thou_o may_v be_v take_v these_o direction_n for_o private_a duty_n 1._o direct_v the_o first_o duty_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o not_o of_o least_o concernment_n be_v self-examination_n this_o indeed_o be_v private_a for_o it_o be_v between_o thou_o and_o thou_o own_o heart_n be_v often_o inquire_v at_o home_n what_o state_n thy_o soul_n stand_v in_o to_o god_n and_o what_o interest_n thou_o have_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o title_n to_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o necessary_a though_o much_o neglect_a duty_n many_o that_o cast_v up_o their_o shop_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o grow_v or_o decrease_v in_o the_o world_n and_o try_v their_o evidence_n for_o their_o land_n to_o see_v that_o they_o be_v good_a take_v not_o so_o much_o pain_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o see_v whether_o all_o be_v well_o there_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v a_o christian_n chief_a happiness_n and_o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o felicity_n though_o we_o have_v the_o influence_n of_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n yea_o though_o we_o have_v the_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o thousand_o world_n for_o all_o these_o end_n in_o a_o snuff_n and_o will_v prove_v vanish_v fade_a transitory_a thing_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o precious_a piece_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v most_o regard_v it_o be_v next_o to_o the_o angel_n the_o chief_a piece_n that_o ever_o drope_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v in_o his_o own_o image_n and_o the_o near_o any_o thing_n come_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o near_a it_o come_v to_o perfection_n for_o god_n be_v perfection_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o great_a purchase_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v of_o infinite_a value_n more_o worth_a than_o the_o world_n be_v give_v to_o redeem_v it_o and_o christ_n know_v well_o enough_o the_o worth_n of_o soul_n and_o will_v not_o give_v such_o a_o rate_n for_o a_o thing_n of_o little_a worth_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v eternal_a and_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o and_o run_v parallel_n with_o the_o long_a line_n of_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o precious_a the_o vanity_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n be_v see_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v uncertain_a and_o momentary_a duration_n now_o this_o precious_a and_o immortal_a piece_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n and_o without_o our_o care_n diligence_n and_o pain_n be_v like_a to_o be_v lose_v a_o thousand_o enemy_n besiege_v it_o and_o set_v it_o round_o enemy_n without_o and_z within_z and_o on_o every_o side_n without_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n who_o spread_v a_o thousand_o snare_n to_o entrap_v it_o within_o corruption_n yea_o a_o inbred_a traitor_n a_o false_a perfidious_a treacherous_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n these_o be_v politic_a subtle_a crafty_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n the_o devil_n will_v make_v no_o peace_n with_o we_o but_o upon_o worse_a condition_n than_o nahash_n the_o amonite_n offer_v to_o the_o man_n of_o jabish_a gillead_v 1._o sam._n 11.2_o upon_o this_o condition_n will_v i_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o you_o that_o i_o may_v thrust_v out_o all_o your_o right_a eye_n and_o lay_v it_o for_o a_o reproach_n upon_o all_o israel_n but_o his_o condition_n be_v the_o everlasting_a destruction_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o lose_v thou_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o a_o thousand_o world_n can_v redeem_v it_o though_o they_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o heap_n of_o diamond_n or_o a_o globe_n of_o gold_n now_o be_v thou_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o can_v thou_o see_v thyself_o thy_o better_a part_n in_o so_o much_o danger_n and_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o will_v thou_o so_o regard_v a_o limb_n or_o sense_n a_o eye_n or_o a_o tooth_n and_o shall_v the_o soul_n be_v unregarded_a will_v thou_o consult_v the_o lawyer_n about_o thy_o estate_n the_o physician_n about_o thy_o health_n yea_o the_o farrier_n about_o thy_o horse_n and_o shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v neglect_v god_n forbid_v will_v take_v care_n for_o trifle_n and_o neglect_v thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n what_o great_a note_n of_o a_o fool_n can_v be_v express_v god_n be_v yet_o call_v thou_o and_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v not_o yet_o shut_v against_o thou_o opportunity_n be_v yet_o offer_v thou_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_n but_o how_o long_o it_o may_v continue_v thou_o know_v not_o up_o and_o be_v do_v make_v sure_a of_o heaven_n while_o it_o may_v be_v have_v one_o of_o these_o day_n it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o examine_v thyself_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n cleanse_v the_o fountain_n that_o the_o stream_n may_v be_v clear_a stub_n up_o the_o root_n of_o sin_n when_o other_o be_v lop_n at_o the_o branch_n begin_v reformation_n at_o the_o right_a end_n i_o shall_v here_o have_v give_v you_o some_o motive_n rule_n direction_n mark_n and_o character_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o guide_v you_o in_o this_o difficult_a work_n but_o this_o i_o have_v do_v already_o in_o another_o treatise_n of_o that_o subject_a call_v the_o soul_n looking-glass_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o if_o you_o have_v no_o better_o at_o hand_n yea_o when_o by_o examination_n thou_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o thy_o grace_n yet_o be_v not_o examination_n useless_a but_o consider_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o also_o true_a grace_n be_v of_o a_o grow_a nature_n like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n that_o in_o time_n become_v a_o great_a tree_n thy_o growth_n shall_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a to_o the_o food_n thou_o eat_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n thou_o enjoy_v that_o which_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n or_o decline_v may_v be_v suspect_v it_o be_v not_o true_a it_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v no_o big_a at_o twenty_o year_n old_a than_o at_o two_o it_o be_v sad_a when_o man_n that_o shall_v grow_v decline_v and_o lose_v their_o first_o love_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o case_n consider_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n consider_v who_o thou_o leave_v and_o whither_o thou_o go_v and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o at_o least_o consider_v what_o thou_o do_v which_o no_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v and_o never_o give_v thyself_o any_o rest_n till_o thou_o know_v that_o thou_o outstrip'_v they_o all_o yea_o till_o thou_o can_v read_v thy_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o can_v call_v god_n father_n and_o say_v with_o the_o spouse_n my_o beloved_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o cant._n 6.3_o 2._o direct_v the_o next_o private_a duty_n be_v when_o thou_o know_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o a_o title_n to_o glory_n and_o can_v without_o check_n of_o conscience_n call_v god_n thy_o father_n and_o christ_n thy_o head_n and_o husband_n be_v sure_a then_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o he_o hold_v he_o fast_o and_o do_v not_o let_v he_o go_v like_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 3.4_o it_o be_v say_v of_o enoch_n and_o noah_n that_o they_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o thus_o in_o some_o measure_n do_v every_o faithful_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a safe_a course_n thou_o can_v take_v for_o there_o be_v none_o can_v hurt_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v under_o his_o wing_n no_o enemy_n can_v molest_v thou_o while_o thou_o be_v under_o his_o tuition_n trouble_n never_o grind_v a_o man_n till_o it_o find_v he_o from_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o grow_v strange_a with_o god_n if_o thou_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v go_v thou_o may_v seek_v he_o sorrow_v and_o not_o find_v he_o many_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o public_a duty_n be_v defective_a in_o private_a but_o it_o be_v secret_a duty_n that_o chief_o maintain_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o those_o it_o be_v we_o most_o engage_v our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o we_o now_o if_o thou_o will_v keep_v this_o communion_n with_o god_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v some_o thing_n do_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v avoid_v be_v especial_o sin_n but_o above_o all_o our_o bosom_n sin_n those_o that_o thou_o be_v most_o incline_v to_o and_o most_o easiy_a yield_v to_o and_o can_v most_v hardly_o say_v nay_o these_o god_n be_v most_o jealous_a of_o and_o these_o will_v make_v the_o great_a breach_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o most_o havoc_n among_o thy_o grace_n these_o be_v they_o that_o most_o deep_o wound_v the_o conscience_n break_v thy_o peace_n with_o thy_o god_n and_o if_o not_o forsake_v will_v procure_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n it_o be_v thy_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o judgement_n temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a and_o withhold_v mercy_n from_o thou_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n can_v stand_v
and_o promise_v of_o reformation_n which_o they_o forget_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o danger_n be_v past_a and_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n and_o the_o wash_a sow_n to_o her_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n chap._n xiii_o direction_n in_o fast_v the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v direct_v you_o in_o be_v that_o useful_a though_o much_o neglect_a duty_n of_o fast_v which_o though_o in_o itself_o be_v no_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n neither_o be_v it_o command_v for_o itself_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o right_a manner_n and_o to_o a_o right_a end_n be_v a_o notable_a help_n in_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o a_o good_a spur_n to_o put_v we_o forward_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o fit_v we_o for_o his_o worship_n now_o before_o i_o show_v you_o what_o a_o fast_a be_v i_o shall_v show_v you_o what_o fast_o i_o mean_v for_o there_o be_v fast_n of_o several_a sort_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a abstinence_n from_o meat_n that_o be_v sufficient_a there_o be_v some_o necessary_a fast_n when_o man_n fast_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o as_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o eat_v and_o this_o be_v too_o oft_o the_o poor_a man_n and_o the_o prisoner_n fast_o but_o this_o be_v against_o their_o will_n and_o so_o not_o thanks-worthy_a again_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a fast_n when_o a_o man_n abstain_v from_o food_n for_o want_n of_o a_o stomach_n as_o the_o other_o do_v for_o want_v of_o meat_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sick_a man_n fast_a and_o ofttimes_o the_o rich_a man_n fast_n also_o this_o also_o be_v in-voluntary_a and_o deserve_v no_o praise_n there_o be_v also_o a_o physical_a fast_o undertake_v for_o health_n sake_n this_o be_v not_o it_o we_o treat_v of_o and_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a fast_a when_o man_n use_v the_o creature_n very_o temperate_o and_o moderate_o not_o to_o please_v or_o satisfy_v their_o appetite_n but_o to_o maintain_v their_o life_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v god_n service_n they_o eat_v to_o live_v and_o not_o live_v to_o eat_v and_o live_v to_o serve_v and_o praise_n god_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v every_o christian_n fast_o there_o be_v also_o a_o superstitious_a fast_o such_o as_o the_o papist_n use_n a_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n upon_o religious_a account_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o full_o gorge_v themselves_o with_o other_o meat_n every_o way_n as_o nourish_v and_o provoke_v to_o lust_n and_o this_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o merit_n and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o civil_a fast_o when_o upon_o politic_a account_n some_o sort_n of_o meat_n be_v forbid_v at_o some_o time_n as_o with_o we_o flesh_n in_o the_o lent_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o our_o trade_n of_o fish_v and_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o cattle_n there_o be_v some_o miraculous_a fast_n as_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o elijah_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o all_o which_o fast_v forty_o day_n together_o and_o taste_v no_o food_n but_o these_o be_v for_o our_o admiration_n not_o for_o our_o imitation_n there_o be_v also_o a_o spiritual_a fast_a a_o abstinence_n from_o sin_n which_o all_o shall_v imitate_v and_o there_o be_v a_o hypocritical_a fast_n such_o as_o the_o pharisee_n use_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n mat._n 6.2_o etc._n etc._n these_o hang_v down_o the_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n isa_n 58.5_o and_o there_o be_v a_o diabolical_a fast_n wherein_o the_o devil_n service_n be_v promote_v a_o fast_a for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o to_o strike_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n isa_n 58.4_o such_o a_o fast_a jezebel_n proclaim_v when_o under_o pretence_n of_o religious_a worship_n she_o take_v away_o naboath_n life_n for_o his_o vineyard_n 1_o king_n 21.8_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n invention_n but_o there_o be_v a_o religious_a fast_o set_v apart_o upon_o a_o religious_a account_n for_o a_o man_n to_o afflict_v his_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o now_o speak_v to_o which_o be_v the_o sanctify_a or_o set_v apart_o a_o day_n or_o some_o portion_n of_o time_n to_o the_o lord_n upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n by_o the_o voluntary_a abstinence_n from_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o other_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n as_o also_o from_o labour_n and_o worldly_a business_n so_o far_o as_o mercy_n comeliness_n and_o necessity_n will_v permit_v for_o the_o more_o serious_a humble_v of_o the_o soul_n before_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o our_o request_n to_o he_o for_o the_o prevent_n or_o remove_v of_o judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v or_o the_o beg_n the_o mercy_n we_o want_v or_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o we_o enjoy_v that_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o fast_o be_v lawful_a the_o scripture_n be_v evident_a it_o be_v command_v leu._n 23.27,28_o exod._n 33.5_o joel_n 2.15_o mat._n 6.16,17_o &_o 9.15_o 1_o cor._n 7.5_o and_o such_o a_o fast_o be_v observe_v esther_n 4.16_o dan._n 9.2,3,4_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 7.5_o act_n 13.23_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a man_n yea_o of_o christ_n himself_o in_o so_o do_v nay_o jew_n turk_n papist_n protestant_n etc._n etc._n all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n though_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o manner_n and_o end_v of_o the_o duty_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o any_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o desirable_a for_o its_o own_o sake_n for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v use_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n and_o serve_v to_o the_o end_v propound_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o humble_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v we_o more_o sensible_a of_o our_o want_n and_o more_o fervent_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o experience_n show_v when_o it_o have_v be_v join_v with_o fervent_a prayer_n very_o great_a thing_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o it_o great_a deliverance_n have_v be_v get_v great_a mercy_n procure_v and_o great_a judgement_n divert_v now_o this_o religious_a fast_n be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a public_a when_o command_v by_o public_a authority_n and_o general_o observe_v as_o joel_n 1.19_o jonah_n 2.7_o 2_o chron._n 30.13_o and_o private_a when_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o person_n or_o family_n esther_n 4.6_o and_o of_o this_o fast_a christ_n speak_v mat._n 6.17,18_o now_o that_o you_o may_v keep_v a_o fast_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v take_v these_o follow_a direction_n 1._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v prevail_v with_o god_n in_o such_o a_o duty_n as_o this_o either_o to_o beg_v the_o mercy_n want_v for_o thyself_o or_o other_o or_o to_o divert_v the_o judgement_n feel_v or_o hear_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o be_v right_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n for_o a_o unqualified_a person_n be_v like_a to_o do_v but_o little_a good_a a_o fast_a as_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a that_o which_o be_v public_a be_v command_v by_o authority_n and_o here_o all_o man_n be_v enjoin_v for_o to_o come_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n because_o every_o man_n have_v offend_v for_o high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a noble_a and_o ignoble_a young_a and_o old_a one_o with_o another_o none_o be_v except_v no_o not_o the_o bridegroom_n or_o the_o bride_n nor_o the_o child_n that_o suck_v upon_o the_o mother_n breast_n joel_n 2.16_o gather_v the_o people_n sanctify_v the_o congregation_n assemble_v the_o elder_n gather_v the_o child_n and_o those_o that_o suck_v the_o breast_n let_v the_o bridegroom_n go_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o chamber_n and_o the_o bride_n out_o of_o her_o closet_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o very_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n be_v not_o exempt_v jonah_n 3.7,8_o let_v nither_o man_n or_o beast_n hear_v or_o flock_n taste_v any_o thing_n let_v they_o not_o feed_v or_o drink_v water_n but_o let_v man_n and_o beast_n be_v cover_v with_o sack_n cloth_n and_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n yea_o let_v they_o turn_v every_o one_o from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o the_o violence_n that_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v or_o repent_v etc._n etc._n in_o this_o fast_a the_o minister_n most_o common_o be_v their_o mouth_n to_o god_n and_o god_n mouth_n to_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v need_n of_o qualification_n for_o the_o duty_n for_o though_o he_o perform_v much_o of_o the_o external_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n yet_o the_o internal_a rest_n upon_o they_o thy_o heart_n shall_v be_v qualify_v to_o put_v up_o a_o acceptable_a prayer_n to_o god_n great_a one_o be_v not_o except_v from_o this_o duty_n for_o their_o sin_n be_v great_a yea_o perhaps_o great_a and_o admit_v of_o great_a aggravation_n than_o other_o do_v and_o their_o example_n much_o
it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o they_o and_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o anger_n and_o not_o to_o compassion_n if_o thy_o fast_a be_v private_a confess_v all_o the_o evil_n thou_o know_v by_o thyself_o till_o thou_o can_v say_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o have_v keep_v nothing_o back_o now_o this_o press_a sin_n upon_o thy_o soul_n be_v call_v a_o rent_v of_o the_o heart_n joel_n 2.13_o rend_a your_o heart_n and_o not_o your_o garment_n a_o afflict_v of_o the_o soul_n leu._n 16.29_o in_o it_o you_o shall_v afflict_v your_o soul_n and_o do_v no_o work_n at_o all_o leu._n 23.29_o whatsoever_o soul_n shall_v not_o be_v afflict_a in_o that_o same_o day_n he_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o his_o people_n consider_v the_o corruption_n of_o thy_o heart_n thy_o natural_a corruption_n consider_v the_o number_n of_o thy_o bypass_a sin_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o thy_o present_a remain_a corruption_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v kindle_v against_o thou_o for_o they_o and_o the_o danger_n thy_o soul_n be_v in_o of_o hell_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o consider_v sin_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o evil_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o evil_n it_o be_v the_o foul_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o foul_a than_o the_o devil_n himself_o for_o that_o make_v he_o foul_a and_o can_v he_o be_v strip_v of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v return_v to_o his_o angelical_a glory_n consider_v it_o in_o the_o cause_n it_o have_v its_o original_a from_o the_o devil_n himself_o he_o be_v the_o first_o sinner_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n in_o man_n and_o the_o child_n very_o much_o resemble_v the_o father_n consider_v the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o which_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n it_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v obey_v consider_v the_o person_n against_o who_o thou_o sin_v and_o it_o be_v against_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a yea_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n one_o to_o who_o thou_o owe_v thyself_o and_o all_o thou_o have_v he_o that_o be_v thy_o creator_n and_o make_v thou_o it_o be_v he_o that_o maintain_v thou_o at_o his_o own_o cost_n and_o charges_n one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v thou_o or_o destroy_v thou_o consider_v it_o in_o the_o woeful_a effect_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thy_o judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v yea_o of_o spiritual_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a judgement_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n consider_v it_o in_o the_o price_n that_o be_v pay_v to_o free_v thy_o soul_n from_o the_o gild_n and_o filth_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o lose_v his_o life_n to_o ransom_n soul_n from_o the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o blood_n to_o wash_v away_o their_o scarlet_a sin_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v much_o further_o thy_o humiliation_n and_o soul-affliction_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v thus_o make_v thy_o heart_n to_o bleed_v for_o thy_o sin_n go_v to_o god_n for_o a_o plaster_n but_o what_o good_a will_v a_o plaster_n do_v before_o there_o be_v a_o wound_n beg_v of_o he_o the_o pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o power_n against_o it_o renew_v thy_o covenant_n with_o he_o of_o better_a obedience_n not_o only_a purpose_n but_o promise_v amendment_n of_o life_n resolve_v against_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v every_o sin_n thou_o confess_v let_v it_o be_v with_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o meddle_v no_o more_o with_o it_o this_o be_v that_o spiritual_a fast_a from_o sin_n which_o be_v every_o christian_n duty_n to_o fast_o from_o food_n and_o not_o from_o filthiness_n from_o pleasure_n and_o not_o from_o profaneness_n from_o sleep_n and_o not_o from_o sin_n be_v the_o devil_n fast_o such_o fast_n he_o keep_v and_o such_o will_v be_v keep_v in_o hell_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v david_n humble_v of_o his_o soul_n with_o fast_v psal_n 69.10_o in_o which_o there_o must_v be_v a_o confession_n of_o sin_n a_o accusation_n for_o it_o a_o detestation_n of_o it_o and_o also_o self-condemnation_n and_o though_o prayer_n at_o all_o time_n shall_v be_v fervent_a yet_o especial_o now_o in_o such_o a_o duty_n this_o be_v call_v a_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n joel_n 1.14_o jonah_n 3.8_o and_o thou_o shall_v bring_v faith_n along_o with_o thou_o believe_v thou_o shall_v prevail_v which_o may_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o many_o promise_n make_v to_o this_o duty_n and_o the_o experience_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o success_n jehoshaphat_n hezekiah_n esther_n niniveh_n and_o many_o other_o may_v witness_v nay_o where_o be_v it_o ever_o in_o scripture_n faithful_o perform_v without_o success_n alms-deed_n also_o shall_v be_v add_v isa_n 58.6,7_o yea_o we_o shall_v testify_v our_o humiliation_n by_o our_o ready_a forgive_n of_o other_o and_o assist_v those_o that_o stand_v in_o need_n beg_v also_o those_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v for_o thyself_o the_o church_n or_o state_n and_o as_o in_o the_o law_n sacrifice_n and_o offering_n be_v give_v to_o god_n sacrifice_n thy_o sin_n to_o he_o and_o offer_v to_o he_o the_o calf_n of_o thy_o lip_n prayer_n and_o praise_n dedicate_v thyself_o a_o live_a sacrifice_n and_o devote_v thyself_o to_o his_o service_n 5._o direct_v the_o next_o thing_n considerable_a be_v the_o time_n when_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n the_o papist_n differ_v from_o we_o they_o prescribe_v set_v time_n for_o fast_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v keep_v and_o sinful_a if_o not_o observe_v we_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o fix_a time_n to_o be_v observe_v but_o the_o duty_n be_v incumbent_a on_o we_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o day_n leu._n 16.29_o but_o this_o be_v ceremonial_a and_o end_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o typ_n and_o shadow_n and_o there_o be_v mention_v also_o make_v of_o the_o fast_a in_o the_o five_o and_o seven_o month_n zach._n 7.5_o and_o of_o the_o four_o five_o seven_o and_o ten_o month_n zach._n 8.19_o but_o this_o be_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o so_o just_a occasion_n be_v offer_v for_o public_a humiliation_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o business_n we_o have_v the_o like_a every_o month_n in_o time_n of_o war_n and_o public_a calamity_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v have_v upon_o such_o occasion_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o state_v time_n whether_o occasion_n be_v or_o no_o when_o there_o be_v some_o great_a judgement_n lie_v upon_o we_o or_o some_o eminent_a danger_n hang_v over_o our_o head_n then_o it_o be_v a_o suitable_a time_n for_o this_o exercise_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v fast_n keep_v by_o believer_n in_o all_o age_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n thus_o samuel_n and_o the_o people_n fast_v and_o beseech_v the_o lord_n in_o their_o danger_n 1_o sam._n 7.6,7_o and_o thus_o david_n beseech_v the_o lord_n by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o the_o life_n of_o his_o child_n when_o it_o be_v sick_a 2_o sam._n 12.16_o and_o thus_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n for_o jerusalem_n when_o a_o sore_a judgement_n from_o god_n be_v upon_o it_o 1_o chron._n 21.16_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jabish_a gilead_n fast_v and_o humble_v themselves_o when_o saul_n and_o jonathan_n be_v slay_v and_o israel_n put_v to_o flight_n 1_o sam._n 31.15_o and_o jehosophat_n in_o his_o fear_n proclaim_v a_o fast_a when_o he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v yet_o have_v he_o his_o eye_n up_o to_o god_n 2_o chron._n 20.3_o and_o nehemiah_n when_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n humble_v himself_o by_o fast_v nehem._n 1.4_o and_o esther_n and_o the_o jew_n when_o the_o write_n be_v sign_v and_o the_o time_n be_v set_v when_o they_o shall_v all_o have_v be_v destroy_v esther_n 4.1,2_o etc._n etc._n and_o ezra_n when_o he_o apprehend_v danger_n at_o hand_n ezra_n 8.21_o yea_o this_o be_v the_o course_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o advise_v to_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n or_o public_a calamity_n joel_n 2.12,13_o have_v threaten_v a_o sore_a judgement_n he_o add_v therefore_o now_o say_v the_o lord_n turn_v you_o unto_o i_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o fast_v and_o with_o weep_v and_o with_o mourning_n and_o rend_v your_o heart_n and_o not_o your_o garment_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n for_o he_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a etc._n etc._n and_o this_o course_n the_o ninivites_n do_v take_v and_o it_o succeed_v jonah_n 3.5.8_o yea_o ahab_n humble_v himself_o when_o
of_o hatred_n will_v close_v with_o it_o as_o its_o object_n for_o the_o understanding_n when_o it_o be_v inform_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n according_a to_o its_o apprehension_n and_o conclusion_n send_v down_o report_n unto_o the_o heart_n where_o the_o affection_n dwell_v and_o every_o affection_n close_v with_o its_o proper_a object_n love_n with_o good_a and_o hatred_n with_o evil_n good_a thing_n difficult_a to_o be_v obtain_v stir_v up_o desire_n evil_a likely_a to_o some_o stir_v up_o fear_n rom._n 7.24_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n this_o will_v make_v thou_o bewail_v thy_o miserable_a condition_n when_o thou_o can_v not_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n desire_v yet_o long_o and_o hunger_n and_o pant_v after_o it_o as_o david_n do_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n psal_n 42.1_o he_o that_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o and_o can_v get_v it_o must_v needs_o earnest_o long_a after_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o remove_v the_o judgement_n or_o the_o sin_n that_o cause_v it_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o attain_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o we_o want_v it_o will_v work_v in_o we_o a_o resolution_n to_o our_o power_n to_o endeavour_v the_o obtain_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o want_v and_o when_o we_o find_v it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o power_n this_o will_v put_v we_o on_o to_o a_o resolution_n to_o go_v to_o god_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o dispose_v of_o these_o thing_n to_o confess_v our_o want_n and_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n and_o dis-ability_n and_o like_o a_o beggar_n unlap_v our_o sore_n to_o move_v pity_n and_o to_o petition_v he_o to_o grant_v we_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o so_o earnest_o desire_v and_o rest_v confident_a we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o mercy_n desire_v the_o ground_n of_o which_o confidence_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n who_o bid_v we_o ask_v and_o we_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o we_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n who_o have_v thus_o prevail_v and_o this_o also_o will_v work_v in_o we_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n and_o all_o possible_a endeavour_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o our_o desire_n it_o be_v a_o faint_a wish_n indeed_o that_o be_v not_o second_v with_o endeavour_n this_o will_v make_v we_o be_v careful_a of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o future_a when_o we_o consider_v our_o miscarriage_n for_o the_o time_n past_a this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o david_n meditation_n psal_n 119.59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n psal_n 42.5.11_o and_o without_o this_o our_o labour_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o traveller_n to_o know_v he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o he_o must_v return_v into_o it_o 6._o direct_v in_o meditation_n beware_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o usual_o prove_v hindrance_n in_o the_o duty_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v make_v trial_n of_o it_o shall_v find_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o manage_v it_o well_o and_o perform_v it_o well_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o devil_n that_o know_v how_o much_o he_o be_v disadvantage_v by_o it_o will_v never_o suffer_v thou_o to_o do_v it_o without_o opposition_n he_o lay_v many_o snare_n to_o entangle_v the_o heart_n and_o render_v it_o unable_a and_o unfit_a for_o the_o work_n if_o he_o can_v divert_v the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a instrument_n in_o the_o work_n he_o be_v well_o enough_o hence_o often_o he_o steal_v it_o away_o and_o as_o in_o prayer_n when_o we_o shall_v seek_v god_n we_o have_v need_v to_o seek_v our_o own_o heart_n so_o also_o in_o meditation_n for_o the_o heart_n many_o time_n like_o a_o slothful_a servant_n give_v we_o the_o slip_n when_o there_o be_v most_o work_n to_o do_v sometime_o the_o devil_n fill_v the_o heart_n with_o distract_n care_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o world_n which_o common_o crowd_n in_o upon_o we_o when_o they_o shall_v stand_v back_o and_o give_v place_n this_o be_v a_o hindrance_n in_o all_o duty_n but_o especial_o in_o this_o wherein_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v require_v and_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v spare_v here_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o heart_n in_o heaven_n but_o how_o can_v it_o mount_v up_o when_o her_o wing_n be_v clip_v and_o her_o foot_n fetter_v and_o clog_v how_o can_v our_o thought_n soar_v aloft_o when_o they_o cling_v fast_o to_o the_o earth_n how_o unstable_a to_o the_o duty_n be_v it_o when_o we_o come_v with_o a_o fancy_n of_o some_o earthly_a happiness_n or_o hug_v some_o thrive_a project_n in_o our_o brain_n and_o solace_n ourselves_o with_o some_o worldly_a advantage_n while_o we_o pretend_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n be_v enmity_n to_o god_n and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o the_o world_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n james_n 4.4_o the_o apostle_n advise_v not_o to_o love_v the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o we_o 1_o john_n 2.15_o beware_v therefore_o of_o this_o snare_n entertain_v no_o discourse_n with_o the_o world_n till_o thou_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o thou_o do_v as_o moses_n leave_v thy_o shoe_n behind_o thou_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o god_n presence_n exod._n 3.5_o or_o as_o abraham_n all_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o hill_n when_o thou_o ascende_v this_o mount_n of_o contemplation_n say_v stand_v by_o profit_n stand_v by_o pleasure_n stand_v by_o world_n till_o i_o come_v again_o and_o though_o these_o knock_n at_o the_o door_n open_v it_o not_o come_v not_o with_o a_o love_n or_o like_n to_o any_o know_a sin_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a hindrance_n in_o this_o case_n and_o will_v spoil_v thy_o duty_n this_o dim_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o can_v see_v spiritual_a thing_n as_o it_o hinder_v prayer_n so_o it_o hinder_v meditation_n also_o psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n neither_o will_v he_o succeed_v thy_o meditation_n those_o that_o will_v preserve_v precious_a liquor_n put_v they_o into_o clean_a vessel_n and_o those_o that_o will_v store_v up_o clean_o and_o holy_a thought_n must_v put_v they_o into_o pure_a heart_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n or_o what_o fellowship_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n if_o thou_o use_v violence_n to_o thy_o conscience_n thou_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o a_o heavenly_a life_n laziness_n also_o be_v another_o hindrance_n to_o this_o work_n when_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o take_v pain_n with_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o meditation_n can_v be_v manage_v well_o without_o much_o pain_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n hinder_v know_v man_n more_o than_o this_o when_o man_n can_v away_o with_o diligence_n they_o either_o omit_v or_o slubber_v over_o the_o duty_n and_o as_o good_a never_o a_o whit_n as_o never_o the_o better_o few_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o sequester_v their_o thought_n and_o affection_n from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v intent_n upon_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_v their_o grace_n in_o their_o order_n or_o their_o affection_n upon_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o hold_v they_o there_o till_o they_o find_v success_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n will_v prove_v false_a and_o treacherous_a and_o be_v hardly_o bring_v unto_o or_o keep_v upon_o the_o duty_n it_o will_v find_v some_o start_a hole_n or_o other_o and_o frame_v some_o excuse_n to_o be_v go_v if_o we_o use_v not_o violence_n to_o force_v it_o how_o lazy_o will_v it_o demean_v itself_o how_o ready_a will_v it_o be_v to_o depart_v before_o the_o work_n be_v do_v and_o make_v some_o vagary_n or_o entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o world_n or_o divert_v itself_o to_o some_o more_o please_a object_n and_o if_o thou_o look_v not_o about_o thou_o will_v pass_v away_o the_o time_n idle_o and_o give_v over_o before_o the_o work_n be_v bring_v to_o any_o perfection_n but_o thou_o must_v deal_v by_o thy_o heart_n as_o thou_o will_v do_v by_o a_o sleighty_a servant_n persuade_v command_n threaten_v and_o chastise_v force_v it_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o let_v it_o not_o stir_v till_o the_o work_n be_v do_v 7._o direct_v when_o thou_o have_v thus_o wind_v up_o thy_o heart_n by_o meditation_n to_o the_o high_a pin_n and_o work_v thy_o affection_n into_o a_o heat_n and_o bring_v thy_o work_n into_o a_o good_a posture_n and_o gather_v observation_n for_o thy_o use_n take_v heed_n of_o let_v thy_o heart_n flag_n too_o sudden_o
overwhelm_v in_o the_o sea_n exod._n 14.21_o over_o amalek_n exod._n 17.12_o over_o sennacherib_n 2_o king_n 19.32_o it_o have_v withhold_v rain_n from_o the_o earth_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o after_o procure_v it_o james_z 5.17,18_o it_o have_v bring_v angel_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o help_n of_o man_n thus_o to_o daniel_n chap._n 9.21_o for_o hezekiahs_n help_n 2_o king_n 19.35_o where_o a_o angel_n slay_v in_o one_o night_n in_o the_o camp_n of_o sennacherib_n a_o hundred_o forty_o and_o five_o thousand_o and_o to_o elisha_n 2_o king_n 6.17_o where_o the_o mountain_n be_v full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n about_o elisha_n it_o have_v bring_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o enemy_n 2_o kin._n 1.10.12_o it_o have_v procure_v bear_n to_o devour_v those_o child_n that_o mock_v the_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 2.24_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n mat._n 17.21_o and_o to_o work_v strange_a deliverance_n as_o jonah_n out_o of_o the_o whale_n belly_n jonah_n 2.10_o peter_n out_o of_o prison_n act_v 12.5_o etc._n etc._n by_o this_o the_o widow_n oil_n be_v increase_v 2_o king_n 4.3_o and_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v mark_n 11.23_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o recover_v the_o sick_a james_n 5.15_o to_o divert_v judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v thus_o moses_n oft_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n luke_n 18.13_o to_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n mat._n 26.41_o to_o have_v deliverance_n out_o of_o trouble_n psal_n 50.15_o to_o procure_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.13_o to_o get_v wisdom_n james_n 1.5_o who_o now_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o such_o a_o duty_n now_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n well_o take_v these_o direction_n 1._o direct_v there_o be_v several_a qualification_n requisite_a to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v right_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o which_o a_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o though_o christ_n bid_v ask_v and_o we_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o we_o yet_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o we_o ask_v and_o have_v not_o because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v upon_o thy_o heart_n or_o otherwise_o thou_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v the_o blind_a man_n john_n 9.31_o can_v say_v god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o pray_v and_o the_o apostle_n incourage_v simon_n magus_n to_o the_o duty_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v but_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v bring_v over_o to_o god_n we_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v we_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abomination_n to_o god_n till_o then_o we_o can_v comfortable_o call_v god_n father_n nor_o come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n neither_o will_v christ_n mediate_v or_o intercede_v for_o we_o while_o we_o remain_v his_o enemy_n neither_o will_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n rom._n 8.15_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o through_o faith_n that_o we_o have_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n to_o god_n eph._n 3_o 12._o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o that_o we_o hate_v sin_n if_o we_o come_v to_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o devour_a fire_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sin_n how_o can_v we_o hearty_o pray_v against_o sin_n and_o for_o holiness_n if_o we_o love_v sin_n and_o hate_v holiness_n as_o all_o unconverted_a sinner_n do_v this_o be_v dissemble_v with_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o with_o he_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n say_v david_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o yea_o god_n who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o require_v holiness_n in_o all_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n with_o comfort_n heb._n 12.14_o knowledge_n also_o be_v requisite_a for_o god_n can_v abide_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a in_o sacrifice_n without_o this_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a nor_o the_o service_n acceptable_a without_o this_o a_o man_n know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o or_o what_o to_o pray_v against_o what_o to_o seek_v or_o what_o to_o shun_v what_o be_v sin_n or_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o he_o want_v or_o what_o he_o have_v and_o what_o blind_a worship_n be_v he_o like_v to_o offer_v he_o can_v never_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v self-denial_n also_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n subject_a his_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o notable_a example_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n himself_o who_o meat_n and_o drink_v it_o be_v to_o do_v his_o father_n will._n so_o when_o he_o have_v pray_v that_o that_o bitter_a cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o yet_o add_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o thus_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n i'faith_o also_o be_v requireâ—_n for_o if_o those_o shaft_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o head_v by_o faith_n they_o will_v never_o reach_v heaven_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n require_v whatsoever_o you_o ask_v believe_o you_o shall_v receive_v and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o nay_o further_o patience_n be_v also_o require_v we_o must_v wait_v for_o a_o answer_n not_o like_o those_o short-winded_a bethulian_o that_o set_v god_n a_o time_n and_o will_v wait_v no_o long_o but_o refer_v all_o to_o his_o will_n who_o best_o know_v his_o own_o time_n yea_o the_o best_a time_n and_o fit_a season_n he_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v a_o humble_a man_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a he_o that_o have_v not_o low_o self-denying_a thought_n of_o himself_o god_n will_v have_v low_a thought_n of_o his_o service_n he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o he_o must_v also_o beg_v for_o the_o power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.26_o god_n know_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n come_v not_o in_o thy_o own_o strength_n thou_o must_v also_o be_v painful_a and_o laborious_a not_o only_o pray_v for_o mercy_n but_o endeavour_n for_o they_o a_o few_o faint_a wish_n will_v not_o serve_v turn_n sin_n must_v be_v fight_v against_o as_o well_o as_o pray_v against_o endeavour_n must_v be_v use_v 2._o direct_v before_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n prepare_v thy_o heart_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n be_v thou_o but_o to_o meet_v some_o prince_n or_o noble_a man_n thou_o will_v make_v some_o preparation_n much_o more_o shall_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v to_o meet_v the_o great_a god_n one_o that_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o end_n and_o motive_n in_o the_o duty_n what_o business_n of_o concernment_n be_v there_o but_o needs_o some_o preparation_n much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o examine_v therefore_o what_o relation_n thou_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n or_o a_o enemy_n who_o can_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o he_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o be_v not_o reconcile_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o thou_o and_o a_o surety_n to_o undertake_v thy_o debt_n how_o dare_v thou_o approach_v to_o the_o creditor_n to_o who_o thou_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o can_v not_o pay_v a_o farthing_n how_o dare_v approach_v this_o consume_a fire_n that_o be_v but_o chaff_n and_o stubble_n and_o what_o hope_n have_v of_o speed_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n the_o promise_n belong_v not_o to_o thou_o but_o when_o thou_o can_v find_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o christ_n can_v call_v god_n father_n yet_o rush_v not_o rude_o into_o his_o presence_n but_o study_v well_o what_o thing_n he_o have_v promise_v for_o those_o thou_o may_v bold_o ask_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v but_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v till_o it_o be_v fulfil_v but_o if_o thou_o ask_v amiss_o that_o be_v what_o he_o never_o promise_v no_o wonder_n if_o thou_o receive_v it_o not_o acquaint_v thyself_o well_o with_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o power_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n this_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a
god_n blessing_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n be_v great_a encouragement_n he_o will_v never_o succeed_v they_o in_o so_o sinful_a a_o course_n be_v it_o such_o nay_o the_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o sabbath-breaker_n bespeak_v god_n for_o the_o author_n for_o none_o in_o the_o world_n can_v lawful_o have_v do_v it_o without_o he_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o i_o hope_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o build_v upon_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o direct_v you_o to_o keep_v it_o as_o a_o sabbath_n 2._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v faithful_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n as_o god_n command_v thou_o make_v preparation_n for_o it_o before_o it_o come_v for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n well_o do_v without_o some_o preparation_n and_o much_o more_o here_o we_o prepare_v the_o body_n for_o physic_n before_o we_o take_v it_o we_o provide_v in_o summer_n for_o winter_n and_o lay_v in_o provision_n in_o harvest_n we_o prepare_v in_o the_o day_n for_o the_o night_n and_o work_v when_o we_o have_v the_o light_n we_o prepare_v in_o health_n for_o sickness_n and_o in_o youth_n for_o age_n and_o be_v we_o to_o appear_v before_o some_o great_a man_n we_o shall_v make_v preparation_n according_o and_o shall_v we_o only_o be_v want_v in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o rush_v into_o his_o presence_n without_o prepare_a heart_n god_n bid_v we_o remember_v the_o sabbath_n day_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a or_o to_o sanctify_v it_o as_o it_o be_v deut._n 5.12_o the_o word_n remember_v signify_v either_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v something_o past_a or_o to_o commit_v to_o memory_n something_o for_o the_o future_a and_o both_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o business_n god_n set_v this_o memento_n upon_o it_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o those_o that_o will_v keep_v it_o well_o when_o it_o be_v come_v must_v remember_v it_o before_o it_o come_v or_o otherwise_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o it_o will_v take_v hold_n upon_o some_o occasion_n or_o other_o to_o draw_v we_o aside_o from_o the_o duty_n in_o hand_n we_o can_v forecast_v for_o fair_n and_o market_n sometime_o long_o before_o and_o make_v preparation_n for_o they_o according_a to_o our_o need_n whether_o to_o buy_v or_o sell_v we_o consider_v our_o want_n to_o have_v they_o supply_v and_o make_v preparation_n according_o and_o yet_o how_o few_o make_v preparation_n for_o the_o market_n day_n for_o the_o soul_n many_o tire_v themselves_o in_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o call_v in_o the_o week_n day_n and_o then_o use_v the_o lord_n day_n no_o otherwise_o than_o a_o beast_n only_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n for_o their_o spirit_n be_v spend_v and_o their_o body_n tire_v they_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o sleep_v than_o any_o holy_a duty_n and_o rush_v rude_o out_o of_o the_o world_n into_o the_o service_n of_o god_n they_o bring_v so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n with_o they_o that_o it_o render_v they_o incapable_a of_o any_o spiritual_a duty_n but_o thy_o care_n shall_v be_v to_o sequester_v thy_o heart_n thought_n and_o affection_n from_o the_o world_n and_o set_v they_o upon_o god_n and_o empty_a thy_o heart_n of_o worldly_a care_n and_o trouble_n that_o thou_o may_v mind_v the_o business_n god_n set_v thou_o about_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v one_o cause_o why_o man_n get_v so_o little_a benefit_n by_o the_o ordinance_n and_o hear_v so_o much_o and_o profit_n so_o little_a because_o they_o come_v not_o with_o empty_a heart_n a_o full_a vessel_n can_v receive_v no_o more_o when_o the_o prophet_n multiply_v the_o widow_n oil_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o empty_a vessel_n the_o oil_n stay_v when_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o the_o world_n this_o water_n of_o life_n will_v run_v over_o but_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o prepare_v the_o heart_n for_o so_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o entertain_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o invite_v himself_o to_o sup_v with_o we_o he_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o tryer_n of_o the_o reins_o before_o the_o sabbath_n come_v use_v such_o foresight_n diligence_n and_o meditation_n and_o dispose_v and_o seasonable_o dispatch_v thy_o worldly_a business_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v more_o free_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n we_o find_v israel_n do_v thus_o prepare_v to_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n exod._n 16.22_o and_o gather_v manna_n enough_o the_o day_n before_o and_o this_o be_v usual_a among_o the_o jew_n luke_n 23.54_o and_o that_o day_n be_v the_o preparation_n and_o the_o sabbath_n draw_v on_o thus_o nehemiah_n prepare_v against_o the_o sabbath_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v profane_v nehem._n 13.19_o and_o god_n example_n in_o this_o be_v bind_v to_o we_o he_o finish_v his_o work_n before_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o and_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o any_o unnecessary_a worldly_a business_n then_o either_o with_o hand_n or_o heart_n that_o our_o duty_n be_v not_o pester_v with_o the_o world_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v as_o free_a to_o serve_v the_o lord_n if_o possible_a as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o worldly_a business_n to_o look_v to_o but_o many_o forecast_n business_n for_o that_o day_n or_o make_v it_o necessary_a through_o their_o former_a neglect_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o folly_n solomon_n bid_v we_o look_v well_o to_o our_o foot_n viz._n our_o affection_n when_o we_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n eccl._n 5.1_o and_o it_o be_v good_a to_o consider_v who_o presence_n we_o come_v into_o and_o with_o holy_a david_n wash_v our_o hand_n in_o innocency_n before_o we_o compass_v his_o altar_n psal_n 26.6_o examine_v how_o the_o case_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o thy_o soul_n and_o venture_v not_o into_o his_o presence_n in_o a_o unregenerate_a condition_n or_o have_v sin_n unmortified_a or_o unrepented_a of_o lest_o he_o break_v thou_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v thou_o consider_v what_o sin_n thou_o have_v commit_v especial_o in_o the_o week_n past_a and_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o lay_v aside_o thy_o worldly_a business_n betimes_o on_o the_o eve_n when_o other_o only_o sweep_v their_o house_n do_v thou_o sweep_v thy_o heart_n set_v some_o time_n apart_o for_o read_v meditate_v confer_v instruct_v thy_o family_n and_o pray_v with_o they_o reconcile_v the_o difference_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o family_n between_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n yea_o neighbour_n and_o neighbour_n that_o your_o prayer_n be_v not_o hinder_v for_o god_n can_v hardly_o be_v well_o serve_v where_o the_o member_n of_o a_o family_n live_v at_o discord_n in_o a_o word_n prepare_v thy_o heart_n to_o meet_v god_n the_o day_n follow_v 3._o direct_v will_v thou_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n take_v heed_n thou_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a upon_o that_o day_n this_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o a_o day_n of_o rest_n and_o not_o only_o as_o some_o say_v from_o sin_n which_o shall_v be_v commit_v no_o day_n but_o also_o from_o labour_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v lawful_a the_o work_n of_o our_o call_v yea_o unnecessary_a recreation_n be_v forbid_v exod._n 20.10_o in_o it_o thou_o shall_v do_v no_o manner_n of_o work_n thou_o nor_o thy_o son_n nor_o thy_o daughter_n thy_o manservant_n nor_o thy_o maid-servant_n thy_o cattle_n nor_o the_o strange_a that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n jer._n 17.21,22_o neither_o do_v you_o any_o work_n but_o hallow_v the_o sabbath_n day_n etc._n etc._n neither_o will_v a_o bare_a cessation_n from_o work_n serve_v the_o turn_n for_o rest_n be_v command_v for_o a_o high_a end_n that_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n with_o more_o freedom_n and_o therefore_o idleness_n be_v a_o sin_n worse_o than_o bodily_a labour_n upon_o that_o day_n and_o when_o man_n use_v not_o rest_v as_o a_o mean_n but_o as_o a_o end_n it_o be_v a_o egregious_a breach_n of_o the_o four_o command_n and_o it_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o be_v a_o acceptable_a duty_n on_o that_o day_n which_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n any_o day_n he_o that_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n only_o by_o rest_v from_o his_o labour_n keep_v it_o but_o as_o a_o bruit_n beast_n yet_o the_o most_o of_o man_n spend_v great_a part_n of_o the_o day_n in_o idleness_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o and_o think_v if_o they_o give_v god_n their_o bodily_a presence_n for_o a_o hour_n or_o two_o it_o be_v sufficeable_a but_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v we_o shall_v think_v it_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n that_o will_v work_v but_o two_o or_o three_o hour_n in_o the_o day_n god_n give_v we_o six_o whole_a day_n for_o our_o work_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o give_v he_o one_o whole_a
etc._n etc._n there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o a_o oath_n as_o those_o that_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o by_o tradition_n as_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o city_n as_o troy_n or_o carthage_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v sack_v or_o spoil_v though_o we_o be_v confident_o assure_v this_o be_v a_o truth_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v it_o because_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o personal_a knowledge_n we_o must_v swear_v no_o more_o than_o we_o personal_o know_v to_o be_v true_a some_o thing_n also_o be_v obvious_a to_o common_a sense_n as_o that_o a_o quadrangle_n have_v four_o angle_n a_o triangle_n three_o etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n be_v not_o doubtful_a and_o a_o oath_n will_v not_o make_v they_o more_o clear_a but_o a_o thing_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v determine_v when_o we_o dare_v not_o rest_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n when_o it_o be_v doubtful_a and_o can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o witness_n and_o this_o witness_n be_v suspect_v either_o to_o want_v knowledge_n or_o conscience_n every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o now_o because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a faith_n and_o justice_n among_o man_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o appeal_v to_o god_n himself_o to_o witness_v which_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o ne_fw-fr plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la the_o end_n of_o contention_n for_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o this_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o humane_a society_n the_o very_a heathen_n themselves_o when_o they_o swear_v by_o their_o idol-god_n be_v careful_a of_o swear_v false_o yet_o among_o christian_n in_o name_n every_o one_o have_v not_o this_o care_n nay_o it_o be_v too_o evident_o know_v that_o many_o take_v little_a care_n of_o their_o word_n or_o oath_n but_o this_o be_v a_o strong_a bond_n and_o none_o will_v break_v it_o that_o fear_n god_n or_o make_v conscience_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o how_o much_o do_v those_o stray_n from_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n that_o affirm_v by_o a_o oath_n that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v to_o a_o lie_n the_o very_a heathen_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o and_o condemn_v they_o those_o that_o seek_v thereby_o to_o hide_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o manifest_v it_o and_o mind_v not_o god_n glory_n but_o their_o neighbour_n injury_n by_o it_o as_o wicked_a doeg_n in_o his_o information_n against_o david_n though_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o a_o bad_a end_n thos_n also_o be_v guilty_a that_o swear_v to_o that_o they_o know_v not_o though_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o they_o be_v perjure_v person_n they_o swear_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v those_o also_o that_o swear_v vain_o idle_o and_o to_o no_o purpose_n those_o that_o swear_v and_o never_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a their_o oath_n or_o if_o they_o do_v intend_v it_o do_v not_o do_v it_o sure_o these_o man_n when_o they_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v their_o lie_n do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o that_o he_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o or_o think_v they_o can_v deceive_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n or_o that_o he_o approve_v of_o it_o but_o he_o will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n and_o set_v their_o oath_n in_o order_n against_o they_o 6._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o offend_v by_o thy_o oath_n take_v heed_n then_o of_o rash_a foolish_a customary_a swear_n too_o much_o in_o use_n in_o our_o time_n and_o for_o which_o the_o land_n mourn_v jer._n 23.10_o it_o can_v but_o be_v distasteful_a to_o god_n who_o will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a to_o have_v his_o name_n toss_v by_o every_o drunken_a sot_n upon_o the_o ale_n bench_n and_o when_o man_n thunder_v out_o oath_n and_o curse_n upon_o earth_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o god_n thunder_v out_o his_o judgement_n from_o heaven_n when_o those_o ill-boding_a fowl_n feed_v so_o near_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a presage_v that_o god_n judgement_n be_v near_o customary_a swear_n can_v be_v without_o much_o sin_n for_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o god_n show_v it_o shall_v be_v take_v upon_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o serious_a meditation_n but_o common_a experience_n show_v in_o customary_a swear_v these_o thing_n be_v want_v but_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v irreverent_o toss_v in_o their_o filthy_a mouth_n and_o thus_o many_o man_n curse_v away_o their_o blessing_n for_o the_o most_o of_o man_n be_v guilty_a this_o way_n they_o swear_v down_o vengeance_n from_o heaven_n upon_o they_o and_o ofttimes_o upon_o their_o posterity_n for_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n haunt_v the_o house_n of_o the_o swearer_n zach._n 5.3,4_o and_o god_n will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n against_o they_o mal._n 3.5_o the_o common_a swearer_n across_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v as_o i_o say_v the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n of_o some_o necessary_a weighty_a truth_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v but_o many_o of_o their_o oath_n be_v spend_v for_o the_o obscure_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o justify_n of_o lie_n and_o if_o truth_n be_v speak_v it_o be_v either_o about_o such_o trivial_a matter_n unfit_a to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o god_n mention_v or_o add_v to_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o great_a matter_n whether_o they_o be_v affirm_v or_o no_o and_o no_o body_n so_o much_o as_o desire_v any_o such_o confirmation_n by_o it_o or_o be_v little_a the_o better_o credit_v to_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o customary_a swearer_n than_o they_o do_v to_o their_o word_n for_o common_a swearer_n be_v ofttimes_o account_v common_a liar_n and_o a_o hundred_o oath_n will_v not_o sugar_n some_o of_o their_o story_n and_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v swallow_v when_o they_o speak_v as_o oft_o they_o do_v against_o reason_n and_o experience_n for_o many_o man_n use_v their_o oath_n to_o fill_v up_o or_o as_o they_o think_v to_o adorn_v their_o discourse_n instead_o of_o other_o eloquence_n but_o such_o rhetorical_a figure_n may_v be_v use_v in_o a_o oration_n in_o hell_n they_o think_v themselves_o the_o brave_a man_n that_o can_v swear_v the_o big_a oath_n and_o wish_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o fit_a expression_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v some_o of_o the_o devil_n stout_a champion_n but_o from_o such_o many_o time_n a_o oath_n either_o need_v not_o or_o boot_v not_o if_o they_o speak_v reason_n they_o may_v be_v believe_v without_o if_o not_o a_o hundred_o oath_n will_v not_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o currant_n now_o if_o we_o search_v out_o the_o original_a from_o whence_o these_o oath_n proceed_v we_o may_v find_v from_o a_o sinful_a custom_n and_o a_o deprave_a nature_n they_o learn_v to_o swear_v but_o it_o be_v when_o they_o learn_v to_o talk_v and_o in_o some_o it_o be_v more_o custom_n than_o curstness_n it_o befall_v they_o as_o with_o man_n in_o some_o distemper_n their_o excrement_n pass_v from_o they_o at_o unaware_o so_o do_v their_o oath_n they_o know_v not_o when_o they_o swear_v but_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a custom_n which_o make_v god_n our_o enemy_n and_o hell_n our_o portion_n be_v there_o but_o a_o law_n make_v that_o for_o every_o oath_n they_o swear_v they_o shall_v lose_v a_o joint_n or_o forfeit_v a_o pound_n and_o due_o execute_v it_o will_v make_v man_n break_v off_o such_o a_o custom_n sometime_o those_o rash_a oath_n proceed_v from_o some_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o anger_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v a_o short_a madness_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o right_a mad_a man_n part_n they_o act_n when_o another_o offend_v they_o and_o they_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o god_n sometime_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o game_n and_o unlawful_a recreation_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a tree_n that_o yield_v such_o unsavoury_a fruit_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o these_o and_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o but_o upon_o just_a occasion_n a_o oath_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o sinful_a as_o be_v murder_n adultery_n etc._n etc._n no_o more_o be_v it_o desirable_a for_o itself_o as_o love_n charity_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v use_v as_o physic_n when_o other_o food_n will_v not_o serve_v not_o for_o it_o be_v own_o sake_n but_o for_o health_n sake_n for_o truth_n sake_n it_o be_v a_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o more_o holy_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a if_o abuse_v it_o be_v bad_a play_v with_o edge_a tool_n yet_o many_o profane_o call_v
thyself_o or_o other_o shall_v a_o king_n promise_n at_o such_o a_o day_n to_o meet_v his_o subject_n and_o supply_v their_o want_n how_o careful_a will_v they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o come_v but_o also_o to_o consider_v what_o petition_n to_o put_v up_o and_o what_o favour_n to_o beg_v it_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o while_o we_o be_v in_o these_o house_n of_o clay_n we_o have_v a_o back_n bias_n of_o corruption_n draw_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o so_o many_o be_v our_o want_n some_o soul_n be_v make_v up_o all_o of_o want_n they_o have_v no_o grace_n let_v they_o beg_v and_o pray_v and_o endeavour_v that_o some_o may_v be_v bestow_v and_o to_o have_v their_o heart_n sanctify_v and_o their_o nature_n change_v the_o best_a of_o god_n people_n have_v defect_n in_o grace_n and_o these_o they_o shall_v labour_v to_o have_v remove_v and_o their_o want_n supply_v some_o have_v decay_n in_o grace_n and_o this_o be_v the_o time_n for_o their_o recovery_n in_o a_o word_n many_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o beg_v for_o ourselves_o many_o for_o our_o friend_n many_o for_o the_o nation_n and_o many_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_a many_o judgement_n be_v threaten_v which_o we_o will_v have_v divert_v and_o many_o felt_n we_o will_v have_v remove_v know_v then_o before_o hand_n what_o errant_a thou_o be_v come_v about_o 3._o direct_v concern_v our_o external_n carriage_n in_o the_o day_n of_o humiliation_n i_o shall_v speak_v something_o for_o have_v make_v the_o preparation_n before_o mention_v and_o the_o day_n be_v come_v there_o be_v some_o external_n duty_n require_v viz._n that_o we_o rise_v betimes_o that_o morning_n and_o deny_v ourselves_o that_o rest_n and_o sleep_v which_o our_o sluggish_a nature_n require_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o do_v not_o thereby_o dis-able_a ourselves_o for_o the_o duty_n and_o that_o we_o spend_v the_o whole_a day_n in_o the_o work_n and_o let_v we_o not_o think_v a_o whole_a day_n too_o much_o for_o if_o we_o prevail_v not_o for_o the_o divert_v those_o judgement_n which_o our_o sin_n deserve_v perhaps_o we_o may_v spend_v many_o year_n in_o great_a suffering_n and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n also_o to_o bring_v as_o many_o of_o thy_o family_n as_o convenient_o may_v be_v along_o with_o thou_o especial_o those_o that_o have_v understanding_n that_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v full_a that_o we_o may_v join_v together_o as_o one_o man_n in_o the_o work_n that_o may_v be_v do_v by_o many_o that_o a_o few_o can_v do_v i_o have_v observe_v upon_o such_o occasion_n man_n think_v one_o in_o a_o family_n sufficient_a to_o come_v to_o the_o congregation_n while_o the_o other_o mind_n their_o worldly_a occasion_n but_o as_o these_o sow_n spare_o so_o they_o be_v like_a to_o reap_v little_a the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o those_o who_o command_v all_o man_n and_o beast_n to_o rest_n and_o fast_o and_o what_o lie_v in_o thou_o come_v with_o a_o humble_a heart_n and_o a_o self-denying_a spirit_n to_o the_o work_n and_o to_o this_o end_n fast_v be_v enjoin_v which_o of_o itself_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n now_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o total_a abstinence_n from_o all_o meat_n and_o drink_n except_o unfeigned_a necessity_n forbid_v the_o very_a name_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o fast_a imply_v this_o much_o and_o if_o this_o abstinence_n be_v not_o observe_v it_o be_v no_o fast_a esther_n we_o find_v command_v the_o jew_n neither_o to_o eat_v nor_o drink_v for_o three_o day_n and_o promise_n that_o she_o and_o her_o maid_n will_v do_v the_o like_a est_z 4.16_o yet_o if_o this_o total_a abstinence_n be_v real_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o health_n and_o prove_v a_o hindrance_n and_o not_o a_o furtherance_n to_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v some_o little_a refresh_n for_o though_o scripture_n example_n afford_v we_o not_o so_o much_o yet_o rectify_v reason_n yea_o and_o scripture_n ground_n warrant_v it_o hos_fw-la 6.6_o i_o have_v desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n a_o place_n urge_v by_o christ_n himself_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n mat._n 12.7_o and_o fast_v be_v ordain_v as_o a_o help_n be_v no_o duty_n when_o it_o become_v a_o hindrance_n but_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o a_o small_a reflection_n so_o much_o and_o no_o more_o as_o will_v revive_v decay_v nature_n prevent_v the_o danger_n and_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o the_o duty_n the_o papist_n in_o their_o fast_n or_o rather_o mock-fast_n observe_v not_o this_o rule_n their_o fast_a consist_v not_o in_o the_o abstinence_n from_o but_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o scripture_n evidence_n nor_o indeed_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n they_o forbear_v flesh_n when_o they_o gorge_v themselves_o with_o wine_n and_o strong_a drink_n and_o fish_n and_o other_o dainty_n which_o no_o less_o pamper_v the_o body_n and_o provoke_v lust_n but_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n may_v fast_o not_o only_o forty_o day_n but_o forty_o year_n with_o little_a trouble_n but_o a_o scripture_n fast_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o meat_n but_o in_o the_o abstinence_n from_o meat_n and_o drink_v not_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o meat_n for_o all_o be_v alike_o lawful_a 1_o cor._n 10.25.27_o &_o 8.8_o heb._n 13.8,9_o and_o as_o meat_n and_o drink_n so_o also_o bodily_a labour_n be_v forbid_v this_o must_v be_v lay_v aside_o as_o upon_o a_o sabbath_n for_o worldly_a business_n divert_v the_o mind_n and_o unfit_a it_o for_o duty_n we_o find_v upon_o those_o day_n of_o atonement_n as_o they_o be_v call_v under_o the_o law_n work_n be_v forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n leu._n 23.27_o etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o soul_n it_o be_v that_o do_v any_o work_n upon_o that_o same_o day_n the_o same_o soul_n will_v i_o destroy_v from_o among_o his_o people_n also_o num._n 29.7_o leu._n 16.29_o now_o though_o the_o ceremonious_a part_n of_o this_o be_v take_v away_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o the_o main_a end_n viz._n to_o afflict_v the_o soul_n it_o remain_v in_o force_n how_o can_v there_o be_v a_o solemn_a congregate_a together_o or_o the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n be_v carry_v on_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o cessation_n from_o bodily_a labour_n again_o costly_n and_o gorgeous_a apparel_n must_v be_v that_o day_n lay_v aside_o as_o unfit_a for_o such_o a_o duty_n we_o find_v king_n themselves_o upon_o such_o day_n gird_v themselves_o with_o sackcloth_n and_o put_v ash_n upon_o their_o head_n and_o do_v not_o as_o in_o our_o time_n mourn_v in_o scarlet_a silk_n and_o satin_n exod._n 33.4,5,6_o jonah_n 3.6_o music_n also_o and_o other_o sport_n and_o recreation_n must_v be_v abstain_v as_o very_o unsuitable_a for_o mourn_a time_n god_n complain_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o in_o their_o fast_n do_v find_v pleasure_n and_o may_v he_o not_o complain_v of_o many_o of_o we_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o ordinance_n be_v over_o fall_v to_o our_o recreation_n as_o at_o other_o time_n isa_n 58.3_o yea_o from_o marriage_n duty_n at_o other_o time_n lawful_a and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 7.5_o defraud_v not_o one_o another_o except_o it_o be_v with_o consent_n for_o a_o time_n that_o you_o may_v give_v yourselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n also_o joel_n 2.16_o nay_o all_o delight_n and_o recreation_n whereby_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v refresh_v shall_v be_v forbear_v see_v a_o example_n of_o david_n 2_o sam._n 12.16.20_o and_o in_o daniel_n chap._n 10.3_o these_o thing_n serve_v partly_o to_o humble_v we_o partly_o to_o take_v revenge_n upon_o ourselves_o for_o our_o former_a miscarriage_n 4._o direct_v have_v direct_v you_o in_o the_o external_n part_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o speak_v something_o of_o the_o internal_a which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o duty_n without_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n a_o bare_a name_n of_o a_o fast_a when_o thou_o come_v therefore_o before_o god_n in_o this_o duty_n set_v thyself_o before_o he_o with_o all_o reverence_n as_o before_o a_o angry_a judge_n just_o provoke_v by_o thy_o fault_n come_v with_o shame_n in_o thy_o face_n and_o sorrow_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o if_o possible_a with_o tear_n in_o thy_o eye_n and_o make_v a_o full_a and_o free_a confession_n of_o thy_o fault_n with_o all_o the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n thereof_o and_o rest_v not_o till_o thy_o heart_n bleed_v for_o thy_o sin_n shall_v thou_o rip_v and_o confess_v all_o the_o sin_n that_o ever_o thou_o have_v commit_v with_o all_o the_o aggravation_n with_o which_o they_o be_v clothe_v if_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o touch_v with_o sorrow_n for_o they_o
judgement_n be_v threaten_v and_o it_o be_v defer_v in_o his_o day_n 1_o king_n 21.27_o many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o prove_v time_n of_o public_a calamity_n seasonable_a time_n for_o this_o duty_n when_o sin_n also_o abound_v it_o be_v a_o time_n for_o god_n people_n to_o be_v mourner_n in_o zion_n for_o assure_o judgement_n will_v follow_v ezek._n 9_o 4._o 1_o sam._n 7.6,7_o psal_n 69.10_o david_n weep_v and_o chastened_a his_o soul_n with_o fast_v for_o where_o sin_n go_v before_o unbewailed_a judgement_n necessary_o follow_v after_o and_o a_o man_n may_v foresee_v the_o effect_n by_o the_o cause_n when_o such_o sin_n as_o usual_o bring_v judgement_n be_v act_v among_o we_o we_o may_v look_v for_o the_o like_a effect_n for_o like_a sin_n bring_v like_o plague_n lam._n 1.20_o i_o have_v grievous_o rebel_v and_o what_o follow_v abroad_o the_o sword_n bereave_v at_o home_o there_o be_v as_o death_n see_v also_o lam._n 2.17_o jer._n 7.12_o amos_n 6.2,3_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o prevail_a of_o sin_n we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o humble_v our_o soul_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o turn_v away_o the_o fierce_a anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o never_o more_o cause_o than_o at_o this_o day_n again_o when_o thou_o find_v thy_o corruption_n strong_a and_o thy_o grace_n weak_a or_o when_o thou_o find_v some_o notable_a decay_n in_o thy_o grace_n it_o be_v time_n then_o to_o look_v about_o thou_o as_o also_o when_o thou_o will_v beg_v any_o great_a thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n go_v to_o he_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n thus_o daniel_n beg_v the_o deliverance_n of_o god_n people_n out_o of_o babylon_n according_a to_o god_n promise_n he_o seek_v to_o he_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n dan._n 9.1,2_o etc._n etc._n &_o 10.2_o etc._n etc._n for_o though_o god_n determine_v to_o do_v it_o yet_o will_v he_o be_v seek_v to_o for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n and_o likewise_o when_o some_o person_n be_v design_v for_o some_o great_a work_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n it_o have_v usual_o be_v do_v by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n thus_o christ_n spend_v a_o whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n before_o he_o choose_v his_o disciple_n luke_n 6.12_o paul_n and_o silas_n be_v set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n act_v 14.2,3_o and_o in_o case_n of_o spiritual_a desertion_n we_o shall_v thus_o seek_v to_o god_n mat._n 9.14_o and_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o some_o great_a undertake_n esther_n 4.16_o when_o corruption_n be_v strong_a when_o ordinary_a food_n wlll_v not_o serve_v we_o must_v use_v physic_n some_o sin_n like_o some_o devil_n go_v not_o out_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v these_o be_v the_o time_n for_o this_o extraordinary_a duty_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o lent_n or_o holiday_n eve_n whereon_o the_o papist_n keep_v their_o mock-fast_n but_o come_v not_o to_o humble_v their_o soul_n for_o their_o sin_n 6._o direct_v propound_v a_o right_a end_n to_o thyself_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o fast_v or_o otherwise_o it_o will_v prove_v in_o vain_a and_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n take_v it_o ill_o from_o god_n that_o he_o regard_v they_o not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o see_v not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o our_o soul_n and_o thou_o take_v no_o notice_n isa_n 58.3_o behold_v say_v god_n you_o fast_o for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o to_o strike_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n etc._n etc._n be_v it_o such_o a_o fast_a that_o i_o have_v choose_v etc._n etc._n zach._n 7.5_o when_o you_o fast_v and_o mourn_v in_o the_o five_o and_o seven_o month_n even_o these_o seventy_o year_n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_a unto_o i_o even_o to_o i_o hos_fw-la 7.14_o they_o have_v not_o cry_v to_o i_o with_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o howl_v upon_o their_o bed_n they_o assemble_v themselves_o for_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o they_o rebel_n against_o i_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v absent_a god_n regard_v not_o the_o service_n the_o pharisee_n mat._n 6.16,17_o they_o fast_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n that_o other_o may_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o of_o a_o austee_a course_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o reward_n from_o man_n not_o from_o god_n the_o papist_n make_v merit_v their_o end_n they_o fast_v and_o think_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o it_o but_o alas_o what_o can_v poor_a sinful_a creature_n merit_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o divine_a indignation_n and_o fierce_a judgement_n god_n may_v say_v of_o we_o as_o of_o those_o jer._n 14.12_o when_o they_o fast_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o cry_n when_o they_o offer_v burnt-offering_n and_o a_o oblation_n i_o will_v not_o accept_v they_o but_o i_o will_v consume_v they_o by_o the_o sword_n and_o by_o the_o famine_n and_o by_o the_o pestilence_n luke_n 18_o 12._o i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n say_v the_o pharisee_fw-mi yet_o the_o poor_a publican_n be_v regard_v before_o he_o see_v also_o rom._n 14.6_o 1_o cor._n 8_o 8._o alas_o be_v man_n but_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n this_o conceit_n of_o merit_n will_v soon_o vanish_v fast_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o only_o useful_a as_o it_o suit_v with_o the_o main_a end_n bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a but_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 4.7,8_o the_o true_a end_n of_o fast_v be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a in_o both_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v the_o ordinary_a end_n be_v such_o as_o these_o the_o subdue_a the_o flesh_n and_o bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n thus_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 9.27_o i_o bring_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n god_n people_n have_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n and_o have_v need_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o subject_v it_o that_o they_o may_v subdue_v their_o corruption_n and_o if_o ordinary_a mean_n will_v not_o do_v extraordinary_n must_v be_v use_v if_o the_o temptation_n remain_v this_o duty_n must_v be_v follow_v and_o at_o length_n god_n will_v give_v strength_n and_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o corroborate_v and_o strengthen_v the_o spirit_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o perform_v the_o require_v duty_n this_o put_v fervency_n into_o our_o prayer_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n this_o way_n man_n take_v some_o revenge_n upon_o themselves_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o abuse_n of_o mercy_n by_o this_o mean_v a_o man_n be_v better_a enable_v to_o grapple_v with_o temptation_n and_o bring_v under_o corruption_n and_o perform_v duty_n of_o our_o general_n and_o particular_a call_v more_o heavenly_a this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n zach._n 12.10_o thus_o the_o prophetess_n anna_n spend_v her_o time_n in_o serve_v god_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n luke_n 2.37_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o body_n become_v dull_a and_o heavy_a and_o unfit_a for_o spiritual_a duty_n but_o by_o moderate_a abstinence_n it_o become_v more_o active_a and_o lively_a and_o therefore_o fast_v and_o prayer_n be_v usual_o join_v together_o for_o fast_v of_o itself_o do_v little_o good_a fast_v testify_v our_o humility_n our_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o guilt_n before_o god_n and_o our_o unworthiness_n of_o meat_n drink_v sleep_v raiment_n or_o other_o refresh_a comfort_n be_v these_o the_o end_v you_o aim_v at_o be_v this_o the_o mark_v you_o shoot_v at_o and_o the_o white_a that_o be_v in_o your_o eye_n it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v you_o fit_a for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o may_v do_v your_o master_n will_v better_o and_o wind_n up_o the_o heart_n to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o holiness_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n but_o if_o custom_n or_o fashion_v or_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n or_o popular_a applause_n or_o hope_n of_o merit_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n be_v your_o end_n your_o duty_n will_v be_v curse_v and_o blast_v to_o you_o and_o be_v return_v sin_n into_o your_o bosom_n the_o extraordinary_a end_n we_o aim_v at_o in_o our_o fast_n shall_v be_v the_o remove_n of_o evil_n feel_v or_o fear_v either_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a from_o ourselves_o or_o other_o the_o beg_v those_o mercy_n we_o want_v and_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o we_o have_v and_o fear_v to_o lose_v these_o be_v the_o end_v the_o godly_a have_v use_v these_o extraordinary_a fast_n for_o and_o this_o have_v be_v successful_a to_o these_o end_n these_o be_v mean_n of_o god_n own_o prescribe_v and_o promise_n be_v add_v of_o a_o good_a success_n and_o many_o christian_n for_o themselves_o and_o other_o
followed_z infant_n you_o see_v though_o uncapable_a be_v not_o free_v even_o such_o as_o hang_v upon_o their_o mother_n breast_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o actual_o sin_v yet_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o sinful_a lump_n of_o mankind_n and_o deserve_a judgement_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v timely_o train_v up_o in_o this_o christian_a duty_n and_o their_o cry_n for_o meat_n and_o the_o very_a bellow_n of_o the_o beast_n may_v stick_v something_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o help_v further_o to_o humble_a and_o break_v it_o yea_o many_o of_o those_o little_a one_o be_v god_n elect_n their_o presence_n may_v be_v a_o argue_v with_o god_n to_o spare_v as_o the_o presence_n of_o jehosophat_n move_v elijah_n to_o come_v to_o ahab_n 2_o king_n 3.19_o this_o be_v one_o motive_n why_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o destroy_v niniveh_n because_o there_o be_v sixscore_o thousand_o soul_n in_o it_o that_o know_v not_o the_o right_a hand_n from_o the_o left_a but_o though_o all_o these_o come_v and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o come_v yet_o all_o come_v not_o right_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o that_o work_n if_o thou_o will_v indeed_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o turn_v away_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n from_o the_o land_n thou_o shall_v be_v one_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o that_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o thy_o soul_n one_o that_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o court_n a_o interest_n in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o can_v through_o he_o go_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n one_o that_o can_v without_o lie_v call_v god_n father_n and_o lie_v claim_v to_o the_o share_n in_o his_o promise_n one_o that_o art_n reconcile_v to_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n such_o a_o one_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v for_o mercy_n it_o be_v not_o those_o that_o howl_v for_o corn_n and_o wine_n he_o regard_v it_o be_v not_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o swine_n or_o the_o bellow_n of_o beast_n he_o matter_n if_o there_o be_v a_o full_a congregation_n of_o unconverted_a sinner_n that_o resolve_v to_o love_v and_o not_o leave_v their_o sin_n i_o question_v whether_o these_o man_n cry_n do_v not_o prevail_v more_o to_o bring_v down_o judgement_n than_o mercy_n when_o man_n covenant_n with_o â—od_n and_o promise_v obedience_n and_o never_o intend_v to_o perform_v it_o this_o be_v but_o a_o mock_n of_o god_n that_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o the_o break_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o he_o that_o can_v and_o will_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n we_o can_v deceive_v he_o though_o we_o come_v with_o tear_n in_o our_o eye_n if_o there_o be_v not_o sorrow_n in_o the_o heart_n our_o crocodile_n tear_n will_v not_o advantage_n we_o but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o weak_a gift_n and_o part_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v right_a yet_o they_o will_v be_v own_v god_n look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o the_o outside_n as_o the_o inside_n of_o duty_n though_o i_o know_v those_o that_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n especial_o in_o public_a shall_v be_v man_n of_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o be_v thus_o qualify_v it_o be_v a_o sweet_a conjunction_n where_o grace_n and_o part_n meet_v they_o shall_v know_v their_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o bewail_v and_o confess_v they_o ezra_n 9.4.6_o nehem._n 1.6,7_o they_o shall_v know_v their_o own_o want_n and_o the_o want_n of_o the_o nation_n dan._n 9.11.18_o in_o a_o word_n every_o novice_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o duty_n and_o therefore_o christ_n himself_o excuse_v his_o disciple_n for_o not_o fast_v not_o only_o because_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o but_z as_o it_o be_v conceive_v because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o duty_n luke_n 5.36,37_o mat._n 9.15,16_o 2._o direct_v will_v thou_o fast_o as_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o as_o god_n require_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o be_v right_o qualify_v but_o come_v prepare_v to_o the_o duty_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n of_o moment_n can_v be_v well_o do_v without_o preparation_n much_o less_o such_o a_o solemn_a work_n and_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a duty_n now_o the_o preparation_n requisite_a be_v partly_o external_n and_o partly_o internal_a the_o external_n help_v forward_o the_o other_o and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o on_o the_o evening_n before_o lay_v aside_o thy_o bodily_a labour_n betimes_o that_o thou_o may_v trim_v up_o thy_o lamp_n to_o meet_v the_o bride_n groom_n the_o day_n follow_v and_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n against_o the_o next_o day_n duty_n and_o take_v that_o evening_n but_o a_o moderate_a supper_n such_o as_o will_v help_v and_o not_o hinder_v thou_o in_o the_o ensue_a duty_n and_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o thou_o can_v without_o prejudice_n to_o thy_o health_n or_o hindrance_n to_o thy_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n follow_v for_o thou_o shall_v deny_v thyself_o in_o sleep_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n but_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o main_a work_n and_o so_o no_o further_o to_o be_v use_v than_o it_o be_v helpful_a to_o it_o now_o the_o main_a work_n be_v to_o get_v the_o heart_n into_o a_o melt_a frame_n and_o humble_a temper_n for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v we_o to_o come_v and_o go_v with_o the_o heart_n unbroken_a now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o the_o consideration_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n when_o they_o be_v press_v home_o upon_o the_o spirit_n by_o serious_a meditation_n call_v to_o mind_n therefore_o thy_o original_a gild_n and_o the_o pollution_n of_o thy_o nature_n and_o how_o the_o whole_a man_n soul_n and_o body_n be_v defile_v by_o it_o and_o thy_o best_a duty_n stain_v as_o also_o thy_o actual_a sin_n many_o for_o number_n and_o heinous_a for_o nature_n call_v to_o mind_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o of_o thy_o ripe_a age_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o call_v general_a and_o particular_a thy_o relation_n sin_n and_o how_o thou_o have_v fail_v in_o every_o relation_n thou_o have_v be_v in_o thy_o sin_n of_o omission_n commission_n and_o participation_n thy_o sin_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n of_o weakness_n and_o wilfulness_n against_o the_o law_n and_o against_o the_o gospel_n against_o god_n and_o against_o man_n with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o as_o against_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o love_n and_o light_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n promise_n and_o resolution_n vow_n and_o covenant_n mean_n and_o help_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o only_o thy_o own_o sin_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o family_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o relation_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v yea_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o superior_n and_o inferior_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n for_o these_o shall_v be_v confess_v as_o daniel_n do_v dan._n 9.2,3_o etc._n etc._n the_o sin_n of_o superior_n inferior_n and_o equal_n for_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o abuse_n of_o mercy_n which_o we_o have_v have_v in_o general_a in_o the_o nation_n or_o in_o particular_a ourselves_o david_n can_v mourn_v in_o secret_a when_o man_n keep_v not_o god_n law_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v mourning_n in_o zion_n and_o be_v sure_o come_v not_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o confess_v or_o bewail_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o and_o resolve_v to_o leave_v nor_o to_o bewail_v the_o omission_n of_o any_o one_o duty_n which_o thou_o be_v not_o resolve_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o practice_n nor_o to_o beg_v for_o one_o mercy_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o labour_v for_o as_o well_o as_o to_o pray_v for_o for_o if_o thou_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v thy_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o shall_v thou_o come_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o thou_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n that_o will_v not_o mock_v and_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a when_o thou_o say_v lord_n when_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o this_o mercy_n god_n may_v say_v man_z when_o will_v thou_o leave_v thy_o sin_n when_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n if_o thou_o say_v never_o god_n will_v return_v thou_o the_o like_a answer_n never_o think_v by_o thy_o prayer_n to_o benefit_n thyself_o or_o the_o church_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o reform_v thy_o own_o heart_n and_o as_o thou_o must_v consider_v thy_o sin_n so_o also_o thy_o want_n what_o mercy_n thou_o will_v beg_v for_o