afflict_a soul_n which_o have_v be_v long_o scorch_a with_o that_o hellish_a flame_n the_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n for_o sin_n drink_v down_o this_o peace_n in_o a_o full_a draught_n of_o that_o blood_n which_o be_v drink_v indeed_o 6.55_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o utter_v nay_o to_o conceive_v the_o content_a it_o enjoy_v but_o only_o those_o who_o by_o experience_n have_v feel_v it_o how_o sweet_o do_v they_o rest_v as_o new_o bear_v babe_n in_o a_o delightful_a cradle_n of_o heavenly_a ease_n and_o tranquillity_n lean_v themselves_o as_o the_o belove_a disciple_n on_o the_o bosom_n of_o christ_n while_o glorious_a angel_n sing_v about_o they_o peace_n on_o earth_n good_a will_n towards_o man_n 14._o another_o of_o those_o fruit_n be_v joy_n spring_v from_o the_o former_a nothing_o inferior_a nay_o above_o the_o other_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a 1.8_o it_o remove_v all_o sense_n of_o corporal_a evil_n change_v scourge_n racking_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n so_o that_o as_o thing_n very_o tart_a &_o bitter_a by_o be_v boil_a in_o sugar_n become_v very_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a so_o all_o these_o grievance_n season_v by_o this_o overrule_a joy_n be_v whole_o alter_v and_o the_o most_o extreme_a pang_n be_v turn_v into_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n oh_o how_o the_o soul_n by_o it_o be_v delight_v ravish_a and_o even_o here_o on_o earth_n transport_v for_o a_o time_n into_o a_o three_o heaven_n in_o the_o second_o kind_n be_v knowledge_n love_n fear_v of_o god_n faith_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o with_o many_o other_o in_o righteousness_n brotherly_a love_n patience_n gentleness_n goodness_n and_o many_o such_o like_a come_v from_o the_o same_o stock_n in_o sobriety_n temperance_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_v modesty_n in_o apparel_n and_o moderation_n in_o all_o bodily_a comfort_n and_o refresh_n now_o in_o none_o of_o these_o be_v that_o soul_n barren_a which_o effectual_o converse_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 11.12_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v live_v godly_o righteousty_a &_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a world_n let_v we_o descend_v to_o the_o particular_n 1._o peace_n be_v bring_v home_o to_o we_o by_o the_o word_n preach_v ephe._n 2._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o so_o likewise_o joy_n instant_o follow_v the_o word_n and_o accompany_v it_o and_o enter_v with_o it_o into_o city_n family_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o people_n see_v act_n 8._o 8._o 39_o and_o 16._o 34._o john_n 15._o 11._o so_o also_o for_o the_o knowledge_n oâ—_n god_n it_o come_v only_o from_o the_o word_n and_o our_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o it_o hence_o call_v the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n 12.8_o thus_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prophet_n make_v know_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n but_o much_o more_o clear_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 16._o 25._o 26._o see_v john_n 17._o 6._o 7._o 8._o thus_o meditation_n in_o the_o word_n teach_v we_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n deut._n 17._o 19_o and_o 31._o 12._o 13._o so_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o main_a lesson_n which_o be_v continual_o press_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o which_o enter_v with_o it_o where_o it_o be_v effectual_o receive_v see_v john_n 15._o 10._o so_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n 17._o and_o when_o we_o delight_v in_o the_o sabbath_n we_o come_v to_o delight_v in_o god_n isaiah_n 58._o 13._o 14._o thus_o brotherly_a love_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n proceed_v from_o it_o come_v by_o the_o word_n 1_o thes._n 4.9_o thus_o likewise_o that_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v teach_v we_o by_o that_o word_n and_o he_o that_o be_v teach_v as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n can_v live_v wanton_o ephe._n 4._o 19_o 20._o 21._o so_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o right_a passage_n in_o the_o colossian_n it_o be_v fruitful_a among_o they_o and_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o see_v colos._n 1._o 6._o he_o that_o hear_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n will_v be_v fruitful_a mat._n 13._o 23._o sure_o it_o be_v that_o every_o natural_a cause_n will_v bring_v forth_o his_o ordinary_a effect_n if_o it_o be_v not_o overrule_v by_o some_o high_a power_n or_o hinder_v in_o work_v by_o some_o defect_n in_o itself_o or_o want_v of_o some_o help_n necessary_a to_o concur_v with_o it_o now_o than_o this_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n be_v his_o power_n to_o salvation_n and_o use_v by_o his_o spirit_n not_o only_o as_o seed_n but_o as_o water_n nay_o as_o fire_n also_o to_o caâ—l_v forth_o â—he_v virtue_n of_o that_o which_o be_v sow_v be_v assist_v by_o such_o a_o husbandman_n who_o both_o know_v how_o to_o use_v it_o and_o can_v resist_v all_o impediment_n can_v but_o yield_v that_o fruit_n which_o he_o intend_v and_o appoint_v isaiah_n 55._o 10._o 11._o john_n 15._o 1._o 2._o theâ—e_n be_v no_o study_n but_o will_n to_o a_o man_n very_o dull_a if_o he_o employ_v his_o time_n much_o in_o it_o bring_v some_o profit_n certain_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o heart_n which_o with_o delight_n and_o continual_a meditation_n do_v exercise_v himself_o in_o that_o word_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o be_v his_o wisdom_n to_o train_v we_o up_o in_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n will_v bring_v we_o though_o in_o nature_n dull_a of_o hear_v and_o very_a fool_n in_o understanding_n to_o some_o good_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o by_o continual_a use_n increase_v that_o wisdom_n which_o it_o have_v begin_v to_o work_v in_o we_o psal._n 19_o 7._o and_o 119.98_o 99_o 2._o in_o that_o the_o spiritual_a fruit_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o palm_n let_v we_o especial_o learn_v in_o this_o similitude_n that_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o tree_n be_v some_o year_n before_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n and_o be_v much_o long_o ripen_v then_o any_o other_o so_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o present_o attain_v to_o maturity_n but_o very_o often_o increase_v very_o slow_o and_o be_v long_o before_o it_o come_v to_o that_o full_a growth_n and_o perfection_n to_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o which_o respect_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o grain_n oâ—_n mustard_n seed_n the_o least_o of_o seed_n and_o the_o great_a of_o herb_n the_o beginning_n of_o it_o be_v but_o weak_a 32._o and_o yet_o by_o little_a and_o unsensible_a degree_n it_o grow_v to_o wonderful_a strength_n even_o in_o this_o life_n see_v also_o that_o parable_n mark_v .4_o 26._o 27._o 28._o sure_o the_o husbandman_n wait_v for_o the_o precious_a fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n 5.6.7_o and_o have_v long_a patience_n for_o it_o 5._o until_o he_o receive_v the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n well_o therefore_o may_v we_o wait_v upon_o our_o god_n &_o expect_v his_o leisure_n with_o patience_n for_o the_o fruit_n of_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n have_v faith_n to_o forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v christ_n yet_o when_o they_o have_v long_o follow_v he_o and_o have_v see_v his_o glory_n in_o so_o many_o miracle_n so_o powerful_a preach_v nay_o even_o simple_a in_o it_o own_o shape_n and_o much_o excellence_n upon_o the_o mount_n they_o have_v but_o little_a faith_n when_o we_o hear_v the_o prophet_n david_n after_o so_o long_a study_n in_o the_o law_n still_o call_v for_o knowledge_n and_o open_v his_o eye_n psal._n 119.18.27_o when_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n profess_v 3.13_o that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v but_o follow_v hard_a this_o truth_n be_v manifest_o clear_v unto_o we_o let_v none_o marvel_v at_o this_o for_o we_o see_v the_o like_a in_o all_o creature_n as_o any_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o other_o and_o long_o live_v so_o be_v he_o more_o slow_a in_o grow_v and_o attain_v his_o perfection_n those_o beast_n which_o live_v but_o a_o short_a time_n soon_o come_v to_o ripeness_n but_o as_o man_n be_v far_o beyond_o they_o so_o be_v he_o more_o slow_a of_o growth_n and_o even_o in_o man_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o beginning_n when_o they_o live_v eight_o or_o nine_o hundred_o year_n they_o slow_o attain_v to_o ripeness_n and_o full_a age_n and_o be_v common_o a_o hundred_o or_o sixty_o year_n before_o they_o have_v any_o child_n gen._n 5._o see_v therefore_o this_o new_a creature_n be_v far_o the_o most_o excellent_a &_o of_o long_a life_n even_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o we_o can_v wonder_v if_o it_o come_v on_o in_o some_o very_o slow_o again_o as_o any_o creature_n receive_v &_o digest_v more_o or_o less_o sustenance_n so_o be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o speedy_a in_o growth_n now_o the_o word_n of_o
the_o way_n to_o blessedness_n a_o treatise_n or_o commentary_n on_o the_o first_o psalm_n psal._n 119._o 1._o bless_a be_v the_o undefiled_a in_o the_o way_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o phinees_n fletcher_n b._n in_o d._n and_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n at_o hilgay_n in_o norfolk_n london_n print_v by_o i._n d._n for_o james_n boler_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o marigold_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1632._o to_o my_o most_o honour_v free_a and_o bountiful_a patron_n sir_n henry_n willoughby_n baronet_n and_o to_o his_o most_o worthy_a lady_n all_o blessing_n of_o this_o and_o a_o better_a life_n sir_n the_o ignorant_a general_o complain_v of_o too_o much_o preach_v and_o some_o learned_a of_o too_o much_o write_v the_o first_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v either_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n or_o their_o own_o want_n of_o grace_n for_o want_v of_o that_o gracious_a word_n the_o other_o i_o think_v in_o this_o have_v squint_a eye_n or_o at_o least_o look_v not_o the_o râ—ght_a way_n to_o the_o gospel_n for_o do_v they_o condemn_v only_o the_o wanton_a idle_a and_o vain_a pamphlet_n which_o too_o licentious_o pandare_v for_o lust_n stand_v forth_o in_o every_o shop_n or_o those_o turbulent_a libel_n which_o be_v engender_v in_o earthly_a mind_n break_v forth_o into_o all_o bitterness_n and_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o storm_n and_o schism_n who_o will_v not_o rise_v up_o with_o they_o against_o the_o wicked_a but_o the_o book_n by_o they_o censure_v nay_o despise_a and_o deride_v be_v such_o as_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o be_v scorn_v either_o because_o they_o savour_v not_o of_o profound_a and_o deep_a learning_n or_o not_o bombast_v with_o multiplicity_n of_o read_v or_o not_o stick_v thick_a enough_o with_o the_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n when_o yet_o our_o own_o experience_n make_v we_o see_v these_o despise_a labour_n wonderful_o to_o prosper_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n delight_v to_o glorify_v his_o power_n in_o infirmity_n and_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o word_n which_o make_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n of_o no_o effect_n or_o as_o light_v so_o the_o word_n be_v most_o clear_a and_o powerful_a when_o least_o mix_v famous_a be_v that_o history_n of_o sozomen_n who_o have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n that_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a when_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v not_o a_o little_a stumble_v the_o learned_a christian_n a_o simple_a old_a man_n step_v out_o and_o with_o plain_a deal_n both_o confute_v and_o convert_v he_o no_o question_n there_o be_v great_a and_o even_o necessary_a use_n of_o those_o special_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o by_o such_o example_n the_o lord_n plain_o show_v that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v his_o mean_a grace_n despise_v i_o be_o persuade_v that_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n and_o less_o blasphemy_n we_o may_v quarrel_v with_o the_o creator_n for_o make_v so_o many_o river_n and_o fountain_n on_o earth_n so_o many_o star_n in_o heaven_n as_o with_o the_o redeemer_n and_o bless_a spirit_n for_o store_v this_o kingdom_n with_o those_o gift_n which_o make_v it_o as_o a_o water_a garden_n and_o another_o firmament_n full_a of_o glorious_a light_n shed_v their_o beam_n into_o every_o corner_n for_o myself_o if_o any_o desire_n to_o know_v the_o reason_n impel_v i_o to_o write_v what_o before_o i_o have_v speak_v and_o give_v way_n to_o my_o private_a and_o weak_a meditation_n to_o look_v out_o in_o public_a upon_o so_o learned_a a_o age_n the_o chief_a be_v these_o first_o that_o redouble_v and_o treble_v command_n of_o our_o most_o gracious_a saviour_n 17._o feed_v my_o sheep_n together_o with_o that_o enforce_a motive_n as_o thou_o love_v i_o oh_o who_o can_v love_v he_o sufficient_o who_o love_v to_o death_n who_o love_n pass_v knowledge_n â—9_n or_o how_o can_v any_o man_n feed_v too_o much_o when_o no_o man_n can_v love_v enough_o therefore_o that_o apostle_n there_o so_o adjure_v content_v not_o himself_o to_o feed_v by_o preach_v but_o to_o this_o day_n feed_v we_o by_o his_o writing_n the_o same_o precept_n be_v often_o by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n press_v upon_o his_o minister_n 10._o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ._n as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n so_o let_v he_o administer_v it_o â—o_o other_o 28._o as_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n o_o strong_a adjuration_n now_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v ever_o esteem_v any_o pain_n sufficient_a for_o that_o for_o which_o god_n think_v not_o his_o blood_n too_o much_o second_o the_o straight_a account_n which_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n have_v foretell_v he_o will_v exact_v of_o all_o his_o servant_n 30._o to_o who_o he_o commit_v these_o treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o single_a talon_n shall_v be_v accountable_a and_o the_o slothful_a person_n adjudge_v to_o a_o fearful_a condemnation_n and_o execution_n for_o not_o put_v it_o to_o the_o bank_n three_o the_o profit_n of_o god_n people_n especial_o those_o commit_v to_o i_o by_o christ._n sure_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a love_n between_o a_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o his_o faithful_a people_n the_o galatian_n can_v give_v their_o eye_n 15._o 4._o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n their_o life_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o beyond_o all_o admiration_n be_v the_o love_n of_o that_o apostle_n 5._o who_o not_o only_o love_v the_o more_o 24._o the_o less_o he_o be_v belove_v their_o neglect_n as_o it_o be_v by_o antiperistasis_n kindle_v and_o enflame_v his_o affection_n but_o can_v willing_o defer_v his_o joy_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o still_o live_v under_o the_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o jew_n gentile_n false_a brethren_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o all_o these_o the_o fiery_a opposition_n and_o loathsome_a but_o force_v struggle_n with_o remainder_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v build_v the_o church_n he_o know_v not_o which_o to_o choose_v his_o presence_n with_o christ_n in_o infinite_a felicity_n or_o his_o edify_v the_o church_n with_o all_o worldly_a misery_n last_o though_o there_o be_v even_o innumerable_a light_n heaven_n yet_o be_v there_o not_o one_o in_o vain_a the_o very_o least_o and_o most_o obscure_a have_v their_o use_n their_o light_n and_o influence_n yea_o those_o infinite_a little_a star_n which_o by_o we_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o reason_n partly_o of_o their_o distance_n partly_o of_o their_o smallness_n yet_o do_v they_o pave_v embrighten_v and_o point_n out_o that_o milky_a way_n in_o heaven_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o little_a and_o weak_a work_n shall_v through_o his_o power_n who_o bring_v light_n out_o of_o darkness_n direct_v some_o or_o further_o they_o in_o that_o bless_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v stop_v my_o way_n with_o slight_a entertainment_n and_o strong_a opposition_n of_o the_o world_n this_o can_v weigh_v with_o those_o strong_a argument_n incite_v i_o to_o this_o duty_n i_o remember_v the_o astronomer_n distinguish_v the_o visible_a fix_a star_n into_o six_o several_a magnitude_n those_o of_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a exceed_v the_o whole_a earth_n in_o quantity_n a_o hundred_o and_o sevenfold_a and_o even_o the_o most_o obscure_a and_o cloudy_a of_o the_o six_o magnitude_n eighteen-fold_n with_o advantage_n thus_o those_o first_o and_o great_a star_n the_o holy_a apostle_n their_o follower_n and_o immediate_a successor_n how_o wonderful_o they_o do_v surmount_v the_o whole_a earth_n may_v easy_o appear_v in_o this_o that_o when_o all_o the_o world_n interpose_v itself_o to_o eclipse_v their_o light_n yet_o do_v they_o then_o shine_v more_o bright_a and_o fill_v the_o whole_a earth_n with_o the_o glorious_a splendour_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n so_o even_o in_o these_o last_o age_n we_o have_v know_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o pope_n emperor_n and_o many_o other_o prince_n the_o whole_a earth_n indeed_o be_v band_v against_o a_o very_a few_o and_o far_o inferior_a to_o those_o fiâ—st_a minister_n yet_o do_v they_o overcome_v all_o their_o malice_n and_o shed_v the_o long_o obscure_a light_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o myself_o i_o rest_v assure_v that_o one_o heavenly_a spark_n in_o the_o least_o of_o those_o star_n shine_v in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o nor_o can_v by_o any_o earthly_a opposition_n be_v so_o eclipse_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v break_v through_o and_o both_o enlighten_v and_o inflame_v some_o of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v it_o
these_o wicked_a spirit_n in_o this_o heavenly_a tillage_n to_o make_v thou_o a_o fruitless_a and_o so_o a_o accurse_a ground_n how_o lamentable_a be_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o town_n half_n affamished_a and_o round_o beleaguer_v with_o a_o strong_a enemy_n who_o keep_v they_o from_o all_o succour_n that_o they_o may_v see_v even_o at_o their_o gate_n store_n of_o corn_n send_v by_o their_o friend_n but_o no_o entrance_n for_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o enemy_n this_o be_v their_o condition_n the_o food_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v send_v by_o christ_n bring_v by_o his_o messenger_n stand_v ready_a at_o the_o ear_n to_o enter_v but_o the_o devil_n bar_v the_o gate_n and_o turn_v it_o from_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o danger_n be_v yet_o great_a for_o he_o have_v protest_v to_o yield_v we_o the_o like_a measure_n 24._o as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o large_o hereafter_o if_o we_o suffer_v he_o thus_o to_o go_v after_o we_o entreat_v we_o to_o turn_v and_o be_v reconcile_v and_o we_o be_v careless_a the_o tide_n shall_v change_v when_o we_o shall_v as_o earnest_o cry_v and_o howl_v for_o mercy_n and_o he_o will_v laugh_v at_o our_o destruction_n see_v his_o word_n prov._n 1._o 24_o 26_o 28._o and_o the_o deed_n answer_v it_o zach._n 7._o 12_o 13._o exhortation_n let_v we_o therefore_o shake_v out_o this_o spiritual_a drowsiness_n wake_v our_o ear_n and_o watch_v they_o to_o keep_v they_o wake_v let_v this_o thought_n be_v ever_o in_o thy_o heart_n to_o hold_v they_o open_a i_o see_v indeed_o a_o man_n but_o i_o hear_v the_o lord_n the_o voice_n be_v man_n but_o the_o word_n be_v god_n whether_o i_o consider_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n or_o the_o love_n of_o the_o speaker_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o speech_n necessity_n of_o attention_n lie_v upon_o my_o soul_n he_o be_v my_o sovereign_a lord_n 19_o in_o who_o hand_n be_v my_o life_n and_o death_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a his_o love_n wonderful_a pass_v the_o love_n of_o all_o creature_n pass_v knowledge_n the_o subject_n of_o his_o speech_n be_v my_o happiness_n lay_v down_o plain_o before_o my_o eye_n the_o way_n of_o my_o eternal_a life_n and_o shall_v i_o neglect_v such_o a_o speech_n and_o such_o a_o speaker_n thus_o when_o we_o have_v provoke_v our_o heart_n to_o this_o duty_n let_v we_o inquire_v the_o mean_n enable_v we_o to_o perform_v it_o and_o constant_o practice_v they_o mean_n 1._o labour_n to_o empty_a thy_o heart_n and_o to_o cast_v out_o the_o ignorant_a conceit_n of_o knowledge_n 1.53_o he_o feed_v the_o hungry_a away_o with_o that_o proud_a opinion_n of_o goodness_n and_o ability_n 2._o consider_v the_o necessity_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n purposely_o send_v to_o supply_v it_o 16._o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n verse_n i._o bless_v be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a the_o body_n of_o this_o psalm_n have_v these_o two_o especial_a member_n 1._o the_o double_a estate_n of_o man_n 2._o the_o cause_n of_o it_o both_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n propound_v as_o the_o strong_a incentives_n to_o godliness_n the_o first_o be_v as_o a_o cord_n of_o love_n to_o draw_v the_o second_o as_o a_o whip_n to_o drive_v we_o the_o estate_n of_o man_n be_v either_o bless_v and_o happy_a or_o curse_a and_o miserable_a the_o bless_a describe_v first_o more_o confuse_o and_o general_o in_o that_o word_n bless_v or_o as_o in_o the_o hebrew_n blessedness_n where_o thus_o god_n reason_n with_o we_o thou_o desire_v to_o be_v bless_v all_o thy_o action_n all_o thy_o wish_n tend_v to_o this_o issue_n but_o lo_o yonder_o be_v true_a blessedness_n and_o i_o be_o here_o ready_a to_o be_v thy_o guide_n and_o have_v to_o this_o end_n lend_v thou_o my_o word_n to_o be_v a_o lamp_n to_o thy_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o thy_o path_n 119.105_o up_o then_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o will_v certain_o bring_v thou_o to_o all_o thy_o wish_n second_o he_o point_v out_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o first_o that_o which_o must_v be_v leave_v and_o forsake_v which_o be_v three_o fold_n 1._o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a 2._o stand_v with_o sinner_n 3._o sit_v with_o the_o scornful_a then_o he_o set_v out_o the_o path_n which_o we_o must_v take_v and_o walk_v in_o namely_o the_o word_n this_o we_o do_v as_o well_o by_o delight_v as_o meditate_v in_o it_o these_o be_v the_o two_o foot_n which_o carry_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o this_o meditation_n amplify_v by_o the_o time_n day_n and_o night_n so_o thus_o god_n plead_v with_o we_o will_v thou_o go_v in_o the_o strait_a way_n to_o happiness_n the_o short_a cut_n nay_o the_o only_a tract_n be_v by_o holiness_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o those_o three_o left-hand_a path_n thou_o shall_v see_v ungodly_a man_n walk_v in_o evil_a counsel_n obstinate_a sinner_n stand_v in_o perverse_a way_n mocker_n sit_v down_o in_o the_o chair_n of_o scorn_v all_o these_o may_v seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n fair_a and_o likely_a but_o take_v thou_o heed_n turn_v aside_o and_o enter_v not_o into_o they_o and_o know_v that_o they_o lead_v thou_o through_o vanity_n to_o destruction_n but_o lo_o there_o lie_v direct_o before_o thou_o a_o narrow_a path_n of_o meditate_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n set_v in_o thy_o foot_n here_o take_v this_o strait_a way_n and_o it_o shall_v certain_o bring_v thou_o to_o thy_o desire_a end_n and_o know_v howsoever_o it_o seem_v at_o first_o hard_o and_o much_o about_o thou_o shall_v find_v it_o pleasant_a and_o the_o near_a way_n to_o thy_o home_n three_o this_o happy_a condition_n of_o man_n be_v more_o particular_o set_v out_o to_o the_o view_n and_o clear_o reveal_v unto_o we_o 1._o by_o a_o most_o elegant_a similitude_n of_o a_o tree_n 1._o plant_v 2_o water_v 3._o fruitful_a 4._o ever_o flourish_v 2._o by_o some_o part_n of_o it_o namely_o prosperity_n where_o thus_o again_o our_o guide_n confer_v with_o we_o lift_v up_o thy_o eye_n now_o and_o behold_v right_a before_o thou_o the_o joy_n of_o life_n the_o crown_n of_o thy_o labour_n the_o haven_n of_o all_o thy_o desire_n see_v how_o direct_o this_o path_n lead_v thou_o to_o the_o true_a vine_n christ_n jesus_n and_o graft_v thou_o in_o he_o in_o who_o only_o thou_o be_v bless_v with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n behold_v how_o these_o water_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n flow_v from_o the_o well_o of_o life_n fill_v thou_o with_o fruit_n and_o sustain_v thou_o in_o a_o most_o flourish_a estate_n consider_v from_o the_o time_n thou_o have_v constant_o set_v thy_o foot_n in_o this_o way_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o and_o make_v aâ—l_o thy_o way_n to_o prosper_v in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o curse_a state_n of_o man_n be_v lay_v down_o 1._o negative_o not_o so_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v not_o bless_v but_o curse_a not_o plant_v but_o wild_a not_o water_v but_o parch_v not_o fruitful_a but_o barren_a not_o flourish_v but_o wither_v and_o blast_v not_o prosper_v but_o confound_v 2._o positive_o 1._o by_o a_o comparison_n of_o chaff_n drive_v by_o the_o wind_n 2._o by_o a_o double_a consequent_a they_o can_v stand_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n nor_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o just_a last_o he_o show_v the_o cause_n of_o bothâ—_n namely_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n overlook_a and_o overrule_a all_o creature_n where_o yet_o further_o we_o may_v hear_v our_o gracious_a god_n instruct_v we_o look_v yonder_o and_o view_v well_o the_o issue_n and_o end_n of_o these_o man_n which_o take_v the_o other_o way_n â—â—e_z further_o they_o go_v the_o further_o they_o wander_v from_o that_o which_o they_o seek_v they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a wilderness_n wild_a dry_a and_o barren_a see_v there_o how_o they_o be_v stub_a up_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n 73.19_o how_o sudden_o be_v they_o destroy_v perish_a &_o horrible_o consume_v know_v then_o the_o path_n of_o man_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o lord_n wait_v thou_o therefore_o on_o the_o lord_n 24._o and_o keep_v his_o way_n and_o he_o shall_v exalt_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v inherit_v the_o land_n when_o the_o wicked_a man_n shall_v perish_v thou_o shall_v see_v it_o now_o in_o this_o first_o verse_n observe_v 1._o the_o way_n 2._o those_o that_o go_v in_o it_o 3._o their_o proceed_n or_o journey_n every_o one_o of_o these_o express_v in_o three_o several_a degree_n in_o the_o way_n mark_v 1._o the_o entrance_n counsel_n 2._o the_o continuance_n or_o progress_n the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o sin_n more_o special_o here_o call_v the_o way_n 3._o the_o uttermost_a extent_n
any_o man_n he_o drive_v he_o through_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o sin_n carry_v he_o headlong_o and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o stop_v unless_o the_o lord_n over-rule_v he_o till_o he_o be_v plunge_v in_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o faithful_a be_v first_o awake_v 14â—_n and_o command_v to_o stand_v up_o to_o receive_v light_n and_o be_v once_o raise_v and_o quicken_v with_o christ_n 7._o they_o go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n till_o they_o appear_v all_o of_o they_o before_o the_o lord_n in_o zion_n they_o mend_v their_o speed_n and_o run_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n burn_v in_o love_n 13.14_o they_o forget_v what_o be_v behind_o reach_v forth_o to_o that_o which_o be_v before_o &_o press_v hard_a towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n 3.13_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o wicked_a man_n wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o rush_v into_o all_o impiety_n as_o a_o horse_n to_o the_o battle_n and_o be_v catch_v and_o violent_o drive_v as_o a_o ship_n in_o a_o storm_n with_o the_o tempest_n of_o their_o sensual_a desire_n never_o stop_v but_o in_o eternal_a death_n 5,6,7_o so_o as_o the_o godly_a go_v on_o from_o faith_n to_o virtue_n from_o virtue_n to_o knowledge_n from_o knowledge_n to_o temperance_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o wicked_a man_n lay_v a_o foundation_n in_o ignorance_n build_v upon_o it_o wilfulness_n 18,19_o wilful_a darkness_n grow_v up_o to_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n hardness_n procure_v senslesnes_n want_v of_o feel_a usher_n into_o wantonness_n and_o delight_n in_o sin_n and_o this_o delight_n bring_v in_o greediness_n o_o there_o be_v in_o the_o sinful_a heart_n of_o man_n a_o precipice_n and_o strange_a downfall_n in_o the_o desire_n and_o practice_v of_o iniquity_n which_o will_v not_o endure_v any_o stay_n till_o it_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o god_n be_v either_o stop_v by_o his_o grace_n and_o turn_v into_o the_o good_a way_n or_o strike_v with_o death_n and_o send_v to_o their_o place_n hurry_v with_o sensuality_n they_o can_v cease_v to_o sin_n drink_v iniquity_n as_o a_o thirsty_a man_n water_n as_o it_o draw_v they_o so_o they_o draw_v it_o with_o cart-rope_n they_o will_v take_v great_a pain_n to_o do_v wicked_o 14._o and_o as_o a_o man_n that_o wilful_o fling_v himself_o from_o a_o high_a rock_n or_o steeple_n can_v stay_v 16._o but_o still_o fall_v 5.18_o and_o the_o further_o he_o go_v sink_v with_o more_o force_n and_o speed_n 9.5_o so_o be_v it_o with_o our_o sinful_a nature_n altogether_o like_o those_o swine_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o devil_n be_v carry_v by_o he_o and_o can_v not_o stop_v till_o they_o come_v to_o those_o steep_a rock_n nor_o stay_v there_o till_o they_o have_v cast_v themselves_o down_o into_o the_o sea_n and_o be_v stifle_v observe_v it_o in_o some_o particular_n when_o satan_n have_v kindle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o cain_n that_o hellish_a brand_n of_o anger_n it_o can_v not_o be_v quench_v with_o the_o nearness_n of_o blood_n and_o dear_a relation_n of_o a_o only_a brother_n till_o anger_n have_v inflame_v it_o with_o hatred_n and_o hatred_n break_v out_o into_o actual_a murder_n so_o in_o sodom_n fullness_n of_o bread_n or_o luxury_n breed_v idleness_n idleness_n lust_n and_o lust_n rush_n into_o that_o bestial_a filthiness_n against_o nature_n and_o will_v to_o god_n some_o remnant_n of_o this_o curse_a disposition_n remain_v not_o still_o in_o the_o faithful_a howsoever_o it_o be_v overmastered_n by_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o reign_v for_o christ._n when_o david_n give_v his_o eye_n leave_v to_o wander_v in_o wanton_a look_n his_o eye_n draw_v his_o heart_n to_o wanton_a thought_n and_o desire_n and_o his_o heart_n drive_v on_o his_o body_n to_o actual_a uncleanness_n thus_o be_v he_o carry_v headlong_o to_o adultery_n adultery_n pull_v he_o on_o under_o pretence_n of_o save_v his_o credit_n to_o make_v vriah_n drink_v and_o at_o length_n to_o murder_v he_o consider_v this_o with_o fear_n and_o not_o only_o know_v the_o falseness_n and_o cunning_a deceiveablenes_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o remember_v that_o when_o man_n even_o god_n choose_v give_v way_n to_o sin_n god_n often_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v carry_v down_o in_o the_o current_n of_o it_o that_o before_o they_o can_v think_v of_o it_o they_o be_v almost_o sink_v and_o swallow_v in_o death_n and_o despair_n there_o be_v that_o unmeasurable_a pride_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o it_o will_v with_o no_o great_a difficulty_n be_v bring_v to_o mock_v god_n in_o his_o word_n in_o his_o work_n in_o his_o saint_n for_o as_o god_n be_v deny_v so_o be_v he_o deride_v either_o in_o word_n and_o open_a profession_n of_o atheism_n or_o more_o secret_o in_o rebellious_a action_n proceed_v from_o inward_a contempt_n of_o god_n as_o there_o be_v some_o which_o have_v deny_v god_n in_o word_n through_o fear_n and_o weakness_n which_o yet_o confess_v he_o in_o their_o heart_n 1.16_o so_o be_v there_o many_o who_o profess_v god_n in_o their_o word_n deny_v he_o in_o work_n be_v altogether_o abominable_a disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a neither_o be_v these_o atheist_n to_o be_v find_v among_o heathen_n only_o 29._o but_o every_o where_o swarm_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n how_o often_o do_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n complain_v of_o and_o threaten_v the_o despiser_n of_o his_o word_n 15._o how_o often_o do_v the_o prophet_n cry_v out_o of_o they_o i_o be_o in_o derision_n daily_o every_o one_o mock_v i_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v make_v a_o reproach_n to_o i_o and_o a_o derision_n daily_o 3.3_o see_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o sko_n 18._o they_o say_v unto_o i_o where_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v it_o come_v now_o thus_o ezekiell_n chap._n 33._o 32._o so_o likewise_o god_n be_v mock_v in_o his_o work_n by_o those_o atheist_n which_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o see_v daily_o walk_v after_o their_o lust_n numberless_a be_v they_o that_o mock_v god_n in_o his_o saint_n see_v psal._n 14._o 6._o and_o 69._o 7._o 9_o 11._o 12._o it_o may_v seem_v a_o strange_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o even_o those_o who_o profess_v christ_n shall_v mock_v he_o shall_v mock_v he_o in_o his_o word_n and_o despise_v his_o wisdom_n in_o those_o ordinance_n which_o himself_o appoint_v and_o commend_v to_o his_o church_n unless_o the_o spirit_n have_v show_v we_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o namely_o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n discern_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o judge_n they_o folly_n now_o we_o know_v that_o folly_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a object_n of_o scorn_n and_o many_o hypocrite_n be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o have_v lord_n often_o in_o their_o mouth_n yet_o never_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o be_v in_o deed_n howsoever_o in_o show_n they_o seem_v otherwise_o natural_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a do_v but_o observe_v the_o ordinary_a behaviour_n of_o man_n in_o this_o open_a light_n how_o common_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sabbath_n never_o blush_v in_o plain_a term_n to_o prefer_v their_o own_o vain_a conceit_n before_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n affirm_v and_o maintain_v that_o they_o can_v serve_v god_n as_o well_o at_o home_n and_o in_o the_o chimney_n corner_n by_o read_v some_o good_a book_n etc._n etc._n as_o in_o the_o church_n by_o hear_v the_o preacher_n and_o so_o wilful_o blind_a be_v they_o that_o they_o can_v see_v how_o base_o in_o this_o they_o esteem_v of_o god_n wisdom_n who_o continual_o employ_v his_o servant_n and_o command_v they_o to_o be_v instant_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n send_v they_o prophet_n apostle_n wise_a man_n etc._n etc._n 34._o if_o god_n send_v they_o dare_v we_o think_v it_o needless_a be_v he_o not_o more_o then_o fond_a who_o will_v send_v a_o guide_n with_o a_o man_n who_o without_o any_o direction_n can_v as_o well_o come_v to_o his_o journey_n end_v how_o ordinary_a be_v it_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o his_o word_n to_o set_v before_o he_o yet_o open_o by_o sleep_v reading_z nay_o many_o time_n talk_v proclaim_v the_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n in_o which_o they_o hold_v that_o ordinance_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n this_o behaviour_n be_v intolerable_a towards_o man_n yet_o god_n must_v take_v it_o at_o our_o hand_n 1.8_o offer_v such_o service_n to_o thy_o prince_n and_o try_v whether_o he_o will_v be_v content_a with_o it_o and_o accept_v thy_o person_n if_o he_o command_v thou_o to_o attend_v his_o pleasure_n at_o the_o court_n and_o set_v thou_o a_o day_n dare_v thou_o break_v day_n with_o he_o dare_v thou_o