thought_n be_v not_o sinful_a unless_o immediate_o blasphemous_a against_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o blame_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o commit_v murder_n or_o adultery_n unless_o it_o be_v actual_o put_v in_o execution_n which_o we_o have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o among_o we_o who_o maintain_v this_o absurd_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n their_o thought_n be_v so_o free_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o act_n so_o cunning_o as_o to_o escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n 55.21_o psal_n 55.21_o if_o they_o can_v but_o speak_v word_n smooth_a than_o oil_n they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o solicitous_a how_o their_o heart_n stand_v affect_v but_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v 2.15_o rom._n 2.15_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o loud_a word_n and_o most_o public_a action_n in_o god_n book_n not_o only_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n but_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v write_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v not_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o contrive_v beforehand_o how_o we_o may_v fulfil_v our_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o desire_n solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n i._n e._n 9_o prov._n 2.4_o 9_o a_o foolish_a thought_n and_o that_o a_o man_n of_o wicked_a device_n or_o thought_n god_n will_v condemn_v 12.2_o prov._n 12.2_o and_o st._n john_n affirm_v 3.15_o 1_o joh._n 3.15_o that_o whosoever_o hate_v his_o brother_n or_o retain_v any_o rancour_n or_o malice_n in_o his_o heart_n be_v a_o murderer_n now_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n god_n will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a intention_n of_o those_o person_n who_o fail_v in_o their_o obedience_n only_o for_o want_n of_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o so_o on_o the_o other_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v sinful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o we_o have_v neither_o will_n nor_o power_n to_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n abraham_n only_o intend_v to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n isaac_n 11.17_o heb._n 11.17_o and_o this_o holy_a purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n 18.12_o gen._n 18.12_o and_o when_o sarah_n disbelieved_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o deride_v it_o in_o her_o heart_n she_o be_v say_v to_o laugh_v within_o herself_o and_o god_n resent_v the_o provocation_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o a_o wicked_a thought_n be_v put_v into_o execution_n and_o break_v out_o into_o a_o wicked_a act_n 1.15_o jam._n 1.15_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o sin_n it_o be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o heinous_a nature_n and_o deep_a dye_n than_o when_o it_o be_v only_o a_o embryo_n or_o in_o the_o birth_n yet_o in_o many_o respect_v our_o thought_n may_v be_v more_o wicked_a than_o either_o our_o word_n or_o action_n can_v be_v for_o 1._o our_o thought_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o our_o action_n there_o must_v be_v many_o preparatory_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n many_o thought_n twist_v together_o to_o produce_v one_o deliberate_a sinful_a action_n how_o many_o plotting_n and_o contriving_n desire_n and_o hope_n wish_n and_o complacency_n must_v go_v before_o the_o commission_n of_o every_o evil_a deed_n there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o scheme_n erect_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o mean_n and_o method_n must_v be_v resolve_v on_o the_o instrument_n must_v be_v choose_v and_o the_o thing_n frequent_o act_v over_o in_o our_o thought_n before_o any_o notorious_a sinful_a action_n can_v be_v commit_v 2._o the_o same_o sin_n may_v be_v act_v over_o a_o thousand_o time_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o can_v only_o be_v once_o perform_v in_o the_o outward_a action_n we_o may_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o recall_v the_o sin_n we_o have_v former_o commit_v in_o represent_v they_o in_o our_o fancy_n and_o re-acting_a they_o over_o in_o our_o imagination_n and_o hereby_o draw_v down_o a_o fresh_a gild_n upon_o ourselves_o nay_o 3._o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n by_o contrive_v they_o in_o our_o mind_n which_o can_v never_o possible_o be_v real_o act_v thus_o the_o covetous_a man_n may_v rob_v his_o neighbour_n of_o his_o wealth_n though_o he_o never_o obtain_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o the_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a may_v murder_v his_o enemy_n when_o out_o of_o his_o reach_n and_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloodthirsty_a may_v imagine_v all_o mankind_n to_o have_v but_o one_o neck_n and_o then_o cut_v it_o off_o 14.1_o psal_n 14.1_o and_o the_o atheist_n may_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o fancy_v he_o exclude_v out_o of_o the_o world_n from_o these_o and_o such_o other_o consideration_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o think_v as_o we_o please_v but_o that_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n nay_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n that_o no_o word_n or_o action_n can_v be_v good_a or_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o unessayed_v heart_n a_o wicked_a man_n may_v perform_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n they_o be_v only_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la counterfeit_a virtue_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o that_o if_o we_o give_v our_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n i._n e._n a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o heart_n all_o those_o good_a deed_n will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o 2._o the_o keep_v of_o our_o heart_n be_v conducive_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n because_o the_o maintain_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n depend_v on_o it_o now_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v maintain_v by_o our_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o bestow_v on_o we_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o if_o so_o then_o what_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o from_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o impure_a desire_n and_o affection_n reek_v with_o lust_n or_o anger_n or_o revenge_n he_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o delight_n to_o dwell_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a heart_n 57.15_o isa_n 57.15_o and_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v infect_v with_o envy_n malice_n pride_n or_o lust_n we_o shall_v grieve_v he_o and_o he_o will_v depart_v from_o we_o and_o then_o the_o devil_n those_o impure_a spirit_n will_v take_v possession_n of_o our_o soul_n they_o will_v become_v a_o cage_n of_o these_o unclean_a bird_n a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o these_o legion_n to_o dwell_v in_o 3._o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o the_o preparation_n we_o have_v make_v for_o it_o in_o this_o our_o life_n here_o be_v a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n a_o small_a span_n of_o time_n allot_v we_o to_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o divine_a quality_n those_o wedding_n garment_n which_o will_v render_v we_o welcome_a guest_n at_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb._n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o well-grounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v make_v it_o our_o employment_n here_o to_o restrain_v our_o passion_n moderate_a our_o affection_n inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o holy_a meditation_n these_o be_v qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v we_o relish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o another_o life_n for_o we_o may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n hope_v to_o satisfy_v our_o hunger_n with_o precious_a stone_n and_o diamond_n or_o our_o thirst_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o stately_a building_n or_o goodly_a apparel_n as_o that_o a_o malicious_a envious_a lustful_a or_o covetous_a person_n whilst_o he_o continue_v so_o shall_v take_v delight_n in_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o in_o sing_v praise_n and_o hallelujah_n unto_o god_n so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o we_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v our_o
not_o all_o the_o presumptuous_a sin_n you_o ever_o commit_v in_o your_o life-time_n begin_v in_o your_o heart_n be_v they_o not_o forge_v and_o contrive_v there_o and_o how_o can_v you_o tell_v but_o that_o the_o allowance_n of_o one_o wicked_a thought_n may_v be_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o most_o villainous_a act_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o wicked_a all_o of_o a_o sudden_a the_o sinner_n at_o first_o be_v timorous_a and_o bashful_a and_o go_v on_o by_o degree_n till_o at_o last_o he_o arrive_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n many_o a_o man_n there_o be_v who_o think_v it_o can_v be_v no_o heinous_a offence_n to_o cast_v a_o covetous_a eye_n on_o other_o man_n good_n or_o a_o wanton_a look_v on_o his_o neighbour_n wife_n and_o yet_o whosoever_o do_v not_o restrain_v these_o evil_a affection_n of_o his_o mind_n will_v soon_o lie_v under_o a_o unavoidable_a temptation_n to_o commit_v the_o grosser_n act_n of_o theft_n and_o adultery_n for_o if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o shall_v soon_o come_v to_o think_v every_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o and_o wicked_a thought_n harbour_v and_o encourage_v will_v produce_v wicked_a action_n have_v david_n at_o first_o suppress_v his_o lustful_a thought_n after_o the_o wife_n of_o vriah_n he_o have_v never_o add_v the_o murder_n of_o the_o husband_n to_o adultery_n with_o the_o wife_n but_o when_o once_o he_o give_v way_n to_o sinful_a thought_n this_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n this_o holy_a prophet_n as_o well_o as_o great_a king_n be_v bear_v down_o the_o stream_n of_o his_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o commit_v the_o vile_a act_n of_o the_o most_o presumptuous_a sin_n consider_v therefore_o with_o thyself_o that_o though_o a_o vain_a and_o wicked_a thought_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n when_o it_o enter_v into_o our_o mind_n without_o our_o consent_n and_o approbation_n yet_o we_o shall_v very_o much_o increase_v the_o gild_n when_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o it_o and_o it_o may_v prove_v very_o dangerous_a to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n 4._o if_o sinful_a thought_n still_o press_v into_o our_o mind_n divert_v they_o to_o some_o holy_a meditation_n and_o take_v this_o hint_n of_o bend_v your_o thought_n to_o the_o contrary_a duty_n thus_o if_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o plot_n and_o contrive_v the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n make_v this_o the_o occasion_n of_o fortify_v and_o strengthen_v your_o resolution_n against_o the_o commission_n of_o that_o very_a sin_n of_o consider_v its_o evil_a nature_n and_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o hereby_o increase_v your_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sinful_a pleasure_n which_o you_o have_v former_o enjoy_v represent_v to_o your_o fancy_n let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o renew_v your_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o your_o disobedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o put_v you_o upon_o beg_v god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v you_o may_v live_v more_o upright_o and_o unblamable_o be_v you_o perplex_v and_o trouble_v with_o blasphemous_a and_o atheistical_a thought_n fall_v present_o on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o wonderful_a work_n which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o the_o curious_a operation_n of_o his_o hand_n consider_v this_o stupendous_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n the_o infinite_a variety_n and_o yet_o exact_a order_n and_o due_a subordination_n of_o being_n contain_v in_o it_o ask_v thyself_o what_o power_n it_o be_v which_o first_o create_v it_o and_o still_o continue_v to_o preserve_v it_o which_o have_v furnish_v irrational_a creature_n with_o unerring_a instinct_n that_o teach_v the_o bird_n to_o build_v its_o nest_n the_o spider_n to_o weave_v its_o web_n look_v into_o the_o curious_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o that_o lesser_a world_n thy_o own_o body_n 139.14_o psal_n 139.14_o and_o behold_v there_o how_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o thou_o be_v make_v and_o by_o such_o contemplation_n as_o these_o affect_v thy_o mind_n with_o a_o humble_a awe_n and_o devout_a reverence_n of_o god_n power_n and_o majesty_n be_v you_o tempt_v to_o envy_n the_o prosperity_n of_o your_o neighbour_n consider_v how_o many_o gift_n of_o god_n bounty_n you_o have_v receive_v how_o much_o you_o enjoy_v more_o than_o you_o deserve_v and_o how_o unthankful_a and_o ungrateful_a you_o have_v be_v for_o those_o good_a thing_n god_n have_v already_o give_v into_o your_o hand_n be_v you_o give_v to_o lustful_a thought_n turn_v this_o strange_a fire_n into_o a_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n do_v presumptuous_a thought_n rise_v up_o in_o your_o heart_n consider_v your_o former_a sin_n and_o repeat_v provocation_n against_o god_n and_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o exercise_v your_o humility_n be_v you_o overwhelm_v with_o despair_n call_v to_o mind_n god_n gracious_a promise_n and_o admire_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n who_o have_v give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o atone_v for_o your_o sin_n and_o to_o accomplish_v the_o great_a work_n of_o your_o salvation_n and_o still_o make_v you_o the_o proffer_v of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n by_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o you_o will_v imitate_v your_o heavenly_a father_n in_o draw_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o occasion_n of_o promote_a your_o eternal_a welfare_n nay_o if_o you_o thus_o resist_v the_o devil_n he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o 4.7_o james_n 4.7_o his_o assault_n will_v be_v neither_o so_o frequent_a nor_o so_o furious_a when_o he_o find_v they_o serve_v only_o to_o exercise_v your_o grace_n and_o make_v you_o more_o watchful_a 5._o season_n thy_o heart_n every_o morning_n with_o some_o holy_a meditation_n dedicate_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o thy_o thought_n unto_o god_n how_o precious_a be_v thy_o thought_n unto_o i_o o_o god_n say_v the_o psalmist_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o 18._o psal_n 139.17_o 18._o if_o i_o shall_v count_v they_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o sand_n when_o i_o wake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o the_o constant_a and_o serious_a meditation_n on_o those_o great_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o certainty_n of_o death_n the_o terror_n of_o judgement_n if_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o morning_n meditation_n will_v be_v a_o spring_n and_o source_n of_o good_a thought_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o produce_v in_o our_o mind_n suitable_a desire_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o constant_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o will_v be_v a_o lamp_n to_o our_o foot_n 119.115_o psal_n 119.115_o and_o a_o light_n to_o our_o path_n it_o will_v both_o inform_v our_o judgement_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n 6._o and_o last_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o enable_v we_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n and_o govern_v our_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o though_o this_o duty_n be_v too_o difficult_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o our_o own_o strength_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o because_o he_o require_v nothing_o of_o we_o which_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o perform_v he_o have_v promise_v 42.3_o isa_n 42.3_o that_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o that_o he_o will_v encourage_v every_o effort_n that_o we_o make_v towards_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a life_n his_o grace_n be_v never_o deny_v to_o any_o one_o who_o do_v but_o sincere_o desire_v it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o render_v himself_o capable_a of_o receive_v of_o it_o 6.38_o luk._n 6.38_o to_o he_o that_o ask_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v not_o only_o what_o he_o pray_v for_o but_o also_o the_o large_a effusion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o often_o prevent_v our_o prayer_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o give_v than_o we_o be_v either_o to_o desire_v or_o receive_v and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o these_o help_n and_o assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n immediate_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o endeavour_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n imaginable_a to_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v true_a this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o much_o pain_n and_o industry_n but_o what_o design_n which_o be_v either_o great_a and_o glorious_a useful_a and_o honourable_a can_v be_v compass_v
twenty_o thousand_o or_o else_o whilst_o the_o other_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o he_o send_v a_o embassage_n and_o desire_v condition_n of_o peace_n so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n the_o meaning_n of_o both_o these_o parable_n be_v this_o that_o every_o one_o who_o intend_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n must_v first_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n what_o difficulty_n he_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o his_o christian_a race_n what_o temptation_n he_o must_v encounter_v withal_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o sincere_o purpose_v to_o forego_v every_o thing_n which_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n if_o he_o do_v not_o resolve_v to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o than_o deny_v his_o saviour_n he_o can_v never_o be_v christ_n true_a disciple_n and_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v such_o reflection_n as_o these_o before_o we_o enter_v on_o a_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n so_o when_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o good_a resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v acquit_v ourselves_o like_o christ_n faithful_a soldier_n and_o servant_n or_o else_o cowardly_o leave_v the_o field_n and_o desert_v his_o colour_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v so_o often_o command_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 3.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gal._n 6.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o prove_v our_o own_o self_n and_o st._n paul_n advise_v the_o galatian_n let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n the_o word_n use_v in_o both_o place_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v so_o to_o prove_v or_o to_o try_v as_o that_o a_o man_n action_n may_v be_v thorough_o know_v and_o approve_v fift_v and_o make_v evident_a and_o that_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o this_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o promote_v our_o spiritual_a wellbeing_a be_v evident_a 2._o from_o reason_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o if_o we_o design_v to_o direct_v our_o life_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v frequent_o compare_v they_o with_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o our_o action_n and_o consider_v when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o act_v as_o become_v we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v transgress_v the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o sinful_a passion_n and_o though_o they_o make_v never_o so_o strong_a resolution_n though_o they_o can_v set_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o exact_a order_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n they_o will_v meet_v with_o something_o or_o other_o which_o will_v ruffle_v and_o discompose_v they_o and_o betray_v they_o into_o disorderly_a affection_n and_o sinful_a practice_n there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o good_a and_o perfect_a but_o he_o have_v his_o fail_n his_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o assault_v he_o on_o that_o side_n where_o he_o lie_v most_o open_a to_o temptation_n and_o will_v sometime_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o wise_a course_n a_o good_a man_n can_v take_v be_v frequent_o to_o recollect_v himself_o to_o consider_v when_o and_o where_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o what_o betray_v he_o into_o that_o sinful_a and_o foolish_a action_n and_o have_v discover_v this_o hearty_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n to_o fence_v and_o guard_v himself_o against_o it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o to_o resolve_v steadfast_o never_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o and_o delude_v again_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v many_o action_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v to_o we_o good_a and_o praiseworthy_a which_o when_o more_o narrow_o consider_v and_o try_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v find_v to_o be_v crooked_a and_o deform_v such_o as_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o repent_v of_o we_o place_v they_o at_o first_o in_o a_o wrong_a light_n we_o behold_v they_o through_o a_o false_a medium_fw-la our_o kindness_n and_o affection_n towards_o they_o make_v they_o seem_v of_o a_o different_a complexion_n than_o they_o be_v real_o of_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v they_o without_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n to_o weigh_v every_o circumstance_n then_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a that_o we_o admire_v ourselves_o for_o quality_n which_o be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o applaud_v ourselves_o for_o action_n which_o be_v nothing_o worth_a we_o perform_v they_o either_o out_o of_o a_o wrong_a end_n or_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o false_a principle_n or_o we_o be_v deficient_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o transact_v they_o so_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o bring_v our_o action_n to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n even_o those_o action_n which_o we_o esteem_v most_o holy_a and_o perfect_a for_o our_o righteousness_n the_o most_o regular_a act_n of_o our_o life_n our_o most_o affectionate_a and_o fervent_a devotion_n be_v stain_v with_o sin_n and_o want_v that_o purity_n and_o integrity_n which_o god_n require_v in_o they_o they_o be_v derive_v either_o from_o self-love_n or_o pride_n or_o desire_v of_o honour_n or_o love_n of_o gain_n from_o fear_n of_o damage_n or_o discredit_v in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o out_o of_o love_n and_o reverence_n and_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n charity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n or_o a_o sober_a regard_n to_o our_o own_o true_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n and_o though_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o pardon_v those_o sin_n and_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o obliquity_n of_o our_o action_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v repent_v of_o they_o i._n e._n that_o we_o shall_v confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o express_v our_o sorrow_n for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o resolve_v to_o act_n better_a for_o the_o future_a which_o can_v never_o be_v perform_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o particular_a account_n how_o and_o wherein_o we_o have_v offend_v but_o far_a the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o will_v appear_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v spend_v amid_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o the_o world_n our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o chief_o in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o calling_n in_o provide_v for_o our_o family_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o fault_n that_o it_o be_v high_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o god_n be_v better_a please_v with_o a_o man_n who_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o that_o call_v and_o station_n he_o have_v place_v he_o in_o than_o he_o will_v be_v if_o he_o be_v continual_o upon_o his_o knee_n perform_v one_o uninterrupted_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o this_o i_o be_o induce_v to_o believe_v for_o this_o one_o plain_a reason_n because_o all_o the_o devotional_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v chief_o intend_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o our_o several_a relation_n but_o yet_o see_v so_o much_o of_o our_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o business_n of_o this_o life_n so_o many_o of_o our_o thought_n take_v up_o with_o our_o worldly_a affair_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v set_v apart_o some_o time_n to_o retire_v into_o the_o closet_n of_o our_o breast_n and_o frequent_o consider_v what_o state_n and_o condition_n our_o better_a and_o more_o spiritual_a part_n be_v in_o what_o sin_n we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o whether_o we_o go_v forward_o or_o backward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n every_o prudent_a man_n and_o good_a husband_n do_v this_o in_o his_o secular_a concern_v he_o that_o design_n either_o to_o keep_v or_o increase_v his_o estate_n make_v it_o his_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n to_o be_v exact_a in_o keep_v his_o account_n to_o balance_v they_o often_o and_o to_o inform_v himself_o what_o proportion_n his_o income_n bear_v with_o his_o expense_n and_o thus_o careful_a and_o diligent_a we_o shall_v be_v in_o our_o spiritual_a affair_n if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o same_o value_n for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o fade_a good_n of_o this_o world_n this_o will_v supersede_n my_o
divine_a joy_n to_o see_v those_o church_n raise_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o adorn_v with_o a_o more_o splendid_a magnificency_n than_o their_o first_o founder_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n increase_v and_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n more_o stately_a and_o magnificent_a structure_n be_v build_v and_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o cost_n be_v spare_v nothing_o be_v think_v too_o good_a for_o this_o sacred_a use_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n do_v seem_v to_o rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o bestow_v their_o good_n to_o this_o holy_a purpose_n and_o their_o profuse_a liberality_n be_v speak_v of_o with_o honour_n and_o approbation_n gaudentium_fw-la st._n jerom._n ad_fw-la nepotian_n de_fw-fr vitâ_fw-la clerici_fw-la ad_fw-la demetr_v epist_n 12._o ad_fw-la gaudentium_fw-la it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o father_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v these_o expensive_a building_n but_o than_o it_o be_v only_o comparative_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o lay_v out_o upon_o these_o structure_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o bestow_v on_o the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o have_v such_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o adorn_v church_n that_o they_o starve_v the_o poor_a and_o do_v not_o provide_v a_o competent_a allowance_n for_o those_o who_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n endeavour_v to_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o these_o holy_a duty_n and_o a_o devout_a comportment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o a_o filial_a regard_n to_o all_o those_o devout_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n enjoin_v we_o by_o our_o superior_n that_o so_o we_o who_o be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a may_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o condition_n will_v permit_v resemble_v that_o hide_a dignity_n and_o glory_n wherewith_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n be_v glorify_v and_o worship_n our_o god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n sermon_n vi._n 1_o thes_n v._o 22._o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o several_a truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n between_o which_o there_o be_v no_o strict_a connection_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o exact_a dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o those_o which_o go_v immediate_o before_o do_v bear_v some_o relation_n for_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n concern_v our_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a we_o must_v careful_o examine_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n whether_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o which_o seem_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v real_o so_o we_o must_v reject_v the_o one_o and_o hold_v fast_o the_o other_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o we_o must_v take_v quite_o different_a measure_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a which_o either_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o we_o have_v any_o probable_a reason_n to_o suspect_v be_v so_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n there_o be_v indeed_o another_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n those_o who_o follow_v the_o syriac_a version_n render_v they_o abstain_v from_o every_o kind_n of_o evil_n but_o since_o this_o word_n be_v not_o so_o render_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n from_o the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n to_o translate_v it_o so_o i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n to_o follow_v the_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o render_v it_o as_o in_o my_o text_n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o rather_o â—â—_o phil._n 4._o â—â—_o because_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n the_o word_n thus_o understand_v may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o the_o direct_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o my_o present_a enquiry_n shall_v be_v what_o those_o action_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o from_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o word_n 1._o absolute_o and_o 2._o as_o they_o bear_v a_o respect_n and_o relation_n to_o our_o neighbour_n first_o take_v absolute_o they_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o proposition_n that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o action_n which_o either_o real_o be_v or_o have_v the_o blush_n or_o appearance_n of_o evil._n second_o if_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o neighbour_n they_o import_v that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o our_o brother_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n absolute_o and_o then_o they_o import_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n ii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o iii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o into_o sin_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n though_o it_o may_v appear_v of_o never_o so_o little_a concernment_n whatsoever_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n though_o in_o the_o small_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n must_v be_v careful_o avoid_v by_o we_o because_o every_o such_o transgression_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o god_n anger_n and_o by_o consequence_n render_v we_o liable_a to_o everlasting_a punishment_n let_v we_o therefore_o careful_o avoid_v even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o eye_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o take_v care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o offend_v with_o our_o tongue_n remember_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n every_o idle_a word_n must_v be_v account_v for_o and_o that_o in_o god_n book_n all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v record_v some_o sin_n be_v indeed_o of_o a_o deep_a dye_n than_o other_o and_o do_v admit_v of_o more_o heinous_a aggravation_n sin_n commit_v wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o be_v more_o hateful_a to_o god_n be_v the_o conscience_n more_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o soul_n than_o those_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o surprise_n of_o a_o temptation_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v sin_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n no_o sin_n can_v be_v small_a or_o little_a or_o as_o the_o papist_n speak_v venial_a for_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o wilful_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3.4_o 1_o joh._n 3.4_o and_o whoever_o wilful_o offend_v god_n just_o incur_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n nay_o even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n as_o may_v render_v they_o of_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n unto_o we_o than_o those_o which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n imply_v a_o great_a gild_n a_o small_a injury_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o vilify_v and_o reproach_v we_o be_v resent_v more_o heinous_o than_o when_o we_o sustain_v a_o great_a damage_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o inadvertency_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o least_o sin_n wilful_o commit_v and_o obstinate_o persevere_v in_o will_v deprive_v we_o utter_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n how_o vain_a and_o dangerous_a then_o be_v that_o know_a distinction_n of_o sin_n among_o the_o papist_n into_o sin_n venial_a and_o sin_n mortal_a i._n e._n as_o they_o explain_v it_o into_o such_o sin_n as_o do_v deserve_v eternal_a
we_o the_o blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o he_o will_v give_v we_o some_o better_a thing_n instead_o of_o they_o or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o that_o affliction_n or_o trouble_v we_o groan_v under_o he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o a_o suitable_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o support_v we_o under_o it_o either_o of_o these_o consideration_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o place_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n upon_o god_n and_o to_o persevere_v in_o our_o address_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n sermon_n ix_o prov_n iv_o 23._o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n it_o be_v deserve_o look_v upon_o as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a excellency_n of_o the_o persian_a law_n that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o design_n the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n as_o the_o use_v mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o commission_n of_o it_o that_o by_o a_o careful_a education_n of_o youth_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o morality_n they_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o affection_n and_o render_v their_o duty_n so_o familiar_a and_o habitual_a to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o those_o terrible_a torture_n and_o bloody_a execution_n whereby_o other_o lawgiver_n fright_v their_o subject_n into_o obedience_n and_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o duty_n recommend_v in_o the_o text_n for_o be_v but_o this_o one_o precept_n sincere_o conform_v to_o do_v we_o but_o perform_v this_o one_o duty_n conscientious_o and_o honest_o we_o shall_v find_v very_o little_a difficulty_n in_o yield_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o that_o man_n will_v never_o commit_v murder_n that_o dare_v not_o be_v angry_a without_o a_o cause_n nor_o be_v adulterous_a in_o the_o act_n who_o do_v not_o first_o transgress_v in_o his_o desire_n can_v we_o think_v he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o deliberate_a perjury_n that_o fear_v a_o oath_n or_o defraud_v another_o who_o permit_v not_o himself_o to_o covet_n for_o if_o the_o first_o spark_n of_o ill_n be_v quench_v within_o they_o will_v never_o break_v out_o into_o a_o flame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v advice_n well_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n in_o which_o word_n be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n i._o of_o a_o duty_n recommend_v to_o we_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n ii_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o duty_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o all_o diligence_n iii_o of_o the_o motive_n to_o engage_v we_o thus_o to_o perform_v it_o for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n iv_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o direction_n to_o facilitate_v this_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o heart_n 1._o here_o be_v a_o duty_n enjoin_v we_o heart_n psal_n 12.2_o 2_o kin._n 10.30_o matth._n 22.37_o 2_o sam._n 24.5_o rom._n 7.22_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o man_n within_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n now_o the_o heart_n have_v different_a acceptation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v sometime_o take_v for_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o sometime_o for_o another_o for_o the_o understanding_n the_o will_n the_o affection_n the_o conscience_n and_o sometime_o for_o the_o whole_a soul_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a sense_n and_o then_o it_o will_v denote_v to_o we_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o inclination_n the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o its_o most_o noble_a operation_n so_o that_o by_o keep_v the_o heart_n be_v mean_v a_o look_v into_o the_o most_o private_a recess_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o curious_a and_o particular_a observation_n what_o be_v transact_v there_o the_o take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o our_o inclination_n passion_n desire_n and_o affection_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n approve_v those_o which_o be_v good_a and_o disallow_v those_o which_o be_v evil._n it_o denote_v also_o the_o make_v use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o bring_v our_o soul_n into_o a_o due_a frame_n and_o temper_v the_o take_a care_n that_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n may_v not_o be_v take_v up_o with_o any_o unlawful_a object_n or_o draw_v out_o too_o far_o on_o any_o sensual_a pleasure_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n but_o that_o we_o sincere_o desire_v and_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o render_v they_o entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a man_n to_o govern_v their_o heart_n so_o exact_o as_o never_o to_o transgress_v the_o strict_a rule_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o never_o to_o offend_v in_o thought_n alas_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n will_v continual_o spring_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n they_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o incite_v they_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o present_v such_o tempt_a and_o allure_a object_n to_o our_o fancy_n as_o will_v produce_v inordinate_a affection_n and_o desire_v it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n as_o that_o no_o vain_a thought_n shall_v intrude_v themselves_o there_o whilst_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o frail_a body_n and_o house_n of_o clay_n we_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o many_o passion_n and_o the_o fume_n which_o arise_v from_o our_o inferior_a appetite_n will_v cloud_v our_o understanding_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n captivate_v our_o reason_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a that_o many_o of_o our_o thought_n proceed_v from_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o body_n and_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o the_o present_a circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o and_o the_o object_n we_o converse_v with_o if_o we_o be_v of_o a_o cold_a and_o phlegmatic_a constitution_n we_o shall_v be_v affect_v with_o melancholy_a and_o distrustful_a thought_n and_o fancy_n if_o of_o a_o choleric_a temper_n passion_n will_v sometime_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o we_o when_o we_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o in_o prosperity_n our_o thought_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o gay_a and_o volatile_a if_o in_o pain_n or_o misery_n we_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o pore_v on_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o a_o good_a christian_a can_v do_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o as_o good_a a_o frame_n as_o he_o possible_o can_v to_o be_v continual_o on_o his_o guard_n and_o though_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o by_o curb_v his_o unruly_a passion_n govern_v his_o affection_n and_o appetite_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o whenever_o they_o break_v out_o and_o act_n irregular_o reduce_v they_o within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o not_o allow_v or_o delight_v in_o the_o least_o sinful_a thought_n or_o suffer_v it_o to_o dwell_v or_o remain_v in_o our_o heart_n but_o cast_v it_o out_o with_o all_o speed_n and_o indignation_n imaginable_a and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v ii_o with_o all_o diligence_n which_o denote_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o duty_n ought_v to_o be_v our_o constant_a employment_n that_o we_o do_v not_o let_v any_o day_n slip_v without_o examine_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o if_o we_o sleep_v never_o so_o little_a the_o evil_a one_o will_v take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o sow_v his_o tare_n in_o our_o soul_n if_o we_o be_v not_o always_o upon_o our_o guard_n the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o life_n or_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n will_v imprint_v either_o such_o light_n and_o garish_a or_o such_o melancholy_a and_o distract_n idea_n of_o thing_n in_o our_o mind_n as_o will_v produce_v a_o fruitful_a crop_n of_o vain_a solicitous_a and_o sinful_a thought_n this_o must_v be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o day_n for_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v disorder_v with_o every_o gust_n of_o passion_n and_o will_v require_v a_o watchful_a eye_n and_o a_o continual_a care_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o any_o tolerable_a order_n 2._o the_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n imply_v the_o great_a intenseness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n imaginable_a for_o we_o must_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o come_v to_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n
the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a 17.9_o jer._n 17.9_o who_o can_v know_v it_o which_o text_n though_o primary_o intend_v to_o denote_v the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v what_o other_o man_n think_v or_o what_o opinion_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o thing_n hereafter_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n with_o those_o which_o go_v before_o yet_o they_o may_v well_o serve_v to_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o difficulty_n of_o give_v a_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o the_o present_a sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o what_o the_o true_a bent_n and_o tendency_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n be_v for_o we_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o bosom_n sin_n and_o those_o darling_n delight_v which_o either_o custom_n or_o inclination_n have_v endear_v to_o we_o that_o we_o think_v we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o caress_n they_o and_o though_o our_o affection_n be_v draw_v out_o after_o the_o most_o extravagant_a manner_n after_o they_o yet_o we_o clothe_v they_o with_o such_o plausible_a and_o specious_a pretence_n as_o make_v the_o most_o criminal_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o appear_v at_o least_o to_o we_o harmless_a and_o lawful_a who_o be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n with_o the_o most_o intense_a and_o zealous_a affection_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n in_o a_o low_a and_o subordinate_a degree_n and_o yet_o how_o difficult_a a_o task_n will_v it_o be_v to_o persuade_v the_o most_o sordid_a and_o miserable_a worlding_n that_o his_o affection_n be_v not_o place_v on_o thing_n above_o but_o on_o thing_n below_o and_o though_o he_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n and_o see_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o in_o other_o man_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o able_a to_o turn_v his_o eye_n inward_a and_o to_o discover_v it_o in_o himself_o so_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n do_v it_o require_v to_o range_v over_o all_o the_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o those_o crooked_a path_n which_o sin_n and_o error_n have_v make_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o diligence_n require_v to_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o must_v needs_o call_v for_o our_o utmost_a care_n to_o manage_v they_o aright_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o due_a order_n and_o therefore_o there_o will_v be_v the_o more_o need_n to_o consider_v iii_o the_o motive_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n i._n e._n our_o happiness_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o do_v depend_v upon_o a_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o 1._o by_o keep_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o manage_v our_o affair_n with_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o extravagant_a action_n which_o man_n commit_v proceed_v either_o from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a deliberation_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o action_n or_o a_o discreet_a execute_n what_o their_o reason_n tell_v they_o be_v fit_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v either_o they_o be_v hurry_v on_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o headstrong_a passion_n or_o bias_v by_o some_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o these_o betray_v they_o into_o indiscreet_a absurd_a and_o sinful_a word_n and_o action_n now_o he_o that_o be_v accustom_a to_o keep_v his_o heart_n consider_v well_o and_o deliberate_o every_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n before_o he_o put_v his_o thought_n into_o execution_n he_o weigh_v first_o his_o own_o power_n and_o ability_n and_o then_o inquire_v both_o into_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o undertake_v by_o which_o mean_n he_o avoid_v those_o rock_n upon_o which_o so_o many_o split_n i._n e._n rashness_n in_o set_v upon_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v neither_o power_n nor_o skill_n to_o perform_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o too_o great_a diffidency_n and_o distrust_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n on_o the_o other_o the_o first_o of_o these_o produce_v shame_n and_o disappointment_n when_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o not_o able_a to_o compass_v the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o too_o bold_a and_o dare_a design_n the_o second_o deprive_v he_o of_o many_o valuable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o require_v only_o the_o pain_n of_o seek_v after_o they_o and_o possess_v himself_o of_o they_o and_o in_o truth_n since_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n be_v the_o stream_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o heart_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o heart_n wise_o and_o prudent_o can_v go_v far_o astray_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n all_o our_o vital_a operation_n will_v savour_v of_o that_o root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o a_o sanctify_a heart_n 2._o a_o due_a government_n of_o our_o heart_n will_v produce_v peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n by_o free_v we_o from_o those_o rage_a passion_n and_o sensual_a affection_n from_o proud_a malicious_a and_o envious_a thought_n which_o disturb_v our_o peace_n and_o quiet_n and_o render_v our_o life_n uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a to_o we_o for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o old_a and_o a_o very_a true_a observation_n that_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o by_o consequence_n happiness_n in_o this_o life_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o sensual_a pleasure_n but_o from_o the_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o contentedness_n and_o satisfaction_n with_o that_o condition_n the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v allot_v we_o and_o a_o discreet_a enjoyment_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n he_o have_v make_v our_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n a_o sound_a mind_n in_o a_o sound_a body_n be_v the_o wise_a wish_n of_o a_o heathen_a poet_n for_o that_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o envy_n or_o malice_n or_o solicitous_a care_n or_o pride_n will_v be_v uneasy_a on_o a_o throne_n and_o miserable_a amid_o the_o most_o plentiful_a affluence_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n but_o he_o who_o have_v obtain_v the_o art_n of_o govern_v his_o thought_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n will_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o compose_v mind_n amid_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o this_o world_n and_o remain_v content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o his_o condition_n without_o cast_v either_o a_o envious_a eye_n on_o the_o possession_n of_o those_o who_o be_v above_o he_o or_o a_o disdainful_a look_v on_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o mean_a condition_n than_o himself_o from_o hence_o will_v flow_v 3._o peace_n of_o conscience_n 3.21_o 1_o joh._n 3.21_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o man_n who_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a as_o to_o set_v a_o strict_a and_o diligent_a watch_n over_o his_o thought_n will_v be_v from_o thence_o assure_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v upright_o towards_o god_n and_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o under_o his_o protection_n and_o this_o will_v produce_v the_o great_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n imaginable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a advice_n which_o the_o oracle_n give_v croesus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o way_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v to_o know_v thyself_o for_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o chief_a ingredient_n as_o well_o as_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n these_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o keep_v our_o heart_n as_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o it_o be_v influence_n on_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o use_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o 1._o god_n have_v make_v the_o keep_v our_o heart_n one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v not_o only_o a_o prudential_a council_n contain_v matter_n of_o advice_n but_o a_o positive_a command_n god_n expect_v we_o shall_v comply_v with_o it_o and_o yield_v our_o obedience_n to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o jew_n of_o old_a do_v imagine_v that_o
desire_n and_o affection_n to_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v we_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n iv_o to_o add_v some_o direction_n to_o facilitate_v this_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o to_o assist_v we_o to_o govern_v our_o heart_n aright_o 1._o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o the_o business_n of_o your_o lawful_a call_v for_o every_o man_n either_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v some_o lawful_a employment_n or_o call_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v a_o useful_a member_n of_o that_o community_n in_o which_o he_o live_v those_o who_o by_o the_o eminency_n of_o their_o birth_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o fortune_n move_v in_o a_o superior_a orb_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v free_v from_o that_o original_a curse_n 3.19_o gen._n 3.19_o of_o get_v their_o bread_n with_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v exempt_v from_o it_o that_o as_o they_o have_v more_o talent_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n so_o their_o account_n will_v be_v the_o great_a at_o the_o last_o day_n now_o by_o diligence_n in_o our_o lawful_a calling_n we_o shall_v keep_v our_o mind_n intent_n upon_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o hereby_o raise_v up_o useful_a and_o profitable_a thought_n in_o our_o soul_n nay_o we_o may_v improve_v the_o business_n of_o our_o calling_n to_o administer_v occasion_n for_o devout_a and_o holy_a meditation_n those_o who_o go_v down_o to_o the_o sea_n in_o ship_n say_v the_o psalmist_n see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n 107.23_o psal_n 107.23_o and_o his_o wonder_n in_o the_o deep_a the_o tradesman_n whilst_o he_o weigh_v his_o ware_n consider_v that_o all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o husbandman_n when_o he_o till_v the_o ground_n may_v call_v to_o mind_n what_o long_a furrow_n the_o scourge_v make_v on_o the_o back_n of_o our_o saviour_n 129.3_o psal_n 129.3_o when_o he_o behold_v his_o crop_n it_o may_v put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o resurrection_n that_o as_o the_o corn_n perish_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o sprout_n out_o again_o more_o green_a and_o fresh_a than_o it_o be_v before_o so_o our_o vile_a body_n after_o they_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o grave_a shall_v arise_v at_o the_o last_o day_n in_o great_a glory_n and_o splendour_n when_o he_o gather_v his_o grain_n into_o his_o barn_n he_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o the_o good_a shall_v be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o the_o wicked_a like_o chaff_n shall_v be_v burn_v with_o unquenchable_a fire_n 3.12_o matth._n 3.12_o thus_o the_o business_n of_o every_o man_n be_v particular_a call_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v i_o have_v here_o give_v only_o the_o most_o obvious_a instance_n may_v be_v improve_v to_o raise_v up_o religious_a thought_n and_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v best_a employ_v when_o the_o hand_n be_v at_o work_n on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o fruitful_a of_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n than_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n for_o our_o thought_n be_v restless_a and_o in_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o will_v grind_v one_o upon_o another_o 33.27_o eccl._n 33.27_o if_o they_o have_v no_o good_a employment_n idleness_n teach_v much_o evil_n say_v the_o wise_a son_n of_o syrach_n some_o copy_n have_v it_o all_o evil_a the_o devil_n think_v the_o fit_a time_n to_o tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v when_o he_o be_v alone_o and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o that_o say_n of_o cato_n be_v subscribe_v to_o by_o the_o wise_a heathen_n as_o a_o oracle_n nihil_fw-la agendo_fw-la male_a agere_fw-la disces_fw-la for_o when_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v the_o devil_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v they_o employment_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o care_n even_o when_o we_o unbend_v our_o mind_n from_o more_o serious_a matter_n and_o allow_v ourselves_o those_o diversion_n which_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o good_a god_n have_v indulge_v we_o in_o to_o employ_v our_o mind_n on_o such_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a recreation_n as_o may_v render_v they_o more_o active_a and_o our_o body_n more_o vigorous_a in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o maker_n 2._o next_o to_o idleness_n let_v we_o avoid_v bad_a company_n for_o it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o true_a observation_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o company_n he_o keep_v conversation_n win_v insensible_o upon_o we_o have_v the_o most_o endear_n charm_n and_o make_v the_o most_o last_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n 3._o check_v wicked_a thought_n at_o the_o first_o appearance_n and_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o soon_o we_o cast_v they_o out_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o the_o more_o easy_o every_o moment_n we_o suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v there_o they_o will_v grow_v more_o powerful_a and_o the_o difficulty_n will_v increase_v by_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n any_o wicked_a imagination_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 10.5_o 1_o cor._n 10.5_o and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o maintain_v no_o treaty_n with_o it_o or_o excuse_v it_o say_v 19.20_o gen._n 19.20_o be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a one_o but_o put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o mind_n as_o soon_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v the_o devil_n will_v be_v continual_o suggest_v evil_a thought_n into_o our_o fancy_n and_o solicit_v we_o with_o the_o most_o allure_a though_o pernicious_a object_n he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o disturb_v we_o in_o our_o devotion_n by_o divert_v our_o affection_n and_o turn_v the_o current_n of_o our_o thought_n on_o our_o worldly_a affair_n and_o cast_v into_o our_o mind_n vain_a and_o sinful_a imagination_n these_o be_v those_o bird_n of_o prey_n 19.11_o gen._n 19.11_o which_o attend_v the_o most_o pure_a and_o holy_a sacrifice_n but_o then_o it_o be_v our_o business_n to_o drive_v they_o away_o and_o not_o to_o harbour_v or_o allow_v of_o any_o thought_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v discover_v in_o our_o word_n and_o action_n to_o incite_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n let_v we_o consider_v 1._o what_o pain_n wicked_a man_n take_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o good_a thought_n if_o they_o happen_v into_o company_n where_o good_a discourse_n and_o pious_a admonition_n have_v make_v some_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n if_o some_o truth_n be_v set_v home_o upon_o their_o conscience_n by_o some_o good_a book_n or_o awaken_n sermon_n or_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o their_o latter_a end_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v by_o a_o fit_a of_o sickness_n or_o the_o death_n of_o some_o friend_n or_o relation_n or_o any_o other_o surprise_v emergency_n how_o restless_a be_v they_o till_o they_o have_v get_v these_o thought_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o be_v rid_v of_o these_o uneasy_a companion_n do_v they_o not_o run_v from_o one_o business_n to_o another_o from_o one_o diversion_n to_o another_o and_o turn_v every_o stone_n to_o still_o the_o clamour_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n shall_v not_o we_o use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o cast_v out_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a thought_n and_o take_v as_o much_o pain_n to_o be_v happy_a 4.12_o quantascunque_fw-la tenebras_fw-la factis_fw-la tuis_fw-la perstrinxeris_fw-la deus_fw-la lumen_fw-la est_fw-la tertul._n heb._n 4.12_o as_o other_o do_v to_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a consider_v far_o that_o god_n see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o our_o thought_n he_o pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o discern_v even_o the_o most_o hide_a thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n now_o if_o the_o sinner_n be_v so_o effectual_o awe_v and_o deter_v from_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o some_o grave_a person_n who_o remark_n and_o oversees_a his_o do_n how_o dare_v he_o allow_v himself_o in_o wicked_a thought_n when_o he_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n look_v down_o upon_o he_o and_o behold_v the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n all_o his_o most_o secret_a thought_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o write_v in_o such_o legible_a character_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v read_v they_o to_o both_o these_o add_v this_o consideration_n consider_v what_o have_v be_v the_o event_n of_o harbour_v evil_a thought_n in_o our_o mind_n what_o the_o issue_n have_v be_v and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v be_v do_v
circumspect_o and_o that_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n they_o will_v yield_v a_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o lord_n day_n and_o every_o day_n hallow_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o more_o particular_o of_o those_o time_n when_o we_o intend_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n then_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o make_v a_o more_o diligent_a search_n into_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o we_o retain_v no_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n no_o evil_a thing_n unrepented_a of_o which_o may_v deprive_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o bless_a ordinance_n next_o to_o the_o time_n let_v we_o consider_v 2._o the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o here_o let_v we_o make_v a_o exact_a scrutiny_n into_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o word_n of_o our_o lip_n and_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n concern_v our_o thought_n let_v we_o ask_v ourselves_o such_o question_n as_o these_o what_o be_v it_o that_o i_o most_o think_v upon_o be_v my_o thought_n serious_a seasonable_a and_o pure_a be_v my_o inclination_n compliant_a with_o god_n law_n what_o do_v most_o easy_o stir_v i_o and_o how_o be_v my_o heart_n move_v be_v my_o affection_n calm_a and_o orderly_o and_o well_o place_v what_o plot_n do_v i_o contrive_v what_o project_n be_o i_o drive_v on_o be_v my_o design_n good_a be_v my_o intention_n upright_o and_o sincere_a concern_v our_o word_n let_v we_o demand_v thus_o 39.1_o psal_n 39.1_o have_v i_o learn_v to_o keep_v my_o tongue_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o bridle_n to_o refrain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o evil_a speech_n and_o to_o employ_v it_o to_o that_o use_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v viz._n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o communicate_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n one_o to_o another_o as_o to_o our_o action_n let_v we_o first_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o then_o let_v we_o reason_n thus_o with_o ourselves_o this_o action_n be_v indeed_o well_o do_v but_o may_v i_o not_o have_v do_v better_a may_v i_o not_o have_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o procure_v more_o good_a for_o my_o neighbour_n be_v not_o this_o good_a action_n imperfect_a as_o to_o some_o particular_n be_v i_o not_o too_o blame_v as_o to_o some_o circumstance_n and_o if_o so_o let_v we_o resolve_v that_o if_o ever_o god_n put_v another_o opportunity_n into_o our_o hand_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o action_n again_o we_o will_v mend_v these_o defect_n and_o be_v wise_a and_o better_a for_o the_o future_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o upon_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n we_o find_v they_o have_v be_v evil_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o it_o then_o let_v we_o say_v thus_o to_o ourselves_o i_o have_v do_v this_o wicked_a act_n and_o hereby_o offend_v my_o good_a god_n but_o what_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n have_v i_o get_v for_o myself_o do_v not_o that_o trouble_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n which_o i_o feel_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n much_o exceed_v the_o pleasure_n i_o take_v in_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o very_a foolish_a thing_n to_o purchase_v so_o little_a so_o momentary_a a_o pleasure_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o my_o mind_n a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o true_a and_o last_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a nature_n of_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o several_a aggravate_v circumstance_n which_o attend_v they_o perhaps_o the_o crime_n which_o we_o commit_v be_v do_v with_o deliberation_n perhaps_o in_o despite_n to_o the_o check_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o bless_a motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n perhaps_o it_o have_v be_v frequent_o repeat_v and_o we_o still_o continue_v to_o go_v on_o in_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o call_v to_o repentance_n and_o the_o many_o vow_n and_o resolution_n we_o have_v make_v of_o leave_v and_o forsake_v it_o these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n whereby_o our_o sin_n be_v render_v more_o heinous_a and_o more_o exceed_o sinful_a thus_o the_o treason_n of_o judas_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o deep_o die_v because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n familiar_a friend_n and_o disciple_n who_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o do_v eat_v of_o his_o bread_n and_o solomon_n idolatry_n do_v offend_v god_n the_o more_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v turn_v from_o the_o lord_n 11.9_o 1_o kin._n 11.9_o who_o appear_v unto_o he_o twice_o and_o have_v command_v he_o concern_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v astray_o after_o other_o go_n these_o be_v the_o step_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o which_o when_o we_o have_v perform_v that_o we_o may_v make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o take_v a_o review_n of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o compare_v our_o present_a condition_n with_o our_o former_a course_n of_o life_n and_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n whether_o our_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o resolution_n be_v more_o root_v and_o confirm_v 1.8_o 2_o pet_n 1.8_o or_o else_o whether_o we_o lose_v ground_n and_o become_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o the_o standard_n of_o our_o improvement_n in_o holy_a live_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o affection_n these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v most_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a when_o we_o first_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n we_o be_v then_o soon_o warm_v and_o raise_v up_o into_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n of_o devotion_n especial_o in_o our_o tender_a year_n when_o our_o passion_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o we_o and_o captivate_v our_o reason_n but_o as_o we_o grow_v in_o year_n these_o heat_n languish_v and_o decay_n and_o as_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n improve_v we_o be_v less_o subject_a to_o these_o transport_v of_o our_o assection_n and_o proceed_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o we_o live_v up_o more_o exact_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n whether_o we_o yield_v a_o more_o ready_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o we_o have_v former_o do_v whether_o we_o have_v leave_v off_o any_o of_o our_o evil_a practice_n and_o bid_v adieu_o to_o our_o belove_a sin_n whether_o we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n patient_o to_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n more_o content_o these_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a sign_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o judge_v of_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o if_o we_o find_v that_o we_o do_v indeed_o grow_v better_a and_o better_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n by_o what_o mean_v we_o have_v make_v these_o improvement_n what_o motive_n and_o inducement_n most_o wrought_v upon_o we_o what_o rule_n and_o direction_n be_v most_o useful_a what_o company_n and_o example_n be_v most_o allure_a 3.16_o phil._n 3.16_o and_o then_o let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o find_v that_o we_o decline_v in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o our_o sin_n those_o son_n of_o anak_n have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o heinous_a and_o presumptuous_a crime_n then_o let_v we_o careful_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v which_o betray_v we_o into_o these_o sin_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o do_v such_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a action_n action_n which_o be_v both_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o rank_a of_o be_v which_o we_o hold_v in_o the_o world_n by_o what_o mean_n and_o method_n do_v the_o devil_n that_o old_a serpent_n wind_v himself_o into_o our_o soul_n with_o what_o bait_n do_v he_o allure_v we_o under_o what_o specious_a show_n do_v he_o represent_v his_o temptation_n which_o be_v our_o weak_a side_n that_o first_o yield_v to_o the_o assault_n what_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o inducement_n of_o our_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o
in_o the_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o private_a and_o too_o many_o there_o be_v who_o feel_v little_a or_o no_o remorse_n in_o the_o omission_n of_o their_o closet_n devotion_n but_o who_o can_v behold_v the_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n prostrate_a before_o god_n repeat_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o fervency_n and_o devotion_n and_o a_o congregation_n unite_v together_o both_o in_o heart_n and_o voice_n but_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o 39.3_o psal_n 39.3_o while_o he_o thus_o muse_n the_o fire_n will_v kindle_v in_o his_o breast_n and_o he_o can_v forbear_v speak_v with_o his_o tongue_n the_o praise_n of_o god_n how_o often_o have_v profane_a and_o wicked_a wretch_n who_o come_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n either_o out_o of_o fashion_n or_o custom_n to_o look_v and_o gaze_v about_o they_o or_o on_o some_o worse_a design_n be_v touch_v by_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n how_o often_o have_v their_o heart_n glow_v within_o they_o and_o they_o have_v take_v up_o serious_a and_o solemn_a resolution_n of_o serve_v and_o worship_v god_n better_a for_o the_o future_a and_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v but_o these_o good_a resolution_n second_v do_v not_o man_n divert_v those_o good_a thought_n and_o put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n by_o business_n or_o pleasure_n they_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o have_v a_o last_a influence_n on_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n innumerable_a be_v the_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n which_o every_o pious_a and_o devout_a person_n be_v sensible_a of_o though_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o form_n in_o other_o a_o suitable_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o they_o who_o can_v declare_v the_o wonderful_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o all_o such_o as_o delight_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n here_o be_v those_o live_a water_n which_o allay_v the_o thirst_n after_o sensual_a enjoyment_n that_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a food_n and_o nourishment_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o by_o these_o ordinance_n our_o faith_n be_v strengthen_v our_o hope_n confirm_v our_o charity_n enlarge_v our_o devotion_n render_v more_o fervent_a and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o our_o unite_a prayer_n we_o take_v even_o heaven_n itself_o god_n pour_v out_o a_o double_a portion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o such_o as_o frequent_v his_o ordinance_n 18.20_o matth._n 18.20_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v promise_v that_o when_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o who_o then_o will_v omit_v one_o opportunity_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o public_a who_o will_v neglect_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n people_n one_o lord_n day_n when_o he_o know_v not_o but_o he_o lose_v that_o season_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v be_v most_o beneficial_a to_o his_o immortal_a soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o neglect_v no_o opportunity_n of_o serve_v god_n for_o we_o know_v not_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v work_v most_o powerful_o on_o our_o heart_n the_o poor_a impotent_a man_n have_v lie_v a_o long_a while_n at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n and_o yet_o have_v he_o be_v absent_a but_o that_o one_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n come_v thither_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a he_o have_v never_o be_v cure_v and_o therefore_o let_v no_o excuse_n serve_v let_v no_o business_n divert_v we_o from_o make_v our_o constant_a approach_n unto_o god_n altar_n for_o the_o spirit_n blow_v when_o as_o well_o as_o where_o it_o list_v and_o we_o must_v blame_v ourselves_o if_o through_o our_o own_o neglect_n we_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o operation_n some_o indeed_o pretend_v that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o frequent_a at_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o make_v it_o up_o in_o their_o closet_n but_o god_n will_v not_o thus_o be_v compound_v with_o our_o private_a devotion_n be_v unquestionable_o our_o duty_n our_o particular_a want_n call_v for_o our_o private_a prayer_n and_o our_o particular_a mercy_n for_o our_o private_a thanksgiving_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o they_o when_o they_o occasion_v the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o public_a when_o two_o duty_n stand_v in_o competition_n one_o with_o another_o we_o ought_v to_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o that_o duty_n whereby_o most_o glory_n will_v accrue_v to_o god_n most_o benefit_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o which_o will_v best_o serve_v to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o since_o all_o these_o end_n be_v best_a obtain_v by_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o our_o private_a devotion_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o either_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v neglect_v every_o good_a christian_a will_v find_v convenient_a time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o both_o of_o they_o but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v omit_v we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o god_n will_v be_v best_a please_v when_o we_o make_v the_o most_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o join_v together_o to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n these_o be_v some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o obligation_n which_o ought_v to_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o give_v a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v ii_o that_o this_o worship_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o decent_a manner_n imaginable_a in_o that_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n which_o become_v every_o devout_a worshipper_n and_o which_o the_o text_n require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o full_a import_n of_o this_o expression_n it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v different_o render_v by_o interpreter_n some_o will_v have_v they_o translate_v in_o ornatu_fw-la sanctitatis_fw-la and_o then_o they_o denote_v that_o true_a faith_n and_o those_o holy_a affection_n of_o soul_n with_o which_o every_o devout_a worshipper_n ought_v to_o approach_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n other_o choose_v rather_o to_o render_v they_o cum_fw-la decenti_fw-la sanctimonio_fw-la which_o more_o plain_o denote_v that_o reverence_n and_o decency_n of_o behaviour_n which_o certain_o become_v every_o one_o who_o speak_v to_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n the_o septuagint_n follow_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o reference_n to_o the_o place_n in_o which_o god_n be_v worship_v among_o the_o jew_n denote_v to_o we_o that_o the_o fit_a place_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v consecrate_a and_o dedicate_v to_o that_o purpose_n that_o god_n will_v afford_v his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n in_o that_o place_n 6.12_o ezra_n 6.12_o in_o which_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o set_v his_o name_n and_o will_v there_o dispense_v to_o we_o the_o large_a effusion_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o though_o god_n be_v present_a at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n and_o hearken_v even_o to_o the_o sigh_n of_o the_o prisoner_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o deep_a dungeon_n yet_o the_o church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o throne_n from_o whence_o he_o give_v public_a audience_n where_o we_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o expect_v a_o speedy_a answer_n to_o our_o petition_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n so_o often_o repeat_v that_o exhortation_n of_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o his_o court_n and_o strength_n and_o beauty_n be_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n the_o 6_o and_o 8_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n i_o shall_v take_v in_o all_o these_o different_a version_n and_o then_o they_o will_v give_v we_o the_o meaning_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n in_o its_o utmost_a latitude_n which_o consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n i._o in_o the_o good_a disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n ii_o in_o the_o become_a and_o suitable_a behaviour_n of_o our_o body_n iii_o in_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o those_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v our_o worship_n 1._o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n consist_v in_o the_o good_a disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n when_o our_o understanding_n be_v fill_v with_o gloriour_a idea_n of_o god_n power_n majesty_n and_o goodness_n our_o will_n resign_v to_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o our_o affection_n draw_v out_o after_o he_o when_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o majesty_n produce_v a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n in_o our_o soul_n his_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n trust_v and_o reliance_n on_o he_o his_o goodness_n gratitude_n and_o thankfulness_n for_o his_o mercy_n love_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o man_n in_o short_a when_o the_o contemplation_n on_o god_n glorious_a attribute_n beget_v in_o our_o soul_n affection_n
apostle_n advice_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a 4.8_o phil._n 4.8_o but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o here_o i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o action_n still_o remain_v indifferent_a for_o those_o action_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a may_v become_v necessary_a by_o some_o circumstance_n limit_v and_o bound_v they_o and_o if_o my_o indifferent_a action_n be_v annex_v to_o a_o necessary_a duty_n or_o determine_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n i_o be_o no_o long_o at_o liberty_n which_o way_n to_o act_n nor_o will_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o my_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o rule_n which_o the_o best_a casuist_n have_v lay_v down_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o where_o they_o fall_v short_a our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v be_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o director_n hereby_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o do_v not_o live_v themselves_o up_o to_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n suit_v their_o action_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o thing_n and_o comport_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v best_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n if_o therefore_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o have_v have_v leisure_n and_o part_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v thing_n may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o dissent_v from_o we_o our_o of_o interest_n and_o design_n and_o be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v we_o that_o freedom_n which_o they_o themselves_o enjoy_v my_o advice_n be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n with_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a 5.1_o gal._n 5.1_o least_o by_o any_o mean_a and_o undue_a compliance_n we_o shall_v confirm_v the_o erroneous_a shake_v the_o faithful_a encourage_v the_o adversary_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v settle_v among_o we_o but_o of_o other_o let_v we_o have_v compassion_n 22._o jud._n 22._o make_v a_o difference_n those_o who_o be_v indeed_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a information_n be_v scrupulous_a in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o be_v offend_v at_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o give_v they_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o disgust_v they_o either_o by_o our_o word_n or_o action_n but_o endeavour_v to_o win_v they_o over_o by_o all_o the_o lawful_a art_n and_o endearment_n of_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n and_o if_o we_o must_v still_o differ_v in_o small_a matter_n let_v we_o love_v as_o brethren_n if_o we_o can_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o of_o one_o opinion_n yet_o let_v we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n amen_o and_o amen_o sermon_n vii_o eccles_n v._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil._n the_o design_n of_o the_o royal_a preacher_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o persuade_v his_o hearer_n to_o approach_v with_o humble_a reverence_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n into_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n with_o a_o become_a decency_n and_o devotion_n to_o come_v into_o his_o house_n with_o â—ouls_n affect_v with_o awful_a and_o reverential_a apprehension_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n with_o open_a ear_n and_o obedient_a heart_n dispose_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o keep_v thy_o foot_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n prepare_v and_o fit_v thyself_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n compose_v thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o body_n to_o a_o behaviour_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o those_o duty_n thou_o be_v about_o and_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o the_o expression_n be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n of_o pluck_v off_o their_o shoe_n when_o they_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o solemn_a respect_n or_o tread_v on_o consecrate_a ground_n and_o of_o wash_v their_o foot_n before_o they_o enter_v the_o palace_n of_o their_o king_n or_o the_o place_n dedicate_v to_o god_n public_a worship_n of_o these_o custom_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 3.5_o exod._n 3.5_o when_o god_n appear_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o bush_n he_o command_v he_o to_o put_v his_o shoe_n from_o off_o his_o foot_n because_o the_o place_n whereon_o he_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n say_v unto_o joshua_n 5.15_o josh_n 5.15_o lose_v the_o shoe_n from_o off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a loose_v or_o pluck_v off_o the_o shoe_n be_v a_o ceremony_n of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o uncover_v the_o head_n among_o we_o a_o token_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o therefore_o they_o wash_v and_o make_v clean_o their_o foot_n when_o they_o go_v into_o public_a assembly_n so_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a expression_n to_o denote_v that_o respect_n and_o veneration_n that_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o every_o devout_a worshipper_n who_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o reverent_a demeanour_n of_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v there_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o original_a may_v be_v render_v when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o denote_v to_o we_o both_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o how_o we_o must_v comport_v and_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v present_o add_v and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n i.e._n be_v sure_a to_o bring_v a_o attentive_a ear_n and_o a_o obedient_a heart_n along_o with_o thou_o with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v better_o please_v than_o with_o those_o sacrifice_n whereby_o wicked_a man_n think_v though_o very_o foolish_o to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o render_v he_o favourable_a and_o propitious_a to_o they_o though_o they_o lead_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v open_o declare_v that_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o such_o man_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o impure_a heart_n such_o as_o those_o who_o think_v that_o their_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n will_v atone_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o wickedness_n and_o immorality_n of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o enlargement_n upon_o they_o under_o these_o follow_a head_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n ii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o whilst_o we_o be_v worship_v he_o iii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n 1._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o our_o edify_v and_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o our_o heart_n be_v manure_v and_o cultivate_v prepare_a and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v it_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n 29.13_o isay_n 29.13_o if_o whilst_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o will_v our_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o we_o if_o whilst_o we_o be_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a element_n we_o cherish_v and_o harbour_v sinful_a and_o impure_a thought_n
and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o many_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o deep_a and_o serious_a sense_n what_o a_o weighty_a and_o solemn_a duty_n the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o forbear_v it_o because_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n these_o very_a man_n presume_v to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o address_v themselves_o unto_o god_n throne_n and_o hear_v his_o holy_a word_n without_o any_o preparation_n at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o require_v care_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o thus_o they_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n whilst_o they_o be_v too_o negligent_a and_o profane_a on_o the_o other_o they_o whole_o omit_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n because_o they_o will_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o at_o all_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o man_n who_o live_v so_o long_o under_o the_o most_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n edify_v so_o little_a by_o it_o why_o their_o understanding_n be_v so_o little_o improve_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o little_o better_v thereby_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v prepare_v mind_n and_o good_a disposition_n along_o with_o they_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o worldly_a affair_n their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o many_o wicked_a and_o impure_a spirit_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o give_v he_o any_o suitable_a entertainment_n some_o preparation_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v before_o we_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v after_o this_o or_o such_o like_a manner_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o any_o other_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o set_v apart_o from_o our_o private_a employment_n to_o the_o more_o solemn_a worship_n of_o our_o creator_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o awake_v let_v our_o soul_n be_v season_v with_o some_o holy_a and_o devout_a meditation_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o sun_n salute_v our_o eye_n and_o refresh_v our_o body_n with_o his_o comfortable_a beam_n 4.2_o mal._n 4.2_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v arise_v with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o make_v we_o the_o overture_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favour_n that_o this_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o receive_v the_o homage_n of_o his_o vassal_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o enter_v his_o court_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n admire_v his_o excellency_n adore_v his_o perfection_n celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o want_n before_o he_o and_o beg_a supply_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o improve_v these_o season_n of_o grace_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o meet_v our_o god_n and_o not_o only_o to_o put_v our_o body_n into_o a_o decent_a and_o become_a dress_n but_o to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o qualification_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o poor_a sinful_a man_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o because_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n 16.1_o prov._n 16.1_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o beseech_v god_n 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v inspire_v our_o heart_n with_o holy_a disposition_n and_o afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o vain_a and_o worldly_a thought_n to_o subdue_v all_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n a_o pure_a undefiled_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n that_o we_o may_v spend_v this_o day_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o iâ—â—edicated_v to_o god_n immediate_a service_n â—â—ter_v so_o holy_a and_o devout_a a_o manner_n as_o may_v promote_v our_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o hereby_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v go_v along_o with_o we_o through_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o incite_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o fervency_n and_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o all_o our_o request_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v grant_v we_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o attention_n and_o firm_a resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o with_o gladness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o soul_n with_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o love_a kindness_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v this_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n till_o the_o hour_n approach_v when_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o our_o devotion_n and_o we_o hear_v the_o summons_n to_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n it_o will_v then_o be_v time_n to_o enter_v upon_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n how_o we_o have_v pass_v the_o last_o week_n how_o well_o we_o have_v perform_v those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v former_o take_v up_o what_o sin_v we_o have_v since_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a duty_n we_o have_v omit_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o these_o our_o neglect_v and_o bewail_v our_o mis-carriage_n and_o resolve_v that_o we_o will_v amend_v our_o life_n and_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o that_o we_o will_v walk_v more_o upright_o and_o more_o exact_o in_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o preparation_n of_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v serve_v with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o unsanctify_v heart_n he_o abhor_v even_o the_o most_o solemn_a fast_n of_o those_o man_n who_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n 58.4_o isa_n 58.4_o he_o expect_v that_o the_o sprinkle_v water_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o we_o 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o wash_v our_o hand_n in_o innocency_n 26.6_o psal_n 26.6_o before_o we_o compass_n god_n altar_n let_v we_o therefore_o never_o omit_v this_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o god_n house_n when_o we_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o upon_o some_o sudden_a emergency_n all_o this_o precaution_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v this_o exactness_n of_o preparation_n may_v be_v omit_v and_o a_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n of_o mind_n will_v suffice_v yet_o this_o will_n in_o no_o wise_a excuse_n the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n nor_o take_v off_o the_o blame_n from_o those_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a omission_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o self-examination_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o some_o degree_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v before_o we_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o receive_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o sacrament_n be_v ancient_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o of_o late_a year_n it_o have_v be_v scandalous_o neglect_v and_o therefore_o as_o when_o man_n come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o due_a preparation_n 11.29_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o they_o trample_v under_o foot_n christ_n holy_a body_n and_o blood_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v condemnation_n to_o themselves_o so_o when_o they_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o attend_v upon_o
his_o ordinance_n careless_o and_o negligent_o they_o grieve_v god_n holy_a spirit_n provoke_v he_o to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n 14._o isa_n 29.13_o 14._o forasmuch_o as_o this_o people_n say_v the_o prophet_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o therefore_o behold_v i_o will_v proceed_v to_o do_v a_o marvellous_a work_n and_o a_o wonder_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n shall_v perish_v and_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o prudent_a man_n shall_v be_v hide_v god_n do_v not_o now_o always_o punish_v profaneness_n and_o coldness_n in_o our_o devotion_n with_o temporal_a evil_n and_o sickness_n in_o the_o body_n as_o former_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o he_o have_v exchange_v they_o for_o such_o as_o be_v far_o more_o dreadful_a such_o as_o endanger_v the_o soul_n and_o take_v away_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o a_o christian_n every_o unsanctify_v approach_n which_o we_o make_v unto_o he_o render_v we_o more_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o our_o devotion_n till_o at_o last_o iâ—_n lead_v we_o by_o degree_n into_o open_a profaneness_n and_o atheism_n let_v therefore_o every_o one_o who_o desire_v to_o receive_v the_o bless_a influence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v a_o temple_n fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o let_v he_o i_o say_v first_o cleanse_v his_o heart_n by_o a_o due_a and_o strict_a examination_n of_o himself_o and_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n for_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n let_v he_o thus_o keep_v his_o foot_n before_o he_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n observe_v what_o path_n he_o have_v walk_v in_o how_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v fit_v and_o dispose_v to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n last_o whilst_o we_o be_v go_v towards_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o that_o god_n before_o who_o we_o be_v go_v to_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a creator_n preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o humble_v himself_o to_o look_v down_o upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v exalt_v above_o all_o praise_n and_o exceed_o happy_a and_o glorious_a above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o think_v it_o be_v this_o god_n who_o grant_v we_o audience_n and_o vouchsafe_v we_o the_o favour_n of_o make_v our_o address_n unto_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v also_o our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n how_o unworthy_a we_o be_v of_o so_o great_a favour_n and_o hereby_o raise_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n that_o humble_a awe_n and_o devout_a reverence_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v 26.2_o levit._fw-la 26.2_o which_o be_v require_v of_o every_o one_o who_o worship_n god_n thus_o the_o devout_a cornelius_n tell_v peter_n that_o he_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v present_a before_o god_n 10.23_o act_n 10.23_o to_o hear_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v they_o by_o god_n i._n e._n they_o have_v consider_v with_o themselves_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o hear_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n a_o frail_a sinful_a man_n like_o themselves_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o before_o we_o present_v our_o petition_n unto_o god_n we_o be_v command_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o on_o earth_n i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a distance_n between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o poor_a creature_n that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a the_o most_o glorious_a and_o the_o most_o holy_a be_v but_o we_o only_a dust_n and_o ash_n vile_a earth_n and_o miserable_a sinner_n vile_a we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n but_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o much_o more_o so_o by_o our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o repeat_v transgression_n when_o therefore_o we_o approach_v the_o holy_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o say_v thus_o within_o ourselves_o 28.17_o gen._n 28.17_o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n dwell_v i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n almighty_n who_o have_v my_o soul_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o my_o nostril_n at_o his_o disposal_n in_o who_o i_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v my_o be_v i_o be_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o present_v myself_o before_o his_o face_n to_o pay_v he_o my_o homage_n and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o tender_v of_o my_o bind_a duty_n and_o service_n let_v i_o therefore_o put_v my_o mind_n into_o such_o a_o devout_a frame_n as_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o and_o take_v care_n that_o i_o behave_v myself_o with_o reverence_n decency_n and_o devotion_n and_o now_o have_v bring_v you_o to_o the_o temple_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v 2._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v 1._o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n 41.24_o joh._n 41.24_o 2._o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n i._n e._n require_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o then_o that_o of_o our_o body_n now_o to_o a_o due_a worship_a god_n with_o our_o soul_n there_o be_v require_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o attention_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o ii_o the_o intention_n and_o ardency_n of_o the_o affection_n iii_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o will_n and_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n 1._o if_o we_o will_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n a_o acceptable_a service_n our_o mind_n must_v be_v attentive_a to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o whilst_o we_o be_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o those_o blessing_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o or_o praise_v he_o for_o those_o we_o have_v receive_v we_o must_v either_o be_v meditate_v on_o the_o god_n we_o worship_n or_o the_o thing_n we_o desire_v or_o praise_v he_o for_o for_o since_o worship_n be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v any_o serious_a sense_n or_o make_v any_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o perfection_n unless_o we_o keep_v our_o mind_n intent_n upon_o they_o we_o may_v as_o well_o commend_v the_o beauty_n of_o a_o object_n we_o never_o see_v and_o be_v take_v with_o that_o music_n we_o never_o hear_v as_o admire_v and_o acknowledge_v those_o excellency_n we_o never_o think_v on_o or_o consider_v for_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o our_o mouth_n when_o our_o thought_n be_v wander_v some_o where_n else_o and_o employ_v about_o some_o other_o business_n be_v but_o lip-worship_n at_o the_o best_a a_o sacrifice_n without_o a_o heart_n which_o god_n will_v utter_o detest_v and_o abhor_v it_o be_v therefore_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a device_n of_o the_o devil_n 2.11_o 2_o cor._n 2.11_o of_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o vain_a thought_n in_o our_o mind_n during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o divert_v they_o upon_o worldly_a and_o sinful_a object_n and_o hereby_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o benefit_n we_o may_v otherwise_o obtain_v by_o a_o due_a and_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o care_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o stand_v continual_o upon_o their_o guard_n to_o bear_v a_o strict_a eye_n over_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o find_v any_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n spring_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o restrain_v and_o bring_v back_o their_o wander_a thought_n and_o never_o to_o make_v they_o their_o own_o by_o consent_v to_o they_o or_o dwell_v upon_o they_o some_o man_n be_v more_o addict_v to_o rove_a and_o volatile_a thought_n than_o other_o be_v from_o their_o natural_a temper_n and_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o unblamable_a for_o that_o which_o they_o can_v help_v but_o it_o be_v then_o only_o they_o be_v faulty_a when_o their_o will_n close_v with_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_v of_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o prevent_v they_o i._n e._n a_o due_a and_o conscientious_a preparation_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o religious_a duty_n then_o do_v
they_o corrupt_v their_o most_o holy_a offering_n and_o turn_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n into_o sin_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v our_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o fix_v our_o thought_n and_o keep_v they_o attentive_a to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o find_v that_o he_o who_o have_v thus_o well_o begin_v have_v half_o finish_v his_o work_n if_o we_o can_v but_o once_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o attentive_a to_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n this_o will_v natural_o produce_v 2._o the_o intention_n and_o ardency_n of_o our_o affection_n 12.1_o rom._n 12.1_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o reasonable_a a_o service_n so_o excellent_o fit_v to_o bring_v about_o those_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v require_v little_o more_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o like_n and_o delight_n than_o a_o sober_a and_o serious_a application_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o a_o daily_a and_o constant_a accustom_v ourselves_o to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o irksome_a to_o we_o at_o the_o first_o to_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o religious_a duty_n to_o pray_v and_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o meditate_v upon_o it_o but_o when_o we_o have_v once_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o our_o corrupt_a and_o stubborn_a nature_n by_o a_o daily_a practice_n of_o these_o duty_n nothing_o will_v yield_v we_o so_o much_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n as_o the_o pour_v out_o our_o prayer_n before_o god_n the_o lay_v open_a our_o want_n and_o beg_a supply_n the_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o benefit_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o communicate_v to_o other_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n above_o and_o will_v create_v a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n in_o every_o good_a man_n breast_n who_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o with_o such_o glorious_a conception_n and_o joyful_a resentment_n as_o these_o 19.10_o psal_n 19.10_o these_o as_o david_n tell_v we_o be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n which_o make_v he_o choose_v rather_o to_o spend_v one_o day_n in_o god_n court_n 84.10_o psal_n 84.10_o than_o a_o thousand_o elsewhere_o let_v we_o therefore_o worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o all_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o embrace_v his_o truth_n with_o our_o understanding_n treasure_n it_o up_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o caress_n it_o with_o our_o affection_n let_v we_o pray_v unto_o he_o with_o faith_n zeal_n and_o fervency_n and_o praise_v he_o with_o a_o due_a admiration_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o lovingkindness_n and_o then_o nothing_o will_v remain_v but_o that_o 3._o we_o close_v with_o it_o by_o our_o will_n and_o conform_v they_o to_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o we_o resolve_v to_o amend_v our_o life_n in_o every_o particular_a wherein_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o to_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o every_o know_a instance_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v not_o perform_v our_o devotion_n only_o that_o we_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v religious_a but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v real_o so_o and_o not_o only_o be_v wise_a man_n but_o better_a christian_n for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o devotional_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v chief_o to_o lead_v we_o unto_o practice_n they_o be_v enjoin_v we_o as_o help_n and_o mean_n to_o assist_v we_o to_o direct_v our_o conversation_n aright_o and_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v but_o take_v any_o particular_a duty_n into_o your_o consideration_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o it_o have_v a_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o instance_n will_v it_o not_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n because_o he_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o sigh_n and_o tear_n of_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n for_o he_o who_o be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v never_o better_o please_v than_o when_o he_o be_v do_v we_o good_a and_o communicate_v his_o blessing_n unto_o we_o but_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o command_v we_o to_o repent_v be_v that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a nature_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n which_o our_o vice_n betray_v we_o into_o and_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v deter_v from_o those_o action_n which_o be_v so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o ourselves_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o fancy_n that_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o glory_n or_o increase_v his_o happiness_n for_o he_o be_v infinite_o and_o therefore_o perfect_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o but_o these_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v we_o that_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v more_o serious_o affect_v with_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o a_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o god_n goodness_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o yield_v the_o ready_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o be_v draw_v by_o these_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o institute_v religion_n 11.4_o hosea_n 11.4_o but_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n do_v direct_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n more_o holy_a in_o this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o make_v they_o more_o happy_a in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o that_o then_o it_o do_v obtain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v when_o we_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o live_v better_o and_o of_o conform_v our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o that_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o attention_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o harmony_n of_o our_o will_n with_o god_n divine_a will._n i_o come_v to_o consider_v 2._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o our_o body_n for_o since_o our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v but_o high_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v pay_v he_o the_o homage_n of_o they_o and_o serve_v he_o also_o with_o our_o body_n which_o be_v he_o that_o we_o shall_v dispose_v ourselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o such_o decent_a become_v and_o reverential_a gesture_n that_o we_o may_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o our_o whole_a man_n be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n and_o this_o will_v be_v best_a perform_v by_o bear_v in_o mind_n this_o general_a rule_n that_o we_o put_v on_o that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o look_n and_o behaviour_n and_o deport_v ourselves_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o worship_n require_v from_o we_o for_o though_o irreverence_n and_o indecency_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v by_o too_o many_o esteem_v a_o light_n and_o trivial_a offence_n and_o hardly_o worth_a take_v notice_n of_o which_o proceed_v from_o this_o false_a notion_n they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o that_o if_o they_o serve_v god_n with_o their_o mind_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o their_o bodily_a behaviour_n be_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n and_o of_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n if_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o of_o unprejudiced_a reason_n for_o 1._o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v those_o man_n will_v worship_n god_n with_o their_o soul_n and_o spirit_n who_o will_v not_o worship_v he_o with_o their_o body_n if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o easy_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o comport_v their selve_o decent_o and_o affectionate_o during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o shall_v perform_v that_o which_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a to_o worship_v he_o with_o intention_n of_o soul_n and_o ardency_n of_o affection_n it_o require_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o application_n to_o keep_v their_o mind_n attentive_a and_o to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o these_o man_n will_v
never_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o perform_v who_o both_o by_o their_o look_n and_o gesture_n declare_v that_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o some_o other_o place_n and_o employ_v on_o some_o other_o business_n a_o multitude_n of_o needless_a and_o insignificant_a ceremony_n such_o as_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n tend_v to_o divert_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o business_n we_o be_v about_o and_o make_v so_o much_o employment_n for_o our_o body_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o serve_v he_o with_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o our_o religious_a worship_n nor_o do_v i_o plead_v for_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o devout_a and_o reverential_a deportment_n of_o ourselves_o i_o will_v enforce_v a_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o that_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n our_o church_n prescribe_v that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n that_o humble_a prostration_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o become_v man_n who_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n will_v appear_v 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o as_o i_o have_v former_o observe_v consist_v in_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n which_o man_n have_v for_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o poor_a creature_n who_o continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o every_o thing_n they_o enjoy_v which_o make_v they_o approach_v his_o presence_n with_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o profound_a adoration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o will_v discover_v itself_o in_o their_o look_n word_n and_o action_n for_o there_o be_v so_o close_a a_o union_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o when_o the_o one_o be_v serious_o affect_v the_o other_o can_v remain_v unconcern_v when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o glorious_a idea_n of_o god_n wonderful_a perfection_n his_o majesty_n power_n goodness_n and_o lovingkindness_n towards_o we_o we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v to_o carry_v fire_n in_o our_o bosom_n and_o not_o be_v burn_v 6.27_o prov._n 6.27_o as_o to_o contain_v ourselves_o from_o discover_v the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o visible_a demonstration_n beside_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o public_a worship_n that_o we_o make_v know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o public_a token_n of_o reverence_n and_o sign_n of_o honour_n this_o be_v one_o chief_a end_n of_o our_o worship_a god_n in_o public_a 15.6_o rom._n 15.6_o that_o we_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o incite_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o praise_v and_o adore_v he_o and_o declare_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o a_o reverence_n we_o retain_v for_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n which_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o our_o external_a behaviour_n and_o devout_a deportment_n of_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o man_n deserve_o eminent_a for_o piety_n and_o devotion_n who_o do_v not_o join_v bodily_a worship_n with_o his_o mental_a adoration_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o three_o consideration_n 3._o that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v present_a in_o our_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a that_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o decent_o and_o carry_v ourselves_o with_o humility_n and_o respect_n uncover_v our_o head_n and_o bend_v our_o body_n and_o give_v all_o the_o sign_n of_o attention_n and_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n than_o we_o will_v be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o temporal_a prince_n do_v god_n appear_v in_o our_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o dread_a of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n will_v put_v every_o one_o of_o we_o into_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o devout_a posture_n yet_o god_n be_v here_o present_a of_o a_o truth_n though_o we_o know_v it_o not_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n do_v not_o only_o look_v down_o and_o behold_v we_o but_o be_v as_o certain_o present_a in_o this_o congregation_n as_o if_o we_o behold_v they_o with_o our_o bodily_a eye_n let_v we_o therefore_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o god_n 95.6_o psal_n 95.6_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n let_v we_o give_v he_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o our_o body_n and_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o bow_v down_o ourselves_o before_o he_o 3._o i_o come_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o that_o the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n may_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o not_o give_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o our_o secular_a affair_n and_o worldly_a thought_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o divine_a service_n be_v end_v much_o less_o shall_v we_o let_v loose_v our_o thought_n to_o pastime_n and_o recreation_n though_o never_o so_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a for_o be_v there_o no_o divine_a command_n common_a prudence_n will_v dictate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o fix_v those_o truth_n we_o have_v hear_v upon_o our_o memory_n be_v to_o take_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o to_o digest_v what_o we_o have_v hear_v by_o serious_a meditation_n and_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o divert_v our_o thought_n to_o other_o employment_n will_v deface_v all_o those_o good_a impression_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v make_v on_o our_o mind_n blot_v they_o out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o make_v those_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v like_o the_o seed_n sow_o by_o the_o way_n side_n 13.5_o matth._n 13.5_o which_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air._n let_v we_o therefore_o spend_v some_o time_n in_o recollect_v what_o the_o preacher_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o consider_v what_o article_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v explain_v what_o virtue_n have_v be_v recommend_v what_o vice_n reprove_v what_o argument_n and_o motive_n have_v be_v use_v and_o in_o short_a in_o compare_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o it_o then_o let_v we_o treasure_n it_o up_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o transcribe_v it_o into_o our_o life_n let_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n that_o we_o may_v yield_v a_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o grow_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o conclude_v all_o with_o our_o affectionate_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o inlighten_v our_o understanding_n open_v our_o heart_n and_o incline_v our_o will_n and_o to_o render_v his_o good_a word_n effectual_a to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v only_o bare_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o same_o let_v we_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o the_o many_o gracious_a opportunity_n he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o enter_v his_o court_n and_o approach_v his_o sanctuary_n that_o we_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o public_a and_o enjoy_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o his_o gospel_n whilst_o so_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n 107.10_o psal_n 107.10_o and_o let_v we_o not_o only_o content_v ourselves_o with_o make_v a_o verbal_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o favour_n but_o testify_v our_o thankfulness_n by_o a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o his_o worship_n and_o word_n and_o make_v it_o the_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n sermon_n viii_o 2_o cor._n xii_o 9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o wonderful_a good_a and_o gracicious_a be_v the_o design_n of_o providence_n towards_o mankind_n both_o as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o god_n dispensation_n in_o this_o life_n be_v so_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n to_o implant_v in_o they_o such_o virtuous_a disposition_n and_o habit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v excellent_a advice_n though_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o heathen_a si_fw-la vis_fw-la consilium_fw-la permit_v ipsis_fw-la expendere_fw-la numinibus_fw-la quid_fw-la conveniat_fw-la nobis_fw-la rebusque_fw-la sit_fw-la utile_fw-la nostris_fw-la nam_fw-la pro_fw-la jucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la dabunt_fw-la