the_o spiritual_a favourite_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o late_a learned_a and_o reverend_a divine_a richard_n sibbs_n doctor_n in_o divinity_n publish_a by_o the_o author_n own_o appointment_n subscribe_v with_o his_o hand_n to_o prevent_v unperfect_a copy_n proverb_n 29._o 26._o many_o seek_v the_o ruler_n favour_n but_o every_o man_n judgement_n come_v from_o the_o lord_n london_n print_v by_o thomas_n paine_n for_o ralph_n mabb_n 1640._o the_o spiritual_a favourite_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n nehemiah_n i._n ii_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o let_v now_o thy_o ear_n be_v attentive_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n who_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n and_o prosper_v i_o pray_v thou_o thy_o servant_n this_o day_n and_o grant_v he_o mercy_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o man_n in_o the_o nine_o ver._n the_o holy_a man_n mind_v god_n of_o his_o promise_n make_v to_o his_o people_n that_o if_o they_o shall_v turn_v unto_o he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v they_o though_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o heaven_n yet_o he_o will_v gather_v they_o thence_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v touch_v a_o little_a on_o they_o two_o verse_n and_o then_o come_v to_o that_o i_o mean_v to_o dwell_v on_o from_o the_o word_n read_v if_o you_o turn_v unto_o i_o +turne_v and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o mercy_n but_o to_o those_o that_o turn_v the_o scripture_n be_v peremptory_a in_o denial_n of_o mercy_n to_o such_o as_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n heaven_n can_v not_o brook_v the_o angel_n themselves_o have_v sin_v and_o neither_o such_o nor_o such_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o bless_v themselves_o that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o they_o though_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o god_n yoke_n and_o divine_a bond_n that_o may_v bow_v they_o to_o better_a course_n as_o if_o word_n be_v but_o wind_n when_o we_o see_v here_o god_n make_v his_o word_n good_a against_o his_o own_o dear_a people_n if_o you_o sin_v i_o will_v scatter_v you_o to_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o world_n we_o see_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n a_o proud_a presumptuous_a sinful_a disposition_n may_v slight_v god_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o word_n and_o all_o now_o when_o we_o come_v to_o threaten_v but_o when_o god_n come_v to_o execute_v will_v he_o shake_v it_o off_o then_o will_v swearer_n and_o blasphemer_n and_o filthy_a person_n shake_v off_o the_o execution_n as_o they_o can_v the_o threaten_n god_n say_v none_o that_o be_v such_o shall_v enter_v into_o heaven_n but_o his_o wrath_n shall_v smoke_v against_o they_o and_o shall_v be_v as_o a_o fire_n that_o shall_v burn_v to_o hell_n against_o such_o person_n as_o bless_v themselves_o in_o wicked_a course_n and_o when_o god_n come_v to_o the_o execution_n they_o desire_v the_o mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o there_o be_v none_o more_o presumptuous_a against_o the_o threaten_n and_o none_o more_o base_a and_o fearful_a when_o it_o come_v to_o execution_n as_o we_o see_v in_o presumptuous_a profane_a belteshazer_n that_o be_v quaff_v in_o the_o bowl_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o scorn_v religion_n and_o god_n when_o there_o come_v a_o hand-writing_n on_o the_o wall_n his_o knee_n knock_v together_o and_o his_o joint_n tremble_v so_o let_v there_o be_v any_o evidence_n of_o execution_n and_o we_o see_v all_o the_o tyrant_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v trifle_v at_o religion_n of_o all_o man_n they_o be_v most_o disconsolate_a and_o fearful_a as_o we_o see_v in_o belteshazer_n and_o other_o i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o take_v heed_n god_n will_v seal_v all_o his_o threaten_n with_o execution_n in_o due_a time_n as_o he_o do_v to_o his_o own_o people_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n we_o shall_v promise_v ourselves_o more_o immunity_n than_o they_o have_v if_o you_o turn_v and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o do_v they_o here_o be_v three_o condition_n though_o you_o be_v be_v cast_v to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v gather_v you_o thence_o if_o you_o turn_v the_o holy_a man_n nehemiah_n put_v god_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o like_a and_o indeed_o from_o the_o less_o to_o the_o great_a because_o god_n will_v rather_o of_o both_o perform_v his_o promise_n then_o his_o threaten_n because_o mercy_n be_v his_o own_o proper_a work_n now_o as_o he_o have_v be_v just_a in_o punish_v his_o people_n so_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a in_o restore_v of_o they_o again_o therefore_o he_o say_v return_v and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o do_v they_o and_o though_o you_o be_v scatter_v to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o i_o will_v gather_v you_o thence_o and_o he_o do_v gather_v they_o thence_o upon_o their_o repentance_n he_o do_v perform_v his_o promise_n at_o length_n belove_a the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o yet_o remain_v for_o this_o people_n to_o this_o day_n since_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n since_o they_o draw_v the_o guilt_n of_o that_o sacred_a blood_n on_o they_o they_o be_v scatter_v about_o the_o earth_n to_o every_o nation_n and_o have_v not_o a_o foot_n of_o land_n of_o their_o own_o but_o be_v the_o scorn_n and_o hiss_v of_o nation_n notwithstanding_o this_o promise_n will_v be_v perform_v upon_o their_o repentance_n god_n will_v bring_v they_o again_o as_o saint_n paul_n call_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o resurrection_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o it_o be_v true_a of_o we_o all_o though_o we_o be_v scatter_v as_o dust_n as_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o grave_n ere_o long_o turn_v to_o dust_n god_n will_v gather_v the_o ash_n he_o will_v gather_v all_o those_o part_n of_o we_o even_o as_o his_o power_n gather_v his_o people_n together_o so_o his_o power_n at_o length_n will_v gather_v we_o all_o we_o have_v his_o promise_n for_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o therefore_o let_v we_o comfort_v ourselves_o with_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o promise_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o resurrection_n indeed_o the_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o other_o promise_n as_o you_o have_v it_o in_o ezekiel_n concerning_o the_o dry_a bone_n say_v god_n i_o will_v clothe_v these_o dead_a bone_n with_o flesh_n and_o skin_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o i_o will_v restore_v you_o again_o god_n that_o will_v restore_v our_o dust_n and_o bring_v our_o body_n together_o that_o be_v scatter_v here_o and_o there_o he_o will_v restore_v we_o out_o of_o sickness_n and_o trouble_n if_o it_o stand_v with_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o good_a now_o after_o the_o argument_n that_o he_o use_v to_o persuade_v god_n from_o his_o word_n of_o threaten_v and_o promise_n he_o come_v to_o the_o argument_n from_o their_o relation_n these_o be_v thy_o servant_n though_o sinful_a servant_n yet_o they_o be_v thy_o servant_n these_o be_v thy_o people_n thou_o have_v no_o other_o people_n in_o the_o world_n but_o these_o and_o thou_o be_v their_o god_n he_o plead_v from_o former_a favour_n thou_o have_v redeem_v they_o by_o thy_o great_a power_n and_o strong_a hand_n it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o plead_v with_o god_n by_o former_a favor_n favour_n because_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o change_n in_o he_o he_o be_v always_o like_o himself_o he_o be_v never_o draw_v dry_a and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o go_v to_o he_o for_o new_a favour_n upon_o former_a because_o he_o have_v a_o infinite_a supply_n we_o may_v draw_v so_o much_o from_o man_n as_o they_o have_v not_o afterwards_o to_o make_v good_a but_o we_o can_v honour_v god_n more_o then_o to_o go_v to_o he_o with_o a_o large_a faith_n to_o fetch_v large_a favour_n from_o he_o the_o more_o he_o give_v the_o more_o he_o can_v give_v and_o the_o more_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v we_o can_v honour_v god_n more_o then_o to_o go_v to_o he_o upon_o former_a favour_n and_o with_o enlarge_a desire_n thou_o have_v redeem_v we_o and_o be_v gracious_a to_o we_o before_o we_o may_v much_o more_o take_v this_o argument_n in_o our_o mouth_n and_o press_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n thou_o have_v redeem_v we_o not_o out_o of_o egypt_n or_o babylon_n the_o land_n of_o the_o north_n but_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o thy_o son_n from_o hell_n and_o damnation_n and_o therefore_o thou_o can_v redeem_v we_o from_o this_o petty_a misery_n from_o these_o enemy_n we_o may_v allege_v that_o grand_a favour_n to_o
to_o come_v again_o and_o again_o god_n love_v to_o hear_v the_o same_o song_n again_o and_o again_o this_o music_n be_v nottedious_a but_o please_v to_o he_o and_o this_o press_v be_v for_o we_o to_o warm_v our_o heart_n perhaps_o one_o petition_n will_v not_o warm_v they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v warm_v by_o a_o second_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o warm_v they_o more_o and_o more_o and_o never_o give_v over_o till_o we_o have_v thorough_o warm_v our_o heart_n be_v attentive_a be_v attentive_a to_o my_o prayer_n and_o if_o i_o will_v not_o prevail_v be_v attentive_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o let_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o prevail_v the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o of_o thy_o servant_n but_o how_o do_v he_o make_v it_o good_a they_o be_v thy_o servant_n they_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n empty_a relation_n have_v no_o comfort_n in_o they_o they_o to_o profess_v one_o self_n a_o servant_n and_o not_o to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n we_o must_v make_v good_a the_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n before_o we_o can_v claim_v interest_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o our_o relation_n servant_n and_o christian_n and_o professor_n here_o be_v glorious_a title_n but_o if_o they_o be_v empty_a title_n if_o we_o can_v make_v they_o good_a when_o we_o come_v to_o god_n with_o they_o we_o can_v say_v we_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o god_n from_o empty_a title_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n god_n will_v be_v honour_v in_o all_o those_o that_o come_v near_o he_o either_o in_o their_o obedience_n or_o in_o their_o confusion_n therefore_o here_o the_o holy_a man_n do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v thy_o servant_n and_o thy_o servant_n but_o who_o desire_n to_o fear_v thy_o name_n he_o go_v to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n not_o from_o any_o outward_a thing_n but_o from_o his_o inward_a disposition_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o i_o will_v not_o now_o stand_v to_o speak_v large_o of_o god_n require_v the_o heart_n affection_n and_o religion_n be_v most_o in_o manage_v and_o tune_v the_o affection_n for_o they_o be_v the_o wind_n that_o carry_v the_o soul_n to_o every_o duty_n simile_n a_o man_n be_v like_o the_o dead_a sea_n without_o affection_n religion_n be_v most_o in_o they_o the_o devil_n have_v brain_n enough_o he_o know_v enough_o more_o than_o any_o of_o we_o all_o but_o than_o he_o hate_v god_n he_o have_v no_o love_n to_o god_n nor_o no_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o only_o a_o slavish_a fear_n he_o have_v not_o this_o reverential_a fear_n childlike_a fear_n therefore_o let_v we_o make_v it_o good_a that_o we_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n especial_o by_o our_o affection_n and_o chief_o by_o this_o of_o fear_n which_o be_v put_v for_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v put_v in_o stead_n of_o those_o condition_n speak_v of_o ver._n the_o 9_o if_o you_o turn_v to_o i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o do_v they_o than_o i_o will_v make_v good_a my_o promise_n now_o say_v he_o take_v up_o the_o same_o strength_n of_o argument_n we_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v we_o turn_v to_o thou_o and_o obey_v thy_o commandment_n and_o desire_v to_o do_v they_o it_o be_v all_o one_o we_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n for_o those_o that_o fear_v god_n will_v turn_v to_o he_o and_o to_o desire_v to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o to_o do_v they_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o do_v they_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v do_v they_o and_o not_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n all_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o carcase_n of_o obedience_n i_o will_v not_o stand_v long_o on_o that_o how_o do_v he_o make_v it_o good_a that_o he_o fear_v the_o name_n of_o god_n he_o make_v it_o good_a from_o this_o that_o he_o have_v good_a desire_n we_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n we_o desire_v it_o for_o the_o present_a and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v whence_o we_o will_v observe_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n short_o as_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o we_o first_o of_o all_o out_o of_o this_o that_o this_o desire_n to_o fear_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o prevail_v in_o prayer_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o that_o will_v prevail_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n must_v look_v to_o the_o bent_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o for_o the_o present_a regard_v thy_o servant_n that_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n affection_n for_o to_o come_v to_o god_n without_o such_o a_o fâ—ame_n of_o soul_n as_o this_o to_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o present_a and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v it_o be_v to_o come_v as_o god_n eneny_v and_o will_v god_n regard_v his_o enemy_n when_o one_o come_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o live_v in_o any_o sin_n without_o a_o desire_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o regard_v all_o god_n commandment_n he_o come_v as_o god_n enemy_n he_o come_v as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o dag_n to_o shoot_v at_o god_n he_o come_v with_o his_o weapon_n who_o will_v regard_v the_o petition_n of_o a_o man_n that_o come_v to_o wound_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n wheâ—_z a_o man_n come_v to_o god_n with_o a_o purpose_n to_o sin_n he_o come_v to_o wound_v god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o a_o enemy_n and_o be_v he_o like_v to_o speed_v for_o what_o be_v our_o sin_n but_o that_o that_o make_v we_o enemy_n to_o god_n they_o be_v oposite_a to_o he_o as_o can_v be_v they_o make_v we_o hateful_a to_o god_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o good_a nehemiah_n when_o we_o come_v to_o god_n to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o we_o be_v servant_n indeed_o we_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n as_o jeremias_n tell_v they_o ier._n 7._o will_v you_o steal_v and_o oppress_v and_o commit_v adultery_n and_o yet_o stand_v before_o i_o will_v you_o do_v this_o and_o this_o villainy_n and_o stand_v before_o i_o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v say_v god_n psalm_n 50._o to_o take_v my_o name_n into_o thy_o mouth_n and_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v if_o we_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o serve_v god_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v to_o take_v his_o name_n into_o our_o mouth_n especial_o in_o the_o holy_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n psalm_n 66._o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n if_o a_o man_n do_v but_o regard_v to_o live_v in_o iniquity_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v his_o prayer_n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o our_o petition_n we_o must_v say_v with_o holy_a nehemiah_n we_o desire_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n i_o beseech_v you_o let_v we_o remember_v it_o and_o then_o to_o omit_v other_o thing_n we_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n we_o see_v that_o religion_n desire_n especial_o be_v in_o holy_a desire_n the_o great_a part_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o sound_a christian_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n religion_n be_v more_o in_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n then_o in_o the_o effect_n and_o operation_n it_o be_v more_o in_o the_o resolution_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o soul_n then_o in_o any_o effect_n we_o can_v yield_v to_o god_n there_o be_v much_o desire_n in_o all_o our_o performance_n therefore_o say_v the_o holy_a man_n here_o we_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o holy_a name_n why_o be_v desire_n such_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n because_o they_o be_v the_o immediate_a issue_n of_o the_o soul_n soul_n desire_n and_o thought_n and_o such_o like_a they_o be_v produce_v immediate_o from_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o help_n of_o the_o body_n or_o without_o any_o outward_a manifestation_n they_o show_v the_o temper_n and_o frame_v of_o the_o soul_n thereupon_o god_n judge_v a_o man_n by_o his_o desire_n and_o that_o which_o he_o desire_v if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a desire_n he_o shall_v have_v and_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o godly_a man_n desire_v to_o serve_v god_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n and_o for_o ever_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o a_o wicked_a man_n desire_v to_o offend_v god_n if_o he_o may_v live_v everlasting_o god_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o his_o desire_n be_v he_o shall_v not_o always_o sin_n here_o but_o because_o he_o have_v a_o infinite_a desire_n of_o sin_n he_o shall_v be_v punish_v in_o hell_n eternal_o god_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o he_o desire_v god_n value_v man_n by_o
these_o breathe_n to_o god_n for_o grace_n and_o comfort_n these_o spiritual_a breathe_n they_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o spring_n within_o and_o spirit_n within_o whence_o these_o vapour_n and_o desire_n come_v therefore_o they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n because_o they_o spring_v from_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o because_o they_o be_v point_v to_o heaven-ward_o soul_n to_o show_v that_o a_o man_n be_v turn_v for_o it_o be_v put_v here_o instead_o of_o turn_v turn_v you_o to_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o answer_v here_o instead_o of_o turn_v my_o desire_n be_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n because_o when_o the_o desire_n be_v alter_v than_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v alter_v a_o man_n be_v turn_v another_o way_n the_o desire_n be_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o soul_n what_o carry_v the_o soul_n but_o desire_n now_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v another_o way_n then_o before_o it_o argue_v a_o alteration_n of_o the_o frame_n therefore_o it_o please_v god_n to_o accept_v of_o they_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v we_o often_o enter_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o examine_v what_o our_o desire_n be_v which_o way_n the_o bent_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v what_o cause_n we_o will_v have_v to_o flourish_v and_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n or_o antichrist_n for_o god_n esteem_v we_o by_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o desire_n who_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n and_o prosper_v i_o pray_v thou_o thy_o servant_n this_o day_n now_o he_o come_v to_o his_o petition_n prosper_v i_o pray_v thou_o thy_o servant_n this_o day_n he_o do_v not_o capitulate_v with_o god_n for_o particular_a matter_n much_o for_o he_o know_v he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o all-wise_a god_n but_o he_o commend_v his_o petition_n in_o general_a prosper_v i_o pray_v thou_o thy_o servant_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v to_o attend_v the_o king_n and_o he_o be_v in_o his_o attendance_n to_o mind_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o re-edify_n the_o wall_n and_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n now_o say_v he_o in_o general_a prosper_v thy_o servant_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o god_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n be_v to_o deal_v as_o i_o say_v with_o a_o infinite_a wise_a god_n only_o he_o pray_v in_o general_a prosper_v thy_o servant_n this_o day_n he_o come_v again_o with_o his_o relation_n of_o servant_n prayer_n to_o teach_v we_o always_o when_o we_o come_v to_o god_n to_o look_v in_o what_o relation_n we_o stand_v to_o he_o whether_o we_o be_v true_a servant_n or_o no_o what_o work_n we_o do_v for_o he_o in_o what_o reference_n we_o do_v what_o we_o do_v whether_o we_o do_v it_o to_o please_v he_o as_o servant_n or_o no_o i_o say_v something_o of_o the_o relation_n of_o servant_n before_o i_o will_v add_v a_o little_a here_o because_o he_o repeat_v it_o four_o or_o five_o time_n in_o this_o short_a prayer_n in_o all_o our_o service_n we_o shall_v look_v to_o god_n for_o our_o aim_n in_o our_o work_n show_v what_o they_o be_v simile_n whether_o they_o come_v from_o servant_n or_o no_o as_o the_o stamp_n upon_o a_o token_n make_v it_o if_o there_o be_v a_o good_a stamp_n on_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n that_o make_v it_o current_n a_o stamp_n on_o silver_n make_v it_o current_a as_o well_o as_o gold_n though_o the_o metal_n of_o gold_n be_v better_a so_o when_o thing_n be_v do_v because_o god_n command_v they_o to_o please_v god_n as_o a_o service_n to_o he_o this_o make_v it_o good_a that_o we_o be_v servant_n indeed_o that_o the_o relation_n be_v good_a when_o we_o go_v about_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n or_o country_n or_o place_n we_o live_v in_o to_o think_v i_o do_v god_n service_n here_o and_o do_v it_o as_o a_o service_n to_o god_n who_o will_v be_v honour_v and_o serve_v in_o our_o service_n to_o other_o herein_o i_o be_o a_o good_a servant_n though_o the_o matter_n of_o my_o service_n be_v a_o common_a base_a and_o mean_a matter_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o stamp_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v god_n will_n god_n have_v place_v and_o plant_v i_o here_o and_o he_o will_v be_v serve_v of_o i_o in_o this_o condition_n at_o this_o time_n though_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n i_o know_v it_o may_v help_v the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n thus_o if_o we_o do_v what_o we_o do_v with_o a_o eye_n to_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o have_v set_v we_o that_o we_o do_v it_o as_o to_o he_o we_o be_v god_n servant_n whatsoever_o the_o work_n be_v and_o let_v we_o remember_v oft_o to_o think_v of_o it_o to_o bring_v it_o in_o our_o prayer_n master_n say_v they_o when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v drown_v do_v thou_o not_o care_n that_o we_o perish_v they_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o relation_n they_o be_v in_o to_o he_o so_o when_o we_o can_v put_v god_n in_o mind_n of_o our_o relation_n father_n we_o be_v thy_o child_n lord_n we_o be_v thy_o servant_n it_o will_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o all_o good_a will_v a_o master_n suffer_v his_o servant_n to_o miscarry_v in_o his_o service_n sure_o god_n will_v never_o turn_v away_o true_a hearted_a servant_n that_o have_v serve_v he_o a_o long_a time_n it_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o serve_v to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o service_n on_o our_o part_n so_o it_o be_v a_o promise_a word_n of_o all_o good_a from_o god_n do_v he_o expect_v that_o master_n shall_v be_v good_a to_o their_o servant_n because_o they_o have_v a_o master_n in_o heaven_n and_o will_v not_o the_o great_a master_n of_o heaven_n be_v good_a to_o his_o servant_n you_o see_v how_o he_o follow_v the_o relation_n prosper_v thy_o servant_n this_o day_n what_o be_v include_v in_o this_o word_n prosper_v prosper_v it_o include_v not_o only_o success_n which_o be_v the_o main_a upshot_n of_o all_o but_o all_o that_o tend_v to_o good_a success_n prosper_v thy_o servant_n this_o day_n that_o be_v direct_v thy_o servant_n this_o day_n how_o to_o do_v and_o to_o carry_v himself_o and_o likewise_o assist_v thy_o servant_n when_o thou_o shall_v direct_v he_o assist_v he_o by_o thy_o strength_n direct_v he_o by_o thy_o wisdom_n prosper_v he_o with_o thy_o grace_n give_v he_o good_a success_n in_o all_o it_o include_v direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o good_a success_n in_o that_o he_o say_v prosper_v thy_o servant_n it_o include_v these_o thing_n first_o of_o all_o that_o in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v neither_o direction_n nor_o wisdom_n nor_o ability_n enough_o for_o success_n we_o have_v not_o power_n in_o ourselves_o to_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o comfortable_a issue_n so_o it_o enforce_v self_n denial_n which_o be_v a_o good_a disposition_n when_o we_o come_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o then_o again_o to_o attribute_v to_o god_n all_o both_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o here_o be_v a_o give_n to_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o when_o he_o say_v prosper_v thy_o servant_n this_o day_n then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n here_o be_v a_o dependence_n upon_o god_n not_o only_o acknowledge_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o god_n but_o it_o imply_v a_o dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o these_o prosper_v i_o lord_n i_o can_v prosper_v myself_o and_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o creator_n have_v wisdom_n and_o strength_n and_o goodness_n enough_o therefore_o i_o depend_v upon_o thou_o upon_o thy_o wisdom_n for_o direction_n and_o upon_o thy_o strength_n for_o assistance_n i_o depend_v upon_o thy_o goodness_n and_o all_o for_o a_o bless_a issue_n here_o be_v dependence_n again_o in_o the_o four_o place_n here_o be_v a_o recommendation_n of_o all_o by_o prayer_n a_o recommendation_n of_o his_o inward_a dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o all_o denial_n now_o lord_n prosper_v thy_o servant_n so_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o god_n for_o any_o prosperity_n and_o good_a success_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o bring_v self-denial_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o all_o excellency_n to_o be_v in_o god_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v and_o assist_v and_o bless_v we_o and_o remember_v to_o depend_v upon_o he_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o on_o he_o to_o bring_v our_o soul_n to_o close_v with_o the_o strong_a and_o wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n that_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n may_v close_v together_o and_o then_o commend_v all_o by_o prayer_n to_o cast_v ourselves_o and_o our_o affair_n and_o to_o roll_v ourselves_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o all_o upon_o god_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o the_o holy_a man_n nehemiah_n do_v here_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o good_a purpose_n that_o
all_o other_o petty_a redemption_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v he_o that_o have_v give_v we_o christ_n that_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n but_o give_v he_o to_o death_n for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n else_o rom._n 8._o he_o that_o have_v be_v so_o large_a and_o bountiful_a as_o to_o give_v we_o his_o own_o son_n that_o gift_n to_o admiration_n so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n how_o can_v we_o plead_v with_o he_o for_o all_o other_o favour_n whatsoever_o whether_o they_o concern_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n or_o glory_n or_o our_o present_a condition_n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v plead_v it_o much_o more_o i_o say_v thou_o have_v redeem_v we_o but_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v not_o press_v further_o now_o in_o the_o eleven_o verse_n he_o come_v to_o press_v it_o still_o and_o repeat_v that_o which_o he_o have_v say_v before_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o let_v thy_o ear_n be_v attentive_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o of_o thy_o servant_n that_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n let_v thy_o ear_n be_v attentive_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n it_o be_v a_o prayer_n and_o thou_o be_v a_o god_n hear_v prayer_n they_o be_v thy_o servant_n and_o thou_o regard_v thy_o servant_n here_o be_v but_o a_o few_o petition_n in_o this_o large_a request_n remember_v be_v attentive_a and_o give_v i_o favour_n the_o most_o of_o the_o prayer_n be_v spend_v in_o a_o preparative_n consider_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o in_o confession_n and_o strong_a reason_n from_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o from_o their_o relation_n and_o then_o he_o make_v good_a the_o relation_n we_o be_v thy_o servant_n because_o we_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n to_o show_v that_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a skill_n and_o art_n in_o prayer_n to_o have_v strong_a argument_n then_o the_o suit_n come_v off_o easy_o argument_n as_o in_o psal._n 90._o it_o be_v a_o prayer_n of_o moses_n the_o man_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v prayer_n teach_v we_o to_o number_v our_o day_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v all_o the_o petition_n though_o the_o petition_n be_v short_a yet_o it_o be_v efficacious_a when_o the_o heart_n be_v warm_v and_o strengthen_v with_o strong_a reason_n before_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v elevate_v and_o raise_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v strengthen_v with_o strong_a convince_a reason_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v when_o we_o press_v he_o with_o his_o word_n i_o say_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v thus_o raise_v and_o warm_v all_o the_o petition_n come_v easy_o off_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n belove_a to_o study_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o study_v all_o the_o argument_n whereby_o holy_a man_n have_v prevail_v with_o god_n in_o scripture_n and_o to_o see_v in_o what_o case_n those_o argument_n be_v use_v they_o be_v of_o use_n and_o force_n to_o prevail_v with_o god_n it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a thing_n now_o for_o christian_n under_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o come_v to_o god_n only_o with_o bare_a naked_a petition_n if_o they_o come_v from_o a_o true_a heart_n they_o have_v their_o force_n that_o god_n shall_v regard_v they_o and_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o press_v god_n out_o of_o his_o own_o word_n they_o can_v bind_v god_n with_o his_o own_o promise_n nor_o with_o argument_n that_o he_o have_v be_v bind_v with_o before_o simile_n let_v a_o child_n but_o cry_n to_o the_o father_n or_o mother_n there_o be_v relief_n present_o for_o the_o very_a cry_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o one_o that_o be_v a_o child_n but_o be_v of_o grow_a year_n the_o father_n look_v for_o argument_n that_o be_v move_v to_o press_v he_o with_o so_o here_o nehemiah_n he_o press_v god_n with_o move_v and_o strong_a argument_n and_o he_o repeat_v and_o force_v they_o he_o do_v not_o only_o allege_v they_o but_o enforce_v they_o oh_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o let_v thy_o ear_n he_o attend_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o of_o thy_o servant_n that_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n he_o desire_v god_n to_o be_v attentive_a he_o press_v god_n and_o indeed_o he_o do_v it_o to_o warm_v his_o own_o heart_n forwhen_o we_o have_v humble_v our_o heart_n low_a enough_o and_o break_v it_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o then_o warm_v it_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o strengthen_v it_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o truth_n then_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o gracious_a success_n let_v thy_o ear_n be_v attend_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o of_o thy_o servant_n how_o do_v they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v thou_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o know_v god_n but_o they_o and_o he_o know_v that_o the_o saint_n where_o ever_o they_o be_v have_v a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o will_v remember_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o he_o say_v remember_v my_o prayer_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n for_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o righteous_a man_n prevail_v much_o much_o more_o the_o prayer_n of_o many_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o ten_o righteous_a in_o sodom_n sodom_n have_v be_v preserve_v now_o this_o he_o allege_v to_o god_n remember_v the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n of_o i_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n as_o tertullian_n a_o anciant_fw-la father_n say_v very_o well_o tertul._n when_o man_n join_v together_o they_o offer_v a_o holy_a kind_n of_o violence_n to_o god_n prayer_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o wrestle_v and_o contend_v with_o god_n a_o strive_n with_o he_o let_v i_o alone_o say_v god_n to_o moses_n it_o be_v a_o bind_n of_o he_o with_o argument_n and_o promise_n of_o his_o own_o and_o it_o be_v so_o forcible_a that_o he_o desire_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o now_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o be_v a_o wrestle_n and_o strive_v and_o force_v of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v against_o his_o will_n that_o he_o say_v let_v i_o alone_o as_o if_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o except_o he_o give_v over_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o many_o when_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v look_v for_o a_o comfortable_a issue_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o humiliation_n that_o be_v perform_v at_o this_o time_n the_o desire_n of_o so_o many_o christian_a soul_n touch_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n do_v tender_a can_v be_v unefectuall_a it_o must_v needs_o draw_v plenty_n of_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n i_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a place_n of_o prayer_n have_v speak_v of_o it_o upon_o another_o occasion_n but_o sure_o you_o see_v the_o holy_a man_n nehemiah_n stand_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o he_o hope_v to_o speed_v because_o he_o and_o other_o pray_v holy_a daniel_n and_o other_o with_o he_o it_o be_v such_o a_o gracious_a messenger_n to_o send_v to_o heaven_n for_o help_n and_o for_o all_o good_a that_o daniel_n though_o it_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n he_o will_v not_o omit_v it_o for_o his_o life_n take_v away_o prayer_n and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n and_o breath_n of_o the_o soul_n take_v away_o breath_n and_o the_o man_n die_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_n begin_v to_o live_v he_o pray_v as_o soon_o as_o saul_n be_v convert_v behold_v he_o pray_v a_o child_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v he_o cry_v and_o a_o christian_n will_v not_o lose_v his_o prayer_n for_o his_o life_n as_o we_o see_v in_o holy_a daniel_n for_o what_o be_v all_o the_o comfort_n that_o he_o have_v but_o that_o that_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o god_n will_v be_v sue_v unto_o for_o all_o the_o favour_n he_o bestow_v whatsoever_o be_v from_o his_o favour_n it_o come_v as_o a_o fruit_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o most_o part_n though_o he_o go_v beyond_o our_o desire_n many_o time_n yet_o ordinary_o what_o we_o have_v if_o we_o be_v his_o child_n we_o have_v it_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v we_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o this_o duty_n as_o we_o see_v nehemiah_n here_o remomber_v the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n let_v we_o press_v he_o as_o we_o see_v here_o be_v attentive_a verse_n 6._o and_o here_o again_o be_v attentive_a he_o press_v upon_o god_n it_o be_v no_o sinful_a tautology_n
god_n will_v prosper_v we_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v his_o own_o way_n we_o be_v dark_a creature_n and_o we_o have_v not_o wisdom_n enough_o and_o we_o be_v weak_a creature_n we_o have_v no_o strength_n we_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o for_o success_n alas_o a_o thousand_o thing_n may_v hinder_v we_o from_o it_o for_o success_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o application_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o a_o fit_a issue_n and_o foresee_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v hinder_v and_o a_o remove_n of_o they_o now_o who_o can_v do_v this_o but_o god_n one_o main_a circumstance_n that_o besiege_v and_o beset_v a_o business_n may_v hinder_v a_o excellent_a business_n who_o can_v see_v all_o thing_n that_o beset_v a_o business_n all_o circumstance_n that_o stand_v about_o a_o business_n who_o can_v see_v all_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n that_o be_v hindrance_n or_o furtherance_n it_o must_v be_v a_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o must_v foresee_v they_o man_n can_v see_v they_o and_o when_o man_n do_v see_v they_o be_v there_o not_o sudden_a passion_n that_o come_v up_o in_o man_n that_o rob_v they_o of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o knowledge_n that_o though_o they_o know_v they_o before_o yet_o some_o sudden_a passion_n of_o fear_n or_o anger_n may_v hinder_v the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o mist_n when_o he_o come_v to_o particular_n when_o he_o come_v to_o apply_v the_o knowledge_n that_o he_o have_v before_o he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v so_o that_o unless_o god_n in_o a_o particular_a business_n give_v success_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a to_o remove_v all_o hindrance_n there_o will_v be_v no_o success_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o body_n simile_n it_o stand_v upon_o many_o joint_n and_o if_o any_o be_v out_o of_o tune_n the_o whole_a body_n be_v sick_a and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o clock_n all_o the_o wheel_n must_v be_v keep_v clean_o and_o in_o order_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o business_n there_o must_v all_o the_o wheel_n be_v set_v a_o go_v if_o one_o be_v hinder_v there_o be_v a_o stop_n in_o all_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n when_o we_o deal_v with_o king_n and_o state_n if_o all_o the_o wheel_n be_v not_o keep_v as_o they_o shall_v there_o will_v be_v no_o success_n or_o prosperity_n nehemiah_n know_v this_o well_o enough_o prosper_v thou_o therefore_o he_o mean_v not_o to_o be_v idle_a when_o he_o say_v this_o mean_n prosper_v thou_o for_o he_o after_o join_v his_o own_o diligence_n and_o wait_v therefore_o join_v that_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o effectual_a for_o prosperity_n and_o success_n be_v careful_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n as_o he_o do_v he_o stand_v before_o the_o king_n and_o observe_v how_o he_o carry_v himself_o to_o see_v what_o word_n will_v come_v from_o the_o king_n and_o then_o he_o mean_v after_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n whatsoever_o god_n shall_v discover_v it_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o when_o we_o deal_v in_o any_o matter_n use_v to_o go_v to_o god_n to_o prosper_v it_o and_o give_v success_n and_o direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o a_o bless_a issue_n for_o god_n that_o we_o may_v always_o depend_v upon_o he_o he_o keep_v one_o part_n in_o heaven_n still_o when_o he_o give_v we_o all_o likelihood_n of_o thing_n upon_o earth_n yet_o he_o reserve_v still_o the_o blessing_n till_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v till_o there_o be_v a_o consummation_n of_o the_o business_n he_o keep_v some_o part_n in_o heaven_n because_o he_o will_v have_v we_o sue_v to_o he_o and_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o he_o will_v have_v we_o go_v up_o to_o heaven_n therefore_o when_o we_o have_v daily_a bread_n we_o must_v pray_v for_o daily_a bread_n because_o the_o blessing_n come_v from_o he_o our_o bread_n may_v choke_v we_o else_o we_o may_v die_v with_o it_o in_o our_o mouth_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v but_o when_o we_o have_v thing_n we_o must_v depend_v on_o he_o for_o a_o blessing_n all_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n else_o let_v we_o learn_v by_o this_o a_o direction_n to_o piety_n and_o holy_a walk_n with_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n we_o must_v be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n of_o spirit_n as_o we_o may_v desire_v god_n to_o prosper_v we_o that_o be_v god_n we_o must_v not_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n when_o we_o come_v to_o god_n to_o prosper_v we_o and_o we_o must_v be_v humble_a god_n will_v not_o prosper_v a_o business_n till_o we_o be_v humble_a as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o benjamite_n when_o they_o come_v they_o be_v deny_v the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o time_n till_o they_o pray_v and_o fast_v and_o be_v thorough_o humble_v they_o have_v their_o suit_n deny_v if_o the_o cause_n be_v never_o so_o good_a till_o we_o be_v humble_v god_n will_v not_o prosper_v it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o in_o frame_n for_o the_o blessing_n if_o we_o have_v it_o we_o will_v be_v proud_a god_n in_o prevent_v mercy_n and_o care_n will_v grant_v nothing_o till_o we_o be_v humble_v therefore_o let_v we_o see_v that_o we_o be_v humble_a and_o see_v that_o the_o matter_n be_v good_a that_o we_o beg_v god_n to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v we_o in_o or_o else_o we_o make_v a_o horrible_a idol_n of_o god_n we_o make_v with_o reverence_n be_v it_o speak_v a_o devil_n of_o god_n do_v we_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v strength_n to_o a_o ill_a business_n this_o be_v to_o make_v he_o a_o factor_n for_o mischief_n for_o the_o devil_n work_n we_o must_v not_o come_v with_o such_o strange_a fire_n before_o god_n to_o transform_v god_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o that_o he_o be_v but_o come_v with_o humble_a affection_n with_o repentant_a soul_n for_o our_o former_a sin_n and_o let_v the_o thing_n itself_o be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v come_v without_o tempt_v of_o he_o let_v the_o cause_n be_v such_o that_o we_o may_v desire_v god_n assistance_n without_o tempt_v of_o he_o as_o we_o do_v when_o it_o be_v good_a and_o when_o we_o come_v dispose_v then_o come_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o refer_v all_o to_o his_o service_n lord_n if_o thou_o will_v bless_v i_o in_o this_o business_n the_o strength_n and_o encouragement_n i_o have_v by_o it_o i_o will_v refer_v it_o to_o thy_o further_a service_n let_v i_o have_v this_o token_n of_o love_n from_o thou_o that_o i_o have_v a_o good_a aim_n in_o all_o and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a to_o speed_v well_o prosper_v now_o thy_o servant_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a point_n if_o i_o have_v â—ime_n to_o stand_v on_o it_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v it_o have_v some_o impression_n upon_o your_o heart_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o god_n blast_v and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o many_o excellent_a endeavour_n and_o project_n man_n set_v upon_o the_o business_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o calling_n in_o confidence_n of_o their_o wit_n and_o pride_n of_o their_o own_o part_n they_o carry_v thing_n in_o the_o pride_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o part_n man_n come_v as_o god_n to_o a_o business_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o he_o for_o wisdom_n or_o direction_n or_o strength_n they_o carry_v thing_n in_o a_o carnal_a manner_n in_o a_o human_a manner_n with_o human_a spirit_n therefore_o they_o never_o find_v either_o success_n or_o not_o good_a success_n let_v we_o therefore_o commend_v all_o to_o god_n prosper_v thy_o servant_n before_o he_o go_v about_o the_o business_n holy_a nehemiah_n he_o sow_v prayer_n in_o god_n bosom_n and_o water_v the_o seed_n with_o mourning_n as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o chapter_n he_o mourn_v and_o pray_v when_o this_o business_n be_v sow_v with_o prayer_n and_o water_v with_o tear_n how_o can_v he_o but_o hope_v for_o good_a success_n he_o mourn_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n hear_v thy_o servant_n now_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o thing_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n we_o may_v without_o tempt_a god_n trust_v he_o that_o which_o be_v set_v upon_o in_o carnal_a confidence_n and_o pride_n it_o end_v in_o shame_n when_o man_n think_v to_o conceive_v thing_n in_o wit_n i_o and_o in_o faction_n and_o human_a affection_n god_n will_v not_o be_v glorify_v this_o way_n god_n will_v be_v glorify_v by_o humble_a dependent_a creature_n that_o when_o they_o have_v do_v the_o business_n will_v ascribe_v all_o to_o he_o not_o unto_o we_o but_o to_o thy_o name_n give_v the_o praise_n the_o direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o blessing_n be_v thou_o faith_n god_n
in_o isay_n 50._o towards_o the_o end_n go_v too_o now_o you_o that_o kindle_v a_o fire_n walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o your_o own_o fire_n but_o be_v sure_a you_o shall_v end_v in_o sorrow_n you_o will_v kindle_v a_o fire_n of_o your_o own_o device_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o your_o fire_n you_o will_v have_v project_n of_o your_o own_o and_o be_v your_o own_o carver_n but_o be_v sure_a you_o shall_v lie_v down_o in_o darkness_n and_o discomfort_n you_o shall_v lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n a_o proud_a unbroken_a heart_n account_v these_o course_n poor_a course_n it_o be_v but_o a_o course_n of_o weak_a and_o poor_a spirit_n to_o pray_v and_o fast_v and_o humble_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o to_o fear_v god_n alas_o what_o be_v these_o these_o be_v weak_a course_n i_o hope_v we_o have_v strong_a part_n and_o mean_n to_o carry_v thing_n so_o they_o have_v a_o kingdom_n in_o their_o brain_n what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o these_o vain_a man_n when_o god_n discover_v all_o their_o course_n to_o be_v vain_a at_o length_n to_o be_v wind_n and_o come_v to_o nothing_o prosper_v now_o thy_o servant_n say_v he_o let_v we_o learn_v this_o lesson_n likewise_o if_o we_o come_v to_o god_n in_o a_o particular_a business_n that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o confident_a in_o to_o be_v please_v to_o god_n yet_o in_o general_a to_o submit_v ourselves_o lord_n prosper_v thy_o servant_n go_v before_o thy_o servant_n let_v i_o deal_v in_o nothing_o against_o thy_o will_n direct_v i_o what_o be_v for_o thy_o glory_n and_o not_o to_o prescribe_v or_o limit_v god_n prosper_v thy_o servant_n this_o day_n and_o grant_v he_o mercy_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o man_n he_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o his_o request_n grant_v i_o mercy_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o man_n we_o see_v that_o a_o king_n be_v a_o great_a organ_n or_o instrument_n to_o convey_v good_a thing_n from_o god_n the_o king_n of_o king_n to_o man_n man_n therefore_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o king_n for_o a_o king_n be_v the_o first_o wheel_n that_o move_v all_o other_o wheel_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n or_o the_o first_o mover_n that_o move_v all_o inferior_a orb_n therefore_o in_o heavenly_a wisdom_n he_o desire_v god_n to_o give_v he_o favour_n with_o he_o for_o if_o he_o have_v that_o the_o king_n can_v turn_v all_o the_o inferior_a orb_n to_o his_o pleasure_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o point_n worthy_a enlarge_n but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o seasonable_a for_o this_o time_n the_o time_n be_v already_o spend_v you_o see_v what_o great_a good_a god_n convey_v by_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o when_o god_n mean_v to_o do_v good_a to_o a_o church_n or_o state_n he_o raise_v up_o nurse_a father_n and_o nurse_a mother_n he_o will_v raise_v up_o both_o king_n and_o subordinate_a nehemiah_n excellent_a man_n when_o he_o have_v excellent_a thing_n to_o do_v but_o the_o main_a thing_n here_o intend_v which_o i_o will_v but_o touch_v be_v that_o consider_v they_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o god_n as_o to_o be_v instrument_n to_o convey_v so_o much_o good_a or_o so_o much_o ill_n as_o they_o may_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o jeroboam_n they_o either_o cause_v other_o to_o sin_n or_o to_o worship_n god_n therefore_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o good_a nehemiah_n he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v find_v favour_n in_o his_o sight_n a_o wise_a and_o holy_a prayer_n he_o begin_v at_o the_o head_n he_o go_v to_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o good_a prayer_n be_v the_o messenger_n or_o ambassador_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o ambassador_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o go_v to_o the_o high_a to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n first_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o lord_n first_o it_o go_v to_o the_o high_a mover_n of_o all_o observ._n and_o then_o desire_v he_o to_o move_v the_o next_o immediate_a subordinate_a mover_n god_n that_o be_v the_o king_n that_o he_o may_v move_v other_o orb_n under_o he_o that_o thing_n may_v be_v carry_v by_o a_o gracious_a sweet_a course_n to_o a_o bless_a issue_n therefore_o the_o observation_n hence_o be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o great_a man_n with_o king_n etc._n etc._n how_o ever_o begin_v with_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o do_v all_o in_o heaven_n before_o we_o do_v it_o in_o earth_n for_o heaven_n make_v the_o law_n that_o earth_n be_v govern_v by_o let_v earth_n conclude_v what_o it_o will_v there_o will_v be_v conclusion_n in_o heaven_n that_o will_v overthrow_v all_o their_o conclusion_n therefore_o in_o our_o prayer_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o god_n and_o desire_v he_o with_o earnest_n and_o fervent_a entreaty_n that_o he_o will_v set_v all_o a_o go_v that_o he_o will_v set_v in_o frame_n these_o inferior_a cause_n and_o when_o we_o have_v get_v what_o we_o will_v in_o heaven_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o get_v in_o earth_n let_v we_o win_v what_o we_o desire_v in_o heaven_n at_o god_n hand_n and_o than_o what_o a_o easy_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o work_v with_o prince_n and_o other_o governor_n in_o state_n when_o we_o have_v get_v god_n once_o have_v not_o he_o the_o heart_n of_o king_n in_o his_o hand_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n to_o turn_v this_o way_n or_o that_o they_o way_n as_o a_o skilful_a man_n derive_v water_n by_o this_o channel_n or_o by_o that_o as_o he_o open_v a_o vent_n for_o the_o water_n so_o god_n open_v a_o way_n to_o vent_v the_o deliberation_n and_o determination_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n to_o run_v this_o way_n or_o that_o to_o this_o good_a or_o to_o that_o as_o he_o please_v therefore_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a dependence_n of_o all_o inferior_a thing_n from_o god_n when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o king_n or_o great_a man_n let_v we_o always_o begin_v with_o prayer_n as_o jacob_n when_o he_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o esau_n he_o fall_v down_o and_o pray_v first_o and_o when_o he_o have_v get_v of_o god_n by_o prayer_n god_n that_o make_v even_o of_o enemy_n friend_n he_o turn_v esau_n heart_n of_o a_o enemy_n to_o be_v a_o friend_n and_o god_n put_v into_o jacob_n heart_n a_o wise_a course_n to_o effect_v this_o as_o to_o offer_v a_o present_a and_o to_o give_v he_o title_n my_o lord_n esau_n etc._n etc._n god_n when_o he_o will_v effect_v a_o thing_n among_o man_n and_o hear_v the_o prayer_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o for_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n he_o will_v put_v into_o their_o heart_n such_o way_n whereby_o they_o shall_v prevail_v with_o man_n as_o jacob_n do_v with_o esau_n so_o hester_n before_o she_o go_v to_o ahasueros_n she_o gate_n in_o heaven_n first_o by_o prayer_n when_o she_o have_v obtain_v of_o god_n by_o prayerâ—_z how_o placable_a and_o sweet_a be_v ahasueros_n to_o she_o so_o we_o see_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n when_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n they_o begin_v with_o god_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o learn_v this_o point_n of_o christian_n wisdom_n if_o you_o will_v speed_v well_o as_o we_o all_o desire_n to_o speed_v well_o in_o our_o business_n especial_o those_o that_o have_v public_a employment_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v to_o god_n that_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n in_o his_o government_n and_o guidance_n that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o favourable_a and_o not_o to_o think_v to_o carry_v thing_n in_o a_o violent_a course_n for_o than_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o give_v that_o good_a success_n but_o to_o carry_v thing_n in_o a_o religious_a course_n to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o to_o know_v in_o what_o term_n to_o stand_v in_o all_o inferior_a thing_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v a_o dependence_n of_o all_o inferior_n to_o god_n then_o we_o must_v not_o offend_v god_n and_o go_v against_o conscience_n for_o any_o because_o he_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o set_v up_o authority_n against_o himself_o to_o disarm_v and_o disable_v himself_o he_o never_o go_v to_o set_v up_o god_n under_o he_o to_o make_v he_o a_o cipher_n that_o he_o shall_v make_v they_o god_n and_o god_n a_o man_n or_o nobody_o to_o alter_v all_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n he_o never_o mean_v to_o set_v up_o any_o ordinance_n to_o nullify_v and_o make_v himself_o nobody_o therefore_o i_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o king_n that_o so_o in_o our_o obedience_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v nothing_o against_o conscience_n for_o any_o creature_n we_o must_v do_v all_o thing_n that_o possible_a