that_o only_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o action_n not_o in_o the_o circumstance_n also_o they_o approve_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o action_n but_o not_o in_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o for_o example_n the_o hebrew_n midwife_n be_v commend_v for_o save_v alive_a the_o man-child_n of_o the_o israelite_n yea_o and_o reward_v too_o by_o god_n himself_o exodus_fw-la 1.20_o 21._o but_o whether_o they_o be_v approve_v in_o their_o defence_n which_o they_o make_v unto_o pharaoh_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v excuse_v from_o a_o lie_n it_o may_v be_v very_o questionable_a rebecca_n do_v well_o in_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v the_o blessing_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o jacob_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n that_o settle_v it_o upon_o he_o before_o he_o be_v bear_v gen._n 25.23_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a that_o the_o way_n by_o which_o she_o bring_v her_o husband_n to_o give_v he_o the_o blessing_n by_o delude_v he_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v at_o least_o if_o jacob_n do_v well_o in_o desire_v the_o blessing_n and_o may_v be_v some_o way_n excuse_v in_o follow_v his_o mother_n counsel_n for_o obtain_v it_o he_o can_v be_v commend_v much_o less_o imitate_v in_o tell_v his_o father_n a_o flat_a lie_n gen._n 27.19_o that_o he_o be_v esau_n the_o first_o bear_v in_o such_o example_n we_o may_v lawful_o imitate_v the_o faith_n both_o of_o the_o midwife_n and_o of_o rebecca_n but_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o follow_v not_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n in_o do_v that_o command_n 2._o we_o may_v not_o imitate_v action_n approve_v in_o man_n if_o they_o be_v do_v upon_o special_a command_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v commendable_a in_o a_o unlawful_a way_n second_o some_o action_n in_o scripture_n be_v approve_v which_o yet_o we_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n imitate_v as_o be_v justifiable_a by_o a_o particular_a command_v from_o god_n to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v though_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o israelite_n borrow_a jewel_n of_o gold_n and_o jewel_n of_o silver_n of_o the_o egyptian_n by_o god_n express_a command_n exod._n 11.2_o which_o they_o never_o pay_v again_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o to_o borrow_v and_o not_o pay_v again_o be_v the_o character_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n psal_n 37.21_o yea_o where_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a and_o verbal_a command_n from_o god_n yet_o some_o time_n man_n by_o a_o secret_a instinct_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v warrant_v to_o do_v that_o which_o without_o it_o have_v be_v unlawful_a as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v those_o samaritan_n that_o refuse_v to_o receive_v christ_n luk._n 9.54_o because_o elijah_n have_v do_v the_o like_a 2_o king_n 1.10_o 12._o three_o in_o imitate_v warrantable_a example_n we_o must_v wise_o compare_v our_o case_n with_o that_o which_o we_o set_v before_o we_o for_o our_o pattern_n to_o see_v thing_n 3._o where_o we_o follow_v example_n of_o good_a man_n we_o must_v consider_v whether_o our_o case_n and_o they_o be_v alike_o in_o all_o thing_n whether_o they_o be_v alike_o in_o all_o circumstance_n for_o circumstance_n in_o action_n do_v much_o vary_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o as_o we_o know_v wherefore_o our_o saviour_n to_o justify_v his_o disciple_n rub_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n by_o david_n example_n of_o eat_v the_o shewbread_n show_v the_o case_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o david_n that_o they_o do_v it_o to_o relieve_v their_o hunger_n as_o david_n have_v do_v luk._n 6.3_o otherwise_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o disobey_v magistrate_n command_n in_o lawful_a or_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o the_o apostle_n refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o ruler_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o a_o case_n where_o they_o have_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a act_v 4.19_o four_o act_v 4._o where_o we_o imitate_v a_o good_a action_n we_o must_v withal_o strive_v to_o imitate_v the_o faith_n zeal_n etc._n etc._n wherewith_o it_o be_v act_v in_o take_v precedent_n from_o the_o action_n of_o godly_a man_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o set_v before_o we_o the_o act_n do_v by_o they_o but_o we_o must_v with_o all_o strive_v to_o imitate_v their_o faith_n zeal_n and_o other_o holy_a affection_n which_o they_o manifest_v in_o do_v it_o and_o the_o right_a end_n at_o which_o they_o aim_v therein_o for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o work_n of_o man_n have_v their_o just_a estimation_n from_o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v and_o from_o the_o end_n to_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a confidence_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o our_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v god_n glory_n mat._n 5.16_o 1_o cor._n 10.31_o last_o when_o we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o law_n man_n 5._o last_o we_o may_v not_o make_v the_o example_n but_o the_o law_n the_o ground_n of_o imitate_v the_o best_a man_n we_o must_v not_o make_v their_o example_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o action_n but_o the_o law_n only_o which_o they_o be_v guide_v by_o and_o which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n that_o must_v be_v our_o direction_n as_o we_o say_v before_o the_o only_a use_n which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o example_n be_v to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v we_o up_o and_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o such_o duty_n of_o obedience_n as_o we_o see_v godly_a man_n have_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o if_o we_o put_v to_o our_o endeavour_n the_o same_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o wrought_v in_o they_o will_v be_v present_a with_o we_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o like_a performance_n finis_fw-la a_o explication_n of_o the_o follow_a direction_n for_o the_o read_n of_o the_o bible_n over_o in_o a_o year_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o necessary_a use_n and_o practise_v thereof_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o direction_n be_v to_o guide_v thou_o in_o the_o annual_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o way_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o familiar_a because_o it_o most_o concern_v the_o weak_a each_o page_n have_v the_o figure_n for_o the_o day_n of_o the_o month_n set_v in_o the_o first_o place_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o three_o month_n that_o be_v in_o that_o page_n each_o day_n task_n be_v three_o chapter_n two_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o one_o in_o the_o new_a so_o long_o as_o the_o new_a do_v last_o and_o this_o order_n be_v constant_a except_v in_o the_o psalm_n where_o because_o some_o be_v so_o very_o short_a there_o be_v sometime_o two_o sometime_o more_o to_o be_v take_v together_o at_o one_o read_v only_o the_o hundred-nineteenth_a because_o it_o be_v too_o long_o for_o one_o read_v be_v divide_v into_o four_o portion_n six_o part_n apiece_o for_o the_o two_o former_a and_o five_o a_o piece_n for_o the_o two_o latter_a which_o portion_n exceed_v not_o the_o length_n of_o a_o ordinary_a chapter_n as_o for_o the_o day_n which_o be_v supernumerary_n in_o the_o leap_v year_n that_o be_v which_o be_v above_o 365._o i_o rather_o leave_v to_o thy_o discretion_n and_o piety_n how_o to_o employ_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o thy_o own_o solace_n then_o prescribe_v any_o thing_n 2._o for_o the_o time_n it_o be_v very_o requisite_a to_o observe_v it_o strict_o that_o be_v to_o read_v one_o chapter_n in_o the_o morning_n another_o at_o noon_n and_o the_o three_o at_o night_n so_o thou_o shall_v never_o want_v heavenly_a matter_n to_o take_v up_o thy_o thought_n but_o whatever_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o day_n time_n must_v be_v make_v out_o at_o night_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o some_o day_n or_o week_n task_n be_v omit_v as_o by_o sickness_n or_o the_o like_a when_o thou_o come_v to_o it_o again_o double_v the_o daily_a task_n till_o the_o loss_n be_v repair_v and_o whereas_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v here_o make_v only_o equal_a to_o other_o day_n in_o its_o task_n and_o service_n thou_o must_v ever_o make_v it_o a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n by_o add_v to_o it_o a_o portion_n in_o some_o book_n or_o other_o which_o thy_o soul_n most_o affect_v be_v it_o isaiah_n or_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n or_o any_o of_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o psalm_n in_o this_o respect_n may_v not_o whole_o be_v omit_v this_o day_n be_v a_o singular_a day_n above_o other_o for_o sing_v and_o rejoice_v 3._o for_o good_a success_n and_o proficiency_n in_o this_o holy_a employment_n
the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o god_n may_v be_v more_o admire_v as_o isa_n 51.12_o 13._o &_o psalm_n 146.3_o 4_o 6._o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v nothing_o at_o the_o first_o have_v nothing_o now_o but_o what_o be_v borrow_v from_o god_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o very_a scant_a proportion_n so_o that_o if_o we_o inquire_v where_o wisdom_n power_n sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o the_o sea_n answer_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o all_o creature_n they_o have_v hear_v the_o fame_n thereof_o job_n 28.22_o but_o only_o the_o mighty_a creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v possess_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o way_n thus_o the_o word_n set_v out_o riches_n man_n strong_a city_n prov._n 18.11_o to_o be_v nothing_o prov._n 23.5_o strong_a wall_n no_o better_o then_o ripe_a fig_n that_o fall_v into_o the_o eater_n mouth_n nah._n 3.12_o horse_n and_o chariot_n a_o break_a reed_n psal_n 20.8_o unable_a to_o save_v a_o man_n psa_n 33.17_o honour_v a_o empty_a breath_n grace_v no_o man_n without_o wisdom_n psal_n 49.20_o man_n light_a than_o vanity_n ps_n 62.9_o prince_n but_o a_o puff_n psal_n 146.4_o nay_o whole_a nation_n but_o as_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o balance_n isa_n 40.15_o nothing_o nay_o less_o than_o nothing_o ver_fw-la 17._o thus_o the_o scripture_n set_v god_n and_o the_o creature_n one_o against_o another_o like_o a_o foil_n under_o a_o diamond_n god_n in_o his_o absolute_a and_o transcendent_a perfection_n the_o creature_n though_o excellent_a by_o the_o beauty_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o yet_o empty_a weak_a and_o contemptible_a compare_v with_o god_n do_v advance_v his_o glory_n beyond_o comparison_n so_o that_o as_o the_o height_n of_o heaven_n be_v see_v by_o this_o that_o when_o we_o have_v climb_v the_o top_n of_o some_o high_a mountain_n which_o when_o we_o stand_v in_o the_o low_a valley_n seem_v to_o touch_v the_o sky_n we_o find_v ourselves_o to_o be_v as_o far_o from_o heaven_n as_o we_o be_v before_o so_o when_o we_o have_v behold_v the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o most_o admire_a creature_n it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o comparison_n of_o god_n perfection_n then_o if_o we_o have_v see_v the_o base_a worm_n by_o these_o divers_a way_n do_v the_o scripture_n advance_v god_n honour_n and_o throw_v down_o all_o creature_n at_o his_o foot_n the_o next_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n thereof_o the_o second_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n our_o salvation_n further_v 1._o propose_v the_o mean_n thereof_o be_v the_o further_a of_o man_n salvation_n which_o they_o effect_v two_o way_n first_o by_o propose_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o second_o by_o win_v our_o heart_n to_o entertain_v they_o first_o then_o they_o present_v unto_o we_o god_n himself_o offering_z life_n and_o salvation_n in_o christ_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o we_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 3.16_o next_o the_o scripture_n propose_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o salvation_n and_o so_o serve_v for_o a_o guide_n to_o direct_v we_o psalm_n 119.105_o a_o counsellor_n to_o advise_v we_o ver_fw-la 24._o shine_v out_o unto_o we_o as_o a_o light_n in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 1.19_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o way_n and_o the_o crooked_a path_n on_o either_o side_n of_o it_o lead_v to_o death_n and_o destruction_n the_o next_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n further_o our_o salvation_n it_o 2._o win_v our_o heart_n to_o embrace_v it_o by_o the_o spirit_n accompany_v it_o be_v by_o win_v our_o heart_n to_o embrace_v and_o seek_v it_o which_o it_o perform_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o accompany_v it_o for_o that_o only_o quicken_v the_o soul_n john_n 6.63_o by_o give_v we_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n the_o breadth_n length_n depth_n and_o height_n thereof_o eph._n 3.18_o whereupon_o we_o desire_v and_o seek_v it_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n withal_o it_o cause_v we_o to_o relish_v god_n gommandement_n which_o we_o find_v sweet_a than_o honey_n to_o our_o mouth_n ps_n 119.103_o or_o at_o least_o provoke_v we_o to_o a_o long_a desire_n after_o they_o as_o david_n open_v his_o mouth_n and_o pant_v long_v for_o they_o ps_n 119.131_o wish_v that_o his_o way_n be_v direct_v to_o keep_v god_n statute_n psal_n 119.5_o crave_v god_n help_v to_o assist_v we_o therein_o to_o order_v our_o step_n in_o his_o word_n ps_n 119.133_o promise_v to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n when_o he_o shall_v enlarge_v our_o heart_n ps_n 119.32_o afflict_v ourselves_o for_o our_o wander_n from_o they_o and_o pray_v to_o be_v bring_v back_o into_o a_o right_a way_n ps_n 119.176_o thus_o god_n word_n stir_v up_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o thereby_o move_v we_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o eternal_a life_n a_o effect_n of_o which_o none_o miss_v but_o such_o as_o reject_v and_o put_v it_o off_o from_o themselves_o with_o those_o act_n 13.46_o cap._n vii_o who_o they_o be_v that_o profit_n by_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o must_v be_v man_n of_o spiritual_a mind_n it_o be_v a_o evident_a and_o know_a truth_n spiritual_a they_o must_v have_v spiritual_a mind_n that_o understand_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v spiritual_a that_o to_o the_o apprehend_n of_o any_o thing_n there_o must_v be_v a_o correspondence_n in_o nature_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n that_o it_o apprehend_v as_o between_o light_n and_o the_o eye_n between_o meat_n and_o the_o taste_n see_v therefore_o as_o we_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a already_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n handle_v in_o scripture_n be_v spiritual_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o other_o then_o by_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n 1_o cor._n 2.15_o a_o natural_a man_n be_v as_o uncapable_a of_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o a_o beast_n be_v of_o rational_a discourse_n that_o be_v both_o uncapable_a to_o comprehend_v they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o much_o more_o to_o approve_v they_o see_v he_o esteem_v they_o foolishness_n 2_o cor._n 2.14_o it_o be_v true_a they_o yet_o it_o be_v all_o man_n duty_n to_o read_v and_o study_v they_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v every_o man_n duty_n according_a to_o that_o general_a exhortation_n john_n 5.39_o see_v they_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o reveal_v will_n be_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 2.4_o and_o if_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o thing_n reveal_v deut._n 29.29_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v they_o wherefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o none_o can_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o those_o duty_n be_v prescribe_v all_o that_o we_o affirm_v be_v this_o ought_v but_o only_o spiritual_a man_n profit_v by_o they_o as_o they_o ought_v that_o of_o those_o that_o do_v and_o aught_o to_o read_v they_o none_o can_v profit_v by_o they_o as_o they_o ought_v unless_o they_o be_v man_n of_o spiritual_a mind_n without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o understand_v nor_o believe_v they_o &_o such_o as_o mix_v not_o the_o word_n with_o faith_n profit_v not_o by_o it_o at_o all_o heb._n 4.2_o notwithstanding_o read_v notwithstanding_o those_o that_o come_v not_o prepare_v with_o a_o good_a heart_n 1._o may_v receive_v it_o while_o they_o be_v read_v the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v such_o spiritual_a mind_n be_v not_o altogether_o vain_a if_o there_o be_v in_o they_o any_o true_a desire_n to_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o heavenly_a mystery_n reveal_v therein_o for_o though_o they_o come_v not_o prepare_v with_o such_o a_o heart_n as_o be_v require_v when_o they_o take_v the_o work_n in_o hand_n yet_o god_n may_v give_v it_o they_o while_o they_o be_v about_o the_o duty_n as_o he_o open_v lydiaes_n heart_n while_o she_o be_v hear_v s._n paul_n sermon_n act_v 16.24_o and_o convert_v three_o thousand_o in_o hear_v of_o saint_n peter_n sermon_n act._n 2.41_o or_o the_o spirit_n may_v afterward_o bring_v those_o thing_n to_o remembrance_n convert_v 2._o or_o the_o spirit_n may_v bring_v they_o after_o to_o remembrace_v 3._o or_o at_o least_o they_o may_v by_o read_v be_v restrain_v if_o not_o convert_v which_o they_o seem_v to_o sleight_n at_o the_o first_o read_v and_o may_v then_o work_v effectual_o by_o they_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o his_o own_o apostle_n john_n 12.16_o or_o last_o though_o there_o follow_v no_o
because_o they_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n as_o elihu_n speak_v job_n 34.19_o second_o thought_n 2._o reach_v to_o the_o very_a thought_n we_o see_v that_o the_o command_n of_o the_o great_a earthly_a potentate_n reach_v no_o far_o than_o the_o order_n of_o man_n outward_a conversation_n but_o extend_v not_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o motion_n or_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o usual_o say_v and_o just_o may_v in_o respect_n of_o humane_a law_n that_o thought_n be_v free_a so_o then_o when_o we_o see_v that_o man_n dare_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o regulate_v of_o man_n thought_n by_o any_o law_n we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o power_n reach_v not_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n unto_o which_o they_o can_v give_v no_o law_n because_o they_o can_v know_v when_o they_o be_v break_v or_o obey_v but_o god_n in_o his_o word_n give_v law_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o command_v the_o thought_n and_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n require_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n mat._n 22.37_o and_o one_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o ver_fw-la 39_o and_o forbid_v lust_n anger_n malice_n etc._n etc._n and_o other_o inordinate_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n mat._n 5.28_o leu._n 19.17_o which_o necessary_o imply_v that_o he_o that_o give_v such_o law_n be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n numb_a 27.16_o the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n jer._n 17.10_o able_a therefore_o to_o know_v and_o judge_v the_o obedience_n or_o rebellion_n of_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o three_o place_n command_v 3._o extend_v to_o creature_n out_o of_o man_n power_n and_o command_v we_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o though_o no_o creature_n be_v exempt_v from_o man_n service_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o under_o his_o command_n as_o be_v without_o his_o reach_n or_o too_o great_a to_o be_v master_v by_o his_o power_n such_o be_v the_o heaven_n with_o all_o their_o host_n the_o earth_n the_o sea_n the_o wind_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o seem_v to_o have_v reserve_v to_o his_o own_o jurisdiction_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o that_o think_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a man_n wonder_v to_o hear_v he_o rebuke_v the_o wind_n mat._n 8.26_o 27._o a_o thing_n that_o no_o mere_a man_n well_o advise_v ever_o do_v as_o for_o ioshua_n word_n to_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n josh_n 10.12_o they_o have_v indeed_o the_o form_n of_o a_o command_n but_o have_v only_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o prayer_n so_o that_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o the_o sun_n hear_v joshua_n ver_fw-la 13._o see_v therefore_o man_n forbear_v to_o command_v the_o heaven_n earth_n sea_n wind_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o scripture_n we_o find_v command_n and_o bound_n give_v to_o the_o sea_n job_n 38.11_o ps_n 104.79_o the_o earth_n fix_v to_o a_o place_n by_o god_n decree_n ps_n 119.90_o his_o word_n settle_v in_o heaven_n ps_n 119.89_o the_o wind_n fire_n hail_n snow_n etc._n etc._n fulfil_v his_o word_n psal_n 148.8_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o voice_n that_o command_v all_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o that_o powerful_a lord_n who_o have_v make_v all_o these_o thing_n have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o command_v and_o give_v law_n unto_o they_o according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n last_o no_o man_n well_o advise_v power_n 4._o fortify_v with_o sanction_n of_o promise_n and_o threat_n beyond_o man_n power_n ever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o threaten_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v beyond_o man_n power_n to_o effect_v and_o therefore_o see_v that_o reach_v only_o to_o man_n outward_a estate_n and_o no_o far_o and_o that_o too_o limit_v to_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o present_a life_n we_o never_o find_v man_n sanction_n give_v in_o their_o law_n extend_v beyond_o the_o promise_n or_o threat_n of_o present_a or_o outward_a good_a or_o evil_a as_o for_o instance_n either_o to_o give_v or_o take_v away_o man_n liberty_n their_o wealth_n or_o estate_n or_o life_n at_o the_o most_o but_o god_n word_n threaten_v plague_n upon_o on_o the_o soul_n hardness_n of_o heart_n a_o reprobate_a sense_n a_o tremble_a spirit_n a_o spirit_n of_o madness_n and_o giddiness_n and_o promise_v light_a of_o knowledge_n power_n of_o faith_n increase_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n nay_o reach_v beyond_o this_o life_n to_o eternity_n threaten_v the_o wicked_a with_o the_o worm_n that_o die_v not_o isa_n 66.24_o everlasting_a fire_n mat._n 25.41_o everlasting_a chain_n judas_n 6._o and_o promise_v a_o inheritance_n immortal_a 1_o pet._n 1.4_o a_o kingdom_n that_o fade_v not_o rivers_z of_o pleasure_n in_o god_n presence_n for_o evermore_o psal_n 16.11_o such_o promise_n and_o such_o threaten_n which_o exceed_v the_o limit_n of_o any_o mortal_a power_n to_o bestow_v or_o inflict_v must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o god_n of_o spirit_n and_o eternity_n lay_v all_o these_o particular_n together_o and_o thus_o we_o may_v frame_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o command_n which_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o voice_n which_o command_v and_o give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n that_o prescribe_v and_o give_v rule_n to_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o promise_v and_o threaten_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o eternal_o that_o give_v law_n to_o those_o creature_n over_o which_o no_o man_n have_v or_o ever_o challenge_v any_o power_n the_o heaven_n earth_n sea_n wind_n etc._n etc._n that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o voice_n and_o word_n of_o god_n but_o such_o be_v the_o voice_n that_o speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o voice_n and_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o scripture_n manifest_v in_o their_o lofty_a plain_a style_n and_o in_o their_o transcendent_a command_n and_o sanction_n discover_v these_o sacred_a volume_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o he_o to_o who_o alone_o belong_v majesty_n authority_n and_o power_n mark_n ii_o of_o the_o subject_n or_o matter_n handle_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o argument_n word_n the_o subject_n handle_v in_o scripture_n show_v they_o to_o be_v god_n word_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v god_n word_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o subject_n or_o matter_n which_o be_v handle_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v either_o principle_n of_o faith_n or_o rule_v of_o practice_n now_o before_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o particular_o thus_o much_o must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o general_a as_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v discover_v by_o light_n of_o nature_n 1t._o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v know_v by_o any_o creature_n or_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o discourse_n of_o natural_a reason_n that_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v discover_v and_o make_v know_v by_o god_n himself_o but_o it_o will_v appear_v as_o evident_o as_o the_o very_a light_n that_o most_o of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v unto_o we_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o ever_o enter_v into_o man_n heart_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v either_o reveal_v or_o discover_v by_o man_n wherefore_o see_v we_o find_v they_o discover_v in_o the_o scripture_n we_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n only_o the_o minor_a be_v questionable_a which_o will_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v by_o the_o ensue_a instance_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o most_o eminent_a object_n of_o faith_n himself_o 1._o god_n himself_o god_n himself_o no_o man_n have_v see_v he_o at_o any_o time_n john_n 1.18_o neither_o consequent_o know_v he_o as_o he_o ought_v as_o our_o saviour_n testify_v john_n 17.25_o much_o less_o can_v manifest_v he_o unto_o other_o indeed_o that_o god_n be_v yea_o his_o godhead_n and_o power_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n rom._n 1.20_o but_o how_o little_a true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v discover_v to_o natural_a man_n by_o that_o way_n of_o grope_v as_o the_o apostle_n term_n it_o act_n 17.27_o appear_v by_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o heathen_a to_o omit_v the_o fantasy_n of_o the_o rest_n who_o speak_v so_o little_a and_o so_o uncertain_o concern_v god_n that_o they_o seem_v like_o the_o blind_a man_n who_o eye_n be_v not_o yet_o full_o clear_v by_o our_o saviour_n mark_v 8.24_o who_o see_v man_n walk_v like_o tree_n
neither_o indeed_o be_v their_o writing_n compare_v with_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o so_o much_o as_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n to_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noon_n day_n as_o for_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o secret_a unsearchable_a by_o natural_a reason_n or_o discoverable_a any_o way_n but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n next_o unto_o god_n it_o 2._o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o manner_n &_o order_n of_o it_o may_v follow_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o likewise_o believe_v by_o faith_n heb._n 1.3_o which_o although_o the_o heathen_a upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o creature_n by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o god_n yet_o that_o the_o creature_n be_v make_v by_o god_n mere_a word_n finish_v in_o six_o day_n and_o create_v in_o such_o order_n as_o we_o find_v mention_v gen._n 1._o no_o heathen_a man_n ever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o relate_v neither_o see_v man_n be_v make_v the_o last_o of_o all_o creature_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o divine_a what_o be_v do_v before_o he_o have_v any_o be_v wherefore_o the_o scripture_n so_o exact_o describe_v the_o time_n mean_n and_o order_n of_o the_o creation_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n who_o be_v bring_v forth_o ere_o the_o mountain_n be_v settle_v prov._n 8.25_o present_v when_o he_o prepare_v the_o heaven_n ver_fw-la 27._o by_o his_o father_n when_o he_o appoint_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n ver_fw-la 29_o 30._o three_o the_o state_n of_o man_n before_o his_o fall_n it_o 3._o the_o history_n of_o man_n fall_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a history_n mean_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o fall_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o especial_o the_o corruption_n that_o it_o bring_v upon_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o man_n which_o we_o term_v original_a sin_n together_o with_o the_o subjection_n of_o all_o man_n to_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n thereby_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v propagate_v both_o in_o the_o stain_n and_o guilt_n of_o it_o to_o posterity_n as_o they_o be_v thing_n unsearchable_a by_o natural_a reason_n so_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v once_o lose_v together_o with_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o imperfect_o and_o uncertain_o deliver_v and_o relate_v to_o posterity_n through_o so_o many_o hand_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o pass_v before_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o full_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o they_o must_v be_v hide_v from_o such_o as_o have_v no_o better_a light_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n to_o search_v they_o out_o wherefore_o we_o find_v that_o they_o be_v whole_o pass_v over_o in_o all_o writing_n of_o heathen_a man_n but_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_o open_v as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v which_o show_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v they_o reveal_v these_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v teach_v by_o humane_a reason_n four_o christ_n 4._o man_n redemption_n by_o christ_n that_o wonderful_a mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o secret_a that_o never_o enter_v into_o man_n heart_n 1_o cor._n 2.19_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o by_o any_o natural_a man_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v the_o least_o syllable_n of_o it_o in_o any_o heathen_a man_n book_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o seem_v so_o incredible_a a_o thing_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o the_o prophet_n not_o without_o cause_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o wonder_n ask_v who_o have_v believe_v his_o report_n esa_n 53.1_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o it_o be_v preach_v the_o learned_a grecian_n account_v it_o foolishness_n 1_o cor._n 1.27_o or_o a_o mere_a fantasy_n now_o that_o which_o seem_v incredible_a to_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v know_v be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o reason_n at_o the_o first_o before_o it_o be_v know_v if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o this_o wonderful_a work_n proceed_v mere_o from_o the_o free_a motion_n of_o god_n will_n without_o any_o other_o cause_n move_v thereinto_o than_o his_o own_o love_n and_o compassion_n as_o christ_n himself_o affirm_v john_n 36.16_o and_o the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 4.10_o how_o can_v any_o man_n divine_a what_o god_n purpose_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n before_o he_o have_v wrought_v it_o unless_o himself_o have_v reveal_v it_o so_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o word_n which_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o last_o thereof_o 5._o the_o benefit_n thereof_o the_o condition_n into_o which_o man_n be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n be_v another_o mystery_n hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o see_v by_o no_o clear_a light_n then_o that_o which_o natural_a reason_n yield_v they_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n renovation_n union_n with_o christ_n adoption_n justification_n renovation_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o have_v discover_v our_o mystical_a union_n into_o one_o body_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n our_o adoption_n by_o grace_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o justification_n by_o faith_n through_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n our_o renovation_n or_o new_a birth_n wherein_o our_o heart_n be_v change_v by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n glory_n resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n to_o glory_n the_o restitution_n of_o our_o body_n to_o life_n again_o with_o a_o change_n from_o the_o state_n of_o corruption_n to_o incorruption_n of_o natural_a and_o earthly_a body_n to_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o our_o glorious_a and_o ever_o bless_a condition_n to_o be_v enjoy_v hereafter_o in_o the_o immediate_a and_o everlasting_a fruition_n of_o god_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n wherefore_o we_o find_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o mention_n of_o these_o thing_n among_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a unless_o perhaps_o they_o stumble_v upon_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o yet_o they_o rather_o dream_v of_o then_o understand_v distinct_o wherefore_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v unto_o we_o so_o clear_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v neither_o teach_v nor_o comprehend_v must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v then_o hitherto_o faith_n 2_o many_o rule_n of_o life_n 1._o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o god_n in_o fear_n love_n &_o faith_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o not_o by_o man_n the_o same_o truth_n will_v be_v evident_o manifest_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v due_o weigh_v to_o begin_v with_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v unto_o god_n and_o first_o with_o the_o affection_n and_o right_a disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o we_o can_v believe_v on_o he_o of_o who_o we_o have_v not_o hear_v rom._n 10.14_o and_o the_o psalmist_n affirm_v that_o they_o only_o trust_v in_o he_o that_o know_v his_o name_n psal_n 9.10_o and_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o lively_a representation_n of_o god_n unto_o he_o that_o strike_v that_o deep_a impression_n of_o fear_n into_o job_n heart_n and_o make_v he_o vile_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n we_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o only_o by_o the_o full_a discovery_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o job_n 40.4_o &_o 42.5_o 6._o the_o truth_n be_v those_o holy_a affection_n of_o love_n fear_v and_o affiance_n in_o god_n can_v be_v ground_v on_o any_o other_o than_o a_o true_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o he_o which_o as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n can_v never_o discover_v so_o that_o none_o can_v prescribe_v unto_o we_o the_o right_a dispose_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o god_n in_o those_o holy_a affection_n of_o love_n fear_v and_o faith_n in_o he_o but_o the_o same_o that_o can_v reveal_v unto_o we_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o as_o for_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o worship_n worship_n 2._o and_o outward_a duty_n of_o worship_n that_o they_o can_v be_v devise_v by_o man_n but_o must_v be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n teach_v heathen_a man_n themselves_o wherefore_o we_o find_v that_o those_o form_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o observe_v the_o wise_a among_o
in_o all_o thing_n else_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n necessary_a for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n 1._o our_o faith_n bear_v witness_n to_o his_o alsufficiency_n &_o truth_n 2._o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o authority_n &_o righteousness_n yet_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n alike_o necessary_a which_o be_v testify_v at_o least_o by_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o our_o rely_v on_o he_o by_o faith_n bear_v witness_n to_o his_o sufficiency_n faithfulness_n &_o truth_n as_o our_o obedience_n in_o submit_v cheerful_o to_o his_o will_n in_o all_o that_o he_o command_v acknowledge_v his_o authority_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n so_o then_o this_o will_n of_o god_n in_o require_v of_o we_o these_o condition_n be_v every_o way_n just_a as_o well_o as_o free_v now_o when_o we_o say_v the_o ground_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o mean_v not_o that_o all_o be_v of_o like_a necessity_n ignorance_n or_o unbeleef_n in_o god_n or_o christ_n exclude_v absolute_o from_o salvation_n john_n 3.18_o so_o do_v not_o ignorance_n or_o unbeleef_n in_o some_o temporal_a promise_n although_o it_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o sin_n in_o brief_a then_o when_o we_o say_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n we_o mean_v both_o that_o the_o thing_n write_v therein_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o end_n although_o not_o alike_o necessary_a and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o that_o end_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o we_o be_v next_o to_o show_v what_o we_o understand_v by_o this_o term_n contain_v consequence_n scripture_n contain_v thing_n 1._o in_o express_v term_n 2._o by_o necessary_a consequence_n now_o thing_n may_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n either_o express_o and_o in_o plain_a term_n or_o by_o consequence_n draw_v from_o some_o ground_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n and_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n all_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o rule_v of_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o holy_a writing_n it_o be_v not_o where_o affirm_v in_o scripture_n in_o express_a term_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n but_o we_o read_v 1_o john_n 5.7_o that_o the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o and_o from_o thence_o infer_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n because_o he_o be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n who_o be_v god_n we_o be_v not_o where_o in_o precise_a word_n command_v to_o baptize_v infant_n but_o from_o the_o precept_n give_v to_o the_o father_n to_o circumcise_v they_o we_o take_v ourselves_o to_o be_v warrant_v to_o baptize_v they_o because_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n be_v in_o substance_n one_o sacrament_n we_o be_v not_o where_o express_o command_v to_o discover_v the_o fault_n of_o what_o we_o sell_v or_o to_o give_v a_o just_a value_n for_o that_o which_o we_o buy_v but_o we_o have_v general_a rule_n command_v we_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o heart_n ps_n 15.2_o to_o do_v as_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v do_v unto_o mat._n 7.12_o and_o forbid_v to_o defraud_v our_o brother_n in_o any_o matter_n or_o go_v beyond_o he_o in_o bargain_v which_o import_v as_o much_o thus_o where_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v be_v not_o clear_o express_v in_o scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v imply_v and_o draw_v out_o from_o thence_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n this_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v sufficient_o ratify_v by_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o which_o send_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isa_n 8.20_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o they_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o that_o they_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 2.17_o and_o wise_a to_o salvation_n ver_fw-la 15._o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a psal_n 19.7_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o other_o perfection_n yet_o the_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a psal_n 119.96_o that_o be_v comprehend_v all_o needful_a thing_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v want_v in_o it_o whence_o proceed_v that_o curse_n upon_o every_o one_o that_o add_v as_o well_o as_o upon_o they_o that_o take_v away_o from_o that_o book_n rev._n 22.18_o yea_o beside_o this_o truth_n be_v consonant_a to_o all_o ground_n of_o reason_n whatsoever_o our_o adversary_n allege_v to_o the_o contrary_n for_o first_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o presume_v public_a it_o be_v fit_a that_o god_n shall_v deliver_v his_o will_n in_o writing_n 1._o as_o the_o most_o easy_a way_n to_o make_v it_o public_a that_o god_n will_v take_v the_o easy_a way_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o leave_v thing_n upon_o record_n in_o writing_n then_o to_o charge_v they_o upon_o man_n memory_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v many_o and_o consequent_o must_v burden_n the_o memory_n whereas_o lie_v before_o man_n eye_n in_o write_v they_o may_v easy_o be_v overlook_v at_o all_o time_n without_o trouble_n if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o tradition_n be_v few_o and_o may_v therefore_o be_v easy_o remember_v we_o answer_v first_o they_o may_v be_v infinite_a for_o aught_o we_o know_v see_v no_o man_n ever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o tell_v we_o how_o many_o they_o be_v and_o second_o be_v they_o more_o or_o few_o yet_o they_o be_v more_o easy_o preserve_v by_o writing_n then_o by_o tradition_n as_o all_o man_n know_v again_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o in_o teach_v his_o church_n corruption_n 2._o as_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o prevent_v corruption_n god_n shall_v take_v the_o safe_a way_n and_o free_a from_o error_n as_o well_o for_o his_o own_o honour_n as_o for_o his_o people_n good_a both_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o hazard_v and_o hinder_v by_o corrupt_v the_o truth_n with_o error_n which_o lead_v man_n into_o perdition_n and_o can_v hardly_o be_v prevent_v by_o deliver_v the_o word_n by_o tradition_n partly_o because_o many_o man_n memory_n be_v weak_a and_o a_o great_a part_n be_v negligent_a especial_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o last_o because_o many_o be_v malicious_o bend_v against_o the_o law_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n can_v admit_v rom._n 8.7_o whereas_o the_o word_n write_v be_v a_o unerring_a record_n easy_o help_v the_o weak_a and_o convince_v the_o refractory_a by_o set_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n before_o man_n eye_n far_o word_n 3._o as_o the_o best_a way_n to_o win_v credit_n to_o his_o word_n see_v the_o word_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o deliver_v as_o may_v win_v most_o credit_n and_o estimation_n among_o man_n now_o we_o know_v that_o write_v record_n be_v most_o authentical_a and_o of_o most_o account_n with_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v fit_a to_o work_v man_n to_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a i_o grant_v that_o man_n faith_n depend_v neither_o upon_o wirt_v nor_o tradition_n but_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v within_o the_o godlies'_n heart_n manifest_v that_o the_o truth_n propose_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o outward_a credit_n which_o the_o scripture_n carry_v among_o man_n by_o which_o such_o as_o be_v win_v afterward_o to_o believe_v begin_v at_o first_o to_o think_v reverent_o of_o they_o and_o other_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v restrain_v from_o scorn_v or_o oppose_v they_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o further_v by_o the_o authority_n that_o the_o writing_n bring_v unto_o those_o record_n which_o be_v receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o by_o the_o church_n and_o command_v and_o countenance_v by_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o last_o honourable_a 4._o and_o as_o most_o honourable_a whereas_o there_o be_v so_o much_o honour_n do_v to_o all_o humane_a law_n by_o which_o state_n be_v govern_v that_o they_o be_v compose_v into_o one_o body_n and_o preserve_v in_o book_n write_v or_o print_v for_o that_o purpose_n it_o seem_v absurd_a that_o god_n shall_v deliver_v his_o law_n thus_o by_o patch_n part_n by_o writing_n and_o part_n by_o tradition_n resemble_v the_o foot_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n image_n dan._n 2.33_o part_n of_o iron_n and_o part_n of_o clay_n and_o unworthy_a both_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o he_o that_o give_v the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o law_n itself_o that_o be_v give_v and_o if_o we_o may_v take_v precedent_n from_o former_a time_n we_o may_v say_v with_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o when_o god_n leave_v the_o law_n to_o be_v deliver_v by_o tradition_n he_o deliver_v it_o
but_o in_o this_o place_n we_o understand_v by_o it_o both_o the_o apprehension_n of_o such_o as_o be_v represent_v and_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o after_o they_o be_v apprehend_v by_o way_n either_o of_o approbation_n or_o disallow_v both_o these_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o apostle_n mention_n phil._n 1.9_o again_o although_o embrace_v seem_v first_o to_o import_v election_n of_o the_o will_n affection_n 2._o embrace_v include_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n yet_o here_o we_o include_v under_o it_o the_o prosecution_n of_o thing_n choose_v with_o the_o affection_n of_o desire_n hope_n care_n joy_n etc._n etc._n together_o with_o the_o opposite_a motion_n of_o reject_v hate_v fear_v shun_v &c._n &c._n of_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o understanding_n in_o judgement_n disallow_n by_o all_o thing_n we_o understand_v thing_n of_o all_o kind_n thing_n 3._o all_o thing_n whether_o natural_a or_o spiritual_a or_o mix_v natural_a 1._o natural_a now_o natural_a thing_n be_v all_o sort_n of_o creature_n with_o their_o several_a quality_n adjunct_n and_o operation_n which_o though_o they_o be_v themselves_o natural_a yet_o their_o first_o cause_n their_o dependence_n end_n relation_n and_o whole_a order_n of_o administration_n be_v of_o spiritual_a consideration_n which_o therefore_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n can_v neither_o thorough_o comprehend_v nor_o at_o all_o judge_n of_o aright_o as_o the_o psalmist_n witness_v psal_n 92.6_o as_o a_o spiritual_a man_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o wise_a man_n can_v do_v hos_fw-la 14.9_o neither_o consequent_o can_v he_o make_v that_o right_a and_o holy_a use_n of_o they_o which_o a_o spiritual_a man_n may_v do_v and_o do_v usual_o psal_n 64.10_o spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_a 2._o spiritual_a be_v god_n himself_o in_o the_o first_o place_n who_o the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v john_n 17.25_o as_o spiritual_a man_n do_v 1_o john_n 2.13_o and_o next_o the_o thing_n free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n term_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o especial_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o treasure_n which_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v none_o but_o a_o spiritual_a person_n can_v comprehend_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o as_o be_v hide_v from_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o manifest_v only_o to_o the_o saint_n col._n 1.26_o 27._o and_o that_o by_o god_n himself_o mat._n 11.25_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n mix_v 3._o mix_v be_v spiritual_a thing_n express_v and_o represent_v by_o such_o as_o be_v natural_a as_o be_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n for_o in_o the_o word_n the_o phrase_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n be_v according_a to_o nature_n and_o of_o use_n among_o natural_a man_n but_o the_o thing_n mean_v and_o express_v by_o they_o be_v spiritual_a and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o element_n and_o the_o sacramental_a action_n by_o which_o they_o be_v use_v and_o apply_v we_o know_v be_v natural_a but_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v represent_v by_o they_o be_v whole_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a in_o both_o the_o natural_a man_n understand_v the_o phrase_n expression_n and_o rational_a discourse_n in_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n not_o only_o the_o visible_a element_n and_o action_n but_o their_o signification_n also_o but_o the_o thing_n signify_v in_o both_o see_v they_o be_v such_o as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v and_o that_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o natural_a mean_n they_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o any_o natural_a man_n all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o unfolding_a this_o truth_n lie_v in_o interpret_n this_o term_n spiritual_o spiritual_o 4._o spiritual_o a_o word_n that_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n as_o be_v also_o the_o word_n spirit_n whence_o it_o be_v derive_v for_o a_o spirit_n in_o strict_a signification_n be_v that_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o mere_o so_o and_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o name_n be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n alone_o john_n 4.24_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n spiritual_a be_v that_o which_o be_v of_o or_o belong_v to_o god_n or_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a comparative_o a_o spirit_n signify_v that_o which_o be_v less_o gross_a or_o material_a to_o which_o be_v oppose_v gross_a carnal_a and_o sensual_a both_o sense_n may_v be_v include_v under_o this_o term_n in_o this_o place_n again_o to_o comprehend_v spiritual_o may_v be_v refer_v first_o to_o the_o object_n comprehend_v thing_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o object_n import_v 1._o to_o comprehend_v that_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v spiritual_a or_o by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n to_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n and_o so_o it_o signify_v to_o comprehend_v that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a in_o that_o object_n second_o it_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o mean_n and_o it_o signify_v to_o comprehend_v thing_n by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n or_o judgement_n last_o refer_v to_o the_o manner_n it_o imply_v to_o comprehend_v in_o a_o supernatural_a way_n which_o we_o special_o intend_v in_o this_o place_n though_o withal_o we_o include_v both_o the_o former_a sense_n what_o it_o be_v to_o comprehend_v or_o understand_v thing_n spiritual_o be_v hard_o to_o express_v as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o describe_v what_o it_o be_v to_o see_v or_o hear_v which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o such_o as_o see_v or_o hear_v but_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v describe_v so_o distinct_o by_o discourse_n answer_v resemble_v by_o sight_n to_o which_o faith_n answer_v the_o scripture_n set_v it_o out_o by_o resemblance_n of_o outward_a sense_n as_o heb._n 5.14_o and_o among_o the_o sense_n set_v out_o the_o two_o way_n of_o discover_v thing_n spiritual_o faith_n by_o sight_n and_o experience_n by_o taste_n so_o abraham_n believe_v christ_n by_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o see_v his_o day_n john_n 8.56_o experience_n and_o taste_v which_o shadow_n out_o spiritual_a experience_n moses_n to_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a heb._n 11.27_o and_o again_o we_o be_v say_v to_o taste_v that_o be_v prove_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a 1_o pet._n 2.3_o both_o be_v join_v together_o ps_n 34.8_o the_o two_o several_a way_n of_o comprehend_v thing_n spiritual_o faith_n and_o experience_n we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v into_o describe_v they_o as_o plain_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o will_v give_v leave_n sect_n iii_o of_o faith_n and_o the_o two_o sort_n of_o faith_n historical_a and_o justify_v faith_n or_o believe_a be_v in_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n take_v for_o incline_v strong_o in_o opinion_n unto_o that_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o infallible_a assurance_n knowledge_n faith_n not_o take_v here_o as_o oppose_v to_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n it_o be_v oppose_v to_o knowledge_n which_o signify_v assurance_n of_o some_o thing_n upon_o certainty_n testimony_n butimport_v certain_a knowledge_n upon_o divine_a testimony_n and_o that_o most_o common_o by_o some_o sense_n or_o other_o but_o among_o divine_n faith_n be_v common_o take_v for_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o any_o truth_n upon_o divine_a testimony_n this_o faith_n be_v usual_o distinguish_v into_o historical_a temporary_a and_o justify_v faith_n as_o for_o that_o which_o they_o term_v the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n it_o concern_v not_o the_o subject_n that_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n but_o because_o temporary_a faith_n will_v hereafter_o appear_v to_o differ_v not_o in_o nature_n but_o only_o in_o some_o degree_n from_o historical_a faith_n we_o shall_v need_v only_o to_o entreat_v of_o that_o and_o justify_v faith_n at_o present_a the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o that_o and_o the_o other_o which_o we_o call_v historical_a will_v be_v most_o easy_o &_o clear_o discover_v by_o set_v down_o a_o brief_a description_n thereof_o describe_v true_a or_o justify_v faith_n describe_v and_o by_o explain_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o afterward_o we_o therefore_o define_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a habit_n by_o which_o a_o regenerate_v man_n have_v in_o himself_o upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o covenant_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n rely_v on_o he_o only_o for_o everlasting_a life_n and_o blessedness_n we_o call_v faith_n a_o habit_n lose_v which_o be_v 1._o a_o habit_n yet_o unlike_o it_o 1._o see_v it_o be_v infuse_v not_o get_v by_o use_n 2._o and_o can_v as_o habit_n may_v be_v whole_o lose_v because_o it_o much_o resemble_v those_o habit_n which_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v especial_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v hardly_o or_o according_a to_o truth_n never_o to_o be_v remove_v or_o whole_o lose_v although_o otherwise_o it_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o this_o that_o those_o natural_a habit_n be_v acquire_v by_o use_n whereas_o faith_n be_v infuse_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n if_o we_o respect_v the_o first_o plant_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n
testimony_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o revelation_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n mat._n 16.17_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v the_o other_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o and_o a_o little_a after_o the_o revelation_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o spiritual_a man_n ver_fw-la 10.14_o 15._o we_o call_v that_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o that_o spirit_n which_o be_v within_o a_o regenerate_a person_n for_o unto_o any_o testimony_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v first_o the_o manifest_v and_o present_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v credit_v or_o believe_v second_o a_o ability_n in_o he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v witness_v to_o understand_v it_o otherwise_o the_o propose_v any_o thing_n by_o discourse_n to_o a_o beast_n that_o want_v reason_n to_o understand_v speech_n or_o the_o relate_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v reason_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n who_o understand_v no_o language_n but_o english_a be_v no_o testimony_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o a_o deaf_a man_n that_o can_v hear_v wherefore_o to_o make_v a_o divine_a testimony_n there_o must_v be_v both_o a_o divine_a testimony_n unto_o a_o man_n and_o withal_o a_o mind_n in_o he_o able_a to_o understand_v that_o revelation_n first_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v reveal_v and_o manifest_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o truth_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o light_n discover_v any_o visible_a object_n next_o there_o must_v be_v in_o that_o man_n a_o light_n plant_v in_o his_o heart_n which_o the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 5.20_o term_n a_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a as_o the_o light_n or_o visual_a faculty_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o eye_n or_o else_o he_o can_v comprehend_v that_o light_n that_o shine_v unto_o he_o for_o want_v of_o this_o inward_a light_n it_o be_v that_o the_o israelite_n who_o have_v see_v with_o their_o bodily_a eye_n all_o god_n wonder_n and_o by_o reason_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v true_o charge_v by_o moses_n not_o to_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v nor_o eye_n to_o see_v nor_o ear_n to_o hear_v unto_o that_o day_n deut._n 29.4_o the_o evidence_n then_o which_o a_o true_a believer_n have_v of_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n reason_n by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n far_o different_a from_o conviction_n by_o reason_n which_o he_o embrace_v be_v the_o manifest_v of_o that_o truth_n unto_o the_o spirit_n not_o only_o by_o a_o form_n of_o word_n to_o the_o natural_a understanding_n but_o beyond_o that_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o demonstration_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a mind_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o any_o object_n to_o the_o eye_n be_v by_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o light_n upon_o it_o which_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o testify_v or_o evidence_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n the_o apostle_n call_v rom._n 8.16_o species_n as_o represent_v the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o their_o proper_a species_n the_o witness_v of_o god_n spirit_n with_o our_o spirit_n mention_v express_o two_o spirit_n whereof_o if_o either_o be_v want_v there_o can_v be_v no_o divine_a testimony_n the_o behold_v of_o divine_a truth_n with_o a_o such_o spiritual_a eye_n represent_v by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o man_n can_v not_o be_v witness_n witness_n without_o which_o believer_n can_v not_o be_v god_n witness_n or_o at_o least_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o god_n truth_n for_o he_o that_o will_v testify_v any_o thing_n upon_o credit_n must_v see_v it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n or_o discern_v it_o by_o some_o other_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o otherwise_o he_o that_o testify_v a_o truth_n upon_o another_o man_n relation_n bear_v witness_n rather_o to_o the_o relator_n then_o to_o the_o truth_n relate_v so_o that_o to_o make_v man_n witness_n to_o god_n truth_n they_o must_v not_o only_o have_v it_o relate_v unto_o they_o but_o beside_o further_o manifest_v by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n and_o spiritual_a evidence_n that_o they_o may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 1.3_o that_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o look_v upon_o declare_v we_o unto_o you_o which_o not_o only_o win_v much_o credit_n with_o other_o but_o mighty_o affect_v the_o person_n himself_o as_o it_o do_v job_n when_o he_o thus_o see_v god_n job_n 42.5_o and_o abraham_n when_o he_o see_v christ_n day_n john_n 8.56_o it_o be_v evident_a than_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n testimony_n whereas_o historical_a faith_n rest_v on_o a_o humane_a testimony_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o must_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o historical_a faith_n rely_v only_o upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a mystery_n though_o they_o can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o man_n reason_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o they_o never_o enter_v into_o man_n heart_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o yet_o be_v they_o all_o consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o reason_n truth_n embrace_v divine_a truth_n be_v a_o humane_a testimony_n i_o say_v then_o that_o historical_a faith_n rest_v not_o upon_o the_o evidence_n or_o demonstration_n but_o upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o divine_a truth_n they_o 1._o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o rather_o than_o upon_o god_n testimony_n of_o they_o which_o therefore_o man_v reason_n can_v but_o assent_v unto_o for_o example_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o reason_n to_o be_v possible_a upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o god_n almightiness_n yea_o and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o who_o scope_n be_v to_o make_v know_v his_o power_n psal_n 106.8_o and_o to_o magnify_v his_o word_n that_o be_v therein_o 2._o or_o if_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n because_o he_o believe_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o 1._o either_o upon_o the_o church_n testimony_n of_o they_o 2._o upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o truth_n deliver_v therein_o his_o mercy_n promise_v in_o his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o work_n psal_n 138.2_o to_o set_v out_o in_o age_n to_o come_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n eph._n 2.7_o so_o that_o howsoever_o these_o be_v mystery_n of_o faith_n yet_o see_v reason_n which_o be_v a_o humane_a testimony_n may_v approve_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o historical_a faith_n believe_v these_o thing_n for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o be_v but_o mere_o upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n nay_o if_o he_o shall_v go_v a_o step_n further_o and_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o still_o he_o believe_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n because_o he_o believe_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n as_o upon_o the_o general_a consent_n for_o the_o church_n which_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o upon_o the_o probability_n and_o reasonableness_n or_o of_o the_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v last_o upon_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a writing_n in_o most_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a in_o all_o for_o the_o assent_n unto_o one_o thing_n for_o another_o be_v build_v upon_o that_o to_o which_o we_o first_o give_v our_o assent_n as_o a_o stone_n in_o a_o wall_n though_o it_o lie_v immediate_o upon_o that_o stone_n that_o be_v next_o under_o it_o yet_o be_v indeed_o support_v by_o the_o foundation_n which_o bear_v up_o all_o the_o building_n we_o see_v then_o a_o wide_a difference_n between_o justify_v and_o historical_a faith_n in_o the_o cause_n subject_n and_o ground_n of_o assurance_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o less_o in_o the_o object_n now_o the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n we_o know_v be_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n which_o only_o be_v a_o sure_a ground_n to_o build_v faith_n upon_o as_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n deut._n 32.4_o both_o a_o four_o difference_n between_o justify_v and_o historical_a faith_n in_o the_o object_n of_o both_o who_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1.2_o or_o deny_v himself_o 2_o tim._n 2.23_o or_o change_v his_o mind_n num._n 23.19_o so_o that_o his_o word_n must_v needs_o be_v everlasting_a ps_n 119.144_o found_v for_o ever_o v._o 132._o upon_o two_o unfailing_a foundation_n his_o everlasting_a truth_n and_o unresistible_a power_n but_o the_o particular_a object_n of_o justify_v faith_n be_v god_n promise_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n in_o who_o only_o we_o be_v
be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n when_o they_o be_v wide_a of_o it_o yet_o that_o let_v not_o another_o man_n who_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v in_o it_o this_o large_a description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o spiritual_a man_n man_n the_o use_n of_o this_o description_n of_o a_o spiritual_a man_n be_v of_o singular_a use_n both_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o those_o that_o find_v themselves_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n answerable_a to_o this_o pattern_n that_o be_v here_o set_v before_o they_o to_o go_v on_o with_o cheerfulness_n in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o all_o other_o holy_a duty_n require_v of_o they_o as_o also_o for_o the_o awaken_n of_o other_o who_o when_o upon_o examination_n they_o find_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o bless_a condition_n may_v labour_v with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o beg_v that_o spirit_n at_o god_n hand_n that_o may_v make_v they_o such_o as_o find_v themselves_o while_o they_o remain_v otherwise_o in_o a_o dangerous_a condition_n in_o which_o neither_o god_n word_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o ordinance_n can_v profit_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v cap._n viii_o of_o the_o choice_n of_o fit_a time_n and_o season_n for_o read_v the_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o season_n to_o every_o purpose_n under_o the_o sun_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n eccl._n 3_o the_o observation_n whereof_o not_o only_o add_v grace_n unto_o every_o good_a action_n but_o many_o time_n facilitate_v the_o work_n itself_o which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o make_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v compass_v the_o consideration_n whereof_o ought_v to_o move_v we_o in_o such_o a_o weighty_a work_n as_o be_v the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o inquire_v what_o time_n and_o season_n may_v be_v most_o convenient_o choose_v out_o and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o exercise_v of_o ourselves_o in_o this_o so_o holy_a a_o duty_n sabbath_n no_o time_n limit_v by_o god_n for_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o sabbath_n it_o be_v true_a that_o beside_o the_o sabbath_n day_n god_n have_v limit_v to_o man_n no_o certain_a time_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n only_o we_o have_v general_a command_n to_o be_v frequent_a and_o continual_a in_o prayer_n eph._n 6.18_o 1_o thess_n 5.17_o and_o diligent_a in_o meditation_n of_o the_o word_n josh_n 1.8_o of_o both_o which_o we_o have_v example_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a man_n require_v only_o in_o general_a the_o often_o exercise_v of_o ourselves_o therein_o be_v require_v psalm_n 58.17_o dan._n 6.10_o psal_n 119.97_o but_o the_o particular_a time_n for_o either_o duty_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v direct_v by_o any_o general_a rule_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o christian_a wisdom_n now_o time_n either_o for_o prayer_n or_o read_v may_v be_v either_o constant_a and_o set_v occasional_a time_n for_o study_v the_o scripture_n be_v 1._o occasional_a or_o uncertain_a and_o occasional_a for_o there_o be_v time_n wherein_o god_n call_v we_o extraordinary_o to_o prayer_n isa_n 22.12_o either_o in_o affliction_n feel_v james_n 5.13_o or_o fear_v psalm_n 116.3.4_o and_o 50.15_o or_o for_o mercy_n expect_v dan._n 9.2_o 3._o or_o already_o receive_v psal_n 18.1_o and_o 116.12_o 13._o the_o like_a occasion_n we_o may_v meet_v withal_o for_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o resolve_v we_o in_o doubt_n psalm_n 73.17_o to_o comfort_v we_o in_o affliction_n psalm_n 119.50_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o advice_n psalm_n 119.24_o to_o guide_v we_o in_o our_o way_n verse_n 105._o to_o assist_v we_o in_o temptation_n eph._n 6.17_o such_o or_o the_o like_a occasion_n may_v cause_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o word_n extraordinary_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a study_n of_o it_o to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o furnish_v we_o to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.15.17_o for_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v require_v man_n 2._o set_a and_o constant_a and_o that_o for_o all_o man_n not_o only_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n tim._n 4.15_o 17._o &_o magistrate_n deut._n 17.19_o although_o indeed_o it_o concern_v they_o above_o other_o but_o beside_o of_o all_o john_n 5.33_o and_o that_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n consider_v man_n ignorance_n in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o godliness_n psal_n 73.22_o prov._n 30.21_o the_o difficulty_n of_o understand_a thing_n that_o never_o enter_v into_o man_n heart_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o and_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n the_o rule_n of_o practice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o nay_o knowledge_n even_o such_o as_o have_v attain_v some_o good_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n if_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o some_o good_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n by_o the_o word_n yet_o how_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a in_o the_o use_n thereof_o either_o for_o direct_v our_o own_o way_n psal_n 119.50.105_o for_o admonish_v other_o col._n 3.16_o for_o defence_n in_o time_n of_o temptation_n with_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 4.4.7.10_o for_o comfort_v our_o brethren_n 1_o thess_n 4.18_o for_o examine_v our_o teacher_n doctrine_n with_o the_o berean_o act_n 17.11_o unless_o beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o keep_v they_o fresh_a in_o memory_n by_o continual_a meditation_n and_o often_o peruse_v of_o that_o volume_n which_o be_v so_o large_a as_o it_o be_v must_v of_o necessity_n take_v up_o some_o reasonable_a portion_n of_o time_n daily_o for_o this_o exercise_n in_o limit_v this_o time_n for_o read_v the_o scripture_n respect_n must_v be_v have_v both_o to_o order_n respect_v in_o choose_v time_n for_o read_v scripture_n we_o must_v respect_v and_o proportion_n for_o the_o former_a godly_a man_n have_v accustom_v to_o begin_v the_o day_n with_o religious_a exercise_n as_o with_o prayer_n psal_n 5.3_o and_o 88.13_o and_o psal_n 55.17_o reading_n 1._o the_o order_n 1._o the_o morning_n be_v a_o sit_v time_n for_o prayer_n &_o reading_n the_o morning_n be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o time_n wherein_o david_n present_v his_o prayer_n unto_o god_n now_o although_o prayer_n and_o read_n of_o the_o word_n be_v two_o distinct_a exercise_n yet_o that_o they_o mutual_o help_v one_o another_o be_v most_o manifest_a and_o consequent_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v join_v together_o for_o the_o word_n minister_v matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o petition_n who_o have_v no_o promise_n to_o be_v hear_v unless_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o god_n will_v 1_o io._n 5.14_o which_o be_v not_o where_o reveal_v but_o in_o the_o word_n which_o therefore_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o prayer_n again_o prayer_n must_v needs_o awe_v we_o with_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n majesty_n and_o consequent_o prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o tremble_v at_o god_n word_n in_o read_v it_o which_o god_n be_v well_o please_v withal_o isaiah_n 96.2_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o morning_n for_o these_o exercise_n be_v evident_a time_n 1._o as_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o honour_n god_n with_o the_o first_o of_o our_o time_n not_o only_o because_o the_o first_o of_o our_o time_n as_o of_o all_o thing_n else_o belong_v unto_o god_n who_o service_n ought_v to_o be_v our_o special_a and_o chief_a care_n but_o beside_o thought_n 2._o the_o heart_n in_o the_o morning_n be_v free_a from_o worldly_a thought_n because_o the_o heart_n be_v then_o most_o free_a from_o worldly_a thought_n be_v fit_a for_o holy_a meditation_n and_o withal_o when_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o day_n the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n be_v season_v with_o holiness_n and_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n he_o find_v himself_o the_o better_o fit_v to_o walk_v humble_o with_o he_o all_o the_o day_n after_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o close_v up_o the_o day_n with_o these_o duty_n wherewith_o we_o begin_v it_o exercise_n 2._o it_o be_v good_a to_o close_v up_o the_o day_n with_o these_o holy_a exercise_n the_o evening_n be_v one_o of_o david_n time_n for_o prayer_n psalm_n 55.17_o and_o 141.2_o and_o isaak_v as_o it_o seem_v gen._n 24.63_o then_o indeed_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o pass_v our_o account_n with_o god_n concern_v our_o carriage_n the_o day_n before_o that_o have_v make_v all_o our_o reckon_n even_o with_o he_o we_o may_v with_o assurance_n lie_v down_o ourselves_o to_o rest_n in_o peace_n now_o we_o have_v already_o intimate_v how_o fit_a it_o be_v to_o join_v prayer_n and_o reading_n together_o so_o that_o if_o the_o evening_n be_v a_o fit_a time_n for_o prayer_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o read_v also_o the_o morning_n then_o and_o evening_n
great_a difficulty_n bring_v to_o submit_v full_o to_o god_n will_v reveal_v much_o more_o to_o delight_v in_o it_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o be_v now_o to_o show_v what_o this_o preparation_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o special_o consist_v there_o need_v indeed_o unto_o this_o work_n a_o double_a preparation_n nature_n adouble_a preparation_n needful_a 1._o to_o the_o undertake_n and_o resolve_v upon_o the_o duty_n 1._o for_o the_o sluggishness_n of_o our_o nature_n first_o to_o the_o undertake_n second_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o undertake_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o we_o need_v to_o be_v prepare_v with_o a_o firm_a and_o constant_a resolution_n before_o we_o go_v about_o it_o partly_o because_o of_o the_o sluggishness_n of_o our_o carnal_a nature_n to_o holy_a duty_n and_o our_o inconstancy_n and_o unstedfastnesse_n in_o persist_v and_o go_v through_o with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n which_o move_v holy_a david_n to_o strengthen_v himself_o thereunto_o with_o a_o solemn_a oath_n psal_n 119.106_o and_o partly_o because_o we_o know_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o put_v one_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o again_o perverseness_n 2._o for_o the_o danger_n of_o break_v of_o the_o work_n begin_v to_o this_o resolution_n we_o must_v be_v strengthen_v 1._o by_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o ignorance_n and_o perverseness_n luk._n 9.62_o which_o move_v the_o same_o prophet_n to_o resolve_v and_o promise_v to_o perform_v god_n statute_n always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n ps_n 119.112_o now_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o our_o heart_n must_v be_v settle_v in_o the_o firmness_n of_o such_o resolution_n must_v be_v draw_v first_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n who_o of_o ourselves_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n nor_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n as_o agur_n acknowledge_v prov._n 30.3_o as_o indeed_o every_o man_n be_v brutish_a by_o his_o own_o knowledge_n jer._n 51.17_o and_o withal_o by_o that_o ignorance_n of_o we_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o past_a feel_n without_o special_a grace_n prevent_v be_v give_v over_o to_o all_o lasciviousness_n as_o the_o apostle_n set_v out_o such_o a_o condition_n eph._n 4.17_o 18._o make_v to_o be_v ensnare_v and_o take_v for_o a_o prey_n isa_n 42.22_o nay_o beside_o that_o we_o be_v man_n of_o untractable_a spirit_n natural_o averse_a from_o and_o opposite_a to_o all_o god_n counsel_n rom._n 8.7_o and_o bend_v in_o our_o own_o resolution_n to_o do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n though_o we_o say_v not_o so_o much_o in_o express_a term_n with_o the_o jew_n jer._n 44.16_o all_o which_o consideration_n lay_v together_o be_v great_a motive_n to_o awaken_v our_o heart_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o 2._o by_o assurance_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n ordane_v by_o god_n to_o help_v both_o as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o inlighten_v our_o eye_n psal_n 19.7.8_o and_o to_o subdue_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 10.5_o second_o we_o must_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n ordain_v by_o god_n but_o the_o word_n alone_o to_o help_v we_o out_o of_o this_o dangerous_a condition_n that_o be_v the_o light_n that_o shine_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o a_o dark_a place_n to_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n 2_o pet._n 1.19_o the_o only_a light_n to_o our_o step_n psal_n 119.105_o without_o which_o whosoever_o speak_v there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o he_o isa_n 20.8_o now_o as_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o true_a knowledge_n but_o the_o word_n so_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o this_o be_v so_o full_a of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v one_o wise_a to_o salvation_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o wise_a than_o our_o teacher_n then_o our_o enemy_n than_o the_o ancient_a psal_n 119.98_o 99_o 100_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o full_a of_o wisdom_n then_o of_o power_n quick_a and_o powerful_a heb._n 4.12_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o able_a to_o cleanse_v the_o way_n even_o of_o young_a man_n ps_n 119.9_o in_o a_o word_n sufficient_a to_o convert_v the_o soul_n psalm_n 19.7_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o once_o sensible_a of_o the_o miserable_a and_o dangerous_a bondage_n into_o which_o it_o be_v bring_v by_o ignorance_n and_o perverseness_n and_o be_v with_o all_o assure_a that_o the_o word_n be_v both_o a_o lamp_n and_o light_n prov._n 6.23_o and_o beside_o that_o as_o a_o fire_n and_o hammer_n as_o it_o be_v resemble_v jer._n 23.29_o able_a by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o master_n and_o bring_v under_o those_o rebellious_a thought_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o no_o earthly_a power_n can_v subdue_v can_v but_o be_v effectual_o move_v to_o a_o resolution_n and_o earnest_a desire_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o free_n himself_o in_o that_o dangerous_a condition_n in_o which_o he_o stand_v at_o present_a by_o his_o blindness_n and_o perverseness_n of_o spirit_n as_o it_o fare_v with_o jacob_n who_o see_v nothing_o before_o his_o eye_n but_o famine_n and_o death_n when_o he_o have_v once_o be_v inform_v that_o there_o be_v corn_n in_o egypt_n resolve_v to_o have_v it_o whatsoever_o it_o cost_v yea_o though_o he_o be_v to_o hazard_v his_o belove_a benjamin_n in_o the_o voyage_n gen._n 41.1_o and_o 43.24_o as_o likewise_o upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n the_o leper_n adventure_v their_o life_n in_o the_o assyrian_n camp_n 2_o king_n 7.4_o 5._o and_o indeed_o a_o desire_n kindle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n upon_o such_o effectual_a motive_n will_v neither_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v idle_a like_o the_o slothful_a man_n who_o have_v rather_o starve_v then_o labour_n prov._n 21.25_o 26._o nor_o yet_o waver_v and_o unconstant_a because_o he_o will_v still_o find_v in_o himself_o the_o same_o powerful_a motive_n urge_v he_o forward_o to_o go_v on_o in_o this_o work_n which_o draw_v he_o unto_o the_o undertake_n of_o it_o at_o the_o beginning_n but_o the_o most_o prevalent_a mean_n it_o 3._o by_o the_o delight_n which_o we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v a_o man_n on_o constant_a in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n especial_o with_o desire_n and_o cheerfulness_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o great_a necessity_n that_o drive_v he_o to_o it_o as_o the_o delight_n that_o he_o find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n reveal_v therein_o psalm_n 119.129_o the_o purity_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 140._o together_o with_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o it_o every_o way_n which_o draw_v holy_a david_n to_o the_o continual_a meditation_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 96_o 97._o yea_o for_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 103._o arise_v out_o of_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o to_o his_o sanctify_a nature_n but_o most_o of_o all_o for_o the_o great_a profit_n that_o it_o bring_v sundry_a way_n it_o preparation_n 2._o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n when_o we_o go_v about_o it_o express_v psal_n 19.7_o 8_o 11._o and_o 119.9.11_o 50_o 98_o 138._o prov._n 2.11_o 12._o and_o 3.18_o 23_o 24._o and_o in_o sundry_a other_o place_n a_o man_n heart_n be_v thus_o confirm_v with_o a_o full_a purpose_n and_o settle_a resolution_n to_o undertake_v and_o continue_v constant_o in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v be_v more_o particular_o prepare_v to_o the_o work_n itself_o when_o one_o go_v about_o it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n one_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o free_v himself_o from_o all_o encumbrance_n that_o pester_v the_o heart_n second_o he_o must_v awe_v his_o heart_n with_o a_o holy_a reverence_n both_o of_o the_o word_n itself_o and_o of_o he_o that_o speak_v in_o and_o by_o it_o three_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v quicken_v with_o a_o spiritual_a appetite_n and_o desire_n after_o it_o four_o faith_n must_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o strengthen_v ot_fw-mi believe_v it_o five_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v make_v soft_a and_o tender_a to_o admit_v and_o entertain_v it_o last_o all_o must_v be_v close_v up_o with_o a_o effectual_a prayer_n for_o the_o spirit_n assistance_n to_o give_v life_n and_o power_n to_o the_o word_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n effectual_o the_o first_o work_n heart_n 1._o by_o cleanse_v the_o heart_n when_o we_o come_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o cleanse_v the_o heart_n as_o man_n do_v the_o ground_n where_o they_o cast_v in_o their_o seed_n that_o we_o sow_v not_o among_o thorn_n jer._n 4.3_o unless_o vessel_n be_v empty_v whatsoever_o we_o pour_v into_o they_o run_v over_o naughtiness_n 1._o of_o all_o naughtiness_n now_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v clear_v in_o general_a of_o all_o superfluity_n and_o naughtiness_n james_n
be_v to_o labour_v for_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o indeed_o when_o man_n clear_o discern_v the_o glory_n wood_n but_o when_o it_o shine_v to_o we_o clear_o transport_v the_o heart_n with_o spiritual_a rapture_n which_o sometime_o fall_v on_o we_o in_o read_v and_o necessary_o cause_v some_o pause_n in_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n 1._o because_o the_o mind_n whole_o take_v up_o therewith_o can_v at_o present_v attend_v other_o thing_n 2._o because_o such_o affection_n be_v kindle_v in_o a_o sluggish_a heart_n need_v to_o be_v foment_v lest_o they_o goeout_o like_o fire_n in_o green_a wood_n and_o beauty_n of_o those_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o taste_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o they_o can_v but_o ravish_v reader_n with_o admiration_n as_o psal_n 119.29_o bring_v the_o heart_n to_o value_v they_o at_o a_o inestimable_a rate_n ver_fw-la 72.127_o transport_v they_o with_o strong_a and_o heavenly_a affection_n towards_o they_o of_o love_n ver_fw-la 97._o desire_n ver_fw-la 131._o and_o joy_n ver_fw-la 111.162_o it_o happen_v sometime_o that_o such_o spiritual_a rapture_n seize_v on_o a_o man_n even_o while_o he_o be_v read_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o disciple_n heart_n burn_v within_o they_o while_o our_o saviour_n talk_v with_o they_o go_v to_o emaus_n luke_n 24.32_o whereupon_o the_o heart_n open_v itself_o to_o close_o with_o and_o draw_v in_o that_o ravish_a object_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a david_n do_v psal_n 119.131_o which_o will_v necessary_o enforce_v he_o to_o make_v some_o pause_n in_o the_o work_n which_o he_o have_v in_o hand_n for_o a_o little_a while_n which_o must_v need_v happen_v partly_o because_o the_o mind_n while_o it_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o that_o truth_n which_o it_o embrace_v can_v easy_o attend_v any_o thing_n else_o at_o that_o present_a as_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o a_o man_n eye_n be_v dazzle_v with_o behold_v the_o sun_n they_o can_v for_o the_o present_n see_v nothing_o else_o perfect_o and_o partly_o because_o such_o new_a beget_v affection_n see_v they_o be_v kindle_v in_o a_o heart_n too_o sluggish_a of_o itself_o need_v to_o be_v cherish_v and_o keep_v alive_a lest_o they_o languish_v and_o grow_v cold_a again_o as_o fire_n if_o it_o be_v kindle_v in_o green_a wood_n go_v quick_o out_o if_o it_o be_v not_o quicken_v a_o while_n by_o blow_v such_o short_a pause_n upon_o such_o occasion_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n rather_o further_o then_o hinder_v we_o in_o our_o work_n for_o a_o godly_a spirit_n quicken_v by_o such_o sweet_a refresh_n receive_v increase_v of_o alacrity_n and_o be_v thereby_o strengthen_v to_o go_v on_o with_o much_o great_a life_n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o holy_a exercise_n which_o by_o such_o a_o help_n be_v if_o not_o more_o speedy_o yet_o doubtless_o more_o effectual_o and_o to_o better_a purpose_n perform_v the_o truth_n be_v such_o a_o pause_n need_v not_o detain_v we_o long_o but_o the_o affection_n be_v refresh_v by_o some_o short_a meditation_n on_o that_o which_o move_v they_o a_o man_n may_v set_v on_o to_o the_o work_n again_o and_o after_o that_o be_v full_o end_v he_o may_v resume_v again_o into_o his_o thought_n and_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o the_o full_a contemplation_n of_o that_o object_n that_o so_o much_o affect_v he_o cap._n xi_o of_o duty_n after_o read_v the_o scripture_n especial_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n too_o many_o reader_n of_o god_n word_n afterward_o the_o error_n of_o such_o as_o content_v themselves_o with_o bare_a read_n without_o meditation_n afterward_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o person_n describe_v james_n 1.24_o who_o behold_v his_o face_n in_o a_o glass_n go_v his_o way_n and_o forget_v of_o what_o shape_n he_o be_v or_o like_o ezekiel_n hearer_n who_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v please_v their_o ear_n with_o his_o sermon_n lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v out_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o still_o go_v on_o in_o their_o old_a way_n of_o covetous_a practice_n ezek._n 33.31_o 32._o in_o like_a manner_n fare_v it_o with_o these_o man_n when_o the_o chapter_n be_v read_v the_o work_n be_v end_v in_o their_o opinion_n the_o bible_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o together_o with_o it_o all_o thought_n of_o all_o that_o they_o have_v read_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o far_o use_v to_o be_v make_v of_o that_o holy_a exercise_n it_o may_v be_v probable_o conceive_v it_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o these_o man_n be_v draw_v to_o this_o duty_n rather_o out_o of_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n that_o such_o a_o duty_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v or_o by_o love_n of_o the_o credit_n either_o of_o knowledge_n or_o of_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n rather_o than_o by_o any_o true_a desire_n either_o of_o a_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n or_o of_o the_o excellent_a fruit_n of_o this_o holy_a exercise_n the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o the_o word_n bring_v john_n 15.39_o with_o like_a increase_n of_o every_o other_o grace_n the_o convert_n of_o the_o soul_n ps_n 19.7_o cleanse_v of_o one_o way_n psal_n 119.9_o subdue_a the_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 10.5_o and_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o god_n in_o justice_n deny_v these_o man_n those_o fruit_n of_o grace_n practice_n the_o end_n of_o study_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_a knowledge_n but_o practice_n and_o sanctification_n which_o they_o never_o desire_v wherefore_o see_v practice_n and_o not_o bare_a knowledge_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o end_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o moses_n express_o tell_v we_o deut._n 29.29_o we_o must_v conceive_v that_o after_o we_o have_v read_v they_o the_o great_a and_o hard_a part_n of_o the_o task_n be_v still_o behind_o read_v 1._o we_o must_v therefore_o meditate_v upon_o what_o we_o have_v read_v wherefore_o after_o we_o have_v read_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n our_o special_a care_n must_v be_v when_o we_o have_v do_v to_o recount_v and_o revolve_v in_o our_o mind_n those_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v read_v and_o to_o meditate_v on_o they_o serious_o herein_o our_o first_o labour_n must_v be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n practice_n 2._o search_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o have_v read_v 3._o single_v out_o and_o apply_v what_o be_v of_o more_o special_a use_n to_o ourselves_o 4._o work_v those_o thing_n upon_o our_o heart_n till_o they_o warm_v our_o affection_n 5._o advise_v how_o we_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o practice_n together_o with_o the_o scope_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v second_o have_v discreet_o choose_v out_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o build_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o direct_v our_o practice_n we_o must_v careful_o apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o our_o condition_n and_o occasion_n three_o after_o that_o be_v do_v we_o must_v whet_v they_o upon_o our_o heart_n till_o they_o warm_a and_o quicken_v our_o affection_n last_o we_o must_v advise_v about_o and_o resolve_v upon_o the_o mean_n to_o bring_v all_o into_o practice_n such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o either_o express_a unto_o we_o mystery_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v or_o set_v they_o out_o in_o dark_a and_o unusual_a phrase_n of_o speech_n of_o which_o sort_n s._n peter_n tell_v there_o be_v many_o in_o paul_n epistle_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o need_v to_o be_v the_o more_o diligent_o scan_v and_o if_o our_o own_o understanding_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o search_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o man_n writing_n or_o conference_n but_o for_o find_v out_o of_o the_o scope_n of_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n there_o need_v a_o wise_a judgement_n direct_v by_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o precedent_n and_o consequent_n particular_o though_o all_o scripture_n be_v useful_a every_o way_n yet_o some_o may_v concern_v we_o more_o particular_o compare_v with_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n handle_v in_o that_o place_n which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n in_o the_o second_o place_n though_o all_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n reproof_n etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o and_o so_o no_o part_n of_o it_o must_v be_v slight_o pass_v over_o yet_o see_v some_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v may_v more_o near_o concern_v we_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o disposition_n condition_n of_o life_n and_o accidental_a occurrent_n our_o care_n must_v be_v in_o read_v to_o single_a out_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o find_v fit_a for_o ourselves_o
therein_o which_o we_o must_v so_o apply_v as_o if_o we_o be_v name_v therein_o and_o to_o apply_v and_o take_v they_o home_o unto_o ourselves_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o if_o we_o be_v special_o name_v in_o any_o precept_n reproof_n promise_v commination_n consolation_n or_o the_o like_a which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o awaken_v and_o stir_v up_o affection_n and_o to_o set_v on_o our_o endeavour_n as_o manifest_o appear_v in_o good_a josiah_n his_o example_n 2_o chron._n 34.20_o 21._o for_o such_o particular_a apply_v of_o thing_n to_o ourselves_o scripture_n example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n we_o have_v frequent_a precedent_n in_o scripture_n for_o there_o we_o find_v the_o promise_n make_v in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o to_o such_o person_n apply_v both_o unto_o other_o time_n and_o person_n as_o that_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n isa_n 49.8_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 6.2_o and_o a_o little_a after_o ver_fw-la 16.18_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o likewise_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o they_o levit._n 26.11_o 12._o jer._n 31.1_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o joshua_n cap._n 1.5_o and_o that_o upon_o which_o david_n build_v psal_n 118.6_o be_v both_o apply_v in_o like_a manner_n heb._n 13.5_o 6._o so_o likewise_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n his_o exhortation_n to_o the_o people_n of_o his_o time_n be_v press_v upon_o we_o christian_n eph._n 5.18_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n david_n caveat_n psal_n by_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o the_o law_n as_o a_o rule_n to_o guide_v we_o and_o a_o judge_n to_o try_v our_o action_n by_o 95.7_o 8._o be_v urge_v upon_o we_o heb._n 3.7_o 8._o and_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v or_o execute_v on_o those_o under_o the_o law_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o happen_v to_o they_o for_o ensample_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v beware_v of_o the_o like_a sin_n 1_o cor._n 10.6_o 11._o in_o apply_v the_o law_n with_o the_o sanction_n thereof_o see_v it_o serve_v not_o only_o for_o direction_n to_o show_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o for_o judgement_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o think_v of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v we_o may_v easy_o mistake_v if_o we_o be_v not_o wise_a and_o therefore_o in_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o work_n by_o the_o law_n spiritual_a whether_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a as_o the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a we_o need_v some_o caveat_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o error_n in_o our_o judgement_n first_o see_v the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a and_o therefore_o require_v the_o conformity_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a man_n to_o god_n will_v as_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n interpretation_n of_o it_o mat._n 5.22_o 28._o a_o man_n must_v not_o only_o bring_v his_o work_n but_o his_o thought_n to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o law_n infirmity_n whether_o our_o obedience_n be_v out_o of_o a_o sincere_a heart_n and_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n etc._n etc._n which_o will_v make_v we_o abhor_v even_o our_o righteousness_n in_o judge_v ourselves_o by_o the_o law_n observe_v 1._o whether_o we_o sin_v presumptuous_o or_o out_o of_o infirmity_n so_o that_o if_o one_o have_v do_v a_o work_n answerable_a to_o the_o law_n if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v in_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n with_o a_o cheerful_a spirit_n which_o god_n require_v deut._n 28.47_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o fruit_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o god_n it_o be_v abominable_a 1_o cor._n 13.3_o a_o consideration_n that_o must_v make_v all_o our_o righteousness_n in_o his_o eye_n like_o filthy_a rag_n isa_n 64.6_o and_o move_v he_o to_o cry_v out_o enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n psal_n 143.2_o second_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o so_o much_o break_v by_o slip_n and_o infirmity_n for_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o one_o may_v and_o a_o godly_a man_n always_o do_v justify_v the_o law_n rom._n 7.16_o 22._o as_o by_o sin_n of_o presumption_n such_o as_o be_v mention_v deut._n 29.19_o and_o jer._n 44.16_o when_o a_o man_n sin_n wilful_o and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o to_o do_v according_a to_o god_n will_v luke_n 12.47_o 48._o wherefore_o a_o man_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o apply_v to_o himself_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n for_o such_o slip_n of_o infirmity_n which_o be_v threaten_v only_o against_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a transgressor_n psal_n 59.5_o three_o perfect_a 2._o whether_o our_o obedience_n be_v sincere_a though_o it_o be_v not_o perfect_a though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o law_n require_v perfect_a obedience_n pronounce_v a_o curse_n upon_o all_o that_o confirm_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o deut._n 27.26_o yet_o be_v now_o deliver_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o mediator_n that_o condition_n be_v so_o far_o moderate_v that_o sincerity_n of_o obedience_n be_v accept_v in_o stead_n of_o perfection_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o willing_a mind_n one_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o 2_o cor._n 8.12_o in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o david_n stand_v upright_o with_o god_n psal_n 18.20_o 21._o and_o offer_v himself_o to_o trial_n psal_n 139.23_o in_o the_o latter_a he_o dare_v not_o lift_v up_o his_o face_n psal_n 130.3_o last_o step_n 3._o whether_o we_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n in_o the_o main_a course_n of_o our_o way_n though_o we_o swarve_v in_o our_o step_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o although_o the_o law_n censure_v every_o action_n or_o think_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o approve_v or_o condemn_v every_o one_o of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o contrary_a thereunto_o yet_o the_o person_n be_v censure_v rather_o according_a to_o his_o way_n then_o according_a to_o his_o step_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o main_a course_n or_o scope_n of_o his_o life_n then_o according_a to_o his_o particular_a act_n thus_o a_o man_n may_v judge_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o observer_n or_o keeper_n of_o the_o law_n though_o he_o fail_v in_o many_o action_n as_o david_n be_v approve_v as_o one_o that_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n notwithstanding_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n because_o the_o main_a course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v holy_a 1_o king_n 15.5_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n one_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n if_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v wicked_a though_o he_o do_v many_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o law_n as_o jehu_n be_v 2_o king_n 10.30_o 31._o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o those_o rule_n cause_v many_o a_o hypocrite_n to_o promise_v himself_o peace_n and_o many_o a_o godly_a man_n to_o afflict_v his_o spirit_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n our_o three_o labour_n after_o we_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n must_v be_v to_o work_v into_o our_o heart_n by_o meditation_n those_o thing_n which_o we_o find_v most_o profitable_a for_o our_o own_o use_n so_o long_o till_o our_o affection_n begin_v to_o kindle_v and_o our_o heart_n to_o wax_v warm_a as_o elisha_n stretch_v himself_o often_o upon_o the_o shunamite_n child_n till_o he_o first_o wax_v warm_v and_o then_o neesed_a and_o open_v his_o eye_n 2_o king_n 4.34.35_o so_o that_o our_o delight_n in_o those_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a truth_n and_o desire_v after_o they_o discover_v themselves_o as_o they_o do_v in_o holy_a david_n psal_n 119.5.20_o 40_o 97_o 103_o 111_o and_o 131_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v best_a do_v by_o appropriate_v they_o unto_o ourselves_o for_o that_o which_o affect_v we_o be_v that_o which_o most_o near_o concern_v we_o without_o this_o mean_n of_o quicken_a our_o heart_n they_o remain_v dead_a and_o senseless_a and_o the_o word_n become_v utter_o unprofitable_a again_o because_o we_o be_v little_o affect_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v not_o as_o jacob_n be_v with_o his_o son_n word_n till_o he_o see_v the_o chariot_n which_o assure_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o affirm_v gen._n 45.26_o 27._o our_o chief_a care_n must_v be_v to_o bring_v our_o heart_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o read_v as_o undoubted_o true_a as_o david_n believe_v god_n law_n to_o be_v faithful_a psal_n 119.138_o true_o from_o the_o beginning_n ver_fw-la 160._o truth_o itself_o ver_fw-la 151._o as_o be_v the_o word_n of_o that_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1.2_o nor_o change_v his_o mind_n numb_a 23.19_o nor_o be_v hinder_v in_o whatsoever_o he_o purpose_v to_o do_v dan._n 4.35_o but_o he_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v psal_n 135.6_o withal_o it_o our_o next_o care_n must_v be_v to_o work_v our_o heart_n to_o a_o love_n of_o the_o law_n and_o delight_n
god_n dispensation_n towards_o they_o as_o in_o take_v vengeance_n on_o the_o wicked_a withal_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o god_n have_v a_o especial_a aim_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o all_o his_o mercy_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o man_n be_v every_o way_n free_a servant_n appear_v his_o free_a mercy_n even_o to_o his_o dear_a servant_n and_o that_o he_o be_v no_o debtor_n to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o have_v leave_v upon_o record_n the_o fail_n of_o such_o man_n as_o be_v most_o renown_v and_o honour_v in_o the_o church_n man_n manifest_a by_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o best_a among_o man_n as_o the_o grosser_n slip_n of_o noah_n into_o drunkenness_n gen._n 9.21_o of_o lot_n into_o drunkenness_n and_o incest_n gen._n 19.33_o 35._o david_n into_o adultery_n and_o murder_n 2_o sam._n 11.4.15_o yea_o the_o small_a error_n of_o other_o though_o in_o sin_n not_o so_o scandalous_a as_o abraham_n twice_o fail_v in_o his_o faith_n manifest_v in_o conceal_v through_o fear_n that_o sarah_n be_v his_o wife_n gen._n 12.12_o &_o chap._n 20.2_o 11._o and_o moses_n his_o speak_v unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n in_o his_o passion_n numb_a 20.10_o psal_n 106.32_o though_o abraham_n faith_n be_v the_o grace_n for_o which_o he_o be_v most_o renown_v who_o be_v therefore_o style_v faithful_a abraham_n gal._n 3.9_o and_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o one_o strong_a in_o faith_n rom._n 4.16_o 20._o and_o moses_n most_o eminent_a grace_n be_v meekness_n for_o which_o he_o be_v prefer_v above_o all_o other_o numb_a 12.3_o example_n which_o may_v indeed_o both_o support_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o find_v themselves_o subject_a to_o those_o infirmity_n from_o which_o the_o best_a be_v not_o free_a and_o move_v all_o man_n to_o walk_v in_o fear_n and_o tremble_a see_v they_o that_o stand_v may_v so_o easy_o fall_v and_o may_v beside_o easy_o clear_v this_o truth_n that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n no_o man_n live_a can_v be_v justify_v psal_n 143.2_o much_o less_o can_v challenge_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n but_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o condemn_v much_o more_o if_o they_o be_v reward_v it_o be_v out_o of_o free_a mercy_n and_o grace_n again_o whereas_o god_n seem_v as_o it_o be_v in_o to_o understand_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n administration_n in_o to_o suspend_v sometime_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o justice_n against_o wicked_a man_n at_o least_o for_o a_o while_n notwithstanding_o their_o desperate_a and_o rebellious_a course_n by_o which_o they_o provoke_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o glory_n for_o the_o manifest_v of_o his_o patience_n wicked_a the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a even_o towards_o the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v to_o destruction_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 9.22_o godly_a and_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n seem_v to_o set_v his_o face_n against_o his_o own_o child_n exercise_v they_o under_o his_o rod_n and_o withhold_v from_o they_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o favour_n as_o in_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n they_o complain_v psal_n 77.7_o 8._o that_o in_o these_o case_n we_o may_v understand_v and_o judge_v aright_o of_o god_n way_n and_o give_v he_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n we_o must_v take_v with_o we_o these_o two_o direction_n first_o look_v not_o on_o the_o beginning_n work_n 1._o look_v not_o on_o the_o beginning_n but_o on_o the_o end_n of_o god_n work_n but_o on_o the_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o all_o god_n dispensation_n both_o towards_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a thus_o be_v we_o advise_v psal_n 37.37_o 38._o mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n for_o his_o end_n be_v peace_n but_o the_o end_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v cut_v off_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o prophet_n david_n support_v his_o heart_n when_o he_o be_v full_a of_o fret_v and_o envy_n at_o wicked_a man_n prosperity_n and_o as_o much_o discourage_v at_o his_o own_o chastisement_n which_o light_v upon_o he_o every_o morning_n psal_n 73.3_o 14_o 17._o when_o by_o search_v the_o scripture_n he_o find_v that_o how_o fair_a and_o glorious_a soever_o the_o present_a state_n of_o wicked_a man_n appear_v to_o the_o outward_a view_n yet_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v sudden_a and_o horrible_a destruction_n and_o his_o own_o end_n beside_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n counsel_n at_o present_a be_v advancement_n to_o glory_n psal_n 73.19_o 24._o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o god_n patience_n love_n 2._o observe_v the_o cause_n whence_o '_o both_o arise_v the_o wicked_n prosperity_n proceed_v from_o wrath_n the_o godly_z affliction_n from_o his_o love_n in_o bear_v with_o wicked_a man_n for_o a_o time_n and_o in_o chasten_v his_o own_o child_n be_v the_o fountain_n whence_o these_o dispensation_n both_o towards_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o proceed_v the_o forbearance_n of_o wicked_a man_n come_v from_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o chastise_v of_o his_o own_o from_o his_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n psal_n 119.75_o and_o this_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o contrary_a effect_n wrought_v upon_o they_o both_o for_o wicked_a man_n heart_n by_o god_n patience_n towards_o they_o be_v the_o more_o harden_a in_o sin_n eccl._n 11.8_o thereby_o treasure_v unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n rom._n 2.5_o increase_v in_o pride_n open_v their_o mouth_n in_o blasphemy_n against_o heaven_n psal_n 73.8_o 9_o and_o fill_v up_o their_o iniquity_n to_o the_o uttermost_a so_o that_o the_o lord_n even_o then_o when_o be_v seem_v to_o spare_v they_o outward_o notwithstanding_o execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o inward_o in_o a_o more_o secret_a but_o yet_o in_o a_o more_o fearful_a way_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o godly_a profit_n by_o their_o affliction_n grow_v more_o humble-minded_n tender-hearted_a and_o more_o tractable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n psal_n 119.67_o 71._o jer._n 31.18_o so_o that_o god_n patience_n towards_o wicked_a man_n as_o it_o proceed_v from_o wrath_n so_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n god_n of_o it_o increase_v their_o condemnation_n by_o harden_v their_o heart_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n affliction_n of_o the_o godly_a proceed_v from_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o mercy_n work_v together_o to_o their_o good_a rom._n 8.28_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o law_n give_v by_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o record_v in_o scripture_n hitherto_o we_o have_v consider_v part_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n handle_v namely_o the_o work_n and_o act_n of_o god_n scripture_n how_o god_n honour_n be_v manifest_v in_o his_o law_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v therein_o record_v and_o have_v observe_v that_o the_o main_a end_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n aim_v at_o in_o register_n they_o be_v to_o set_v out_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o they_o the_o wisdom_n power_n holiness_n goodness_n justice_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o he_o that_o wrought_v they_o which_o easy_o appear_v in_o those_o work_n if_o we_o search_v into_o they_o that_o those_o glorious_a excellency_n be_v make_v know_v to_o man_n they_o may_v honour_v he_o as_o god_n and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o in_o holy_a fear_n may_v further_o their_o own_o salvation_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o set_v before_o we_o the_o law_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n which_o be_v every_o way_n perfect_a psal_n 19.7_o right_o concern_v all_o thing_n psal_n 119.128_o very_o pure_a ver_fw-la 140._o wonderful_a ver_fw-la 129._o holy_a and_o good_a rom._n 7.12_o psal_n 119.39_o manifest_v the_o perfection_n righteousness_n purity_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o god_n that_o give_v they_o as_o the_o psalmist_n conclude_v god_n to_o be_v righteousness_n because_o all_o his_o judgement_n in_o which_o he_o include_v his_o law_n be_v upright_o psal_n 119.137_o especial_o see_v these_o law_n be_v give_v to_o man_n as_o rule_n of_o their_o practice_n according_a to_o which_o if_o they_o walk_v they_o please_v god_n 1_o thes_n 4.1_o and_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o which_o be_v a_o further_a argument_n that_o the_o lord_n himself_o be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a who_o be_v please_v with_o nothing_o but_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o require_v nothing_o else_o of_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o under_o this_o name_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n oftentimes_o comprehend_v not_o only_o the_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n take_v by_o which_o we_o mean_v not_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v sometime_o take_v but_o beside_o the_o principle_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o general_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n
can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v our_o civil_a government_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v unto_o that_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o our_o state_n pattern_n 4._o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v our_o civil_a government_n as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v to_o that_o pattern_n and_o they_o agree_v as_o for_o instance_n whereas_o the_o lord_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o punish_v simple_a theft_n with_o restitution_n of_o double_a or_o four_o fold_n exod._n 22.1_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v whether_o our_o law_n be_v not_o too_o strict_a in_o punish_v bare_a theft_n at_o least_o in_o woman_n with_o death_n without_o remedy_n on_o the_o other_o side_n see_v god_n appoint_v death_n to_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o adultery_n levit_fw-la 20.10_o deut._n 22.22_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o think_v our_o law_n defective_a that_o pass_v it_o over_o with_o a_o light_a censure_n for_o who_o can_v better_v judge_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o offence_n and_o punishment_n fit_a for_o the_o restraint_n of_o they_o than_o god_n himself_o neither_o can_v we_o excuse_v ourselves_o by_o this_o that_o those_o law_n be_v judicial_a be_v now_o take_v away_o and_o make_v void_a unto_o we_o see_v where_o our_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o adultery_n and_o theft_n be_v the_o same_o in_o what_o state_n so_o ever_o there_o our_o rule_n of_o judgement_n in_o all_o equity_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o general_a it_o will_v be_v very_o needful_a to_o observe_v careful_o the_o equity_n and_o righteousness_n of_o all_o these_o law_n as_o well_o judicial_a as_o moral_a justice_n 5._o in_o those_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o moral_a law_n we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o god_n equity_n and_o justice_n as_o the_o psalmist_n acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o testimony_n which_o god_n have_v command_v be_v righteous_a and_o very_o faithful_a psal_n 119.138_o right_o concern_v all_o thing_n ver_fw-la 128._o that_o we_o may_v thence_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o righteous_a god_n who_o judgement_n be_v upright_o psal_n 119.137_o a_o god_n without_o iniquity_n just_a and_o upright_o deut._n 32.4_o and_o may_v with_o the_o more_o care_n and_o diligence_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o practice_n to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o those_o just_a and_o equal_a commandment_n both_o in_o our_o general_n and_o particular_a calling_n see_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n aim_v only_o at_o that_o end_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o those_o law_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o prescribe_v but_o equity_n and_o justice_n of_o those_o subject_n or_o matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n handle_v we_o have_v hitherto_o consider_v what_o observation_n we_o may_v gather_v unto_o ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o work_n and_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v record_v therein_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o these_o holy_a writing_n hold_v out_o unto_o we_o be_v either_o principle_n of_o faith_n or_o prophecy_n of_o the_o event_n which_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o church_n or_o history_n either_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a or_o particular_o of_o man_n life_n and_o action_n either_o good_a or_o evil_n all_o which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o of_o the_o instruction_n which_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o they_o for_o use_v now_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n plain_a the_o principle_n or_o faith_n be_v plain_a they_o describe_v unto_o we_o both_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n in_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n term_n they_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o express_v in_o so_o clear_a and_o plain_a term_n and_o therefore_o so_o easy_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o themselves_o rule_v of_o faith_n as_o the_o commandment_n be_v rule_n of_o practice_n any_o man_n that_o read_v and_o observe_v they_o careful_o may_v easy_o without_o further_a direction_n discover_v what_o they_o teach_v we_o only_o because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n thing_n that_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o he_o mean_v a_o natural_a man_n who_o can_v neither_o comprehend_v nor_o much_o less_o approve_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o they_o need_v a_o light_n above_o nature_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o comprehend_v they_o as_o we_o ought_v wisdom_n but_o be_v spiritual_a in_o read_v they_o we_o must_v 1._o deny_v our_o own_o wisdom_n wherefore_o we_o be_v serious_o to_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v to_o the_o read_n of_o they_o with_o humble_a mind_n whole_o lay_v aside_o and_o deny_v our_o own_o wisdom_n and_o with_o earnest_a prayer_n beg_v at_o god_n hand_n the_o light_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o reveal_n unto_o we_o those_o wonderful_a mystery_n as_o david_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v open_v his_o eye_n spiritual_o 2._o beg_v the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o spiritual_o that_o he_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o his_o law_n psal_n 119.18_o and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o discover_v they_o unto_o we_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n but_o to_o manifest_v they_o unto_o we_o spiritual_o that_o we_o may_v taste_v and_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psal_n 34.8_o which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o affect_v the_o heart_n as_o the_o sight_n of_o christ_n day_n fill_v abraham_n heart_n with_o joy_n john_n 8.36_o in_o the_o next_o place_n for_o the_o prophecy_n observe_v in_o the_o prophecy_n observe_v in_o which_o the_o law_n with_o the_o sanction_n thereof_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o those_o prophet_n the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o be_v the_o answerableness_n of_o god_n dispensation_n in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o people_n law_n 1._o that_o god_n dispensation_n to_o his_o church_n be_v answerable_a to_o his_o law_n to_o the_o law_n that_o he_o give_v they_o whereof_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n take_v special_a notice_n dan._n 9.13_o this_o observation_n both_o justify_v god_n when_o he_o be_v find_v not_o to_o go_v beyond_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o his_o people_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v just_a even_o in_o his_o chastisement_n and_o judgement_n which_o he_o bring_v upon_o his_o own_o neh._n 9.33_o and_o beside_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o awe_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n the_o more_o with_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n judgement_n when_o they_o observe_v that_o god_n threaten_n be_v not_o vain_a word_n but_o be_v make_v good_a in_o real_a performance_n as_o the_o tread_v down_o and_o put_v away_o of_o the_o wicked_a like_o dross_n cause_v david_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n judgement_n psal_n 119.118_o 119_o 120._o second_o in_o read_v those_o prophecy_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o god_n care_n of_o his_o people_n come_v 2._o god_n unwillingness_n to_o grieve_v his_o people_n forewarn_v they_o of_o the_o evil_n to_o come_v and_o tenderness_n of_o their_o good_a and_o unwillingness_n to_o grieve_v they_o lam._n 3.33_o hos_fw-la 11.8_o 9_o manifest_v by_o send_v his_o prophet_n both_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o obedience_n by_o counsel_n and_o fair_a mean_n from_o their_o wicked_a way_n wherein_o they_o walk_v contrary_a to_o god_n as_o moses_n term_n it_o levit._n 26.23_o 40._o and_o withal_o to_o warn_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n that_o hang_v over_o their_o head_n if_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o rebellious_a course_n and_o indeed_o upon_o this_o ground_n god_n justify_v both_o his_o compassion_n towards_o his_o people_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o take_v vengeance_n even_o upon_o his_o own_o people_n for_o their_o rebellion_n from_o which_o neither_o experience_n nor_o advice_n and_o counsel_n can_v reclaim_v they_o nor_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o they_o 2_o chron._n 36.15_o 16_o 17._o they_o and_o aim_v at_o their_o good_a in_o the_o judgement_n that_o he_o bring_v upon_o they_o which_o yet_o withal_o he_o do_v both_o in_o respect_n to_o their_o good_a and_o purge_v out_o of_o their_o dross_n in_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n isa_n 1.15_o as_o also_o to_o his_o own_o honour_n much_o impeach_v by_o his_o people_n evil_a course_n 2_o sam._n 12.14_o for_o which_o if_o he_o shall_v forbear_v to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o he_o may_v be_v judge_v partial_a or_o a_o approver_n of_o evil_a like_a unto_o wicked_a man_n as_o god_n himself_o speak_v psal_n
pray_v constant_o to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n to_o unlock_v thy_o understanding_n and_o use_v such_o help_n as_o the_o lord_n afford_v thou_o and_o when_o thou_o doubte_v fail_v not_o to_o go_v to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n eccles_n 12.11_o seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o so_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v malac_n 2.7_o to_o help_v a_o bad_a memory_n do_v this_o read_v with_o leisure_n and_o intention_n meditate_v with_o delight_n this_o feed_v the_o soul_n confer_v with_o other_o at_o all_o opportunity_n especial_o with_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v near_o thou_o or_o give_v thou_o in_o charge_n as_o psal_n 34.11_o deut._n 6.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o &_o c._n 11.18_o 19_o 20._o apply_v the_o promise_n to_o thyself_o with_o joy_n consider_v the_o threaten_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v isaiah_n 66.5_o psa_fw-la 119.120_o but_o above_o all_o help_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o profit_v appear_v indeed_o when_o soever_o god_n have_v teach_v thou_o any_o duty_n fall_v straightway_o in_o hand_n therewith_o to_o practise_v it_o thence_o forward_o 4._o this_o course_n if_o careful_o observe_v will_v speedy_o bring_v thou_o acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o his_o whole_a counsel_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n it_o will_v inform_v thou_o of_o his_o good_a will_n towards_o thou_o and_o what_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v do_v for_o thy_o soul_n and_o likewise_o what_o duty_n he_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n it_o will_v forewarn_v thou_o of_o all_o the_o enemy_n that_o way-lye_a thou_o and_o of_o their_o great_a wrath_n malice_n subtlety_n and_o power_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o it_o will_v furnish_v thou_o with_o wisdom_n to_o foresee_v with_o courage_n to_o stand_v and_o power_n to_o withstand_v and_o armour_n even_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n ephes_n 6.10_o 17._o wherewith_o to_o encounter_v and_o overcome_v the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o flesh_n it_o will_v inform_v thou_o of_o the_o endless_a joy_n and_o ineffable_a treasure_n of_o heaven_n that_o thou_o may_v covet_v they_o earnest_o and_o inherit_v they_o and_o also_o of_o the_o insupportable_a torment_n and_o unquenchable_a fire_n of_o hell_n to_o avoid_v they_o by_o this_o thy_o conscionable_a practice_n the_o work_n of_o the_o minister_n shall_v be_v more_o profitable_a unto_o thou_o and_o less_o grievous_a to_o he_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o thou_o and_o also_o thou_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o whereas_o without_o this_o diligence_n he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a do_v often_o live_v and_o die_v so_o even_o under_o a_o powerful_a ministry_n by_o this_o mean_n god_n blessing_n it_o to_o we_o christ_n kingdom_n shall_v come_v into_o our_o heart_n with_o power_n and_o his_o sceptre_n which_o be_v his_o word_n will_v bear_v sway_n and_o rule_n in_o all_o private_a family_n among_o we_o even_o in_o those_o family_n which_o hitherto_o have_v forget_v the_o name_n of_o their_o god_n and_o walk_v on_o still_o in_o darkness_n as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n have_v count_v those_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n law_n as_o a_o strange_a thing_n hos_fw-la 8.12_o 5._o if_o these_o motive_n avail_v not_o to_o win_v thou_o to_o a_o like_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o practise_v of_o it_o consider_v further_o what_o need_v thou_o have_v of_o it_o and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o thou_o despise_v in_o reject_v it_o thy_o heart_n be_v as_o hard_a as_o a_o stone_n in_o thou_o but_o this_o word_n be_v as_o a_o hammer_n that_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n jer._n 23.29_o it_o be_v also_o a_o salve_n to_o heal_v and_o cure_v a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n psal_n 107.20_o all_o holy_a zeal_n and_o spiritual_a desire_n be_v extinct_a in_o thou_o but_o this_o word_n be_v a_o fire_n to_o kindle_v holy_a affection_n in_o thou_o it_o be_v his_o furnace_n to_o purge_v out_o the_o dross_n of_o thy_o natural_a corruption_n yea_o it_o be_v as_o water_v to_o wash_v away_o uncleanness_n john_n 15.3_o in_o a_o word_n the_o virtue_n and_o operation_n of_o it_o be_v innumerable_a and_o for_o its_o worth_n man_n can_v utter_v it_o it_o be_v strengthen_v as_o bread_n quench_v thirst_n after_o sin_n as_o drink_v cheer_v as_o wine_n sweet_a as_o honey_n enrich_v as_o gold_n quick_n and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n power_n even_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 1.16_o 6._o up_o then_o and_o be_v do_v work_v out_o thy_o salvation_n they_o that_o stand_v all_o the_o day_n idle_a receive_v no_o wage_n and_o the_o ignorant_a have_v no_o promise_n of_o life_n but_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o diligent_a make_v rich_a but_o the_o field_n of_o the_o man_n void_a of_o understanding_n be_v all_o grow_v over_o with_o thorn_n ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o error_n matth._n 22.29_o leave_v a_o gap_n open_a to_o all_o lewdness_n riot_n and_o exorbitancy_n think_v thou_o to_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o they_o the_o promise_n be_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v and_o thou_o may_v seek_v eternal_a life_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o life_n where_o he_o be_v to_o be_v find_v he_o command_v thou_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n joh._n 5.39_o to_o go_v further_o yet_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o jew_n will_v never_o have_v trouble_v he_o so_o often_o with_o sleight_n question_n if_o they_o have_v use_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o diligent_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o when_o they_o pose_v he_o he_o usual_o send_v they_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o answer_n so_o luke_n 10.26_o he_o return_v one_o to_o learn_v his_o duty_n what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n how_o read_v thou_o and_o so_o other_o of_o they_o mat._n 12.3_o have_v you_o not_o read_v what_o david_n do_v and_o vers_fw-la 5._o have_v you_o not_o read_v in_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o matth._n 21.16_o so_o that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o duty_n that_o our_o saviour_n press_v often_o and_o his_o exhortation_n before_o quote_v john_n 5.39_o be_v to_o all_o neither_o shall_v thy_o worldly_a employment_n hinder_v thy_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o even_o the_o king_n though_o he_o may_v plead_v the_o great_a hindrance_n of_o any_o whatsoever_o even_o the_o weighty_a affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o this_o daily_a task_n the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deut._n 17.19_o here_o be_v both_o precept_n and_o promise_n yea_o this_o practice_n have_v a_o blessing_n rev._n 1.3_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v etc._n etc._n 7._o and_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v discourage_v either_o through_o thy_o own_o incapacity_n or_o its_o obscurity_n know_v that_o this_o course_n of_o exercise_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v bless_v with_o happy_a success_n from_o the_o first_o meddle_v with_o it_o and_o that_o even_o to_o the_o weak_a psal_n 119.130_o the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o word_n give_v light_a it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a but_o if_o after_o all_o these_o incitement_n thou_o count_v thyself_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o will_v not_o lay_v hold_n of_o it_o i_o must_v also_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n ere_o i_o leave_v thou_o that_o where_o these_o blessing_n take_v no_o place_n there_o the_o curse_n enter_v when_o they_o that_o search_v the_o scripture_n find_v eternal_a life_n they_o that_o neglect_v they_o will_v find_v eternal_a death_n when_o the_o wise_a and_o diligent_a enter_v into_o their_o master_n joy_n the_o slothful_a and_o foolish_a will_v be_v thrust_v into_o hell_n consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n  _fw-fr january_n a._n february_n d._n march_n d._n 1_o gen._n 1_o 2._o mat._n 1_o 13_o 14._o 4_o 2_o 3._o 16_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 2_o 15_o 16._o 5_o 4_o 5._o 17_o 3_o 5_o 6._o 3_o 17_o 18._o 6_o 6_o 7._o 18_o 4_o 7_o 8._o 4_o 19_o 20._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 19_o 5_o 9_o 10._o 5_o 21_o 22._o 8_o 10_o 11._o 20_o 6_o 11_o 12._o 6_o 23_o 24._o 9_o 12_o 13._o 21_o 7_o 13_o 14._o 7_o 25_o 26._o 10_o 14_o 15._o 22_o 8_o 15_o 16._o 8_o 27_o 28._o 11_o 16_o 17._o 23_o 9_o 17_o 18._o 9_o 29_o 30._o 12_o 18_o 19_o 24_o 10_o 19_o 20._o 10_o 31_o 32._o 13_o 20_o 21._o joh._n 1_o 11_o 21_o 22._o 11_o 33_o 34._o 14_o 22_o