime_o metaphorical_o for_o the_o inside_n and_o most_o hide_a part_n of_o a_o thing_n so_o jonah_n 2._o 3._o again_o by_o a_o metonimy_n of_o the_o subject_a it_o be_v use_v for_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v their_o seat_n in_o and_o original_a from_o the_o heart_n sometime_o for_o the_o understanding_n prov._n 10._o 8._o sometime_o for_o the_o will_n jer._n 3._o 15._o sometime_o for_o the_o affection_n pro._n 14._o 13._o in_o a_o word_n the_o soul_n with_o all_o its_o faculty_n be_v often_o intend_a by_o the_o word_n heart_n and_o so_o we_o be_v here_o to_o understand_v it_o and_o principal_o of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v regent_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o according_a to_o the_o frame_n whereof_o god_n judge_v of_o all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o child_n of_o men._n 2._o when_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v right_a with_o god_n answ_n the_o word_n in_o our_o text_n be_v various_o interpret_v it_o signify_v to_o make_v fit_a or_o suitable_a to_o a_o thing_n so_o some_o read_v that_o pro._n 3._o 19_o by_o understanding_n he_o have_v fit_v the_o heaven_n i._n e._n suit_v they_o to_o their_o end_n and_o use_v it_o signify_v also_o to_o prepare_v or_o make_v a_o thing_n
ready_a for_o the_o use_v it_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v about_o so_o it_o be_v translate_v psal_n 37._o 23._o the_o step_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v order_v or_o prepare_v by_o the_o lord_n it_o also_o signify_v to_o be_v stable_n firm_a and_o constant_a so_o it_o use_v 1_o sam._n 7._o 16._o thy_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v establish_v a_o heart_n then_o that_o be_v right_a with_o god_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o these_o covenant-transaction_n be_v i._o a_o heart_n that_o be_v make_v fit_a to_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o that_o be_v in_o brief_a a_o heart_n that_o be_v inward_o principled_a with_o save_v grace_n a_o heart_n that_o have_v true_o make_v choice_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o love_n a_o heart_n which_o as_o the_o needle_n in_o the_o compass_n which_o be_v true_o touch_v whatever_o shakeing_n it_o may_v have_v yet_o never_o rest_v till_o it_o come_v to_o point_v direct_o to_o its_o polestar_n though_o by_o the_o force_n of_o many_o temptation_n he_o may_v turn_v aside_o from_o god_n yet_o have_v a_o true_a inclination_n of_o soul_n towards_o he_o though_o often_o hurry_v by_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n yet_o have_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o he_o such_o a_o heart_n have_v david_n though_o sometime_o overtake_v and_o bear_v down_o with_o great_a sin_n and_o this_o god_n have_v respect_n to_o when_o he_o be_v under_o great_a provocation_n 2._o a_o heart_n that_o be_v due_o prepare_v to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o there_o need_v a_o suitable_a principle_n so_o there_o be_v requisite_a a_o fit_a preparation_n to_o so_o solemn_a a_o transaction_n the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v render_v as_o a_o reason_n of_o rehoboam_n apostasy_n 2_o chron._n 12._o 14._o he_o do_v evil_a because_o he_o prepare_v not_o his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n the_o contrary_a to_o which_o be_v jehoshaphat_n commendation_n chap._n 19_o 3._o have_v prepare_v thy_o heart_n to_o seek_v thy_o god_n but_o he_o can_v not_o go_v through_o with_o reformation_n for_o want_n of_o this_o in_o the_o people_n chap_n 20._o 33._o man_n may_v make_v much_o ado_n about_o outward_a preparation_n but_o without_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n all_o will_v end_v in_o mere_a formality_n now_o to_o the_o due_a preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v requisite_a 1._o that_o they_o do_v solemn_o consider_v and_o well_o weigh_v what_o they_o do_v hasty_a and_o precipitate_a action_n be_v heartless_a action_n thing_n do_v rash_o without_o due_a deliberation_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v permanent_a christ_n therefore_o will_v have_v man_n in_o great_a matter_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v luk._n 14._o 28_o etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o they_o be_v inward_o and_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v necessity_n i_o say_v and_o that_o not_o mere_o a_o compulsive_a necessity_n such_o as_o man_n be_v drive_v to_o by_o external_a motive_n as_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o necessary_a dependence_n of_o their_o spiritual_a good_a &_o hope_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o hence_o i_o add_v the_o excellency_n man_n must_v see_v a_o beauty_n in_o the_o covenant_n that_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a thing_n to_o have_v god_n engage_v to_o we_o and_o our_o heart_n engage_v to_o he_o david_n therefore_o account_v the_o covenant_n all_o his_o salvation_n 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o 3._o that_o they_o be_v strengthen_v with_o holy_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o do_v as_o they_o shall_v promise_n and_o engage_v god_n regard_v not_o bare_a empty_a promise_n but_o he_o look_v for_o performance_n and_o man_n must_v purpose_v if_o ever_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v every_o holy_a action_n have_v its_o rise_n in_o the_o heart_n devote_v itself_o to_o god_n and_o resolve_v to_o serve_v he_o to_o promise_v and_o never_o intend_v to_o perform_v be_v mere_a mockery_n it_o be_v not_o what_o we_o pretend_v but_o what_o we_o intend_v that_o god_n regard_v they_o in_o jer._n 44._o begin_v promise_v the_o prophet_n fair_a they_o speak_v like_o honest_a and_o wel-meaning_n man_n let_v god_n but_o direct_a and_o they_o will_v do_v but_o this_o be_v the_o further_a thing_n from_o their_o thought_n they_o be_v preoccupy_v and_o forestall_v with_o resolution_n of_o their_o own_o and_o if_o these_o shall_v be_v cross_v they_o be_v resolve_v and_o they_o show_v it_o vers_n 16._o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o speak_v to_o their_o mind_n if_o he_o have_v what_o obedient_a man_n have_v they_o be_v iii_o a_o heart_n that_o be_v stable_a and_o firm_a to_o its_o purpose_n and_o promise_n man_n many_o time_n think_v to_o do_v something_o for_o god_n but_o a_o deceitful_a heart_n delude_v they_o jehu_n think_v to_o have_v make_v a_o great_a reformation_n and_o begin_v with_o a_o notable_a zeal_n but_o it_o tire_v before_o it_o have_v go_v through_o all_o its_o stage_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n but_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o firm_a it_o be_v a_o good_a frame_n david_n be_v in_o when_o he_o say_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v psal_n 57_o 7._o a_o irresolute_a inconstant_a heart_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o unchangeable_a god_n it_o be_v god_n complaint_n against_o they_o hos_n 6._o 4._o your_o goodness_n be_v as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n it_o go_v away_o and_o it_o be_v often_o speak_v to_o israel_n disgrace_n that_o they_o soon_o forget_v three_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o why_o such_o care_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o covenant_v they_o be_v take_v i._o from_o god_n with_o who_o we_o be_v to_o transact_v in_o the_o covenant_n in_o two_o or_o three_o respect_n 1._o god_n require_v our_o heart_n in_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v a_o main_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o under_o the_o law_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o no_o service_n of_o we_o be_v acceptable_a but_o such_o as_o be_v hearty_a hence_o that_o upbraid_a reproof_n hos_fw-la 7._o 11._o ephraim_n be_v a_o silly_a dove_n without_o a_o heart_n god_n call_v for_o every_o one_o heart_n to_o be_v devote_v to_o he_o pro._n 23._o 26._o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o emphasis_n of_o many_o precept_n seek_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n deut._n 4._o 29_o 6_o 5._o etc._n etc._n the_o most_o specious_a and_o most_o exact_o attend_v service_n without_o this_o be_v despise_v by_o he_o hence_o that_o complaint_n ezek._n 33._o 31._o 2._o god_n search_v and_o tri_v and_o thorough_o know_v all_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v no_o put_v he_o off_o with_o outside_n service_n and_o varnish_v hypocritical_a pretence_n man_n may_v be_v deceive_v but_o god_n can_v and_o all_o these_o who_o think_v to_o impose_v upon_o he_o do_v but_o cheat_v their_o own_o soul_n gal._n 6_o 7._o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v god_n know_v all_o the_o secret_a thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o they_o can_v hide_v their_o counsel_n from_o he_o though_o they_o mint_n they_o in_o the_o dark_a corner_n of_o their_o soul_n psal_n 139._o 12._o heb._n 4._o 12._o and_o more_o especial_o do_v he_o look_v with_o a_o curious_a and_o critical_a eye_n upon_o those_o that_o transact_v with_o he_o in_o the_o covenant_n for_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o all_o such_o as_o draw_v so_o near_o unto_o he_o 3._o god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o but_o severe_o punish_v all_o heartless_a and_o hypocritical_a covenanter_n with_o he_o it_o must_v needs_o add_v to_o sin_n and_o not_o mitigate_v it_o to_o think_v to_o cover_v it_o over_o with_o a_o falsify_v covenant_n god_n may_v to_o make_v know_v his_o patience_n and_o compassion_n bear_v with_o such_o long_a and_o often_o thus_o he_o do_v with_o these_o as_o the_o context_n show_n but_o yet_o he_o do_v remember_v and_o will_v recompense_v all_o the_o deceitful_a and_o false_a deal_n of_o a_o covenant-people_n man_n may_v say_v and_o promise_n and_o vow_v as_o fair_o as_o they_o will_v but_o if_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a god_n will_v not_o hear_v they_o but_o fall_v upon_o they_o in_o his_o wrath_n see_v isa_n 58._o begin_v ezek._n 14._o begin_v 2._o from_o ourselves_o covenant_v with_o god_n for_o 1._o our_o heart_n be_v natural_o hypocritical_a and_o dangerous_o deceitful_a and_o hence_o if_o they_o be_v not_o cautelous_o look_v after_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o cheat_n and_o self_n delusion_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o subtle_a sly_a slippery_a than_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o we_o to_o know_v when_o
real_a and_o material_a purpose_n in_o it_o careful_o inquire_v and_o see_v what_o that_o be_v and_o whether_o the_o want_n of_o a_o firm_a and_o fix_a heart_n in_o it_o will_v not_o evert_v and_o disappoint_v it_o the_o design_n then_o of_o this_o work_n if_o any_o be_v this_o viz._n to_o promote_v and_o forward_o a_o true_a and_o through_o reformation_n or_o at_o least_o to_o confirm_v and_o settle_v ourselves_o in_o a_o serious_a and_o stable_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o fear_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o put_v a_o strong_o and_o obligation_n upon_o ourselves_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n and_o his_o way_n now_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o this_o matter_n all_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o and_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o say_v that_o either_o no_o reformation_n or_o to_o be_v sure_o no_o durable_a reformation_n will_v follow_v a_o verbal_a and_o outside_n profession_n if_o the_o heart_n do_v not_o vow_v to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lip_n we_o shall_v never_o stand_v to_o such_o vow_n the_o bond_n of_o a_o mere_a oral_a covenant_n let_v it_o carry_v never_o so_o fair_a promise_n in_o it_o sty_v of_o a_o slip-knot_n and_o a_o false_a heart_n will_v easy_o untie_v 〈◊〉_d and_o what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v as_o the_o fruit_n of_o such_o a_o covenant_n it_o be_v possible_a it_o may_v bear_v a_o little_a awe_n upon_o we_o for_o a_o few_o day_n but_o it_o will_v quick_o wear_v off_o &_o that_o which_o here_o follow_v in_o my_o text_n will_v be_v the_o same_o which_o will_v be_v consequent_a upon_o our_o engagement_n neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n 3_o consider_v how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o get_v your_o â—_z right_a in_o so_o solemn_a a_o service_n i_o can_v assure_v you_o that_o except_o god_n afford_v his_o special_a help_n and_o grace_n all_o the_o power_n of_o man_n can_v effect_v it_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n man_n to_o know_v when_o his_o heart_n be_v right_a it_o will_v solemn_o protest_v that_o it_o be_v so_o when_o it_o be_v indeed_o most_o false_a &_o if_o he_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o believe_v it_o at_o its_o word_n he_o shall_v be_v easy_o cheat_v do_v not_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v at_o mount_n sinai_n under_o the_o amaze_a terror_n of_o god_n dreadful_a presence_n think_v their_o heart_n right_a when_o they_o make_v that_o profession_n to_o moses_n deut._n 5._o 27._o speak_v thou_o unto_o we_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o god_n say_v vers_fw-la 28_o 29._o they_o have_v well_o say_v all_o that_o they_o have_v speak_v oh_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o jehu_n think_v his_o heart_n be_v right_a when_o he_o invite_v jonadab_n as_o a_o spectator_n come_v and_o see_v my_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n the_o understanding_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o the_o affection_n may_v be_v raise_v and_o the_o man_n may_v be_v forward_o and_o yet_o a_o false_a heart_n in_o all_o this_o and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o hard_a to_o know_v the_o heart_n falseness_n much_o more_o hard_a and_o difficult_a be_v it_o when_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o be_v wrong_n to_o get_v it_o right_n before_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v right_a in_o the_o covenant_n it_o must_v part_v from_o that_o enmity_n which_o it_o bear_v against_o god_n it_o must_v lose_v its_o self-soveraignty_n and_o be_v bring_v into_o true_a subjection_n unto_o his_o holy_a will_n it_o must_v renounce_v itself_o it_o be_v own_o guidance_n its_o carnal_a delight_n and_o be_v true_o and_o willing_o devote_v or_o consecrato_fw-la god_n and_o his_o service_n it_o must_v make_v a_o free_a full_a and_o everlasting_a choice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n it_o must_v take_v delight_n to_o be_v bind_v and_o engage_v to_o he_o and_o account_n that_o its_o covenant-engagement_n unto_o god_n be_v its_o great_a liberty_n it_o must_v take_v up_o strong_a purpose_n and_o inviolable_a resolution_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v to_o avoid_v what_o he_o prohibit_v with_o great_a care_n and_o vigilancy_n to_o be_v for_o he_o and_o no_o other_o how_o contrary_a and_o unpleasing_a these_o thing_n be_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o can_v but_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v who_o be_v ever_o true_o acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n 4._o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o you_o desire_v may_v follow_v upon_o this_o day_n work_n i_o dare_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v never_o a_o one_o of_o you_o but_o propound_v to_o himself_o some_o good_a effect_n to_o ensue_v upon_o so_o solemn_a a_o affair_n as_o this_o be_v and_o so_o indeed_o their_o will_n if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n but_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n take_v this_o also_o for_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o if_o your_o heart_n do_v here_o dissemble_v and_o deal_v false_o not_o good_a but_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v expect_v to_o follow_v you_o will_v have_v god_n anger_n turn_v away_o which_o have_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o &_o lay_v waste_v many_o of_o our_o pleasant_a thing_n you_o will_v enjoy_v he_o as_o a_o reconcile_a god_n you_o will_v have_v he_o to_o own_v we_o signal_o by_o some_o token_n of_o his_o favour_n whatever_o your_o desire_n be_v the_o want_n of_o a_o right_a heart_n in_o the_o duty_n will_v frustrate_v all_o it_o be_v with_o you_o now_o to_o procure_v life_n or_o death_n god_n favour_n or_o more_o of_o his_o anger_n alas_o god_n be_v not_o delight_v in_o a_o pompous_a show_n and_o a_o great_a appearance_n of_o seem_a solemnity_n as_o we_o poor_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v god_n heart_n be_v no_o way_n engage_v to_o we_o by_o such_o thing_n a_o humble_a a_o holy_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n be_v that_o which_o reach_v his_o heart_n and_o will_v procure_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n let_v but_o your_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o dare_v promise_v you_o that_o his_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o you_o and_o he_o shall_v so_o witness_v it_o as_o not_o only_o you_o but_o other_o also_o shall_v see_v and_o observe_v it_o eminent_a for_o this_o be_v that_o hearty_a covenant_n of_o asa_n of_o which_o we_o have_v that_o memorable_a note_n 2_o chro._n 15._o 15._o all_o judah_n rejoice_v at_o the_o oath_n for_o they_o have_v swear_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a desire_n and_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o rest_v round_o about_o if_o you_o be_v not_o great_a gainer_n you_o will_v be_v great_a loser_n if_o you_o think_v to_o deceive_v god_n he_o will_v certain_o deceive_v you_o and_o while_o you_o be_v vain_o gape_v after_o and_o promise_v yourselves_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n you_o shall_v find_v plague_n and_o misery_n increase_v but_o be_v faithful_a and_o you_o shall_v prosper_v god_n even_o your_o own_o god_n shall_v bless_v you_o for_o direction_n that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v right_a in_o this_o service_n 1._o dread_a hypocrisy_n in_o this_o work_n be_v awful_o afraid_a to_o come_v before_o god_n with_o a_o false_a heart_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o dangerous_a than_o carnal_a confidence_n prepare_v yourselves_o to_o the_o work_n by_o think_v serious_o in_o your_o own_o soul_n how_o dreadful_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o i_o now_o to_o come_v and_o dissemble_v with_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n you_o have_v much_o better_a to_o impose_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n than_o so_o much_o as_o think_v to_o do_v so_o upon_o god_n say_v thus_o to_o thyself_o if_o i_o shall_v now_o come_v and_o plight_n promise_v make_v vow_n enter_v a_o covenant_n and_o my_o heart_n not_o be_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v pull_v down_o curse_n upon_o my_o own_o soul_n shall_v i_o call_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n &_o of_o earth_n to_o witness_v to_o a_o lie_n shall_v i_o invite_v his_o solemn_a presence_n to_o a_o mockery_n and_o shall_v i_o not_o in_o so_o do_v draw_v down_o and_o hasten_v vengeance_n upon_o my_o own_o head_n 2._o be_v very_o jealous_a of_o your_o own_o heart_n ever_o suspect_v and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v deceitful_a blessed_n be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o pro._n 28._o 26._o peter_n trust_v to_o his_o heart_n and_o it_o deceive_v he_o and_o so_o may_v it_o be_v with_o i_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o watch_v his_o soul_n diligent_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o slippery_a thing_n and_o very_o ready_a to_o steal_v away_o from_o every_o holy_a and_o solemn_a work_n and_o to_o deceive_v he_o with_o