thou_o be_v great_o belove_v ordinary_a subject_n may_v have_v their_o petition_n answer_v but_o they_o must_v be_v favourite_n that_o have_v the_o king_n ear_n present_o those_o soul_n to_o who_o god_n give_v present_a answer_n of_o prayer_n be_v ordinary_o such_o as_o be_v belove_v great_o belove_v a_o good_a nature_a mother_n may_v help_v a_o child_n that_o be_v another_o person_n be_v in_o any_o ill_a circumstance_n and_o cry_v to_o she_o aloud_o and_o fierce_o but_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o child_n be_v she_o own_o when_o her_o bowel_n yern_v towards_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o begin_v to_o cry_v yet_o i_o find_v two_o instance_n at_o least_o in_o scripture_n of_o god_n present_a answer_v the_o cry_n of_o person_n in_o no_o such_o state_n of_o favour_n with_o god_n ahab_n and_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n 1_o kin._n 21._o 27_o 28_o 29._o &_o ionas_n 3._o 4._o but_o beside_o that_o those_o instance_n relate_v mere_o to_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o such_o wherein_o not_o those_o person_n alone_o but_o great_a body_n of_o people_n be_v concern_v and_o in_o such_o case_n as_o nothing_o but_o a_o present_a answer_n can_v have_v do_v they_o good_a as_o to_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v hear_v nineveh_n be_v within_o forty_o day_n of_o ruin_n and_o it_o be_v only_o a_o defer_v of_o that_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v threaten_v as_o to_o which_o they_o be_v hear_v i_o say_v beside_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o god_n may_v do_v out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o another_o thing_n what_o they_o may_v with_o any_o confidence_n expect_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o person_n who_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o so_o under_o a_o threaten_a that_o although_o they_o make_v many_o prayer_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v they_o and_o of_o who_o god_n have_v say_v that_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v abomination_n can_v hope_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v answer_v much_o less_o present_o answer_v their_o prayer_n 2._o as_o to_o a_o present_a answer_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o the_o person_n pray_v be_v believer_n person_n in_o favour_n with_o god_n but_o that_o their_o prayer_n be_v prayer_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o exercise_v faith_n in_o their_o prayer_n james_n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o of_o you_o want_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n but_o v_o 6._o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v for_o he_o that_o waver_v be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v of_o the_o wind_n and_o toss_v and_o james_n 5._o 15._o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a prayer_n for_o person_n sick_a ordinary_o require_v present_a answer_n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o prayer_n which_o save_v the_o sick_a must_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v a_o point_n not_o well_o understand_v viz._n how_o to_o pray_v in_o faith_n and_o what_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o prayer_n i_o shall_v therefore_o short_o open_v it_o and_o show_v you_o what_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o that_o soul_n that_o will_v have_v his_o prayer_n at_o all_o answer_v at_o lest_o who_o can_v expect_v a_o present_a answer_n 1._o faith_n in_o prayer_n must_v respect_v god_n be_v and_o goodness_n this_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o heb._n 11._o 6._o he_o who_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o give_v what_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o believe_v you_o say_v christ_n to_o the_o blind_a man_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v this_o if_o god_n be_v if_o he_o be_v god_n he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o must_v also_o believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o one_o who_o have_v say_v to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n and_o who_o never_o say_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n in_o vain_a this_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n whosoever_o come_v to_o seek_v god_n for_o any_o mercy_n must_v steady_o agree_v to_o this_o that_o god_n be_v and_o be_v able_a to_o grant_v the_o thing_n he_o ask_v of_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o soul_n that_o obey_v his_o will_n in_o that_o precept_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n 2._o faith_n must_v respect_v that_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v for_o that_o mercy_n or_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o come_v to_o god_n for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o particular_a good_a thing_n for_o which_o god_n have_v not_o somewhere_o in_o his_o word_n make_v a_o particular_a promise_n now_o this_o promise_n be_v god_n bond_n which_o faith_n lay_v hold_v on_o and_o prayer_n put_v in_o suit_n if_o we_o want_v a_o particular_a promise_n respect_v the_o specifical_a mercy_n yet_o there_o be_v general_a promise_n within_o the_o latitude_n of_o which_o those_o particular_a good_a thing_n fall_v such_o as_o those_o psal_n 84._o 11._o he_o will_v give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o no_o good_a thing_n will_v he_o withhold_v from_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o psal_n 34._o 10._o they_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o want_v any_o good_a thing_n rom._n 8._o 24._o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 22._o 23._o all_o thing_n be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n now_o i_o say_v that_o he_o that_o pray_v in_o faith_n must_v have_v his_o eye_n either_o upon_o some_o of_o these_o more_o general_a word_n in_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v all_o good_a thing_n or_o those_o particular_a promise_n wherein_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o specifical_a mercy_n which_o he_o come_v to_o ask_v of_o god_n mar._n 11._o 24_o what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o shall_v receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o when_o we_o go_v unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n we_o shall_v eye_n he_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o power_n so_o able_a to_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o and_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n so_o willing_a to_o relieve_v all_o the_o straits_n and_o supply_v all_o the_o necessity_n of_o poor_a creature_n but_o 3._o as_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v what_o he_o ask_v of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o must_v see_v the_o good_a thing_n either_o general_o or_o particular_o promise_v 3._o there_o be_v yet_o a_o three_o act_n of_o faith_n necessary_a which_o be_v a_o cast_n of_o our_o soul_n upon_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n a_o trust_n in_o he_o for_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v ask_v of_o he_o james_n say_v we_o must_v ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v the_o soul_n must_v not_o doubt_v within_o itself_o whether_o god_n hear_v or_o will_v give_v in_o a_o gracious_a answer_n yea_o or_o no_o but_o commit_v itself_o whole_o to_o god_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o promise_n believe_v that_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o a_o performance_n this_o be_v now_o pray_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o other_o pray_v be_v but_o pray_v in_o formality_n of_o which_o we_o can_v expect_v no_o more_o profit_n than_o arise_v from_o a_o mere_a bodily_a labour_n this_o now_o be_v necessary_a with_o reference_n to_o a_o answer_n especial_o a_o quick_a and_o a_o present_a answer_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n pray_v 2._o but_o something_o also_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o matter_n that_o we_o pray_v for_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v something_o which_o be_v true_o and_o real_o good_a for_o we_o and_o of_o which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n our_o need_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v from_o our_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n for_o we_o be_v often_o mistake_v and_o do_v not_o keep_v what_o be_v good_a for_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o must_v refer_v ourselves_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o know_v what_o thing_n we_o have_v need_n of_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o perfect_o and_o absolute_o good_a as_o they_o can_v never_o be_v evil_a such_o be_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o so_o which_o at_o some_o time_n we_o
body_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o body_n natural_a for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n the_o several_a office_n of_o the_o member_n the_o mutual_a subserviency_n of_o one_o member_n to_o another_o and_o that_o sympathy_n which_o shall_v be_v find_v betwixt_o the_o member_n hence_o we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o rejoice_v with_o those_o who_o rejoice_v and_o to_o weep_v with_o those_o that_o weep_v and_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o and_o again_o we_o be_v command_v to_o remember_v those_o who_o be_v in_o bond_n as_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v with_o they_o and_o those_o that_o suffer_v adversity_n as_o be_v ourselves_o in_o the_o body_n so_o that_o 1._o the_o precept_n of_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o it_o who_o have_v make_v his_o people_n all_o one_o body_n have_v make_v they_o also_o member_n each_o of_o other_o 2._o their_o relation_n call_v to_o they_o for_o it_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n upon_o all_o near_a relation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_a where_o as_o in_o natural_a body_n the_o natural_a union_n be_v make_v by_o nerve_n and_o sinew_n but_o where_o love_n have_v make_v a_o union_n as_o in_o the_o union_n betwixt_o parent_n and_o child_n husband_n and_o wife_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v this_o to_o be_v extend_v only_o to_o such_o case_n where_o the_o person_n belove_v feel_v a_o burden_n or_o misery_n but_o where_o they_o lie_v under_o it_o though_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o what_o husband_n or_o wife_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o affliction_n of_o their_o correlate_n in_o a_o apoplexy_n or_o under_o some_o distemper_n of_o which_o themselves_o possible_o have_v iittle_a or_o no_o sense_n so_o will_v every_o good_a christian_a be_v affect_v at_o the_o case_n of_o his_o brother_n fall_v though_o he_o possible_o have_v not_o that_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o fall_n which_o he_o shall_v have_v and_o at_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n under_o its_o blackness_n though_o possible_o the_o ruler_n or_o generality_n of_o the_o member_n be_v not_o so_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o deviation_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n in_o her_o blackness_n with_o a_o mournful_a pity_v and_o compassionate_a eye_n be_v very_o much_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a and_o what_o we_o find_v the_o constant_a and_o religious_a practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n 2._o we_o may_v so_o far_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n blackness_n as_o our_o sight_n of_o it_o may_v inform_v we_o better_o or_o quicken_v we_o to_o seek_v god_n on_o her_o behalf_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o james_z 5._o 15._o confess_v your_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o and_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o they_o be_v put_v together_o and_o the_o first_o seem_v to_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o other_o how_o can_v i_o plead_v for_o a_o church_n or_o a_o particular_a child_n of_o god_n if_o i_o know_v nothing_o of_o their_o state_n how_o can_v i_o know_v it_o if_o i_o may_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a indulgence_n grant_v by_o god_n to_o his_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v hear_v only_o pray_v for_o themselves_o but_o for_o their_o brethren_n also_o 1_o john_n 5._o 16._o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o life_n for_o they_o who_o sin_v not_o unto_o death_n all_o a_o christian_n sin_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v mortal_a and_o unto_o death_n the_o papist_n err_v in_o their_o distinction_n of_o sin_n into_o such_o as_o be_v mortal_a and_o such_o as_o be_v venial_a but_o no_o sin_n be_v mortal_a in_o that_o sense_n as_o it_o signify_v what_o can_v be_v forgive_v save_v only_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n gracious_a ordination_n no_o child_n of_o god_n sin_v or_o can_v sin_v unto_o death_n now_o where_o the_o sin_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n god_n have_v promise_v we_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o our_o brethren_n that_o if_o we_o see_v they_o sin_v and_o pray_v for_o they_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v they_o now_o if_o they_o may_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o any_o sense_n or_o to_o any_o purpose_n how_o shall_v they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v high_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n people_n to_o look_v both_o upon_o the_o church_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n because_o of_o their_o blackness_n through_o affliction_n be_v any_o man_n afflict_v say_v james_n 5._o 14._o let_v he_o pray_v and_o let_v they_o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o they_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v christian_n sin_n that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n because_o she_o be_v black_a 3._o last_o it_o be_v christian_n duty_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n because_o she_o be_v black_a so_o far_a as_o to_o enable_v we_o in_o any_o measure_n to_o the_o purge_n out_o their_o corruption_n a_o good_a christian_n ought_v so_o far_o to_o consider_v the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n as_o in_o his_o place_n to_o endeavour_v its_o reformation_n and_o consequent_o it_o can_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o she_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o she_o deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o her_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a the_o effectual_a authoritative_a reformation_n of_o a_o national_a church_n belong_v to_o the_o ruler_n if_o they_o be_v christian_n as_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o such_o a_o reformation_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n belong_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o but_o every_o private_a christian_a have_v his_o part_n viz._n to_o inform_v such_o in_o who_o the_o power_n be_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o such_o corruption_n and_o not_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n in_o such_o thing_n i_o can_v grant_v that_o all_o corruption_n in_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o conclude_v it_o no_o true_a church_n and_o whole_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o but_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o a_o church_n in_o such_o act_n as_o without_o sin_n i_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o it_o but_o of_o this_o more_o by_o and_o by_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o lapse_v brother_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o admonish_v he_o to_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o offence_n and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v i_o to_o take_v two_o or_o three_o with_o i_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n have_v direct_v we_o if_o our_o brother_n be_v overtake_v with_o a_o fault_n to_o restore_v he_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n gal._n 6._o 1._o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o i_o may_v yea_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o look_v upon_o my_o brother_n when_o he_o be_v black_a for_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v will_v the_o end_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o have_v also_o will_v the_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o end_n let_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o look_v on_o the_o spouse_n in_o her_o blackness_n be_v sinful_a this_o i_o shall_v more_o large_o open_a in_o several_a particular_n 1._o first_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o a_o censorious_a and_o condemn_a eye_n neither_o for_o their_o seem_a blackness_n through_o affliction_n nor_o yet_o for_o their_o real_a blackness_n through_o coorruption_n either_o break_v out_o of_o a_o christian_n heart_n or_o appear_v in_o a_o church_n judge_v not_o say_v our_o saviour_n luk._n 6._o 37._o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v condemn_v not_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v he_o that_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o christian_n grace_n or_o of_o a_o church_n state_n from_o the_o more_o external_a providence_n of_o god_n either_o towards_o the_o one_o or_o towards_o the_o other_o do_v not_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o
be_v translate_v let_v he_o kiss_v i_o or_o he_o shall_v or_o will_v kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_v of_o his_o mouth_n her_o prayer_n be_v the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v a_o prime_n requisite_a in_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n math._n 21._o 22._o and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v jam._n 5._o 15._o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n save_v the_o sick_a he_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o nor_o be_v that_o general_n faith_n enough_o for_o that_o soul_n that_o go_v to_o god_n for_o any_o particular_a mercy_n there_o must_v be_v a_o more_o particular_a faith_n both_o as_o to_o god_n power_n and_o love_n with_o reference_n to_o that_o good_a thing_n that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o thing_n for_o he_o yea_o and_o willing_a also_o so_o far_o as_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o shall_v see_v it_o good_a when_o the_o blind_a man_n have_v come_v to_o christ_n beg_v mercy_n matth._n 9_o 27_o 28._o say_v he_o believe_v you_o that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v this_o they_o say_v yea_o lord_n than_o he_o touch_v their_o eye_n nay_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n signify_v more_o a_o trust_n and_o rely_v on_o god_n for_o the_o do_v of_o the_o thing_n we_o ask_v it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o observe_v how_o much_o the_o holy_a scripture_n lay_v upon_o this_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o hear_n and_o answer_v our_o prayer_n jam._n 1_o 5._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n but_o v._n 6._o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v according_a to_o your_o faith_n say_v christ_n so_o be_v it_o to_o you_o the_o unregenerate_a man_n can_v ask_v in_o faith_n he_o want_v the_o habit_n his_o soul_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o unbelief_n and_o god_n people_n may_v be_v too_o guilty_a of_o not_o ask_v in_o faith_n give_v too_o much_o way_n to_o temptation_n and_o harken_v too_o much_o to_o the_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n second_o the_o spouse_n phrase_n speak_v a_o holy_a boldness_n he_o shall_v kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_v of_o his_o mouâ—h_n indeed_o this_o differ_v but_o gradual_o from_o the_o other_o it_o must_v be_v a_o boldness_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n eph._n 3._o 12._o we_o have_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n through_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o hence_o heb._n 4._o 16._o let_v we_o therefore_o come_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o a_o time_n of_o need_n three_o the_o abruptness_n of_o the_o phrase_n speak_v passion_n and_o ferveney_n the_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a avail_n much_o jam_fw-la 5._o 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o work_a prayer_n when_o the_o whole_a soul_n be_v in_o prayer_n set_v on_o work_n the_o understanding_n discern_v the_o good_a the_o soul_n pray_v for_o discern_v god_n able_a to_o give_v it_o and_o willing_a also_o discern_v the_o promise_n by_o which_o god_n have_v make_v himself_o a_o debtor_n to_o the_o creature_n for_o it_o the_o will_n in_o will_v it_o the_o affection_n in_o intense_a desire_n of_o it_o man_n may_v pray_v and_o their_o soul_n be_v hardly_o set_v at_o work_n at_o all_o only_o they_o so_o far_o as_o it_o influence_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v word_n in_o a_o book_n or_o the_o understanding_n to_o invent_v word_n which_o the_o tongue_n may_v utter_v this_o prayer_n signify_v little_a it_o be_v the_o fervent_a work_a prayer_n that_o avail_v much_o when_o the_o whole_a soul_n be_v at_o work_n wrestle_v with_o god_n as_o jacob_n do_v that_o it_o may_v receive_v the_o blessing_n four_o the_o form_n of_o the_o word_n speak_v reverence_n let_v he_o kiss_v i_o o_o that_o it_o may_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o kiss_v i_o so_o much_o the_o phrase_n sound_v in_o our_o dialect_n in_o all_o our_o service_n of_o god_n he_o require_v reverence_n and_o a_o godly_a fear_n he_o that_o dare_v not_o to_o come_v to_o god_n but_o doubt_v whether_o he_o may_v presume_v to_o ask_v of_o he_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n goodness_n he_o that_o dare_v to_o come_v without_o reverence_n know_v not_o the_o lord_n majesty_n and_o greatness_n as_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n without_o doubt_v become_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o goodness_n love_n and_o faithfulness_n so_o fear_v and_o reverence_n become_v we_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v last_o her_o speech_n speak_v modesty_n she_o ask_v but_o a_o kiss_n modesty_n be_v not_o opposite_a to_o a_o holy_a boldness_n in_o prayer_n she_o peremptory_o ask_v something_o which_o may_v speak_v his_o special_a peculiar_a love_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o modesty_n import_v in_o her_o word_n in_o that_o she_o ask_v no_o more_o than_o the_o kiss_v of_o his_o mouth_n in_o three_o thing_n we_o shall_v show_v a_o modesty_n in_o prayer_n if_o it_o be_v right_o order_v 1._o in_o the_o ask_n the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n with_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n it_o speak_v too_o much_o boldness_n with_o god_n to_o be_v too_o importunate_a for_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o absolute_o and_o infallible_o good_a for_o we_o under_o all_o circumstance_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o withhold_v from_o we_o no_o good_a thing_n we_o prefer_v our_o own_o to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o such_o importunity_n 2._o in_o the_o ask_n of_o spiritual_a mercys_n modesty_n ought_v to_o be_v show_v also_o in_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o dispensation_n or_o degree_n of_o gracious_a manifestation_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a they_o may_v be_v ask_v but_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v ask_v with_o limitation_n if_o god_n see_v they_o be_v good_a for_o we_o if_o he_o that_o know_v our_o heart_n see_v that_o we_o will_v use_v they_o for_o his_o glory_n etc._n etc._n 3._o in_o not_o prescribe_v time_n to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o grant_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o present_a time_n necessary_a we_o ought_v to_o believe_v god_n wise_a than_o ourselves_o and_o to_o limit_v our_o request_n by_o the_o term_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o beg_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v upon_o the_o term_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v i_o have_v now_o finish_v my_o discourse_n as_o to_o the_o spouse_n first_o petition_n let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_v of_o his_o mouth_n i_o shall_v in_o my_o next_o exercise_n proceed_v to_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o she_o back_v this_o her_o first_o petition_n for_o thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n sermon_n ix_o canticle_n 1._o 2._o for_o thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o spouse_n first_o petition_n let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_v of_o his_o mouth_n wherein_o as_o i_o have_v show_v she_o manifest_v her_o desire_n after_o near_o and_o special_a communion_n with_o her_o belove_a and_o some_o distinguish_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o she_o back_v this_o petition_n that_o be_v express_v in_o the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o the_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o value_n she_o have_v for_o his_o love_n the_o reason_n of_o she_o before_o mention_a desire_n be_v the_o excellency_n she_o apprehend_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o her_o lord_n which_o she_o express_v in_o a_o way_n of_o comparison_n she_o say_v it_o be_v better_a than_o wine_n and_o she_o make_v this_o her_o estimate_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n a_o argument_n for_o god_n manifestation_n of_o it_o to_o her_o soul_n i_o show_v yond_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n before_o i_o have_v nothing_o now_o to_o do_v but_o to_o discourse_v the_o proposition_n arise_v from_o the_o word_n so_o open_v the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v prop._n that_o christ_n have_v love_n there_o be_v love_n in_o christ_n he_o be_v not_o only_o lovely_a and_o so_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o but_o he_o be_v love_v and_o we_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o love_n of_o old_a he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o his_o delight_n be_v with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n prov._n 8._o 31._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o jo._n 4._o 16._o that_o god_n be_v love_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o take_v man_n as_o he_o be_v state_v upon_o the_o fall_n and_o
his_o possession_n v_o 8._o which_o kingdom_n he_o do_v not_o only_o exercise_v over_o all_o in_o order_n to_o the_o gather_n of_o his_o church_n subdue_a the_o heart_n of_o people_n unto_o himself_o and_o then_o over_o his_o church_n gather_v by_o give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o set_v officer_n over_o it_o but_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o believer_n in_o who_o he_o rule_v by_o his_o spirit_n but_o why_o do_v the_o spouse_n here_o speak_v to_o her_o belove_a or_o of_o hÄ—r_n belove_v in_o this_o lofty_a stile_n and_o not_o rather_o in_o that_o familiar_a stile_n which_o she_o general_o use_v in_o this_o song_n what_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v 1._o that_o in_o other_o place_n of_o this_o divine_a song_n she_o be_v speak_v to_o he_o here_o she_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o god_n be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o lord_n yet_o when_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o we_o be_v license_v and_o command_v to_o say_v unto_o he_o our_o father_n when_o she_o speak_v of_o he_o to_o other_o she_o use_v another_o stile_n and_o say_v the_o king_n though_o we_o be_v allow_v a_o holy_a boldness_n in_o our_o access_n and_o address_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o exclusive_a of_o that_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverence_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n as_o our_o king_n we_o ought_v to_o remember_v that_o he_o who_o be_v our_o belove_a our_o father_n be_v also_o our_o king_n 2._o what_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o this_o lofty_a compellation_n be_v use_v to_o enhance_v the_o favour_n that_o she_o have_v receive_v she_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o ordinary_a chamber_n but_o into_o royal_a chamber_n the_o king_n have_v bring_v i_o into_o his_o chamber_n no_o word_n be_v too_o big_a to_o express_v the_o singular_a favour_n of_o god_n to_o our_o soul_n 3._o what_o final_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o she_o change_v her_o stile_n to_o intimate_v the_o person_n who_o must_v expect_v signal_n favour_n from_o god_n and_o to_o remember_v herself_o of_o her_o duty_n in_o consideration_n of_o such_o favour_n i_o say_v first_o to_o intimate_v to_o we_o who_o those_o person_n must_v be_v that_o expect_v any_o singular_a favour_n from_o god_n they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o apprehend_v and_o receive_v christ_n not_o for_o a_o saviour_n as_o a_o priest_n only_o but_o such_o as_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o a_o king_n as_o their_o lord_n to_o command_v and_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o according_a to_o that_o promise_n john_n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o who_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o it_o may_v also_o remember_v she_o of_o the_o duty_n she_o owe_v unto_o god_n in_o consideration_n of_o his_o favour_n to_o she_o she_o resolve_v to_o own_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o her_o lord_n her_o king_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o come_v to_o that_o propesition_n which_o i_o raise_v from_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o word_n testify_v the_o lord_n hear_v of_o her_o prayer_n the_o word_n be_v immediate_o annex_v to_o her_o petition_n whence_o i_o observe_v prop._n that_o it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o make_v very_o quick_a return_n to_o his_o people_n prayer_n that_o it_o be_v so_o appear_v 1._o by_o the_o lord_n answer_v his_o people_n sometime_o before_o they_o speak_v or_o while_o they_o be_v speak_v isaiah_n 65._o 24._o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o before_o they_o call_v i_o will_v answer_v and_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o speak_v i_o will_v hear_v nothing_o can_v be_v quick_a than_o that_o for_o god_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o his_o people_n have_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o ask_v and_o to_o give_v it_o before_o they_o can_v form_v it_o by_o their_o lip_n into_o word_n or_o while_o they_o be_v speak_v to_o give_v a_o answer_n you_o have_v the_o first_o exemplify_v in_o david_n psal_n 32._o 5._o i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n he_o have_v not_o confess_v he_o have_v only_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v confess_v his_o transgression_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v he_o thou_o sorgave_v the_o inquity_n of_o my_o sin_n you_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o latter_a in_o hannah_n the_o wife_n of_o elkanah_n 1_o sam_n 1._o she_o be_v pray_v her_o lip_n move_v but_o her_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v yet_o the_o lord_n hear_v she_o and_o though_o the_o time_n must_v be_v fulfil_v before_o she_o can_v have_v a_o son_n yet_o 1_o sam_n 1._o 18._o it_o be_v say_v of_o she_o at_o present_a that_o she_o go_v away_o and_o do_v eat_v and_o her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a she_o have_v a_o present_a answer_n of_o peace_n her_o mind_n be_v quiet_v her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a you_o have_v another_o instance_n in_o daniel_n to_o name_n no_o more_o dan._n 9_o 20._o daniel_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v in_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n near_o 70_o year_n the_o time_n be_v almost_o expire_v as_o to_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v they_o shall_v come_v out_o daniel_n set_v himself_o to_o pray_v and_o you_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o his_o prayer_n from_o dan._n 9_o v._n 4._o to_o v_o 20._o observe_v now_o v_o 20._o and_o while_o i_o be_v speak_v and_o pray_v and_o confess_v my_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o people_n israel_n yea_o v_o 21._o while_o i_o be_v speak_v in_o prayer_n the_o man_n gabriel_n who_o i_o have_v see_v in_o a_o vision_n at_o the_o beginning_n be_v cause_v to_o fly_v swift_o touch_v i_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o evening_n oblation_n and_o he_o inform_v i_o and_o talk_v with_o i_o and_o say_v o_o daniel_n i_o be_o now_o come_v forth_o to_o give_v thou_o skill_n and_o understanding_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o thy_o supplication_n the_o commandment_n come_v forth_o and_o i_o be_o come_v to_o show_v thou_o for_o thou_o be_v great_o belove_v etc._n etc._n here_o now_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o very_a quick_a return_n to_o daniel_n prayer_n while_o he_o be_v speak_v the_o lord_n answer_v he_o but_o a_o return_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v quick_a though_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o quick_a but_o after_o the_o interval_n of_o some_o few_o month_n day_n or_o year_n abraham_n be_v thus_o answer_v as_o to_o his_o prayer_n mention_v gen._n 17._o and_o david_n glori_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o this_o psal_n 4._o 3._o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v when_o i_o call_v upon_o he_o but_o now_o because_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n this_o be_v a_o very_a desirable_a mercy_n and_o many_o time_n the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n be_v discourage_v and_o flag_n in_o duty_n because_o the_o vision_n be_v yet_o for_o a_o appoint_a time_n it_o will_v not_o be_v out_o of_o our_o way_n to_o inquire_v what_o prayer_n these_o be_v that_o meet_a with_o so_o quick_a a_o audience_n from_o god_n god_n do_v not_o this_o at_o all_o time_n nor_o for_o all_o person_n no_o not_o for_o those_o who_o be_v most_o belove_v of_o he_o david_n himself_o complain_v psal_n 22._o 2._o o_o my_o god_n i_o cry_v in_o the_o day_n time_n but_o thou_o hear_v not_o and_o in_o the_o night_n season_n and_o be_o not_o silent_a the_o church_n complain_v of_o some_o time_n when_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n psal_n 80._o 4_o god_n own_o people_n sometime_o shoot_v arrow_n after_o arrow_n to_o find_v what_o they_o shoot_v first_o hence_o you_o so_o often_o meet_v with_o it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o the_o saint_n prayer_n hear_v my_o prayer_n o_o god_n give_v ear_n to_o my_o supplication_n let_v we_o a_o little_a inquire_v from_o whence_o this_o variety_n of_o providence_n proceed_v as_o to_o this_o hear_n and_o answer_v of_o prayer_n god_n be_v the_o lord_n that_o change_v not_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v we_o must_v therefore_o find_v the_o cause_n in_o the_o person_n pray_v or_o in_o the_o prayer_n which_o make_v this_o difference_n as_o to_o god_n answer_n that_o so_o quick_a and_o gracious_a answer_n may_v be_v obtain_v something_o be_v necessary_a on_o the_o party_n pray_v something_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o matter_n pray_v for_o something_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o put_v up_o the_o prayer_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o person_n pray_v 1._o no_o soul_n can_v expect_v such_o a_o answer_n unless_o person_n in_o special_a favour_n with_o god_n this_o the_o angel_n tell_v daniel_n dan._n 9_o 23._o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o thy_o supplication_n the_o commandment_n come_v forth_o and_o i_o be_o come_v to_o show_v thou_o etc._n etc._n for_o
hope_v there_o be_v none_o who_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n but_o be_v sometime_o breathe_v out_o the_o desire_n of_o his_o soul_n unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n oh_o let_v this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o your_o prayer_n let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n let_v other_o beg_v of_o god_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n let_v other_o beg_v the_o golden_a ring_n but_o do_v you_o desire_v the_o kiss_n consider_v 2._o the_o soul_n of_o the_o rational_a creature_n stand_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n to_o desire_v the_o best_a thing_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o special_a grace_n this_o be_v that_o more_o excellent_a way_n which_o the_o apostle_n propound_v to_o be_v covet_v before_o the_o best_a gift_n you_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n ch_n 5._o v._n 9_o 11._o concern_v haman_n that_o he_o call_v for_o his_o wife_n and_o tell_v she_o of_o the_o great_a honour_n to_o which_o the_o king_n have_v advance_v he_o and_o of_o his_o great_a riches_n but_o say_v he_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o while_o i_o see_v mordecay_n suit_v in_o the_o king_n gate_n when_o the_o poor_a worlding_n sit_v down_o and_o think_v how_o god_n have_v bless_v he_o with_o riches_n honour_n and_o whatsoever_o contentment_n the_o creature_n can_v afford_v he_o have_v he_o not_o cause_n to_o say_v all_z this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o while_o i_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n while_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n may_v be_v flame_v against_o i_o and_o i_o one_o of_o those_o who_o shall_v after_o all_o these_o sweet_a enjoyment_n spend_v a_o eternity_n in_o that_o fire_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n riches_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n no_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o will_v profit_v in_o that_o day_n but_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n how_o much_o better_a be_v a_o dinner_n of_o herb_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n than_o great_a treasure_n with_o his_o hatred_n a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n with_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n than_o a_o stuff_a ox_n with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n second_o these_o influence_n alone_o will_v evidence_n distinguish_v love_n indeed_o other_o gift_n may_v possible_o speak_v no_o love_n at_o all_o the_o israelite_n desire_v a_o king_n god_n grant_v they_o their_o desire_n and_o say_v by_o his_o prophet_n that_o he_o give_v they_o a_o king_n in_o his_o wrath._n it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v concern_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o many_o a_o poor_a creature_n he_o give_v they_o riches_n in_o his_o wrath_n honour_n in_o wrath_n outward_a prosperity_n in_o wrath_n outward_a good_a thing_n dip_v in_o divine_a vengeance_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n may_v smoke_v against_o they_o while_o the_o quail_n be_v betwixt_o their_o tooth_n poenalis_fw-la nutritur_fw-la impunitas_fw-la this_o be_v a_o secret_a of_o divine_a justice_n which_o every_o one_o see_v not_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o devout_a author_n that_o god_n often_o use_v impios_fw-la melle_fw-la svo_fw-la punire_fw-la to_o punish_v wicked_a man_n with_o their_o own_o hony_n but_o god_n never_o give_v a_o kiss_n in_o wrath_n he_o can_v give_v osculum_fw-la iscarioticum_n where_o he_o kiss_v he_o love_v god_n throw_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n among_o his_o enemy_n his_o friend_n live_v in_o the_o same_o world_n it_o may_v be_v get_v something_o of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v no_o distinguish_a mercy_n but_o whosoever_o he_o kiss_v that_o soul_n be_v certain_o belove_v of_o he_o 3._o three_o there_o be_v no_o petition_n please_v god_n so_o well_o as_o those_o which_o be_v put_v up_o for_o spiritual_a thing_n when_o solomon_n beg_v of_o god_n a_o wise_a and_o understand_a heart_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o say_v please_v the_o lord_n well_o yea_o god_n show_v that_o it_o please_v he_o well_o for_o he_o receive_v in_o abundance_n what_o he_o ask_v not_o nor_o be_v this_o hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v by_o we_o who_o have_v the_o same_o affection_n towards_o our_o own_o child_n have_v any_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v father_n 2_o child_n and_o we_o shall_v put_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n what_o they_o will_v ask_v of_o we_o and_o the_o one_o shall_v ask_v that_o we_o will_v settle_v so_o much_o land_n upon_o he_o the_o other_o shall_v tell_v we_o he_o desire_v not_o our_o land_n but_o shall_v importunate_o beg_v that_o his_o father_n will_v love_v he_o best_o will_v not_o the_o latter_a please_v you_o best_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v that_o child-more_a than_o it_o ask_v you_o read_v of_o the_o two_o daughter_n of_o naomi_n orpah_n and_o ruth_n ruth_n 1._o 14_o 15._o they_o both_o follow_v their_o mother_n in_o law_n while_o she_o be_v full_a but_o when_o she_o be_v empty_a orpah_n kiss_v her_o mother_n in_o law_n and_o leave_v she_o naomi_n will_v have_v have_v ruth_n have_v do_v so_o too_o but_o v_o 16._o ruth_n refuse_v and_o tell_v she_o whither_o thou_o go_v i_o will_v go_v and_o where_o thou_o lodge_v i_o will_v lodge_v thy_o people_n shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o thy_o god_n shall_v be_v my_o god_n where_o thou_o die_v i_o will_v die_v and_o there_o will_v i_o he_o bury_v which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o she_o have_v tell_v she_o that_o she_o value_v the_o company_n of_o her_o mother_n above_o all_o other_o concern_v do_v not_o this_o think_v you_o endear_v she_o to_o naomi_n and_o certain_o nothing_o can_v more_o endear_v a_o soul_n to_o god_n than_o for_o it_o to_o judge_v his_o favour_n better_o than_o life_n and_o his_o love_n more_o than_o wine_n now_o to_o engage_v your_o heart_n to_o prefer_v the_o kiss_n of_o god_n before_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n with_o which_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o providence_n can_v make_v you_o happy_a there_o need_v no_o more_o than_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v true_o possess_v with_o the_o notion_n of_o your_o own_o want_n and_o right_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a he_o that_o know_v how_o much_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v will_v quick_o understand_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proportion_v to_o its_o want_n be_v more_o desirable_a good_n than_o those_o which_o be_v only_o suit_v to_o our_o more_o outward_a concern_v study_v but_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o vanity_n and_o earthliness_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o state_n of_o your_o soul_n by_o nature_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o guilt_n which_o by_o multitude_n of_o sin_n you_o have_v contract_v from_o which_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v you_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n nor_o any_o thing_n evidence_n your_o absolution_n to_o quiet_a your_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v conscience_n but_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o you_o will_v need_v no_o more_o to_o evince_v to_o you_o that_o these_o celestial_a kiss_n be_v of_o all_o good_a thing_n the_o most_o excellent_a the_o most_o desirable_a which_o be_v well_o understand_v the_o rational_a soul_n direct_o move_v to_o a_o choice_n and_o desire_n of_o they_o above_o and_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n sermon_n iii_o canticle_n 1._o 2._o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n it_o be_v the_o spouse_n that_o speak_v she_o say_v not_o let_v he_o embrace_v i_o nor_o as_o elsewhere_o he_o shall_v lie_v all_o night_n betwixt_o my_o breast_n but_o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o quid_fw-la tam_fw-la minimum_fw-la &_o submissum_fw-la quam_fw-la osculetur_fw-la i_o be_v de_n ponte_n his_o note_n upon_o the_o text._n a_o kiss_n be_v the_o least_o token_n of_o conjugal_a love_n and_o affection_n hence_o observe_v prop._n the_o least_o token_n of_o christ_n special_a distinguish_v love_n be_v very_o desirable_a to_o believe_v soul_n the_o free_a love_n of_o god_n shine_v out_o through_o christ_n upon_o soul_n predestinate_v unto_o glory_n in_o the_o pardon_v of_o their_o sin_n the_o acceptation_n of_o their_o person_n the_o renew_n of_o their_o nature_n in_o strengthen_v quicken_a comfort_a influence_n of_o grace_n be_v what_o we_o call_v the_o distinguish_a love_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o philanthropy_n but_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o the_o token_n of_o this_o be_v more_o or_o less_o or_o may_v be_v so_o call_v 1._o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o emanation_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o 2._o according_a to_o our_o judgement_n and_o apprehension_n or_o estimation_n 1._o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o emanation_n god_n who_o heart_n be_v at_o all_o time_n the_o same_o towards_o his_o people_n yet_o be_v please_v gradual_o to_o
good_a pleasure_n yet_o he_o breathe_v upon_o he_o teach_v no_o soul_n but_o those_o soul_n that_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o learn_v and_o to_o be_v instruct_v it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v he_o who_o first_o make_v they_o willing_a who_o first_o incline_v their_o ear_n to_o hear_v but_o he_o first_o prepare_v the_o heart_n and_o then_o cause_v his_o ear_n to_o hear_v as_o to_o prayer_n so_o in_o hear_v he_o first_o circumcise_v the_o ear_n of_o a_o man_n and_o incline_v he_o to_o hear_v his_o statute_n and_o then_o he_o teach_v they_o he_o deal_v not_o with_o we_o as_o with_o stock_n and_o stone_n but_o as_o with_o rational_a creature_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n 5._o attend_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o thou_o go_v to_o hear_v no_o teach_n no_o good_a be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o any_o teach_n where_o the_o person_n only_o lend_v a_o ear_n but_o suffer_v his_o mind_n extravagant_o to_o wander_v here_o and_o there_o the_o schoolmaster_n have_v no_o patience_n for_o such_o a_o scholar_n i_o be_o sure_a god_n have_v no_o blessing_n for_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o in_o hear_v do_v not_o hear_v nor_o incline_v his_o ear_n to_o understanding_n the_o scholar_n get_v little_a by_o his_o master_n or_o tutor_n read_v upon_o a_o author_n if_o the_o scholar_n attend_v not_o to_o the_o text_n of_o the_o author_n the_o spirit_n teach_v be_v but_o a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o word_n it_o bring_v to_o remembrance_n the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v from_o god_n the_o soul_n that_o attend_v not_o to_o the_o word_n which_o he_o read_v or_o hear_v can_v expect_v nothing_o of_o the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o word_n be_v not_o like_a to_o dwell_v in_o that_o soul_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o come_v so_o much_o as_o over_o the_o threshold_n into_o it_o i_o mean_v into_o its_o memory_n or_o notion_n 6._o take_v heed_n of_o vex_v the_o spirit_n in_o its_o teach_n it_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o israelite_n isa_n 53._o 10._o that_o they_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n they_o vex_v the_o spirit_n by_o a_o afterwork_n rebel_a against_o his_o word_n not_o be_v obedient_a to_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v but_o man_n may_v in_o hear_v vex_v the_o spirit_n in_o its_o teach_v either_o by_o non-attendency_a suffer_v their_o heart_n to_o be_v wander_v elsewhere_o when_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v teach_v the_o soul_n this_o vex_v any_o father_n or_o master_n in_o teach_v a_o child_n but_o of_o this_o i_o speak_v before_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o by_o not_o give_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o its_o special_a instruction_n scarce_o any_o of_o we_o but_o in_o hear_v shall_v find_v some_o notion_n of_o truth_n some_o particular_a passage_n that_o god_n set_v more_o particular_o home_o and_o do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n affect_v the_o soul_n the_o not_o observe_v they_o or_o quick_a forget_v of_o they_o be_v a_o special_a vex_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o its_o teach_n of_o our_o soul_n work_v together_o with_o the_o spirit_n in_o call_v to_o remembrance_n what_o you_o have_v hear_v talk_v of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o when_o thou_o sit_v by_o the_o wall_n of_o thy_o house_n when_o thou_o go_v out_o and_o when_o thou_o come_v in_o the_o jew_n have_v phylactery_n roll_n of_o the_o law_n fasten_v to_o their_o garment_n to_o keep_v the_o law_n in_o their_o mind_n perpetual_o our_o saviour_n blame_v they_o for_o their_o broad_a phylactery_n and_o narrow_a practice_n but_o he_o blame_v not_o the_o mean_n to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n only_o they_o use_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_n and_o false_a â—nâ—_n &_o use_v they_o not_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o make_v they_o 8._o follow_v the_o word_n with_o prayer_n do_v not_o only_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n before_o thou_o hear_v but_o pray_v for_o the_o abiding_n ofâ—_n it_o after_o thou_o have_v hear_v to_o bring_v to_o thy_o remembrance_n what_o thou_o have_v hear_v from_o god_n 9_o labour_v to_o practice_v what_o thou_o hear_v the_o master_n or_o tutor_n be_v weary_a of_o teach_v the_o scholar_n to_o who_o he_o have_v read_v lecture_n after_o lecture_n but_o yet_o he_o will_v do_v nothing_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o cheerful_o do_v a_o ingenuous_a master_n teach_v that_o scholar_n that_o to_o his_o utmost_a put_v in_o practice_n what_o he_o have_v read_v to_o he_o and_o then_o come_v to_o his_o tatâ—r_n beg_v to_o be_v further_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v give_v over_o that_o soul_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o never_o come_v to_o any_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o that_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a hearer_n but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n also_o 2._o be_v the_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v bless_v indeed_o â—_o sermon_n viii_o canticle_n 1._o 2._o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n for_o his_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n i_o have_v do_v now_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o spouse_n that_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o particular_a believe_a soul_n prayer_n in_o this_o her_o first_o petition_n i_o have_v nothing_o as_o to_o the_o petition_n itself_o to_o consider_v but_o the_o form_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v find_v that_o the_o thing_n she_o will_v have_v be_v some_o special_a distinguish_v favour_n some_o token_n of_o god_n for_o good_a to_o she_o which_o may_v speak_v he_o to_o love_v she_o with_o the_o love_n of_o a_o bridegroom_n to_o a_o bride_n a_o husband_n to_o his_o wife_n i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o she_o ask_v modest_o but_o a_o kiss_n thereby_o let_v we_o know_v how_o precious_a the_o least_o of_o christ_n special_a distinguish_v love_n be_v to_o the_o true_o believe_v soul_n not_o that_o the_o least_o dispensation_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n will_v satisfy_v the_o spiritual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n of_o a_o pious_a soul_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o pious_a soul_n to_o prize_n and_o value_v the_o least_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o full_o content_v with_o it_o she_o therefore_o mention_n kiss_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n as_o well_o to_o signify_v the_o variety_n of_o gracious_a influence_n as_o their_o frequent_a emanation_n i_o have_v further_o take_v notice_n of_o her_o particular_a desire_n after_o a_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o word_n especial_o gospel_n doctrine_n and_o that_o not_o only_o a_o more_o external_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o read_v hear_v and_o think_v upon_o it_o but_o the_o more_o real_a internal_a spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o word_n which_o the_o soul_n have_v by_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n she_o desire_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n but_o to_o be_v kiss_v with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n i_o have_v now_o nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o consider_v the_o form_n of_o her_o word_n and_o see_v if_o from_o thence_o we_o can_v gain_v any_o further_a spiritual_a instruction_n the_o word_n be_v first_o vox_fw-la volentis_fw-la the_o language_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v these_o impression_n if_o she_o be_v not_o willing_a she_o will_v not_o have_v make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o her_o request_n second_o they_o be_v vox_fw-la cupientis_fw-la not_o only_o the_o language_n of_o one_o that_o be_v will_v but_o of_o one_o inflame_v with_o a_o desire_n after_o the_o object_n will_v and_o propose_v they_o do_v not_o express_v a_o bare_a velleity_n with_o a_o indifferency_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n they_o sound_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o then_o he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n last_o they_o be_v vox_fw-la petentis_fw-la the_o language_n of_o one_o upon_o her_o knee_n beg_v it_o of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o she_o seek_v after_o and_o as_o i_o observe_v to_o you_o in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n she_o beg_v reverent_o modest_o humble_o bold_o fervent_o the_o form_n of_o her_o petition_n speak_v a_o well_o order_v prayer_n a_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o put_v up_o our_o supplication_n hence_o result_v the_o proposition_n prop._n that_o believe_v soul_n be_v not_o only_o very_o willing_a but_o exceed_o desirous_a of_o a_o near_a spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o to_o obtain_v it_o will_v use_v right_o order_v prayer_n in_o the_o proposition_n here_o be_v three_o thing_n predicate_v of_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o be_v the_o spouse_n to_o this_o glorious_a bridegroom_n 1._o it_o be_v willingness_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v have_v a_o near_a and_o spiritual_a
god_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v true_o be_v say_v of_o a_o wicked_a man_n or_o formal_a hypocrite_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v true_o willing_a to_o have_v such_o a_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n as_o i_o have_v be_v open_v and_o describe_v to_o you_o they_o will_v not_o have_v god_n rule_v over_o they_o they_o will_v have_v a_o christ_n to_o save_v they_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v but_o they_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o subdue_v their_o lust_n no_o hypocrite_n can_v true_o say_v this_o they_o have_v no_o desire_n after_o such_o a_o communion_n with_o christ_n their_o desire_n be_v all_o terminate_v in_o themselves_o they_o say_v to_o the_o almighty_a depart_n from_o we_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v cold_o and_o lazy_o and_o formal_o secret_o wish_v they_o may_v have_v no_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n indeed_o a_o true_a willingness_n a_o hearty_a desire_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n after_o this_o spiritual_a inward_a near_a communion_n with_o god_n may_v i_o think_v be_v trust_v to_o as_o a_o mark_n of_o one_o who_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o it_o must_v argue_v a_o mighty_a change_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o no_o moral_a principle_n no_o change_n upon_o the_o mere_a cultivation_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o effect_v here_o be_v clear_o a_o good_a pursue_v which_o no_o natural_a man_n discern_v no_o natural_a understanding_n judge_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v first_o be_v open_v here_o must_v be_v a_o alteration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n the_o natural_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o it_o must_v be_v change_v this_o change_n can_v be_v from_o ourselves_o nor_o from_o any_o creature_n but_o from_o he_o alone_o who_o give_v to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v br._n second_o you_o may_v hence_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a willing_a a_o near_a communion_n with_o christ_n that_o will_v evidence_n a_o truth_n of_o grace_n it_o must_v be_v a_o willingness_n declare_v by_o intense_a desire_n and_o attend_v with_o suitable_a endeavour_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o man_n to_o say_v they_o be_v willing_a christ_n shall_v reign_v over_o they_o and_o do_v his_o will_n in_o and_o upon_o their_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v real_o unwilling_a yea_o there_o may_v be_v a_o real_a faint_a velleity_n but_o attend_v with_o a_o carelessness_n as_o to_o the_o obtain_n what_o we_o pretend_v to_o will_n all_o grace_n habitual_a grace_n be_v express_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o willing_a god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v to_o make_v his_o people_n a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n there_o be_v promise_n make_v to_o those_o who_o be_v willing_a and_o obedient_a and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v let_v he_o come_v and_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o and_o paul_n say_v no_o more_o than_o to_o will_v be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o these_o scripture_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o mere_o pretend_v and_o profess_a willingness_n nor_o a_o faint_a willingness_n issue_v in_o a_o few_o short_a breathe_a wish_n but_o of_o a_o true_a and_o real_a willingness_n discover_v itself_o in_o the_o intense_a motion_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o intense_a pursuit_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v by_o the_o whole_a man_n such_o a_o willingness_n speak_v a_o change_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o where_o it_o be_v present_a with_o the_o soul_n be_v accept_v 2._o but_o let_v we_o upon_o this_o occasion_n enter_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o try_v our_o spiritual_a state_n upon_o this_o issue_n viz._n whether_o we_o be_v true_o willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o have_v this_o near_a inward_a conjugal_a communion_n with_o this_o glorious_a bridegroom_n to_o prove_v this_o the_o apostle_n have_v express_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n make_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o soul_n by_o the_o moral_a union_n which_o in_o marriage_n be_v betwixt_o the_o husband_n and_o wife_n eph._n 5._o from_o v_o 25._o to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v also_o find_v that_o state_n excellent_o shadow_v out_o the_o communion_n which_o shall_v be_v and_o be_v betwixt_o every_o soul_n and_o christ_n i_o mean_v every_o believe_a soul_n 1._o the_o husband_n and_o wife_n be_v make_v one_o flesh_n not_o essential_o but_o moral_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o law_n of_o marriage_n upon_o its_o first_o institution_n gen._n 2._o 24._o suitable_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 26._o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n believer_n be_v by_o peter_n say_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n where_o there_o be_v this_o true_a communion_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v in_o his_o measure_n the_o same_o mind_n in_o he_o thaâ—_n be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o in_o the_o general_n will_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o christ_n will_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o sanctification_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o he_o can_v as_o to_o the_o main_n say_v fiat_n voluntas_fw-la mea_fw-la mea_fw-la quia_fw-la tua_fw-la let_v my_o will_n be_v do_v i_o because_o thou_o if_o he_o do_v in_o any_o thing_n err_v and_o not_o will_n what_o christ_n will_v it_o be_v through_o ignorance_n passion_n or_o infirmity_n when_o he_o see_v his_o error_n his_o will_n alter_v hence_o in_o our_o prayer_n in_o thing_n as_o to_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v they_o every_o true_a christian_a though_o he_o may_v ask_v for_o they_o pray_v after_o his_o lord_n copy_n nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v can_v thou_o say_v this_o that_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v in_o thou_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o in_o the_o general_n in_o the_o main_a thou_o will_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n will_v that_o thou_o be_v one_o spirit_n with_o christ_n second_o all_o conjugal_a communion_n require_v forsake_v of_o father_n and_o mother_n gen._n 2._o 24._o a_o forsake_v they_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o dwell_v with_o the_o husband_n so_o as_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o husband_n or_o wife_n in_o case_n of_o a_o opposition_n this_o be_v also_o the_o law_n of_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n psal_n 45._o 10._o harken_v o_o daughter_n and_o consider_v and_o incline_v thou_o ear._n forget_v also_o thy_o own_o people_n and_o thy_o father_n house_n the_o wife_n that_o will_v maintain_v due_o her_o conjugal_a communion_n must_v 1._o not_o dwell_v in_o her_o father_n house_n if_o he_o may_v not_o be_v with_o she_o there_o 2._o she_o must_v forsake_v the_o precept_n counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o her_o dear_a relation_n where_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o her_o husband_n she_o must_v 3_o forsake_v they_o in_o what_o they_o be_v enemy_n and_o opposite_a to_o her_o husband_n what_o be_v our_o own_o people_n what_o be_v our_o father_n house_n but_o the_o world_n and_o man_n of_o it_o the_o counsel_n and_o imagination_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n a_o true_a christian_n that_o be_v by_o faith_n unite_v to_o christ_n be_v not_o oblige_v in_o order_n to_o he_o or_o her_o communion_n with_o he_o whole_o to_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o cast_v off_o earthly_a friend_n converse_v or_o relation_n he_o be_v only_o bind_v not_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o make_v that_o his_o whole_a business_n but_o to_o have_v his_o heart_n in_o heaven_n to_o use_v the_o world_n as_o if_o he_o use_v it_o not_o not_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o precept_n counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o world_n contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o take_v the_o world_n part_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n thus_o much_o the_o wife_n conjugal_a communion_n with_o her_o husband_n and_o the_o soul_n spiritual_a conjugal_a communion_n with_o christ_n call_v to_o it_o for_o the_o preference_n of_o christ_n will_n both_o to_o its_o own_o natural_a will_n and_o to_o all_o the_o will_n of_o man_n three_o look_v as_o in_o marriage_n the_o communion_n follow_v that_o moral_a union_n require_v a_o cleave_a of_o the_o marry_a person_n each_o to_o other_o gen._n 2._o 24._o so_o the_o communion_n that_o follow_v this_o mystical_a union_n require_v this_o of_o every_o christian_a to_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n to_o his_o truth_n his_o interest_n and_o concern_v in_o the_o world_n his_o friend_n his_o will_n all_o that_o be_v he_o this_o cleave_a i_o understand_v not_o as_o restrain_v to_o the_o inward_a
be_v with_o the_o soul_n its_o spiritual_a distemper_n many_o time_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o weakness_n as_o a_o spiritual_a deadness_n dulness_n and_o inactivity_n so_o as_o it_o want_v a_o promptness_n and_o readiness_n to_o its_o duty_n it_o can_v say_v with_o david_n my_o heart_n be_v ready_a o_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v ready_a i_o will_v pray_v and_o sing_v praise_n run_v argue_v the_o absence_n of_o this_o ill_a temper_n if_o the_o lord_n draw_v the_o soul_n it_o will_v not_o only_o serve_v he_o but_o it_o will_v serve_v he_o with_o a_o ready_a mind_n and_o free_a spirit_n praise_n and_o duty_n will_v wait_v for_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v not_o only_o walk_v but_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n david_n have_v a_o expression_n to_o this_o purpose_n psal_n 119._o 60._o i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n every_o soul_n that_o love_v god_n keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o test_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o say_v christ_n john_n 14_o 21._o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n in_o man_n keep_n and_o fulfil_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n the_o mean_a weak_a christian_n do_v in_o his_o measure_n keep_v the_o lord_n commandment_n all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n psal_n 119._o 6._o then_o say_v david_n shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o i_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n he_o that_o have_v the_o least_o of_o save_a grace_n set_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o eye_n and_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o light_n to_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o his_o path_n and_o have_v a_o reverence_n and_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o he_o he_o will_v walk_v perfect_o with_o god_n but_o in_o many_o thing_n he_o do_v offend_v through_o weakness_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n through_o a_o dulness_n and_o heaviness_n which_o sometime_o do_v affect_v and_o afflict_v his_o soul_n he_o do_v not_o only_o want_v a_o strength_n to_o perform_v but_o he_o want_v a_o life_n and_o quickness_n of_o spirit_n in_o what_o he_o do_v but_o now_o if_o the_o lord_n draw_v the_o soul_n make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n jacob_n himself_o have_v forget_v the_o vow_n which_o he_o have_v make_v unto_o god_n when_o he_o flee_v from_o the_o face_n of_o his_o brother_n esau_n god_n draw_v he_o say_v unto_o he_o gen._n 35._o 1._o arise_v go_v up_o to_o bethel_n make_v there_o a_o altar_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n then_o jacob_n make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o v_o 2._o when_o there_o be_v a_o suspension_n of_o this_o draw_a grace_n in_o its_o cooperate_a and_o concur_v influence_n the_o soul_n move_v heavy_o like_o pharaoh_n chariot_n when_o the_o wheel_n be_v take_v off_o it_o have_v a_o view_n of_o its_o duty_n and_o lie_v under_o conviction_n as_o to_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v find_v strength_n enough_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o want_v a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o be_v ready_a when_o it_o have_v a_o monition_n to_o duty_n from_o such_o as_o wish_v well_o to_o it_o to_o say_v as_o he_o say_v to_o paul_n go_v thy_o way_n when_o i_o be_o at_o leisure_n i_o will_v send_v for_o thou_o or_o tomorrow_o or_o at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o time_n i_o will_v do_v it_o as_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o christ_n bid_v follow_v he_o say_v suffer_v i_o first_o to_o go_v and_o bury_v my_o dead_a so_o sometime_o the_o soul_n be_v ready_a to_o say_v suffer_v i_o first_o to_o go_v and_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n so_o the_o soul_n be_v ready_a to_o delay_v and_o put_v off_o good_a motion_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n draw_v than_o it_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n it_o long_v for_o time_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v unto_o it_o come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o say_v when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o soul_n say_v when_o will_v the_o sabbath_n come_v the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n come_v that_o i_o may_v appear_v before_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o my_o soul_n before_o he_o this_o be_v now_o when_o god_n draw_v hard_a when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a influence_n and_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o soul_n say_v when_o will_v the_o sabbath_n he_o go_v the_o hour_n of_o duty_n be_v run_v out_o this_o be_v when_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o draw_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n the_o believe_a soul_n like_o the_o flower_n opens_z or_o shut_v as_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v more_o or_o less_o upon_o it_o let_v i_o again_o allude_v to_o that_o text_n psal_n 65._o 1._o praise_n wat_v for_o god_n in_o zion_n praise_n be_v a_o rent_n due_a from_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n we_o farm_v much_o mercy_n from_o the_o great_a landlord_n of_o all_o good_a praise_n be_v all_o the_o rent_n we_o pay_v now_o look_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n a_o bad_a tenant_n never_o have_v his_o rent_n ready_a so_o it_o be_v with_o a_o bad_a man_n he_o live_v upon_o mercy_n and_o it_o may_v be_v have_v liberal_a portion_n of_o mercy_n but_o god_n never_o hear_v of_o he_o to_o pay_v his_o acknowledgement_n a_o good_a tenant_n if_o the_o time_n be_v good_a have_v always_o his_o rent_n ready_a for_o his_o landlord_n so_o as_o his_o rent_n wait_v for_o his_o landlord_n but_o if_o the_o time_n be_v bad_a even_o the_o best_a tenant_n though_o they_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o pay_v their_o rent_n yet_o may_v not_o have_v it_o to_o pay_v their_o landlord_n may_v wait_v for_o their_o rent_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o best_a soul_n if_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v out_o clear_o upon_o they_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n draw_v powerful_o praise_n wait_v for_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n if_o not_o god_n may_v wait_v for_o his_o praise_n hence_o david_n so_o often_o pray_v quicken_v i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n psal_n 119._o 25._o quicken_v i_o in_o thy_o way_n v_o 37._o quicken_v i_o in_o thy_o righteousness_n v_o 40._o i_o have_v now_o open_v the_o term_n run_v the_o proposition_n open_v lie_v thus_o before_o you_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a once_o draw_v not_o only_o by_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n improve_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n minister_n but_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o powerful_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o do_v no_o long_o lie_v still_o as_o the_o soul_n dead_a in_o sin_n nor_o move_v from_o a_o foreign_a power_n put_v forth_o upon_o it_o but_o from_o a_o inward_a principle_n within_o itself_o and_o that_o not_o weak_o and_o impotent_o but_o with_o might_n and_o strength_n and_o that_o not_o dull_o and_o heavy_o but_o with_o life_n freedom_n speed_n and_o cheerfulness_n after_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o duty_n keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n with_o its_o whole_a heart_n be_v first_o make_v willing_a it_o will_v be_v first_o set_v on_o work_n it_o work_v yet_o not_o of_o itself_o mere_o nor_o principal_o i_o live_v say_v the_o apostle_n yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n to_o the_o philippian_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o and_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o say_v christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n joh._n 14._o 3._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o further_a appear_v from_o god_n people_n promise_n of_o run_v upon_o god_n draw_v in_o that_o excellent_a 119_o psal_n you_o shall_v find_v many_o passage_n of_o this_o tendency_n v_o 32._o i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n when_o thou_o shall_v enlarge_v myheart_n 33_o teach_v i_o o_o lord_n the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n v_o 34._o give_v i_o understanding_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v thy_o law_n yea_o i_o shall_v observe_v it_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n v_o 35._o make_v i_o to_o go_v in_o the_o path_n of_o thy_o commandment_n v_o 36._o incline_v my_o heart_n to_o thy_o testimony_n the_o enlarge_n of_o the_o heart_n his_o prayer_n for_o give_v he_o understanding_n make_v he_o to_o go_v in_o the_o path_n of_o god_n commandment_n etc._n etc._n be_v but_o all_o several_a phrase_n
hurt_v god_n deny_v it_o because_o he_o will_v do_v we_o good_a and_o not_o hurt_v in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o a_o heart_n content_a to_o be_v without_o the_o thing_n we_o ask_v he_o abundant_o answer_v our_o prayer_n and_o give_v we_o the_o general_a and_o true_a desire_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n sometime_o answer_v our_o prayer_n by_o give_v we_o idem_fw-la the_o same_o thing_n which_o we_o ask_v but_o this_o he_o never_o do_v but_o where_o he_o see_v it_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o that_o under_o our_o present_a circumstance_n sometime_o he_o answer_v we_o by_o give_v we_o tantundem_fw-la the_o value_n of_o the_o mercy_n though_o not_o the_o particular_a thing_n which_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n thus_o he_o answer_v paul_n as_o to_o the_o thorn_n in_o his_o flesh_n and_o this_o be_v a_o real_a answer_n and_o with_o this_o every_o child_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o content_v but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v say_v to_o this_o point_n how_o christian_n may_v know_v whether_o god_n time_n his_o set_a time_n to_o favour_v his_o church_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n be_v come_v a_o point_n of_o great_a concern_v in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christian_n why_o they_o have_v not_o a_o present_a answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n &_o to_o abate_v their_o dissatisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o inequal_a motion_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o this_o answer_n of_o prayer_n 3._o last_o something_o be_v necessary_a with_o reference_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n if_o we_o will_v so_o pray_v as_o to_o receive_v a_o present_a answer_n so_o two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o we_o pray_v believe_o 2._o fervent_o 1._o believe_o i_o open_v this_o before_o under_o the_o first_o head_n and_o therefore_o shall_v say_v nothing_o to_o it_o here_o 2._o fervent_o that_o be_v that_o which_o alone_o i_o shall_v here_o speak_v to_o this_o be_v much_o mistake_v if_o it_o be_v think_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o vehemency_n of_o our_o tone_n and_o expression_n it_o lie_v much_o deep_a in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o soul_n secret_a affection_n to_o and_o in_o the_o duty_n james_n tell_v we_o ch_n 5._o v._n 16._o the_o effectual_a servant_n prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a avail_n much_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o proper_o signify_v operative_a and_o work_a and_o so_o work_v as_o it_o produce_v the_o effect_n the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o god_n isaiah_n 41._o 4._o use_v this_o expression_n who_o have_v wrought_v and_o do_v it_o the_o septuagint_n translate_v the_o hebrew_n word_n there_o by_o this_o word_n the_o apostle_n use_v it_o to_o express_v such_o a_o work_n as_o that_o by_o which_o god_n bring_v about_o his_o decree_n eph._n 1._o 11._o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o again_o he_o use_v it_o to_o express_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o wicked_a man_n who_o he_o call_v child_n of_o disobedience_n eph._n 2._o 2._o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n those_o who_o be_v act_v by_o the_o devil_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o force_n which_o the_o evil_a spirit_n put_v forth_o upon_o and_o show_v in_o those_o miserable_a creature_n that_o be_v possess_v piscator_fw-la upon_o the_o text_n jam._n 5._o 16._o translate_v it_o arden_n the_o burn_a flame_a prayer_n beza_n translate_v it_o efficax_n the_o efficacious_a prayer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d doubtless_o signify_v that_o prayer_n which_o set_v the_o whole_a soul_n on_o work_n there_o be_v a_o cold_a dead_a lazy_a prayer_n where_o the_o tongue_n only_o be_v set_v on_o work_n or_o only_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o head_n or_o the_o fancy_n the_o one_o to_o invent_v and_o compose_v matter_n the_o other_o to_o utter_v it_o but_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v that_o fervent_a prayer_n which_o st._n james_n speak_v of_o but_o that_o prayer_n which_o set_v the_o whole_a soul_n in_o motion_n towards_o god_n where_o not_o only_o the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n be_v employ_v to_o invent_v and_o suggest_v matter_n the_o will_n to_o will_v it_o but_o the_o affection_n which_o indeed_o in_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v but_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o will_n towards_o its_o object_n with_o the_o utmost_a intention_n to_o desire_v it_o to_o exercise_v a_o hope_n in_o god_n for_o it_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o fervent_a work_a prayer_n mention_v by_o st._n james_n this_o prayer_n do_v much_o with_o god_n jacob_n prayer_n be_v such_o a_o prayer_n moses_n say_v he_o wrestle_v with_o god_n until_o the_o morning_n he_o say_v unto_o god_n i_o will_v not_o let_v thou_o go_v until_o thou_o bless_v i_o the_o prophet_n expound_v it_o hosea_n 12._o 4._o he_o weep_v and_o make_v supplication_n unto_o he_o by_o this_o prayer_n he_o have_v power_n over_o the_o angel_n and_o prevail_v as_o it_o be_v there_o in_o the_o word_n immediate_o precede_v yea_o and_o he_o have_v a_o present_a answer_n god_n bless_v he_o before_o he_o part_v with_o he_o as_o you_o read_v in_o his_o history_n such_o a_o prayer_n be_v daniel_n to_o which_o he_o receive_v also_o a_o present_a answer_n dan._n 9_o v._n 3._o i_o say_v he_o set_v my_o face_n to_o the_o lord_n god_n to_o seek_v by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o fast_v and_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n such_o be_v elijah_n prayer_n 1_o king_n 18._o 42._o the_o text_n say_v he_o put_v his_o face_n betwixt_o his_o knee_n a_o posture_n signify_v the_o great_a intention_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o pray_v with_o strong_a cry_n and_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v which_o be_v the_o apostle_n phrase_n rom._n 8._o 26._o this_o pray_v come_v up_o to_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n yhou_fw-mi shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o all_o thy_o strength_n this_o be_v like_o the_o draw_v the_o arrow_n to_o the_o head_n which_o send_v it_o with_o more_o force_n to_o the_o mark_n nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o a_o better_a sign_n of_o a_o sudden_a answer_n than_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o prepare_v the_o heart_n a_o man_n seldom_o find_v his_o soul_n more_o than_o ordinary_o fervent_a and_o importunate_a with_o god_n for_o a_o mercy_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v determine_v sudden_o to_o give_v it_o in_o to_o he_o thus_o now_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o what_o case_n god_n ordinary_o give_v in_o speedy_a answer_n to_o his_o people_n prayer_n but_o god_n do_v not_o do_v this_o always_o david_n himself_o complain_v psal_n 22._o 2._o o_o my_o god_n i_o cry_v in_o the_o day_n time_n but_o thou_o hear_v not_o and_o in_o the_o night_n season_n and_o be_o not_o silent_a the_o church_n cry_v out_o psal_n 80._o 4._o o_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o people_n and_o again_o he_o shut_v out_o my_o prayer_n lam._n 3._o 8._o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o these_o inequal_a dispensation_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o same_o god_n and_o gracious_a father_n i_o answer_v 1_o why_o may_v not_o god_n do_v it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o tract_n he_o in_o his_o way_n he_o will_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n he_o will_v sometime_o give_v present_a answer_n that_o his_o people_n may_v be_v confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n that_o god_n be_v a_o god_n hear_v prayer_n the_o god_n that_o never_o say_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n seek_v my_o face_n in_o vain_a he_o will_v not_o always_o give_v a_o present_a answer_n that_o we_o may_v not_o ascribe_v too_o much_o unto_o prayer_n nor_o will_v he_o always_o delay_v that_o we_o may_v not_o ascribe_v too_o little_a to_o it_o if_o god_n shall_v always_o give_v a_o present_a answer_n we_o shall_v ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o prayer_n and_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o a_o duty_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v secure_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o be_v own_v as_o the_o god_n of_o our_o mercy_n the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o dependence_n the_o free_a fountain_n of_o all_o our_o good_a thing_n god_n be_v please_v sometime_o soon_o sometime_o late_a to_o give_v in_o answer_n to_o his_o people_n prayer_n 2._o but_o there_o may_v be_v reason_n enough_o for_o it_o fetch_v from_o the_o prayer_n themselves_o one_o prayer_n may_v be_v make_v more_o in_o faith_n than_o another_o more_o fervent_a than_o another_o more_o fit_v to_o god_n set_v time_n for_o the_o bestow_n of_o a_o mercy_n than_o another_o it_o be_v true_a nothing_o of_o these_o can_v render_v the_o prayer_n more_o meritorious_a our_o prayer_n take_v they_o at_o the_o best_a be_v too_o
poor_a thing_n to_o be_v the_o price_n of_o the_o least_o mercy_n when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n but_o where_o one_o prayer_n be_v more_o conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o another_o it_o may_v move_v god_n further_o and_o may_v obtain_v a_o more_o speedy_a answer_n from_o god_n hand_n 3._o final_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n give_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o party_n pray_v some_o of_o god_n people_n may_v be_v great_a favourite_n with_o god_n than_o other_o god_n love_v all_o his_o saint_n with_o a_o equal_a elective_a and_o redeem_v love_n but_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n as_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n samuel_n and_o moses_n noah_n daniel_n and_o job_n be_v mention_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o person_n that_o have_v a_o mighty_a power_n with_o god_n above_o other_o god_n therefore_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o anger_n against_o israel_n say_v if_o they_o stand_v before_o he_o they_o shall_v only_o save_v their_o own_o soul_n god_n send_v abimelech_n to_o abraham_n and_o job_n friend_n to_o job_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o assure_v they_o that_o those_o he_o will_v accept_v god_n have_v a_o david_n who_o he_o call_v the_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n and_o christ_n have_v a_o john_n who_o be_v call_v the_o belove_a disciple_n all_o the_o disciple_n be_v belove_v but_o he_o be_v love_v with_o a_o more_o special_a signal_n love_n this_o the_o disciple_n know_v and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o that_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v betray_v he_o simon_n peter_n beckon_v to_o john_n that_o he_o shall_v ask_v he_o of_o who_o he_o speak_v now_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v high_o belove_v in_o some_o singular_a degree_n of_o favour_n with_o god_n shall_v receive_v a_o quick_a answer_n then_o another_o this_o be_v but_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n 2._o the_o state_n of_o god_n people_n may_v be_v such_o as_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o delay_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o come_v in_o with_o some_o present_a help_n they_o must_v be_v lose_v and_o undo_v their_o spirit_n must_v fail_v and_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o have_v make_v now_o in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o lord_n gratify_v his_o people_n with_o quick_a answer_n and_o return_n to_o their_o prayer_n but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o can_v pretend_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o god_n differ_v dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o case_n be_v but_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v reasonable_a though_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v a_o depth_n past_o our_o find_v out_o we_o shall_v not_o sufficient_o adore_v and_o admire_v god_n if_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v he_o but_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o doctrinal_o to_o this_o discourse_n much_o of_o which_o though_o it_o may_v look_v like_o something_o of_o a_o digression_n yet_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o unprofitable_a 1_o this_o notion_n wonderful_o commend_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o men._n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o name_n of_o god_n that_o more_o commend_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o or_o which_o we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o glory_n in_o than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o hear_v prayer_n it_o be_v true_a god_n need_v not_o our_o tongue_n to_o tell_v he_o what_o we_o have_v need_n of_o he_o know_v what_o thing_n we_o need_v before_o we_o ask_v he_o nor_o do_v our_o prayer_n merit_v any_o favour_n it_o be_v the_o goodness_n the_o free_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o relieve_v we_o in_o any_o straight_a in_o any_o distress_n but_o you_o know_v it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o any_o misery_n in_o any_o distress_n or_o straight_o to_o cry_v for_o help_v and_o a_o wonderful_a relief_n to_o our_o thought_n to_o know_v that_o our_o sigh_n and_o cry_n and_o groan_n be_v not_o lose_v in_o the_o air_n oh_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a thing_n to_o cry_v and_o to_o have_v none_o to_o help_v none_o to_o deliver_v what_o a_o comfortable_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o cry_v in_o hope_n nay_o in_o confidence_n for_o we_o have_v this_o confidence_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o now_o that_o the_o great_a and_o mighty_a god_n who_o need_v not_o our_o supplication_n shall_v lend_v a_o ear_n to_o they_o and_o give_v we_o a_o assurance_n of_o his_o hear_n and_o answer_v they_o what_o a_o mighty_a thing_n be_v this_o to_o set_v up_o god_n high_a in_o our_o thought_n for_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o stoop_v to_o the_o worm_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o they_o but_o turn_v up_o their_o head_n to_o he_o what_o a_o condescension_n be_v this_o what_o a_o humble_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n what_o a_o relief_n to_o poor_a creature_n infirmity_n to_o know_v that_o not_o a_o sigh_n not_o a_o groan_n not_o a_o prayer_n shall_v be_v lose_v but_o this_o be_v yet_o something_o beyond_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v ofttimes_o give_v a_o present_a answer_n and_o prevent_v our_o impatience_n by_o a_o answer_n so_o swift_a as_o give_v our_o eye_n no_o leave_n to_o fail_v through_o a_o frustrate_v expectation_n this_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o in_o receive_v our_o petition_n and_o promise_v we_o a_o answer_n god_n show_v himself_o a_o gracious_a king_n though_o we_o wait_v some_o time_n for_o a_o answer_n but_o in_o his_o present_a answer_n he_o show_v himself_o a_o gracious_a father_n that_o be_v not_o patient_a that_o his_o child_n shall_v be_v one_o hour_n in_o distress_n and_o misery_n nor_o be_v the_o love_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n alone_o commend_v in_o this_o particular_a but_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n also_o be_v remarkable_o commend_v for_o it_o be_v through_o he_o that_o we_o have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n o_o let_v every_o quick_a return_n of_o prayer_n which_o god_n make_v to_o our_o soul_n bring_v we_o more_o in_o love_n with_o christ_n more_o into_o the_o admiration_n of_o his_o love_n and_o raise_v up_o our_o heart_n more_o in_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o second_o how_o shall_v this_o encourage_v we_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o such_o a_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n as_o we_o may_v have_v a_o quick_a return_n and_o answer_v prayer_n be_v not_o so_o slighty_a a_o duty_n as_o the_o most_o of_o people_n do_v make_v it_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v such_o a_o formal_a performance_n it_o be_v one_o of_o our_o great_a privilege_n to_o have_v a_o access_n a_o freedom_n of_o access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o ask_v of_o god_n such_o thing_n as_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o be_v that_o which_o bring_v down_o the_o protection_n and_o influence_n of_o common_a providence_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o special_a grace_n it_o open_v and_o shut_v up_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n elijah_n bring_v down_o rain_n and_o fire_n from_o heaven_n samuel_n prayer_n bring_v thunder_n and_o lightning_n hezekiahs_n prayer_n bring_v down_o a_o angel_n that_o destroy_v the_o host_n of_o sennacherib_n it_o obtain_v a_o blessing_n for_o jacob_n and_o turn_v his_o name_n into_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n because_o as_o a_o prince_n he_o have_v power_n and_o prevail_v with_o god_n nay_o it_o often_o bring_v down_o the_o mercy_n we_o want_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n while_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v speak_v god_n answer_v here_o be_o i._o this_o shall_v make_v we_o value_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o not_o to_o think_v it_o a_o mere_a thing_n of_o course_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o formality_n and_o what_o you_o have_v hear_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o such_o power_n and_o prevalency_n with_o god_n shall_v also_o mind_v you_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o you_o pray_v prayer_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o a_o mere_a utter_n or_o repeat_v of_o word_n expressive_a of_o our_o mind_n unto_o god_n man_n may_v call_v this_o prayer_n but_o they_o will_v find_v it_o a_o bodily_a labour_n of_o a_o little_a efficacy_n and_o avail_v with_o god_n it_o be_v true_a you_o will_v hardly_o find_v any_o thing_n call_v prayer_n in_o scripture_n where_o word_n be_v not_o
more_o strict_a and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n let_v this_o engage_v we_o to_o perfect_a holivess_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n study_v therefore_o the_o close_a degree_n of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n the_o strict_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a conversation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n even_o in_o good_a man_n communion_n with_o god_n some_o be_v more_o upon_o the_o mountwith_o god_n than_o other_o be_v more_o in_o holy_a meditation_n and_o contemplation_n more_o in_o secret_a duty_n more_o in_o prayer_n more_o in_o watchfulness_n more_o warm_a and_o zealous_a for_o god_n david_n have_v many_o worthy_n but_o he_o have_v a_o first_o three_o to_o which_o the_o other_o do_v not_o come_v up_o though_o they_o do_v worthy_o god_n have_v many_o soul_n that_o he_o love_v that_o be_v dear_a and_o precious_a in_o his_o eye_n but_o he_o have_v also_o his_o first_o three_o some_o that_o excel_v and_o outrun_v other_o these_o be_v they_o that_o have_v most_o of_o god_n ear_n for_o though_o the_o first_o grace_n be_v not_o give_v because_o man_n keep_v his_o commandment_n yet_o further_o grace_n the_o manifestation_n and_o signal_n token_n of_o divine_a love_n be_v give_v out_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n jo._n 14._o 21._o as_o man_n love_v and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n you_o therefore_o that_o will_v excel_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o will_v have_v god_n ear_n full_o and_o present_o open_a to_o your_o supplication_n study_v to_o excel_v in_o holiness_n do_v a_o poor_a courtier_n in_o the_o court_n of_o earthly_a prince_n bless_v himself_o in_o have_v the_o ear_n of_o his_o prince_n that_o if_o he_o have_v a_o petition_n to_o put_v up_o unto_o his_o prince_n he_o can_v go_v immediate_o into_o his_o presence_n and_o have_v his_o petition_n present_o sign_v whereas_o the_o petition_n of_o other_o be_v reject_v or_o at_o least_o defer_v so_o as_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o wait_v month_n or_o year_n and_o be_v this_o no_o privilege_n no_o happiness_n at_o all_o that_o a_o poor_a soul_n can_v immediate_o go_v unto_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o goodness_n and_o if_o he_o want_v any_o thing_n free_o present_v his_o petition_n to_o he_o and_o have_v it_o sign_v present_o not_o let_v the_o lord_n go_v until_o he_o have_v bless_v he_o when_o as_o a_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o make_v many_o prayer_n yet_o be_v not_o hear_v yea_o those_o that_o may_v have_v some_o interest_n in_o god_n yet_o walk_v more_o loose_o and_o more_o imperfect_o may_v cry_v a_o long_a time_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v answer_v if_o we_o have_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o to_o commend_v to_o we_o holiness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o the_o strict_a degree_n of_o walk_v with_o god_n yet_o this_o certain_o shall_v be_v enough_o 4._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o word_n more_o in_o application_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o put_v into_o the_o proposition_n the_o term_n sometime_o god_n do_v not_o always_o but_o sometime_o give_v in_o a_o quick_a answer_n to_o his_o people_n prayer_n let_v not_o the_o people_n of_o god_n therefore_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o they_o have_v not_o present_o a_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n god_n be_v not_o always_o alike_o quick_a in_o his_o return_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n he_o always_o hear_v they_o he_o will_v be_v certain_a to_o answer_v they_o but_o he_o be_v not_o always_o equal_o quick_a in_o the_o answer_n of_o they_o this_o be_v many_o time_n the_o trouble_n of_o soul_n that_o belong_v to_o god_n it_o be_v david_n trouble_n express_v psal_n 22._o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v asaph_n trouble_v though_o god_n do_v at_o last_o hear_v he_o as_o you_o read_v v_o 1._o yet_o he_o have_v first_o speak_v as_o in_o v_o 7._o 8_o 9_o will_v the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a have_v he_o in_o anger_n shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n yet_o because_o the_o not_o hear_v of_o prayer_n be_v threaten_v as_o a_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n upon_o wicked_a man_n and_o mention_v in_o holy_a writ_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o man_n regard_v iniquity_n in_o their_o heart_n this_o often_o cause_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n people_n let_v i_o therefore_o shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n in_o advise_v alittle_o what_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n shall_v do_v that_o lie_v at_o least_o under_o some_o apprehension_n that_o god_n do_v not_o hear_v or_o have_v not_o hear_v their_o prayer_n they_o cry_v in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o be_v not_o silent_a in_o the_o night_n season_n yet_o god_n hear_v not_o 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v such_o a_o christian_a examine_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o mistake_n thou_o think_v god_n have_v not_o hear_v nor_o answer_v thy_o prayer_n be_v thou_o not_o in_o a_o mistake_n all_o answer_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o discernible_a to_o our_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v god_n have_v answer_v thou_o by_o deny_v thou_o the_o particular_a thing_n that_o thou_o ask_v of_o he_o thus_o he_o answer_v paul_n by_o deny_v he_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n he_o ask_v which_o be_v the_o take_v the_o thorn_n out_o of_o his_o flesh_n he_o better_o know_v what_o we_o have_v need_n of_o than_o we_o ourselves_o know_v it_o the_o general_a desire_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v for_o some_o good_a thou_o do_v therefore_o desire_v health_n riches_n etc._n etc._n because_o thou_o do_v apprehend_v they_o suitable_a and_o convenient_a and_o so_o good_a for_o thou_o god_n who_o know_v thy_o soul_n the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o it_o he_o see_v that_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v for_o thy_o hurt_n he_o therefore_o withholdeth_a they_o and_o so_o in_o not_o answer_v answer_v thou_o in_o not_o answer_v thy_o particular_a request_n he_o do_v answer_v the_o general_a desire_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o only_o correct_v thy_o ignorance_n in_o thy_o request_n 2._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o god_n sometime_o answer_v by_o give_v though_o not_o the_o thing_n yet_o the_o value_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o ask_v i._n e._n that_o which_o be_v every_o way_n as_o suitable_a and_o convenient_a and_o as_o profitable_a for_o thou_o as_o that_o which_o thou_o do_v desire_v have_v not_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o prayer_n remove_v thy_o affliction_n yet_o have_v he_o support_v thou_o under_o it_o have_v he_o fill_v thou_o with_o inward_a consolation_n have_v he_o tell_v thou_o as_o he_o do_v paul_n that_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o do_v thou_o call_v this_o no_o answer_n god_n answer_v the_o prayer_n of_o that_o soul_n to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o full_a value_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o ask_v though_o he_o do_v not_o give_v the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o if_o thou_o can_v not_o find_v that_o god_n have_v answer_v thou_o neither_o in_o kind_n nor_o in_o value_n review_n thy_o prayer_n and_o see_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o find_v some_o failure_n in_o that_o for_o which_o god_n withhold_v his_o answer_n i_o suppose_v thou_o a_o person_n reconcile_v to_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n other_o soul_n either_o pray_v not_o at_o all_o or_o if_o at_o all_o they_o make_v a_o mere_a formality_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o put_v up_o prayer_n as_o child_n shoot_v arrow_n never_o regard_v whither_o they_o fly_v or_o what_o become_v of_o they_o but_o even_o in_o a_o good_a man_n prayer_n there_o may_v be_v such_o failure_n as_o may_v give_v god_n a_o just_a cause_n to_o withhold_v a_o answer_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o god_n truth_n or_o faithfulness_n thou_o may_v not_o have_v pray_v in_o faith_n but_o too_o much_o doubt_v thou_o may_v have_v pray_v for_o something_o which_o thy_o wise_a father_n see_v be_v not_o good_a for_o thou_o or_o at_o least_o not_o good_a for_o thou_o under_o some_o present_a circumstance_n under_o which_o thou_o be_v if_o thou_o find_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n thy_o work_n be_v to_o correct_v thy_o prayer_n if_o thou_o will_v receive_v a_o answer_n 3._o if_o thou_o do_v not_o find_v this_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o charge_v thy_o want_n of_o a_o answer_n upon_o some_o defect_n or_o failure_n in_o thy_o prayer_n nor_o yet_o find_v that_o god_n have_v answer_v thou_o either_o give_v thou_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o do_v ask_v of_o he_o or_o the_o value_n of_o it_o in_o a_o quiet_a and_o content_a frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o want_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o supportation_n or_o consolation_n of_o
have_v some_o fit_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o sin_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o will_v be_v constante_n and_o abide_v a_o good_a man_n pleasure_n in_o sin_n be_v but_o a_o fit_a of_o sensuality_n a_o wicked_a man_n trouble_n for_o fin_n be_v but_o a_o fit_a of_o distaste_n it_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n that_o he_o or_o she_o rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o in_o christ_n that_o can_v find_v no_o sensual_a satisfaction_n to_o rejoice_v in_o second_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o soul_n true_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o can_v rejoice_v in_o no_o sensible_a enjoyment_n without_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n in_o and_o through_o he_o the_o unquietness_n and_o dissatisfaction_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o its_o sensible_a comfort_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o want_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o its_o sin_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n will_v much_o evidence_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o joy_n or_o his_o chief_a joy_n there_o be_v few_o soul_n in_o this_o life_n who_o day_n be_v without_o cloud_n sometime_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n sometime_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o see_v no_o light_n now_o for_o a_o soul_n under_o the_o full_a affluence_n of_o create_a comfort_n to_o be_v able_a to_o rejoice_v in_o nothing_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v a_o excellent_a sign_n abraham_n gen._n 15._o 2._o when_o god_n bid_v he_o ask_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o reply_v lord_n what_o can_v thou_o give_v i_o so_o long_o as_o i_o go_v childless_a this_o now_o argue_v that_o a_o child_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o his_o desire_n and_o the_o chief_a joy_n which_o he_o have_v in_o prospect_n abraham_n have_v a_o plentiful_a estate_n a_o belove_a wife_n but_o his_o dissatisfaction_n for_o want_v of_o a_o heir_n speak_v a_o child_n to_o be_v his_o chief_a joy_n a_o object_n which_o his_o heart_n be_v ready_a more_o to_o rejoice_v in_o than_o in_o all_o that_o he_o have_v beside_o it_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v at_o this_o pass_n that_o it_o can_v say_v lord_n thou_o have_v give_v i_o a_o husband_n or_o a_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o i_o acknowledge_v thy_o goodness_n in_o they_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o a_o plentiful_a estate_n and_o i_o desire_v to_o bless_v thy_o name_n for_o that_o but_o lord_n what_o can_v thou_o give_v i_o what_o can_v thou_o do_v for_o i_o so_o long_o as_o i_o want_v the_o sense_n of_o thy_o love_n in_o christ_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v nothing_o to_o i_o while_o i_o have_v this_o dissatisfaction_n though_o it_o will_v not_o speak_v the_o soul_n at_o this_o time_n actual_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n yet_o it_o will_v speak_v christ_n to_o be_v its_o chief_a joy_n three_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o chief_a joy_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o it_o can_v rejoice_v in_o christ_n alone_o when_o there_o be_v no_o fruit_n in_o the_o vine_n when_o the_o figtree_n do_v not_o blossom_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n fail_v as_o habakkuk_n express_v it_o that_o be_v when_o all_o sensible_a external_a satisfaction_n fail_v that_o soul_n which_o have_v not_o choose_v christ_n for_o his_o portion_n will_v hardly_o be_v content_a with_o christ_n alone_o mephibosheth_n declare_v that_o davia_n return_n in_o peace_n to_o hicrusâ—lem_n be_v his_o chief_a joy_n when_o upon_o david_n saying_n thou_o and_o ziba_n divide_v the_o land_n he_o calm_o reply_v 2_o sam._n 19_o 30._o yea_o lâ—t_v he_o take_v all_o for_o as_o much_o as_o my_o lord_n the_o king_n be_v return_v to_o his_o house_n in_o peace_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n heb._n 10._o 34._o that_o they_o endure_v with_o joy_n the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o far_o more_o endure_a substance_n our_o heart_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o point_n when_o we_o only_o put_v a_o case_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o thing_n appear_v at_o a_o distance_n it_o may_v be_v therefore_o we_o may_v come_v to_o a_o near_a judgement_n what_o our_o soul_n will_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n by_o observe_v the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o what_o their_o support_n be_v under_o small_a loss_n and_o deprivation_n of_o more_o external_a comfort_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o but_o at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o suffer_v something_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n immediate_o or_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n we_o lose_v possible_o a_o dear_a relation_n or_o a_o part_n of_o our_o estate_n suppose_v now_o that_o at_o this_o time_n thou_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n no_o fear_n as_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o thy_o interest_n in_o christ_n how_o be_v thy_o spirit_n under_o such_o providence_n can_v thou_o look_v above_o they_o and_o yet_o rejoice_v that_o thy_o christ_n be_v not_o take_v from_o thou_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v a_o woman_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o child_n or_o child_n yet_o lift_v up_o herself_o above_o her_o sorrow_n and_o blessing_n god_n that_o it_o be_v not_o her_o husband_n he_o be_v yet_o alive_a you_o will_v easy_o conclude_v that_o her_o husband_n be_v her_o chief_a joy_n though_o she_o have_v some_o pleasure_n some_o satisfaction_n in_o her_o child_n yet_o her_o husband_n be_v the_o head_n of_o her_o joy_n 4._o last_o can_v thou_o joy_v in_o christ_n supreme_o not_o in_o thy_o mercy_n so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o in_o thy_o mercy_n only_o as_o thou_o see_v the_o favour_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o they_o you_o read_v luke_n 10._o 17._o that_o after_o christ_n have_v send_v out_o the_o 70_o they_o after_o some_o time_n return_v and_o make_v this_o report_n to_o he_o lord_n even_o the_o devil_n be_v subject_a unto_o we_o through_o thy_o name_n christ_n tell_v they_o v_o 19_o behold_v i_o give_v you_o power_n to_o tread_v on_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o nothing_o shall_v by_o any_o mean_n hurt_v you_o notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n god_n say_v thus_o to_o many_o of_o his_o people_n behold_v i_o give_v you_o comfortable_a wife_n towardly_a and_o dutiful_a child_n plentiful_a estate_n success_n in_o your_o trade_n and_o worldly_a business_n i_o set_v a_o hedge_n of_o providence_n about_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o take_v in_o hand_n do_v prosper_v notwithstanding_o rejoice_v not_o in_o this_o let_v not_o this_o be_v the_o great_a matter_n of_o your_o content_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o i_o have_v give_v you_o my_o son_n and_o through_o he_o the_o pardon_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o favour_n with_o i_o a_o evidence_n that_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n he_o that_o can_v do_v this_o make_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o if_o you_o can_v do_v this_o 1._o you_o will_v be_v more_o trouble_v at_o the_o fear_n or_o apprehension_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o christ_n love_n then_o at_o the_o fear_n or_o apprehension_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o any_o external_a satisfaction_n whatsoever_o 2._o you_o will_v be_v rather_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o then_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v hazard_v your_o loss_n of_o god_n favour_n thus_o the_o martyr_n show_v that_o christ_n be_v their_o supreme_a joy_n â—_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o find_v this_o evidence_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o soul_n to_o bring_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v glad_a and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v open_v to_o you_o and_o particular_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o prayer_n i_o will_v enlarge_v upon_o both_o these_o branch_n a_o little_a 1._o let_v we_o be_v unquiet_a in_o our_o spirit_n until_o we_o find_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o to_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n sole_o and_o supreme_o to_o rejoice_v in_o he_o as_o our_o righteousness_n as_o our_o strength_n as_o our_o portion_n as_o our_o all_o in_o all_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o thus_o describe_v a_o true_a christian_a one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o true_a circumcision_n the_o jew_n he_o call_v there_o the_o concision_n but_o say_v he_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n who_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o speak_v there_o of_o a_o rejoice_a in_o he_o as_o our_o righteousness_n as_o he_o from_o who_o perfect_a righteousness_n alone_o the_o soul_n expect_v salvation_n this_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o a_o rejoice_v in_o any_o birth-priviledge_n or_o
promise_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o i_o can_v fancy_v why_o a_o christian_a shall_v make_v a_o doubt_n here_o be_v because_o they_o may_v be_v consequent_a to_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o bodily_a distemper_n who_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n may_v cause_v those_o trouble_n that_o weakness_n or_o dulness_n such_o as_o melancholy_a etc._n etc._n but_o have_v god_n no_o hand_n in_o bring_v or_o remove_v such_o bodily_a cause_n if_o he_o have_v as_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o our_o body_n more_o than_o in_o our_o city_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v why_o may_v not_o god_n both_o afflict_v we_o as_o to_o our_o spirit_n by_o send_v such_o distemper_n upon_o our_o body_n and_o also_o remove_v the_o former_a which_o be_v the_o effect_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o latter_a which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n so_o that_o admit_v these_o thing_n consequent_a to_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o bodily_a distemper_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o prayer_n 3._o the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thing_n which_o concern_v this_o life_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o righteous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o sinner_n cry_v unto_o he_o as_o well_o as_o unto_o his_o child_n how_o a_o christian_n shall_v discern_v that_o god_n when_o he_o give_v he_o in_o these_o mercy_n give_v they_o in_o as_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n remember_v his_o promise_n to_o his_o servant_n nor_o indeed_o be_v this_o judgement_n very_o easy_a to_o the_o most_o discern_a christian_n something_o i_o shall_v say_v in_o the_o case_n whether_o what_o will_v be_v satisfactory_a or_o no_o i_o can_v tell_v 1._o if_o they_o have_v be_v give_v in_o after_o prayer_n make_v with_o a_o spirit_n indifferent_a not_o too_o importunate_a i_o mean_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o we_o may_v hope_v well_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o scripture_n that_o sometime_o common_a good_a thing_n have_v be_v wring_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o too_o much_o impatience_n and_o importunity_n which_o have_v never_o prove_v blessing_n such_o be_v the_o quail_n num._n 11._o 31_o 32_o 33._o the_o text_n say_v while_o the_o flesh_n be_v yet_o between_o their_o tooth_n ere_o it_o be_v chew_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o the_o people_n such_o be_v the_o first_o king_n give_v to_o the_o israelite_n even_o saul_n the_o prophet_n say_v hosea_n 13._o 11._o i_o give_v thou_o a_o king_n in_o my_o anger_n but_o when_o a_o christian_a beg_v of_o god_n any_o good_a thing_n without_o too_o much_o impatience_n and_o importunity_n with_o a_o indifferency_n of_o spirit_n resign_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o and_o god_n after_o such_o a_o prayer_n give_v in_o the_o mercy_n i_o know_v not_o why_o we_o shall_v not_o conclude_v it_o a_o answer_n of_o prayer_n this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o case_n of_o hannah_n 1_o sam._n 1._o she_o be_v indeed_o grieve_v and_o trouble_v because_o god_n have_v deny_v to_o her_o the_o blessing_n of_o a_o child_n in_o this_o trouble_n she_o pray_v in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o anger_n in_o her_o spirit_n against_o god_n any_o impatience_n or_o sinful_a importunity_n but_o she_o pray_v as_o a_o woman_n of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n the_o lord_n give_v she_o a_o child_n it_o be_v but_o a_o mercy_n of_o a_o common_a nature_n wicked_a woman_n have_v child_n as_o well_o as_o other_o but_o it_o be_v give_v in_o after_o a_o solemn_a prayer_n she_o look_v upon_o the_o child_n as_o beg_v of_o god_n for_o this_o child_n say_v she_o i_o pray_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o my_o petition_n which_o i_o ask_v of_o he_o 2._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o viz._n when_o together_o with_o the_o good_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o heart_n give_v to_o the_o person_n to_o improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n james_n let_v we_o know_v that_o god_n never_o give_v we_o in_o mercy_n in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o as_o evidence_n of_o his_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o we_o may_v consume_v they_o upon_o our_o lust_n when_o he_o tell_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v james_n 4_o 5._o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o that_o you_o may_v consume_v it_o upon_o your_o lust_n when_o god_n give_v we_o in_o a_o outward_a mercy_n if_o he_o give_v it_o we_o in_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o in_o token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n he_o together_o with_o it_o give_v in_o a_o heart_n incline_v and_o ready_a to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n this_o be_v also_o exemplify_v in_o the_o case_n of_o hannah_n in_o the_o text_n beforementioned_a 1_o sam._n 1._o 27_o 28._o for_o this_o child_n say_v she_o i_o pray_v the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o my_o petition_n which_o i_o ask_v of_o he_o therefore_o also_o i_o have_v lend_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v he_o shall_v be_v lend_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o margin_n of_o your_o large_a bibles_n you_o will_v see_v it_o may_v be_v read_v he_o who_o i_o have_v obtain_v by_o petition_n shall_v be_v return_v to_o the_o lord_n you_o have_v another_o no_o less_o famous_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o david_n psal_n 116._o v._n 1._o i_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o supplication_n the_o lord_n have_v hear_v his_o voice_n v_o 1._o he_o have_v incline_v his_o ear_n unto_o he_o v_o 2._o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v gracious_o with_o he_o v_o 7._o he_o have_v deliver_v his_o soul_n from_o death_n his_o eye_n from_o tear_n and_o his_o foot_n from_o fall_v now_o mark_v the_o product_n of_o this_o he_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o of_o it_o v_o 2._o he_o resolve_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n so_o long_o as_o he_o live_v v_o 9_o to_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n v_o 13._o to_o take_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n v_o 14._o to_o pay_v his_o vow_n v_o 16._o to_o be_v the_o lord_n servant_n v_o 17._o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o thanksgiving_n etc._n etc._n now_o where_o upon_o prayer_n for_o a_o more_o common_a mercy_n suppose_v life_n health_n riches_n success_n in_o business_n we_o find_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o both_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n and_o a_o heart_n to_o honour_n god_n with_o it_o and_o to_o make_v a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o we_o have_v there_o no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v give_v we_o in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o testification_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o love_n towards_o we_o this_o now_o be_v of_o great_a concern_v to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o gladness_n and_o joy_n in_o he_o upon_o the_o receive_n a_o answer_n of_o our_o prayer_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o rejoice_v in_o he_o upon_o any_o such_o occasion_n unless_o we_o discern_v our_o good_a thing_n come_v from_o he_o this_o i_o think_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o question_n and_o upon_o this_o whole_a argument_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v as_o god_n give_v i_o opportunity_n to_o the_o other_o effect_n this_o mercy_n have_v upon_o the_o spouse_n we_o will_v remember_v thy_o love_n more_o than_o wine_n but_o of_o this_o hereafter_o sermon_n xxix_o cant._n 1._o 4._o we_o will_v remember_v thy_o love_n more_o than_o wine_n you_o hear_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n the_o first_o effect_n that_o the_o belove_n favour_n show_v to_o his_o spouse_n in_o the_o quick_a return_n he_o make_v to_o her_o prayer_n and_o the_o royal_a favour_n he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o she_o in_o bring_v she_o into_o his_o chamber_n admit_v she_o to_o some_o more_o special_a and_o intimate_v degree_n of_o communion_n with_o himself_o have_v upon_o she_o it_o put_v gladness_n into_o her_o heart_n and_o bring_v she_o up_o to_o a_o exult_a and_o rejoice_v in_o he_o joy_n be_v but_o a_o passion_n cito_fw-la fit_n cito_fw-la perit_fw-la that_o do_v not_o last_v always_o it_o be_v like_o a_o land-flood_n that_o be_v sometime_o up_o but_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n abate_v ordinary_a joy_n do_v so_o but_o the_o spouse_n resolve_v to_o keep_v up_o here_o and_o to_o this_o end_n she_o say_v she_o will_v remember_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v they_o a_o
their_o life_n these_o time_n make_v i_o often_o to_o think_v of_o that_o say_n of_o hierom_n grande_n est_fw-la christianum_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la dici_fw-la to_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o be_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v call_v so_o that_o be_v a_o poor_a and_o mean_a and_o very_o easy_a thing_n look_v abroad_o and_o see_v how_o few_o serious_a and_o uniform_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n how_o few_o who_o in_o any_o measure_n answer_v that_o great_a name_n by_o any_o severity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n if_o luxuriousness_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_v if_o excess_n in_o apparel_n and_o dress_n if_o gripe_v the_o poor_a if_o cruelty_n towards_o person_n in_o distress_n and_o oppression_n and_o covetousness_n and_o add_v house_n to_o house_n speak_v christian_n we_o have_v too_o much_o of_o these_o thing_n even_o among_o professor_n but_o if_o a_o true_a believer_n must_v show_v forth_o his_o faith_n by_o work_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n if_o they_o must_v abound_v in_o good_a work_n and_o their_o light_n must_v shine_v before_o man_n so_o as_o they_o may_v see_v their_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n how_o small_a be_v the_o number_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o age_n wherein_o there_o be_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o it_o we_o must_v say_v of_o many_o professor_n to_o religion_n as_o once_o isaac_n say_v of_o jacob_n gen._n 27._o 22._o the_o voice_n be_v jacob_n voice_n but_o the_o hand_n be_v esau_n hand_n there_o be_v many_o who_o voice_n indeed_o be_v jacob_n voice_n they_o talk_v like_o saint_n o_o but_o their_o hand_n be_v esau_n hand_n let_v they_o come_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v feel_v they_o their_o habit_n be_v esau_n habit_n they_o eat_v and_o drink_v like_o esau_n they_o deal_v in_o the_o world_n like_o esau_n they_o be_v virgin_n upward_o beast_n downward_o monster_n in_o religion_n oh_o let_v not_o this_o be_v any_o of_o your_o character_n know_v it_o to_o be_v your_o duty_n as_o much_o to_o abound_v in_o prayer_n hear_v fast_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o mortification_n as_o other_o make_v it_o their_o vanity_n to_o abound_v in_o good_a word_n costly_a apparel_n in_o pride_n and_o luxury_n you_o must_v have_v christ_n row_n upon_o your_o cheek_n his_o chain_n about_o your_o neck_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o philippian_n philip._n 4._o 8._o 9_o final_o brethren_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 and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n these_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v both_o learned_a and_o receive_v and_o hear_v and_o see_v in_o i_o do_v and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o sermon_n l._n canticle_n 1._o 11._o we_o will_v make_v thou_o border_n of_o gold_n with_o stud_n of_o silver_n the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v out_o of_o his_o unreasonable_a fondness_n to_o make_v this_o whole_a song_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o discourse_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n thus_o gloss_v upon_o these_o word_n it_o be_v then_o say_v unto_o moses_n go_v up_o to_o the_o firmament_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o there_o two_o table_n of_o stone_n cut_v out_o of_o the_o sapphire_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o glory_n shine_v like_o the_o best_a gold_n order_v with_o line_n write_v with_o my_o own_o finger_n in_o which_o be_v engrave_v the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o be_v more_o pure_a than_o silver_n purify_v seven_o time_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v hardly_o mention_v this_o ancient_a jewish_a paraphra_v so_o often_o but_o to_o convince_v the_o atheistical_a spirit_n of_o latter_a age_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o understand_v this_o excellent_a song_n as_o a_o mere_a wanton_a love_n song_n between_o solomon_n and_o the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n neither_o do_v gregory_n nyssen_n gregory_n the_o great_a nor_o bernard_n who_o with_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v write_v commentary_n upon_o it_o so_o understand_v it_o though_o they_o agree_v not_o with_o this_o paraphra_v concern_v the_o person_n in_o it_o the_o paraphra_v you_o see_v make_v the_o law_n give_v on_o mount_n sinai_n to_o be_v the_o border_n of_o gold_n and_o stud_n of_o silver_n i_o be_o not_o much_o satisfy_v with_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o word_n by_o our_o interpreter_n because_o i_o find_v no_o other_o interpreter_n agree_v with_o they_o the_o 70_o interpreter_n who_o be_v follow_v by_o those_o who_o make_v the_o arabic_a version_n interpret_v it_o image_n or_o picture_n the_o syriack_n interpreter_n translate_v it_o chain_n arias_n montanus_n and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a translate_v it_o collar_n junius_n and_o tremellius_n translate_v it_o golden_a thread_n pagnine_n translate_v it_o golden_a jewel_n beside_o the_o word_n here_o use_v be_v the_o same_o with_o a_o small_a alteration_n of_o the_o form_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n and_o there_o we_o translate_v it_o row_v why_o we_o shall_v here_o translate_v it_o border_n i_o can_v tell_v i_o think_v the_o tigurine_a version_n translate_v it_o best_o they_o translate_v it_o ornament_n a_o convenientia_fw-la convenient_a ornament_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o word_n signify_v some_o such_o ornament_n as_o woman_n use_v in_o those_o time_n and_o country_n ornament_n differ_v both_o in_o several_a country_n and_o in_o several_a age_n in_o the_o same_o country_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o interpreter_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n so_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n since_o exact_o to_o translate_v word_n signify_v thing_n so_o variable_a after_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o in_o another_o country_n the_o more_o general_a translation_n of_o ornament_n suitable_a ornament_n be_v doubtless_o the_o best_a i_o be_o as_o little_a satisfy_v with_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o other_o word_n stud_n other_o translate_v it_o point_n the_o sepevagint_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o the_o word_n be_v derive_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v to_o point_n this_o word_n be_v not_o that_o i_o can_v find_v use_v any_o where_o in_o holy_a writ_n except_o in_o this_o text_n â—and_v gen._n 30._o &_o 31._o in_o those_o chapter_n it_o signifyedâ—_n the_o spot_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o lamb_n after_o the_o sheep_n have_v conceive_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o pilled_a and_o streaked_a rod_n which_o jacob_n have_v lay_v before_o they_o in_o the_o trough_n the_o dutch_a translator_n interpret_v the_o term_n button_n or_o knob_n of_o silver_n doubtless_o the_o true_a translation_n be_v with_o badge_n or_o spot_n of_o silver_n mercer_n faith_n the_o phrase_n do_v signify_v the_o high_a and_o most_o excellent_a ornament_n but_o the_o difference_n about_o the_o word_n make_v no_o difference_n in_o interpreter_n as_o to_o the_o sense_n so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o light_a difference_n the_o sense_n be_v we_o will_v give_v thou_o yet_o more_o and_o more_o excellent_a ornament_n let_v i_o only_o note_v to_o you_o four_o or_o five_o thing_n which_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o sense_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o that_o proposition_n of_o truth_n and_o point_n in_o divinity_n which_o the_o text_n hold_v forth_o 1._o i_o conceive_v first_o that_o you_o will_v all_o here_o understand_v a_o metaphor_n draw_v from_o woman_n who_o delight_n much_o in_o ornament_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o other_o precious_a thing_n christ_n here_o speak_v to_o his_o spouse_n as_o to_o a_o delicate_a woman_n which_o love_v such_o ornament_n and_o promise_v she_o such_o my_o spouse_n faith_n christ_n shall_v have_v her_o ornament_n too_o answerable_a to_o though_o infinite_o excel_v ornament_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n most_o excellent_a ornament_n though_o spiritual_a and_o of_o a_o far_a other_o nature_n 2._o he_o have_v before_o say_v that_o her_o cheek_n be_v comely_a between_o the_o row_v of_o jewel_n and_o her_o neck_n with_o chain_n of_o gold_n she_o be_v rich_o adorn_v but_o say_v christ_n she_o shall_v have_v more_o also_o habenti_fw-la daâ—itâ—â—_fw-la to_o she_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o she_o shall_v have_v more_o abundant_o i_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o adorn_v she_o 3._o three_o he_o do_v not_o say_v thou_o shall_v buy_v thou_o border_n of_o gold_n with_o thy_o money_n no_o not_o yet_o i_o will_v give_v the_o some_o money_n which_o thou_o shall_v improve_v and_o with_o the_o improvement_n buy_v thou_o more_o grace_n be_v not_o merit_v nor_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n give_v
and_o hence_o the_o soul_n be_v teach_v by_o its_o own_o reason_n to_o thirst_v after_o these_o manifestation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n as_o those_o which_o above_o all_o other_o be_v proportion_v to_o its_o want_n and_o high_a necessity_n 2._o but_o two_o these_o desire_n be_v not_o the_o product_n of_o a_o enlighten_v understanding_n only_o but_o of_o a_o renew_a will_n also_o so_o woeful_o deprave_v be_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o the_o inferior_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o command_n of_o reason_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v the_o method_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n to_o embrace_v or_o refuse_v a_o thing_n with_o the_o will_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v by_o the_o understanding_n give_v in_o concern_v it_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o otherwise_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o soul_n disorder_n he_o that_o not_o only_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o approve_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o excellent_a yet_o have_v no_o hearthimself_n to_o close_v with_o they_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o teach_v another_o like_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o statue_n in_o a_o way_n which_o direct_v a_o traveller_n but_o move_v not_o he_o teach_v not_o himself_o hence_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o understanding_n although_o the_o great_a wheel_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o will_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v spiritual_o good_a man_n soul_n be_v like_o a_o clock_n break_v in_o piece_n every_o of_o who_o wheel_n must_v be_v mend_v before_o it_o will_v again_o move_v true_o but_o the_o gracious_a man_n be_v renew_v as_o well_o in_o spirit_n as_o in_o body_n and_o in_o mind_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n power_n be_v come_v upon_o he_o and_o of_o unwilling_a he_o be_v make_v willing_a god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o will_n phil._n 2._o 13._o take_v away_o that_o natural_a enmity_n and_o stubborness_n which_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o dispose_v and_o enable_v he_o to_o will_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o desirable_a and_o which_o be_v most_o please_v unto_o god_n now_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o please_v unto_o our_o heavenly_a father_n than_o to_o see_v his_o child_n more_o fond_a of_o their_o father_n love_n than_o of_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o gracious_a soul_n thirst_v after_o spiritual_a thing_n 3._o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v second_o the_o soul_n assurance_n that_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o it_o mat._n 6._o 33._o if_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o son_n shall_v be_v not_o with_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n all_o inferior_a good_a thing_n be_v but_o appendix_n to_o these_o great_a spiritual_a blessing_n with_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v bless_v in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o woman_n that_o have_v her_o husband_n heart_n easy_o command_v his_o purse_n the_o child_n of_o the_o bosom_n need_v not_o trouble_v itself_o for_o a_o new_a coat_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a subrilty_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n to_o be_v most_o desirous_a of_o spiritual_a thing_n other_o thing_n will_v come_v alone_o they_o be_v but_o appurtenance_n to_o this_o great_a possession_n and_o a_o easy_a faith_n will_v assure_v the_o soul_n that_o if_o man_n who_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a thing_n to_o their_o child_n who_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o their_o affection_n god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o his_o people_n especial_o consider_v that_o his_o liberality_n extend_v to_o the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n and_o to_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n because_o they_o be_v his_o creature_n 1_o let_v this_o notion_n in_o the_o first_o place_n show_v you_o the_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o renew_a soul_n and_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o in_o its_o natural_a estate_n grace_n consider_v our_o weak_a estate_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o discernible_a in_o we_o from_o our_o action_n as_o from_o our_o affection_n the_o bent_n of_o the_o heart_n do_v best_a discover_v the_o state_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v renew_v or_o no._n all_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n come_v under_o one_o of_o these_o three_o rank_n they_o be_v either_o 1._o profane_a and_o dissolute_a person_n or_o 2._o hypocrite_n or_o seem_a professor_n who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o or_o 3_o such_o as_o be_v disciple_n indeed_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o nature_n itself_o teach_v man_n something_o of_o this_o hence_o every_a one_o soul_n be_v look_v out_o towards_o god_n for_o some_o good_a or_o other_o 1._o the_o worldling_n and_o profane_a person_n say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a but_o what_o be_v the_o good_a which_o he_o thirst_v after_o a_o increase_v of_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n the_o object_n for_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n let_v the_o swine_n belly_n be_v fill_v with_o these_o husk_n and_o he_o be_v satisfy_v let_v who_o will_v take_v grace_n and_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o he_o understand_v not_o his_o need_n of_o they_o noâ—_n the_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o they_o so_o neither_o be_v his_o soul_n carry_v out_o in_o any_o desire_n after_o they_o 2._o the_o hypocrite_n design_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n he_o will_v fain_o appear_v to_o be_v something_o though_o indeed_o all_o his_o glory_v be_v but_o a_o vain_a show_n and_o a_o mere_a appearance_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v nothing_o now_o that_o which_o he_o desire_v be_v something_o proportion_v to_o this_o end_n he_o possible_o covet_v the_o best_a gift_n like_o simon_n magus_n who_o when_o he_o see_v that_o through_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v say_v give_v i_o this_o power_n also_o that_o on_o whosoever_o i_o lay_v my_o hand_n he_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 8._o 18._o the_o hypocrite_n may_v desire_v a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n a_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o such_o like_a common_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o may_v serve_v his_o design_n in_o appear_v godly_a and_o religious_a and_o this_o satisfy_v he_o 3._o but_o the_o gracious_a soul_n be_v satisfy_v with_o none_o of_o these_o all_o his_o desire_n be_v after_o the_o gift_n of_o special_a grace_n the_o obtain_n of_o union_n with_o and_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n etc._n etc._n and_o nothing_o less_o than_o this_o will_v satisfy_v his_o thirst_n it_o be_v report_v of_o luther_n indeed_o he_o report_v it_o of_o himself_o that_o when_o he_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o germany_n he_o be_v much_o court_v by_o some_o great_a person_n and_o present_v with_o many_o gift_n which_o make_v the_o good_a man_n jealous_a that_o god_n intend_v to_o put_v he_o off_o with_o these_o thing_n but_o say_v he_o protestatus_fw-la sum_fw-la &c_n &c_n i_o make_v a_o protestation_n to_o my_o god_n that_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o satisfy_v the_o son_n of_o keturah_n may_v be_v put_v off_o with_o portion_n but_o isaac_n must_v have_v the_o inheritance_n the_o gracious_a soul_n be_v a_o true_a artabazus_n he_o think_v his_o saviour_n kiss_n be_v better_a than_o a_o cup_n of_o gold_n and_o indeed_o i_o know_v no_o better_a evidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n than_o this_o to_o be_v find_v unsatisfied_a without_o the_o special_a and_o distinguish_a love_n of_o god_n yet_o that_o you_o may_v not_o deceive_v yourselves_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o one_o who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o god_n may_v desire_v these_o distinguish_a favour_n from_o god_n so_o the_o desire_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v but_o the_o issue_n of_o common_a providence_n be_v often_o find_v in_o gracious_a soul_n and_o that_o in_o too_o high_a a_o degree_n but_o as_o the_o former_a proceed_v from_o some_o inconstant_a principle_n and_o last_v not_o long_o in_o the_o unregenerate_a soul_n nor_o be_v much_o in_o earnest_n while_o it_o continue_v but_o like_o augustine_n desire_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o his_o lust_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n as_o he_o confess_v he_o secret_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v not_o hear_v his_o prayer_n so_o the_o latter_a desire_n in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v secondary_a and_o subordinate_a or_o if_o irregular_a and_o immoderate_a no_o more_o than_o fit_v of_o passion_n out_o of_o which_o grace_n soon_o recover_v he_o 2._o second_o let_v i_o beseech_v you_o all_o to_o make_v these_o spiritual_a distinguish_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o object_n of_o your_o desire_n i_o