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
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
of_o they_o and_o to_o grudge_v any_o cost_n upon_o they_o be_v a_o other_o extreme_a much_o more_o to_o be_v condemn_v see_v god_n have_v be_v so_o bountiful_a to_o we_o and_o to_o enrich_v this_o world_n for_o our_o use_n not_o only_o with_o necessary_n but_o with_o comfort_n and_o to_o make_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o also_o very_o beautiful_a pleasant_a and_o delightful_a therefore_o i_o think_v gratitude_n shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n hereof_o by_o adorn_v his_o temple_n and_o take_v care_n that_o these_o place_n of_o his_o special_a presence_n have_v all_o the_o ornament_n and_o comeliness_n which_o our_o state_n and_o country_n will_v allow_v sure_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v judge_v otherways_o then_o a_o contempt_n of_o god_n or_o at_o the_o lest_o small_a esteem_n of_o he_o when_o his_o house_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o the_o land_n as_o be_v usual_o to_o be_v observe_v throughout_o this_o kingdom_n nay_o in_o many_o place_n be_v to_o be_v see_v stable_n and_o byers_n much_o more_o neat_a and_o handsome_a than_o the_o church_n beside_o they_o which_o certain_o be_v a_o most_o shameful_a thing_n and_o can_v but_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o stranger_n what_o a_o shame_n and_o how_o unworthy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v more_o curious_a about_o the_o apartment_n of_o our_o beast_n than_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n god_n order_v his_o son_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o stable_a and_o in_o a_o manger_n to_o teach_v we_o humility_n and_o to_o be_v content_a with_o a_o mean_a state_n but_o not_o to_o make_v we_o humble_v he_o thereafter_o by_o lodging_n he_o no_o better_o than_o our_o beast_n i_o be_o sorry_a it_o shall_v be_v say_v because_o it_o be_v our_o shame_n but_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o have_v many_o church_n which_o look_v rather_o like_o barn_n byre_n and_o stable_n and_o will_v be_v as_o proper_a for_o that_o use_n than_o what_o they_o be_v design_v for_o god_n do_v express_o prohibit_v under_o the_o law_n the_o dedicate_a the_o worst_a thing_n unto_o he_o and_o i_o can_v understand_v what_o precept_n or_o example_n can_v be_v pretend_v forwarrand_a this_o under_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v think_v nature_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n do_v teach_v the_o contrary_n god_n and_o king_n shall_v be_v always_o honour_v with_o what_o be_v best_a and_o there_o be_v reason_n that_o the_o court_n of_o both_o be_v beautify_v and_o adorn_v with_o state_n and_o splendour_n that_o thereby_o that_o reverence_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a from_o all_o who_o approach_v they_o may_v be_v engender_v nourish_v &_o increase_v but_o by_o adorn_v of_o church_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v what_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n viz._n image_n lamp_n puppet_n rare_a and_o various_a curiosity_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o do_v but_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o come_v up_o to_o worship_n gaudy_a show_n be_v not_o the_o true_a ornament_n of_o church_n but_o what_o make_v they_o grave_a august_n and_o venerable_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o building_n of_o church_n which_o wise_a and_o discreet_a person_n follow_v in_o their_o clothes_n who_o seek_v out_o what_o be_v decent_a and_o useful_a and_o be_v careful_a to_o shun_v both_o what_o be_v nesty_n and_o course_n and_o also_o what_o be_v gaudy_n and_o vain_a because_o the_o one_o speak_v out_o a_o mean_a sordid_a spirit_n and_o the_o other_o too_o much_o lightness_n and_o childishness_n but_o whatever_o church_n be_v as_o to_o their_o external_a matter_n or_o form_n whither_o they_o be_v well_o or_o ill_o adorn_v there_o be_v a_o holy_a respect_n and_o reverence_v due_a unto_o they_o their_o have_v or_o want_v the_o external_a ornament_n of_o art_n or_o beauty_n do_v not_o alter_v their_o nature_n or_o make_v they_o more_o or_o less_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n their_o very_a name_n import_v for_o kirk_n or_o church_n be_v from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o lord_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o shall_v be_v have_v in_o reverence_n more_o than_o for_o their_o outward_a pomp_n and_o splendour_n every_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o god_n be_v sacred_a and_o shall_v be_v reverent_o deal_v with_o and_o particular_o his_o temple_n wherefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wiseman_n advise_v to_o keep_v our_o foot_n when_o we_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god._n ecl._n 5._o 1._o he_o there_o allude_v to_o the_o common_a custom_n of_o pull_v off_o the_o shoe_n in_o token_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o though_o that_o particular_a act_n be_v now_o out-dated_n and_o wear_v out_o of_o fashion_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o carry_v reverent_o towards_o they_o for_o god_n himself_o command_v it_o say_v you_o shall_v reverence_v my_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v be_v because_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n leu._n 19_o 30._o now_o this_o reverence_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v no_o temporal_a ceremony_n peculiar_a to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n but_o even_o a_o moral_a duty_n to_o be_v continue_v as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o use_n of_o church_n and_o consecrate_a place_n which_o will_v be_v ever_o necessary_a in_o this_o world_n as_o do_v appear_v from_o our_o saviour_n zeal_n in_o scourge_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n such_o as_o have_v profane_v it_o by_o buy_v or_o sell_v therein_o and_o the_o apostle_n sâ—…_n paul_n inveigh_v against_o the_o corinthian_n for_o that_o abuse_n which_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o in_o eat_v every_o one_o do_v take_v before_o another_o and_o one_o be_v hungry_a and_o another_o drunken_a because_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o purport_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o also_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o a_o want_n of_o reverence_n towards_o it_o what_o say_v he_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v or_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 22._o and_o when_o the_o same_o apostle_n urge_v the_o not_o defile_v the_o body_n because_o it_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o take_v it_o as_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o what_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v profane_v or_o else_o his_o argument_n will_v not_o be_v good_a or_o valid_a through_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o custom_n to_o respect_v the_o presence_n chamber_n of_o king_n and_o such_o place_n wherein_o they_o use_v to_o appear_v in_o majesty_n and_o state_n and_o to_o behave_v reverent_o towards_o they_o even_o when_o they_o be_v not_o personal_o present_a and_o how_o much_o great_a reason_n be_v there_o to_o pay_v the_o like_a respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o those_o place_n where_o he_o use_v to_o meet_v and_o bless_v his_o people_n and_o where_o he_o be_v always_o special_o present_a by_o the_o attendance_n of_o his_o angel_n and_o minister_a spirit_n for_o that_o church_n be_v thus_o honour_v with_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n god_n indeed_o be_v not_o in_o temple_n so_o as_o to_o be_v include_v in_o they_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o his_o essence_n can_v be_v shut_v up_o any_o where_o wherefore_o in_o this_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o man_n hand_n nay_o the_o very_a heaven_n of_o heaven_n do_v not_o contain_v he_o but_o how_o ever_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o be_v and_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o present_a in_o his_o temple_n and_o church_n then_o in_o other_o place_n when_o god_n be_v say_v thus_o to_o be_v more_o present_a in_o one_o place_n then_o another_o it_o be_v either_o when_o there_o be_v some_o more_o visible_a effect_n of_o his_o presence_n by_o the_o confer_v of_o special_a blessing_n or_o when_o his_o heavenly_a host_n be_v there_o for_o so_o jacoh_o here_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v in_o this_o place_n because_o he_o see_v the_o angel_n of_o god_n ascend_v and_o descend_v now_o that_o god_n be_v present_a in_o his_o church_n the_o first_o way_n appear_v from_o exod._n 20._o 24._o where_o god_n say_v express_o in_o all_o place_n where_o i_o record_v my_o name_n i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o and_o i_o will_v bless_v thou_o upon_o which_o account_n the_o tabernacle_n be_v call_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o
16._o 1_o thess._n 5_o 27._o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v read_v and_o the_o church_n have_v be_v still_o in_o use_n to_o do_v so_o now_o the_o main_a reason_n hereof_o be_v not_o our_o own_o instruction_n but_o to_o do_v honour_n to_o god_n for_o as_o hereby_o we_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o we_o solemn_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v his_o word_n and_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o walk_v as_o it_o dierct_v we_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o right_o perform_v when_o there_o be_v no_o read_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o almost_o as_o if_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o worship_n when_o they_o be_v only_o read_v while_o the_o people_n be_v come_v to_o church_n but_o not_o after_o they_o be_v meet_v for_o then_o the_o read_n be_v only_o use_v for_o a_o divertisement_n to_o put_v off_o the_o time_n and_o not_o as_o a_o honour_n or_o acknowledgement_n due_a to_o god._n they_o understand_v little_a of_o the_o nature_n or_o end_n of_o public_a worship_n who_o will_v have_v the_o read_n of_o scripture_n lay_v aside_o because_o it_o can_v be_v do_v at_o home_n such_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o their_o fancy_n then_o to_o the_o true_a honour_n of_o god_n and_o do_v come_v to_o church_n rather_o to_o feed_v a_o impertinent_a curiosity_n and_o desire_v of_o novelty_n then_o to_o perform_v a_o reasonable_a service_n to_o god._n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o inability_n of_o a_o great_a many_o to_o perform_v this_o exercise_n in_o private_a the_o read_n at_o home_n make_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o respect_n to_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n require_v that_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v promulgate_v with_o solemnity_n and_o hear_v with_o reverence_n we_o have_v a_o eminent_a instance_n hereof_o neh._n 8._o 5_o 6._o four_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v always_o wont_a to_o be_v join_v preach_v on_o the_o sabbath_n and_o other_o festival-daye_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o forecited_a place_n which_o custom_n the_o church_n have_v continue_v and_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a it_o show_v our_o deference_n to_o god_n and_o a_o regard_n for_o his_o authority_n when_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o hear_v such_o as_o he_o have_v commissioned_n to_o inform_v we_o of_o his_o will_n anent_o we_o he_o that_o hear_v you_o say_v christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o send_v i_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v honour_v or_o affront_v according_a as_o their_o servant_n and_o message_n be_v receive_v now_o the_o minister_n be_v ambassador_n in_o christ_n stead_n by_o who_o god_n befeech_v people_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o himself_o 2_o cor_n 5._o 20._o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v the_o errand_n on_o which_o minister_n be_v send_v and_o see_v the_o term_n of_o this_o reconciliation_n and_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v wrought_v be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o preach_v shall_v be_v to_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o exhort_v to_o a_o compliance_n with_o what_o be_v there_o contain_v sermon_n be_v not_o ordain_v to_o teach_v man_n curious_a thing_n or_o to_o tickle_v they_o with_o fine_a neat_a speech_n but_o to_o make_v they_o understand_v the_o scripture_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o and_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o thus_o ezra_n preach_v neh._n 8._o 8._o and_o ordinary_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n their_o sermon_n be_v only_a explication_n of_o such_o portion_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v read_v in_o the_o public_a service_n together_o with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o obey_v it_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o preach_v be_v to_o unfold_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n word_n and_o to_o help_v man_n to_o discern_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v therein_o and_o as_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o edify_v sermon_n which_o discover_v this_o plain_o and_o clear_o so_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o hearken_v diligent_o to_o these_o instruction_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o glad_o it_o speak_v out_o a_o love_n to_o god_n when_o we_o be_v willing_a and_o very_a desirous_a to_o know_v his_o will_n but_o there_o be_v little_a regard_n for_o god_n where_o there_o be_v no_o desire_n to_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v to_o we_o in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n but_o though_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v keep_v know_v ledge_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o to_o render_v the_o private_a search_n and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n useless_a guide_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v help_n but_o not_o to_o take_v away_o our_o own_o sight_n we_o may_v find_v they_o useful_a though_o we_o do_v not_o put_v out_o our_o eye_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v we_o shall_v search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whither_o these_o thing_n we_o hear_v be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a because_o we_o be_v forewarn_v of_o false_a prophet_n every_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v none_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n all_o other_o shall_v be_v try_v before_o trust_v and_o it_o need_v be_v no_o hard_a task_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n if_o we_o lie_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n impartial_o a_o man_n by_o apply_v his_o eye_n narrow_o especial_o if_o he_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o rule_n will_v soon_o discern_v whither_o a_o thing_n be_v straight_o or_o crooked_a and_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o less_o easy_a to_o judge_v in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n 5th_o i_o can_v omit_v here_o what_o be_v ancient_o &_o universal_o use_v though_o now_o turn_v into_o desuetude_n among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v the_o solemn_a and_o explicit_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o a_o rehearsal_n of_o some_o summary_n thereof_o as_o the_o apostle_n or_o nicene_n or_o athanasian_n creed_n the_o express_a declaration_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v much_o both_o for_o our_o profit_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n it_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o this_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n unless_o our_o worship_n be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v altogether_o unacceptable_a and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o have_v this_o faith_n always_o in_o our_o heart_n but_o we_o must_v also_o sometime_o open_o testify_v it_o by_o confess_v the_o same_o with_o our_o mouth_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rome_n 10._o 9_o where_o he_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thou_o he_o be_v that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n this_o be_v also_o profitable_a for_o ourselves_o for_o these_o creed_n be_v the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n which_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o profession_n and_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o answer_v every_o man_n who_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o a_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o creed_n fix_v the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o our_o mind_n bring_v they_o often_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o serve_v to_o excite_v we_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o gospel_n person_n of_o honour_n be_v careful_a to_o behave_v suitable_o while_o they_o have_v the_o sign_n and_o badge_n of_o their_o dignity_n and_o quality_n upon_o they_o and_o sure_o it_o can_v not_o but_o oblige_v and_o quicken_v we_o to_o study_v a_o christian_a behaviour_n if_o we_o frequent_o make_v a_o serious_a and_o solemn_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n last_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v frequent_o accompany_v our_o other_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o apostle_n with_o their_o convert_v do_v this_o daily_a as_o we_o read_v act_n 2._o 42._o 46._o which_o practice_n continue_v long_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n st._n augustine_n in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o janearius_fw-la say_v it_o be_v the_o custom_n to_o do_v so_o in_o many_o place_n 426._o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n condemn_v such_o as_o