say_v on_o this_o subject_a 1._o let_v we_o with_o great_a thankfulness_n acknowledge_v to_o the_o creator_n what_o he_o have_v make_v we_o and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o bounty_n towards_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v and_o own_v it_o be_v god_n that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o it_o be_v one_o part_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v let_v we_o own_o this_o and_o endeavour_v to_o render_v to_o god_n all_o that_o which_o be_v due_a from_o we_o for_o it_o to_o show_v forth_o his_o praise_n not_o only_o with_o our_o lip_n but_o in_o our_o life_n by_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n let_v each_o of_o we_o hearty_o say_v within_o himself_o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n we_o may_v hereupon_o very_o just_o thus_o expostulate_v with_o and_o admonish_v ourselves_o have_v i_o a_o power_n to_o think_v and_o shall_v my_o thought_n neglect_v the_o excellent_a be_v that_o give_v it_o i_o shall_v he_o be_v seldom_o in_o my_o thought_n by_o who_o i_o constant_o think_v how_o base_a and_o ungrateful_a a_o character_n of_o a_o man_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n be_o i_o capable_a of_o knowledge_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v my_o great_a ambition_n to_o know_v he_o that_o make_v i_o so_o to_o know_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o being_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o render_v he_o the_o homage_n that_o belong_v to_o he_o have_v i_o a_o will_v to_o choose_v good_a and_o shall_v i_o fix_v my_o choice_n on_o any_o thing_n before_o he_o shall_v i_o not_o cleave_v to_o he_o by_o it_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a and_o who_o give_v i_o this_o power_n for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v i_o not_o always_o say_v it_o to_o he_o as_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o my_o soul_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o on_o earth_n that_o i_o can_v desire_v beside_o thou_o shall_v i_o not_o pay_v he_o the_o homage_n of_o my_o affection_n from_o who_o i_o have_v they_o and_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o have_v wherewith_o to_o guide_v they_o i_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o fear_v he_o alone_o to_o entettain_v my_o hope_n with_o the_o please_a expectation_n of_o enjoy_v he_o i_o shall_v be_v angry_a only_o with_o that_o which_o provoke_v his_o anger_n and_o hate_v what_o he_o hate_v and_o forbid_v thus_o ought_v we_o to_o admonish_v ourselves_o upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o to_o resolve_v according_o thus_o shall_v we_o endeavour_v to_o honour_v he_o who_o have_v crown_v we_o with_o such_o dignity_n and_o honour_n 2._o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o soul_n shall_v make_v all_o man_n prefer_v they_o before_o their_o body_n and_o chief_o regard_v they_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v plain_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o important_a part_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o immortal_a this_o aught_o then_o to_o have_v the_o chief_a dominion_n in_o we_o all_o the_o appetite_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o inferior_a body_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o shall_v not_o suffer_v our_o sense_n or_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o force_v object_n and_o thought_n upon_o the_o mind_n but_o make_v it_o rather_o to_o choose_v its_o own_o employment_n upon_o consideration_n and_o advice_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o reason_n how_o much_o folly_n and_o sin_n will_v such_o a_o course_n prevent_v and_o it_o high_o become_v and_o concern_v we_o to_o give_v this_o as_o absolute_a a_o dominion_n in_o we_o as_o we_o can_v that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v clog_v or_o bias_v by_o particular_a temper_n or_o constitution_n the_o obedience_n to_o temper_v be_v a_o most_o effectual_a hindrance_n both_o of_o wisdom_n and_o religion_n no_o man_n can_v govern_v himself_o well_o that_o do_v not_o set_v his_o reason_n above_o his_o constitution_n and_o make_v his_o temper_n subject_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o and_o of_o religion_n i_o confess_v that_o in_o some_o case_n some_o severity_n towards_o the_o body_n may_v be_v necessary_a to_o this_o purpose_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n may_v be_v requisite_a to_o the_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o this_o but_o let_v we_o observe_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o this_o case_n if_o thy_o right_a hand_n say_v he_o offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o for_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n maim_v than_o have_v two_o hand_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n fire_n we_o be_v better_o wrong_v the_o flesh_n if_o that_o must_v be_v than_o to_o endanger_v the_o spirit_n and_o a_o little_a hurt_n the_o body_n than_o damn_v the_o soul_n to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o this_o state_n of_o the_o body_n absolute_a and_o complete_a subjection_n to_o the_o mind_n be_v of_o so_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n as_o that_o it_o be_v worth_a all_o that_o it_o can_v cost_v we_o for_o so_o we_o shall_v become_v free_a and_o easy_a in_o all_o our_o action_n we_o shall_v possess_v and_o enjoy_v our_o own_o soul_n we_o shall_v will_v to_o do_v what_o we_o shall_v and_o shall_v do_v it_o the_o more_o ready_o and_o do_v it_o the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o perfect_o thus_o shall_v a_o man_n have_v the_o great_a comfort_n in_o his_o action_n he_o shall_v exercise_v the_o bright_a virtue_n and_o obtain_v by_o they_o the_o more_o praise_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man._n let_v we_o prefer_v our_o soul_n above_o our_o body_n and_o chief_o mind_v the_o interest_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o body_n stand_v by_o when_o they_o come_v into_o competition_n with_o those_o of_o the_o soul_n we_o shall_v govern_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o far_o as_o this_o can_v be_v do_v with_o a_o chief_a regard_n of_o these_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o fit_a and_o due_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o govern_v ourselves_o so_o in_o what_o we_o choose_v to_o love_v or_o hate_n in_o what_o we_o pursue_v or_o avoid_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o grand_a business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o promote_v the_o advantage_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n 3._o let_v we_o be_v great_o ambitious_a of_o those_o divine_a and_o high_a qualification_n that_o we_o have_v be_v make_v capable_a to_o possess_v since_o we_o may_v be_v wise_a and_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a faithful_a and_o prudent_a let_v we_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o be_v so_o to_o be_v endow_v with_o these_o virtue_n be_v to_o put_v on_o the_o great_a excellency_n and_o worth_n the_o scripture_n very_o just_o say_v the_o righteous_a be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n these_o virtue_n in_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o become_a ornament_n these_o make_v the_o bright_a and_o most_o last_a beauty_n such_o as_o angel_n love_v and_o god_n himself_o take_v delight_n in_o these_o will_v increase_v and_o not_o fade_v or_o decay_v with_o time_n and_o will_v last_v to_o eternity_n these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o most_o useful_a riches_n they_o do_v in_o a_o sense_n deliver_v the_o soul_n from_o hell_n and_o entitle_v it_o to_o everlasting_a blessedness_n these_o be_v not_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o be_v such_o a_o sure_a and_o durable_a possession_n as_o moth_n and_o rust_n can_v corrupt_v nor_o can_v thief_n break_v through_o to_o and_o steal_v they_o these_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o in_o good_a work_n do_v lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o these_o virtue_n we_o be_v also_o capable_a of_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o contrary_a vice_n and_o that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a we_o must_v needs_o be_v vicious_a and_o impious_a he_o that_o be_v not_o just_a and_o true_a in_o his_o deal_n must_v be_v unjust_a and_o perfidious_a he_o that_o be_v not_o merciful_a and_o good_a must_v be_v hard-hearted_a and_o cruel_a and_o as_o we_o be_v acceptable_a and_o lovely_a to_o god_n by_o those_o virtue_n in_o we_o so_o we_o be_v odious_a and_o detestable_a with_o these_o vice_n the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o he_o love_v he_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n the_o pure_a angel_n abhor_v sinner_n and_o do_v not_o care_v to_o be_v near_o they_o to_o see_v what_o be_v so_o odious_a and_o offensive_a as_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v to_o they_o as_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n do_v exalt_v and_o honour_n and_o become_v we_o so_o do_v
for_o such_o a_o particular_a occasion_n our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o the_o history_n of_o his_o family_n by_o the_o evangelist_n have_v leave_v a_o pattern_n of_o this_o last_o sort_n which_o may_v just_o be_v regard_v as_o a_o direction_n in_o this_o case_n both_o by_o minister_n and_o people_n his_o disciple_n desire_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v he_o comply_v with_o their_o desire_n and_o do_v so_o by_o compose_v a_o form_n for_o they_o it_o be_v without_o doubt_n part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n after_o this_o example_n of_o the_o great_a pastor_n to_o teach_v the_o faithful_a people_n to_o pray_v and_o this_o they_o may_v do_v in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o he_o do_v and_o the_o people_n shall_v certain_o do_v well_o if_o they_o use_v the_o prayer_n which_o such_o have_v compose_v for_o they_o thus_o they_o shall_v be_v edify_v and_o profit_v by_o the_o gift_n which_o god_n have_v communicate_v to_o his_o minister_n whatever_o gift_n or_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n can_v reasonable_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v afford_v the_o church_n in_o these_o day_n it_o may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o compose_n and_o write_v down_o our_o prayer_n before_o we_o offer_v they_o to_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o must_v needs_o exercise_v his_o gift_n more_o suitable_o to_o the_o great_a god_n he_o worship_v and_o more_o to_o his_o own_o or_o other_o people_n edification_n and_o to_o a_o better_a degree_n of_o performance_n true_o in_o this_o way_n than_o in_o depend_v upon_o sudden_a and_o unpremeditated_a thought_n and_o expression_n so_o that_o without_o doubt_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n ought_v to_o use_v compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n ordinary_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n in_o the_o fit_a manner_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v to_o this_o matter_n thus_o much_o that_o if_o any_o master_n of_o a_o family_n use_v these_o prayer_n in_o his_o family_n it_o be_v but_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v desire_v a_o minister_n to_o pray_v with_o they_o as_o people_z be_v common_o wont_a to_o do_v when_o such_o a_o person_n happen_v to_o stay_v a_o night_n at_o their_o house_n and_o i_o have_v say_v so_o much_o to_o this_o matter_n because_o i_o have_v observe_v the_o unjust_a and_o erroneous_a disparage_v of_o prayer_n by_o a_o form_n which_o have_v be_v among_o we_o have_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n towards_o the_o too_o frequent_a omission_n of_o family_n worship_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o preface_n i_o shall_v only_o suggest_v these_o advice_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o this_o book_n that_o it_o be_v as_o i_o think_v ordinary_o most_o fit_a that_o this_o exercise_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n himself_o but_o if_o any_o circumstance_n hinder_v that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o child_n or_o servant_n but_o shall_v always_o be_v do_v in_o his_o presence_n if_o possible_a that_o his_o authority_n may_v give_v it_o the_o more_o respect_n with_o the_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o family_n when_o the_o introductory_n prayer_n be_v say_v all_o shall_v be_v stand_v to_o make_v themselves_o sensible_a of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o dispose_v they_o to_o a_o reverend_a and_o serious_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o so_o to_o make_v the_o more_o solemn_a and_o fit_a entrance_n upon_o what_o they_o be_v go_v about_o the_o latter_a prayer_n shall_v be_v use_v by_o all_o the_o company_n kneel_v and_o join_v in_o it_o with_o heart_n and_o devout_a affection_n if_o any_o young_a person_n who_o be_v devout_o incline_v have_v it_o their_o lot_n to_o live_v under_o such_o governor_n of_o their_o family_n as_o be_v negligent_a of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o advise_v they_o if_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v it_o to_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o their_o chamber_n alone_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o these_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n this_o they_o may_v very_o profitable_o do_v and_o perhaps_o their_o good_a example_n in_o such_o a_o practice_n may_v shame_v the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n out_o of_o his_o neglect_n now_o i_o commit_v this_o endeavour_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n humble_o dedicate_a it_o to_o his_o service_n and_o i_o do_v most_o willing_o say_v not_o unto_o we_o o_o lord_n not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thy_o name_n give_v the_o glory_n for_o thy_o love_a mercy_n and_o thy_o truth_n sake_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v with_o he_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o accompany_v with_o his_o powerful_a blessing_n so_o as_o it_o may_v also_o be_v well_o accept_v in_o the_o church_n and_o successful_a to_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a and_o pure_a religion_n in_o many_o soul_n to_o their_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n and_o his_o glory_n thereby_o i_o hearty_o pray_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n let_v we_o pray_v prevent_v we_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o our_o do_n with_o thy_o most_o gracious_a favour_n and_o further_o we_o with_o thy_o continual_a help_n that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o thou_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n and_o final_o by_o thy_o mercy_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o zach._n 12._o last_o part_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n within_o he_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v now_o read_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v part_n of_o a_o very_a majestic_a preface_n or_o introduction_n to_o a_o favourable_a prophecy_n concern_v judah_n and_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v understand_v to_o foretell_v the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n the_o distress_n of_o those_o time_n and_o the_o mighty_a deliverance_n which_o god_n will_v give_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o conduct_n and_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o those_o men._n in_o so_o great_a and_o lofty_a expression_n the_o prophet_n be_v direct_v to_o introduce_v it_o that_o he_o may_v encourage_v the_o faith_n and_o raise_v the_o expectation_n of_o that_o people_n who_o be_v now_o in_o a_o very_a weak_a and_o low_a condition_n for_o they_o be_v but_o new_o return_v from_o their_o captivity_n and_o be_v envy_v and_o hate_v and_o oppose_v in_o their_o present_a interest_n by_o wicked_a and_o powerful_a neighbour_n he_o remind_v they_o herein_o of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o that_o god_n in_o who_o he_o will_v have_v they_o now_o put_v their_o trust_n the_o whole_a verse_n and_o preface_n contain_v thus_o much_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o israel_n say_v the_o lord_n who_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n within_o he_o that_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o this_o text_n be_v that_o the_o prophet_n place_v this_o work_n of_o god_n his_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n within_o he_o together_o with_o his_o stretch_n out_o the_o wide_a and_o spacious_a heaven_n and_o his_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o ponderous_a earth_n and_o that_o when_o he_o design_v to_o represent_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n his_o ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v by_o show_v they_o the_o work_v he_o have_v already_o do_v this_o than_o we_o may_v reckon_v be_v here_o intimate_v to_o be_v a_o workparallel_a with_o those_o that_o be_v mention_v with_o it_o and_o fit_a to_o be_v mention_v with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o mighty_a work_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o two_o all_o god_n work_n of_o creation_n do_v declare_v their_o author_n greatness_n and_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v praise_v he_o but_o some_o do_v this_o more_o than_o other_o as_o they_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o great_a than_o other_o elsewhere_o also_o the_o scripture_n mention_n the_o make_n of_o man_n as_o one_o of_o the_o more_o excellent_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o set_v it_o together_o with_o his_o make_v the_o earth_n and_o stretch_v out_o the_o heaven_n as_o in_o isa_n 45._o 12._o where_o god_n to_o magnify_v himself_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o that_o people_n and_o to_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o can_v raise_v up_o one_o that_o shall_v deliver_v they_o from_o captivity_n say_v by_o his_o prophet_n i_o have_v make_v the_o earth_n and_o create_v man_n upon_o it_o i_o even_o my_o hand_n have_v stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n now_o when_o the_o make_n of_o man_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n for_o certain_o a_o thing_n so_o small_a and_o weak_a so_o gross_a and_o heavy_a and_o so_o dark_a and_o so_o decay_a as_o be_v the_o humane_a body_n can_v just_o be_v reckon_v worthy_a of_o this_o great_a comparison_n
as_o idleness_n and_o that_o do_v and_o must_v needs_o dwell_v together_o if_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o accomplishment_n in_o the_o proper_a season_n for_o it_o that_o be_v on_o the_o lords-day_n and_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o business_n and_o necessary_a refreshment_n on_o other_o day_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o this_o endeavour_n after_o such_o knowledge_n a_o good_a employment_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o long_o keep_v from_o idle_a and_o vain_a thought_n and_o then_o when_o a_o man_n do_v know_v much_o especial_o of_o sacred_a thing_n his_o mind_n will_v not_o want_v good_a and_o useful_a object_n to_o entertain_v its_o self_n with_o at_o any_o time_n when_o he_o be_v at_o leisure_n for_o think_v he_o need_v not_o at_o any_o time_n be_v idle_a but_o may_v be_v meditate_v on_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o good_a live_n he_o may_v be_v apply_v they_o to_o his_o action_n and_o examine_v and_o regulate_v his_o course_n of_o life_n encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o good_a he_o find_v and_o rebuke_v himself_o for_o his_o error_n he_o may_v be_v very_o profitable_o meditate_v on_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o thereby_o raise_v in_o himself_o all_o those_o pious_a and_o devout_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o suitable_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o perfection_n he_o may_v be_v often_o think_v of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v to_o which_o all_o mankind_n be_v hasten_v and_o send_v his_o thought_n before_o he_o into_o eternity_n and_o muse_v upon_o those_o two_o different_a state_n which_o will_v hereafter_o divide_v all_o mankind_n between_o they_o and_o in_o one_o or_o other_o of_o which_o we_o must_v have_v our_o long_a abode_n even_o to_o all_o eternity_n these_o be_v thought_n very_o fit_a to_o make_v the_o mind_n wise_a and_o serious_a and_o to_o cure_v the_o levity_n of_o it_o and_o be_v certain_o very_o good_a and_o profitable_a employment_n for_o it_o when_o no_o duty_n require_v it_o attendance_n but_o he_o that_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o subject_n worthy_a of_o his_o thought_n will_v still_o think_v too_o and_o then_o he_o must_v needs_o think_v for_o the_o most_o part_n very_o idle_o and_o vain_a his_o thought_n will_v seldom_o be_v employ_v about_o that_o which_o be_v his_o duty_n nor_o will_v they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v dispose_v or_o lead_v he_o to_o it_o 3._o we_o shall_v accustom_v ourselves_o frequent_o to_o review_v and_o reflect_v upon_o our_o thought_n to_o think_v what_o we_o have_v be_v think_v upon_o and_o in_o what_o strain_n and_o way_n our_o thought_n have_v be_v employ_v let_v we_o endeavour_v always_o to_o know_v what_o pass_v within_o we_o what_o we_o do_v with_o our_o own_o mind_n how_o we_o employ_v their_o noble_a power_n and_o commune_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o the_o psalmist_n advise_v if_o we_o often_o do_v thus_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o we_o can_v be_v long_o idle_a but_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o so_o and_o so_o may_v rectify_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v apprehend_v our_o wander_n and_o may_v prevent_v our_o wild_a imagination_n from_o pollute_v we_o with_o evil_a thought_n and_o such_o as_o will_v actuate_v and_o cherish_v evil_a inclination_n and_o without_o this_o frequent_a reflection_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o we_o shall_v be_v often_o draw_v away_o beside_o if_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o call_v ourselves_o thus_o to_o account_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o reverence_v ourselves_o as_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v we_o shall_v become_v desirous_a to_o be_v always_o able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n to_o our_o own_o conscience_n of_o the_o employment_n of_o our_o thought_n we_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o a_o wholesome_a shame_n for_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o vagary_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n we_o shall_v easy_o cure_v and_o prevent_v the_o vanity_n of_o they_o 4._o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o good_a and_o pious_a ejaculation_n our_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o obligation_n to_o he_o every_o moment_n and_o our_o constant_a danger_n and_o proneness_n to_o fall_v into_o sin_n do_v great_o require_v this_o and_o without_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o special_a usefulness_n to_o cure_v the_o vanity_n and_o levity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o make_v it_o always_o serious_a and_o wise_a and_o direct_v to_o its_o main_a end_n the_o glorify_v of_o god_n that_o which_o i_o mean_v by_o it_o be_v this_o let_v we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o make_v little_a short_a address_n to_o god_n upon_o all_o occasion_n that_o occur_v to_o we_o to_o which_o purpose_n the_o holy_a scripture_n afford_v we_o a_o abundant_a supply_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o awake_v in_o the_o morning_n to_o say_v i_o lay_v i_o down_o and_o sleep_v i_o awake_v for_o the_o lord_n sustain_v i_o when_o the_o light_n of_o the_o day_n come_v the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_n when_o a_o man_n go_v forth_o about_o his_o business_n hold_v up_o my_o go_n in_o thy_o path_n that_o my_o footstep_n slip_v not_o when_o we_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o man_n fault_n and_o sin_n lead_v i_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v i_o from_o evil_n when_o we_o see_v child_n one_o generation_n shall_v praise_v thy_o name_n unto_o another_o and_o shall_v declare_v thy_o mighty_a acts._n thus_o we_o shall_v well_o employ_v our_o mind_n and_o beside_o thus_o we_o may_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o we_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v and_o so_o be_v possess_v with_o such_o a_o constant_a reverence_n of_o the_o almighty_a as_o shall_v make_v we_o careful_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o prevent_v this_o idleness_n of_o thought_n and_o all_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o which_o grace_n that_o may_v obtain_v let_v we_o earnest_o seek_v it_o of_o almighty_a god_n and_o join_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o this_o mean_n with_o all_o the_o other_o the_o prayer_n o_o lord_n the_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o father_n of_o spirit_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o of_o man_n and_o from_o who_o no_o secret_n be_v hide_v thou_o o_o lord_n we_o believe_v know_v we_o altogether_o and_o thou_o see_v our_o thought_n even_o afar_o off_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o think_v how_o much_o vanity_n and_o folly_n and_o sin_n thou_o have_v see_v within_o we_o how_o little_a our_o mind_n have_v attend_v and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o the_o main_a end_n of_o our_o being_n the_o live_n to_o thy_o honour_n and_o glory_n how_o seldom_o this_o come_v into_o our_o thought_n what_o we_o be_v make_v for_o what_o the_o creator_n just_o expect_v from_o we_o hence_o be_v our_o mind_n so_o often_o engage_v in_o that_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o and_o that_o which_o will_v not_o at_o all_o profit_n we_o and_o so_o often_o employ_v in_o gratify_v and_o exercise_v inward_o some_o sinful_a and_o foolish_a inclination_n while_o we_o neglect_v to_o set_v our_o mind_n to_o that_o good_a employment_n which_o our_o business_n and_o duty_n give_v we_o our_o adversary_n the_o devil_n or_o our_o sinful_a inclination_n or_o the_o evil_a company_n of_o the_o world_n find_v they_o very_o ill_a employment_n and_o from_o hence_o do_v our_o life_n and_o action_n wretched_o and_o shameful_o wander_v from_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o excellent_a commandment_n thus_o we_o do_v instead_o of_o serve_v thou_o in_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n most_o unjust_o and_o unworthy_o sin_n against_o thou_o in_o all_o we_o ought_v to_o meditate_v on_o thy_o law_n day_n and_o night_n that_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n to_o study_v thy_o law_n and_o learn_v thy_o statute_n but_o we_o have_v be_v those_o that_o care_v not_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v thy_o path_n this_o our_o way_n o_o lord_n be_v our_o folly_n we_o condemn_v we_o abhor_v ourselves_o for_o it_o and_o own_o ourselves_o obnoxious_a to_o thy_o wrath_n and_o deserve_v that_o thou_o shall_v reject_v we_o from_o thy_o care_n but_o since_o thy_o goodness_n have_v yet_o be_v mindful_a of_o we_o even_o while_o we_o forget_v thou_o we_o hope_v thy_o mercy_n will_v receive_v we_o when_o we_o return_v unto_o thou_o our_o hope_n be_v in_o thy_o word_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n belong_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n though_o we_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o forgive_v we_o then_o o_o lord_n we_o pray_v thou_o all_o our_o transgression_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o great_a propitiation_n and_o atonement_n which_o be_v make_v for_o we_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o thy_o son_n our_o only_a saviour_n for_o his_o sake_n look_v merciful_o upon_o our_o infirmity_n and_o heal_v
degree_n and_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a state_n and_o we_o may_v enjoy_v they_o with_o delight_n and_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o they_o but_o still_o we_o must_v prefer_v the_o thing_n above_o to_o these_o below_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o material_a the_o better_a and_o noble_a thing_n to_o those_o that_o be_v worse_o and_o of_o a_o mean_a nature_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o business_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o god_n assistance_n to_o explain_v or_o express_v to_o you_o more_o large_o and_o particular_o the_o import_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n here_o and_o then_o to_o urge_v our_o obedience_n to_o it_o with_o a_o few_o proper_a motive_n and_o thus_o will_v this_o discourse_n as_o it_o be_v intend_v be_v very_o applicatory_a of_o that_o which_o go_v before_o it_o explication_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o mind_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o thing_n above_o with_o how_o much_o concern_v and_o care_v we_o shall_v seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o matchless_a blessing_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o therein_o this_o i_o shall_v represent_v to_o you_o under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o thing_n above_o must_v have_v the_o preference_n of_o our_o judgement_n we_o must_v esteem_v and_o value_v they_o before_o all_o other_o 2._o they_o must_v have_v the_o preference_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n we_o must_v choose_v and_o love_v they_o desire_n and_o delight_n in_o they_o more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o 3._o they_o must_v have_v the_o preference_n of_o our_o action_n and_o course_n of_o life_n we_o shall_v seek_v and_o pursue_v they_o more_o than_o all_o other_o thing_n i_o shall_v particular_o insist_v and_o enlarge_v my_o discourse_n upon_o each_o of_o these_o several_o for_o the_o better_a illustration_n of_o they_o 1._o those_o thing_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o preference_n of_o our_o judgement_n we_o shall_v esteem_v and_o value_v they_o as_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o must_v account_v god_n our_o chief_a good_a and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o his_o love_n the_o high_a felicity_n this_o shall_v be_v the_o settle_a and_o fix_a judgement_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o conclusion_n deliberate_o and_o firm_o make_v the_o apostle_n who_o give_v this_o direction_n in_o our_o present_a text_n express_v thus_o concern_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v phil._n 3._o 8._o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o that_o be_v that_o i_o may_v through_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o peculiar_a love_n this_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n and_o state_n of_o all_o good_a and_o rectify_a soul_n thy_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n say_v david_n psal_n 63._o 3._o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v thy_o commandment_n than_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o hony-comb_n psal_n 19_o this_o preference_n and_o esteem_n of_o thing_n above_o be_v several_a time_n express_v by_o solomon_n in_o the_o word_n which_o he_o put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o holy_a soul_n in_o his_o book_n of_o canticle_n in_o chap._n 1._o verse_n 2._o she_o say_v to_o christ_n thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n the_o expression_n and_o exercise_n of_o thy_o favour_n be_v better_a far_o and_o more_o cheer_v and_o refresh_v to_o the_o mind_n than_o the_o rich_a wine_n be_v to_o the_o faint_a and_o thirsty_a body_n again_o she_o say_v chap._n 2._o 3._o as_o the_o apple_n tree_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n so_o be_v my_o belove_a among_o the_o son_n he_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o yea_o she_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n chap._n 5._o 10._o he_o be_v the_o chief_a among_o ten_o thousand_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o expression_n of_o such_o soul_n as_o mind_v the_o thing_n above_o rather_o than_o those_o below_o and_o prefer_v spiritual_a object_n before_o sensual_a god_n must_v have_v the_o ascendant_n in_o our_o soul_n he_o who_o true_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a must_v be_v account_v so_o we_o must_v believe_v he_o the_o centre_n and_o source_n of_o all_o goodness_n the_o fountain_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o give_v away_o from_o himself_o what_o he_o have_v communicate_v to_o they_o but_o be_v still_o a_o inexhaustible_a fullness_n of_o good_a that_o in_o he_o do_v all_o desirable_a fullness_n dwell_v and_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v full_a content_a and_o happiness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n we_o must_v account_v it_o a_o much_o happy_a state_n to_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n above_o than_o the_o thing_n below_o much_o better_a to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o good_a than_o rich_a and_o great_a to_o enjoy_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n than_o the_o esteem_n of_o men._n and_o if_o we_o have_v the_o great_a value_n and_o esteem_v for_o the_o thing_n above_o we_o shall_v value_v all_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o they_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o subserviency_n to_o they_o and_o be_v mean_n of_o attain_v they_o will_v be_v value_v next_o to_o they_o and_o will_v for_o their_o sake_n be_v in_o great_a esteem_n too_o such_o be_v prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n reading_n and_o meditate_v on_o it_o and_o the_o attendance_n upon_o sacrament_n and_o again_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a and_o opposite_a to_o these_o which_o hinder_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o will_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o indifferent_a they_o will_v be_v account_v very_o evil_a thing_n and_o be_v absolute_o reject_v from_o all_o esteem_n with_o we_o such_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n thus_o must_v the_o thing_n above_o have_v the_o preference_n of_o our_o judgement_n 2._o they_o must_v also_o have_v the_o preference_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n we_o must_v choose_v they_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n love_v desire_v and_o delight_v most_o in_o they_o when_o those_o thing_n be_v propose_v describe_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o we_o must_v not_o regard_v they_o with_o indifferent_a and_o careless_a mind_n our_o soul_n must_v be_v move_v towards_o they_o in_o choose_v accept_v and_o desire_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o they_o this_o also_o have_v be_v the_o temper_n of_o good_a soul_n as_o the_o expression_n that_o have_v fall_v from_o such_o do_v abundant_o declare_v the_o holy_a author_n of_o psal_n 73._o say_v to_o god_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o on_o earth_n that_o i_o can_v desire_v beside_o thou_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n say_v cant._n 1._o 2._o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_v of_o his_o mouth_n that_o which_o i_o chief_o desire_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o expression_n of_o thy_o matchless_a love_n and_o in_o verse_n 4._o she_o say_v we_o will_v be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o thou_o we_o will_v remember_v thy_o love_n more_o than_o wine_n if_o we_o can_v enjoy_v thy_o favour_n oh_o jesus_n lover_n of_o soul_n this_o be_v that_o we_o most_o value_n this_o be_v all_o we_o care_v for_o this_o be_v that_o will_v be_v most_o please_v to_o we_o ardent_a desire_n after_o god_n the_o psalmist_n express_v psal_n 42._o 1_o 2._o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brooks_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n if_o we_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o peculiar_a love_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v most_o earnest_o and_o incessant_o desire_v this_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o chief_a subject_n and_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o want_n of_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v and_o madeup_n with_o any_o thing_n else_o let_v we_o never_o say_v to_o ourselves_o upon_o the_o mostplentiful_a enjoyment_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o that_o man_n who_o our_o saviour_n describe_v luke_n 12._o who_o say_v soul_n take_v thy_o ease_n because_o thou_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n our_o soul_n must_v take_v no_o ease_n nor_o ever_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o we_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o eternity_n god_n must_v be_v the_o only_a centre_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o aim_n we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o a_o transcendent_a love_n nothing_o shall_v grieve_v or_o trouble_v we_o so_o much_o as_o what_o do_v damp_n our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n nothing_o so_o much_o transport_v and_o please_v as_o what_o do_v raise_v and_o promote_v and_o confirm_v they_o if_o we_o have_v be_v
my_o behaviour_n here_o this_o short_a life_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o eternal_a one_o if_o i_o have_v live_v well_o and_o well_o use_v the_o talent_n i_o be_v entrust_v with_o here_o i_o shall_v enjoy_v better_o and_o more_o last_a good_a thing_n there_o i_o may_v just_o content_v myself_o to_o be_v deny_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n below_o if_o the_o wise_a disposer_n see_v fit_a to_o do_v so_o since_o better_a thing_n to_o full_a satisfaction_n be_v reserve_v for_o i_o but_o if_o i_o live_v wicked_o i_o must_v expect_v that_o alittle_o time_n will_v put_v a_o end_n for_o ever_o to_o all_o my_o present_a ease_n and_o prosperity_n i_o must_v part_v with_o all_o my_o love_a enjoyment_n and_o bid_v a_o farewell_n to_o all_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n all_o my_o portion_n of_o good_a be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o i_o can_v enjoy_v it_o no_o long_o than_o while_o this_o short_a and_o transitory_a life_n last_v it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a portion_n of_o good_a then_o that_o fall_v to_o my_o share_n if_o this_o be_v all_o i_o must_v have_v and_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v expose_v to_o so_o many_o evil_n to_o bear_v so_o many_o affliction_n to_o feel_v the_o wracking_n of_o so_o many_o violent_a passion_n as_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o vale_n of_o tear_n be_v acquaint_v with_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o enjoy_v so_o little_o good_a so_o short_a and_o small_a a_o felicity_n and_o beside_o my_o pleasant_a circumstance_n here_o will_v quick_o end_v in_o torment_n and_o misery_n that_o will_v continue_v for_o ever_o let_v we_o i_o say_v think_v much_o of_o that_o other_o world_n and_o divert_v our_o thought_n from_o this_o that_o so_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v disengage_v and_o we_o may_v not_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o charm_n and_o allurement_n of_o this_o world_n to_o our_o everlasting_a perdition_n and_o have_v get_v ourselves_o at_o liberty_n from_o those_o fatal_a snare_n and_o fetter_n let_v we_o earnest_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o prepare_v for_o and_o secure_v a_o happy_a state_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v this_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o great_a care_n in_o this_o world_n and_o employ_v the_o most_o of_o our_o endeavour_n in_o every_o other_o care_n and_o endeavour_v this_o shall_v be_v mind_v and_o shall_v direct_v they_o we_o shall_v so_o pursue_v this_o world_n as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o pursue_v a_o better_a and_o so_o enjoy_v this_o world_n as_o that_o we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n may_v hope_v for_o a_o better_a ought_v we_o not_o to_o be_v most_o concern_v that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a there_o where_o we_o must_v be_v long_a let_v we_o behave_v ourselves_o always_o in_o this_o world_n as_o go_v out_o of_o this_o and_o go_v into_o another_o where_o we_o shall_v abide_v and_o stay_v shall_v we_o be_v careful_a about_o a_o few_o day_n to_o come_v of_o this_o life_n and_o not_o much_o rather_o be_v solicitous_a what_o shall_v become_v of_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n now_o to_o secure_v our_o happiness_n hereafter_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n to_o regain_v his_o favour_n by_o repent_v true_o of_o our_o former_a sin_n by_o steadfast_o purpose_v to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n by_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o with_o who_o the_o father_n be_v well-pleased_n we_o must_v then_o deny_v all_o angodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n we_o must_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o and_o follow_v after_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n no_o man_n can_v be_v admit_v into_o that_o presence_n of_o god_n which_o make_v heaven_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v reconcile_v to_o a_o very_a serious_a and_o religious_a life_n to_o become_v acquaint_v with_o and_o to_o relish_v the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o devotion_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n to_o delight_v in_o he_o in_o meditate_v on_o his_o nature_n and_o work_n in_o praise_v adore_v and_o worship_v of_o he_o which_o thing_n will_v be_v the_o great_a entertainment_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o till_o we_o be_v suit_v to_o such_o thing_n till_o we_o can_v find_v the_o high_a pleasure_n in_o they_o and_o in_o all_o act_n of_o virtue_n till_o we_o can_v satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o such_o thing_n even_o with_o the_o want_n of_o many_o worldly_a enjoyment_n we_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o heaven_n nor_o can_v be_v happy_a in_o another_o world_n but_o thus_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o and_o secure_v a_o happy_a state_n hereafter_o be_v the_o best_a use_n we_o can_v possible_o put_v this_o our_o mean_a life_n to_o and_o though_o this_o life_n be_v so_o short_a and_o transitory_a we_o shall_v have_v time_n enough_o for_o the_o secure_v a_o better_a if_o we_o do_v not_o cheat_v ourselves_o of_o it_o by_o unnecessary_a delay_n and_o if_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o how_o great_a a_o improvement_n of_o our_o present_a life_n be_v this_o how_o great_a a_o gain_n how_o much_o to_o advantage_n to_o employ_v this_o life_n for_o the_o gain_v a_o happy_a one_o hereafter_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v lay_v out_o pebble_n for_o pearl_n shall_v exchange_v dirt_n for_o gold_n and_o short_a live_v sparkle_n for_o last_a and_o glorious_a star_n it_o be_v to_o lay_v out_o earth_n for_o heaven_n to_o spend_v time_n for_o the_o purchase_n of_o eternity_n to_o use_v the_o creature_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o bring_v we_o to_o god_n to_o labour_v for_o a_o very_a few_o day_n that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v a_o eternal_a rest_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o a_o few_o thing_n and_o for_o a_o little_a while_n that_o we_o may_v ere_o long_o enjoy_v full_a satisfaction_n everlasting_a pleasure_n this_o be_v true_o and_o great_o to_o redeem_v our_o time_n this_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v not_o regret_n that_o our_o time_n on_o earth_n be_v so_o short_a and_o transitory_a the_o prayer_n o_o eternal_a and_o almighty_a god_n thou_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o thy_o year_n do_v not_o fail_v thou_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o without_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n it_o be_v upon_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o thy_o unchangeable_a power_n that_o all_o thing_n else_o do_v depend_v in_o their_o being_n and_o in_o all_o their_o operation_n thou_o fille_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o thou_o work_v all_o in_o all_o all_o thy_o work_n praise_v thou_o o_o god_n and_o thy_o saint_n bless_v thou_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o thou_o be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o thy_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o we_o o_o lord_n be_v among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o thou_o have_v create_v and_o do_v preserve_v thou_o in_o thy_o due_a time_n do_v bring_v we_o into_o be_v at_o our_o birth_n and_o by_o thou_o we_o be_v hitherto_o sustain_v it_o be_v thou_o that_o supporte_v our_o frail_a nature_n that_o they_o fall_v not_o into_o the_o dust_n by_o thy_o careful_a providence_n over_o we_o we_o have_v escape_v many_o danger_n we_o have_v get_v through_o the_o weakness_n of_o infancy_n and_o the_o heedlessness_n of_o childhood_n by_o thy_o blessing_n have_v our_o food_n nourish_v and_o our_o clothes_n warm_v we_o for_o we_o live_v not_o by_o these_o thing_n alone_o but_o by_o the_o word_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n we_o be_v in_o thy_o hand_n then_o o_o thou_o the_o sovereign_a arbiter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n when_o ever_o thou_o please_v we_o return_v to_o the_o dust_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v create_v we_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v of_o thy_o mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v and_o because_o thy_o compassion_n fail_v not_o and_o we_o be_v afraid_a when_o we_o think_v how_o easy_o thou_o can_v crush_v and_o destroy_v we_o how_o frail_a our_o life_n be_v and_o how_o short_a and_o transitory_a how_o little_a a_o distance_n we_o be_v from_o eternity_n and_o how_o expose_v our_o life_n be_v how_o many_o evil_n and_o danger_n compass_v we_o about_o and_o how_o small_a a_o matter_n be_v able_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o day_n these_o thing_n when_o we_o consider_v they_o make_v we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o always_o just_a at_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o eternity_n and_o while_o we_o have_v live_v careless_a of_o our_o duty_n to_o thou_o while_o we_o have_v live_v in_o rebellion_n against_o thou_o we_o have_v be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o continual_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o it_o have_v thy_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o we_o but_o for_o a_o