and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o many_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o deep_a and_o serious_a sense_n what_o a_o weighty_a and_o solemn_a duty_n the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o forbear_v it_o because_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n these_o very_a man_n presume_v to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o address_v themselves_o unto_o god_n throne_n and_o hear_v his_o holy_a word_n without_o any_o preparation_n at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o require_v care_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o thus_o they_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n whilst_o they_o be_v too_o negligent_a and_o profane_a on_o the_o other_o they_o whole_o omit_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n because_o they_o will_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o at_o all_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o man_n who_o live_v so_o long_o under_o the_o most_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n edify_v so_o little_a by_o it_o why_o their_o understanding_n be_v so_o little_o improve_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o little_o better_v thereby_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v prepare_v mind_n and_o good_a disposition_n along_o with_o they_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o worldly_a affair_n their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o many_o wicked_a and_o impure_a spirit_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o give_v he_o any_o suitable_a entertainment_n some_o preparation_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v before_o we_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v after_o this_o or_o such_o like_a manner_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o any_o other_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o set_v apart_o from_o our_o private_a employment_n to_o the_o more_o solemn_a worship_n of_o our_o creator_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o awake_v let_v our_o soul_n be_v season_v with_o some_o holy_a and_o devout_a meditation_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o sun_n salute_v our_o eye_n and_o refresh_v our_o body_n with_o his_o comfortable_a beam_n 4.2_o mal._n 4.2_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v arise_v with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o make_v we_o the_o overture_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favour_n that_o this_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o receive_v the_o homage_n of_o his_o vassal_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o enter_v his_o court_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n admire_v his_o excellency_n adore_v his_o perfection_n celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o want_n before_o he_o and_o beg_a supply_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o improve_v these_o season_n of_o grace_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o meet_v our_o god_n and_o not_o only_o to_o put_v our_o body_n into_o a_o decent_a and_o become_a dress_n but_o to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o qualification_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o poor_a sinful_a man_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o because_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n 16.1_o prov._n 16.1_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o beseech_v god_n 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v inspire_v our_o heart_n with_o holy_a disposition_n and_o afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o vain_a and_o worldly_a thought_n to_o subdue_v all_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n a_o pure_a undefiled_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n that_o we_o may_v spend_v this_o day_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o iâ—â—edicated_v to_o god_n immediate_a service_n â—â—ter_v so_o holy_a and_o devout_a a_o manner_n as_o may_v promote_v our_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o hereby_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v go_v along_o with_o we_o through_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o incite_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o fervency_n and_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o all_o our_o request_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v grant_v we_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o attention_n and_o firm_a resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o with_o gladness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o soul_n with_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o love_a kindness_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v this_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n till_o the_o hour_n approach_v when_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o our_o devotion_n and_o we_o hear_v the_o summons_n to_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n it_o will_v then_o be_v time_n to_o enter_v upon_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n how_o we_o have_v pass_v the_o last_o week_n how_o well_o we_o have_v perform_v those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v former_o take_v up_o what_o sin_v we_o have_v since_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a duty_n we_o have_v omit_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o these_o our_o neglect_v and_o bewail_v our_o mis-carriage_n and_o resolve_v that_o we_o will_v amend_v our_o life_n and_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o that_o we_o will_v walk_v more_o upright_o and_o more_o exact_o in_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o preparation_n of_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v serve_v with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o unsanctify_v heart_n he_o abhor_v even_o the_o most_o solemn_a fast_n of_o those_o man_n who_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n 58.4_o isa_n 58.4_o he_o expect_v that_o the_o sprinkle_v water_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o we_o 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o wash_v our_o hand_n in_o innocency_n 26.6_o psal_n 26.6_o before_o we_o compass_n god_n altar_n let_v we_o therefore_o never_o omit_v this_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o god_n house_n when_o we_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o upon_o some_o sudden_a emergency_n all_o this_o precaution_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v this_o exactness_n of_o preparation_n may_v be_v omit_v and_o a_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n of_o mind_n will_v suffice_v yet_o this_o will_n in_o no_o wise_a excuse_n the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n nor_o take_v off_o the_o blame_n from_o those_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a omission_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o self-examination_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o some_o degree_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v before_o we_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o receive_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o sacrament_n be_v ancient_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o of_o late_a year_n it_o have_v be_v scandalous_o neglect_v and_o therefore_o as_o when_o man_n come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o due_a preparation_n 11.29_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o they_o trample_v under_o foot_n christ_n holy_a body_n and_o blood_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v condemnation_n to_o themselves_o so_o when_o they_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o attend_v upon_o
near_o we_o resemble_v he_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v of_o he_o in_o which_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o future_a state_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o consist_v in_o repeat_v act_n of_o love_n and_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o the_o better_a fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n by_o furnish_v our_o soul_n with_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o those_o divine_a quality_n of_o humility_n meekness_n charity_n etc._n etc._n the_o more_o capable_a we_o shall_v be_v of_o partake_v of_o those_o heavenly_a pleasure_n 16.11_o psal_n 16.11_o which_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o our_o time_n in_o this_o world_n be_v give_v we_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o we_o may_v furnish_v ourselves_o with_o such_o virtue_n and_o grace_n those_o wedding_n garment_n which_o will_v render_v we_o fit_a guest_n for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb._n it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o every_o virtue_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n which_o we_o must_v obtain_v before_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v it_o but_o this_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n at_o present_a 1._o dr._n scot_n in_o his_o christian_a life_n part._n 1._o and_o have_v be_v already_o large_o treat_v on_o by_o a_o excellent_a hand_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_a remark_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o our_o future_a state_n from_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n or_o to_o take_v those_o figurative_a description_n of_o it_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v 12.25_o mark_v 12.25_o nor_o marry_v nor_o be_v give_v in_o marriage_n a_o sensual_a paradise_n may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v by_o a_o turk_n or_o pagan_a but_o not_o by_o a_o christian_a who_o religion_n teach_v he_o to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o sinful_a lust_n and_o desire_v of_o the_o same_o it_o permit_v he_o indeed_o the_o moderate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o render_v his_o pilgrimage_n more_o easy_a and_o his_o journey_n to_o heaven_n more_o comfortable_a but_o yet_o it_o teach_v he_o that_o his_o chief_a happiness_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v place_v in_o transitory_a delight_n that_o they_o be_v joy_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a nature_n such_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o understand_v which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o those_o who_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o such_o blessing_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o immortal_a part_n such_o as_o the_o bless_a society_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a the_o vision_n of_o god_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n will_v be_v continual_o delight_v and_o transport_v in_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o creator_n if_o therefore_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o 12.14_o heb._n 12.14_o we_o must_v practice_v holiness_n in_o this_o life_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n we_o must_v make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o keep_v our_o passion_n within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o under_o the_o government_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o mortify_v our_o immoderate_a appetite_n and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n such_o as_o faith_n hope_n patience_n and_o charity_n this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o every_o one_o who_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n be_v persuade_v to_o embrace_v this_o pleasant_a course_n of_o life_n and_o methinks_v there_o shall_v need_v no_o more_o argument_n to_o prevail_v with_o you_o present_o to_o enter_v upon_o it_o since_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unquestionable_o both_o for_o your_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a interest_n for_o what_o do_v god_n require_v of_o you_o which_o be_v not_o high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a what_o do_v he_o command_v you_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n to_o love_v mercy_n 6.8_o micah_n 6.8_o and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o your_o god_n i._n e._n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o to_o act_n as_o become_v reasonable_a and_o dependent_a being_n consider_v what_o can_v you_o wish_v for_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o religion_n length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n she_o shall_v give_v thy_o head_n a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n 3.16_o pror_n 3.16_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n exalt_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v promote_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o to_o honour_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n to_o thy_o head_n and_o as_o a_o chain_n about_o thy_o neck_n what_o allurement_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o perish_v even_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n that_o you_o shall_v prefer_v they_o before_o those_o which_o flow_v from_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n and_o now_o may_v not_o god_n just_o expostulate_v with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n 5.4_o isa_n 5.4_o what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v to_o my_o vineyard_n which_o i_o have_v not_o do_v unto_o it_o what_o more_o probable_a and_o more_o rational_a method_n can_v god_n have_v take_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o be_v good_a and_o by_o consequence_n happy_a than_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o he_o have_v address_v himself_o both_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n he_o have_v place_v eternal_a happiness_n on_o one_o hand_n and_o eternal_a misery_n on_o the_o other_o and_o moreover_o have_v strew_v our_o way_n to_o heaven_n with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v for_o we_o we_o resolve_v to_o be_v miserable_a and_o to_o take_v even_o hell_n by_o force_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o blame_v but_o our_o own_o stupendous_a folly_n we_o can_v sure_o be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o our_o service_n or_o that_o our_o praise_n make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o glory_n 35.6_o job_n 35.6_o for_o as_o elihu_n very_o well_o argue_v if_o thou_o sin_v what_o do_v thou_o against_o he_o or_o if_o thy_o transgression_n be_v multiply_v what_o do_v thou_o unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o receive_v he_o at_o thy_o hand_n thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o thy_o righteousness_n may_v profit_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v only_o our_o welfare_n god_n seek_v it_o be_v our_o good_a he_o be_v so_o solicitous_a for_o and_o as_o he_o make_v we_o at_o first_o with_o a_o design_n to_o communicate_v happiness_n unto_o we_o so_o he_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o gracious_a intention_n towards_o we_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o shall_v we_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o go_v on_o to_o defeat_v all_o the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v not_o these_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o move_v we_o shall_v neither_o our_o eternal_a nor_o our_o temporal_a interest_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o we_o this_o will_v certain_o be_v such_o unaccountable_a folly_n and_o monstrous_a ingratitude_n as_o no_o consider_v person_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o let_v i_o therefore_o beseech_v you_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n 12.1_o rom._n 12.1_o that_o you_o present_v your_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v but_o your_o reasonable_a service_n let_v i_o beg_v and_o entreat_v of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o bless_a lord_n and_o redeemer_n that_o you_o will_v so_o far_o consult_v your_o own_o interest_n as_o to_o lead_v a_o pure_a holy_a and_o devout_a life_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o pass_v your_o time_n cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o make_v sure_a of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v sermon_n ii_o psalm_n cxix_o 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 there_o be_v nothing_o which_o with_o great_a reason_n have_v
apostle_n advice_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a 4.8_o phil._n 4.8_o but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o here_o i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o action_n still_o remain_v indifferent_a for_o those_o action_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a may_v become_v necessary_a by_o some_o circumstance_n limit_v and_o bound_v they_o and_o if_o my_o indifferent_a action_n be_v annex_v to_o a_o necessary_a duty_n or_o determine_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n i_o be_o no_o long_o at_o liberty_n which_o way_n to_o act_n nor_o will_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o my_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o rule_n which_o the_o best_a casuist_n have_v lay_v down_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o where_o they_o fall_v short_a our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v be_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o director_n hereby_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o do_v not_o live_v themselves_o up_o to_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n suit_v their_o action_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o thing_n and_o comport_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v best_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n if_o therefore_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o have_v have_v leisure_n and_o part_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v thing_n may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o dissent_v from_o we_o our_o of_o interest_n and_o design_n and_o be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v we_o that_o freedom_n which_o they_o themselves_o enjoy_v my_o advice_n be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n with_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a 5.1_o gal._n 5.1_o least_o by_o any_o mean_a and_o undue_a compliance_n we_o shall_v confirm_v the_o erroneous_a shake_v the_o faithful_a encourage_v the_o adversary_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v settle_v among_o we_o but_o of_o other_o let_v we_o have_v compassion_n 22._o jud._n 22._o make_v a_o difference_n those_o who_o be_v indeed_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a information_n be_v scrupulous_a in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o be_v offend_v at_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o give_v they_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o disgust_v they_o either_o by_o our_o word_n or_o action_n but_o endeavour_v to_o win_v they_o over_o by_o all_o the_o lawful_a art_n and_o endearment_n of_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n and_o if_o we_o must_v still_o differ_v in_o small_a matter_n let_v we_o love_v as_o brethren_n if_o we_o can_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o of_o one_o opinion_n yet_o let_v we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n amen_o and_o amen_o sermon_n vii_o eccles_n v._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil._n the_o design_n of_o the_o royal_a preacher_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o persuade_v his_o hearer_n to_o approach_v with_o humble_a reverence_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n into_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n with_o a_o become_a decency_n and_o devotion_n to_o come_v into_o his_o house_n with_o â—ouls_n affect_v with_o awful_a and_o reverential_a apprehension_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n with_o open_a ear_n and_o obedient_a heart_n dispose_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o keep_v thy_o foot_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n prepare_v and_o fit_v thyself_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n compose_v thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o body_n to_o a_o behaviour_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o those_o duty_n thou_o be_v about_o and_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o the_o expression_n be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n of_o pluck_v off_o their_o shoe_n when_o they_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o solemn_a respect_n or_o tread_v on_o consecrate_a ground_n and_o of_o wash_v their_o foot_n before_o they_o enter_v the_o palace_n of_o their_o king_n or_o the_o place_n dedicate_v to_o god_n public_a worship_n of_o these_o custom_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 3.5_o exod._n 3.5_o when_o god_n appear_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o bush_n he_o command_v he_o to_o put_v his_o shoe_n from_o off_o his_o foot_n because_o the_o place_n whereon_o he_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n say_v unto_o joshua_n 5.15_o josh_n 5.15_o lose_v the_o shoe_n from_o off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a loose_v or_o pluck_v off_o the_o shoe_n be_v a_o ceremony_n of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o uncover_v the_o head_n among_o we_o a_o token_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o therefore_o they_o wash_v and_o make_v clean_o their_o foot_n when_o they_o go_v into_o public_a assembly_n so_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a expression_n to_o denote_v that_o respect_n and_o veneration_n that_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o every_o devout_a worshipper_n who_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o reverent_a demeanour_n of_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v there_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o original_a may_v be_v render_v when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o denote_v to_o we_o both_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o how_o we_o must_v comport_v and_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v present_o add_v and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n i.e._n be_v sure_a to_o bring_v a_o attentive_a ear_n and_o a_o obedient_a heart_n along_o with_o thou_o with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v better_o please_v than_o with_o those_o sacrifice_n whereby_o wicked_a man_n think_v though_o very_o foolish_o to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o render_v he_o favourable_a and_o propitious_a to_o they_o though_o they_o lead_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v open_o declare_v that_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o such_o man_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o impure_a heart_n such_o as_o those_o who_o think_v that_o their_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n will_v atone_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o wickedness_n and_o immorality_n of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o enlargement_n upon_o they_o under_o these_o follow_a head_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n ii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o whilst_o we_o be_v worship_v he_o iii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n 1._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o our_o edify_v and_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o our_o heart_n be_v manure_v and_o cultivate_v prepare_a and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v it_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n 29.13_o isay_n 29.13_o if_o whilst_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o will_v our_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o we_o if_o whilst_o we_o be_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a element_n we_o cherish_v and_o harbour_v sinful_a and_o impure_a thought_n
his_o ordinance_n careless_o and_o negligent_o they_o grieve_v god_n holy_a spirit_n provoke_v he_o to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n 14._o isa_n 29.13_o 14._o forasmuch_o as_o this_o people_n say_v the_o prophet_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o therefore_o behold_v i_o will_v proceed_v to_o do_v a_o marvellous_a work_n and_o a_o wonder_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n shall_v perish_v and_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o prudent_a man_n shall_v be_v hide_v god_n do_v not_o now_o always_o punish_v profaneness_n and_o coldness_n in_o our_o devotion_n with_o temporal_a evil_n and_o sickness_n in_o the_o body_n as_o former_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o he_o have_v exchange_v they_o for_o such_o as_o be_v far_o more_o dreadful_a such_o as_o endanger_v the_o soul_n and_o take_v away_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o a_o christian_n every_o unsanctify_v approach_n which_o we_o make_v unto_o he_o render_v we_o more_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o our_o devotion_n till_o at_o last_o iâ—_n lead_v we_o by_o degree_n into_o open_a profaneness_n and_o atheism_n let_v therefore_o every_o one_o who_o desire_v to_o receive_v the_o bless_a influence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v a_o temple_n fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o let_v he_o i_o say_v first_o cleanse_v his_o heart_n by_o a_o due_a and_o strict_a examination_n of_o himself_o and_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n for_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n let_v he_o thus_o keep_v his_o foot_n before_o he_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n observe_v what_o path_n he_o have_v walk_v in_o how_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v fit_v and_o dispose_v to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n last_o whilst_o we_o be_v go_v towards_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o that_o god_n before_o who_o we_o be_v go_v to_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a creator_n preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o humble_v himself_o to_o look_v down_o upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v exalt_v above_o all_o praise_n and_o exceed_o happy_a and_o glorious_a above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o think_v it_o be_v this_o god_n who_o grant_v we_o audience_n and_o vouchsafe_v we_o the_o favour_n of_o make_v our_o address_n unto_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v also_o our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n how_o unworthy_a we_o be_v of_o so_o great_a favour_n and_o hereby_o raise_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n that_o humble_a awe_n and_o devout_a reverence_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v 26.2_o levit._fw-la 26.2_o which_o be_v require_v of_o every_o one_o who_o worship_n god_n thus_o the_o devout_a cornelius_n tell_v peter_n that_o he_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v present_a before_o god_n 10.23_o act_n 10.23_o to_o hear_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v they_o by_o god_n i._n e._n they_o have_v consider_v with_o themselves_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o hear_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n a_o frail_a sinful_a man_n like_o themselves_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o before_o we_o present_v our_o petition_n unto_o god_n we_o be_v command_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o on_o earth_n i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a distance_n between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o poor_a creature_n that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a the_o most_o glorious_a and_o the_o most_o holy_a be_v but_o we_o only_a dust_n and_o ash_n vile_a earth_n and_o miserable_a sinner_n vile_a we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n but_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o much_o more_o so_o by_o our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o repeat_v transgression_n when_o therefore_o we_o approach_v the_o holy_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o say_v thus_o within_o ourselves_o 28.17_o gen._n 28.17_o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n dwell_v i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n almighty_n who_o have_v my_o soul_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o my_o nostril_n at_o his_o disposal_n in_o who_o i_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v my_o be_v i_o be_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o present_v myself_o before_o his_o face_n to_o pay_v he_o my_o homage_n and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o tender_v of_o my_o bind_a duty_n and_o service_n let_v i_o therefore_o put_v my_o mind_n into_o such_o a_o devout_a frame_n as_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o and_o take_v care_n that_o i_o behave_v myself_o with_o reverence_n decency_n and_o devotion_n and_o now_o have_v bring_v you_o to_o the_o temple_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v 2._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v 1._o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n 41.24_o joh._n 41.24_o 2._o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n i._n e._n require_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o then_o that_o of_o our_o body_n now_o to_o a_o due_a worship_a god_n with_o our_o soul_n there_o be_v require_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o attention_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o ii_o the_o intention_n and_o ardency_n of_o the_o affection_n iii_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o will_n and_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n 1._o if_o we_o will_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n a_o acceptable_a service_n our_o mind_n must_v be_v attentive_a to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o whilst_o we_o be_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o those_o blessing_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o or_o praise_v he_o for_o those_o we_o have_v receive_v we_o must_v either_o be_v meditate_v on_o the_o god_n we_o worship_n or_o the_o thing_n we_o desire_v or_o praise_v he_o for_o for_o since_o worship_n be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v any_o serious_a sense_n or_o make_v any_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o perfection_n unless_o we_o keep_v our_o mind_n intent_n upon_o they_o we_o may_v as_o well_o commend_v the_o beauty_n of_o a_o object_n we_o never_o see_v and_o be_v take_v with_o that_o music_n we_o never_o hear_v as_o admire_v and_o acknowledge_v those_o excellency_n we_o never_o think_v on_o or_o consider_v for_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o our_o mouth_n when_o our_o thought_n be_v wander_v some_o where_n else_o and_o employ_v about_o some_o other_o business_n be_v but_o lip-worship_n at_o the_o best_a a_o sacrifice_n without_o a_o heart_n which_o god_n will_v utter_o detest_v and_o abhor_v it_o be_v therefore_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a device_n of_o the_o devil_n 2.11_o 2_o cor._n 2.11_o of_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o vain_a thought_n in_o our_o mind_n during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o divert_v they_o upon_o worldly_a and_o sinful_a object_n and_o hereby_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o benefit_n we_o may_v otherwise_o obtain_v by_o a_o due_a and_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o care_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o stand_v continual_o upon_o their_o guard_n to_o bear_v a_o strict_a eye_n over_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o find_v any_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n spring_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o restrain_v and_o bring_v back_o their_o wander_a thought_n and_o never_o to_o make_v they_o their_o own_o by_o consent_v to_o they_o or_o dwell_v upon_o they_o some_o man_n be_v more_o addict_v to_o rove_a and_o volatile_a thought_n than_o other_o be_v from_o their_o natural_a temper_n and_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o unblamable_a for_o that_o which_o they_o can_v help_v but_o it_o be_v then_o only_o they_o be_v faulty_a when_o their_o will_n close_v with_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_v of_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o prevent_v they_o i._n e._n a_o due_a and_o conscientious_a preparation_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o religious_a duty_n then_o do_v