to_o discuss_v the_o doubt_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o unequal_a and_o as_o it_o will_v seem_v unjust_a disposal_n of_o man_n beside_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v instance_a and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o revelation_n all_o that_o can_v be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o mere_a nature_n will_v not_o be_v effectual_a to_o counterpoise_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o restrain_v we_o from_o follow_v sensual_a and_o brutish_a appetite_n which_o be_v cherish_v drown_v all_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o cast_v out_o all_o fear_n and_o regard_v for_o he_o as_o faith_n in_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o be_v worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o adore_v the_o godhead_n according_a to_o that_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n reason_n and_o scripture_n both_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o 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when_o clear_o reveal_v as_o i_o suppose_v every_o one_o will_v find_v who_o lay_v aside_o their_o prejudice_n we_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o when_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v god_n word_n because_o their_o reason_n can_v fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o nor_o easy_o conceive_v the_o truth_n thereof_o as_o in_o the_o present_a case_n than_o they_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o may_v be_v say_v rather_o to_o adore_v it_o than_o god_n see_v they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o according_a to_o what_o he_o real_o be_v in_o himselâ—…_n which_o he_o have_v also_o plain_o declare_v but_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n if_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o god_n agree_v with_o their_o sentiment_n they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o if_o it_o differ_v in_o any_o thing_n from_o these_o than_o they_o be_v stubborn_a and_o refractory_a which_o i_o may_v fit_o compare_v to_o those_o who_o make_v a_o nice_a distinction_n betwixt_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o person_n the_o king_n authority_n they_o profess_v to_o regard_v as_o much_o as_o any_o but_o however_o they_o be_v still_o plot_v and_o rebel_n against_o his_o person_n if_o one_o shall_v take_v away_o omnipotency_n from_o god_n all_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o god_n real_o but_o a_o fantome_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v which_o he_o pay_v worship_n too_o for_o that_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v not_o omnipotent_a now_o he_o do_v the_o same_o who_o remove_v veracitie_n from_o god_n for_o truth_n as_o proper_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o power_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n omnipotency_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v work_v not_o only_o above_o what_o we_o ourselves_o can_v do_v but_o beyond_o our_o conception_n for_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o so_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o veracity_n oblidge_v we_o no_o less_o to_o believe_v all_o to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o speak_v and_o declare_v though_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o if_o god_n have_v please_v he_o may_v have_v make_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o intelligible_a but_o than_o he_o will_v have_v want_v the_o homage_n and_o acknowledgement_n which_o be_v due_a from_o our_o understanding_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v no_o less_o reasonable_a than_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o will_n and_o action_n he_o who_o do_v not_o submit_v his_o will_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o own_v he_o or_o his_o authority_n neither_o he_o who_o refuse_v to_o yield_v his_o judgement_n to_o god_n to_o be_v inform_v by_o he_o and_o the_o withdraw_a the_o submiâ—…on_n of_o our_o understanding_n will_v not_o be_v excuse_v by_o pay_v the_o obedience_n of_o our_o will_n for_o one_o duty_n will_v not_o make_v up_o the_o breach_n of_o another_o which_o be_v as_o necessary_a of_o itself_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v so_o much_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n and_o make_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n to_o the_o be_v account_v righteous_a before_o god_n and_o therefore_o also_o it_o be_v that_o abraham_n be_v propose_v for_o our_o pattern_n who_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n for_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n now_o say_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o write_v for_o his_o sake_n alone_o that_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o but_o for_o we_o also_o to_o who_o it_o shall_v be_v impute_v if_o we_o likewise_o believe_v by_o this_o rule_n socinian_n and_o quaker_n will_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o pretence_n of_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n for_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o the_o one_o set_v up_o for_o and_o for_o as_o great_a piety_n as_o the_o other_o endeavour_n to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o three_o that_o the_o true_a god_n may_v be_v our_o god_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o pay_v all_o divine_a worship_n to_o he_o alone_o and_o not_o share_v it_o among_o other_o beside_o he_o for_o see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n therefore_o to_o have_v more_o object_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n and_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n can_v agree_v together_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o their_o worship_n who_o pay_v the_o same_o adoration_n to_o other_o beside_o he_o therefore_o the_o first_o command_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o people_n of_o old_a be_v this_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o god_n before_o me._n intimate_v thereby_o that_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o very_a first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v to_o resolve_v to_o worship_n he_o only_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v matth_n 4_o 10._o this_o joshua_n understand_v well_o and_o lay_v plain_o before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o last_o solemn_a speech_n to_o they_o wherein_o he_o endeavour_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o idolatrous_a practice_n that_o be_v the_o pay_v divine_a respect_n to_o any_o other_o beside_o the_o true_a god_n by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n thereof_o and_o its_o inconsistencie_n with_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o have_v bid_v they_o choose_v who_o they_o will_v serve_v lest_o they_o may_v have_v think_v that_o they_o can_v well_o enough_o both_o serve_v he_o who_o have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o they_o and_o other_o beside_o he_o roundly_o tell_v they_o you_o can_v serve_v the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n he_o will_v not_o forgive_v your_o transgression_n nor_o your_o sin_n if_o you_o foresake_n the_o lord_n and_o serve_v strange_a god_n than_o he_o will_v turn_v and_o do_v you_o hurt_v and_o consume_v you_o after_o that_o he_o have_v do_v you_o good_a and_o when_o the_o people_n express_v their_o resolution_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o true_a testimony_n thereof_o he_o say_v to_o they_o now_o therefore_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o and_o incline_v your_o heart_n unto_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n
for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n or_o the_o special_a mercy_n confer_v upon_o they_o or_o david_n in_o particular_a they_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o be_v sing_v for_o beside_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o his_o goodness_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o and_o that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v concern_v in_o these_o favour_n heap_v on_o the_o jewish_a nation_n because_o they_o serve_v to_o usher_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god._n i_o say_v beside_o these_o two_o consideration_n those_o act_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o people_n in_o former_a time_n be_v instance_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n and_o so_o proper_a matter_n for_o his_o praise_n they_o be_v also_o ground_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o motive_n to_o trust_v &_o confidence_n in_o he_o both_o for_o ourselves_o and_o the_o public_a see_v rom._n 15._o 4._o 4_o god_n plague_n upon_o the_o heathen_a and_o his_o punishment_n upon_o his_o own_o people_n be_v instance_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalm_n which_o narrate_v these_o may_v be_v sing_v to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n who_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n and_o that_o no_o relation_n to_o he_o will_v excuse_v sin_n or_o hold_v off_o judgement_n if_o his_o law_n be_v break_v and_o so_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o stir_v up_o our_o repentance_n leâ—…t_v we_o likewise_o smart_v and_o our_o thankfulness_n for_o whatforbearance_n and_o gentle_a deal_n we_o have_v meet_v with_o 5_o the_o psalm_n where_o david_n lay_v out_o his_o own_o trouble_n and_o the_o success_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v be_v meditate_v on_o as_o proof_n that_o the_o just_a will_v be_v afflict_v and_o the_o wicked_a prosperous_a to_o teach_v we_o patience_n and_o contentment_n the_o high_a assertion_n of_o his_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n and_o love_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v sing_v thereby_o to_o testify_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v this_o way_n to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o without_o these_o endeavour_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n nor_o presume_v to_o crave_v the_o privilege_n of_o his_o child_n 6._o the_o psalm_n of_o imprecation_n be_v most_o scruple_v at_o but_o it_o be_v because_o person_n be_v not_o at_o the_o pain_n to_o take_v a_o right_a view_n of_o they_o for_o whatever_o be_v the_o particular_a occasion_n of_o they_o or_o who_o ever_o they_o be_v primar_o design_v against_o we_o shall_v consider_v they_o now_o as_o intimation_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n towards_o obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n and_o as_o declaration_n of_o the_o irrevocable_a sentence_n which_o his_o justice_n have_v pass_v against_o they_o nay_o i_o may_v say_v this_o be_v the_o special_a intent_n of_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v only_o to_o vent_v david_n private_a wrath_n and_o enmity_n god_n will_v not_o inspire_v they_o nor_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o lawful_a &_o proper_a sometime_o to_o sing_v they_o then_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o heavy_a judgement_n &_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o impenitent_a sinner_n that_o thereby_o a_o wholesome_a fear_n of_o god_n may_v be_v excite_v in_o we_o by_o they_o also_o we_o may_v be_v support_v against_o those_o tentation_n which_o arise_v from_o success_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n &_o their_o insolency_n in_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o oppress_v his_o people_n and_o as_o it_o be_v never_o think_v unlawful_a in_o time_n of_o war_n and_o public_a trouble_n and_o disorder_n to_o pray_v against_o the_o unjust_a author_n and_o instrument_n thereof_o not_o that_o god_n will_v damn_v their_o soul_n but_o that_o he_o will_v defeat_v their_o device_n give_v they_o shame_n and_o confusion_n and_o by_o his_o judgement_n on_o their_o person_n put_v they_o in_o fear_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o wicked_a enterprise_n and_o all_o this_o not_o to_o satisfy_v our_o revengful_a passion_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o who_o will_v defend_v the_o innocent_a and_o righteous_a to_o the_o end_n all_o people_n may_v be_v engage_v to_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v improper_a on_o such_o occasion_n to_o sing_v these_o psalm_n and_o to_o wait_v patient_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o they_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a who_o will_v wrest_v this_o to_o the_o countenance_v of_o private_a revenge_n and_o the_o curse_v of_o enemy_n whither_o public_a or_o private_a for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n do_v as_o he_o be_v supreme_a judge_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n vengeance_n be_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o punish_v but_o not_o to_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o take_v vengeance_n because_o god_n do_v it_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o unlawful_a to_o meditate_v on_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o sing_v of_o they_o and_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o because_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o curse_v or_o revenge_v ourselves_o 7_o it_o be_v allege_v against_o some_o psalm_n that_o we_o can_v turn_v they_o to_o prayer_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v they_o will_v not_o be_v true_a as_o from_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o sing_v they_o but_o to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o pray_v and_o sing_v every_o prayer_n may_v be_v make_v a_o hymn_n or_o song_n of_o praise_n but_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v sing_v which_o can_v proper_o be_v pray_v in_o prayer_n we_o turn_v our_o mind_n whole_o to_o god_n himself_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o word_n be_v strict_o true_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o particular_a state_n but_o in_o sing_v we_o speak_v not_o so_o direct_o to_o god_n as_o of_o he_o to_o other_o sing_v be_v a_o mutual_a call_n upon_o one_o another_o to_o laud_n and_o praise_n god_n together_o with_o a_o proposal_n of_o what_o make_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v proper_a enough_o to_o sing_v any_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n though_o it_o do_v not_o quadrate_n with_o our_o own_o case_n in_o all_o circumstance_n but_o as_o we_o have_v make_v it_o thus_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n may_v be_v sing_v proper_o and_o with_o edification_n so_o we_o do_v not_o say_v â—…hat_o none_o other_o may_v be_v sing_v it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o have_v other_o hymn_n beside_o and_o most_o reasonable_a to_o have_v some_o more_o appropriate_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mystery_n reveal_v therein_o that_o our_o worship_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o of_o jew_n pliny_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n tell_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o to_o god_n which_o must_v have_v be_v some_o other_o than_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n wherein_o there_o be_v some_o more_o express_a mention_n of_o christ_n or_o which_o have_v some_o more_o peculiar_a reference_n to_o he_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o psalm_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o reason_n why_o the_o hymn_n of_o the_o n._n t._n shall_v no_o be_v use_v as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o old_a see_v the_o same_o spirit_n dictate_v both_o and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o special_a propriety_n in_o they_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o for_o the_o doxology_n the_o question_v its_o lawfulness_n betray_v such_o ignorance_n or_o humour_n that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o prove_v the_o use_n of_o it_o if_o people_n will_v lay_v aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la they_o may_v easy_o discern_v it_o very_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o join_v this_o to_o each_o psalm_n for_o thereby_o we_o give_v the_o psalm_n a_o evangelical_n sense_n &_o make_v it_o refer_v to_o every_o person_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n who_o as_o they_o be_v undivided_a in_o their_o essence_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v unite_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o as_o they_o be_v distinct_o reveal_v to_o we_o so_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o our_o devotion_n to_o pay_v they_o distinct_a and_o particular_a worship_n 3_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n this_o be_v use_v in_o the_o jewish_a assembly_n as_o appear_v from_o neh._n 8._o 8._o luke_n 4._o 16._o act_n 13._o 15._o 15._o 21._o st._n paul_n express_o charge_v the_o read_n of_o his_o epistle_n col._n 4._o
chapter_n i._o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o vow_n of_o vow_n in_o general_a their_o use_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o the_o occasion_n of_o iacob_n make_v this_o vow_n be_v this_o his_o parent_n have_v send_v he_o away_o to_o padan-aram_a for_o fear_v of_o his_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o canaan_n where_o they_o live_v and_o entice_v to_o take_v one_o of_o their_o daughter_n to_o wife_n like_a as_o his_o brother_n esau_n have_v do_v now_o as_o he_o be_v on_o his_o journey_n he_o happen_v upon_o a_o certain_a place_n afterward_o call_v bethel_n where_o he_o tarry_v all_o night_n the_o sun_n have_v set_v upon_o he_o before_o he_o come_v thither_o and_o the_o canaanites_n not_o be_v so_o courteous_a as_o to_o invite_v he_o into_o their_o house_n he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o lodge_v in_o the_o open_a field_n but_o though_o man_n deny_v he_o entertainment_n yet_o he_o find_v what_o be_v much_o better_a and_o more_o comfortable_a that_o he_o be_v high_o favour_v of_o god_n for_o there_o he_o appear_v to_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n and_o make_v he_o the_o promise_n of_o large_a and_o great_a blessing_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 13_o 14_o 15_o verse_n upon_o which_o when_o jacob_n awaken_v and_o consider_v it_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_n of_o god_n fall_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o testify_v his_o gratitude_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n who_o have_v thus_o gracious_o appear_v unto_o he_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n and_o vow_v this_o vow_n by_o which_o he_o bind_v and_o oblige_v himself_o to_o serve_v honour_n and_o worship_n god_n if_o so_o be_v that_o he_o do_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v promise_v this_o vow_n be_v not_o make_v rash_o and_o inconsiderat_o but_o upon_o serious_a and_o mature_a deliberation_n nor_o be_v the_o matter_n thereof_o light_a and_o trivial_a but_o weighty_a and_o important_a it_o be_v certain_o worthy_a our_o consideration_n and_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o very_o matterial_a point_n viz._n wherein_o our_o felicity_n consist_v what_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o shall_v aim_v at_o while_n in_o this_o world_n and_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n towards_o god_n what_o jacob_n ask_v teach_v the_o one_o and_o what_o he_o promise_v show_v the_o other_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o but_o first_o we_o will_v take_v occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o vow_n in_o general_a as_o to_o their_o matter_n use_v and_o observance_n and_o thereafter_o we_o shall_v handle_v this_o vow_n of_o iacob_n in_o particular_a first_o then_o in_o general_a a_o vow_n be_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a promise_n make_v to_o god_n either_o for_o some_o mercy_n and_o favour_n or_o upon_o the_o desire_n of_o some_o blessing_n as_o here_o and_o there_o be_v many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o prayer_n put_v up_o to_o god_n by_o way_n of_o vow_n when_o our_o prayer_n be_v accompany_v with_o vow_n it_o do_v be-speak_a a_o belief_n of_o power_n and_o goodwill_n and_o particular_a knowledge_n on_o god_n part_n and_o earnestness_n importunity_n and_o a_o grateful_a disposition_n on_o we_o which_o be_v thing_n god_n very_o much_o delight_n in_o and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v ordinary_o so_o effectual_a and_o so_o successful_a for_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o such_o prayer_n prevail_v very_o much_o with_o god_n and_o do_v almost_o always_o obtain_v not_o only_o a_o blessing_n but_o even_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n pray_v for_o thus_o jacob_n obtain_v his_o whole_a desire_n thus_o jephthah_n however_o rash_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o vow_n yet_o out_o of_o a_o devout_a acknowledgement_n have_v vow_v to_o the_o lord_n get_v a_o victory_n over_o the_o ammonite_n so_o likewise_o hannah_n receive_v a_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n after_o that_o she_o have_v make_v a_o vow_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v read_v and_o hear_v of_o many_o who_o upon_o their_o vow_n have_v be_v deliver_v from_o great_a strait_o and_o difficulty_n recover_v of_o sore_n and_o dangerous_a sickness_n and_o be_v bless_v with_o signal_n mercy_n and_o favour_n all_o which_o teach_v we_o that_o in_o case_n of_o great_a need_n or_o the_o threaten_n of_o danger_n upon_o the_o various_a and_o great_a change_n of_o our_o life_n in_o all_o great_a and_o weighty_a enterprise_n who_o success_n do_v very_o much_o concern_v we_o and_o in_o all_o our_o most_o solemn_a approach_n to_o god_n i_o say_v that_o in_o these_o or_o the_o like_a case_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o but_o good_a and_o proper_a to_o back_n and_o strengthen_v our_o prayer_n by_o some_o pious_a and_o religious_a vow_n for_o hereby_o we_o testify_v that_o we_o believe_v god_n able_a to_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v and_o that_o we_o ourselves_o will_v retain_v a_o grateful_a sense_n of_o his_o kindness_n if_o so_o be_v he_o do_v it_o and_o beside_o this_o will_v awaken_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o due_a and_o serious_a attention_n and_o add_v fervour_n and_o earnestness_n to_o our_o devotion_n which_o endear_v both_o we_o and_o they_o to_o god_n and_o so_o probable_o will_v wrest_v a_o blessing_n from_o he_o we_o shall_v never_o offer_v to_o ask_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n without_o resolve_v to_o serve_v he_o better_o or_o glorify_v he_o more_o upon_o the_o grant_v our_o desire_n and_o request_n as_o we_o will_v wish_v he_o to_o do_v we_o good_a so_o we_o shall_v lay_v obligation_n upon_o ourselves_o to_o do_v he_o all_o acceptable_a service_n and_o it_o be_v but_o impudence_n and_o mockery_n to_o endeavour_v to_o get_v god_n to_o befriend_v we_o without_o think_v to_o become_v thereby_o the_o more_o dutiful_a to_o he_o wherefore_o every_o one_o of_o our_o prayer_n and_o address_n to_o god_n do_v contain_v vow_n implicity_n although_o we_o make_v no_o express_a mention_n of_o they_o for_o they_o imply_v always_o a_o promise_n and_o resolution_n to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n without_o which_o they_o be_v but_o mere_a abomination_n unto_o he_o but_o as_o it_o be_v good_a sometime_o to_o make_v particular_a vow_n when_o we_o pray_v for_o any_o special_a blessing_n and_o always_o necessary_a upon_o all_o our_o address_n to_o god_n to_o resolve_v in_o the_o general_a to_o serve_v he_o and_o to_o do_v his_o will_n so_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a in_o make_v of_o vow_n there_o be_v nothing_o about_o which_o we_o shall_v deliberat_fw-la more_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o young_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o come_v to_o maturity_n of_o age_n or_o understanding_n be_v discharge_v by_o all_o casuist_n from_o the_o make_n of_o vow_n because_o their_o ignorance_n and_o want_n of_o knowledge_n may_v make_v they_o ready_o err_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o vow_v what_o be_v not_o lawful_a or_o convenient_a to_o be_v vow_v good_a religious_a and_o lawful_a vow_n do_v honour_n god_n and_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o if_o they_o be_v rash_a inconsiderate_a and_o in_o matter_n either_o not_o lawful_a or_o not_o fit_a and_o proper_a they_o do_v but_o displease_v he_o if_o we_o be_v to_o vow_n than_o we_o must_v both_o use_v all_o caution_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o and_o likewise_o see_v careful_o to_o the_o observe_v of_o they_o otherwise_o we_o have_v better_a not_o vow_n at_o all_o first_o in_o the_o make_n of_o vow_n we_o shall_v shun_v all_o rashness_n and_o inconsideration_n and_o aught_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o both_o the_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o god_n and_o that_o which_o we_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n for_o if_o this_o be_v want_v we_o offer_v but_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o both_o our_o prayer_n and_o vow_n become_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god._n what_o we_o ask_v must_v either_o be_v something_o he_o have_v command_v or_o allow_v we_o to_o seek_v it_o must_v neither_o thwart_v his_o will_n nor_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o to_o grant_v and_o how_o earnest_a soever_o we_o be_v yet_o our_o desire_n must_v always_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o submission_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o pleasure_n for_o it_o be_v then_o only_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v confident_a god_n will_v hear_v we_o when_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will._n and_o as_o we_o must_v thus_o use_v modesty_n and_o caution_n in_o our_o prayer_n take_v heed_n that_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o be_v not_o offensive_a to_o god_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o show_v great_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n in_o these_o vow_n &_o promise_v we_o make_v to_o god_n upon_o the_o grant_v our_o prayer_n we_o must_v see_v that_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v both_o warrantable_a in_o itself_o and_o convenient_a for_o we_o in_o particular_a many_o have_v bring_v themselves_o with_o
to_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o man_n some_o require_v more_o and_o some_o less_o the_o same_o measure_n do_v not_o fit_a all_o a_o single_a man_n need_v not_o so_o much_o as_o he_o who_o have_v a_o family_n a_o private_a person_n so_o much_o as_o a_o public_a one_o in_o a_o low_a condition_n as_o he_o of_o better_a rank_n and_o quality_n every_o man_n necessity_n be_v according_a to_o his_o station_n call_v and_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o as_o zeba_n and_o zalmunna_n say_v to_o gideon_n as_o be_v the_o man_n so_o be_v his_o strength_n â—…o_o we_o may_v say_v in_o this_o case_n as_o be_v the_o man_n so_o be_v his_o competency_n but_o whatever_o it_o be_v have_v find_v it_o let_v we_o humble_o and_o modest_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n as_o jacob_n do_v here_o and_o let_v we_o not_o think_v to_o obtain_v it_o without_o he_o for_o unless_o he_o give_v it_o we_o can_v come_v by_o it_o it_o be_v vain_a for_o you_o to_o rise_v up_o early_o to_o sit_v up_o late_o to_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o sorrow_n for_o so_o he_o give_v his_o belove_a sleep_n psal_n 127._o if_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o inferior_a creature_n as_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o do_v all_o wait_n upon_o god_n that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n how_o much_o more_o do_v this_o become_v we_o to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v reason_n and_o understanding_n by_o which_o we_o know_v that_o our_o food_n and_o raiment_n be_v his_o peculiar_a gift_n it_o be_v true_a they_o who_o seek_v not_o god_n may_v come_v to_o have_v these_o thing_n for_o we_o see_v the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a have_v they_o usual_o in_o abundance_n but_o then_o they_o can_v be_v consider_v as_o token_n of_o god_n love_n as_o effect_n of_o his_o special_a favour_n and_o particular_a care_n and_o as_o pledge_n of_o better_a thing_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o so_o they_o loss_n their_o least_a savour_n they_o want_v that_o which_o will_v give_v they_o the_o sweet_a taste_n it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o giver_n which_o put_v a_o value_n upon_o the_o gift_n and_o so_o our_o chief_a delight_n in_o these_o temporal_a thing_n shall_v be_v because_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o witness_v his_o favour_n for_o we_o otherwise_o they_o can_v afford_v but_o a_o mean_a and_o brutish_a satisfaction_n no_o great_a than_o what_o a_o ox_n or_o horse_n have_v over_o their_o fodder_n now_o who_o wait_v not_o upon_o god_n though_o they_o have_v their_o sustenance_n &_o more_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o give_v they_o as_o a_o blessing_n they_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o curse_n that_o they_o may_v be_v among_o those_o who_o portion_n be_v in_o this_o life_n only_o omnia_fw-la temporalia_fw-la dei_fw-la munera_fw-la sunt_fw-la ne_fw-la putetis_fw-la quod_fw-la aliquis_fw-la illa_fw-la possit_fw-la dare_v nisi_fw-la unus_fw-la deus_fw-la august_n and_o as_o we_o shall_v ask_v our_o necessary_a sustenance_n as_o it_o become_v we_o to_o seek_v our_o dole_n and_o allowance_n so_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o offend_v he_o by_o crave_v arrogant_o more_o for_o which_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o yet_o any_o pattern_n of_o any_o wise_a or_o holy_a man_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o to_o seek_v this_o by_o prayer_n only_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o seek_v it_o and_o also_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n for_o it_o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o prudent_a lawful_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o his_o providence_n have_v appoint_v for_o it_o be_v this_o way_n ordinary_o that_o he_o give_v it_o and_o by_o which_o we_o must_v expect_v it_o prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v whole_o rest_v in_o when_o the_o lord_n direct_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o daily_a bread_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o god_n may_v give_v it_o without_o our_o own_o endeavour_n we_o do_v not_o pray_v that_o god_n may_v feed_v and_o clothe_v we_o by_o a_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v our_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o those_o honest_a course_n which_o his_o wise_a providence_n have_v ordain_v and_o establish_v that_o thereby_o we_o may_v procure_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o subsistence_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n that_o sentence_n which_o god_n pass_v upon_o man_n after_o the_o fall_n stand_v yet_o unrepealed_a in_o the_o sweat_n of_o thy_o face_n thou_o shall_v eat_v thy_o bread_n this_o be_v still_o in_o force_v it_o bind_v all_o and_o it_o be_v in_o the_o observance_n hereof_o that_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v our_o necessary_a maintenance_n and_o support_n only_o in_o follow_v these_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o method_n we_o ought_v to_o beware_v of_o all_o immoderate_a care_n anxiety_n and_o solicitude_n take_v no_o thought_n what_o we_o shall_v eat_v or_o what_o we_o shall_v drink_v or_o wherewithal_o we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v for_o our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o feed_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o clothes_n the_o lily_n will_v not_o suffâ—…r_v we_o his_o child_n who_o be_v create_v after_o his_o image_n to_o want_v the_o necessary_n of_o our_o life_n he_o know_v before_o hand_n what_o thing_n we_o need_v and_o if_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o bestow_v they_o the_o young_a lion_n say_v the_o psalmist_n may_v lack_v and_o suffer_v hunger_n but_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o want_v any_o good_a thing_n psal_n 34._o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a and_o proper_a that_o we_o consider_v our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o what_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v already_o bestow_v on_o we_o that_o according_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v and_o demean_v ourselves_o suitable_o first_o iâ—…_n god_n have_v bless_v we_o with_o a_o competency_n if_o we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v a_o sufficient_a supply_n of_o our_o want_n and_o a_o convenient_a support_n and_o maintenance_n in_o our_o present_a condition_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o content_v and_o also_o shall_v be_v very_o thankful_a to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o we_o ought_v to_o bless_v and_o praise_v he_o who_o have_v put_v we_o into_o such_o a_o convenient_a condition_n as_o be_v every_o wise_a man_n choice_n and_o wherein_o there_o be_v such_o freedom_n from_o care_n and_o anxiety_n molestation_n and_o envy_n of_o other_o which_o give_v such_o peace_n and_o security_n and_o allow_v time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o improve_n ourselves_o in_o virtue_n and_o wisdom_n and_o acquaint_v ourselves_o wâ—…th_n god_n here_o that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v he_o for_o ever_o hereafter_o the_o man_n be_v true_o happy_a who_o be_v in_o this_o case_n and_o may_v say_v with_o david_n the_o line_n be_v fall_v unto_o i_o in_o pleasant_a place_n yea_o i_o have_v a_o goodly_a heritage_n therefore_o i_o will_v bless_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 16._o 6._o and_o 7._o but_o second_o some_o will_n perhaps_o say_v that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o competency_n as_o yet_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v enough_o that_o they_o be_v in_o want_n strait_o &_o difficulty_n and_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v so_o however_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o mistake_v not_o their_o case_n and_o condition_n perhaps_o you_o may_v call_v that_o a_o state_n of_o want_n which_o be_v real_o a_o competency_n you_o may_v perhaps_o judge_v that_o poverty_n which_o some_o will_v look_v upon_o as_o fullness_n and_o every_o reasonable_a man_n will_v count_v sufficient_a the_o table_n you_o despise_v some_o will_v think_v a_o feast_n the_o clothes_n you_o disdain_v to_o wear_v another_o will_v be_v vain_a of_o that_o which_o you_o all_o a_o trouble_n and_o mortification_n sober_a and_o rational_a person_n will_v not_o complain_v of_o but_o esteem_v it_o easie_n and_o comportable_a and_o then_o it_o be_v only_o needful_a to_o rectify_v thy_o judgement_n and_o to_o take_v up_o a_o true_a estimate_n of_o thing_n for_o to_o know_v the_o happiness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o thy_o present_a lot_n for_o to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n we_o must_v not_o proceed_v by_o those_o measure_n which_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o luxury_n and_o voluptuousness_n and_o corrupt_a custom_n lay_v down_o but_o we_o must_v examine_v and_o consider_v thing_n according_a to_o their_o true_a nature_n and_o use_v and_o as_o sober_a and_o modest_a reason_n do_v dictate_v magis_fw-la nos_fw-la docere_fw-la debet_fw-la judicium_fw-la veritatis_fw-la quam_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la consuetudinis_fw-la if_o we_o have_v wholesome_a food_n though_o it_o be_v not_o rare_a costly_a or_o
use_v they_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o jacob_n at_o this_o time_n for_o upon_o his_o first_o appearance_n he_o call_v himself_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o god_n of_o isaac_n as_o you_o may_v see_v v_o 13._o as_o god_n make_v use_v of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n in_o their_o time_n so_o he_o continue_v still_o to_o use_v their_o posterity_n for_o convince_a the_o world_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o god_n which_o be_v general_o worship_v and_o to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a god_n who_o all_o shall_v serve_v and_o obey_v for_o for_o this_o end_n he_o wrought_v so_o many_o wonder_n for_o they_o in_o egypt_n do_v so_o strange_o plague_n pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n bring_v they_o forth_o with_o such_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o use_v many_o and_o so_o great_a miracle_n in_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o be_v the_o fame_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v not_o but_o reach_v to_o all_o nation_n &_o people_n so_o who_o ever_o hear_v and_o serious_o consider_v thâ—…se_a thing_n may_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o he_o who_o do_v they_o that_o be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v a_o great_a god_n above_o all_o god_n a_o god_n of_o power_n and_o majesty_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o what_o other_o but_o the_o true_a god_n can_v command_v the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n and_o all_o the_o element_n and_o force_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o word_n who_o can_v make_v night_n and_o day_n when_o he_o please_v who_o can_v change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v so_o can_v easy_o bring_v it_o back_o again_o but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o wherefore_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o mighty_a and_o wonderful_a act_n be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o who_o will_v be_v find_v worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n must_v direct_v their_o worship_n to_o he_o all_o who_o do_v not_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o be_v idolater_n for_o if_o they_o reject_v he_o the_o god_n who_o they_o serve_v and_o bow_v down_o to_o be_v only_o false_a god_n vain_a device_n and_o imagination_n now_o who_o will_v be_v reckon_v among_o the_o worshipper_n of_o this_o true_a god_n 〈◊〉_d testify_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o first_o by_o own_v these_o special_a and_o particular_a manifestation_n whereby_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o make_v himself_o know_v for_o as_o these_o do_v certain_o point_v out_o the_o true_a god_n and_o make_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o he_o and_o all_o false_a god_n devise_v by_o man_n so_o it_o be_v only_a faith_n in_o these_o manifestation_n which_o must_v put_v the_o difference_n betwixâ—…_n the_o worshipper_n of_o false_a god_n and_o uncertain_a deity_n and_o those_o who_o do_v certain_o adore_v the_o only_a true_a god._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n when_o they_o spâ—…ke_v of_o he_o style_v he_o by_o these_o particular_a manifestation_n and_o when_o they_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o have_v a_o special_a respect_n to_o they_o thus_o jacob_n call_v god_n the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o isaac_n nay_o it_o seem_v evident_a that_o god_n will_v have_v himself_o name_v from_o these_o thing_n and_o worship_v under_o these_o designation_n for_o when_o he_o appear_v again_o to_o jacob_n he_o call_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o bethel_n where_o thou_o anoint_v the_o pillar_n gen._n 31._o 13._o and_o thereafter_o we_o find_v he_o when_o he_o require_v of_o jacob_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o vow_n bespeak_v he_o thus_o arise_v go_v up_o to_o bethel_n to_o dwell_v there_o and_o make_v a_o altar_n unto_o god_n that_o appear_v unto_o thou_o when_o thou_o flee_v from_o the_o face_n of_o esau_n thy_o brother_n gen._n 35._o 1._o god_n constant_a title_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v that_o of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n god_n that_o bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o they_o who_o own_a not_o these_o title_n be_v account_v stranger_n to_o the_o true_a god_n there_o be_v now_o another_o name_n and_o designation_n give_v to_o god_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n viz._n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o reason_n why_o god_n take_v to_o himself_o these_o name_n and_o title_n and_o will_v have_v himself_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v particular_a denomination_n and_o do_v more_o direct_o lead_v to_o he_o the_o title_n of_o creator_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o can_v belong_v to_o none_o other_o but_o they_o who_o have_v worship_v false_a god_n have_v acknowledge_v a_o creator_n but_o who_o be_v the_o true_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v only_o own_a and_o adore_v by_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o who_o attend_v not_o to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o reject_v their_o direction_n if_o they_o own_o a_o deity_n it_o be_v only_o a_o numen_fw-la vagum_fw-la a_o unknown_a and_o uncertain_a god_n as_o the_o athenian_n do_v if_o god_n have_v never_o make_v any_o other_o discovery_n of_o himself_o then_o by_o this_o outward_a and_o visible_a world_n than_o man_n will_v have_v be_v only_o oblige_v to_o worship_v the_o deitâ—…_n according_a to_o that_o manifestation_n but_o see_v it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o give_v other_o manifestation_n for_o the_o illustrate_v of_o his_o own_o glory_n therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o necessary_a that_o these_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o we_o adore_v he_o out_o of_o a_o respect_n to_o these_o super_n add_v revelation_n as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o do_v it_o not_o be_v so_o far_o from_o own_v the_o true_a god_n that_o they_o oppose_v and_o set_v themselves_o against_o he_o thus_o certain_o pâ—…gans_n and_o infidel_n and_o such_o as_o disbelieve_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v exclude_v from_o among_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god._n which_o i_o wish_v be_v more_o serioâ—…sly_o consider_v for_o many_o person_n of_o this_o age_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o think_v they_o have_v go_v a_o very_a great_a length_n by_o acknowledge_v this_o though_o they_o deny_v faith_n to_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v as_o much_o without_o excuse_n as_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v there_o be_v a_o god_n upon_o the_o evidence_n thereof_o from_o the_o existence_n of_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o wiâ—…e_n and_o useful_a order_n and_o haâ—…monie_n and_o steadfastness_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o roll_a over_o the_o production_n of_o this_o material_a world_n upon_o blind_a chance_n the_o attribute_v it_o to_o a_o various_a toss_n and_o tumble_v of_o atom_n without_o any_o guide_n or_o director_n as_o be_v the_o dream_n of_o epicurus_n and_o democritus_n will_v be_v no_o great_a absurdity_n then_o to_o think_v that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o other_o thing_n narrate_v in_o scripture_n the_o admirable_a correspondence_n between_o the_o old_a and_o new_a tâ—…stament_n and_o the_o excellent_a agreement_n between_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o man_n when_o true_o consider_v shall_v not_o be_v of_o god_n but_o only_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n â—…nd_v as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v as_o much_o evidence_n for_o they_o as_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v desire_v and_o they_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n without_o overturning_a all_o humane_a certainty_n every_o man_n act_v daily_o in_o his_o civil_a affair_n as_o much_o upon_o trust_n as_o he_o be_v obliedge_v to_o by_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o infidelity_n be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n and_o as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a so_o it_o avert_v a_o man_n from_o god_n who_o have_v a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n as_o the_o apostle_n insinuate_v heb._n 3._o 13._o theisme_n &_o atheism_n be_v somewhat_o of_o a_o kin_n together_o and_o he_o who_o be_v only_o a_o theist_n may_v be_v very_o soon_o induce_v to_o be_v a_o atheist_n for_o though_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n may_v be_v learn_v by_o natural_a light_n yet_o without_o the_o reveal_v light_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v hard_a iâ—…_n not_o impossible_a
they_o do_v not_o commit_v to_o the_o oversight_n of_o some_o deity_n or_o other_o which_o they_o fail_v not_o to_o invock_n according_a to_o their_o various_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o heathen_n have_v of_o their_o deity_n be_v just_o such_o which_o the_o papist_n have_v of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o the_o one_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o saint_n and_o angel_n than_o what_o the_o other_o pretend_v for_o the_o worship_v of_o jupiter_n juno_n minerva_n mars_n vulcan_n etc._n etc._n these_o dij_fw-la minorum_fw-la gentium_fw-la these_o god_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n &_o order_n neither_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v say_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o one_o which_o may_v not_o be_v allege_v for_o the_o other_o and_o in_o truth_n it_o will_v seem_v that_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v be_v so_o much_o in_o love_n with_o that_o scheme_n of_o heathen_a religion_n as_o to_o think_v fit_a to_o transcribe_v it_o whole_o for_o there_o be_v little_a difference_n in_o this_o point_n except_o some_o change_n of_o name_n that_o whereas_o they_o worship_v former_o juno_n jupiter_n etc._n etc._n now_o some_o more_o christian_a name_n be_v set_v up_o to_o be_v adore_v and_o though_o certain_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o some_o of_o the_o christian_a saint_n be_v by_o far_o preferable_a to_o the_o best_a of_o the_o heathenish_a deity_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o more_o lawful_a to_o worship_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o for_o the_o do_v either_o be_v to_o do_v service_n to_o they_o who_o by_o nature_n be_v no_o god_n which_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v gal._n 4_o 8_o and_o which_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o worship_v will_v abhor_v if_o there_o be_v any_o communication_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n they_o will_v certain_o declare_v against_o the_o worship_v of_o they_o and_o will_v show_v themselves_o so_o far_o from_o be_v gratify_v thereby_o as_o to_o be_v high_o displease_v therewith_o that_o the_o angel_n will_v forbid_v it_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v see_v they_o have_v do_v it_o when_o occasion_n offer_v for_o when_o st_n john_n be_v about_o to_o worship_v the_o angel_n who_o show_v he_o these_o thing_n he_o set_v down_o in_o his_o revelation_n he_o withhold_v he_o say_v see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o for_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow-servant_n and_o if_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n return_v to_o the_o earth_n they_o will_v no_o doubt_v as_o earnest_o restrain_v man_n from_o pay_v divine_a homage_n to_o they_o as_o they_o do_v once_o the_o people_n of_o lystra_n and_o that_o too_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n even_o because_o they_o be_v man_n of_o the_o like_a passion_n for_o though_o they_o be_v free_v from_o sin_n and_o these_o frailty_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o here_o yet_o they_o be_v man_n still_o they_o be_v glorify_v indeed_o but_o not_o deify_v and_o therefore_o not_o proper_a object_n of_o worship_n but_o to_o return_v and_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o to_o this_o which_o be_v pretend_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n worship_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o say_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o uncertain_a what_o use_n god_n make_v of_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n what_o be_v their_o charge_n and_o office_n and_o what_o employment_n they_o be_v put_v to_o we_o read_v indeed_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v sometime_o employ_v angel_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o servant_n here_o below_o but_o whither_o he_o do_v this_o always_o whither_o each_o saint_n or_o angel_n have_v a_o particular_a constant_a employment_n or_o what_o be_v the_o particular_a employment_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v not_o reveal_v man_n can_v only_o guess_v at_o they_o neither_o have_v they_o any_o rule_n to_o make_v their_o guess_n probable_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o worship_v they_o or_o to_o make_v any_o address_n to_o they_o for_o religious_a worship_n and_o service_n shall_v stand_v upon_o better_a ground_n then_o mere_a conjecture_n yea_o i_o may_v say_v idle_a and_o fantastic_a dream_n what_o ground_n of_o assurance_n can_v be_v give_v that_o raphael_n be_v appoint_v for_o travel_v st._n roche_n for_o the_o pox_n st._n cornelis_n for_o the_o fall_a sickness_n st._n loy_n for_o horse_n disease_n st._n apollina_n for_o the_o toothache_n and_o that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n can_v give_v all_o that_o either_o soul_n or_o body_n need_v i_o say_v what_o assurance_n have_v we_o of_o this_o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n as_o certain_o there_o be_v none_o what_o a_o foolish_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o make_v address_n to_o these_o saint_n for_o these_o favour_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o give_v but_o to_o other_o saint_n if_o to_o any_o at_o all_o if_o man_n be_v desirous_a of_o the_o favour_n they_o seek_v i_o think_v they_o shall_v make_v application_n where_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v have_v that_o be_v they_o shall_v rather_o go_v to_o god_n then_o to_o saint_n or_o angel_n for_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o have_v all_o good_a to_o bestow_v but_o what_o gift_n be_v at_o their_o disposal_n or_o whither_o any_o be_v a_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o three_o though_o all_o shall_v be_v true_a that_o be_v allege_v that_o we_o receive_v good_a thing_n from_o hand_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o they_o can_v procure_v we_o what_o we_o desire_v yet_o this_o be_v no_o real_a ground_n for_o worship_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v thus_o suppose_v to_o come_v from_o they_o do_v not_o err_v my_o belove_a brethren_n say_v st._n james_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v mistake_v he_o and_o think_v he_o include_v angel_n and_o saint_n he_o add_v and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n neither_o shadow_n of_o turn_v james_n 1._o 17._o saint_n and_o angel_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o conveyance_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o worship_v they_o as_o we_o worship_v god_n if_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v honour_v with_o divine_a worship_n because_o god_n use_v their_o ministry_n in_o bless_v we_o with_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a benefit_n then_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o merchant_n or_o seaman_n may_v adore_v the_o wind_n when_o its_o favourable_a and_o every_o one_o may_v worship_v his_o meat_n for_o by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o meat_n god_n give_v we_o the_o blessing_n of_o life_n and_o it_o will_v not_o cast_v the_o balance_n as_o to_o the_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n that_o they_o be_v intelligent_a being_n understand_v what_o they_o do_v and_o what_o good_a they_o do_v we_o they_o do_v it_o with_o goodwill_n for_o if_o this_o be_v sufficient_a than_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o as_o great_a force_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o earthly_a man_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a good_a the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n shall_v indeed_o have_v a_o due_a respect_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v far_o below_o what_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o author_n and_o main_a cause_n saint_n and_o angel_n indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o have_v in_o great_a esteem_n because_o they_o stand_v always_o near_o god_n and_o be_v his_o chief_a servant_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o equal_v then_o with_o god_n by_o give_v they_o the_o same_o homage_n and_o pay_v they_o the_o same_o act_n of_o adoration_n a_o great_a difference_n shall_v be_v put_v between_o the_o servant_n and_o his_o lord_n minister_n of_o state_n and_o the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n and_o so_o betwixt_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o saint_n which_o also_o show_v the_o unsufficiencie_n of_o that_o other_o reason_n and_o pretence_n which_o some_o make_v for_o the_o worship_v of_o saint_n and_o angel_n viz._n that_o hereby_o they_o do_v honour_n to_o god_n for_o though_o god_n will_v have_v they_o honour_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o honour_a as_o himself_o 2._o some_o of_o the_o papist_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o the_o absurdity_n of_o worship_v saint_n and_o angel_n direct_o that_o to_o take_v away_o the_o shame_n thereof_o they_o study_v to_o put_v another_o face_n on_o these_o act_n of_o adoration_n which_o they_o pay_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o intend_v thereby_o no_o more_o but_o to_o entreat_v the_o saint_n and_o angel_n to_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o they_o which_o may_v be_v as_o
be_v superad_v to_o natural_a light_n both_o to_o confirm_v it_o and_o to_o supply_v its_o defect_n and_o what_o be_v thus_o necessary_a god_n have_v not_o withhold_v from_o man_n but_o as_o he_o make_v particular_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o the_o false_a deity_n which_o man_n have_v devise_v as_o be_v show_v above_o so_o he_o have_v give_v express_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n concern_v the_o way_n how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v that_o man_n may_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v herein_o nor_o yet_o make_v a_o offer_n of_o what_o be_v abominable_a in_o his_o sight_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o now_o leave_v to_o man_n uncertain_a conjecture_n and_o unless_o they_o be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a they_o need_v not_o perplex_v their_o mind_n long_o with_o such_o inquiry_n wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burn_a offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a if_o we_o be_v true_o serious_a we_o may_v soon_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n for_o as_o micah_n say_v he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o the_o lord_n do_v inquire_v of_o thou_o he_o have_v give_v a_o sure_a plain_a and_o fix_a rule_n which_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o neither_o be_v it_o far_o of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o heaven_n that_o thou_o shall_v say_v who_o shall_v go_v up_o for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o bring_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o beyond_o the_o sea_n that_o thou_o shall_v say_v who_o shall_v go_v over_o the_o sea_n for_o we_o and_o bring_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v very_o nigh_o unto_o thou_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o thou_o may_v do_v it_o deut_n 30._o 11._o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o be_v witness_v by_o the_o divine_a testimony_n of_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o the_o like_a which_o can_v only_o come_v from_o god_n who_o ever_o also_o consider_v impartial_o and_o attentiâ—…ely_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o manner_n of_o expression_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v they_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o as_o to_o their_o matter_n they_o both_o teach_v thing_n not_o discernible_a by_o natural_a light_n and_o also_o the_o dictate_v of_o human_a reason_n can_v not_o be_v so_o pure_o and_o with_o such_o evidence_n hold_v forth_o by_o any_o mere_a man_n sure_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n come_v far_o short_a of_o they_o even_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o as_o to_o their_o style_n and_o expression_n it_o be_v so_o fit_v to_o teach_v man_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o become_v god_n and_o so_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n only_o can_v join_v these_o two_o together_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o great_a master_n of_o eloquency_n to_o counterfeit_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v many_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n and_o as_o they_o be_v his_o word_n so_o the_o design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o prescribe_v that_o service_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o will_v be_v accept_v by_o he_o wherefore_o who_o will_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o consult_v these_o holy_a book_n especial_o the_o n._n t._n even_o as_o a_o subject_a to_o know_v his_o devoir_n to_o his_o soveragine_n will_v do_v best_a to_o consult_v the_o public_a act_n and_o statute_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o who_o will_v worship_n god_n acceptable_o must_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o he_o who_o will_v show_v himself_o a_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n must_v do_v it_o by_o a_o careful_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o his_o prince_n some_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o ask_v here_o wither_v any_o service_n will_v be_v acceptable_a beside_o what_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o i_o shall_v study_v to_o answer_v plain_o and_o in_o few_o word_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o exchange_v the_o divine_a appointment_n with_o our_o own_o divice_n for_o nothing_o which_o we_o can_v do_v will_v excuse_v the_o neglect_n of_o command_a duty_n nor_o will_v be_v receive_v in_o compensation_n of_o they_o we_o then_o true_o adore_v god_n and_o own_o he_o when_o we_o hearty_o and_o ready_o comply_v with_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o as_o this_o will_v please_v he_o better_o than_o a_o ox_n or_o bullock_n that_o have_v horn_n and_o hoof_n yea_o better_o than_o thousand_o of_o oblation_n and_o burn_a offering_n so_o though_o we_o will_v do_v never_o so_o much_o or_o so_o many_o thing_n it_o will_v not_o please_v he_o if_o that_o be_v leave_v undo_v as_o samuel_n say_v to_o saul_n have_v the_o lord_n as_o great_a pleasure_n in_o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n as_o in_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n behold_v to_o obey_v be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n and_o to_o hearken_v then_o the_o fat_a of_o lamb_n â—…_n sam._n 15._o 22._o second_o if_o we_o make_v the_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n which_o be_v of_o our_o own_o devise_v of_o equal_a weight_n and_o value_n with_o what_o be_v command_v they_o be_v abominable_a superstition_n but_o three_o if_o these_o two_o be_v guard_v against_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o displease_v to_o god_n to_o do_v thing_n not_o express_o or_o particular_o enjoin_v especial_o if_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o do_v they_o be_v main_o to_o help_v forward_o that_o service_n which_o be_v enjoin_v this_o matter_n will_v be_v far_o clear_v by_o the_o follow_a example_n if_o some_o capricious_a and_o conceit_a person_n shall_v either_o counteract_v or_o slight_v the_o establish_a statute_n of_o the_o king_n and_o resolve_v to_o express_v his_o loyalty_n by_o new_a way_n of_o his_o own_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o will_v not_o find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o king_n though_o his_o aim_n be_v good_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o one_o due_o observe_v the_o king_n law_n and_o pay_v the_o homage_n require_v and_o moreover_o out_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o affection_n will_v do_v more_o or_o something_o else_o than_o what_o by_o the_o law_n he_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o king_n will_v not_o be_v displease_v with_o he_o yea_o can_v but_o high_o favour_v he_o the_o very_a same_o may_v be_v say_v to_o the_o present_a question_n only_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o all_o humane_a law_n be_v imperfect_a so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v outdo_v they_o his_o action_n often_o may_v be_v better_o than_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o may_v pretend_v to_o merit_v at_o the_o king_n hand_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v most_o perfect_a and_o reach_v to_o all_o thing_n good_a and_o commendable_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o order_n to_o other_o thing_n and_o none_o have_v reason_n to_o plead_v merit_n before_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v for_o their_o action_n which_o be_v command_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o perfection_n require_v and_o if_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n not_o express_o or_o particular_o require_v if_o it_o be_v good_a or_o useful_a any_o wise_a it_o come_v under_o some_o general_a command_n if_o it_o be_v not_o good_a and_o useful_a it_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o unreasonable_a service_n which_o god_n do_v not_o value_n or_o regard_n thus_o have_v show_v that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v the_o worship_n he_o will_v have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o worship_v in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n who_o do_v it_o not_o as_o they_o be_v there_o direct_v it_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v what_o that_o worship_n be_v which_o be_v there_o require_v &_o by_o which_o we_o testify_v that_o we_o own_o the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v our_o god_n now_o in_o discourse_v hereof_o we_o shall_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o indeed_o must_v have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n viz._n faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n both_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mediator_n and_o a_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n without_o this_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb_n 11._o 6._o and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v clear_a for_o see_v we_o have_v offend_v god_n and_o thereby_o make_v he_o our_o enemy_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o peace_n be_v first_o make_v before_o either_o our_o
duty_n thus_o to_o observe_v the_o work_n and_o way_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a observation_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o follow_v the_o light_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o mean_n we_o shall_v both_o â—…ee_v the_o more_o clear_o and_o shall_v also_o understand_v the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o god_n work_n more_o full_o many_o thing_n which_o lie_v hide_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o give_v we_o a_o better_a view_n of_o many_o of_o god_n act_n than_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v otherwise_o and_o hereby_o only_o we_o be_v instruct_v in_o one_o work_n of_o god_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o wonderful_a i_o mean_v the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n this_o be_v a_o deep_a mystery_n and_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n both_o for_o itself_o &_o because_o help_n to_o unriddle_v all_o the_o other_o mystery_n of_o divine_a providence_n such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a may_v with_o the_o greek_n count_v it_o foolishness_n but_o who_o serious_o examine_v it_o shall_v find_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o and_o see_v it_o concern_v we_o more_o than_o they_o certain_o we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o either_o consider_v it_o or_o admire_v it_o if_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o observe_v the_o divine_a transaction_n as_o we_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v sure_o we_o ought_v to_o contemptlate_v this_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a contrivance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o very_a end_n of_o all_o the_o other_o purpose_n of_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v col_n 2._o 3._o here_o we_o see_v the_o most_o amaze_a thing_n viz._n a_o union_n betwixt_o two_o nature_n infinite_o distant_a a_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o infinite_a justice_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n the_o great_a severity_n towards_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a kindness_n towards_o sinner_n express_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o act._n all_o god_n work_v declare_v his_o glory_n but_o never_o any_o more_o or_o so_o much_o as_o this_o his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n justice_n mercy_n and_o other_o perfection_n be_v never_o so_o illustrious_o display_v as_o here_o on_o this_o therefore_o we_o must_v in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n fix_v our_o thought_n and_o that_o not_o mere_o to_o satisfy_v our_o curiosity_n or_o to_o stuff_n our_o head_n with_o notion_n but_o to_o fill_v we_o with_o a_o great_a knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v our_o admiration_n of_o he_o to_o excite_v our_o love_n to_o he_o and_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o their_o power_n and_o faculty_n to_o bless_v and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o goodness_n and_o wonderful_a work_n to_o the_o child_n of_o men._n and_o as_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o end_n in_o observe_v and_o contemplate_v the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o god_n so_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n we_o be_v oblige_v thereto_o because_o that_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o necessary_a mean_n to_o carry_v on_o this_o end_n we_o can_v love_v nor_o admire_v nor_o adore_v nor_o trust_v &c_n &c_n what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o we_o can_v know_v god_n otherwave_v then_o by_o his_o work_n and_o those_o manifestation_n which_o he_o have_v give_v of_o himself_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o immeditat_v intuition_n of_o his_o essence_n and_o the_o idea_n which_o we_o have_v of_o he_o by_o nature_n will_v soon_o be_v deface_v if_o it_o be_v not_o cherish_v by_o such_o meditation_n that_o therefore_o we_o may_v know_v god_n and_o know_v he_o be_v engage_v to_o those_o act_n of_o love_n praise_n trust_v dependence_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v those_o work_n and_o action_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v before_o we_o in_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o word_n and_o which_o daily_a appear_v by_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o ourselves_o and_o other_o wherefore_o also_o we_o must_v not_o do_v this_o only_a now_o and_o then_o or_o in_o a_o slight_a overly_o manner_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v up_o frequent_o with_o such_o contemplation_n and_o when_o we_o set_v about_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o all_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o we_o consider_v and_o that_o it_o may_v have_v a_o due_a impression_n on_o we_o short_a and_o superficial_a glance_n do_v little_a good_a indeed_o what_o occur_v to_o we_o as_o we_o converse_v with_o other_o or_o go_v up_o and_o down_o about_o our_o a_o 〈◊〉_d we_o need_v not_o stay_v long_o thereon_o but_o may_v observe_v pass_o but_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a beside_o to_o set_v a_o part_n some_o particular_a time_n for_o this_o purpose_n that_o our_o meditation_n may_v be_v more_o deliberate_a and_o free_a of_o distraction_n how_o much_o time_n shall_v be_v allot_v and_o what_o hour_n be_v best_a must_v be_v leave_v to_o each_o one_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o general_a rule_n prescribe_v to_o all_o some_o have_v their_o time_n at_o their_o own_o disposal_n and_o can_v use_v it_o as_o they_o please_v other_o be_v not_o so_o the_o first_o sort_n may_v keep_v hour_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o spend_v more_o time_n in_o this_o exercise_n but_o for_o the_o last_o they_o must_v take_v the_o evening_n or_o the_o morning_n or_o midday_n as_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o they_o and_o must_v continue_v long_o or_o short_a as_o agree_v best_a with_o their_o station_n and_o employment_n every_o one_o have_v the_o lord_n day_n almost_o free_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v every_o one_o duty_n to_o employ_v this_o day_n thus_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o day_n and_o they_o who_o can_v command_v much_o time_n all_o the_o week_n be_v above_o all_o other_o oblige_v to_o use_v this_o day_n well_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n as_o to_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o meditate_v it_o be_v not_o very_o material_a neither_o need_v any_o be_v nice_o curious_a in_o what_o order_n or_o after_o what_o way_n and_o manner_n they_o proceed_v in_o consider_v these_o work_n of_o god_n provide_v they_o seek_v they_o out_o serious_o labour_v to_o understand_v they_o true_o and_o make_v proper_a and_o useful_a reflection_n on_o they_o at_o every_o retirement_n we_o can_v make_v serious_a and_o deep_a observation_n of_o all_o god_n work_n therefore_o to_o consider_v they_o well_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v they_o several_o sometime_o our_o inward_a disposition_n external_a state_n the_o present_a occasion_n and_o other_o circumstance_n make_v some_o of_o god_n work_v more_o proper_a and_o suitable_a than_o other_o when_o it_o be_v so_o we_o shall_v determine_v our_o meditation_n to_o these_o especial_o but_o ordinary_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o particular_a reason_n to_o determine_v we_o it_o will_v be_v best_a &_o most_o profitable_a to_o follow_v the_o course_n &_o order_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o we_o may_v call_v the_o scripture_n divine_a momâ—…ires_n which_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o great_a and_o admirable_a action_n of_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o second_o instance_n of_o walk_v with_o god_n of_o consult_v god._n the_o three_o particular_a mean_v by_o walk_v with_o god_n be_v the_o consult_v he_o about_o what_o concern_v we_o for_o as_o be_v usual_a for_o such_o as_o be_v in_o company_n together_o to_o advise_v with_o one_o another_o so_o by_o walk_v with_o god_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o ask_v his_o counsel_n and_o direction_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o unerring_a wisdom_n the_o more_o eminent_a any_o one_o be_v the_o more_o other_o be_v oblige_v to_o advise_v with_o he_o especial_o if_o with_o all_o he_o have_v a_o jurisdiction_n &_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v obligation_n on_o they_o to_o study_v the_o please_a he_o thus_o servant_n and_o child_n ought_v to_o consult_v their_o parent_n and_o master_n not_o only_o because_o they_o shall_v think_v they_o more_o wise_a than_o themselves_o but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o humour_n and_o please_v they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a as_o it_o be_v col._n 1._o 10._o therefore_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o without_o his_o warrant_n and_o advice_n the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o as_o the_o prophet_n have_v it_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o walk_v
next_o place_n we_o must_v address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o may_v please_v he_o to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o discern_a his_o will_n and_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v walk_v for_o be_v we_o do_v not_o pray_v we_o be_v not_o desirous_a hereof_o neither_o due_o value_v it_o and_o so_o god_n will_v not_o think_v we_o worthy_a of_o it_o who_o despise_v or_o light_o esteem_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o wander_v in_o the_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o he_o will_v lead_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n who_o humble_o seek_v he_o but_o though_o prayer_n be_v good_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a mean_n it_o must_v not_o be_v neglect_v but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v rest_v in_o we_o must_v not_o ask_v direction_n as_o pilate_n what_o be_v truth_n at_o christ_n who_o when_o he_o put_v the_o question_n present_o go_v out_o and_o stay_v not_o for_o a_o answer_n after_o we_o have_v pray_v we_o shall_v listen_v attentive_o to_o what_o god_n say_v we_o ought_v to_o hearken_v careful_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o god._n and_o therefore_o three_o we_o must_v search_v diligent_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o and_o by_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o we_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n god_n have_v give_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o path_n and_o so_o who_o will_v walk_v upright_o so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n must_v follow_v the_o guidance_n thereof_o be_v true_a god_n speak_v also_o inward_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o ordinary_o it_o be_v by_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o the_o word_n '_o tt_v seldom_o and_o in_o some_o singular_a case_n only_o that_o he_o speak_v to_o man_n without_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o scripture_n however_o he_o never_o speak_v but_o agreeable_o to_o the_o scripture_n whatever_o he_o say_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n must_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o god_n neither_o can_v nor_o will_v contradict_v himself_o wherefore_o all_o inward_a suggestion_n and_o inspiration_n must_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v in_o a_o like_a case_n be_v the_o sure_a word_n 2_o pet_n 1._o 19_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o put_v great_a confidence_n in_o the_o outward_a light_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o what_o be_v inward_o suggest_v for_o we_o may_v ready_o deceive_v ourselves_o here_o and_o take_v the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o our_o own_o strong_a imagination_n for_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n spirit_n every_o one_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o they_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v often_o hard_a for_o any_o to_o do_v it_o but_o by_o compare_v they_o to_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v from_o god._n we_o must_v not_o then_o be_v too_o hasty_a in_o conclude_v our_o inclination_n to_o a_o thing_n or_o aversion_n from_o it_o after_o that_o we_o have_v pray_v fervent_o to_o be_v from_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o at_o lest_o no_o wise_a opposite_a to_o what_o be_v there_o enjoin_v we_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o holy_a oracle_n which_o deliver_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o they_o therefore_o we_o must_v resort_v at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n to_o know_v what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o by_o they_o all_o person_n of_o each_o sex_n age_n condition_n employment_n may_v be_v instruct_v how_o to_o order_v their_o conversation_n aright_o before_o god._n for_o they_o be_v so_o compose_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n by_o they_o may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o it_o be_v true_a every_o one_o will_v not_o find_v their_o particular_a case_n state_v and_o resolve_v but_o either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o either_o by_o express_a precept_n or_o parallel_n and_o not_o much_o different_a example_n they_o shall_v see_v what_o may_v sufficient_o inform_v and_o resolve_v they_o and_o whoso_o will_v give_v themselves_o entire_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n shall_v without_o doubt_n as_o we_o show_v before_o either_o by_o secret_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o or_o by_o some_o special_a occurrence_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v particular_o direct_v in_o the_o disposal_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o affair_n which_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o to_o which_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v speak_v particular_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n unto_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o testimony_n psal._n 25._o 9_o 10._o thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o we_o shall_v consult_v god_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o he_o now_o certain_o it_o concern_v we_o very_o much_o thus_o to_o consult_v he_o and_o to_o follow_v these_o mean_n for_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o we_o to_o do_v the_o heathen_n of_o old_a glory_v much_o in_o their_o oracle_n and_o use_v to_o consult_v they_o in_o all_o their_o affair_n though_o they_o be_v so_o uncertain_a and_o ambiguous_a that_o they_o prove_v more_o often_o snare_n to_o entrap_v they_o than_o light_v to_o guide_v they_o but_o sure_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v in_o this_o special_a privilege_n we_o have_v of_o consult_v the_o true_a god_n who_o neither_o will_v deceive_v other_o nor_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o who_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o speak_v to_o we_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o by_o his_o word_n and_o who_o promise_v far_o direction_n as_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n hereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v wise_o and_o be_v show_v the_o true_a way_n of_o carry_v on_o our_o happiness_n and_o peace_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v david_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8._o it_o be_v a_o laudable_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n before_o they_o begin_v any_o enterprise_n and_o so_o it_o become_v we_o to_o resort_v unto_o the_o scripture_n for_o counsel_n and_o direction_n where_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o full_o and_o clear_o if_o we_o be_v desirous_a thereof_o and_o follow_v the_o direction_n prescribe_v above_o david_n no_o doubt_n have_v many_o counselor_n and_o yet_o he_o prefer_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o god_n before_o they_o all_o thy_o testimony_n say_v he_o be_v my_o delight_n and_o counselor_n and_o again_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o bid_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o his_o teacher_n for_o god_n testimony_n be_v his_o meditation_n ps_n 119._o 24._o 99_o it_o be_v report_v of_o the_o heathen_a socrates_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o certain_a spirit_n or_o genius_n which_o he_o use_v as_o his_o counsellor_n and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o he_o be_v require_v to_o speak_v or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n his_o usual_a answer_n be_v si_fw-la daemon_n permiserit_fw-la if_o my_o spirit_n or_o genius_n will_v suffer_v now_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n that_o we_o have_v a_o better_a counsellor_n to_o advise_v with_o and_o therefore_o also_o whenso_fw-la ere_o any_o thing_n be_v propound_v unto_o we_o either_o to_o our_o understanding_n or_o will_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v let_v our_o answer_n be_v with_o the_o psalmist_n i_o will_v hear_v what_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v speak_v ps._n 85._o 8._o i_o will_v first_o consult_v god_n by_o the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o never_o conclude_v or_o resolve_v any_o thing_n without_o advise_v thus_o with_o god_n we_o shall_v high_o honour_v he_o and_o show_v a_o entire_a regard_n unto_o he_o and_o also_o take_v a_o wise_a and_o most_o profitable_a course_n for_o ourselves_o but_o alas_o as_o solomon_n complain_v wherefore_o be_v there_o a_o price_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n to_o get_v wisdom_n see_v he_o have_v no_o heart_n unto_o it_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o and_o how_o little_a do_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o have_v the_o scripture_n see_v we_o make_v so_o little_a use_n of_o they_o and_o take_v so_o little_a notice_n of_o what_o god_n say_v to_o we_o in_o and_o by_o they_o how_o sad_a be_v it_o and_o what_o matter_n of_o regrate_a
must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v omit_v god_n require_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n make_v it_o necessary_a and_o there_o be_v no_o remission_n without_o it_o he_o who_o confess_v have_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n but_o who_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v to_o perfom_v this_o aright_o we_o must_v consider_v both_o our_o general_n and_o particular_a state_n and_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o in_o the_o general_n we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v common_a to_o we_o with_o all_o other_o that_o we_o be_v of_o a_o rebellious_a race_n miserable_o corrupt_v and_o prone_a to_o all_o evil_a but_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v here_o but_o must_v subjoine_v also_o a_o confession_n of_o our_o own_o particular_a fault_n all_o our_o sinful_a inclination_n and_o actual_a transgression_n with_o their_o aggravate_v circumstance_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o ought_v to_o search_v our_o heart_n to_o examine_v our_o dispâ—…sitions_n and_o to_o take_v account_n of_o our_o life_n but_o if_o we_o make_v only_o a_o simple_a confession_n it_o will_v avail_v we_o little_a we_o must_v not_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n as_o usual_a people_n do_v the_o offence_n they_o give_v one_o another_o or_o some_o great_a man_n which_o they_o do_v clear_o out_o of_o compliment_n or_o out_o of_o constraint_n to_o shun_v some_o present_a inconveniency_n without_o any_o dereâ—…ation_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o we_o must_v be_v ingenuous_a in_o confess_v our_o sin_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o confess_v they_o with_o sorrow_n and_o contrition_n confession_n be_v a_o mere_a mockery_n if_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o abhorrency_n at_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o indignation_n at_o ourselves_o and_o back_v with_o unfeinged_a purpose_n to_o abandon_v sin_n and_o guard_n against_o it_o wherefore_o when_o we_o confess_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v how_o every_o sinful_a act_n be_v a_o complex_fw-la of_o injustice_n ungratitude_n arrogancy_n madness_n and_o folly_n that_o sin_n be_v most_o loathsome_a in_o its_o nature_n and_o most_o mischievous_a in_o its_o consequence_n but_o because_o god_n require_v we_o not_o to_o remember_v and_o confess_v our_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o despair_n but_o to_o stir_v up_o in_o we_o desire_n of_o mercy_n and_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o it_o so_o have_v humble_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o wrought_v ourselves_o to_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v next_o support_v ourselves_o with_o the_o comfortable_a consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n how_o that_o he_o be_v most_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o forgive_v and_o how_o that_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o mercy_n to_o sinner_n he_o have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o repair_v his_o honour_n which_o by_o our_o sin_n be_v affront_v and_o baffle_v we_o shall_v consider_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n which_o by_o faith_n we_o shall_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n and_o thereupon_o both_o ask_v forgiveness_n and_o confident_o hope_v for_o it_o a_o three_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v petition_n or_o a_o humble_a representation_n of_o our_o desire_n to_o god_n which_o he_o call_v for_o to_o teach_v we_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o that_o it_o be_v in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o that_o we_o may_v acknowledge_v he_o the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o this_o part_n we_o must_v first_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o indigency_n and_o a_o strong_a faith_n in_o god_n power_n and_o goodness_n in_o his_o power_n that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o in_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v we_o what_o we_o ask_v for_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o ask_v of_o another_o what_o we_o think_v we_o need_v not_o or_o what_o we_o may_v get_v without_o he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o vain_a to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o one_o in_o who_o we_o have_v no_o confidence_n who_o power_n or_o goodness_n we_o very_o much_o doubt_v now_o to_o persuade_v we_o of_o god_n power_n and_o goodness_n and_o of_o our_o own_o misery_n and_o poverty_n we_o need_v but_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o god_n and_o take_v a_o impartial_a view_n of_o ourselves_o second_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v to_o the_o aim_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o desire_n that_o we_o have_v a_o right_a end_n before_o we_o for_o if_o we_o have_v a_o evil_a intention_n our_o desire_n be_v sinful_a and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v present_v to_o god_n who_o be_v most_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o who_o can_v be_v pervert_v from_o what_o be_v right_a our_o desire_n therefore_o must_v not_o terminate_v in_o ourselves_o we_o must_v not_o intend_v our_o own_o honour_n glory_n pleasure_n &c_n &c_n in_o this_o world_n that_o must_v be_v the_o chief_n end_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o petition_n which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o be_v viz._n god_n himself_o and_o his_o glory_n this_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o in_o that_o short_a prayer_n he_o prescribe_v for_o there_o we_o be_v command_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n name_n be_v hallow_v that_o his_o kingdom_n may_v come_v but_o this_o do_v not_o debarr_o we_o from_o respect_v our_o own_o eternal_a felicity_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o we_o shall_v seek_v include_v that_o in_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o seek_v our_o own_o eternal_a interest_n and_o we_o can_v aim_v at_o heaven_n without_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n these_o two_o be_v inseparable_a 3_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o request_n that_o in_o this_o also_o they_o be_v good_a and_o proper_a that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o crave_v what_o he_o have_v not_o approve_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v acquaint_v ourselves_o well_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n and_o thereby_o regulate_v all_o our_o desire_n what_o he_o have_v allow_v we_o may_v what_o he_o have_v command_v we_o ought_v to_o ask_v but_o what_o he_o have_v forbid_v we_o shall_v pray_v against_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v 4_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v with_o all_o earnestness_n for_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n but_o as_o for_o temporal_a thing_n though_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o too_o yet_o not_o peremptorly_a but_o with_o a_o resignation_n to_o the_o wise_a disposal_n of_o god_n will_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v because_o he_o have_v absolute_o approve_v of_o spiritual_a blessing_n but_o have_v declare_v otherwise_o anent_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o because_o he_o have_v make_v it_o always_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o be_v good_a holy_a chaste_a sober_a meek_a &_o c._n but_o it_o be_v not_o always_o expedient_a for_o we_o to_o have_v health_n and_o outward_a peace_n prosperity_n and_o other_o temporal_a good_a thing_n nor_o be_v it_o expedient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v when_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o five_o and_o last_o each_o time_n we_o pray_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o consider_v our_o general_a state_n as_o man_n and_o christian_n and_o ask_v what_o be_v agreeable_a thereto_o but_o also_o our_o particular_a station_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o tentation_n we_o be_v in_o or_o liable_a to_o and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o affair_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o lay_v they_o open_v before_o god_n and_o frame_n desire_v suitable_a to_o each_o of_o these_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n go_v to_o his_o friend_n with_o a_o thing_n which_o befall_v he_o and_o as_o the_o sick_a and_o infirm_a make_v the_o physician_n acquaint_v with_o all_o their_o distemper_n so_o we_o shall_v never_o fail_v to_o impart_v our_o state_n and_o all_o our_o concern_v to_o god_n and_o to_o ask_v the_o direction_n and_o assistance_n he_o know_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o which_o be_v do_v in_o faith_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodwill_n as_o be_v say_v before_o can_v but_o be_v a_o great_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n because_o than_o we_o may_v have_v this_o confidence_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o petition_n we_o desire_v of_o he_o 1_o john_n 5._o 15._o for_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o god_n so_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o fit_a shall_v be_v do_v to_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o or_o rely_v upon_o he_o blesseod_n be_v they_o who_o believe_v for_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o performance_n of_o these_o
do_v not_o communicate_v when_o they_o come_v up_o to_o church_n to_o hear_v so_o do_v those_o canon_n which_o carry_v the_o name_n of_o apostolical_a thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o can_v not_o be_v well_o omit_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v why_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n at_o least_o every_o lord_n day_n be_v leave_v off_o but_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n the_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o apostolic_a age_n wear_v out_o and_o so_o man_n become_v careless_a of_o give_v this_o expression_n thereof_o or_o out_o off_o a_o superstitious_a regard_n to_o their_o chief_a festival_n they_o will_v only_o communicate_v on_o these_o day_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o do_v they_o the_o great_a honour_n but_o as_o for_o the_o present_a custom_n of_o communicate_v only_o once_o or_o twice_o a_o year_n it_o be_v so_o unaccountable_a and_o speak_v out_o so_o little_a true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o calvin_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o call_v it_o diabolicum_fw-la inventum_fw-la a_o mere_a device_n of_o satan_n to_o stifle_v piety_n and_o to_o keep_v back_o people_n endeavour_n after_o godliness_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o worship_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v expresl_o enjoin_v it_o be_v a_o great_a testimony_n of_o our_o faith_n a_o solemn_a act_n of_o adoration_n pay_v both_o to_o the_o father_n and_o son_n and_o a_o visible_a commemoration_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v be_v both_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o chief_a rite_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o in_o a_o manner_n comprehend_v all_o other_o part_n thereof_o and_o by_o the_o serious_a participation_n of_o this_o sacrament_n we_o true_o glorify_v god_n and_o bring_v good_a to_o ourselves_o for_o christ_n have_v ordain_v it_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o therefore_o this_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v often_o administrate_n and_o who_o will_v testify_v their_o love_n to_o god_n shall_v as_o frequent_o partake_v thereof_o it_o be_v allege_v against_o frequent_a communicate_v first_o that_o it_o will_v take_v away_o much_o of_o the_o esteem_n due_a to_o this_o sacrament_n but_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v good_a it_o will_v follow_v also_o that_o we_o shall_v seldom_o think_v on_o god_n pray_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o perform_v other_o act_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v no_o true_a esteem_n which_o arise_v only_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o rarity_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o certain_o acquaintance_n with_o spiritual_a action_n &_o frequent_a exercise_v they_o beget_v the_o high_a esteem_n of_o they_o and_o delight_v in_o they_o he_o pray_v best_a and_o with_o most_o pleasure_n who_o pray_v often_o and_o so_o of_o other_o thing_n another_o pretence_n be_v that_o if_o man_n communicate_v frequent_o they_o will_v not_o have_v leisure_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o but_o this_o run_v upon_o a_o mistake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o the_o preparation_n requisite_a thereto_o a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n be_v always_o necessary_a but_o not_o from_o our_o civil_a business_n especial_o if_o we_o have_v any_o occasion_n of_o communicate_v he_o who_o firm_o believe_v the_o gospel_n hearty_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o dispose_v for_o the_o sacrament_n any_o day_n and_o every_o day_n and_o who_o be_v not_o thus_o dispose_v for_o the_o sacrament_n neither_o be_v he_o fit_a to_o pray_v or_o to_o go_v about_o any_o other_o religious_a exercise_n and_o so_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n with_o god._n if_o a_o person_n once_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o daily_a exercise_n himself_o in_o prayer_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o former_a section_n if_o his_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a walk_n with_o god_n he_o be_v ever_o sutable_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o if_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o thus_o prepare_v therefore_o the_o want_n of_o preparation_n will_v not_o excuse_v the_o ommission_n of_o this_o duty_n the_o omission_n whereof_o do_v of_o itself_o imply_v though_o people_n be_v loath_a to_o acknowledge_v it_o a_o renunciation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n thus_o we_o have_v go_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o public_a worship_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o let_v see_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o go_v about_o they_o and_o by_o what_o account_n we_o have_v give_v which_o certain_o will_v hold_v true_a it_o appear_v that_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o reform_a church_n be_v proper_a and_o acceptable_a so_o that_o none_o have_v any_o just_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o it_o and_o who_o do_v it_o be_v undoubted_o guilty_a of_o schism_n it_o be_v true_a in_o some_o place_n perhaps_o and_o particular_o among_o our_o self_n there_o will_v need_v some_o rectification_n for_o the_o more_o grave_a decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o divine_a service_n but_o however_o neither_o we_o nor_o any_o other_o of_o our_o protestant_a brethren_n want_v any_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n nor_o have_v we_o or_o they_o any_o thing_n disagreeable_a to_o god_n or_o which_o destroy_v the_o end_n of_o worship_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o all_o excuse_n who_o refuse_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o this_o or_o any_o other_o reform_a church_n but_o as_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o all_o reform_a church_n so_o the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v true_a of_o the_o worship_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o it_o neither_o answer_v the_o end_n nor_o agree_v to_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o god_n worship_n it_o be_v not_o it_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v full_a of_o abomination_n for_o first_o in_o general_a the_o popish_a service_n be_v neither_o spiritual_a nor_o reasonable_a though_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v it_o in_o retail_n but_o in_o gross_a it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o ignorant_a brutish_a service_n a_o service_n which_o be_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o do_v it_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o man_n because_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o the_o learned_a d._n taylor_n say_v we_o may_v as_o soon_o reconcile_v adultery_n with_o the_o seven_o command_n as_o the_o service_n in_o a_o language_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v with_o the_o 14._o of_o first_o ep._n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o if_o public_a worship_n need_v not_o be_v understand_v neither_o needs_o it_o be_v pronounce_v at_o all_o for_o if_o the_o priest_n speak_v not_o to_o let_v man_n understand_v he_o he_o need_v not_o speak_v to_o inform_v god_n and_o so_o a_o dumb_a priest_n be_v even_o as_o good_a as_o one_o who_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v this_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v both_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o world_n &_o be_v condemn_v by_o common_a sense_n so_o that_o the_o papist_n in_o defend_v themselves_o use_v a_o deal_n of_o impertinent_a nonsense_n and_o vent_v intolerable_a absurdity_n which_o render_v religion_n ridiculous_a and_o destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o it_o what_o a_o absurdity_n be_v it_o to_o teach_v people_n to_o use_v prayer_n only_o as_o charm_n to_o think_v ignorant_a prate_n as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n be_v useless_a in_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o though_o for_o it_o especial_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o reasonable_a faculty_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o what_o a_o late_a popish_a writer_n have_v moyens_fw-fr confess_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v the_o pub_fw-la sur_n par_fw-fr lick_v service_n in_o the_o common_a language_n of_o la_fw-fr converthe_a country_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o be_v the_o hereagreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o tiques_n mystery_n of_o god_n be_v not_o as_o those_o of_o 147._o pagan_n these_o behove_v to_o be_v hide_v from_o people_n because_o they_o be_v shameful_a and_o ridiculous_a but_o god_n will_v have_v his_o child_n instruct_v full_o in_o he_o there_o can_v be_v great_a reproach_n throw_v upon_o religion_n then_o to_o say_v as_o some_o do_v that_o faith_n without_o knowledge_n be_v best_a he_o must_v be_v a_o impostor_n and_o seducer_n who_o speak_v so_o for_o st._n paul_n command_v nothing_o
more_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v recommend_v to_o people_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o father_n it_o be_v not_o the_o people_n who_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n and_o spread_v heresy_n they_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o doctor_n and_o person_n of_o the_o clergy_n arrius_n macedonius_n nestorius_n eutyches_n pelagius_n be_v all_o churchman_n 2_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v not_o a_o resemblance_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o want_v the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n thereof_o to_o make_v worship_n look_v like_o christian_a as_o we_o former_o show_v it_o shall_v be_v plain_a and_o simple_a that_o be_v free_a of_o ceremony_n except_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o excite_v and_o fix_v the_o attention_n &_o shall_v chief_o consist_v of_o action_n which_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a and_o which_o do_v proper_o express_v the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o glory_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v mere_o pomp_n &_o pageantry_n a_o vain_a external_a show_n of_o ceremony_n fit_a for_o the_o theatre_n than_o the_o church_n their_o church_n be_v dress_v with_o gaudy_a scene_n like_o playhouse_n and_o like_o they_o too_o they_o use_v not_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o the_o dazzle_a &_o deceive_a light_n of_o lamp_n and_o wax-candle_n their_o priest_n be_v sumptuous_o deck_v with_o various_a kind_n of_o garment_n and_o as_o for_o the_o service_n itself_o it_o consist_v in_o sprinkle_v of_o holy-water_n kindle_v perfume_n kneel_v and_o bow_v and_o often_o cross_v turn_v to_o the_o right_n or_o left_a hand_n according_a to_o the_o sign_n give_v the_o elevate_a and_o lowing_n of_o the_o voice_n at_o certain_a time_n the_o vain_a repetition_n of_o unintelligible_a word_n and_o in_o a_o multitude_n of_o impertinent_a and_o insignificant_a ceremony_n which_o chock_n the_o very_a spirit_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o will_v render_v what_o be_v read_v or_o speak_v to_o no_o purpose_n though_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v attentive_a or_o make_v any_o serious_a application_n where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o external_a performance_n the_o worship_n enjoin_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v more_o resemblance_n to_o paganism_n then_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o contain_v indeed_o act_n and_o instance_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o so_o bury_v in_o heathenish_a superstition_n that_o they_o lose_v their_o efficacy_n both_o with_o god_n and_o man._n their_o sprinkling_n procession_n scourge_n pilgrimage_n and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o most_o of_o their_o ceremony_n both_o in_o their_o ordinary_a and_o extradinary_a devotion_n be_v derive_v from_o ancient_a paganism_n and_o be_v indeed_o more_o suit_v to_o pagan_a temper_n then_o christian_a mind_n for_o such_o as_o understand_v the_o gospel_n know_v that_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o such_o action_n the_o hour_n come_v say_v christ_n and_o now_o be_v that_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n shall_v worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_n he_o 3_o popish_a worship_n be_v not_o only_o full_a of_o superstition_n but_o idolatry_n it_o not_o only_o be_v make_v up_o of_o many_o foolish_o and_o useless_a action_n which_o can_v pretend_v to_o no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n or_o divine_a authority_n but_o it_o contain_v also_o many_o thing_n express_o forbid_v as_o the_o invocation_n and_o adoration_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n etc._n etc._n what_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o rome_n pagan_a hold_v true_a of_o rome_n christian_n they_o have_v change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n and_o worship_n the_o creature_n more_o than_o the_o creator_n for_o the_o most_o of_o their_o worship_n be_v not_o tender_v to_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n but_o to_o angel_n the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o other_o depart_a saint_n to_o image_n relic_n that_o be_v the_o bones_o ash_n and_o other_o forge_a appurtenance_n of_o their_o suppose_a saint_n i_o say_v suppose_v for_o their_o be_v no_o evidence_n for_o the_o most_o of_o they_o but_o the_o pope_n cannonization_n which_o be_v very_o unsufficient_a it_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o name_n of_o one_o pope_n gregory_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v multorum_fw-la corpora_fw-la venerantur_fw-la in_o terris_fw-la quorum_fw-la animae_fw-la cruciantur_fw-la in_o infernis_fw-la that_o be_v many_o be_v worship_v as_o saint_n who_o be_v damn_v in_o hell_n the_o papist_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n be_v require_v to_o adore_v bread_n as_o god_n to_o pray_v to_o the_o dead_a and_o for_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o do_v several_a other_o thing_n which_o not_o only_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o scripture_n but_o be_v quite_o contrary_a thereto_o and_o therefore_o god_n can_v be_v please_v neither_o with_o such_o a_o worship_n nor_o those_o who_o offer_v it_o more_o than_o he_o be_v with_o the_o nation_n who_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n plant_v in_o samaria_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v other_o god_n beside_o 4_o the_o mass_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v the_o high_a abomination_n for_o it_o be_v use_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o our_o lord_n institute_v that_o night_n wherein_o he_o be_v betray_v but_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v be_v quite_o another_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v add_v to_o it_o and_o pare_v from_o it_o and_o use_v it_o in_o another_o sense_n and_o to_o other_o purpose_n than_o what_o that_o sacrament_n be_v design_v for_o first_o they_o withhold_v the_o cup_n which_o be_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o sacrament_n though_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o our_o saviour_n command_v all_o to_o drink_v of_o it_o as_o both_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n and_o trent_n acknowledge_v in_o their_o act_n which_o prohibit_v the_o use_n of_o the_o cup_n to_o the_o laity_n and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o sacrament_n beside_o that_o their_o wafer_n can_v be_v count_v bread_n they_o do_v not_o use_v the_o rite_n of_o break_v it_o which_o be_v so_o essential_a that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v ordinary_o denominat_fw-la by_o it_o in_o scripture_n indeed_o what_o the_o priest_n take_v to_o himself_o he_o break_v in_o three_o piece_n one_o whereof_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o cup_n another_o be_v leave_v upon_o the_o altar_n until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o service_n and_o the_o three_o he_o put_v in_o his_o own_o mouth_n but_o this_o do_v not_o answer_v to_o that_o break_v which_o our_o lord_n use_v and_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o purport_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o this_o action_n may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o lord_n institution_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o all_o the_o communicant_n eat_v and_o have_v distribute_v to_o they_o one_o break_v bread_n 2_o our_o lord_n ordain_v the_o bread_n in_o this_o sacrament_n to_o be_v only_o a_o symbol_n of_o his_o body_n but_o they_o give_v it_o out_o to_o be_v his_o very_a self_n and_o command_v divine_a adoration_n to_o be_v pay_v thereto_o which_o be_v the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n imaginable_a as_o we_o have_v former_o make_v out_o 3_o our_o lord_n design_v this_o sacrament_n to_o be_v only_o a_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o of_o that_o satisfaction_n be_v give_v thereby_o to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o they_o teach_v and_o command_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o in_o the_o 2._o mass_n there_o be_v a_o real_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a because_o according_a to_o they_o jesus_n christ_n be_v daily_o sacrifice_v and_o offer_v therein_o which_o doctrine_n contain_v a_o heap_n of_o absurdity_n and_o make_v their_o mass_n a_o blasphemous_a action_n and_o most_o injurious_a to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross._n for_o hereby_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o christ_n be_v sacrifice_v before_o he_o be_v crucify_a viz._n when_o he_o institute_v this_o sacrament_n that_o his_o death_n be_v no_o sufficient_a atonement_n there_o be_v such_o necessity_n for_o repeat_v it_o so_o frequent_o and_o that_o st._n paul_n err_v gross_o in_o think_v it_o absurd_a that_o he_o shall_v offer_v himself_o often_o in_o say_v he_o be_v but_o once_o offer_v to_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o and_o in_o prefer_v that_o one_o oblation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o all_o the_o legal_a sacrifice_n because_o they_o behove_v to_o be_v offer_v year_n by_o year_n continual_o to_o show_v their_o insufficiency_n whereas_o he_o by_o one_o offering_n have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v see_v heb._n 9_o 25._o 28._o 10._o 1._o etc._n
be_v both_o lovely_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n this_o gain_v the_o heart_n and_o win_v the_o affection_n of_o all_o wit_n learning_n dexterity_n and_o courage_n will_v be_v talkâ—…d_v of_o indeed_o with_o some_o admiration_n but_o bounty_n and_o charity_n be_v true_o love_v and_o esteem_v instance_n of_o these_o do_v tickle_v the_o fancy_n chief_o but_o this_o real_o affect_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o who_o know_v it_o every_o one_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o embrace_v he_o who_o hand_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o miserable_a every_o mouth_n bless_v he_o and_o every_o tongue_n speak_v of_o his_o praise_n people_n honour_v his_o presence_n pray_v for_o his_o life_n and_o count_v it_o a_o blessing_n and_o when_o he_o be_v go_v hence_o his_o memory_n be_v dear_a to_o they_o such_o a_o one_o need_v no_o brass_n statue_n or_o marble_n tomb_n to_o perpetuate_v his_o name_n it_o never_o rot_v but_o last_v to_o many_o generation_n and_o like_o precious_a ointment_n have_v still_o a_o sweet_a savour_n which_o refresh_v the_o spirit_n of_o those_o who_o smell_v it_o the_o righteous_a say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o be_v the_o charitable_a man_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n ps._n 112._o 6_o and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o three_o charity_n be_v a_o godlike_a thing_n it_o make_v a_o man_n true_o resemble_v god_n in_o the_o most_o lovely_a of_o his_o attribute_n if_o i_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v so_o god_n omnipotence_n and_o omniscience_n be_v proper_a object_n of_o fear_n and_o reverence_n but_o it_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o his_o goodness_n which_o especial_o beget_v our_o love_n to_o he_o yea_o it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v he_o most_o glorious_a therefore_o when_o he_o show_v his_o glory_n to_o moses_n he_o do_v it_o by_o proclaim_v his_o name_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n etc._n etc._n exod_n 34._o 6._o because_o goodness_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n therefore_o the_o rest_n be_v set_v on_o work_n for_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o his_o wisdom_n contrive_v and_o his_o power_n act_n that_o by_o both_o he_o may_v show_v his_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n now_o as_o it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v the_o high_a perfection_n to_o be_v like_o god_n so_o the_o best_a and_o true_a likeness_n to_o he_o be_v to_o study_v to_o be_v good_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v good_a and_o merciful_a though_o we_o can_v come_v to_o some_o resemblance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n it_o will_v neither_o endear_v we_o to_o he_o nor_o to_o other_o so_o much_o as_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o goodness_n who_o therefore_o will_v be_v like_o god_n who_o be_v act_v with_o such_o a_o high_a and_o holy_a ambition_n let_v they_o busy_v themselves_o in_o do_v good_a and_o according_a to_o their_o power_n let_v they_o abound_v in_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n for_o hereby_o they_o shall_v become_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o shall_v purchase_v a_o right_n to_o the_o same_o tittle_n which_o god_n take_v to_o himself_o in_o scripture_n and_o indeed_o glory_n in_o as_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o comfort_n the_o helper_n of_o the_o helpless_a the_o reliever_n of_o the_o needy_a &_o such_o as_o be_v distress_v etc._n etc._n the_o half_a of_o the_o money_n which_o some_o lay_v out_o for_o worldly_a tittle_n will_v procure_v these_o divine_a designation_n which_o be_v by_o far_o preferable_a and_o upon_o many_o consideration_n more_o honourable_a four_o this_o duty_n of_o charity_n be_v most_o pleasant_a and_o take_v it_o be_v not_o more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o distress_a then_o it_o be_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o charitable_a man_n himself_o wherefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v then_o to_o receive_v act_v 20._o 35._o act_n of_o bounty_n and_o charity_n true_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o large_a measure_n of_o solid_a joy_n there_o be_v far_o more_o joy_n in_o spiritual_a exercise_n then_o in_o any_o other_o other_o pleasure_n be_v but_o skin_n deep_a they_o be_v only_o some_o titillation_n in_o the_o body_n which_o soon_o evanish_v but_o the_o joy_n which_o result_v from_o virtue_n and_o religious_a exercise_n peirce_v the_o heart_n and_o cause_v the_o very_a spirit_n to_o exult_v and_o there_o be_v in_o particular_a a_o special_a pleasure_n in_o do_v good_n as_o the_o desire_n of_o do_v good_a be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o noble_a which_o make_v a_o heathen_a poet_n to_o call_v they_o sensus_fw-la pars_fw-la optima_fw-la nostri_fw-la so_o certain_o the_o fulfil_n thereof_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o chief_a satisfaction_n have_v a_o gust_n and_o relish_v proper_a to_o delight_v a_o heaven_n bear_v soul_n it_o be_v but_o small_a delight_n which_o come_v from_o dainty_a morsel_n quaff_v of_o health_n for_o these_o be_v brutish_a exercise_n and_o inferior_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a to_o afford_v drink_n to_o the_o thirsty_a soul_n to_o clothe_v the_o naked_a to_o comfort_v those_o who_o mourn_v to_o save_v the_o life_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v and_o other_o the_o like_o charitable_a deed_n be_v exercise_n worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o he_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o how_o can_v it_o but_o delight_n and_o rejoice_v we_o to_o be_v so_o noble_o and_o divine_o employ_v if_o man_n have_v rear_v up_o magnificent_a structure_n great_a building_n and_o make_v fine_a garden_n about_o they_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o contemplate_v they_o with_o vanity_n as_o nebuchadnedzar_n do_v his_o babylon_n say_v be_v not_o this_o great_a babylon_n which_o i_o build_v o_o how_o mean_v a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v vain_a of_o these_o work_n which_o wind_n and_o wether_n can_v deface_v storm_n batter_v down_o and_o time_n wear_v out_o but_o certain_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o rejoice_v in_o be_v instrumental_a to_o rear_v up_o live_a fabric_n to_o repair_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o preserve_v those_o who_o be_v capable_a to_o sound_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n to_o all_o eternity_n if_o people_n will_v but_o consult_v their_o reason_n and_o reflect_v on_o their_o own_o little_a experience_n they_o can_v but_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n in_o do_v good_a in_o contribute_v seasonable_a comfort_n and_o relief_n to_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n in_o be_v able_a to_o step_v in_o and_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o some_o sad_a straight_o or_o to_o hold_v off_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o cross_n who_o pressure_n be_v likely_a to_o fill_v they_o with_o excessive_a grief_n it_o be_v only_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o pleasure_n which_o make_v worldly_a greatness_n desirable_a or_o supportable_a for_o abstract_v from_o this_o it_o be_v a_o useless_a burden_n and_o a_o great_a impertinence_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v shun_v and_o seek_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o five_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o bounty_n be_v most_o profitable_a and_o that_o upon_o many_o account_n first_o they_o be_v profitable_a because_o hereby_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v sanctify_v to_o our_o use_n and_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o become_v lawful_a every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a say_v the_o apostle_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n 1_o tim_n 4_o 4._o the_o creature_n be_v only_o good_a then_o when_o thanksgiving_n be_v join_v to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o which_o thanksgiving_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o god_n propriety_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o &_o this_o sense_n must_v be_v express_v not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o deed_n the_o violate_v the_o sign_n of_o god_n dominion_n over_o the_o creature_n bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o earth_n be_v curse_v to_o we_o and_o this_o curse_n be_v not_o remove_v but_o by_o return_v to_o our_o allegiance_n by_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n right_n and_o dominion_n in_o pay_v the_o tribute_n which_o be_v due_a and_o which_o he_o require_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o keep_v god_n from_o blessing_n our_o enjoyment_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o as_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n speak_v sow_v much_o and_o bring_v little_a eat_v but_o have_v not_o enough_o drink_v but_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o drink_n clothe_v themselves_o but_o be_v not_o warm_a earn_v wage_n but_o it_o be_v put_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o bag_n with_o hole_n hag_n 1_o 6_o and_o as_o the_o give_v god_n his_o due_n sanctify_v the_o creature_n by_o take_v