meditate_v on_o this_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o glory_n to_o judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o come_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o change_v of_o the_o live_n of_o the_o citation_n of_o all_o before_o christ_n judgement_n seat_n and_o of_o the_o diverse_a sentence_n which_o he_o shall_v pronounce_v for_o the_o elect_a and_o against_o the_o reprobate_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a estate_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o curse_a and_o miserable_a condition_n of_o the_o other_o of_o the_o eternal_a retribution_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v of_o reward_n to_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o blessedness_n heavenly_a joy_n and_o perfect_a glory_n of_o all_o the_o part_n whereof_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o another_o place_n and_o of_o the_o retribution_n of_o punishment_n to_o the_o wicked_a in_o hell_n torment_n part_n christ_n warfare_n 2._o part_n both_o in_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n whereupon_o we_o may_v meditate_v respect_v the_o action_n of_o god_n now_o concern_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o church_n there_o be_v all_o profitable_a matter_n of_o meditation_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n call_v and_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o god_n own_o peculiar_a people_n to_o worship_n and_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n that_o there_o be_v in_o this_o company_n a_o holy_a communion_n of_o saint_n unite_v unto_o our_o head_n christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o with_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o the_o bond_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n that_o this_o church_n be_v catholic_a part_v whereof_o be_v militant_a on_o earth_n and_o part_n of_o it_o triumphant_a in_o heaven_n that_o the_o property_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n be_v to_o be_v either_o invisible_a which_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o elect_a or_o visible_a consist_v partly_o of_o they_o and_o partly_o of_o hypocrite_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a infallible_a note_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v it_o from_o all_o other_o as_o the_o sound_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o they_o according_a to_o christ_n holy_a institution_n and_o final_o that_o there_o be_v also_o infallible_a note_n of_o the_o true_a member_n both_o of_o this_o and_o the_o invisible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o which_o we_o may_v profitable_o meditate_v and_o by_o examination_n apply_v particular_o unto_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o be_v or_o no_o in_o this_o number_n and_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v which_o we_o may_v choose_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v all_o contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o ten_o commandment_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v meditate_v several_o and_o on_o all_o and_o every_o of_o the_o virtue_n and_o vice_n contain_v in_o any_o of_o they_o but_o especial_o on_o those_o virtue_n in_o which_o we_o be_v most_o defective_a and_o on_o those_o vice_n unto_o which_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v most_o incline_v as_o also_o on_o the_o mean_n and_o help_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o embrace_v and_o practice_v the_o one_o and_o shun_v and_o avoid_v the_o other_o and_o on_o the_o sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v upon_o due_a examination_n know_v whether_o or_o no_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o those_o virtue_n and_o purge_v from_o those_o vice_n of_o all_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n unto_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n or_o if_o he_o desire_v a_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a discourse_n unto_o that_o exact_a and_o learned_a abstract_n of_o the_o duty_n command_v and_o sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v by_o my_o right_a reverend_a and_o dear_a brother_n to_o who_o labour_n i_o acknowledge_v myself_o most_o behold_a for_o all_o the_o former_a head_n of_o divinity_n which_o i_o have_v set_v down_o as_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o our_o meditation_n may_v be_v profitable_o exercise_v §._o sect._n 10_o rule_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o fit_a matter_n for_o our_o meditation_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o great_a and_o abundant_a matter_n there_o be_v fit_a for_o our_o meditation_n see_v any_o one_o of_o the_o former_a general_a head_n or_o point_n be_v thorough_o discourse_v on_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o wrought_v upon_o and_o apply_v to_o our_o affection_n according_a to_o that_o form_n which_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prescribe_v be_v sufficient_a for_o one_o day_n exercise_n and_o many_o of_o they_o will_v afford_v plentiful_a matter_n for_o much_o long_a time_n and_o therefore_o lest_o any_o shall_v now_o be_v as_o much_o trouble_v with_o plenty_n as_o they_o be_v before_o with_o want_n not_o know_v what_o theme_n or_o subject_n to_o choose_v out_o of_o such_o great_a variety_n and_o therefore_o be_v thus_o distract_v in_o their_o thought_n shall_v let_v all_o alone_a i_o will_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o such_o in_o their_o choice_n propound_v these_o rule_n follow_v first_o that_o we_o ordinary_o and_o most_o often_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o we_o find_v to_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o stir_v up_o our_o devotion_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n to_o work_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o inflame_v our_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o kindle_v our_o zeal_n to_o confirm_v our_o affiance_n increase_v our_o hope_n fear_v of_o god_n humility_n and_o patience_n and_o final_o to_o enable_v we_o with_o all_o cheerfulness_n to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n to_o which_o purpose_n we_o must_v rare_o choose_v such_o matter_n as_o be_v mere_o intellectual_a and_o fit_a rather_o for_o speculation_n then_o for_o use_n and_o practice_n though_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v few_o point_n of_o sound_a divinity_n and_o scarce_o any_o of_o those_o before_o express_v which_o be_v right_o handle_v in_o our_o meditation_n will_v not_o afford_v some_o fit_a matter_n as_o well_o for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n as_o for_o the_o enlighten_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o increase_v of_o our_o knowledge_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o bring_v to_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o imagination_n and_o to_o it_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o sense_n which_o will_v more_o easy_o and_o kind_o afford_v matter_n of_o meditation_n to_o the_o most_o simple_a fit_a to_o work_v upon_o their_o heart_n to_o inflame_v their_o love_n stir_v up_o their_o devotion_n and_o enable_v they_o unto_o all_o christian_a duty_n the_o which_o be_v the_o main_n end_v of_o this_o exercise_n and_o not_o the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o mind_n with_o curious_a speculation_n and_o fruitless_a knowledge_n in_o which_o regard_n when_o we_o find_v the_o matter_n on_o which_o we_o meditate_v unfit_a for_o those_o use_n and_o relish_v in_o it_o little_a sweetness_n of_o spiritual_a refresh_n or_o feel_v small_a warmth_n for_o the_o heat_n of_o our_o heart_n with_o love_n zeal_n and_o true_a devotion_n we_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o it_o but_o may_v pass_v to_o some_o other_o point_n which_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o the_o achieve_v of_o these_o end_n second_o we_o must_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o in_o our_o discretion_n we_o think_v not_o only_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n most_o excellent_a and_o general_o most_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a but_o also_o such_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o our_o person_n and_o present_a state_n place_n time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n for_o as_o those_o who_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o great_a and_o bountiful_a feast_n do_v not_o feed_v on_o every_o dish_n nor_o always_o on_o such_o as_o be_v most_o costly_a and_o general_o esteem_v best_o but_o at_o least_o if_o they_o keep_v a_o good_a diet_n make_v choice_n of_o one_o or_o two_o among_o the_o rest_n which_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o their_o stomach_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o their_o body_n most_o likely_a to_o bring_v with_o delight_n to_o their_o taste_n wholesome_a nourishment_n for_o the_o preserve_n of_o their_o health_n and_o strength_n so_o in_o that_o great_a plenty_n of_o provision_n which_o i_o have_v make_v to_o entertain_v my_o guest_n at_o this_o spiritual_a feast_n they_o must_v not_o run_v over_o many_o thing_n at_o once_o nor_o always_o prefer_v in_o their_o choice_n such_o point_n as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n exceed_v other_o but_o pick_v out_o one_o or_o some_o few_o which_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o
and_o that_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n and_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o from_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n and_o as_o it_o make_v we_o stranger_n from_o god_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n so_o also_o from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n or_o the_o godly_a life_n which_o he_o command_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o contrariwise_o thrust_v we_o headlong_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n when_o the_o gentile_n through_o their_o ignorance_n be_v thus_o estrange_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n they_o become_v past_a feel_n and_o so_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o lasciviousness_n 19_o eph._n 4._o 18_o 19_o to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n so_o hosea_n have_v set_v down_o a_o catalogue_n 6._o hos_fw-la 4._o 1_o 6._o of_o many_o grievous_a sin_n which_o make_v the_o jew_n liable_a to_o god_n heavy_a judgement_n do_v after_o show_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n and_o punishment_n be_v because_o they_o lack_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n whereof_o it_o also_o be_v that_o sinner_n of_o all_o kind_n be_v include_v under_o the_o name_n of_o ignorant_a person_n who_o know_v not_o god_n so_o the_o psalmist_n pour_v out_o thy_o wrath_n upon_o 25._o psal_n 79._o 6._o jer_z 10._o 25._o the_o heathen_a that_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o and_o upon_o the_o kingdom_n that_o have_v not_o call_v upon_o thy_o name_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v come_v with_o 8._o 2._o thes_n 1._o 7_o 8._o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o portion_n in_o god_n save_v grace_n or_o part_n in_o heavenly_a glory_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v stranger_n from_o god_n and_o aliens_n from_o his_o church_n if_o we_o will_v perform_v any_o duty_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n or_o not_o be_v carry_v headlong_o into_o all_o wickedness_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n judgement_n and_o fearful_a destruction_n nor_o expose_v to_o the_o imprecation_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o life_n nor_o to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o a_o terrible_a judge_n when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v at_o his_o second_o come_v let_v we_o not_o live_v in_o ignorance_n but_o use_v all_o our_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v unto_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n neither_o let_v we_o with_o ignorant_a people_n content_v ourselves_o with_o our_o own_o good_a meaning_n and_o blind_a devotion_n as_o our_o guide_n in_o godliness_n for_o than_o our_o service_n of_o god_n will_v be_v but_o will-worship_n and_o the_o carnal_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o brain_n and_o all_o our_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o bodily_a exercise_n and_o 13._o esa_n 1._o 12._o &_o 29._o 13._o ignorant_a superstition_n will_v be_v reject_v of_o god_n as_o odious_a and_o abominable_a §._o sect._n 4_o that_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a author_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o save_v knowledge_n see_v therefore_o knowledge_n be_v so_o necessary_a unto_o a_o godly_a life_n we_o will_v a_o little_a further_o insist_v upon_o it_o show_v what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o it_o whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o labour_v after_o it_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o good_a mean_n and_o know_v to_o our_o comfort_n when_o we_o have_v attain_v unto_o it_o save_v knowledge_n then_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o inlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n by_o his_o word_n and_o work_n that_o we_o may_v make_v a_o holy_a use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o our_o heart_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o not_o nature_n but_o god_n only_o be_v the_o author_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o knowledge_n and_o so_o much_o only_o do_v we_o know_v of_o god_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o 34._o jer._n 31._o 33_o 34._o will_v put_v his_o law_n in_o our_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v know_v he_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a so_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o his_o elect_n say_v that_o they_o all_o shall_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o again_o no_o man_n know_v the_o 46._o job._n 6._o 46._o son_n but_o the_o father_n neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o unto_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o neither_o be_v this_o knowledge_n a_o natural_a habit_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o purchase_v by_o we_o or_o our_o own_o merit_n or_o therefore_o bestow_v upon_o we_o rather_o than_o other_o because_o god_n foresee_v that_o we_o will_v use_v it_o when_o we_o have_v it_o better_a than_o they_o but_o god_n free_a gift_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o which_o he_o work_v 28._o joel_n 2._o 28._o in_o we_o first_o by_o send_v his_o son_n his_o true_a essential_a wisdom_n who_o have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o his_o father_n will_n and_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n have_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o that_o not_o only_o nor_o chief_o to_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o the_o weak_a and_o simple_a according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o 25._o matth._n 11._o 25._o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n and_o second_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v and_o be_v send_v from_o the_o father_n and_o son_n to_o teach_v and_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n as_o our_o saviour_n promise_v his_o apostle_n and_o this_o be_v that_o holy_a anoint_v of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v whereby_o we_o 13._o job._n 16._o 13._o know_v all_o thing_n and_o need_v not_o that_o any_o teach_v we_o but_o as_o this_o anoint_v teach_v we_o of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o collyrium_n or_o precious_a eye-salue_n which_o christ_n 18._o apoc._n 3._o 18._o promise_v to_o give_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n to_o inlighten_v their_o blind_a eye_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v see_v nor_o conceive_v the_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o god_n kingdom_n but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o 10._o 1._o cor._n 2._o 10._o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n revelation_n and_o illumination_n and_o the_o 13._o ephe._n 1._o 17._o john_n 16._o 13._o spirit_n of_o truth_n because_o he_o be_v both_o light_n and_o truth_n himself_o and_o also_o inlighten_v our_o mind_n which_o be_v natural_o full_a of_o darkness_n and_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n needful_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v this_o save_a knowledge_n we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o chief_a fountain_n and_o author_n of_o it_o and_o pray_v often_o and_o earnest_o that_o he_o will_v for_o his_o son_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n take_v away_o our_o natural_a blindness_n and_o open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o his_o law_n 8._o psal_n 119._o 8._o §._o sect._n 5_o of_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o save_a knowledge_n the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v first_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n second_o the_o book_n of_o grace_n the_o book_n of_o nature_n for_o even_o this_o light_n be_v sanctify_v by_o god_n spirit_n be_v helpefull_a to_o the_o regenerate_a for_o the_o reveal_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o both_o the_o eternal_a book_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o conscience_n and_o the_o external_a book_n which_o be_v the_o great_a volume_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o if_o there_o be_v in_o all_o man_n some_o relic_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shine_v in_o their_o conscience_n which_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v most_o
dwell_v with_o we_o and_o principal_o for_o our_o governor_n among_o other_o blessing_n crave_v this_o above_o other_o that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o heart_n to_o erect_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o family_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o themselves_o and_o those_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n but_o yet_o let_v neither_o governor_n nor_o inferior_n content_v themselves_o with_o these_o family-duty_n which_o they_o perform_v with_o other_o but_o set_v some_o time_n and_o place_n apart_o for_o their_o private_a devotion_n that_o they_o may_v have_v secret_a conference_n with_o god_n confess_v and_o bewail_v their_o particular_a sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v know_v only_o to_o he_o and_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o will_v not_o have_v man_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o by_o any_o open_a acknowledgement_n lay_v open_a their_o special_a want_n and_o desire_v earnest_o a_o supply_n of_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n wherein_o they_o find_v themselves_o most_o defective_a and_o render_v thanks_n unto_o god_n for_o those_o peculiar_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n which_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n he_o have_v confer_v upon_o they_o §._o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o extraordinary_a prayer_n upon_o every_o good_a occasion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o use_v daily_o these_o set_n solemn_a and_o ordinary_a prayer_n but_o we_o must_v as_o our_o saviour_n injoin_v we_o pray_v always_o and_o as_o the_o 18._o luk._n 18._o 1._o 1._o thes_n 5._o 17._o verse_n 18._o apostle_n speak_v continual_o and_o without_o cease_v that_o be_v we_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o pray_v so_o often_o as_o god_n shall_v give_v we_o any_o occasion_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v crave_v god_n blessing_n when_o we_o undertake_v any_o business_n and_o praise_v his_o name_n for_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n whereby_o we_o have_v be_v enable_v to_o achieve_v it_o crave_v his_o protection_n at_o the_o approach_n of_o any_o danger_n and_o his_o help_n and_o strength_n for_o the_o overcome_v of_o any_o difficulty_n which_o affront_v we_o in_o our_o way_n in_o a_o word_n we_o must_v pray_v in_o season_n that_o be_v at_o our_o ordinary_a time_n and_o upon_o common_a occasion_n and_o out_o of_o season_n that_o be_v extraordinary_o when_o any_o special_a and_o new_a occasion_n offer_v itself_o unto_o us._n unto_o which_o prayer_n there_o be_v not_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v use_v our_o voice_n or_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v use_v in_o set_a prayer_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o any_o continue_a or_o long_a speech_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o god_n express_v ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n but_o only_o that_o we_o use_v sudden_a and_o short_a ejaculation_n lift_v up_o our_o heart_n unto_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v dart_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n our_o fervent_a desire_n which_o we_o may_v do_v without_o be_v discern_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crowd_n and_o without_o any_o distraction_n from_o our_o ordinary_a affair_n and_o thus_o nehemiah_n pray_v unto_o 4._o nehem._n 2._o 4._o god_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o heathenish_a king_n for_o good_a success_n in_o his_o suit_n moses_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o army_n for_o help_v and_o deliverance_n when_o 15._o exod._n 14._o 15._o as_o they_o be_v pursue_v by_o the_o egyptian_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o at_o the_o grave_n of_o lazarus_n and_o thus_o be_v we_o to_o pray_v continual_o and_o 41._o john_n 11._o 38_o 41._o without_o cease_v either_o in_o our_o set_n and_o solemn_a prayer_n or_o these_o short_a expression_n of_o our_o heart_n desire_n in_o all_o company_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o at_o all_o time_n not_o only_o in_o the_o day_n time_n but_o even_o in_o the_o night_n also_o either_o rise_n with_o david_n to_o praise_n god_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v ravish_v with_o the_o joyful_a apprehension_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n according_a to_o that_o at_o 62._o psal_n 119._o 62._o midnight_n will_v i_o rise_v to_o give_v thanks_n unto_o thou_o because_o of_o thy_o righteous_a judgement_n or_o with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lamentation_n to_o crave_v help_n and_o deliverance_n when_o we_o lie_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o some_o grievous_a affliction_n arise_v say_v she_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o watch_n pour_v out_o thy_o 19_o lam._n 2._o 19_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o if_o we_o do_v our_o prayer_n will_v be_v more_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a our_o sense_n and_o soul_n be_v sequester_v from_o worldly_a affair_n and_o not_o encumber_v and_o interrupt_v in_o these_o holy_a exercise_n with_o any_o earthly_a distraction_n or_o at_o ordinary_a time_n and_o upon_o usual_a occasion_n lift_v and_o raise_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n unto_o god_n when_o we_o wake_v out_o of_o our_o sleep_n praise_v he_o for_o all_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o namely_o for_o the_o rest_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o and_o desire_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n with_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o testimony_n of_o it_o but_o here_o our_o chief_a care_n must_v be_v that_o by_o this_o continual_a custom_n and_o daily_a practice_n we_o do_v not_o grow_v to_o a_o less_o esteem_n of_o this_o high_a and_o holy_a duty_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o negligent_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o so_o our_o prayer_n become_v cold_a and_o formal_a and_o perform_v more_o for_o custom_n then_o for_o conscience_n but_o that_o we_o pray_v with_o our_o whole_a heart_n in_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n account_v it_o the_o high_a privilege_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v daily_o and_o continual_o such_o sweet_a intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o such_o free_a access_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o make_v our_o suit_n and_o request_n know_v unto_o our_o sovereign_a king_n and_o gracious_a father_n with_o assurance_n to_o have_v they_o hear_v and_o grant_v the_o which_o must_v inflame_v our_o devotion_n and_o zeal_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o pour_v forth_o our_o heart_n unto_o god_n without_o which_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lip_n want_v the_o fire_n of_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n will_v become_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o 1._o eccl._n 5._o 1._o therefore_o we_o must_v with_o david_n pour_v out_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n and_o with_o the_o 4._o psal_n 42._o 4._o afflict_a church_n lift_v up_o our_o heart_n with_o our_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n or_o else_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n to_o be_v hear_v see_v these_o only_a who_o thus_o do_v 41._o lam._n 3._o 41._o have_v the_o promise_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o 13._o psal_n 145._o 18._o esa_n 29._o 13._o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o our_o prayer_n accept_v of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o only_o offer_v unto_o he_o our_o outward_a member_n and_o part_n but_o wash_v also_o our_o inward_o our_o 13._o levit._fw-la 1._o 13._o heart_n and_o affection_n and_o so_o offer_v ourselves_o as_o a_o whole_a burn_a offering_n unto_o god_n and_o whilst_o we_o stretch_v out_o our_o hand_n our_o heart_n also_o must_v be_v enlarge_v 6._o psal_n 143._o 6._o with_o thirst_a desire_n after_o the_o live_a water_n and_o spring_n of_o god_n gift_n and_o grace_n like_v unto_o the_o thirsty_a land_n §._o sect._n 4_o diverse_a motive_n unto_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n unto_o which_o daily_a and_o continual_a prayer_n with_o this_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n we_o may_v be_v move_v first_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o stand_v in_o such_o 28._o act._n 17._o 28._o need_n of_o god_n continual_a help_n and_o assistance_n that_o we_o can_v subsist_v without_o it_o the_o least_o minute_n for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v second_o that_o we_o stand_v daily_o and_o continual_o in_o want_n of_o some_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o of_o they_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n and_o also_o of_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o god_n temporal_a benefit_n or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o right_n and_o holy_a use_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o see_v our_o want_n be_v continual_a and_o god_n have_v appoint_v prayer_n as_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v thrust_v into_o his_o rich_a treasury_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o goodness_n for_o a_o continual_a supply_n
and_o stretch_v out_o our_o hand_n towards_o he_o if_o iniquity_n be_v in_o our_o 14._o job_n 11._o 13_o 14._o hand_n we_o must_v put_v it_o away_o and_o not_o let_v wickedness_n dwell_v in_o our_o tabernacle_n for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wash_v and_o make_v we_o clean_o and_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o do_n but_o come_v before_o he_o defile_v in_o our_o sin_n then_o though_o we_o spread_v forth_o our_o hand_n 16._o esa_n 1._o 15_o 16._o god_n will_v hide_v his_o eye_n from_o we_o and_o when_o we_o make_v many_o prayer_n he_o will_v not_o hear_v cap._n xiiii_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v require_v as_o essential_a unto_o prayer_n §._o sect._n 1_o that_o we_o must_v pray_v in_o truth_n with_o attention_n and_o not_o with_o wander_a thought_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o action_n many_o thing_n be_v require_v both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o substance_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o former_a 3._o 1._o john_n 5._o 14._o jam._n 4._o 3._o sort_n be_v the_o essential_o of_o prayer_n as_o 1._o in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o god_n reveal_v will_n for_o if_o we_o frame_v not_o our_o prayer_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n we_o shall_v go_v awry_o and_o ask_v amiss_o obtain_v nothing_o more_o especial_o there_o be_v require_v that_o we_o worship_v god_n internal_o with_o our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o external_o with_o our_o body_n and_o that_o we_o pour_v forth_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o in_o our_o prayer_n as_o hannah_n 41._o 1._o sam._n 1._o 15._o psalm_n 25._o 1._o lam._n 3._o 41._o do_v so_o as_o we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n i_o lift_v up_o my_o soul_n and_o with_o the_o afflict_a church_n let_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n with_o our_o hand_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o heaven_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n 13._o joh._n 4._o 24._o prou._n 23._o 26._o jer._n 29._o 13._o and_o above_o all_o other_o service_n he_o require_v the_o service_n of_o the_o heart_n see_v all_o other_o without_o it_o be_v but_o mere_a hypocrisy_n neither_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o obtain_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n unless_o our_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o sincere_a and_o upright_a heart_n see_v he_o have_v limit_v his_o promise_n of_o hear_v only_o to_o such_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n the_o lord_n be_v near_o unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o 18._o psal_n 145._o 18._o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n let_v we_o therefore_o take_v heed_n when_o we_o call_v upon_o god_n that_o our_o prayer_n be_v in_o truth_n and_o not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o mouth_n but_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o do_v with_o like_a care_n avoid_v pray_v with_o a_o lie_a tongue_n and_o deceitful_a lip_n when_o as_o we_o 7._o psal_n 17._o 1._o and_o 119._o 7._o ask_v those_o thing_n with_o our_o mouth_n which_o we_o desire_v not_o in_o our_o heart_n like_o those_o hypocritical_a israelite_n of_o who_o the_o lord_n complain_v that_o they_o have_v speak_v lie_v against_o he_o not_o cry_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o heart_n when_o 14._o hos_fw-la 7._o 13_o 14._o they_o howl_v upon_o their_o bed_n second_o pray_v with_o wander_a thought_n have_v when_o we_o direct_v our_o speech_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n our_o mind_n and_o heart_n rove_a about_o worldly_a vanity_n and_o our_o earthly_a affair_n without_o either_o respect_n to_o god_n presence_n or_o the_o suit_n that_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n for_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a abuse_n of_o god_n majesty_n which_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o offer_v to_o our_o superior_n yea_o even_o to_o our_o equal_n speak_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o not_o mind_v what_o we_o say_v it_o discover_v great_a irreverence_n and_o neglect_v of_o god_n glorious_a presence_n who_o behold_v the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n see_v how_o far_o they_o and_o our_o tongue_n be_v one_o from_o another_o it_o argue_v great_a security_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n when_o as_o we_o thus_o approach_v into_o his_o presence_n and_o offer_v unto_o he_o such_o heartless_a sacrifice_n not_o fear_v that_o dreadful_a speech_n seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o such_o a_o terrible_a example_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v sanctify_v and_o glorify_v in_o they_o that_o come_v nigh_o he_o either_o in_o his_o mercy_n or_o in_o his_o 3._o levit._fw-la 10._o 2_o 3._o judgement_n it_o make_v prayer_n to_o be_v no_o prayer_n but_o lip-labour_n and_o the_o wind_n of_o word_n which_o be_v not_o the_o language_n of_o the_o mouth_n but_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o cause_v we_o to_o spend_v our_o labour_n in_o vain_a when_o as_o we_o mind_n not_o what_o we_o say_v for_o how_o shall_v god_n vouchsafe_v to_o understand_v our_o suit_n when_o as_o we_o ourselves_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o or_o how_o shall_v he_o give_v we_o his_o rich_a grace_n of_o great_a value_n when_o as_o we_o so_o mean_o esteem_v they_o that_o we_o can_v cold_o and_o careless_o ask_v they_o at_o his_o hand_n and_o not_o think_v they_o worthy_a the_o mind_v and_o affect_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o heart_n §._o sect._n 2_o that_o we_o must_v with_o all_o diligence_n banish_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o wander_a thought_n and_o the_o mean_n hereof_o and_o yet_o see_v through_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o own_o corruption_n we_o be_v even_o at_o our_o best_a apt_a to_o fall_v into_o this_o foul_a infirmity_n let_v we_o with_o 11._o jer._n â—2_n 40._o psal_n 86._o 11._o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n look_v to_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o tie_v they_o fast_o unto_o himself_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o his_o fear_n that_o they_o may_v not_o in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n slip_v aside_o and_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o if_o we_o find_v our_o sinful_a flesh_n so_o sluggish_a and_o secure_a so_o worldly_a and_o earthly-minded_n that_o it_o dull_v our_o devotion_n and_o steal_v and_o carry_v every_o hand_n while_n our_o heart_n away_o after_o thing_n impertinent_a if_o not_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a i_o think_v it_o a_o good_a course_n in_o our_o private_a prayer_n to_o repeat_v that_o again_o in_o which_o we_o be_v distract_v labour_v in_o our_o repetition_n to_o call_v our_o heart_n back_o to_o join_v with_o our_o voice_n see_v hereof_o come_v a_o double_a benefit_n first_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o suit_n more_o powerful_o offer_v unto_o god_n when_o as_o they_o be_v propound_v in_o this_o hearty_a manner_n and_o second_o hereby_o we_o shall_v tame_v the_o flesh_n and_o make_v it_o not_o so_o eager_a to_o interrupt_v we_o in_o these_o holy_a duty_n when_o as_o the_o spiritual_a part_n impose_v upon_o it_o this_o punishment_n by_o way_n of_o revenge_n for_o its_o sloth_n and_o worldliness_n to_o make_v it_o to_o continue_v so_o much_o the_o long_o at_o this_o exercise_n unto_o which_o natural_o it_o be_v so_o backward_o and_o averse_a and_o not_o to_o feed_v itself_o upon_o any_o worldly_a thought_n wherein_o it_o whole_o delight_v till_o it_o have_v first_o wait_v on_o the_o spirit_n and_o suffer_v it_o without_o interruption_n to_o refresh_v itself_o with_o this_o heavenly_a breakfast_n let_v we_o meditate_v also_o on_o that_o glorious_a presence_n before_o who_o we_o stand_v who_o look_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o phrase_n of_o our_o word_n and_o the_o well-running_a stile_n of_o our_o speech_n as_o to_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o heart_n which_o be_v so_o full_a of_o distraction_n and_o senseless_a rave_n and_o roving_n from_o the_o matter_n one_o while_o speak_v to_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o same_o breath_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o sentence_n break_v off_o and_o speak_v to_o the_o world_n jumble_v and_o confuse_o mingle_v thing_n spiritual_a and_o carnal_a heavenly_a and_o earthly_a holy_a and_o profane_a how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o ugly_a and_o misshapen_v in_o his_o sight_n be_v like_o anticke-worke_n consist_v of_o monstrous_a composition_n wherein_o the_o body_n of_o a_o bird_n and_o the_o tail_n of_o a_o serpent_n the_o face_n and_o forepart_n of_o a_o man_n and_o the_o hind-part_n and_o leg_n of_o a_o beast_n or_o the_o tail_n of_o a_o fish_n be_v join_v together_o let_v we_o think_v upon_o the_o excellency_n profit_n and_o necessity_n of_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o in_o our_o prayer_n we_o desire_v of_o god_n and_o how_o infinite_o they_o excel_v those_o worldly_a vanity_n which_o satan_n and_o our_o own_o flesh_n do_v cast_v into_o our_o mind_n to_o distract_v we_o in_o our_o suit_n unto_o who_o suggestion_n it_o be_v no_o less_o folly_n to_o listen_v then_o
especial_o those_o which_o respect_v his_o sabbath_n and_o service_n as_o the_o profane_v of_o his_o holy_a day_n by_o utter_a neglect_n of_o all_o holy_a duty_n or_o by_o imperfect_a performance_n of_o they_o want_v of_o preparation_n of_o reverence_n and_o attention_n faith_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o call_v upon_o god_n name_n want_v of_o care_n in_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o memory_n and_o practise_v it_o in_o our_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o as_o in_o our_o complaint_n we_o be_v to_o bewail_v other_o want_n so_o those_o especial_o which_o make_v we_o unfit_a to_o perform_v any_o acceptable_a service_n unto_o god_n and_o in_o our_o petition_n as_o we_o be_v to_o beg_v other_o gift_n and_o grace_n whereof_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n so_o those_o above_o other_o which_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o better_a sanctification_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o perform_v unto_o he_o his_o spiritual_a worship_n as_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o the_o mean_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o salvation_n prepare_v heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n faith_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n reverence_n and_o attention_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o god_n blessing_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n unto_o his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n that_o he_o may_v speak_v the_o word_n powerful_o and_o profitable_o as_o to_o all_o the_o congregation_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n so_o unto_o we_o especial_o for_o our_o edification_n and_o build_n up_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o mortification_n of_o our_o special_a vice_n and_o corruption_n the_o increase_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o confirm_v of_o our_o strength_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_a and_o holy_a duty_n wherein_o as_o yet_o we_o be_v most_o defective_a and_o final_o in_o our_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n we_o be_v to_o magnify_v god_n holy_a name_n as_o for_o all_o his_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n so_o for_o those_o especial_o which_o respect_n this_o day_n as_o the_o give_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n and_o cause_v 79._o luk._n 1._o 78_o 79._o this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n to_o arise_v and_o shine_v unto_o we_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o sabbath_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o gospel_n wherein_o he_o reveal_v unto_o we_o his_o holy_a will_n concern_v our_o salvation_n and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o it_o the_o peace_n liberty_n and_o safety_n which_o we_o enjoy_v together_o with_o his_o spiritual_a favour_n for_o grant_v unto_o we_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o make_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o we_o and_o the_o like_a with_o prayer_n we_o must_v also_o as_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n serve_v join_v the_o read_n of_o some_o fit_a portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o better_a season_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o settle_v of_o our_o affection_n upon_o holy_a thing_n for_o the_o inflame_a of_o they_o with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n law_n and_o with_o long_a desire_n after_o the_o public_a mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n with_o which_o private_a exercise_n when_o we_o have_v prepare_v ourselves_o we_o must_v if_o we_o be_v governor_n of_o family_n use_v all_o good_a mean_n for_o the_o fit_a and_o prepare_v of_o our_o child_n and_o servant_n for_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n not_o think_v it_o enough_o for_o those_o that_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o other_o to_o perform_v private_a duty_n by_o themselves_o unless_o they_o cause_v their_o inferior_n also_o to_o join_v with_o they_o but_o especial_o before_o we_o go_v to_o the_o church_n we_o must_v call_v they_o all_o together_o unto_o prayer_n wherein_z after_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o earnest_a petition_n for_o all_o necessary_a grace_n we_o be_v to_o desire_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o sanctify_a and_o prepare_v of_o the_o whole_a family_n that_o they_o may_v in_o some_o acceptable_a manner_n perform_v all_o good_a duty_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n neither_o must_v we_o as_o many_o do_v think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o we_o bring_v our_o family_n to_o god_n service_n nor_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a prayer_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v public_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o so_o cause_n one_o duty_n to_o shoulder_n and_o thrust_v out_o another_o but_o we_o must_v join_v they_o together_o see_v the_o private_a service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o on_o his_o holy_a day_n acceptable_a in_o itself_o but_o a_o notable_a and_o necessary_a mean_n to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o which_o respect_n as_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a that_o the_o public_a service_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o private_a either_o morning_n or_o evening_n so_o much_o more_o that_o the_o private_a do_v not_o hinder_v the_o public_a but_o we_o must_v so_o order_v and_o dispose_v of_o these_o family-exercise_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v finish_v in_o seasonable_a time_n and_o not_o hinder_v we_o from_o come_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o public_a prayer_n with_o the_o residue_n of_o god_n people_n §._o sect._n 4_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o the_o church_n after_o all_o which_o duty_n perform_v in_o the_o family_n we_o be_v when_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o spend_v that_o time_n in_o holy_a meditation_n think_v with_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v go_v not_o upon_o some_o slight_a or_o ordinary_a business_n but_o to_o present_v ourselves_o in_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o holiness_n and_o perfection_n and_o a_o god_n of_o such_o pure_a and_o pierce_a eye_n that_o he_o see_v not_o only_o our_o outward_a action_n but_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_n hate_v and_o abhor_v all_o impurity_n and_o corruption_n dissimulation_n and_o hypocrisy_n all_o cold_a formal_a and_o negligent_a service_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v of_o we_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v go_v not_o to_o confer_v with_o our_o companion_n or_o with_o mortal_a man_n not_o much_o superior_a unto_o we_o but_o to_o speak_v and_o make_v our_o suit_n to_o god_n supreme_a and_o most_o glorious_a majesty_n &_o to_o hear_v he_o speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o ambassador_n in_o who_o presence_n the_o heaven_n be_v unclean_a and_o the_o bless_a angel_n hide_v their_o face_n and_o that_o not_o about_o ordinary_a and_o slight_a matter_n but_o such_o weighty_a and_o important_a business_n as_o no_o less_o concern_v we_o than_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n final_o that_o we_o be_v go_v about_o such_o affair_n as_o will_v according_a as_o we_o dispatch_v they_o make_v we_o much_o better_o or_o worse_o for_o the_o word_n shall_v prosper_v to_o the_o achieve_v of_o that_o 11._o esa_n 55._o 11._o end_n for_o which_o god_n send_v it_o and_o shall_v never_o return_v in_o vain_a either_o it_o will_v soften_v we_o like_o wax_n or_o harden_v we_o like_o clay_n either_o it_o will_v be_v god_n strong_a power_n 16._o 2._o cor._n 2._o 15_o 16._o to_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n or_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o 16._o rom._n 1._o 16._o 2._o cor._n 2._o 15_o 16._o death_n for_o our_o deep_a condemnation_n and_o by_o perform_v this_o duty_n in_o hear_v of_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v near_a heaven_n or_o hell_n and_o have_v with_o these_o and_o such_o like_a meditation_n bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o place_n of_o divine_a worship_n let_v we_o enter_v into_o it_o with_o all_o fear_n and_o reverence_n as_o into_o god_n own_o house_n and_o place_n of_o his_o glorious_a presence_n say_v with_o jacob_n sure_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o 17._o gen._n 28._o 16_o 17._o this_o place_n how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n this_o be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n cap._n xli_o of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o god_n service_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n §._o sect._n 1_o that_o we_o must_v join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n service_n and_o thus_o have_v place_v ourselves_o in_o god_n holy_a assembly_n we_o be_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o god_n service_n with_o unanimity_n of_o heart_n and_o uniformity_n in_o action_n and_o gesture_n as_o become_v those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o
teach_v we_o what_o time_n we_o can_v best_o spare_v from_o our_o other_o weighty_a and_o ordinary_a employment_n and_o when_o we_o be_v best_a dispose_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o devout_a performance_n of_o this_o religious_a duty_n yet_o save_v other_o man_n better_a judgement_n ordinary_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o first_o hour_n of_o the_o morning_n as_o i_o suppose_v be_v fit_a for_o it_o first_o because_o general_o the_o morning_n be_v fit_a for_o all_o study_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o the_o decay_a strength_n be_v repair_v and_o the_o spend_v spirit_n refresh_v and_o renew_v by_o our_o rest_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n more_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a second_o because_o if_o by_o our_o weighty_a employment_n we_o be_v scant_v of_o time_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n we_o may_v to_o perform_v so_o good_a a_o duty_n borrow_v a_o hour_n from_o our_o ordinary_a time_n of_o sleep_n without_o any_o hindrance_n to_o our_o other_o business_n three_o because_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o intermeddle_v with_o worldly_a affair_n we_o may_v perform_v it_o with_o less_o distraction_n and_o last_o because_o meditation_n be_v a_o good_a preparative_n to_o our_o morning_n sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n upon_o other_o reason_n or_o his_o own_o experience_n teach_v he_o that_o he_o be_v best_o fit_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o devotion_n and_o other_o occasion_n do_v choose_v rather_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o evening_n i_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o his_o free_a choice_n only_o i_o will_v advise_v that_o we_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o we_o be_v fresh_a and_o vigorous_a in_o our_o spirit_n and_o mind_n and_o not_o when_o they_o or_o our_o body_n be_v spend_v and_o weary_v either_o with_o bodily_a labour_n or_o study_n of_o the_o mind_n §._o sect._n 4_o constancy_n in_o this_o exercise_n the_o three_o thing_n respect_v the_o time_n be_v that_o as_o we_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o set_v apart_o &_o observe_v of_o some_o certain_a time_n of_o the_o day_n for_o the_o undertake_n and_o begin_n of_o this_o exercise_n so_o much_o more_o in_o continue_v our_o meditation_n the_o time_n appoint_v neither_o must_v it_o be_v perform_v by_o fit_n and_o snatch_v intermingle_v with_o they_o our_o worldly_a thought_n or_o other_o business_n sometime_o intermit_a and_o then_o again_o afresh_o set_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o distract_v between_o thing_n so_o opposite_a in_o nature_n the_o one_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o other_o and_o like_o the_o dog_n that_o run_v or_o hunt_v after_o two_o hare_n at_o once_o it_o catch_v neither_o beside_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v let_v loose_a to_o wander_v after_o earthly_a thing_n it_o be_v not_o easy_o again_o compose_v and_o reduce_v into_o order_n but_o we_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o new_a preparation_n and_o so_o be_v still_o beginning_n and_o never_o bring_v any_o thing_n to_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o have_v begin_v this_o exercise_n we_o must_v constant_o proceed_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v without_o distraction_n or_o intermission_n for_o that_o whole_a space_n of_o time_n which_o we_o have_v allot_v unto_o it_o not_o break_v off_o our_o meditation_n until_o we_o have_v bring_v it_o to_o some_o issue_n and_o receive_v by_o it_o some_o spiritual_a refection_n now_o what_o proportion_n of_o time_n be_v to_o be_v allot_v to_o this_o exercise_n we_o can_v prescribe_v any_o certain_a stint_n or_o limit_n but_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o be_v measure_v out_o unto_o every_o one_o by_o his_o own_o devotion_n which_o be_v not_o a_o like_a in_o all_o nor_o in_o the_o same_o man_n at_o all_o time_n beside_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o one_o &_o another_o man_n leisure_n in_o respect_n of_o variety_n of_o important_a occasion_n press_v some_o more_o than_o other_o and_o every_o man_n more_o or_o less_o at_o sundry_a time_n neither_o be_v we_o always_o a_o like_a fit_v but_o sometime_o be_v more_o dull_a and_o dead_a to_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o soon_o weary_a of_o they_o sometime_o more_o cheerful_a and_o heavenly-minded_n and_o able_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o this_o spiritual_a race_n without_o breathe_v or_o intermission_n at_o one_o time_n soon_o prepare_v and_o better_a able_a to_o perform_v and_o at_o another_o long_o in_o work_v our_o backward_a heart_n to_o this_o duty_n only_o this_o in_o general_n may_v be_v say_v that_o our_o outward_a exercise_n must_v not_o in_o time_n exceed_v our_o inward_a ability_n nor_o the_o burden_n which_o we_o impose_v our_o spiritual_a strength_n both_o because_o the_o lord_n be_v only_o delight_v with_o cheerful_a service_n and_o can_v brook_v that_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o force_v and_o also_o because_o if_o we_o over-weary_a ourselves_o it_o will_v cool_v and_o quench_v and_o not_o inflame_v and_o increase_v our_o devotion_n and_o make_v we_o the_o more_o loath_a to_o come_v the_o next_o time_n to_o take_v our_o spiritual_a repast_n when_o as_o we_o do_v not_o leave_v with_o a_o appetite_n but_o depart_v away_o glut_v with_o loathe_v satiety_n §._o sect._n 5_o of_o the_o disposition_n and_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n the_o last_o circumstance_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o disposition_n and_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a further_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o which_o there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o the_o body_n be_v compose_v to_o rest_n and_o quiet_a that_o it_o do_v not_o by_o much_o agitation_n and_o violent_a motion_n disturb_v and_o distract_v the_o mind_n nor_o by_o spend_v the_o spirit_n and_o weary_v of_o the_o outward_a part_n make_v the_o exercise_n tedious_a and_o toilsome_a second_o here_o be_v require_v silence_n that_o the_o mind_n may_v more_o free_o discourse_n with_o itself_o without_o any_o interruption_n of_o outward_a noise_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o case_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v surcharge_v with_o the_o heat_n and_o vehemency_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o fervour_n of_o devotion_n and_o do_v need_v some_o vent_n to_o give_v it_o ease_v as_o for_o the_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n no_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v but_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o be_v order_v and_o dispose_v by_o christian_a prudence_n and_o experience_n only_o in_o general_n we_o may_v observe_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o our_o gesture_n and_o carriage_n of_o our_o body_n be_v reverend_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o glorious_a presence_n before_o which_o we_o present_v our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o the_o weightiness_n of_o the_o duty_n about_o which_o we_o be_v employ_v see_v this_o may_v somewhat_o further_o the_o inward_a reverence_n of_o the_o heart_n second_o that_o we_o use_v that_o gesture_n which_o in_o our_o experience_n we_o find_v most_o available_a to_o stir_v up_o our_o devotion_n for_o these_o outward_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n be_v but_o the_o handmaid_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n which_o must_v give_v their_o attendance_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o yield_v unto_o they_o that_o seasonable_a service_n which_o they_o shall_v appoint_v as_o most_o fit_a and_o profitable_a to_o which_o purpose_n diverse_a gesture_n be_v diverse_o commend_v some_o in_o their_o meditation_n prefer_v quiet_a rest_v of_o their_o body_n upon_o their_o bed_n or_o pallet_n whereby_o they_o find_v their_o mind_n and_o soul_n best_o fit_v for_o spiritual_a motion_n and_o discourse_n and_o most_o free_a from_o the_o distraction_n of_o all_o outward_a object_n some_o sit_v and_o incline_v their_o body_n to_o one_o side_n their_o table_n or_o cheer_n support_v their_o elbow_n and_o their_o hand_n their_o head_n some_o stand_v still_o with_o their_o eye_n lift_v up_o towards_o heaven_n the_o haven_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o visible_a place_n of_o god_n invisible_a presence_n but_o yet_o close_v to_o avoid_v distraction_n some_o walk_v which_o be_v a_o healthful_a exercise_n refresh_v the_o body_n and_o make_v it_o a_o more_o fit_a instrument_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o perform_v this_o duty_n without_o weariness_n but_o which_o of_o these_o we_o use_v it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a see_v in_o themselves_o one_o be_v not_o better_a than_o another_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o convenient_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o several_a man_n disposition_n three_o and_o last_o it_o be_v not_o unprofitable_a to_o frame_v the_o gesture_n of_o the_o several_a part_n according_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n upon_o which_o we_o meditate_v and_o our_o inward_a affection_n in_o think_v of_o it_o as_o when_o we_o be_v humble_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v ashamed_a and_o grieve_v because_o we_o have_v by_o they_o dishonour_v and_o
comfort_n your_o sin_n be_v forgive_v you_o strengthen_v our_o weak_a faith_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o thy_o love_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o let_v we_o labour_v earnest_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o good_a mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o increase_v and_o confirm_v that_o so_o without_o waver_v and_o doubt_v we_o may_v apply_v christ_n unto_o we_o with_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o thy_o gracious_a promise_n make_v in_o he_o let_v we_o not_o weaken_v and_o wound_v it_o with_o sin_n commit_v against_o our_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n but_o nourish_v it_o by_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n assure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v thy_o child_n by_o adoption_n and_o grace_n and_o heir_n of_o that_o heavenly_a inheritance_n reserve_v for_o thy_o saint_n and_o let_v we_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o be_v so_o by_o demeaning_a ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o beseem_v thy_o son_n let_v we_o love_n reverence_n and_o obey_v thou_o our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o think_v all_o too_o little_a which_o we_o can_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o thy_o sake_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v express_v our_o love_n towards_o thou_o let_v we_o above_o all_o thing_n be_v zealous_a of_o thy_o glory_n rejoice_v when_o it_o be_v magnify_v and_o grieve_v when_o it_o be_v neglect_v either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o other_o let_v we_o not_o hazard_v our_o heavenly_a inheritance_n by_o wilful_a sin_v for_o the_o gain_v of_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a give_v unto_o we_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o replenish_v our_o heart_n with_o spiritual_a joy_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o thy_o favour_n let_v we_o undoubted_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o thy_o gracious_a promise_n make_v in_o christ_n even_o when_o thou_o seem_v to_o delay_v they_o especial_o that_o main_n promise_v of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o have_v this_o hope_n let_v we_o daily_o purge_v ourselves_o as_o he_o also_o be_v pure_a but_o especial_o give_v we_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o true_a hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n bewail_v our_o sin_n past_a hate_v our_o present_a corruption_n which_o still_o hang_v upon_o we_o and_o both_o purpose_v and_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o serve_v thou_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n let_v we_o not_o defer_v our_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n but_o see_v the_o necessity_n thereof_o unto_o salvation_n let_v we_o lay_v hold_n of_o the_o acceptable_a time_n and_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n let_v we_o not_o harden_v our_o heart_n but_o turn_v unto_o thou_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o as_o we_o daily_o renew_v our_o sin_n renew_v also_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o have_v a_o earnest_n and_o serious_a study_n of_o please_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n let_v we_o not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o repentance_n see_v our_o sin_n be_v many_o and_o grievous_a but_o let_v we_o aspire_v to_o the_o high_a perfection_n hate_v sin_n with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o bewail_v it_o with_o bitter_a grief_n final_o let_v we_o constant_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n and_o have_v begin_v in_o it_o let_v we_o continue_v it_o to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o as_o we_o beg_v these_o benefit_n at_o thy_o hand_n so_o we_o yield_v unto_o thou_o most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_n for_o all_o thy_o mercy_n and_o favour_n vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o especial_o for_o all_o thy_o spiritual_a grace_n concern_v eternal_a life_n and_o above_o all_o for_o that_o inestimable_a pledge_n of_o thy_o love_n thy_o dear_a and_o only_a son_n who_o thou_o have_v give_v to_o the_o death_n that_o he_o may_v free_v we_o from_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o purchase_v for_o we_o everlasting_a happiness_n we_o praise_v thou_o for_o that_o thou_o have_v watch_v over_o we_o with_o thy_o gracious_a providence_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o namely_o this_o day_n past_a preserve_v we_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o necessary_n and_o blessing_n we_o in_o all_o our_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n we_o beseech_v thou_o holy_a father_n to_o continue_v with_o our_o thankfulness_n thy_o love_n towards_o we_o and_o care_v over_o us._n take_v we_o this_o night_n into_o thy_o gracious_a protection_n and_o watch_v over_o we_o with_o thy_o providence_n wake_v and_o sleep_v and_o thereby_o preserve_v we_o from_o all_o peril_n and_o danger_n and_o from_o the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o all_o our_o enemy_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a especial_o of_o that_o rage_a and_o roar_a lion_n the_o devil_n who_o seek_v all_o advantage_n to_o work_v our_o destruction_n let_v we_o not_o sleep_v like_o other_o the_o sleep_n of_o sin_n which_o bring_v death_n but_o let_v we_o still_o keep_v the_o spiritual_a watch_n that_o we_o may_v always_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o day_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n and_o have_v our_o account_n continual_o in_o readiness_n that_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o a_o reckon_n we_o may_v with_o comfort_n appear_v before_o our_o judge_n preserve_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a from_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o let_v we_o day_n and_o night_n behave_v ourselves_o as_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o presence_n make_v no_o less_o conscience_n of_o secret_a sin_n then_o of_o those_o which_o be_v open_a and_o manifest_a let_v we_o while_o our_o body_n rest_n have_v our_o mind_n exercise_v with_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a meditation_n and_o let_v they_o be_v so_o season_v with_o thy_o grace_n and_o guide_v by_o thy_o good_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v not_o in_o our_o sleep_n give_v way_n to_o sinful_a thought_n and_o vain_a imagination_n give_v unto_o we_o such_o quiet_a and_o moderate_a rest_n that_o our_o body_n may_v thereby_o be_v refresh_v and_o their_o decay_a strength_n repair_v and_o so_o bless_v and_o sanctify_v our_o sleep_n unto_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o preserve_v our_o health_n and_o of_o make_v we_o more_o fit_a for_o all_o duty_n of_o thy_o service_n hear_v we_o gracious_a god_n in_o all_o these_o our_o suit_n and_o vouchsafe_v these_o and_o all_o other_o blessing_n which_o in_o thy_o wisdom_n thou_o know_v needful_a not_o only_o unto_o we_o but_o also_o to_o all_o thy_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v of_o this_o church_n the_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o whole_a people_n even_o for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n in_o who_o name_n and_o word_n we_o conclude_v our_o prayer_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v teach_v we_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n another_o prayer_n for_o the_o family_n in_o the_o evening_n o_o immortal_a invisible_a and_o only_o true_a god_n most_o wise_a mighty_a just_a and_o merciful_a holy_a and_o infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o he_o our_o most_o gracious_a and_o love_a father_n thou_o have_v in_o thy_o word_n invite_v sinner_n to_o come_v unto_o thou_o promise_v that_o if_o we_o confess_v and_o forsake_v our_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v mercy_n if_o we_o lay_v they_o open_a thou_o will_v hide_v they_o and_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v and_o bewail_v they_o thou_o will_v show_v thyself_o faithful_a and_o righteous_a in_o forgive_a they_o we_o thy_o unworthy_a servant_n be_v load_v with_o sin_n and_o misery_n do_v here_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o thou_o and_o in_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n sue_v unto_o thou_o for_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n we_o confess_v unto_o thou_o holy_a father_n that_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o load_v with_o the_o guilt_n both_o of_o that_o corruption_n in_o which_o we_o be_v conceive_v and_o of_o innumerable_a actual_a transgression_n whereby_o we_o have_v violate_v thy_o whole_a law_n and_o so_o make_v ourselves_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n thereof_o and_o everlasting_a death_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o which_o our_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v much_o aggravate_v in_o that_o we_o have_v long_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o it_o or_o any_o desire_n to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o but_o take_v all_o our_o delight_n in_o displease_v thy_o majesty_n and_o in_o perform_v cheerful_a service_n unto_o sin_n and_o satan_n yea_o lord_n after_o that_o thou_o of_o thy_o free_a grace_n have_v give_v we_o a_o sight_n of_o our_o