the_o wise_a gospel-preacher_n his_o praise_n and_o practice_n duty_n and_o dignity_n open_v in_o a_o sermon_n on_o eccles_n 12.9_o by_o s._n m._n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n isa_n 52.7_o how_o beautiful_a upon_o the_o mountain_n be_v the_o foot_n of_o he_o that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n that_o publish_v peace_n etc._n etc._n print_a for_o the_o author_n to_o that_o congregation_n over_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v i_o a_o overseer_n increase_v of_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o brethren_n and_o beloved_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n these_o sermon_n as_o they_o be_v preach_v among_o you_o even_o so_o be_v their_o publication_n earnest_o solicit_v by_o some_o of_o you_o at_o who_o request_n i_o have_v yield_v to_o that_o i_o design_v not_o in_o their_o preach_v nor_o intend_v to_o have_v do_v long_o since_o that_o task_n be_v finish_v but_o remember_v i_o be_o not_o only_o a_o debtor_n to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o more_o especial_o to_o you_o also_o not_o only_o by_o one_o mean_n but_o by_o every_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v your_o furtherance_n in_o the_o faith_n i_o judge_v myself_o oblige_v to_o help_v you_o with_o that_o print_a which_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o in_o preach_v and_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v so_o near_o as_o i_o can_v your_o eye_n now_o have_v only_o what_o once_o your_o ear_n hear_v as_o to_o you_o my_o belove_a who_o importunity_n prevail_v upon_o i_o to_o undertake_v this_o work_n know_v two_o argument_n prevail_v upon_o i_o to_o answer_v your_o request_n the_o one_o my_o love_n towards_o you_o the_o other_o my_o desire_n of_o your_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o if_o my_o labour_n of_o love_n for_o your_o sake_n may_v providential_o extend_v or_o reach_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o any_o other_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n i_o therein_o shall_v and_o will_v rejoice_v i_o need_v not_o here_o give_v you_o any_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o treatise_n you_o well_o know_v it_o be_v to_o open_v both_o the_o wise-preacher_n and_o the_o wise-hearer_n work_v and_o business_n you_o know_v i_o need_v the_o one_o and_o i_o also_o judge_v you_o want_v not_o need_v sufficient_a to_o learn_v the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o method_n it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v plain_a as_o best_o become_v gospel-mystery_n it_o be_v truth_n not_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o eloquence_n that_o i_o design_v to_o manifest_v and_o sure_o shall_v i_o thus_o have_v act_v i_o shall_v have_v pull_v down_o with_o one_o hand_n what_o i_o be_v set_v up_o with_o the_o other_o and_o so_o shall_v have_v be_v find_v a_o transgressor_n as_o to_o my_o often_o hint_v of_o any_o thing_n mind_v in_o this_o discourse_n know_v the_o nearness_n of_o the_o phrase_n in_o the_o text_n one_o to_o another_o constrain_v it_o except_o i_o shall_v have_v break_v the_o bound_n and_o deal_v partial_o with_o the_o text_n and_o my_o thought_n be_v that_o plenty_n may_v even_o conduce_v to_o profit_n and_o as_o for_o those_o phrase_n title_n and_o denomination_n of_o person_n which_o in_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v unto_o any_o tender_a ear_n to_o be_v plain_a harsh_a or_o reproachful_a to_o any_o know_v this_o i_o have_v wary_o consider_v to_o fasten_v they_o only_o on_o person_n real_o deserve_v such_o name_n and_o although_o i_o have_v herein_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o saint_n &_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o have_v i_o abate_v rather_o than_o exceed_v their_o practice_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a if_o you_o consider_v of_o some_o expression_n wherein_o how_o great_a or_o learned_a or_o seem_o pious_a soever_o some_o sinner_n be_v yet_o both_o christ_n himself_o and_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v speak_v very_o home_o and_o hard_a against_o such_o person_n still_v they_o hypocrite_n devil_n child_n wolf_n dog_n lion_n fox_n viper_n painted-sepulchre_n white_v wall_n prince_n of_o sodom_n ruler_n of_o gomorrah_n adulterer_n adulteress_n and_o such_o like_a as_o the_o scripture_n witness_v wherefore_o marvel_v not_o at_o my_o freedom_n of_o expression_n to_o sinner_n of_o the_o same_o dye_n and_o last_o my_o resolution_n be_v to_o avoid_v the_o reproof_n due_a to_o such_o as_o give_v flatter_a title_n unto_o man_n and_o as_o elihu_n say_v let_v i_o not_o i_o pray_v you_o accept_v any_o man_n person_n neither_o let_v i_o give_v flatter_a title_n unto_o man_n for_o i_o know_v not_o to_o give_v flatter_a title_n forin_o so_o do_v my_o maker_n will_v soon_o take_v i_o away_o job_n 32.21_o 22._o and_o further_o if_o any_o suppose_v i_o have_v in_o this_o discourse_n affect_v and_o discover_v a_o spirit_n of_o singularity_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n from_o the_o most_o of_o even_o pious_a judicious_a and_o sober_a man_n of_o this_o age._n i_o answer_v in_o uprightness_n it_o be_v not_o affect_o but_o constrain_o do_v and_o i_o suppose_v even_o such_o objector_n will_v not_o deny_v it_o be_v better_o differ_v from_o man_n how_o wise_a soever_o than_o from_o christ_n and_o since_o all_o man_n know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n that_o may_v be_v christ_n truth_n which_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v or_o understand_v by_o many_o be_v it_o not_o write_v thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a neither_o shall_v thou_o speak_v in_o a_o cause_n to_o decline_v after_o many_o to_o wrest_v judgement_n exod._n 23.2_o and_o as_o paul_n say_v i_o believe_v therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v 2_o cor._n 4.13_o i_o shall_v willing_o receive_v better_a information_n and_o then_o speedy_o change_v my_o present_a apprehension_n last_o if_o any_o object_n against_o the_o largeness_n of_o this_o tract_n my_o answer_n be_v it_o be_v my_o desire_n to_o have_v prevent_v it_o can_v i_o with_o fidelity_n and_o prudence_n have_v effect_v it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o have_v deny_v myself_o and_o slip_v over_o some_o particular_n which_o may_v more_o largel_n have_v be_v insist_v on_o that_o this_o exception_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v and_o now_o my_o dear_o belove_a who_o importunity_n beget_v i_o this_o labour_n let_v i_o now_o crave_v leave_n before_o i_o conclude_v this_o epistle_n to_o request_v a_o few_o thing_n of_o you_o first_o my_o brethren_n if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o advantage_n content_a or_o comfort_n by_o peruse_v these_o line_n pray_v give_v all_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n who_o hand_n alone_o have_v wrought_v it_o and_o who_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o think_v often_o upon_o 1_o chron._n 29.10_o to_o 16._o second_o pray_v be_v not_o only_a knower_n of_o these_o truth_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o same_o oh_o be_v not_o only_o so_o principled_a but_o so_o practise_v also_o let_v the_o height_n of_o holiness_n in_o this_o discourse_n discover_v be_v your_o main_a business_n to_o attain_v so_o shall_v i_o not_o want_v a_o good_a reward_n for_o this_o my_o labour_n three_o labour_v to_o train_v up_o and_o educate_v your_o family_n in_o this_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o show_v they_o the_o good_a old_a way_n wherein_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o god_n as_o moses_n advise_v deut._n 4.9.10_o say_n only_o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o keep_v thy_o soul_n diligent_o lest_o thou_o forget_v the_o thing_n which_o thy_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o lest_o they_o depart_v from_o thy_o heart_n all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o teach_v they_o thy_o son_n and_o thy_o son_n son_n especial_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o horeb_n when_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o gather_v i_o the_o people_n together_o and_o i_o will_v make_v they_o hear_v my_o word_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v i_o all_o the_o day_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o they_o may_v teach_v their_o child_n with_o 11_o 19_o four_o wonder_v not_o neither_o be_v stumble_v if_o you_o find_v these_o truth_n evil_a speak_v of_o scorn_v traduce_v but_o remember_v this_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o this_o and_o last_o forget_v not_o he_o that_o you_o have_v prevail_v upon_o but_o in_o all_o your_o supplication_n remember_v i_o and_o pray_v for_o i_o both_o night_n and_o day_n that_o i_o may_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n that_o i_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o may_v be_v abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o my_o labour_n may_v be_v acceptable_a and_o successful_a among_o the_o saint_n that_o so_o i_o may_v finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o with_o my_o prayer_n for_o you_o also_o i_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v
able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v your_o servant_n for_o christ_n stephen_n more_o to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n although_o there_o be_v nothing_o new_a or_o strange_a now_o to_o be_v present_v to_o thy_o view_n for_o as_o solomon_n say_v the_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v it_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v do_v be_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n whereof_o it_o may_v be_v say_v see_v this_o be_v new_a it_o have_v be_v already_o of_o old_a time_n which_o be_v before_o we_o eccles_n 1.9_o 10._o wherefore_o let_v i_o entreat_v thou_o peruse_v this_o book_n for_o truth_n and_o not_o for_o novelty_n lest_o so_o do_v thou_o lose_v thy_o labour_n and_o reap_v no_o profit_n by_o thy_o pain_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v meet_v thou_o with_o their_o outcry_n cry_v take_v heed_n for_o here_o be_v strange_a thing_n present_v to_o your_o eye_n say_v no_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o new_a or_o strange_a under_o the_o sun_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n here_o write_v be_v to_o any_o strange_a i_o must_v take_v leave_n to_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v stranger_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v not_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v there_o in_o these_o day_n luke_n 24.18_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v yet_o retort_v upon_o i_o as_o a_o troubler_n of_o israel_n or_o a_o bringer_n forth_o of_o strange_a thing_n or_o new_a doctrine_n to_o their_o ear_n i_o will_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a to_o be_v thus_o deal_v with_o for_o thus_o deal_v their_o father_n with_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o that_o first_o book_n of_o king_n we_o find_v that_o thus_o ahab_n say_v to_o elijah_n be_v thou_o he_o that_o trouble_v israel_n but_o he_o answer_v i_o have_v not_o trouble_v israel_n but_o thou_o and_o thy_o father_n house_n in_o that_o you_o have_v forsake_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v follow_v baalim_fw-la vers_fw-la 17_o 18._o and_o thus_o be_v holy_a paul_n serve_v act_v 17._o where_o you_o read_v that_o certain_a philosopher_n of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o of_o the_o stoic_n encounter_v he_o and_o some_o say_v what_o will_v this_o babbler_n say_v other_o some_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o setter_n forth_o of_o strange_a god_n because_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o take_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o unto_o areopagus_n say_v may_v we_o know_v what_o this_o new_a doctrine_n whereof_o thou_o speak_v be_v for_o thou_o bring_v certain_a strange_a thing_n to_o our_o ear_n we_o will_v know_v therefore_o what_o these_o thing_n mean_v vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o 20._o therefore_o if_o such_o thing_n befall_v i_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v for_o if_o thus_o they_o deal_v with_o the_o green_a tree_n marvel_v not_o they_o thus_o deal_v with_o the_o dry_a wherefore_o christian_a reader_n notwithstanding_o such_o outcry_n as_o these_o which_o probable_o thou_o may_v meet_v with_o yet_o be_v please_v to_o read_v on_o and_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o thou_o may_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n assert_v for_o truth_n be_v so_o or_o no_o for_o no_o more_o be_v impose_v upon_o your_o faith_n than_o what_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n do_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n and_o of_o his_o elect_n and_o if_o any_o father_n in_o our_o israel_n shall_v say_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v this_o waste_n preacher_n doubtless_o know_v their_o duty_n well_o enough_o it_o be_v well_o if_o other_o know_v they_o better_a i_o shall_v only_o answer_v these_o over-wise_a one_o in_o the_o language_n of_o job_n no_o doubt_n but_o you_o be_v the_o people_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o you_o chap._n 12.2_o yet_o bear_v with_o i_o to_o show_v my_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o offer_v my_o mite_n to_o you_o remember_v what_o paul_n say_v and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v 1_o cor._n 8.2_o and_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n already_o o_o how_o happy_a shall_v both_o you_o and_o i_o be_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v do_v the_o thing_n we_o say_v we_o know_v and_o be_v here_o reveal_v and_o as_o for_o other_o or_o our_o hearer_n know_v so_o far_o as_o the_o work_v call_v for_o it_o they_o be_v not_o forget_v but_o remember_v that_o the_o more_o full_o the_o preacher_n live_v up_o to_o his_o duty_n the_o more_o the_o people_n will_v be_v further_v in_o their_o duty_n preacher_n be_v not_o only_o nominal_o call_v star_n and_o shepherd_n or_o bishop_n and_o father_n but_o also_o they_o ought_v virtul_o to_o be_v light_n in_o their_o candlestick_n shepherd_n feed_v of_o their_o flock_n and_o father_n lay_v up_o and_o lay_v out_o for_o their_o child_n as_o the_o lord_n teach_v say_v you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o if_o the_o salt_n have_v lose_v his_o savour_n wherewith_o shall_v it_o be_v salt_v you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n a_o city_n set_v upon_o a_o hill_n which_o can_v be_v hide_v neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n and_o it_o give_v light_a unto_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 5.13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o but_o if_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o i_o my_o mother_n child_n and_o elder_a brethren_n will_v yet_o be_v angry_a with_o i_o i_o will_v resolve_v not_o to_o pass_v for_o man_n day_n or_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o they_o or_o to_o return_v evil_a for_o evil_n or_o rail_v for_o revise_v but_o pray_v for_o they_o with_o holy_a stephen_n and_o cry_v lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n act_v 7.50_o my_o end_n and_o ground_n both_o in_o preach_v and_o print_v these_o sermon_n be_v a_o inward_a motion_n to_o follow_v the_o moving_n and_o working_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o my_o soul_n in_o conformity_n to_o those_o i_o read_v of_o in_o 2_o pet._n 1.21_o where_o it_o be_v say_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v truth_n as_o have_v be_v already_o own_v when_o these_o sermon_n be_v preach_v i_o think_v not_o of_o print_v but_o since_o be_v call_v upon_o so_o to_o do_v i_o judge_v it_o my_o duty_n as_o one_o of_o christ_n live_a creature_n to_o walk_v straight_o forward_a whither_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o go_v and_o not_o to_o turn_v when_o go_v ezek._n 1.12_o as_o for_o my_o great_a unfitness_n yea_o exceed_o great_a unfitness_n for_o such_o a_o work_n i_o profess_v i_o be_o not_o unsensible_a of_o it_o neither_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o to_o any_o that_o shall_v object_v it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o since_o god_n despise_v not_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o will_v accept_v of_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o of_o what_o a_o man_n have_v not_o wherefore_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o be_v find_v faithful_a as_o become_v he_o that_o be_v a_o steward_n not_o forget_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o ezekiel_n son_n of_o man_n i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o watchman_n unto_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n therefore_o hear_v the_o word_n at_o my_o mouth_n and_o give_v they_o warning_n from_o i_o chap._n 3.17_o the_o style_n be_v low_a and_o the_o method_n plain_a and_o the_o argument_n somewhat_o bold_a and_o impartial_a wonder_v not_o at_o it_o it_o be_v most_o like_a he_o that_o do_v it_o even_o one_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v one_o of_o paul_n scholar_n in_o this_o work_n to_o wit_n not_o to_o come_v â—o_o you_o with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o of_o wisdom_n declare_v unto_o you_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n for_o i_o determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v 1_o cor._n 2.1_o 2._o sure_o plainness_n will_v hurt_v or_o hinder_v none_o though_o elegancy_n and_o obscurity_n may_v although_o it_o can_v have_v profit_v none_o whoever_o it_o may_v have_v please_v if_o any_o think_v due_a respect_n have_v not_o sufficient_o be_v show_v to_o superior_n let_v i_o say_v to_o such_o my_o aim_n and_o utmost_a endeavour_n have_v be_v not_o to_o offend_v or_o overlook_a such_o but_o to_o give_v unto_o cesar_n thâ—_n thing_n which_o be_v cesar_n though_o
glory_n 1_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o but_o some_o may_v say_v how_o come_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o day_n to_o this_o wisdom_n not_o from_o university_n or_o humane_a learning_n but_o from_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o you_o have_v it_o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n mark_v it_o yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 10._o and_o this_o paul_n prove_v vers_fw-la 11._o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v further_a witness_v unto_o vers_fw-la 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o object_n 6._o may_v some_o say_v how_o shall_v a_o preacher_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v or_o confute_v gainsayers_a without_o learning_n for_o every_o one_o that_o be_v a_o scholar_n and_o subtle_a will_v sophisticate_a and_o use_v fallacy_n and_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n and_o his_o argument_n from_o he_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o scholar_n now_o belove_v i_o pray_v you_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o objection_n and_o you_o have_v here_o discover_v the_o learned_a man_n excellency_n it_o be_v to_o sophisticate_a and_o deal_v fallacious_o with_o the_o simple_a and_o the_o truth_n belove_a take_v heed_n of_o they_o as_o such_o who_o have_v learn_v the_o skill_n to_o deceive_v the_o simple_a but_o yet_o a_o little_a further_o to_o answer_v this_o seem_o so_o weighty_a a_o objection_n know_v god_n way_n or_o the_o right_a way_n for_o a_o preacher_n to_o answer_v gainsayers_a be_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v rich_o in_o he_o in_o all_o wisdom_n that_o out_o of_o that_o library_n or_o good_a treasure_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o contrary_a part_n thus_o paul_n teach_v enjoin_v preacher_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a tit._n 1.9_o 10._o the_o like_o you_o have_v in_o 2_o tim._n 3.13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o object_n 7._o some_o may_v say_v this_o be_v to_o subject_a preacher_n and_o preach_v to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n for_o if_o preacher_n need_v not_o be_v learn_v who_o will_v not_o be_v a_o preacher_n who_o more_o bold_a than_o the_o ignorant_a or_o man_n of_o ignorance_n and_o who_o will_v reverence_v preach_v or_o preacher_n if_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o common_a a_o work_n for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v unlearned_a will_v it_o not_o be_v very_o simple_a and_o mean_v preach_v if_o preacher_n want_v breed_n art_n language_n and_o science_n to_o garnish_v and_o dress_v out_o their_o preach_v with_o lively_a and_o apt_a simile_n rhetorical_a and_o elegant_a word_n to_o all_o which_o i_o thus_o answer_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n first_o it_o be_v never_o the_o more_o easy_a but_o much_o more_o the_o hard_a for_o any_o to_o preach_v whilst_o we_o affirm_v no_o humane_a acquirement_n but_o supernatural_a attainment_n that_o fit_v or_o qualify_v person_n for_o preach_v second_o if_o all_o or_o any_o seek_v or_o undertake_v to_o preach_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o all_o shall_v or_o can_v preach_v no_o there_o be_v many_o learned_a yea_o and_o unlearned_a intruder_n upon_o preach_v which_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v preach_v for_o all_o they_o rush_v or_o run_v upon_o the_o work_n for_o it_o be_v write_v a_o man_n can_v receive_v nothing_o that_o be_v no_o such_o gift_n except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o from_o above_o john_n 3.27_o and_o say_v paul_n how_o can_v one_o preach_v except_o he_o be_v send_v and_o three_o though_o this_o unnecessary_a tool_n be_v lay_v aside_o yet_o be_v there_o many_o other_o help_n which_o every_o preacher_n must_v have_v both_o natural_a and_o divine_a which_o every_o man_n have_v not_o no_o not_o every_o godly_a man_n nor_o can_v attain_v to_o therefore_o to_o be_v a_o accomplished-preacher_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a though_o it_o matter_n not_o how_o easy_a but_o fourthly_a if_o it_o be_v say_v who_o then_o will_v reverence_v preach_v or_o preacher_n i_o answer_v though_o a_o undue_a reverence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v or_o desire_v and_o every_o able_a preacher_n be_v true_o and_o most_o eminent_o worthy_a of_o reverence_n yet_o when_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n lie_v warm_a upon_o the_o preacher_n heart_n then_o the_o main_a business_n of_o a_o gospel-preacher_n will_v be_v to_o get_v christ_n not_o himself_o reverence_v for_o we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o ourselves_o your_o servant_n for_o christ_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o as_o david_n say_v to_o michael_n 2_o sam._n 6._o even_o of_o the_o handmaid_n shall_v such_o be_v have_v into_o honour_n whilst_o the_o proud_a locust_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n despise_v they_o i_o say_v every_o such_o soul_n that_o be_v preach_v to_o will_v reverence_v that_o lip_n which_o have_v speak_v christ_n to_o his_o heart_n as_o hereafter_o may_v more_o appear_v but_o if_o the_o blind_a can_v yet_o the_o see_a eye_n will_v reverence_v such_o preach_a and_o that_o the_o more_o because_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o simple_a but_o last_o whereas_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o preach_a will_v be_v very_o mean_a and_o simple_a if_o the_o preacher_n be_v unlearned_a and_o want_v art_n science_n rhetoric_n and_o logic_n to_o help_v they_o to_o apt_a expression_n simile_n to_o set_v forth_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o i_o answer_v no_o if_o man_n be_v wise_a that_o preach_v it_o will_v not_o be_v simple_a preach_v if_o preacher_n be_v dayes-man_n or_o man_n of_o experience_n in_o christ_n gospel_n and_o satan_n wiles_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v help_v the_o unlearned_a to_o word_n sufficient_a to_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n sure_o he_o be_v much_o more_o able_a to_o help_v the_o unlearned_a preacher_n to_o sufficiency_n of_o word_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o advantage_n of_o unlearned_a simple_a sinful_a earthly_a ignorant_a man_n and_o woman_n yea_o babe_n and_o suckling_n therefore_o no_o need_n to_o serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n for_o word_n at_o the_o school_n thus_o i_o have_v answer_v this_o objection_n object_n 8._o some_o may_v say_v if_o preacher_n be_v not_o scholar_n and_o artist_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o can_v resolve_v or_o explain_v at_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o old_a and_o place_n and_o country_n as_o where_o they_o lie_v and_o in_o what_o continent_n situation_n latitude_n and_o distance_n one_o from_o another_o etc._n etc._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v this_o be_v but_o superfluous_a or_o unnecessary_a knowledge_n which_o every_o gospel-preacher_n may_v honourable_o be_v without_o and_o if_o a_o preacher_n can_v attain_v it_o without_o humane_a learning_n he_o may_v preach_v as_o true_o and_o as_o profitable_o christ_n mystery_n and_o man_n duty_n from_o such_o scripture_n as_o if_o he_o can_v resolve_v such_o riddle_n or_o unnecessary_a question_n for_o can_v not_o ezckiel_n amos_n and_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v against_o egypt_n tyrus_n moab_n babylon_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o heathen-country_n as_o well_o as_o if_o they_o know_v their_o longitude_n or_o latitude_n yes_o doubtless_o as_o clear_o as_o other-way_n for_o that_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o but_o only_o to_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o other_o knowledge_n of_o place_n be_v only_o or_o most_o necessary_a for_o such_o as_o be_v traveller_n or_o historiographer_n who_o else_o may_v miss_v their_o way_n or_o mar_v their_o work_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o a_o preacher_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o such_o to_o preach_v that_o babylon_n shall_v fall_v because_o she_o have_v sin_v and_o that_o nineveh_n repent_v and_o therefore_o be_v spare_v wheresoever_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o country_n be_v and_o that_o whatsoever_o country_n or_o people_n soever_o they_o be_v that_o sin_n against_o the_o most_o high_a and_o do_v not_o repent_v shall_v also_o perish_v first_o or_o last_o yea_o even_o england_n though_o we_o know_v where_o it_o lie_v without_o repentance_n must_v doubtless_o perish_v object_n 9_o may_v not_o some_o say_v to_o i_o do_v not_o solomon_n the_o wise_a even_o the_o preacher_n in_o my_o text_n say_v prov._n 1.22_o it_o be_v fool_n only_o that_o hate_n or_o slight_a knowledge_n so_o it_o be_v only_o unlearned_a ignorant_a mechanic_n that_o speak_v thus_o slight_o and_o contemptible_o of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o every_o thing_n beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o to_o
have_v scatter_v my_o flock_n and_o drive_v they_o away_o and_o have_v not_o visit_v they_o behold_v i_o will_v visit_v upon_o you_o the_o evil_n of_o your_o do_n say_v the_o lord_n vers_n 1_o 2._o thus_o much_o for_o this_o first_o use_n of_o reproof_n the_o second_o use_n be_v of_o exhortation_n second_o this_o may_v be_v for_o exhortation_n to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a preacher_n and_o be_v call_v to_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v be_v exhort_v still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n go_v on_o to_o your_o and_o their_o perfection_n and_o do_v not_o begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o unwatched_a over_o or_o unwatered_a but_o still_o be_v teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n i_o remember_v this_o be_v make_v a_o note_n of_o folly_n in_o the_o ostrich_n that_o she_o leave_v her_o egg_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o warm_v they_o in_o the_o dust_n and_o forget_v that_o the_o foot_n may_v crush_v they_o or_o that_o the_o wild_a beast_n may_v break_v they_o she_o be_v harden_v against_o her_o young_a one_o as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o she_o her_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a without_o fear_n because_o god_n have_v deprive_v she_o of_o wisdom_n neither_o have_v he_o impart_v to_o her_o understanding_n job_n 39.13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o oh_o you_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel-wisdom_n and_o either_o be_v or_o will_v be_v count_v wise_a preacher_n be_v exhort_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o ostrich_n leave_v not_o your_o egg_n in_o the_o dust_n nor_o to_o a_o foot_n that_o will_v crush_v they_o but_o look_v well_o to_o your_o seed_n sow_o and_o secure_v your_o conception_n and_o lose_v not_o or_o endanger_v your_o labour_n but_o watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o fall_v not_o into_o temptation_n but_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n if_o you_o decline_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o broker_n will_v still_o teach_v your_o people_n error_n and_o folly_n as_o you_o have_v it_o mat._n 13.25_o but_o while_o man_n sleep_v his_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n now_o will_v not_o this_o grieve_v a_o wife_n preacher_n that_o sincere_o preach_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n that_o through_o his_o negligence_n ease_n and_o idleness_n that_o not_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n the_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o overgrow_a with_o tare_n and_o error_n therefore_o my_o dear_a brethren_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n still_o teach_v your_o people_n knowledge_n the_o good_a husbandman_n go_v to_o blow_n last_o season_n and_o will_v not_o forbear_v and_o lose_v this_o season_n and_o the_o good_a merchantman_n venture_v to_o sea_n his_o good_n in_o one_o ship_n and_o another_o to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o another_o in_o another_o season_n so_o shall_v a_o wise_a preacher_n plough_v up_o the_o fallow-ground_n this_o year_n &_o the_o next_o send_v out_o his_o commodity_n to_o this_o and_o the_o other_o good_a port_n in_o one_o and_o another_o good_a ship_n take_v freight_v send_v thy_o winter_n and_o thy_o summer-adventure_n remember_v eccles_n 11.4_o 5_o 6._o oh_o he_o that_o observe_v the_o wind_n shall_v not_o sow_v and_o he_o that_o observe_v the_o wind_n shall_v not_o reap_v as_o thou_o know_v not_o what_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o how_o the_o bone_n do_v grow_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o she_o that_o be_v with_o child_n even_o so_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o work_v of_o god_n who_o make_v all_o in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n for_o thou_o know_v not_o whether_o shall_v prosper_v either_o this_o or_o that_o or_o whether_o they_o both_o shall_v be_v of_o like_a good_a oh_o therefore_o be_v exhort_v who_o be_v wise_a preacher_n still_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o to_o this_o work_n let_v i_o give_v you_o a_o few_o motive_n still_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n for_o motive_n 1_o first_o it_o will_v much_o argue_v and_o evidence_n your_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o you_o love_v his_o flock_n and_o feed_v his_o lamb_n john_n 21.14_o it_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v diligent_o and_o constant_o teach_v and_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n with_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o preacher_n that_o will_v have_v or_o carry_v a_o black_a and_o visible_a badge_n of_o neither_o love_a christ_n nor_o saint_n then_o and_o not_o else_o forbear_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n motive_n 2._o second_o let_v this_o move_v preacher_n even_o every_o wise_a preacher_n still_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n because_o the_o more_o you_o teach_v other_o the_o more_o jesus_n christ_n will_v teach_v you_o if_o you_o will_v have_v much_o of_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v much_o in_o the_o teach_n of_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n for_o he_o that_o water_v shall_v be_v water_v and_o he_o that_o disperse_v abroad_o and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o righteousness_n remain_v for_o ever_o prov._n 11.25_o with_o 2_o cor._n 9.9_o now_o consider_v not_o only_o the_o people_n need_v to_o be_v preach_v unto_o by_o you_o but_o you_o and_o i_o have_v great_a even_o abundant_a need_n to_o have_v jesus_n christ_n preach_v unto_o we_o therefore_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n motive_n 3._o three_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n because_o it_o be_v most_o honourable_a to_o be_v most_o diligent_a in_o this_o work_n and_o honour_n be_v much_o take_n in_o these_o day_n when_o every_o one_o seek_v the_o ruler_n favour_n now_o this_o be_v the_o preacher_n way_n to_o honour_n by_o diligent_a preach_v as_o skill_n come_v by_o diligence_n so_o honour_n and_o deserve_a reputation_n come_v by_o frequent_a and_o painful_a preach_v look_v how_o solomon_n commend_v the_o diligent_a woman_n prov._n last_o vers_fw-la last_o even_o so_o shall_v the_o diligent_a preacher_n be_v commend_v also_o prov._n 11.30_o he_o that_o win_v soul_n be_v wise_a with_o chap._n 22.22_o see_v thou_o a_o man_n that_o be_v diligent_a in_o his_o business_n he_o shall_v stand_v before_o king_n he_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o mean_a man_n therefore_o though_o we_o may_v not_o seek_v the_o honour_n that_o come_v of_o man_n yet_o we_o may_v seek_v that_o which_o come_v of_o god_n john_n 5.44_o oh_o how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o bring_v glad-tyding_n of_o good_a thing_n rom._n 10.15_o motive_n 4._o four_o my_o dear_a brethren_n it_o will_v be_v very_o comfortable_a in_o a_o die_a hour_n to_o have_v preach_v diligent_o in_o the_o day_n of_o life_n and_o when_o have_v we_o so_o much_o need_v of_o comfort_n as_o in_o die_a hour_n when_o will_v sin_v guilt_n shame_n and_o scorn_v lie_v so_o heavy_a upon_o we_o as_o in_o a_o die_a hour_n therefore_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n that_o god_n may_v still_o continue_v your_o comfort_n and_o cause_v your_o comfort_n to_o abound_v in_o die_a hour_n thus_o shall_v a_o wise_a preacher_n strive_v to_o preach_v that_o with_o samuel_n he_o may_v look_v a_o die_a hour_n with_o joy_n in_o the_o face_n 1_o sam._n 12.2_o 3_o 5._o so_o paul_n comfort_v himself_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o depart_n because_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o course_n and_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o his_o ministry_n 2_o tim._n 4.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o therefore_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n yea_o our_o lord_n jesus_n use_v this_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o support_v he_o under_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n by_o this_o consideration_n that_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n his_o father_n commit_v he_o to_o do_v in_o john_n 17.4_o 5._o where_o our_o lord_n say_v i_o have_v glorify_v thou_o on_o earth_n i_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n thou_o give_v i_o to_o do_v and_o now_o o_o father_n glorify_v thou_o i_o with_o thy_o own_o self_n o_o here_o be_v the_o way_n for_o a_o preacher_n to_o find_v assure_v comfort_n in_o a_o day_n of_o death_n that_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o work_n in_o a_o day_n of_o life_n and_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n o_o therefore_o you_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v light_n to_o man_n in_o a_o dark_a world_n let_v not_o i_o beseech_v you_o your_o light_n be_v put_v under_o a_o bushel_n or_o at_o best_o but_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a lantern_n but_o receive_v this_o exhortation_n and_o let_v i_o leave_v it_o as_o universal_a advice_n for_o every_o preacher_n that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o
point_n i_o proceed_v now_o from_o the_o preacher_n work_n to_o the_o preacher_n commendation_n and_o that_o which_o be_v write_v be_v upright_o even_a word_n of_o truth_n the_o eleven_o doctrine_n whence_o i_o may_v observe_v that_o as_o wise_a preacher_n be_v wary_a and_o painful_a preacher_n and_o search_v and_o seek_v out_o acceptable_a and_o seasonable_a word_n for_o their_o people_n so_o a_o pious_a and_o deserve_a people_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o give_v or_o afford_v they_o and_o their_o preach_n due_a and_o deserve_a encouragement_n and_o commendation_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v but_o remember_v what_o solomon_n the_o preacher_n have_v write_v in_o this_o case_n prov._n 27.2_o let_v another_o man_n praise_v thou_o and_o not_o thy_o own_o mouth_n a_o stranger_n and_o not_o thy_o own_o lip_n i_o shall_v forbear_v to_o proceed_v any_o further_a and_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o word_n without_o relation_n to_o the_o preacher_n as_o they_o hint_n forth_o the_o commendation_n of_o uprightness_n and_o truth_n not_o only_o in_o the_o preacher_n spirit_n and_o work_n but_o in_o every_o man_n spirit_n and_o conversation_n the_o twelve_o doctrine_n and_o the_o observation_n may_v be_v this_o that_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n be_v a_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v time_n about_o the_o open_n or_o discover_v what_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n be_v because_o among_o such_o who_o enjoy_v wise_a preacher_n this_o be_v much_o discourse_v of_o among_o wise_a and_o gracious_a person_n this_o be_v well_o know_v if_o not_o better_o know_v than_o practise_v therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o give_v you_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n and_o then_o come_v to_o improve_v it_o that_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o walk_v be_v lovely_a and_o excellent_a take_v the_o witness_n of_o a_o stranger_n in_o israel_n concern_v david_n when_o he_o tell_v he_o sure_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v thou_o have_v be_v upright_o and_o thy_o go_v out_o and_o thy_o come_n in_o with_o i_o in_o the_o host_n be_v good_a in_o my_o sight_n for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v evil_a in_o thou_o since_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o come_n unto_o i_o to_o this_o day_n 1_o sam._n 29.6_o take_v also_o david_n own_o testimony_n when_o he_o sing_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o spirit_n say_v i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o he_o and_o have_v keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n 2_o sam._n 22.24_o but_o set_v aside_o man_n testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n take_v the_o lord_n be_v own_o testimony_n concern_v job_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o satan_n have_v thou_o consider_v my_o servant_n job_n there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n chap._n 1.8_o the_o like_a honourable_a acknowledgement_n do_v our_o lord_n give_v of_o nathaniel_n say_v behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n john_n 1.47_o and_o solomon_n tell_v we_o such_o as_o be_v upright_o in_o their_o way_n be_v the_o lord_n delight_n or_o his_o delightful_a one_o prov._n 11.20_o but_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n though_o manifold_a text_n may_v have_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o further_o demonstrate_v this_o have_v it_o be_v necessary_a let_v i_o now_o give_v you_o some_o argument_n to_o clear_v this_o observation_n that_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n in_o the_o spirit_n render_v such_o spirit_n excellent_a argument_n 1._o first_o because_o this_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o god_n spirit_n or_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o be_v must_v needs_o render_v we_o excellent_a in_o be_v that_o god_n be_v thus_o in_o his_o be_v take_v that_o say_n for_o it_o good_a and_o upright_o be_v the_o lord_n psal_n 25.8_o also_o that_o of_o isaiah_n oh_o thou_o most_o upright_o do_v weigh_v the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a isa_n 26.7_o now_o to_o have_v our_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a frame_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o again_o argument_n 2._o second_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a frame_n because_o the_o contrary_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o most_o dishonourable_a and_o unlovely_a frame_n that_o can_v be_v it_o be_v say_v of_o satan_n that_o he_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n this_o be_v the_o emphasis_n or_o height_n of_o his_o iniquity_n he_o be_v not_o upright_o he_o be_v not_o as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v he_o be_v real_o a_o angel_n of_o darkness_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o angel_n of_o light_n 2_o cor._n 11.14_o therefore_o when_o our_o lord_n will_v set_v forth_o the_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o father_n you_o will_v do_v john_n 8.44_o and_o no_o spirit_n be_v so_o disowned_a and_o detest_a of_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o hypocrisy_n woe_n unto_o hypocrite_n math._n 23.27_o read_v that_o place_n at_o your_o leisure_n therefore_o to_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a spirit_n to_o hypocrisy_n must_v needs_o be_v excellent_a that_o be_v to_o be_v upright_o in_o spirit_n but_o again_o argument_n 3_o three_o it_o be_v that_o frame_n begin_v in_o we_o here_o which_o will_v be_v our_o frame_n perfect_o in_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n now_o to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o frame_n here_o as_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o glory_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a frame_n when_o the_o disciple_n see_v christ_n transfigure_v that_o his_o face_n do_v shine_v as_o the_o sun_n and_o his_o raiment_n be_v white_a as_o the_o light_n mat._n 17.2_o even_o so_o how_o glorious_a be_v such_o soul_n as_o be_v transfigure_v into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n even_o this_o image_n of_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n of_o spirit_n such_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a in_o their_o generation_n but_o again_o argument_n 4._o last_o this_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o truth_n which_o both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n bear_v witness_n to_o but_o that_o this_o be_v excellent_a even_a truth_n and_o uprightness_n in_o whom-soev_a it_o be_v find_v we_o have_v hear_v the_o testimony_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o inquire_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n under_o the_o heaven_n they_o will_v all_o seal_n to_o this_o truth_n that_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o honest_a spirit_n be_v most_o desirable_a and_o excellent_a person_n both_o to_o dwell_v with_o and_o converse_v with_o therefore_o see_v this_o doctrine_n know_v no_o adversary_n as_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o i_o shall_v cease_v any_o further_a demonstration_n and_o come_v to_o application_n wherein_o i_o shall_v speak_v something_o by_o way_n of_o information_n something_o of_o exhortation_n and_o then_o give_v some_o motive_n use_v of_o information_n the_o first_o use_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o point_n be_v to_o present_v you_o with_o a_o word_n of_o information_n and_o that_o be_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o preacher_n and_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v no_o more_o value_v and_o esteem_v than_o they_o be_v this_o day_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o more_o of_o this_o excellent_a spirit_n in_o they_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o uprightness_n i_o do_v not_o say_v this_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o i_o say_v it_o again_o among_o other_o reason_n this_o be_v one_o grand_a one_o they_o say_v professor_n want_v truth_n and_o uprightness_n talk_v of_o heaven_n and_o of_o love_n and_o of_o bounty_n and_o patience_n yet_o love_v the_o world_n and_o pursue_v the_o world_n and_o keep_v the_o world_n as_o much_o as_o any_o love_v few_o but_o themselves_o and_o man_n of_o their_o own_o principle_n judge_v all_o that_o believe_v not_o as_o they_o believe_v and_o practice_v as_o they_o practise_v they_o be_v as_o miserable_a and_o impatient_a or_o forward_o upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n as_o any_o other_o man_n therefore_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o all_o be_v not_o true_a they_o say_v and_o that_o they_o speak_v not_o as_o they_o think_v but_o be_v deceitful_a mere_a word_n and_o show_v oh_o my_o dear_a friend_n i_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v altogether_o groundless_a and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o too_o much_o truth_n or_o ground_n for_o this_o complaint_n but_o sir_n take_v notice_n how_o the_o want_n of_o visibility_n and_o activity_n in_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n cause_v our_o good_a commodity_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o therefore_o let_v it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n and_o business_n to_o take_v away_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o seek_v occasion_n and_o take_v
the_o spirit_n and_o most_o delight_n in_o the_o well_o order_v and_o composure_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o see_v the_o delight_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n give_v unto_o god_n a_o plain_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n know_v that_o our_o god_n love_v uprightness_n and_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o the_o acceptance_n of_o this_o exhortation_n let_v i_o give_v you_o and_o myself_o a_o few_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o be_v of_o this_o bless_a frame_n of_o spirit_n motive_n 1._o first_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v god_n manifest_v his_o love_n abundant_o to_o we_o when_o he_o find_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o we_o as_o we_o have_v it_o psal_n 11.7_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a that_o be_v favourable_o or_o as_o one_o that_o god_n love_v and_o respect_n oh_o with_o what_o favourable_a respect_n do_v god_n behold_v upright_a abraham_n and_o upright_a job_n not_o only_o to_o approve_v they_o but_o also_o to_o reward_v they_o or_o privilege_v they_o as_o we_o find_v in_o that_o story_n of_o abraham_n offer_v up_o of_o isaac_n whereby_o be_v manifest_v his_o uprightness_n and_o god_n acknowledge_v it_o gen._n 22.12_o and_o when_o god_n see_v that_o abraham_n have_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n god_n do_v not_o only_o give_v he_o his_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o tell_v he_o also_o by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v say_v the_o lord_n for_o because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n thy_o isaac_n that_o in_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o and_o in_o multiply_v i_o will_v multiply_v thy_o seed_n as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o the_o sand_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o seashore_n and_o thy_o seed_n shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o his_o enemy_n vers_fw-la 16_o 17._o and_o lest_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v enough_o hear_v further_o what_o god_n promise_v he_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n say_v in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v and_o all_o because_o he_o be_v upright_o and_o in_o uprightness_n obey_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n oh_o see_v what_o favour_n god_n bear_v to_o upright_a man_n and_o woman_n as_o in_o job_n and_o david_n and_o paul_n and_o other_o may_v be_v large_o manifest_v second_o consider_v this_o be_v a_o encouragement_n or_o a_o heart-strengthening_a frame_n of_o spirit_n oh_o how_o wonderful_o will_v uprightness_n strengthen_v unto_o truth_n according_a to_o that_o of_o solomon_n the_o lord_n be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a prov._n 10.29_o how_o do_v daniel_n uprightness_n give_v he_o humble_a and_o holy_a boldness_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o trouble_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o expression_n to_o the_o king_n then_o say_v daniel_n unto_o the_o king_n live_v for_o ever_o my_o god_n have_v send_v his_o angel_n and_o have_v shut_v the_o lion_n mouth_n that_o they_o have_v not_o hurt_v i_o forasmuch_o as_o before_o he_o innocency_n be_v find_v in_o i_o and_o also_o before_o thou_o have_v i_o do_v no_o hurt_n dan._n 6.21_o 22._o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o do_v the_o want_n of_o uprightness_n cause_n heart-trembling_a and_o weakness_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o that_o story_n of_o haman_n hest_n 7.6_o 7_o 8._o oh_o therefore_o get_v and_o maintain_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n as_o will_v cause_v and_o maintain_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o true_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n and_o boldness_n to_o look_v god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o face_n withal_o without_o blush_v in_o any_o season_n but_o again_o three_o to_o move_v we_o to_o make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o get_v and_o maintain_v our_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o frame_n consider_v it_o be_v a_o frame_n so_o desirable_a and_o lovely_a that_o not_o only_a god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n love_v this_o frame_n of_o heart_n but_o all_o man_n even_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n approve_v of_o this_o in_o other_o though_o they_o may_v be_v want_v in_o it_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n argument_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n phil._n 4.8_o but_o again_o four_o take_v this_o for_o encouragement_n towards_o press_v after_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n a_o deceitful_a spirit_n be_v a_o vain_a spirit_n that_o go_v about_o to_o deceive_v or_o go_v beyond_o god_n or_o man_n by_o fraud_n by_o guile_n and_o deceit_n nay_o deceive_v himself_o it_o be_v like_o clothing_n ourselves_o with_o figleaf_n or_o hide_v our_o head_n under_o the_o spider_n web_n it_o be_v vain_a work_n as_o the_o lord_n tell_v we_o isa_n 29.15_o 16_o 17._o there_o be_v nothing_o cover_v that_o shall_v not_o be_v reveal_v and_o hide_v that_o shall_v not_o be_v know_v mat._n 10.26_o for_o the_o folly_n of_o fool_n be_v deceit_n prov._n 14.8_o for_o their_o folly_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n 2_o tim._n 3.9_o five_o and_o last_o to_o hasten_v consider_v but_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o contrary_a frame_n of_o spirit_n to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o if_o former_a motive_n can_v induce_v and_o move_v we_o to_o this_o frame_n yet_o peradventure_o this_o low_a motive_n of_o self-conveniency_n and_o concernment_n may_v though_o god_n be_v a_o resolve_a enemy_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n and_o sinner_n yet_o especial_o be_v he_o resolve_v to_o show_v himself_o most_o quick_a and_o severe_a against_o person_n of_o this_o frame_n god_n have_v say_v it_o and_o will_v make_v it_o good_a bloody_a and_o deceitful_a man_n shall_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n psal_n 53.23_o hypocrite_n of_o all_o man_n must_v have_v their_o woe_n and_o no_o portion_n of_o woe_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o punishment_n short_a of_o the_o devil_n weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n which_o must_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o devil_n and_o of_o hypocrite_n mat._n 24.51_o compare_v with_o chap._n 25.41_o take_v but_o a_o instance_n or_o two_o of_o this_o of_o two_o great_a man_n in_o their_o day_n the_o one_o a_o king_n and_o a_o choice_n one_o but_o find_v play_v the_o hypocrite_n the_o other_o a_o bishop_n or_o a_o apostle_n but_o a_o bad_a one_o and_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o behold_v how_o severe_a and_o quick_a god_n be_v in_o punish_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o the_o one_o be_v david_n who_o play_v not_o only_o the_o murderer_n and_o adulterer_n but_o the_o unworthy_a hypocrite_n with_o vriah_n pretend_v kindness_n but_o contrive_v and_o effect_v his_o death_n how_o home_n do_v god_n deal_v with_o this_o good_a man_n now_o therefore_o the_o sword_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o thy_o house_n and_o if_o this_o be_v too_o light_a a_o punishment_n for_o secret_a but_o detestible_a iniquity_n and_o hypocrisy_n god_n add_v behold_v i_o will_v raise_v up_o evil_a against_o thou_o out_o of_o thy_o own_o house_n i_o will_v take_v thy_o wife_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o unto_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o he_o shall_v lie_v with_o thy_o wife_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o story_n you_o have_v at_o large_a in_o 2_o sam._n 11_o &_o 12_o chapter_n the_o other_o be_v judas_n one_o of_o the_o twelve_o that_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o traitor_n with_o his_o master_n as_o you_o all_o know_v and_o what_o become_v of_o he_o no_o soon_o be_v his_o hypocritical_a act_n perform_v but_o he_o depart_v and_o go_v and_o hang_v himself_o be_v a_o preacher_n can_v not_o preserve_v himself_o from_o burst_v asunder_o and_o all_o his_o bowel_n gush_v forth_o preacher_n of_o all_o person_n be_v in_o most_o danger_n if_o find_v play_v the_o hypocrite_n as_o god_n tell_v we_o psal_n 50.21_o these_o thing_n have_v thou_o do_v and_o i_o keep_v silence_n thou_o think_v i_o be_v altogethor_n such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o but_o i_o will_v reprove_v thou_o and_o set_v thy_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o thy_o eye_n now_o consider_v this_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n lest_o i_o tear_v you_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v you_o vers_n 22._o therefore_o to_o close_v up_o this_o use_n and_o this_o point_n let_v it_o be_v the_o care_n and_o labour_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o wise_a preacher_n to_o share_v in_o the_o commendation_n give_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o herodian_o who_o say_v master_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v true_a and_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n neither_o care_v thou_o for_o any_o mar_v for_o thou_o