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in_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o best_a work_n of_o love_n and_o christian_a communion_n to_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o best_a work_n of_o the_o best_a zeal_n to_o join_v in_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n the_o best_a work_n of_o true_a loyalty_n to_o join_v in_o covenant_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o king_n and_o superior_n and_o the_o best_a proof_n of_o natural_a affection_n and_o to_o be_v without_o natural_a affection_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o join_v in_o covenant_n for_o defence_n of_o our_o native_a country_n liberty_n and_o law_n such_o as_o for_o these_o necessary_a end_n to_o withdraw_v and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n have_v reason_n to_o enter_v into_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o look_v into_o their_o faith_n love_n zeal_n loyalty_n and_o natural_a affection_n as_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n so_o have_v we_o for_o it_o the_o precedent_n and_o example_n not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o old_a of_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o germany_n and_o the_o low_a country_n but_o of_o our_o own_o noble_a and_o christian_a progenitor_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o the_o defect_n be_v they_o go_v not_o on_o thorough_o to_o enter_v in_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n a_o happiness_n reserve_v for_o this_o time_n which_o have_v they_o do_v the_o corruption_n and_o calamity_n of_o these_o day_n may_v have_v be_v prevent_v and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o move_v loose_a and_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n in_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n to_o take_v this_o covenant_n not_o in_o simulation_n nor_o in_o luke_o warmness_n as_o those_o that_o be_v almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o as_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o prevention_n of_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n and_o a_o mean_a of_o many_o and_o rich_a blessing_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a to_o ourselves_o our_o little_a one_o and_o the_o posterity_n that_o shall_v come_v after_o we_o for_o many_o generation_n the_o near_a and_o neighbour_a example_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n be_v in_o this_o case_n worthy_a of_o our_o best_a observation_n when_o the_o prelate_n there_o be_v grow_v by_o their_o rent_n and_o lordly_a dignity_n by_o their_o exorbitant_a power_n over_o all_o sort_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n minister_n and_o other_o by_o their_o place_n in_o parliament_n council_n college_n of_o justice_n exchequer_n and_o high_a commission_n to_o a_o monstrous_a dominion_n and_o greatness_n and_o like_o giant_n set_v their_o one_o foot_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o state_n be_v become_v intolerable_a insolent_a and_o when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n through_o their_o oppression_n in_o religion_n liberty_n and_o law_n and_o what_o be_v dear_a unto_o they_o be_v bring_v so_o low_a that_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o die_v then_o to_o live_v in_o such_o slavery_n or_o to_o live_v in_o any_o other_o place_n rather_o than_o in_o their_o own_o native_a country_n then_o do_v the_o lord_n say_v i_o have_v see_v i_o have_v see_v the_o affliction_n of_o my_o people_n and_o i_o have_v hear_v their_o groan_n and_o be_o come_v down_o to_o deliver_v they_o the_o beginning_n be_v small_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o presumptuous_a enemy_n such_o as_o use_v to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n but_o be_v so_o second_v and_o continual_o follow_v by_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o divine_a providence_n lead_v they_o forward_o from_o one_o step_n to_o another_o that_o their_o mountain_n become_v strong_a in_o the_o end_n no_o tongue_n can_v tell_v what_o motion_n fill_v the_o heart_n what_o tear_n be_v pour_v forth_o from_o the_o eye_n and_o what_o cry_n come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o thousand_o in_o that_o land_n when_o they_o find_v a_o unwonted_a flame_n warm_v their_o breast_n and_o perceive_v the_o power_n of_o god_n raise_v they_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o create_v for_o they_o a_o new_a world_n wherein_o shall_v dwell_v religion_n and_o righteousness_n when_o they_o be_v destitute_a both_o of_o money_n and_o munition_n which_o next_o unto_o the_o spirit_n and_o arm_n of_o man_n be_v the_o sinew_n of_o war_n the_o lord_n bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o his_o hide_a treasure_n which_o be_v wonderful_a in_o their_o eye_n and_o matter_n of_o astonishment_n to_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v many_o time_n at_o a_o pause_n in_o their_o deliberation_n and_o bring_v to_o such_o perplexity_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o choose_v or_o to_o do_v for_o prosecute_v the_o work_n of_o god_n only_o their_o eye_n be_v towards_o he_o not_o only_a the_o fear_n and_o fury_n but_o the_o plot_n also_o and_o policy_n of_o the_o adversary_n open_v the_o way_n unto_o they_o their_o device_n be_v turn_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n and_o serve_v for_o the_o promote_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o purity_n of_o their_o intention_n elevate_v above_o base_a and_o earthly_a respect_n and_o the_o constant_a peace_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o danger_n do_v bear_v they_o out_o against_o the_o malicious_a accusation_n and_o aspersion_n put_v upon_o their_o action_n all_o which_o be_v sensible_a impression_n of_o the_o good_a providence_n oâ—_z god_n and_o â—egâ—â—e_n character_n of_o his_o work_n which_o as_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n exercise_v at_o this_o time_n with_o great_a difficulty_n than_o they_o have_v in_o part_n already_o find_v so_o shall_v the_o parallel_n be_v perfect_v to_o their_o great_a comfort_n in_o the_o faithful_a pursue_n of_o the_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n necessity_n which_o have_v in_o it_o a_o kind_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o be_v a_o law_n above_o all_o law_n and_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o have_v no_o law_n do_v mighty_o press_v the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n at_o this_o time_n it_o be_v no_o small_a comfort_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v idle_a and_o at_o ease_n but_o have_v use_v all_o good_a and_o lawful_a mean_n of_o supplication_n declaration_n and_o remonstrance_n to_o his_o majesty_n for_o quench_v the_o combustion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o after_o all_o these_o that_o they_o send_v commissioner_n to_o his_o majesty_n humble_o to_o mediate_v for_o a_o reconcilement_n and_o pacification_n but_o the_o offer_n of_o their_o humble_a service_n be_v reject_v from_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n nor_o capacity_n for_o such_o a_o mediation_n and_o that_o the_o intermixture_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n as_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o although_o it_o be_v true_a which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n often_o reply_v that_o the_o eight_o demand_n of_o the_o treaty_n and_o the_o answer_n give_v thereunto_o concerning_o the_o uniformity_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o capacity_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n against_o episcopal_a government_n as_o a_o stumble_a block_n hinder_v reformation_n and_o as_o a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n be_v ground_n enough_o for_o their_o information_n the_o commissioner_n have_v return_v from_o his_o majesty_n without_o success_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o ireland_n the_o distress_n of_o england_n and_o the_o danger_n and_o pressure_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n grow_v to_o great_a extremity_n such_o as_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 〈…〉_z according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o former_a time_n his_o majesty_n have_v deny_v a_o parliament_n to_o call_v a_o convention_n of_o the_o estate_n for_o consider_v of_o the_o present_a affair_n and_o for_o provide_v the_o best_a remedy_n which_o immediate_o upon_o their_o meeting_n by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n do_v receive_v information_n of_o diverse_a treacherous_a attempt_n of_o papist_n in_o all_o the_o three_o kingdom_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v call_v for_o that_o effect_n and_o by_o the_o same_o providence_n commissioner_n be_v send_v from_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n to_o consider_v with_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n of_o such_o article_n and_o proposition_n as_o may_v make_v the_o conjunction_n betwixt_o the_o two_o nation_n more_o beneficial_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o secure_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n against_o papist_n and_o prelate_n with_o their_o adherent_n their_o consultation_n with_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n do_v
among_o we_o come_v therefore_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o to_o another_o and_o each_o to_o all_o in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v we_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o a_o work_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o that_o ever_o be_v undertake_v by_o any_o of_o we_o or_o any_o of_o our_o forefather_n before_o we_o or_o neighbour_a nation_n about_o we_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v bless_v this_o our_o beginning_n it_o will_v be_v a_o happy_a day_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o happy_a people_n a_o oath_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o of_o the_o high_a and_o noble_a order_n and_o rank_n of_o duty_n therefore_o must_v come_v forth_o attend_v with_o choice_a grace_n especial_o with_o these_o two_o humility_n and_o fear_n fear_v not_o only_o of_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o a_o eminent_a measure_n gen._n 31._o 53._o jacob_n swear_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n as_o if_o he_o covet_v to_o inherit_v his_o father_n grace_n as_o well_o as_o his_o father_n god_n but_o also_o fear_v of_o a_o oath_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a duty_n and_o have_v this_o peculiar_a it_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n i_o have_v swear_v that_o unto_o i_o every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v isa_n 45._o 23._o it_o be_v make_v the_o very_a character_n of_o a_o saint_n he_o fear_v a_o oath_n eccles._n 9_o 2._o humility_n be_v another_o grace_n requisite_a set_v your_o heart_n before_o god_n in_o a_o humble_a obedient_a frame_n deut._n 6._o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o engagement_n even_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o this_o duty_n rom_n 1._o 9_o i_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v who_o i_o serve_v in_o my_o spirit_n although_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o lip_n yet_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o whole_a man_n must_v be_v interest_v if_o we_o expect_v this_o worship_n to_o be_v acceptable_a psal._n 119_o 108._o accept_v the_o free_a will_n offer_v of_o my_o mouth_n and_o teach_v i_o thy_o judgement_n also_o it_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o great_a simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o with_o who_o we_o covenant_n we_o call_v god_n as_o a_o witness_n betwixt_o we_o who_o search_v the_o heart_n with_o he_o be_v wisdom_n and_o strength_n the_o deceive_v and_o deceiver_n be_v he_o job_n 12._o 19_o he_o have_v wisdom_n to_o discover_v and_o strength_n to_o punish_v if_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o to_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o be_v content_v with_o this_o that_o the_o word_n of_o our_o covenant_n be_v band_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v become_v snare_n no_o not_o to_o the_o weak_a and_o simple_a person_n that_o join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a work_n make_v your_o address_n unto_o god_n as_o jacob_n do_v to_o his_o 〈…〉_z there_o be_v the_o like_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n over_o your_o spirit_n gen._n 27._o 12._o my_o father_n peradventure_o will_v feel_v i_o and_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o he_o as_o a_o deceiver_n and_o i_o shall_v bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o i_o and_o not_o a_o blessing_n i_o take_v liberty_n with_o more_o earnestness_n to_o press_v this_o care_n upon_o you_o because_o i_o have_v observe_v oath_n and_o covenant_n have_v be_v undertake_v by_o we_o former_o and_o by_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n the_o fruit_n whereof_o though_o great_a yet_o not_o answer_v our_o expectation_n the_o lord_n sure_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o the_o slightness_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o work_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v more_o watchful_a and_o stir_v up_o your_o heart_n with_o more_o industry_n this_o day_n than_o ever_o before_o as_o it_o be_v the_o last_o oath_n you_o be_v likely_a to_o take_v in_o this_o kind_n so_o it_o be_v our_o last_o refuge_n tabula_fw-la post_fw-la naufragium_fw-la if_o this_o help_v not_o we_o be_v likely_a to_o remain_v to_o our_o die_a day_n a_o unhappy_a people_n but_o if_o otherwise_o you_o will_v indeed_o swear_v with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o seek_v the_o lord_n with_o your_o whole_a desire_n god_n will_v be_v find_v and_o give_v you_o rest_n round_o about_o 2_o chor._n 15_o 15._o and_o have_v swear_v and_o enter_v into_o this_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o god_n and_o man_n make_v conscience_n to_o do_v according_o otherwise_o it_o be_v better_a thou_o shall_v not_o vow_v ecclesiast_fw-la 5._o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o fast_v it_o be_v not_o the_o bow_n down_o of_o the_o head_n for_o a_o day_n so_o of_o this_o solemn_a swear_v it_o be_v not_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o hand_n for_o a_o day_n but_o a_o honest_a and_o faithful_a endeavour_n after_o the_o content_n of_o this_o covenant_n all_o our_o day_n a_o truce_n breaker_n be_v reckon_v up_o among_o the_o vile_a of_o christian_n 2._o tim._n 3._o 3._o so_o a_o covenant-breaker_n be_v list_v among_o the_o worst_a of_o heathen_n rom._n 1._o 31_o but_o he_o that_o swear_v and_o change_v not_o though_o he_o swear_v to_o his_o hurt_n that_o be_v he_o that_o will_v keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o oath_n though_o the_o content_n of_o it_o prove_v not_o for_o he_o nay_o possible_o against_o he_o yet_o he_o will_v keep_v it_o for_o his_o oath_n sake_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v have_v his_o habitation_n with_o the_o most_o high_a and_o dwell_v in_o his_o tabernacle_n psal._n 15._o and_o as_o for_o you_o reverend_a brethren_n that_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o obligation_n will_v lie_v upon_o you_o let_v we_o look_v to_o ourselves_o and_o make_v provision_n to_o walk_v answerable_a to_o this_o our_o covenant_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n it_o will_v reflect_v a_o great_a aspersion_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v false_a or_o unconstant_a in_o any_o word_n or_o purpose_n though_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o less_o consequence_n as_o you_o can_v easy_o collect_v from_o that_o apology_n of_o paul_n 2_o cor._n 1_o 17_o 18._o how_o much_o more_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v if_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o purpose_n nay_o more_o to_o vow_v and_o covenant_n and_o swear_v and_o all_o this_o according_a unto_o the_o flesh_n and_o with_o we_o there_o shall_v be_v notwithstanding_o all_o these_o obligation_n yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o that_o we_o may_v all_o who_o take_v the_o covenant_n this_o day_n he_o constant_a immovable_a and_o abound_v in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v not_o start_v aside_o or_o give_v back_o or_o go_v on_o uncomfortable_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a grace_n or_o qualification_n to_o be_v labour_v after_o 1_o we_o must_v get_v courage_n spirit_n that_o be_v bold_a and_o resolute_a it_o be_v say_v in_o haggai_n that_o the_o lord_n stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o zerubbabel_n governor_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o joshua_n the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o come_v and_o do_v work_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o work_n of_o god_n house_n reformation-work_n especial_o be_v a_o stir_a work_n read_v story_n you_o find_v not_o anywhere_o reformation_n make_v in_o any_o age_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n without_o great_a stir_n and_o opposition_n this_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n chap._n 2._o vers._n 7._o the_o promise_n be_v he_o will_v fill_v his_o house_n with_o glory_n but_o what_o go_v before_o vers_n 6_o yet_o once_o it_o be_v a_o little_a while_n and_o i_o will_v shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n that_o be_v all_o nation_n as_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v this_o place_n be_v apply_v heb_n 12_o to_o the_o remove_n jewish_a rite_n the_o movable_n of_o god_n house_n the_o like_v you_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o apostle_n time_n act_n 17_o the_o truth_n beiâ—â—_z preach_v some_o believe_v other_o do_v not_o here_o beginnetâ—_n the_o stir_n vers._n 6._o those_o that_o believe_v not_o take_v untâ—_n themselves_o certain_a lewd_a fellow_n of_o the_o base_a sort_n and_o gather_v a_o company_n and_o set_v all_o the_o city_n in_o a_o uproar_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o complain_v of_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o ruler_n as_o man_n that_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o ver._n 6_o read_v also_o act_v 21._o 27_o 30._o 31._o in_o such_o a_o work_n therefore_o man_n have_v need_n be_v of_o
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which_o we_o hope_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o work_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o end_n have_v the_o pope_n at_o rome_n the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v do_v this_o day_n in_o england_n and_o be_v this_o covenant_n write_v on_o the_o plaster_n of_o the_o wall_n over_o against_o he_o where_o he_o sit_v belshazzar-like_o in_o his_o sacralegious_a pomp_n it_o will_v make_v his_o heart_n to_o tremble_v his_o countenance_n to_o change_v his_o head_n and_o mitre_n to_o shake_v his_o joint_n to_o lose_v and_o all_o his_o cardinal_n and_o prelate_n to_o be_v astonish_v when_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o by_o their_o letter_n have_v be_v excite_v we_o to_o christian_a communion_n and_o sympathy_n in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o religion_n and_o distress_n of_o the_o godly_a shall_v hear_v of_o this_o bless_a conjunction_n for_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o defence_n thereof_o it_o shall_v quicken_v 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with_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v for_o it_o as_o you_o have_v be_v now_o resolve_v by_o the_o consent_n and_o testimony_n of_o a_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o so_o many_o godly_a learned_a and_o great_a divine_n in_o your_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n you_o will_v find_v that_o although_o while_o you_o be_v assault_v or_o exercise_v with_o worldly_a care_n and_o fear_n your_o 〈…〉_z other_o time_n when_o upon_o seek_v of_o god_n in_o private_a or_o public_a as_o in_o the_o evening_n of_o a_o well_o spend_v sabbath_n or_o day_n of_o fast_n and_o humiliation_n your_o disposition_n be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o leave_v the_o world_n behind_o you_o you_o have_v find_v access_n unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o your_o heart_n will_v be_v strong_a to_o go_v through_o with_o this_o work_n it_o be_v a_o good_a testimony_n that_o our_o design_n and_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o we_o affect_v they_o most_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v further_a from_o the_o world_n and_o our_o temper_n be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o least_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v for_o we_o and_o on_o our_o side_n it_o be_v more_o terrible_a than_o a_o army_n to_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o fervent_a supplication_n to_o god_n against_o we_o blasphemy_n curse_n and_o horrid_a imprecation_n there_o be_v proceed_v from_o another_o spirit_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o divine_a providence_n also_o which_o have_v maintain_v this_o cause_n and_o support_v his_o servant_n in_o a_o marvellous_a manner_n unto_o this_o day_n and_o which_o this_o time_n past_a have_v keep_v thing_n in_o a_o equal_a balance_n and_o vicissitud_n of_o success_n will_v we_o trust_v from_o this_o day-forth_n through_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o covenant_n cast_v the_o balance_n and_o make_v religion_n and_o righteousness_n to_o prevail_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o our_o king_n the_o confusion_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o he_o grant_v who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v above_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v finis_fw-la