their_o portion_n they_o be_v as_o though_o they_o have_v possess_v all_o thing_n now_o he_o who_o have_v thus_o settle_v his_o affair_n that_o he_o be_v or_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o despite_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o worst_a thing_n he_o can_v meet_v with_o in_o it_o can_v but_o be_v grant_v to_o have_v take_v a_o very_a wise_a course_n and_o to_o have_v make_v a_o very_a wise_a and_o beneficial_a choice_n three_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v see_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a mean_n to_o mortify_v we_o to_o this_o world_n because_o it_o engage_v we_o not_o to_o make_v any_o other_o thing_n our_o portion_n but_o this_o will_v fall_v in_o most_o fit_o with_o the_o last_o particular_a which_o shall_v be_v to_o inquire_v by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v compass_v this_o great_a end_n and_o business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o have_v god_n for_o our_o portion_n the_o best_a direction_n in_o this_o case_n will_v be_v first_o that_o we_o choose_v he_o for_o our_o portion_n and_o second_o that_o we_o do_v as_o david_n resolve_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o verse_n i_o have_v say_v that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o word_n first_o to_o choose_v he_o for_o our_o portion_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v he_o so_o if_o this_o seem_v a_o small_a or_o easy_a matter_n we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n comprehend_v in_o this_o choice_n it_o imply_v that_o we_o prefer_v god_n in_o our_o judgement_n and_o esteem_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o prefer_v his_o love_n and_o service_n before_o all_o the_o delight_n and_o present_a advantage_n of_o sin_n it_o amount_v in_o effect_n to_o what_o be_v mention_v before_o that_o we_o make_v not_o any_o other_o thing_n our_o portion_n other_o thing_n we_o may_v have_v and_o esteem_v and_o enjoy_v they_o two_o in_o their_o just_a measure_n and_o degree_n but_o we_o must_v not_o overvalue_v they_o nor_o dote_v on_o they_o we_o must_v not_o bestow_v our_o heart_n on_o they_o nor_o repose_v our_o trust_n and_o happiness_n in_o they_o god_n must_v be_v uppermost_a in_o our_o love_n and_o esteem_v as_o solomon_n choose_v wisdom_n before_o riches_n and_o honour_n otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o be_v our_o portion_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o effect_n that_o we_o can_v have_v our_o treasure_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n matt._n 6._o 19_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n god_n and_o mammon_n if_o the_o one_o be_v our_o portion_n the_o other_o can_v will_v not_o be_v but_o since_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o love_v other_o thing_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o we_o make_v they_o our_o portion_n or_o not_o we_o may_v know_v it_o by_o the_o room_n and_o place_n those_o thing_n have_v in_o our_o heart_n if_o they_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n they_o be_v our_o portion_n for_o two_o chief_n or_o principal_n can_v consist_v together_o in_o our_o choice_n if_o god_n be_v our_o portion_n all_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v choose_v and_o love_v and_o use_v in_o subordination_n to_o he_o and_o his_o love_n and_o service_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o course_n of_o business_n and_o temptation_n we_o may_v sometime_o observe_v a_o kind_n of_o competition_n betwixt_o god_n and_o ourselves_o that_o be_v betwixt_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o interest_n now_o when_o it_o be_v come_v to_o a_o struggle_n and_o competition_n in_o the_o will_n observe_v which_o side_n usual_o prevail_v and_o we_o shall_v soon_o know_v how_o the_o case_n be_v with_o we_o if_o the_o awe_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o religious_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n prevail_v we_o may_v conclude_v we_o be_v right_a so_o far_o but_o if_o vain_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n prevail_v we_o may_v so_o far_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v not_o our_o portion_n for_o that_o be_v every_o man_n portion_n which_o he_o prefer_v and_o value_v and_o seek_v after_o most_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o effect_v his_o god_n and_o his_o be_v carry_v out_o after_o it_o with_o love_n and_o delight_n be_v that_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v for_o instance_n he_o who_o set_v his_o heart_n on_o the_o world_n and_o hunt_v after_o riches_n unreasonable_o and_o stick_v not_o to_o violate_v his_o duty_n and_o his_o conscience_n for_o the_o gain_n and_o keep_v of_o they_o and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o true_a riches_n such_o a_o man_n have_v his_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o covetousness_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v idolatry_n the_o ambitious_a man_n likewise_o who_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v great_a and_o climb_v up_o to_o it_o by_o base_a complaince_n and_o unworthy_a action_n he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o his_o object_n vanity_n be_v his_o portion_n and_o so_o for_o those_o who_o make_v their_o belly_n and_o their_o pleasure_n their_o god_n meat_n and_o drink_n and_o other_o base_a sensual_a liberty_n be_v their_o portion_n so_o likewise_o the_o envious_a and_o malicious_a who_o will_v contrive_v and_o repay_v evil_a and_o practice_v revenge_n contrary_a to_o the_o express_a will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n mischief_n be_v their_o darling_n and_o their_o portion_n the_o thing_n be_v as_o true_a in_o all_o other_o instance_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o duty_n lie_v on_o one_o hand_n and_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o if_o we_o see_v the_o sin_n before_o we_o and_o accept_v of_o the_o temptation_n to_o it_o we_o do_v by_o just_a interpretation_n prefer_v it_o before_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o religion_n and_o take_v it_o for_o our_o portion_n that_o which_o sway_v a_o man_n will_n and_o bear_v rule_v within_o he_o and_o dispose_v of_o he_o and_o his_o action_n be_v in_o very_a truth_n his_o idol_n howsoever_o he_o may_v flatter_v himself_o to_o the_o contrary_a or_o persuade_v himself_o through_o his_o partiality_n that_o god_n will_v interpret_v it_o otherwise_o consequent_a to_o this_o first_o mean_n of_o make_v god_n our_o portion_n be_v that_o holy_a and_o happy_a temper_n of_o be_v indifferent_a to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n if_o we_o can_v be_v moderate_a and_o indifferent_a about_o these_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o our_o heart_n do_v not_o cleave_v to_o they_o and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v on_o they_o as_o our_o portion_n this_o indifferency_n consist_v in_o a_o eveness_n of_o mind_n towards_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_n not_o to_o value_v or_o love_n or_o desire_v the_o one_o as_o though_o our_o happiness_n depend_v on_o it_o nor_o to_o dread_v the_o other_o so_o as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o miserable_a and_o undo_v when_o any_o temporal_a evil_n befall_v we_o but_o to_o look_v upon_o both_o with_o a_o deference_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n always_o esteem_v he_o as_o our_o main_a refuge_n and_o dependence_n for_o the_o maintain_n and_o preserve_v of_o which_o good_a indifferency_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o eager_a and_o importunate_a desire_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o of_o excessive_a fear_n and_o solicitude_n on_o the_o other_o for_o people_n to_o be_v sick_a for_o any_o thing_n they_o desire_v as_o ahab_n be_v for_o naboth_n vineyard_n 1_o king_n 21._o or_o to_o be_v clamorous_a and_o importunate_a as_o rachel_n be_v say_v give_v i_o child_n or_o else_o i_o die_v gen._n 30._o 1._o or_o to_o be_v distress_v at_o any_o cross_a accident_n as_o rebecca_n be_v only_o on_o supposition_n of_o jacob_n marry_v one_o of_o the_o daughter_n of_o heth_n say_v what_o good_a shall_v my_o life_n do_v i_o gen._n 27._o 46._o or_o indeed_o as_o david_n be_v for_o his_o ungracious_a son_n absalon_n when_o god_n have_v but_o new_o deliver_v he_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n so_o as_o to_o wish_v will_v god_n i_o have_v die_v for_o thou_o 2_o sam._n 18._o 33._o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o good_a people_n to_o be_v thus_o violent_o concern_v for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n when_o we_o fear_v thing_n or_o grieve_v for_o they_o with_o so_o much_o dejection_n and_o distress_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n we_o love_v they_o too_o well_o and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o god_n so_o entire_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o we_o long_o for_o any_o thing_n with_o so_o great_a ardour_n and_o intenseness_n of_o desire_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n we_o place_v our_o happiness_n in_o it_o and_o that_o we_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o quit_v all_o else_o and_o to_o make_v it_o our_o portion_n it_o argue_v that_o we_o look_v not_o much_o unto_o god_n
nor_o regard_v what_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v if_o we_o can_v but_o accomplish_v our_o own_o desire_n on_o any_o term_n such_o eagerness_n and_o impetuousness_n of_o affection_n show_v that_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o stay_v upon_o god_n but_o that_o we_o look_v after_o other_o thing_n beside_o he_o as_o principal_a ingredient_n of_o our_o happiness_n it_o show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o root_v and_o ground_v in_o his_o love_n and_o that_o our_o will_n be_v not_o sufficient_o subdue_v to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o just_a government_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n therefore_o to_o have_v this_o indifferency_n firm_o settle_v in_o our_o mind_n as_o that_o which_o will_v minister_v great_o to_o the_o ease_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o life_n and_o without_o which_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n we_o can_v be_v say_v in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n to_o have_v god_n for_o our_o portion_n last_o if_o we_o will_v have_v god_n for_o our_o portion_n we_o must_v do_v as_o david_n here_o resolve_v and_o promise_v i_o say_v or_o i_o have_v promise_v that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o word_n to_o keep_v god_n word_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o do_v his_o commandment_n which_o the_o psalmist_n subjoin_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o high_a privilege_n of_o have_v god_n for_o his_o portion_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v on_o any_o other_o term_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o expect_v that_o he_o will_v make_v we_o happy_a in_o his_o favour_n when_o we_o provoke_v he_o with_o our_o sin_n these_o intercept_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o obscure_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n they_o displease_v and_o provoke_v our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o make_v we_o unmeet_a for_o the_o portion_n and_o inheritance_n of_o his_o child_n if_o we_o will_v have_v he_o for_o our_o god_n we_o must_v be_v his_o people_n and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v make_v appear_v but_o by_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o law_n this_o be_v the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n nor_o privilege_n whatsoever_o that_o can_v entitle_v we_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o unless_o we_o walk_v as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o call_v ourselves_o his_o people_n neither_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o do_v as_o those_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o prophet_n ezech._n 33._o 31._o they_o sit_v before_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o for_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o pretence_n neither_o will_v he_o be_v flatter_v where_o he_o be_v not_o true_o love_v and_o obey_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 6._o 16._o who_o you_o yield_v yourselves_o servant_n to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o wear_v his_o livery_n or_o bear_v the_o badge_n of_o his_o servant_n but_o we_o must_v do_v he_o actual_a service_n otherwise_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o receive_v wage_n from_o he_o god_n be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o husband_n to_o israel_n but_o when_o they_o desert_v his_o service_n and_o commit_v abomination_n he_o retract_v that_o relation_n and_o command_v the_o prophet_n to_o use_v the_o name_n lo-ammiâ—_a for_o you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v your_o god_n hos._n 1._o 9_o and_o chapter_n 2._o 2._o she_o be_v not_o my_o wife_n neither_o be_o i_o her_o husband_n god_n will_v not_o be_v we_o unless_o we_o be_v his_o neither_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o be_v his_o in_o name_n only_o but_o we_o must_v be_v so_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n after_o all_o this_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v frail_a sinful_a creature_n and_o that_o our_o great_a security_n and_o confidence_n lie_v in_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a care_n over_o ourselves_o and_o over_o our_o way_n that_o qualify_v and_o make_v we_o fit_a for_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v pardon_v that_o wherein_o through_o weakness_n we_o come_v short_a of_o our_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o course_n that_o david_n take_v who_o we_o find_v beg_v of_o god_n for_o mercy_n vers_fw-la 2._o be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n but_o withal_o he_o resolve_v in_o this_o verse_n to_o keep_v god_n law_n and_o vers_fw-la 3._o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v perform_v what_o he_o promise_v i_o turn_v my_o foot_n to_o thy_o testimony_n and_o so_o job_n though_o his_o great_a confidence_n be_v in_o god_n yet_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n make_v his_o confidence_n more_o rational_a and_o satisfy_v he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o vain_a presumption_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v protestation_n of_o his_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n chapter_n 31._o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v that_o young_a man_n mat._n 19_o 17._o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n where_o he_o make_v the_o one_o of_o these_o the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o the_o other_o and_o imply_v that_o no_o man_n can_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n without_o keep_v the_o commandment_n one_o thing_n more_o may_v be_v observe_v from_o the_o form_n of_o the_o word_n i_o have_v say_v or_o i_o have_v promise_v that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o word_n the_o psalmist_n seem_v here_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o renew_v some_o former_a resolution_n and_o promise_n whereby_o he_o have_v more_o solemn_o devote_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n herein_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n doubtless_o good_a resolution_n not_o to_o speak_v now_o of_o vow_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o help_v to_o keep_v we_o close_o to_o our_o duty_n for_o when_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o bind_v as_o it_o be_v by_o his_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n and_o engage_v by_o a_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o himself_o upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o important_a reason_n this_o can_v but_o strengthen_v he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n david_n bind_v himself_o in_o the_o strict_a bond_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o be_v more_o full_o express_v verse_n 106._o i_o have_v swear_v and_o i_o will_v perform_v it_o that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o righteous_a judgement_n beside_o as_o this_o be_v useful_a to_o ourselves_o so_o it_o be_v available_a with_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o his_o favour_n for_o when_o we_o thus_o dedicate_v and_o devote_v ourselves_o and_o our_o life_n to_o his_o service_n it_o will_v move_v he_o to_o communicate_v himself_o more_o free_o to_o we_o and_o to_o become_v our_o portion_n the_o design_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v first_o to_o move_v every_o considerate_a person_n to_o enter_v into_o account_n with_o himself_o and_o see_v what_o choice_n he_o have_v make_v let_v he_o ask_v himself_o what_o have_v be_v and_o be_v his_o main_a business_n and_o design_n in_o the_o world_n and_o see_v what_o answer_n his_o conscience_n will_v make_v he_o if_o he_o have_v yet_o make_v no_o settle_a choice_n he_o have_v do_v very_o unwise_o in_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n without_o design_n if_o he_o have_v make_v a_o wrong_a choice_n it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o inquire_v into_o it_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o his_o error_n and_o amend_v it_o let_v he_o know_v then_o that_o every_o one_o who_o live_v in_o any_o vice_n or_o custom_n of_o sin_n be_v just_o interpret_v to_o have_v make_v that_o his_o choice_n although_o perhaps_o he_o have_v not_o choose_v it_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o a_o formal_a deliberation_n and_o election_n now_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o a_o one_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o make_v a_o estimate_n of_o the_o quality_n and_o true_a value_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v accept_v of_o for_o his_o portion_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o respect_n a_o vicious_a person_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v some_o advantage_n by_o his_o folly_n because_o he_o be_v or_o may_v be_v convince_v out_o of_o his_o own_o experience_n of_o the_o emptiness_n vexation_n and_o dissatisfaction_n of_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n if_o such_o a_o one_o will_v but_o hearken_v to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n or_o if_o he_o will_v but_o diligent_o consult_v his_o memory_n i_o believe_v it_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o himself_o to_o make_v
we_o be_v mortal_a god_n have_v make_v every_o thing_n here_o mutable_a by_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o he_o have_v make_v our_o condition_n here_o as_o well_o by_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n as_o by_o his_o positive_a sentence_n and_o appointment_n so_o that_o in_o either_o respect_n we_o can_v have_v here_o no_o durable_a certain_a portion_n but_o what_o a_o weakness_n or_o rather_o madness_n be_v it_o to_o choose_v that_o for_o one_o portion_n which_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o lose_v how_o extreme_o miserable_a must_v his_o condition_n be_v when_o he_o come_v to_o have_v his_o portion_n take_v from_o he_o when_o a_o man_n who_o have_v make_v this_o world_n and_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o it_o his_o only_a end_n and_o portion_n shall_v be_v strip_v of_o these_o and_o have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o carry_v with_o he_o when_o he_o go_v out_o of_o it_o but_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n nothing_o of_o good_a not_o so_o much_o as_o good_a hope_n lest_o to_o nourish_v and_o satisfy_v his_o soul_n in_o its_o endless_a duration_n how_o much_o a_o wise_a and_o happy_a course_n shall_v we_o take_v to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o that_o other_o portion_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o perpetual_a god_n be_v eternal_a and_o his_o favour_n be_v endless_a it_o be_v not_o subject_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o diminution_n or_o decay_n it_o last_v as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v and_o when_o we_o die_v it_o accompany_v we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o give_v we_o comfort_v and_o confidence_n in_o his_o presence_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o put_v we_o into_o the_o possession_n of_o never-ceasing_a joy_n to_o this_o portion_n therefore_o do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n direct_v his_o disciple_n matth._n 6._o 19_o 20._o lay_v not_o up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n where_o rust_n and_o moth_n corrupt_v and_o where_o thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v but_o lay_v up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o neither_o rust_n nor_o moth_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n do_v not_o break_v through_o nor_o steal_v three_o this_o be_v such_o a_o portion_n as_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o comfort_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o internal_a and_o so_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o rational_a and_o better_a part_n of_o man._n the_o soul_n be_v a_o principle_n distinct_a from_o the_o body_n as_o appear_v by_o this_o among_o other_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o bodily_a object_n or_o enjoyment_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o a_o man_n mind_n may_v be_v ill_a at_o ease_n it_o may_v be_v wound_v with_o guilt_n or_o overwhelm_v with_o sorrow_n or_o amaze_v with_o fear_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n it_o may_v be_v disturb_v as_o belshazzar_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o bea_n and_o jollity_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o laughter_n the_o heart_n be_v sad_a and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mirth_n be_v heaviness_n the_o soul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v satisfy_v with_o these_o thing_n that_o the_o abundance_n of_o they_o be_v rather_o apt_a to_o cloud_n and_o debase_v and_o darken_v it_o and_o to_o make_v its_o condition_n worse_o than_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o absence_n of_o such_o abundance_n so_o that_o these_o be_v no_o suitable_a portion_n for_o the_o soul_n we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v to_o satisfy_v a_o hungry_a stomach_n with_o good_a word_n as_o to_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n with_o sensual_a enjoyment_n these_o be_v as_o much_o too_o gross_a for_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o other_o be_v too_o thin_a and_o meager_a for_o the_o body_n but_o the_o portion_n here_o mention_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o enrich_v and_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n the_o devout_a contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o excellent_a power_n glory_n and_o goodness_n do_v mighty_o raise_v and_o refine_v and_o delight_v the_o soul_n how_o much_o more_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n so_o he_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o spirit_n which_o never_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o home_n but_o when_o they_o be_v conversant_a with_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v absurd_o affirm_v by_o epicurus_n as_o plutarch_n well_o observe_v and_o large_o prove_v 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o disbelief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o all_o future_a recompense_n tend_v to_o the_o quiet_a and_o happiness_n of_o man_n life_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o true_a than_o the_o contrary_n the_o very_a thought_n of_o god_n be_v better_a able_a to_o stay_v our_o mind_n and_o calm_v our_o passion_n and_o ease_v our_o trouble_n than_o any_o other_o consideration_n whatsoever_o and_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o word_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o other_o emanation_n of_o his_o goodness_n such_o as_o have_v be_v mention_v have_v that_o force_n upon_o our_o spirit_n that_o when_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o some_o sense_n of_o these_o and_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o some_o moderate_a possession_n of_o they_o we_o can_v but_o think_v ourselves_o happy_a in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n we_o joy_v in_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 5._o 11._o and_o vers._n 2._o we_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o vers._n 165._o of_o this_o psalm_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o who_o love_v thy_o law_n now_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o good_a hope_n be_v the_o proper_a entertainment_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o these_o issue_n natural_o from_o a_o religious_a application_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o favour_n by_o which_o our_o mind_n be_v refresh_v and_o comfort_v for_o the_o present_a until_o they_o can_v be_v restore_v to_o that_o immense_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n and_o be_v make_v to_o drink_v of_o those_o river_n of_o pleasure_n for_o ever_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o great_a thing_n contain_v in_o this_o portion_n and_o the_o excellent_a property_n of_o it_o a_o second_o head_n of_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o choice_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o effect_n and_o benefit_n that_o be_v consequent_a to_o it_o particular_o 1._o the_o fix_v of_o our_o heart_n firm_o upon_o god_n as_o our_o portion_n be_v a_o good_a help_n to_o make_v we_o steady_a and_o constant_a in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o prevent_v the_o contrary_a evil_n of_o inconstancy_n we_o know_v of_o how_o great_a moment_n constancy_n be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o property_n that_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o it_o without_o frustrate_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n our_o saviour_n require_v of_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n indeed_o joh._n 8._o 31._o and_o chap._n 15._o 4_o 5_o 6._o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n if_o a_o man_n abide_v not_o in_o i_o he_o be_v cast_v forth_o as_o a_o branch_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o tree_n therefore_o vers._n 9_o continue_v you_o in_o my_o love_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o man_n so_o bad_a so_o utter_o void_a of_o all_o sense_n of_o religion_n or_o humanity_n but_o that_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o he_o may_v do_v some_o worthy_a thing_n nero_n himself_o who_o name_n be_v so_o in-famous_a for_o cruelty_n and_o bloodshed_n be_v say_v once_o in_o his_o life_n to_o have_v weep_v when_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o malefactor_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o to_o be_v sign_v and_o to_o wish_v that_o he_o can_v never_o have_v write_v it_o be_v only_a order_n moderation_n and_o constancy_n that_o show_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o a_o good_a christian._n all_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o indifferent_a and_o defective_a man_n now_o what_o likely_a mean_n can_v there_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o man_n constant_a than_o fix_v and_o deliberate_a choice_n when_o the_o mind_n be_v engage_v upon_o one_o object_n and_o so_o not_o at_o liberty_n to_o rove_v and_o wander_v after_o other_o whereas_o a_o double-minded_n man_n that_o be_v one_o who_o be_v undetermined_a in_o his_o judgement_n and_o choice_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n jam._n 1._o 8._o such_o a_o one_o life_n like_o a_o man_n that_o walk_v without_o any_o design_n who_o be_v indifferent_a what_o have_v he_o make_v or_o what_o path_n he_o take_v sometime_o he_o go_v forward_o and_o sometime_o he_o stand_v still_o and_o look_n about_o he_o and_o by_o and_o by_o he_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o next_o object_n that_o invite_v his_o eye_n whereas_o he_o that_o be_v to_o run_v for_o the_o goal_n make_v
all_o the_o haste_n that_o be_v possible_a he_o list_v not_o to_o loiter_v nor_o to_o gaze_v but_o he_o bestir_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o might_n because_o the_o goal_n be_v in_o his_o eye_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o reward_n of_o overcome_v be_v in_o his_o thought_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o in_o this_o case_n he_o who_o have_v not_o settle_v this_o in_o his_o heart_n that_o religion_n be_v his_o business_n and_o that_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o that_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o vain_a or_o at_o the_o best_a but_o indifferent_a will_v be_v apt_a to_o turn_v aside_o to_o those_o vanity_n which_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o learn_v to_o disesteem_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o who_o be_v thus_o persuade_v be_v not_o so_o like_a to_o go_v astray_o but_o have_v fix_v his_o end_n and_o that_o so_o wise_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o proceed_v more_o even_o and_o regular_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o if_o any_o thing_n happen_v to_o come_v in_o his_o way_n to_o tempt_v or_o divert_v he_o he_o present_o remember_v that_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o his_o measure_n and_o to_o the_o choice_n he_o have_v make_v and_o therefore_o he_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o temptation_n and_o his_o heart_n turn_v towards_o god_n and_o mind_n he_o that_o he_o be_v his_o portion_n which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o madness_n to_o deprive_v himself_o of_o for_o any_o of_o the_o foolish_a momentary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n no_o doubt_v they_o who_o have_v serious_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n will_v find_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o engage_v and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o temptation_n which_o such_o a_o posture_n of_o mind_n will_v not_o enable_v a_o good_a man_n to_o resist_v and_o overcome_v second_o the_o benefit_n of_o make_v god_n our_o choice_n and_o portion_n appear_v by_o the_o ease_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o every_o condition_n first_o as_o for_o ease_n it_o be_v a_o uneasy_a thing_n to_o have_v one_o mind_n unsettle_a and_o much_o worse_a to_o have_v it_o settle_v on_o a_o wrong_a object_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o vicious_a and_o ungodly_a man_n for_o either_o such_o man_n do_v not_o prefix_v to_o themselves_o any_o certain_a end_n but_o live_v at_o large_a like_o the_o irrational_a creature_n that_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o enjoy_v what_o be_v before_o they_o without_o consider_v any_o far_a end_n of_o their_o be_v or_o else_o they_o addict_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a vice_n or_o vanity_n which_o instead_o of_o ease_v and_o comfort_v the_o mind_n afflict_v and_o confound_v it_o when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o reflect_v on_o the_o miserable_a choice_n he_o have_v make_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n nothing_o can_v contribute_v more_o to_o a_o state_n of_o rest_n and_o inward_a satisfaction_n than_o to_o have_v one_o choice_n settle_v and_o to_o have_v it_o fix_v so_o happy_o as_o upon_o god_n this_o set_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o a_o man_n life_n at_o a_o stay_n and_o free_v he_o from_o the_o solicitude_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o far_a consultation_n it_o answer_v his_o mind_n as_o to_o the_o great_a question_n of_o happiness_n and_o so_o settle_v his_o spirit_n and_o put_v he_o into_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o disturb_v the_o repose_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o life_n it_o be_v likewise_o high_o beneficial_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o every_o condition_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o portion_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o we_o can_v want_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a for_o we_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v want_v in_o other_o kind_n be_v abundant_o make_v up_o in_o he_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o blessing_n and_o assistance_n the_o consideration_n of_o his_o gracious_a providence_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o glorious_a promise_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a whatsoever_o our_o outward_a condition_n be_v there_o will_v be_v concussion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o trouble_v in_o man_n particular_a affair_n sad_n casualty_n sickness_n disappointment_n loss_n calumny_n defamation_n oppression_n and_o violence_n these_o be_v the_o common_a entertainment_n with_o which_o the_o world_n treat_v its_o guest_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o all_o which_o though_o they_o be_v grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o that_o powerful_a nor_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o those_o who_o trust_v in_o god_n that_o they_o have_v upon_o other_o who_o live_v on_o themselves_o if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v surprise_v at_o the_o first_o approach_n of_o trouble_n they_o soon_o recall_v and_o recover_v themselves_o they_o know_v they_o have_v a_o friend_n and_o they_o look_v up_o to_o he_o and_o that_o like_o our_o saviour_n presence_n with_o his_o disciple_n on_o the_o sea_n calm_v and_o still_v the_o rage_n of_o their_o trouble_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o what_o though_o my_o friend_n be_v take_v from_o i_o yet_o god_n be_v with_o i_o who_o take_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o have_v sustain_v i_o ever_o since_o i_o be_v bear_v what_o though_o my_o health_n be_v impair_v and_o my_o body_n grow_v feeble_a so_o that_o i_o can_v enjoy_v myself_o as_o former_o alas_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n on_o which_o i_o depend_v this_o weakness_n may_v bring_v i_o near_o to_o that_o which_o be_v my_o main_a end_n of_o which_o if_o i_o secure_v my_o duty_n i_o be_o sure_a neither_o pain_n nor_o age_n nor_o any_o other_o accident_n can_v deprive_v i_o what_o though_o my_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v small_a yet_o i_o have_v the_o creator_n and_o disposer_n of_o it_o though_o i_o be_o low_a he_o be_v high_a above_o all_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a his_o providence_n take_v a_o care_n of_o i_o i_o be_o rich_a enough_o if_o i_o can_v but_o keep_v patience_n and_o integrity_n lord_n thou_o be_v my_o portion_n oh_o make_v i_o happy_a in_o a_o faithful_a adherence_n to_o thou_o and_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o thy_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o i_o and_o i_o have_v enough_o this_o have_v always_o be_v the_o refuge_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o retire_v to_o he_o and_o there_o to_o hide_v and_o shelter_v themselves_o from_o the_o storm_n of_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n this_o bear_v up_o iob_n spirit_n and_o help_v he_o to_o get_v above_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o condition_n i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v etc._n etc._n job._n 19_o 25._o the_o same_o be_v david_n constant_a refuge_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o distress_n when_o he_o have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o secure_v he_o but_o god_n protection_n thought_n himself_o safe_a in_o that_o than_o in_o the_o security_n of_o castle_n and_o fence_a city_n and_o therefore_o he_o so_o often_o call_v god_n his_o refuge_n and_o strong_a hold_n his_o castle_n and_o deliverer_n not_o only_o because_o he_o trust_v that_o he_o will_v deliver_v he_o out_o of_o his_o trouble_n but_o because_o he_o find_v that_o he_o support_v he_o under_o they_o and_o give_v he_o such_o comfort_n as_o make_v his_o condition_n happy_a when_o in_o outward_a appearance_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v desperate_a of_o this_o we_o have_v many_o instance_n in_o the_o story_n of_o his_o life_n particular_o after_o the_o sack_n of_o ziklag_n 1_o sam._n 30._o 6._o where_o the_o text_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v great_o distress_v for_o the_o people_n speak_v of_o ston_a he_o but_o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o verse_n but_o david_n encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n the_o like_a he_o declare_v of_o himself_o ps._n 142._o 4_o 5._o i_o look_v on_o my_o right_a hand_n and_o behold_v but_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o will_v know_v i_o refuge_n fail_v i_o no_o man_n care_v for_o my_o soul_n i_o cry_v unto_o the_o o_o lord_n i_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o refuge_n and_o my_o portion_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o same_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o three_o child_n when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o prospect_n but_o that_o of_o death_n and_o a_o burn_a fiery_a furnace_n our_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o dan._n 3._o 17._o to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n who_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a warfare_n yet_o they_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n they_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o evil_n on_o every_o side_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v distress_a or_o cast_v down_o at_o it_o that_o they_o joy_v in_o god_n and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o tribulation_n they_o have_v nothing_o yet_o have_v he_o for_o