nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o the_o like_a passage_n in_o psal_n 34.18_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o break_a heart_n and_o save_v such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o regard_n wherein_o god_n people_n be_v say_v to_o be_v near_o to_o he_o viz._n god_n nearness_n unto_o they_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o affection_n to_o they_o he_o be_v and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v near_o to_o they_o lord_n help_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o god_n people_n sometime_o can_v hardly_o believe_v it_o you_o know_v these_o people_n who_o we_o by_o love_n account_v dear_a we_o account_v also_o to_o be_v very_o near_o to_o we_o dearness_n and_o nearness_n be_v here_o convertible_a now_o god_n people_n be_v the_o dear_o belove_v of_o his_o soul_n jer._n 12.7_o in_o original_a but_o one_o word_n i_o have_v give_v the_o dear_o belove_v of_o my_o soul_n heb._n the_o love_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o her_o enemy_n and_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o title_n christ_n give_v his_o church_n throughout_o the_o whole_a song_n of_o solomon_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n etc._n etc._n so_o near_o to_o he_o the_o church_n desire_v to_o be_v that_o song_n 8.6_o she_o pray_v set_v i_o as_o a_o seal_n on_o thy_o heart_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o in_o short_a love_v i_o dear_o and_o love_n make_v as_o strong_a a_o impression_n on_o the_o heart_n as_o a_o seal_n do_v upon_o any_o thing_n to_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v she_o desire_v to_o be_v near_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o his_o love_n towards_o she_o may_v have_v deep_a impression_n there_o as_o the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n have_v on_o the_o breastplate_n of_o judgement_n which_o aaron_n do_v bear_v on_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o go_v in_o into_o the_o holy-place_n exod._n 28.21_o 29._o further_o she_o pray_v there_o as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o arm_n for_o love_n be_v as_o strong_a as_o death_n in_o which_o she_o desire_v also_o his_o compassion_n and_o affection_n the_o lord_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o a_o like_a phrase_n to_o his_o church_n say_v behold_v i_o have_v grave_v thou_o on_o the_o palm_n of_o my_o hand_n isa_n 49.16_o i_o remember_v the_o lord_n make_v use_v of_o one_o expression_n more_o to_o set_v it_o forth_o by_o the_o signet_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o that_o be_v near_o in_o place_n and_o affection_n too_o jer._n 22.24_o where_o the_o lord_n speak_v of_o coniah_n one_o of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n though_o coniah_n the_o son_n of_o jehojakim_n king_n of_o judah_n be_v their_o signet_n on_o my_o right_a hand_n yet_o will_v i_o pluck_v thou_o thence_o etc._n etc._n a_o man_n signet_n that_o he_o wear_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n what_o a_o esteem_n and_o love_n have_v he_o for_o that_o yet_o say_v god_n though_o he_o be_v as_o the_o signet_n on_o my_o right_a hand_n will_v i_o pluck_v thou_o thence_o sin_n will_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o a_o person_n or_o people_n though_o near_o to_o he_o and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n god_n people_n be_v his_o dear_o belove_a and_o so_o they_o be_v near_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o affection_n 3._o in_o regard_n of_o relation_n to_o god_n they_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kin_n and_o alliance_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n you_o shall_v find_v nearness_n and_o kin_n be_v convertible_a in_o the_o scripture_n leu._n 21.2_o but_o for_o his_o kin_n that_o be_v near_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v for_o his_o mother_n and_o father_n and_o for_o his_o son_n and_o for_o his_o daughter_n and_o for_o his_o brother_n and_o ver_fw-la 3._o and_o for_o his_o sister_n that_o be_v nigh_o unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o kin_n and_o nearness_n be_v join_v together_o word_n of_o the_o same_o import_n now_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a relation_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n which_o make_v the_o kin_n to_o be_v so_o near._n 1._o by_o regeneration_n and_o the_o new-birth_n 2._o by_o the_o marriage-covenant_n and_o bless_v be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o nearness_n unto_o god_n first_o by_o regeneration_n and_o the_o new-birth_n that_o be_v one_o way_n the_o kin_n come_v in_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o bear_v again_o and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o that_o be_v regenerate_v be_v call_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o who_o be_v near_a to_o we_o than_o our_o child_n these_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v bear_v of_o he_o joh._n 1.12_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 13._o show_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o john_n throughout_o be_v they_o say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n now_o how_o near_o be_v the_o father_n and_o son_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o be_v paâ—ents_n so_o near_o be_v the_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n 2_o cor._n 6.18_o i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n almighty_n what_o a_o promise_n be_v this_o he_o will_v receive_v they_o to_o be_v as_o near_o unto_o he_o as_o he_o will_v receive_v his_o own_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o and_o what_o a_o deal_n of_o nearness_n of_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o relation_n be_v there_o in_o this_o case_n behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.1_o you_o that_o be_v parent_n think_v on_o this_o when_o you_o see_v your_o child_n in_o the_o street_n or_o any_o where_n about_o you_o oh_o how_o be_v your_o heart_n draw_v out_o after_o they_o learn_v hence_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o nearness_n both_o of_o relation_n and_o affection_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n you_o can_v love_v your_o child_n though_o your_o heart_n run_v out_o after_o they_o as_o god_n love_v his_o child_n all_o the_o affection_n of_o all_o the_o parent_n in_o the_o world_n to_o their_o child_n be_v but_o the_o drop_n of_o a_o bucket_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n love_n to_o his_o people_n and_o his_o child_n 2._o by_o marriage-covenant_n be_v they_o near_o to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v so_o near_o a_o relation_n that_o all_o other_o kin_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v for_o this_o relation_n they_o that_o be_v marry_v as_o to_o their_o relation_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v become_v one_o flesh_n so_o near_o they_o be_v mat._n 19.5_o just_o as_o adam_n say_v of_o the_o woman_n when_o god_n bring_v she_o to_o he_o this_o be_v bone_n of_o my_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o my_o flesh_n gen._n 2.23_o belove_a god_n people_n be_v his_o marry_a people_n and_o they_o be_v his_o espouse_a people_n full_a of_o this_o be_v the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n hos_fw-la 2.19_o 20._o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o for_o ever_o yea_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o love_a kindness_n and_o in_o mercy_n i_o will_v even_o betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o faithfulness_n etc._n etc._n jer._n 3.14_o turn_v oh_o backslide_a child_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o marry_v unto_o you_o isa_n 54.5_o for_o thy_o maker_n be_v thy_o husband_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v his_o name_n oh_o what_o a_o husband_n be_v this_o every_o woman_n be_v apt_a to_o admire_v she_o own_o husband_n but_o what_o a_o husband_n be_v this_o of_o soul_n mark_v how_o the_o apostle_n do_v improve_v this_o natural_a marriage_n to_o a_o spiritual_a use_n 1_o cor._n 6.16_o 17._o what_o know_v you_o not_o that_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o a_o harlot_n be_v one_o body_n for_o he_o say_v you_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n ver_fw-la 17._o but_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n design_n be_v to_o take_v off_o people_n from_o fornication_n and_o the_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o marriage_n god_n make_v marriage_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o union_n betwixt_o the_o man_n and_o the_o
god_n a_o christian_n choice_n complete_v by_o particular_a covenant_v with_o god._n together_o with_o a_o appendix_n contain_v proposition_n tend_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o transact_v with_o god_n in_o that_o way_n in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o design_n propose_v by_o mr._n r._n a._n in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o vindication_n of_o godliness_n and_o by_o mr._n tho._n vincent_n in_o his_o book_n call_v word_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o brief_a discovery_n of_o the_o nearness_n of_o such_o a_o people_n unto_o god_n on_o psal_n 148.14_o by_o samuel_n winney_n sometime_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o glaston_n in_o somersetshire_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n cockeril_n at_o the_o atlas_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1675._o to_o the_o worshipful_a john_n lane_n esquire_n citizen_n of_o london_n together_o with_o his_o virtuous_a yoke_n fellow_n mris._n elizabeth_n lane_n s._n w._n wish_v happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o honour_a sir_n madam_n god_n make_v and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o man_n i_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o condescend_v act_n of_o grace_n that_o ever_o be_v pass_v towards_o the_o son_n of_o men._n that_o the_o almighty_a god_n shall_v form_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o clay_n or_o dust_n and_o then_o take_v he_o into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o it_o be_v so_o high_a a_o dignity_n vouchsafe_v and_o confer_v that_o can_v hardly_o enter_v into_o our_o thought_n with_o sufficient_a admiration_n but_o that_o when_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v break_v god_n shall_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n and_o not_o take_v the_o forseiture_n of_o the_o first_o to_o his_o utter_a undo_n how_o much_o more_o great_a be_v his_o kindness_n it_o show_v the_o matchless_a and_o unconceivable_a love_n and_o respect_n that_o god_n have_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n methinks_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o i_o bless_v god_n i_o hope_v i_o can_v say_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o can_v but_o not_o only_o with_o joy_n but_o exultation_n humble_o adore_v this_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o we_o what_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o such_o a_o covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n lay_v on_o a_o better_a foundation_n yea_o the_o best_a promise_n and_o the_o best_a foundation_n not_o only_o with_o man_n but_o with_o he_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o mediator_n a_o covenant_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v break_v for_o god_n will_v never_o break_v it_o on_o his_o part_n and_o he_o have_v undertake_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o fin_n ally_v fall_n from_o it_o yea_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v all_o the_o fall_v that_o be_v out_o of_o infirmity_n from_o it_o that_o do_v thereby_o violate_v it_o certain_o these_o expression_n of_o take_v hold_v of_o god_n covenant_n and_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o covenant_n be_v to_o my_o soul_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o cordial_n to_o any_o sink_v faint_a heart_n and_o through_o grace_n do_v and_o shall_v experimental_o find_v more_o solid_a satisfactory_a comfort_n in_o than_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o such_o as_o we_o be_v shall_v be_v so_o high_o favour_v and_o befriend_v by_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n sir_n the_o vindication_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o every_o christian_n particular_a transact_n with_o god_n in_o this_o way_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o middle_a part_n which_o occasion_v the_o prefix_v this_o forego_n and_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o short_a treatise_n to_o yourself_o and_o your_o good_a lady_n do_v i_o dedicate_v this_o small_a piece_n as_o know_v that_o you_o have_v a_o through_o experience_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o follow_a sheet_n and_o therefore_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o honour_n i_o owe_v you_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o kindness_n and_o token_n of_o faithful_a love_n which_o since_o i_o know_v you_o i_o and_o my_o whole_a family_n have_v receive_v from_o yourself_o your_o gracious_a lady_n yea_o your_o whole_a family_n which_o i_o shall_v forbear_v here_o to_o mention_v further_o as_o know_v that_o you_o desire_v not_o any_o one_o shall_v as_o you_o yourself_o do_v not_o blow_v a_o trumpet_n before_o you_o but_o for_o religion_n sake_n and_o that_o covenant-relation_n in_o which_o you_o and_o you_o stand_v ally_v to_o god_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o testify_v and_o render_v due_n of_o thanks_o to_o you_o in_o any_o other_o or_o better_a way_n than_o this_o if_o you_o shall_v continue_v to_o favour_v i_o in_o accept_v this_o small_a testimony_n of_o love_n and_o respect_n to_o yourself_o and_o family_n as_o i_o know_v you_o do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o but_o also_o be_v persuade_v of_o and_o have_v embrace_v the_o truth_n and_o privilege_n herein_o present_v to_o the_o world_n i_o have_v attain_v the_o end_n in_o this_o dedication_n sir_n though_o they_o be_v devoid_a of_o the_o embellishment_n of_o large_a and_o many_o marginal_a quotation_n and_o the_o embroidery_n of_o curious_a and_o entice_a word_n yet_o here_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o god_n which_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o present_v to_o you_o know_v that_o true_a of_o you_o which_o be_v upon_o record_n of_o jacob_n as_o his_o high_a commendation_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o though_o he_o be_v a_o great_a man_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o plain_a man_n which_o phrase_n be_v no_o mean_a commendation_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o lord_n himself_o give_v it_o to_o job_n chap._n 1.1_o with_o gen._n 25.27_o 42._o 25.27_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o i_o can_v better_o express_v than_o in_o the_o paraphrase_n of_o a_o reverend_n divine_a it_o be_v of_o large_a signification_n than_o that_o phrase_n of_o we_o a_o plain_n man_n for_o that_o in_o common_a speech_n note_v one_o that_o be_v simple_a and_o deal_v square_o and_o even_o without_o fraud_n deceit_n guile_n or_o any_o trick_n in_o his_o action_n so_o may_v one_o be_v and_o have_v no_o great_a goodness_n in_o he_o but_o this_o word_n be_v use_v to_o denote_v a_o upright-hearted_n man_n a_o true_o and_o entire_o godly_a man_n a_o perfect_a man_n that_o be_v good_a within_o as_o well_o as_o without_o and_o good_a in_o all_o thing_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o one_o that_o careful_o follow_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n not_o give_v himself_o leave_v to_o swerve_v from_o any_o of_o god_n way_n at_o any_o time_n mr._n wheatlys_n prototype_n examp._n of_o jacob_n cap._n 26._o p._n 42._o who_o be_v a_o non-such_a in_o his_o generation_n he_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n etc._n etc._n yea_o to_o the_o accuser_n face_n job_n 2.3_o in_o the_o same_o word_n sir_n desire_v god_n to_o reward_v all_o your_o labour_n of_o love_n to_o myself_o and_o all_o my_o brethren_n which_o have_v not_o be_v small_a for_o quantity_n or_o duration_n even_o ever_o since_o i_o know_v you_o to_o myself_o in_o testimony_n of_o my_o thankfulness_n to_o you_o be_v well-assured_n of_o this_o that_o yourself_o and_o all_o you_o will_v very_o well_o relish_v and_o accept_v and_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o thing_n herein_o treat_v of_o and_o humble_o present_v to_o your_o view_n not_o doubt_v but_o they_o will_v be_v all_o your_o portion_n i_o crave_v leave_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o you_o and_o yourself_o and_o you_o to_o the_o protection_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o shall_v continue_v to_o be_v your_o unfeigned_a thankful_a friend_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n s._n w._n to_o the_o courteous_a reader_n especial_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o thing_n here_o present_v to_o the_o public_a christian_n and_o courteous_a reader_n the_o expose_v of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o public_a view_n be_v thus_o occasion_v have_v not_o the_o subjoined_a proposition_n be_v though_o at_o the_o first_o write_v for_o the_o use_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o private_a friend_n desire_v by_o many_o minister_n some_o at_o well_o as_o other_o to_o be_v make_v public_a i_o have_v not_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o put_v these_o short_a note_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o vindiciae_fw-la pietatis_fw-la and_o another_o ancient_n and_o able_a divine_a who_o joint_a suffrage_n i_o look_v on_o as_o a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o it_o and_o indeed_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o mr._n r._n a._n i_o shall_v never_o have_v yield_v to_o it_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n too_o sancy_n and_o pragmatical_a without_o he_o to_o adventure_v so_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n vindicate_v be_v first_o expose_v and_o propose_v in_o his_o
and_o the_o more_o resolve_o choose_v he_o iii_o choice_n of_o god_n do_v also_o imply_v a_o desire_n after_o and_o a_o love_n to_o god_n this_o be_v apparent_a in_o nature_n a_o man_n will_v never_o choose_v that_o against_o which_o he_o have_v a_o enmity_n or_o a_o antipathy_n a_o man_n will_v not_o choose_v that_o meat_n that_o he_o have_v antipathy_n against_o now_o there_o be_v never_o a_o one_o of_o we_o but_o be_v natural_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o be_v hater_n of_o god_n rom._n 5.10_o with_o rom._n 1.30_o this_o people_n can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o and_o will_v hardly_o believe_v but_o so_o it_o be_v god_n word_n tell_v you_o so_o god_n minister_n tell_v you_o so_o that_o you_o be_v bear_v enemy_n in_o your_o mind_n by_o wicked_a work_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a command_n of_o god_n law_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 22_o and_o they_o that_o do_v not_o will_v not_o choose_v he_o to_o be_v they_o choose_v of_o god_n and_o love_v of_o god_n go_v together_o isa_n 56.4_o with_o 6._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o eunuch_n that_o keep_v my_o sabbath_n and_o choose_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v i_o etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 6._o also_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o love_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n what_o the_o heart_n be_v most_o of_o all_o set_v upon_o with_o desire_n and_o love_n that_o it_o do_v choose_v affection_n always_o go_v before_o election_n and_o election_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o affection_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v set_v upon_o that_o which_o a_o man_n take_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v he_o isa_n 26.9_o with_o 13._o with_o my_o soul_n have_v i_o desire_v thou_o in_o the_o night_n etc._n etc._n 13._o other_o lord_n have_v have_v dominion_n over_o we_o but_o by_o thou_o only_o will_v we_o make_v mention_n of_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n if_o there_o be_v the_o lest_o disgust_v of_o the_o heart_n against_o and_o loathe_v of_o any_o thing_n never_o do_v we_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o to_o be_v we_o that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o choose_v that_o we_o can_v endure_v it_o the_o affection_n be_v the_o ground_n or_o beginning_n of_o the_o choice_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v draw_v up_o in_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o enamour_v with_o desire_n after_o he_o than_o it_o will_v choose_v he_o the_o choice_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n if_o that_o be_v alienate_v there_o be_v no_o closure_n with_o nor_o choice_n of_o any_o thing_n so_o nor_o of_o god_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v still_o alienate_v from_o he_o if_o we_o love_v he_o we_o choose_v he_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v antecedaneous_a to_o the_o choice_n of_o god_n do_v go_v before_o it_o now_o there_o be_v two_o other_o thing_n wherein_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o the_o act_n consist_v and_o they_o be_v election_n and_o appropriation_n iv_o the_o first_o of_o these_o or_o the_o four_o in_o order_n to_o the_o former_a be_v the_o election_n and_o preference_n of_o god_n above_o all_o so_o that_o now_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v neglect_v and_o undervalue_v in_o comparison_n with_o god_n thus_o david_n say_v psal_n 73.25_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o the_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v in_o comparison_n of_o thou_o david_n choose_v god_n because_o he_o have_v god_n a_o esteem_n above_o all_o the_o world_n q._n d._n take_v all_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n yea_o heaven_n and_o earth_n themselves_o whosoever_o will_v so_o as_o i_o may_v have_v god_n to_o be_v i_o now_o do_v thy_o soul_n say_v so_o so_o when_o jesus_n christ_n be_v choose_v by_o a_o soul_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v but_o dross_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n phil._n 3.8_o 9_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n chief_a duty_n and_o disposition_n eminent_o to_o prefer_v god_n and_o christ_n above_o all_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v a_o christian_n all_n and_o his_o all_o be_v in_o god_n and_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o frame_n choose_v god_n a_o right_n v._o but_o the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o the_o soul_n actual_a choice_n consist_v be_v appropriation_n of_o god_n to_o a_o man_n self_n a_o take_a god_n to_o be_v his_o own_o when_o we_o lie_v claim_v to_o god_n as_o our_o peculiar_a portion_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o one_o that_o have_v interest_n in_o nor_o relation_n to_o god_n but_o ourselves_o only_o so_o the_o church_n psal_n 67.6_o and_o god_n even_o our_o own_o god_n shall_v bless_v we_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o such_o expression_n through_o the_o scripture_n as_o here_o imply_v such_o special_a appropriation_n when_o the_o soul_n take_v hold_v on_o god_n receive_v he_o and_o embrace_v he_o as_o his_o own_o peculiar_a as_o if_o he_o be_v his_o own_o and_o none_o else_o beside_o the_o church_n seem_v so_o to_o speak_v as_o if_o it_o be_v her_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o her_o be_v alone_a to_o appropriate_v and_o claim_n god_n to_o herself_o when_o a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o say_v god_n be_v my_o own_o god_n than_o he_o have_v choose_v god_n indeed_o so_o david_n psal_n 18.1_o 2._o i_o will_v love_v thou_o o_o lord_n my_o strength_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o rock_n and_o my_o fortress_n and_o my_o deliverer_n my_o god_n my_o strength_n in_o who_o i_o will_v trust_v my_o buckler_n and_o the_o horn_n of_o my_o salvation_n and_o my_o high_a tower_n how_o many_o my_n be_v there_o no_o less_o than_o eight_o or_o nine_o which_o the_o prophet_n as_o so_o many_o term_n of_o interest_n do_v there_o use_v to_o express_v propriety_n and_o as_o the_o church_n say_v elsewhere_o my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o song_z 2.6_o vi_o choose_v of_o god_n consist_v as_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o this_o in_o the_o rejection_n oâ—_n all_o other_o beside_o god_n when_o once_o god_n be_v choose_v than_o all_o other_o god_n be_v cast_v away_o this_o be_v according_a to_o what_o god_n himself_o do_v call_v for_o and_o require_v hos_fw-la 3.3_o and_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o shall_v abide_v for_o i_o many_o day_n thou_o shall_v not_o play_v the_o harlot_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v for_o another_o so_o will_v i_o also_o be_v for_o thou_o as_o god_n can_v endure_v the_o soul_n shall_v have_v any_o god_n beside_o he_o but_o do_v command_v the_o contrary_a so_o neither_o will_v the_o soul_n endure_v it_o just_o as_o a_o virgin_n that_o have_v many_o suitor_n when_o once_o her_o affection_n be_v set_v on_o the_o person_n who_o she_o make_v choice_n of_o then_o away_o with_o all_o the_o rest_n she_o will_v not_o converse_v with_o they_o any_o more_o so_o it_o be_v here_o if_o there_o be_v a_o indifferency_n in_o the_o affection_n to_o divers_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o choice_n be_v not_o yet_o make_v for_o the_o choice_n be_v once_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n be_v overlook_v and_o refuse_v but_o there_o be_v a_o indifferency_n still_o remain_v where_o more_o than_o one_o be_v entertain_v psal_n 81.9_o 10._o o_o israel_n if_o thou_o will_v hearken_v unto_o i_o there_o shall_v no_o strange_a god_n be_v in_o thou_o neither_o shall_v thou_o worship_v any_o strange_a god_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n they_o that_o have_v or_o will_v have_v god_n for_o they_o must_v have_v no_o other_o to_o themselves_o but_o 〈◊〉_d thus_o we_o see_v wherein_o the_o choose_n of_o god_n consist_v chap._n iii_o the_o second_o thing_n open_v viz._n why_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v we_o have_v dispatch_v and_o clear_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o explication_n we_o go_v on_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n why_o it_o be_v the_o high_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v we_o in_o general_a this_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n because_o god_n be_v only_o good_a and_o this_o i_o shall_v branch_v out_o into_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o god_n be_v the_o chief_a good_n 2._o god_n be_v a_o communicative_a good_n 3._o god_n be_v the_o only_a satisfy_a good_n bonum_fw-la summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la first_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o best_a good_a that_o can_v be_v a_o undoubted_a maxim_n god_n be_v all_o good_a and_o all_o good_a be_v in_o god_n nothing_o be_v good_a without_o god_n and_o there_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n good_a to_o be_v find_v ouâ—_n 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o no_o person_n or_o thing_n be_v good_a but_o god_n luk._n 18.19_o and_o this_o we_o know_v to_o be_v true_a in_o nature_n that_o good_a be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o choice_n nothing_o be_v choose_v but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v good_a or_o appear_v to_o
worship_v he_o according_a as_o we_o be_v bind_v psal_n 45.11_o obey_v no_o command_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o command_n he_o be_v our_o principal_n and_o chief_a master_n who_o word_n we_o be_v to_o conform_v unto_o 2._o as_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v in_o all_o relation_n to_o we_o so_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v he_o to_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o enjoyment_n to_o we_o 1._o as_o our_o portion_n so_o we_o shall_v choose_v he_o so_o do_v the_o church_n lam._n 3.24_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o portion_n say_v my_o soul_n then_o be_v a_o fit_a time_n to_o say_v so_o and_o choose_v he_o to_o be_v so_o when_o she_o have_v nothing_o leave_v in_o her_o captive_a estate_n so_o say_v david_n psal_n 16.5_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o my_o inheritance_n mea_fw-la inheritance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pars_fw-la partis_fw-la sive_fw-la portio_fw-la portiones_fw-la mea_fw-la junguntur_fw-la hic_fw-la duo_fw-la synonyma_fw-la auxeseos_fw-la causa_fw-la q._n d._n omnimoda_fw-la pars_fw-la mea_fw-la word_n for_o word_n the_o part_n of_o my_o part_n or_o portion_n of_o my_o portion_n to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v his_o only_a part_n or_o portion_n there_o be_v two_o word_n of_o like_a import_n to_o show_v that_o he_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v altogether_o a_o portion_n to_o he_o to_o which_o purpose_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n that_o be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v call_v the_o portion_n of_o jacob_n jer._n 10.16_o etc._n etc._n 51.19_o riu._n 51.19_o quia_fw-la aliis_fw-la gentibus_fw-la alios_fw-la sibi_fw-la deos_fw-la optantibus_fw-la deus_fw-la horum_fw-la oculos_fw-la aperuit_fw-la we_o se_fw-la eligerent_fw-la m._n p._n sin_v crit._n ex_fw-la riu._n because_o other_o nation_n choose_v other_o god_n to_o themselves_o the_o lord_n open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o shall_v choose_v he_o only_o in_o which_o regard_n he_o be_v call_v the_o portion_n and_o inheritance_n of_o aaron_n numb_a 18.29_o who_o be_v to_o have_v no_o inheritance_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o canaan_n what_o a_o rejoice_v shall_v this_o be_v to_o every_o christian_a who_o have_v no_o portion_n nor_o inheritance_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n who_o yet_o have_v and_o have_v choose_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o portion_n eliphaz_n tell_v job_n chap._n 22.25_o the_o almighty_a shall_v be_v thy_o defence_n marg._n thy_o gold_n for_o so_o it_o may_v be_v render_v as_o by_o syn._n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vel_fw-la angustiis_fw-la tuis_fw-la vel_fw-la arx_fw-la robort_n tui_fw-la vel_fw-la aurum_fw-la lectissimum_fw-la i._o t._n i._o e._n si_fw-la desit_fw-la aurum_fw-la obtinebis_fw-la quod_fw-la pretiosius_fw-la eo_fw-la est_fw-la n._n deum_fw-la m._n p._n syn._n some_o it_o be_v he_o shall_v be_v to_o thou_o instead_o of_o treasure_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n if_o thou_o shall_v want_v gold_n thou_o shall_v have_v what_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a than_o gold_n viz._n god_n himself_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o choose_v and_o so_o to_o make_v gold_n our_o god_n whereas_o god_n shall_v be_v unto_o we_o instead_o of_o yea_o above_o all_o the_o gold_n in_o the_o world_n which_o usual_o man_n make_v their_o chief_a portion_n 2._o in_o sum_n to_o shut_v up_o all_o we_o shall_v choose_v god_n to_o be_v unto_o we_o as_o our_o all_o in_o all_o our_o only_a blessedness_n in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o to_o come_v it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o a_o people_n and_o be_v it_o not_o all_o our_o duty_n isa_n 65.16_o even_o of_o the_o gentile_n that_o he_o who_o bless_v himself_o shall_v bless_v himself_o in_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n viz._n in_o apprehend_v and_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o god_n as_o they_o they_o shall_v look_v on_o themselves_o as_o the_o most_o bless_a people_n as_o just_o they_o may_v in_o all_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n that_o a_o man_n can_v account_v to_o himself_o as_o a_o bless_a condition_n but_o when_o he_o have_v god_n to_o be_v his_o god_n he_o may_v sing_v and_o rejoice_v in_o god_n as_o though_o yea_o better_a than_o though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o world_n he_o be_v and_o he_o have_v all_o and_o whosoever_o have_v god_n to_o be_v his_o have_v indeed_o all_o and_o therein_o be_v bless_v it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o happiness_n if_o our_o garner_n be_v full_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o store_n if_o sheep_n bring_v forth_o thousand_o if_o that_o our_o ox_n may_v be_v strong_a to_o labour_v happy_a be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n psal_n 144.15_o with_o 13_o 14._o i_o e._n they_o may_v in_o a_o kind_n and_o in_o a_o degree_n be_v say_v to_o be_v happy_a but_o then_o the_o prophet_n add_v the_o surmount_a happiness_n yea_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n and_o so_o that_o person_n that_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n chap._n vi_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v we_o the_o second_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o open_v be_v how_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v god_n to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v we_o 1._o choose_v he_o real_o not_o feign_o and_o in_o outward_a show_n only_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o that_o lay_v claim_v to_o god_n and_o say_v god_n be_v i_o yet_o be_v they_o most_o prosane_a and_o abominable_a they_o seem_v to_o own_o god_n with_o their_o mouth_n but_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o work_n and_o life_n as_o those_o mention_v tit._n 1.16_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a even_o as_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n tax_v luk._n 6.46_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o will_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o say_v just_o so_o we_o read_v of_o some_o that_o call_v god_n father_n and_o yet_o do_v as_o evil_a thing_n as_o they_o can_v jer._n 3.4_o 5._o who_o the_o lord_n reprove_v as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o priest_n mal._n 1.6_o if_o i_o be_o a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n if_o i_o be_o a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n they_o seem_v to_o take_v god_n to_o be_v they_o in_o some_o of_o the_o forementioned_a relation_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o their_o deed_n and_o speech_n be_v as_o evil_a as_o can_v be_v with_o their_o lip_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v after_o their_o covetousness_n ezek._n 33._o with_o their_o lip_n only_o it_o be_v and_o no_o more_o not_o with_o their_o heart_n they_o choose_v he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o refuse_v he_o and_o cast_v his_o law_n behind_o their_o back_n in_o their_o life_n 2._o choose_v he_o whole_o to_o be_v you_o that_o be_v choose_v he_o as_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o as_o he_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o all_o the_o relation_n the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o he_o to_o we_o not_o only_o in_o those_o comfortable_a relation_n which-imp_o our_o privilege_n but_o those_o honourable_a one_o also_o which_o imply_v and_o engage_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n not_o to_o be_v a_o friend_n a_o father_n and_o a_o husband_n only_o but_o a_o master_n lord_n and_o king_n also_o 3._o choose_v he_o free_o to_o be_v your_o god_n not_o out_o of_o force_n many_o seem_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o choose_v god_n but_o it_o be_v when_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n leave_v the_o world_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v and_o they_o can_v of_o necessity_n avoid_v it_o they_o can_v be_v without_o he_o no_o long_o if_o they_o can_v have_v the_o world_n in_o health_n and_o strength_n one_o day_n long_o they_o will_v let_v god_n alone_o till_o such_o a_o time_n as_o death_n do_v indeed_o come_v how_o great_a many_o of_o people_n never_o desire_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o god_n desire_v he_o not_o choose_v he_o not_o or_o get_v any_o interest_n in_o christ_n till_o they_o come_v to_o die_v then_o seem_v to_o look_v after_o and_o choose_v he_o for_o they_o they_o neglect_v and_o refuse_v god_n in_o all_o his_o offer_n of_o grace_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o all_o their_o life_n but_o when_o they_o must_v part_v with_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o then_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n will_v be_v seem_o forward_a to_o choose_v he_o but_o they_o that_o choose_v he_o true_o choose_v he_o free_o 4._o choose_v god_n chief_o let_v god_n be_v prefer_v before_o all_o nothing_o before_o he_o if_o god_n be_v prefer_v as_o he_o deserve_v so_o it_o will_v be_v he_o will_v be_v set_v before_o every_o thing_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n let_v god_n be_v your_o chief_a desire_n your_o exceed_a joy_n as_o psal_n 43.4_o word_n for_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o gladness_n or_o my_o joy_n two_o synonima_n or_o word_n of_o like_a import_n as_o before_o to_o signify_v the_o fullness_n
you_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v make_v nigh_o to_o god_n when_o many_o thousand_o be_v yet_o so_o far_o off_o from_o he_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o only_o it_o be_v god_n goodwill_n towards_o you_o because_o he_o will_v do_v it_o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o there_o be_v thousand_o and_o ten_o thousand_o in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o this_o liberty_n to_o come_v near_o to_o god_n they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o state_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o enjoy_v not_o such_o a_o privilege_n as_o this_o be_v therefore_o shall_v we_o serious_o consider_v it_o mark_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v deut._n 6.7_o 8._o thou_o be_v a_o holy_a people_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n the_o lord_n have_v choose_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o special_a people_n unto_o himself_o above_o all_o people_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o set_v his_o love_n upon_o you_o or_o choose_v you_o because_o you_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o any_o people_n for_o you_o be_v the_o few_o of_o all_o people_n but_o because_o the_o lord_n love_v you_o and_o because_o he_o will_v keep_v the_o oath_n which_o he_o have_v swear_v unto_o our_o forefather_n etc._n etc._n and_o say_v within_o your_o heart_n why_o shall_v god_n deal_v so_o with_o i_o to_o bring_v i_o so_o near_o to_o he_o and_o leave_v other_o in_o the_o same_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v bear_v let_v your_o heart_n be_v mighty_o affect_v with_o this_o love_n of_o god_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n methinks_v i_o can_v dwell_v on_o the_o persuasion_n of_o people_n to_o this_o duty_n that_o they_o will_v be_v much_o more_o take_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n special_a and_o distinguish_a kindness_n towards_o they_o 4._o last_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v humble_a and_o keep_v low_a and_o that_o upon_o a_o double_a reason_n 1._o because_o that_o though_o you_o be_v a_o people_n nigh_o to_o god_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a distance_n and_o disproportion_n between_o god_n and_o you_o for_o though_o you_o be_v bring_v so_o near_o god_n yet_o you_o be_v but_o creature_n whereas_o god_n be_v the_o great_a creator_n you_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n god_n be_v the_o infinite_a holy_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n now_o the_o distance_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v dwell_v upon_o your_o heart_n and_o make_v you_o keep_v in_o a_o lowly_a frame_n still_o and_o shall_v create_v self-abasing_a thought_n in_o you_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o privilege_n &_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n great_a distance_n from_o we_o shall_v increase_v ourselves_o abasement_n 2._o and_o then_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o own_o sinfulness_n we_o shall_v be_v humble_a before_o god_n micah_n 6.8_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o love_v mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n see_v to_o it_o that_o you_o do_v walk_v more_o lowly_a and_o self-absing_o consider_v what_o you_o be_v on_o both_o these_o account_n although_o god_n have_v so_o dignify_v you_o amen_n finis_fw-la book_n be_v sell_v by_o thomas_n cockeril_n at_o the_o atlas_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n the_o morning_n exercise_n at_o cripplegate_n or_o several_a case_n of_o conscience_n practical_o resolve_v by_o sundry_a minister_n in_o quarto_n the_o supplement_n to_o the_o morning_n exercise_n at_o cripplegate_n or_o several_a more_o case_n of_o conscience_n practical_o resolve_v by_o sundry_a minister_n in_o quarto_n precious_a faith_n or_o a_o discourse_n of_o its_o nature_n growth_n and_o effect_n by_o edward_n polehil_n of_o burwash_n in_o sussex_n esquire_n in_o octavo_n the_o nature_n power_n deceit_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n in_o believer_n together_o with_o the_o way_n of_o its_o work_n and_o mean_n of_o prevention_n by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n in_o octavo_n a_o antidote_n against_o distraction_n or_o a_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n in_o the_o daily_a case_n of_o wander_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o richard_n steel_n m._n a._n in_o octavo_n the_o reunite_a christianity_n or_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o rejoin_v all_o christian_n under_o one_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o octavo_n god_n a_o christian_n choice_n complete_v by_o particular_a covenant_v with_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o design_n propose_v by_o mr._n r._n a._n in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o vindication_n of_o godliness_n and_o by_o mr._n thomas_n vincent_n in_o his_o book_n call_v word_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v in_o twelves_o