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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n word_n work_v wrath_n 40 3 7.3553 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A44434 An exposition on the Lord's prayer with a catechistical explication thereof, by way of question and answer for the instructing of youth : to which is added some sermons on providence, and the excellent advantages of reading and studying the Holy Scriptures / by Ezekiel Hopkins ... Hopkins, Ezekiel, 1634-1690. 1692 (1692) Wing H2730; ESTC R17498 215,674 332

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of_o ourselves_o man_n that_o busy_v himself_o in_o know_v all_o thing_n else_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o ignorant_a than_o of_o himself_o the_o eye_n that_o behold_v other_o thing_n can_v see_v its_o own_o shape_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereby_o he_o understand_v other_o object_n be_v usual_o ignorant_a of_o its_o own_o concernment_n now_o as_o the_o eye_n that_o can_v see_v itself_o direct_o may_v see_v itself_o reflexively_a in_o a_o glass_n so_o god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o scripture_n which_o st._n james_n compare_v to_o a_o glass_n james_n 1.23_o and_o hold_v this_o before_o the_o soul_n wherein_o be_v represent_v our_o true_a state_n and_o idea_n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a state_n of_o man_n that_o we_o can_v never_o have_v attain_v to_o know_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n his_o state_n of_o integrity_n his_o state_n of_o apostasy_n his_o state_n of_o restitution_n his_o state_n of_o glory_n the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v reveal_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v in_o our_o primitive_a constitution_n natural_o holy_n bear_v the_o image_n and_o similitude_n of_o god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o love_n free_a from_o all_o inward_a perturbation_n or_o outward_a misery_n have_v all_o the_o creature_n subject_a to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v much_o more_o ourselves_o what_o we_o be_v in_o our_o state_n of_o apostasy_n or_o destitution_n despoil_v of_o all_o our_o primitive_a excellency_n dispossess_v of_o all_o the_o happiness_n we_o enjoy_v and_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o any_o for_o the_o future_a liable_a every_o moment_n to_o the_o revenge_n of_o justice_n and_o certain_a once_o to_o feel_v it_o what_o we_o be_v in_o our_o state_n of_o restitution_n through_o grace_n beget_v again_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n adopt_a into_o the_o family_n of_o heaven_n redeem_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n sanctify_a and_o seal_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n restore_v to_o the_o favour_n and_o friendship_n of_o god_n recover_v the_o initial_o of_o his_o image_n upon_o our_o soul_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o expect_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o in_o heaven_n what_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o our_o final_a state_n of_o glory_n clothe_v with_o light_n crown_v with_o star_n inebriate_v with_o pure_a spiritual_a joy_n we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v know_v he_o as_o we_o be_v know_v by_o he_o love_v he_o ardent_o converse_v with_o he_o eternal_o yea_o a_o state_n it_o will_v be_v so_o infinite_o happy_a that_o it_o will_v leave_v we_o nothing_o to_o hope_v for_o this_o fourfold_a state_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n do_v evident_o express_v now_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o have_v imagine_v have_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n describe_v they_o to_o we_o and_o thereby_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n now_o let_v we_o put_v these_o six_o particular_n together_o the_o scripture_n instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v intelligible_a only_o by_o divine_a revelation_n it_o teach_v we_o the_o most_o sublime_a and_o lofty_a truth_n it_o be_v a_o most_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o knowledge_n the_o more_o we_o draw_v the_o more_o still_o spring_v up_o it_o teach_v that_o knowledge_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o perpetual_a truth_n and_o last_o it_o inform_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thirst_n in_o you_o after_o knowledge_n there_o need_v no_o more_o be_v speak_v to_o persuade_v you_o to_o the_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o rich_a store_n and_o treasury_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o the_o scripture_n inform_v the_o judgement_n let_v we_o now_o brief_o see_v how_o they_o reform_v the_o life_n and_o what_o practical_a influence_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n now_o here_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o mighty_a operation_n and_o that_o in_o sundry_a particular_n first_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o convince_v and_o humble_v the_o stout_a and_o proud_a sinner_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o secure_a sinner_n those_o who_o vaunt_v it_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o those_o who_o be_v secure_a through_o a_o insensibility_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n both_o these_o the_o word_n when_o it_o be_v set_v home_o with_o power_n convince_v humble_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o dust_n it_o despoil_v the_o self-justitiary_a of_o all_o that_o false_a righteousness_n he_o once_o boast_v of_o and_o trust_v to_o i_o be_v alive_a once_o without_o the_o law_n say_v st._n paul_n but_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o i_o die_v rom._n 7.9_o it_o awaken_v and_o alarm_n the_o senseless_a sear_a sinner_n how_o many_o have_v there_o be_v that_o have_v scorn_v god_n and_o despise_a religion_n who_o yet_o one_o curse_n or_o threat_v of_o this_o word_n have_v make_v to_o tremble_v and_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o convince_a majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o second_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o sweet_o comfort_n and_o raise_v they_o after_o their_o dejection_n all_o other_o application_n to_o a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v improper_a and_o impertinent_a it_o be_v only_a scripture_n consolation_n that_o can_v ease_v it_o the_o leaf_n of_o this_o book_n be_v like_o the_o leaf_n of_o that_o tree_n rev._n 22._o which_o be_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o same_o weapon_n that_o wound_n must_v here_o work_v the_o cure_n three_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o work_v the_o mighty_a change_n upon_o the_o heart_n in_o renovation_n take_v a_o man_n that_o run_v on_o in_o vile_a and_o desperate_a course_n that_o sell_v himself_o to_o do_v iniquity_n and_o commit_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n with_o greediness_n and_o make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o reason_n can_v suggest_v these_o seldom_o reclaim_v any_o from_o their_o debauchery_n or_o if_o in_o some_o few_o they_o do_v reform_v the_o life_n yet_o they_o can_v never_o change_v the_o heart_n but_o now_o that_o which_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v effect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v psal_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n four_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o strengthen_v and_o arm_n the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o endure_v the_o great_a temporal_a evil_n only_o in_o hope_n of_o that_o future_a reward_n which_o it_o punish_v five_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o contain_v in_o it_o such_o a_o collection_n of_o rule_n and_o duty_n that_o whosoever_o observe_v and_o obey_v shall_v in_o the_o end_n infallible_o obtain_v everlasting_a life_n though_o i_o can_v but_o just_a mention_n these_o head_n unto_o you_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o they_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o scripture_n in_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o guilty_a malefactor_n but_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o book_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o read_v for_o our_o life_n this_o be_v that_o book_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v either_o stand_v or_o fall_v be_v acquit_v or_o condemn_v eternal_o the_o unalterable_a sentence_n of_o the_o last_o day_n will_v pass_v upon_o we_o as_o it_o be_v here_o record_v in_o this_o scripture_n here_o we_o may_v beforehand_o know_v our_o doom_n and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v it_o be_v say_v rev._n 20.12_o that_o when_o the_o dead_a stand_v before_o god_n to_o be_v judge_v the_o book_n be_v open_v that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v persuade_v to_o open_v this_o book_n and_o to_o judge_v yourselves_o out_o of_o it_o before_o the_o last_o day_n it_o be_v not_o a_o seal_a book_n to_o you_o you_o may_v there_o read_v what_o your_o present_a state_n be_v and_o foretell_v what_o your_o future_a will_v be_v if_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n search_v far_o there_o be_v direction_n how_o you_o may_v change_v this_o wretched_a state_n for_o a_o better_a if_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n there_o be_v rule_n how_o to_o preserve_v you_o in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o word_n suit_v to_o all_o person_n all_o occasion_n all_o exigency_n it_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a strengthen_v the_o weak_a comfort_v the_o disconsolate_a support_v the_o afflict_a relieve_v the_o tempt_v resolve_v the_o doubtful_a direct_v all_o to_o those_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o endless_a happiness_n where_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o so_o we_o shall_v dwell_v for_o ever_o glorious_o with_o god_n finis_fw-la
and_o for_o a_o pretence_n make_v long_a prayer_n matth._n 23.14_o yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o long_a prayer_n that_o he_o condemn_v but_o their_o pretence_n and_o hypocrisy_n thus_o much_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o observe_v from_o the_o context_n our_o saviour_n have_v thus_o caution_v his_o disciple_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o heathen_n in_o their_o prayer_n come_v in_o the_o word_n i_o have_v read_v to_o instruct_v they_o how_o to_o pray_v after_o this_o manner_n therefore_o pray_v you_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n some_o take_a advantage_n from_o these_o word_n deny_v this_o to_o be_v use_v as_o a_o prayer_n itself_o but_o only_o as_o a_o model_n and_o platform_n to_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o pray_v but_o if_o we_o consult_v not_o only_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n express_a injunction_n luke_n 11.2_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v and_o what_o shall_v they_o say_v but_o the_o word_n immediate_o follow_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n &_o c_o one_o evangelist_n say_v pray_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o other_o say_v when_o you_o pray_v say_v from_o both_o which_o compare_v together_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o collect_v that_o it_o be_v both_o a_o pattern_n for_o we_o to_o form_v our_o prayer_n by_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o prayer_n itself_o which_o our_o saviour_n in_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n have_v frame_v for_o we_o put_v word_n into_o our_o mouth_n to_o beg_v of_o god_n those_o blessing_n which_o through_o his_o most_o prevalent_a intercession_n shall_v not_o be_v deny_v we_o and_o indeed_o of_o all_o prayer_n this_o be_v the_o most_o absolute_a and_o comprehensive_a contain_v in_o it_o not_o so_o many_o word_n as_o petition_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v pray_v for_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v summary_o couch_v in_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o comprehensiveness_n which_o be_v the_o admirable_a excellency_n of_o this_o prayer_n have_v be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o some_o of_o late_o have_v scruple_v and_o refuse_v to_o use_v it_o because_o they_o can_v pierce_v through_o all_o that_o be_v signify_v by_o these_o substantial_a expression_n they_o think_v they_o shall_v take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a in_o utter_v that_o before_o he_o which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o but_o if_o they_o do_v but_o consider_v their_o own_o prayer_n the_o same_o doubt_n will_v still_o remain_v when_o they_o pray_v that_o god_n name_n may_v be_v glorify_v can_v they_o comprehend_v in_o that_o short_a time_n while_o they_o be_v utter_v those_o word_n the_o infinite_a latitude_n of_o that_o request_n be_v it_o unlawful_a at_o the_o close_a of_o our_o prayer_n to_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o all_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v not_o mention_v before_o he_o and_o yet_o who_o of_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o large_a a_o extent_n that_o request_n may_v have_v may_v we_o not_o say_v amen_o and_o seal_v up_o our_o prayer_n with_o a_o so_o be_v it_o though_o while_o we_o be_v speak_v it_o we_o can_v present_o recollect_v all_o that_o have_v be_v mention_v before_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o for_o any_o to_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v a_o morsel_n too_o big_a for_o their_o mouth_n as_o some_o have_v do_v i_o have_v always_o account_v it_o a_o most_o unworthy_a and_o unsavoury_a speech_n certain_o christ_n think_v it_o not_o too_o big_a for_o his_o disciple_n who_o capacity_n at_o that_o time_n be_v possible_o none_o of_o the_o large_a as_o appear_v in_o many_o instance_n particular_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o he_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v come_v which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v temporal_a and_o earthly_a and_o those_o who_o refuse_v the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o too_o big_a for_o they_o will_v yet_o think_v themselves_o much_o wrong_v if_o we_o shall_v but_o suspect_v they_o as_o ignorant_a in_o that_o and_o in_o many_o other_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o the_o disciple_n be_v when_o our_o saviour_n instruct_v they_o thus_o to_o pray_v it_o be_v therefore_o as_o i_o hope_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o we_o may_v often_o pray_v in_o these_o word_n and_o that_o we_o must_v always_o pray_v after_o this_o manner_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o prayer_n itself_o in_o which_o there_o be_v these_o four_o part_n first_o the_o preface_n or_o introduction_n to_o it_o second_o the_o petition_n or_o request_n we_o present_v to_o god_n in_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o consist_v three_o the_o doxology_n or_o praise-giving_a for_o praise_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o prayer_n four_o the_o conclusion_n or_o ratification_n of_o all_o in_o the_o seal_v particle_n amen_n i_o shall_v speak_v somewhat_o of_o these_o brief_o in_o the_o general_n and_o then_o more_o particular_o of_o each_o as_o my_o text_n direct_v i_o first_o for_o the_o introduction_n or_o preface_n unto_o the_o prayer_n and_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n this_o be_v use_v as_o a_o preparative_n to_o prayer_n and_o what_o great_a inducement_n can_v there_o be_v to_o dispose_v we_o into_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n than_o to_o set_v before_o we_o the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o majesty_n before_o who_o we_o prostrate_v ourselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n in_o all_o their_o approach_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n be_v wont_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o prayer_n to_o affect_v and_o over-awe_n their_o heart_n with_o the_o humble_a mention_n of_o god_n glorious_a attribute_n thus_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 8.23_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v no_o god_n like_o unto_o thou_o in_o heaven_n above_o or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o who_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o thy_o servant_n thus_o jehosaphat_n 2_o chron._n 20.6_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o our_o father_n be_v not_o thou_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o rule_a not_o thou_o over_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o in_o thy_o hand_n be_v there_o not_o power_n and_o may_v so_o hezekiah_n 2_o king_n 19.15_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n who_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n thou_o be_v god_n even_o thou_o alone_o who_o have_v make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o so_o the_o prophet_n jerem._n 32.17_o ah_o lord_n god_n behold_v thou_o have_v make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n by_o thy_o great_a power_n and_o stretched-out_a arm_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o thou_o the_o great_a the_o mighty_a god_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v his_o name_n great_a in_o counsel_n and_o mighty_a in_o work_v and_o thus_o our_o saviour_n himself_o matth._n 11.25_o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n act_v 4.24_o lord_n thou_o be_v god_n that_o have_v make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o in_o they_o be_v and_o thus_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o and_o reverent_o to_o express_v the_o infinite_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o compose_v we_o into_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o awe_n of_o god_n such_o as_o become_v vile_a dust_n and_o ash_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o its_o great_a lord_n and_o creator_n only_o here_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o dwell_v not_o so_o long_o upon_o the_o title_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n nor_o run_v so_o much_o out_o into_o preface_n as_o to_o forget_v our_o errand_n unto_o he_o second_o next_o after_o the_o preface_n we_o have_v the_o petition_n follow_v in_o their_o order_n of_o these_o some_o reckon_v six_o other_o seven_a but_o which_o soever_o we_o take_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o great_a they_o may_v all_o be_v reduce_v under_o two_o general_a head_n first_o such_o as_o respect_v god_n glory_n second_o such_o as_o respect_v ourselves_o and_o other_o the_o three_o first_o respect_n god_n glory_n and_o the_o three_o or_o four_o last_v our_o own_o good_a and_o that_o either_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a temporal_a in_o beg_v at_o god_n hand_n our_o daily_a bread_n spiritual_n in_o desire_v both_o the_o pardon_n of_o and_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n and_o here_o again_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o admirable_a order_n and_o method_n of_o this_o prayer_n in_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v place_v the_o petition_n which_o refer_v to_o our_o temporal_a good_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o very_a midst_n
to_o god_n and_o they_o become_v his_o proper_a name_n god_n be_v holy_a wise_a powerful_a just_a merciful_a true_a etc._n etc._n and_o so_o be_v likewise_o some_o of_o his_o most_o excellent_a creature_n who_o he_o have_v make_v like_o unto_o himself_o but_o then_o the_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o they_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o attribute_n be_v original_o from_o he_o they_o derivative_o from_o he_o his_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a they_o limit_v and_o stint_v his_o invariable_a and_o unchangeable_a there_o be_v subject_n to_o mutation_n and_o decay_n and_o total_a abolition_n so_o that_o in_o these_o three_o respect_n even_o the_o communicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v themselves_o incommunicable_a and_o so_o they_o be_v his_o name_n whereby_o he_o be_v know_v and_o difference_v from_o all_o other_o being_n whatsoever_o but_o may_v it_o not_o be_v here_o say_v to_o i_o as_o it_o be_v to_o manoah_n judge_n 13.18_o why_o ask_v thou_o after_o my_o name_n see_v it_o be_v secret_a and_o wonderful_a indeed_o we_o can_v no_o more_o find_v out_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o perfection_n than_o we_o can_v his_o nature_n and_o essence_n for_o both_o be_v infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a and_o there_o be_v two_o expression_n in_o scripture_n that_o make_v this_o knowledge_n impossible_a the_o one_o of_o they_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o one_o be_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o that_o light_n to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v 1_o tim._n 6.16_o scrutator_fw-la majestatis_fw-la opprimetur_fw-la à_fw-la gloriâ_fw-la he_o that_o will_v too_o busy_o pry_v into_o majesty_n shall_v be_v oppress_v and_o dazzle_v with_o glory_n and_o the_o other_o be_v that_o he_o dwell_v in_o thick_a darkness_n 2_o chron._n 6.1_o both_o imply_v the_o same_o impossibility_n of_o search_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n as_o job_n speak_v ch_n 11._o 7._o but_o though_o this_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n be_v impossible_a yet_o god_n have_v give_v we_o hint_n and_o trace_n of_o himself_o by_o which_o we_o may_v discover_v enough_o for_o our_o adoration_n though_o not_o perhaps_o for_o our_o satisfaction_n and_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o god_n have_v make_v know_v himself_o and_o his_o name_n unto_o we_o and_o they_o be_v by_o his_o work_n and_o by_o his_o word_n first_o we_o may_v spell_v out_o god_n name_n by_o his_o work_n and_o to_o this_o end_n serve_v those_o two_o great_a capital_a letter_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o air_n and_o sea_n yea_o there_o be_v no_o one_o creature_n how_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a soever_o it_o be_v but_o it_o read_v we_o lecture_n of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1.20_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n second_o more_o express_o and_o distinct_o by_o his_o word_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v nomenclatura_fw-la dei_fw-la by_o these_o we_o come_v to_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o evident_a knowledge_n of_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o a_o more_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a manner_n and_o by_o this_o likewise_o we_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n can_v never_o have_v instruct_v we_o in_o as_o of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o temporal_a incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v thing_n that_o can_v never_o have_v be_v know_v but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n indeed_o we_o may_v from_o the_o work_n of_o god_n alone_o gather_v knowledge_n enough_o of_o he_o to_o make_v we_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o worship_v he_o not_o as_o god_n for_o so_o do_v the_o heathen_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forecited_a place_n rom._n 1.20_o but_o it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o word_n that_o we_o know_v so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v we_o eternal_o bless_a and_o happy_a here_o he_o have_v display_v his_o name_n the_o lord_n god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n here_o alone_o have_v he_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v our_o father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o appoint_v the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o himself_o that_o may_v prepare_v we_o for_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o glory_n so_o that_o now_o we_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n his_o title_n as_o king_n lord_n creator_n father_n redeemer_n and_o the_o like_a and_o his_o attribute_n both_o communicable_a as_o justice_n holiness_n wisdom_n mercy_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o incommunicable_a as_o infinite_a eternal_a vnchangeable_n omnipotent_a independent_a and_o such_o like_a and_o that_o both_o this_o name_n both_o of_o title_n and_o attribute_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o work_v of_o god_n or_o by_o his_o word_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n inquire_v what_o it_o be_v to_o hallow_v this_o name_n of_o god_n to_o hallow_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o sanctify_v or_o make_v holy_a so_o that_o hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n be_v no_o other_o than_o let_v thy_o name_n be_v make_v holy_a but_o here_o may_v be_v a_o question_n how_o can_v creature_n be_v say_v to_o make_v god_n holy_a whereas_o it_o be_v god_n that_o make_v they_o holy_a i_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o threefold_a way_n of_o hallow_v or_o sanctify_v a_o thing_n or_o person_n one_o by_o dedication_n a_o second_o by_o infusion_n and_o a_o three_o by_o declaration_n first_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v hallow_v or_o make_v holy_a by_o dedication_n set_v they_o a_o part_n for_o holy_a uses_n and_o service_n so_o the_o first-born_a be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v to_o the_o lord_n exod._n 13.2_o and_o that_o because_o among_o man_n the_o first-born_a be_v to_o be_v priest_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o among_o beast_n they_o be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v and_o thus_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n and_o the_o whole_a tribe_n of_o levi_n who_o god_n take_v in_o exchange_n for_o the_o first-born_a be_v say_v to_o be_v consecrate_a and_o sanctify_a exod._n 28.41_o and_o many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v it_o needful_a and_o thus_o at_o least_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o baptism_n ephes_n 5.26_o that_o be_v we_o be_v by_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n set_v apart_o and_o consecrate_a to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o one_o creature_n may_v sanctify_v and_o make_v another_o holy_a namely_o by_o dedication_n or_o separatiom_n to_o some_o sacred_a use_n and_o service_n and_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n do_v sanctify_v and_o hallow_v the_o element_n in_o the_o holy_a communion_n set_v they_o apart_o from_o common_a and_o ordinary_a use_n to_o that_o bless_a mystery_n second_o there_o be_v a_o sanctification_n or_o hallow_v by_o infusion_n or_o implant_n the_o real_a principle_n and_o habit_n of_o holiness_n into_o that_o which_o be_v hallow_v and_o thus_o god_n sanctify_v his_o elect_n by_o infuse_v of_o his_o grace_n into_o they_o and_o make_v they_o holy_a in_o some_o measure_n and_o similitude_n like_o himself_o so_o our_o saviour_n pray_v john_n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thes_n 5.23_o prays_n the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o whole_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o two_o sense_n be_v god_n name_n to_o be_v sanctify_v or_o hallow_v by_o we_o for_o thus_o to_o pray_v be_v to_o blaspheme_n three_o there_o be_v a_o sanctify_a by_o declaration_n when_o we_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v that_o as_o holy_a that_o be_v indeed_o so_o and_o thus_o only_o it_o be_v that_o creature_n may_v sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o creator_n so_o we_o have_v it_o use_v isa_n 29.23_o they_o shall_v sanctify_v my_o name_n and_o sanctify_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o jacob_n and_o shall_v fear_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n now_o thus_o to_o sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o other_o expression_n that_o common_o occur_v in_o scripture_n of_o glorify_v god_n we_o can_v add_v nothing_o to_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n nor_o to_o the_o lustre_n and_o brightness_n of_o his_o crown_n yet_o then_o be_v we_o say_v to_o sanctify_v and_o glorify_v god_n when_o in_o our_o most_o reverend_a thought_n we_o observe_v and_o admire_v his_o holiness_n and_o the_o bright_a coruscation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o when_o we_o endeavour_v by_o all_o holy_a way_n to_o declare_v they_o
a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n do_v strict_o prohibit_v and_o condemn_v these_o callow_n unfledged_a motion_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v concupiscence_n the_o sad_a effect_n of_o original_a sin_n and_o the_o fruitful_a cause_n of_o all_o actual_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v deliver_v from_o evil_a we_o have_v very_o great_a cause_n first_o to_o pray_v that_o we_o be_v not_o lead_v into_o temptation_n for_o some_o temptation_n do_v almost_o so_o inseparable_o follow_v one_o upon_o another_o that_o this_o will_v be_v our_o best_a security_n against_o those_o secret_a desire_n and_o woulding_n and_o first_o smattering_n and_o rudiment_n of_o wickedness_n which_o else_o the_o compliance_n of_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n with_o satan_n temptation_n will_v certain_o betray_v we_o unto_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o god_n in_o scripture_n frequent_o dehort_v we_o from_o sin_n he_o extend_v the_o prohibition_n to_o all_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n of_o sin_v yea_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o themselves_o consider_v may_v be_v lawful_o and_o innocent_o do_v by_o we_o yet_o because_o they_o may_v prove_v snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o we_o we_o must_v as_o careful_o refrain_v from_o they_o as_o we_o earnest_o desire_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o far_o from_o sin_n and_o therefore_o it_o suffice_v not_o the_o wise_a man_n to_o command_v if_o sinner_n entice_v consent_v thou_o not_o prov._n 1.10_o but_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o consent_v thou_o must_v order_v thy_o action_n and_o converse_v so_o as_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v entice_v by_o they_o in_o the_o 15._o verse_n say_v he_o walk_v not_o thou_o in_o the_o way_n with_o they_o refrain_v thy_o foot_n from_o their_o path_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o same_o counsel_n give_v we_o by_o he_o in_o another_o chapter_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v inveagle_v by_o the_o allurement_n of_o a_o strange_a woman_n be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n thereof_o prov._n 5.8_o remove_v thy_o way_n far_o from_o she_o come_v not_o near_o the_o door_n of_o her_o house_n and_o again_o prov._n 4.14_o 15._o enter_v not_o into_o the_o path_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o go_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o evil_a man_n avoid_v it_o pass_v not_o by_o it_o turn_v from_o it_o pass_v away_o here_o be_v earnestness_n even_o to_o a_o tautology_n as_o some_o may_v profane_o think_v but_o sacred_a writ_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o such_o thing_n but_o there_o be_v so_o many_o expression_n heap_v up_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n only_o to_o denote_v how_o great_a the_o necessity_n of_o avoid_v temptation_n and_o occasion_n to_o evil_a be_v to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o avoid_v the_o sin_n we_o have_v treacherous_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n within_o we_o that_o have_v often_o betray_v we_o when_o we_o have_v trust_v they_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o call_v to_o mind_n when_o you_o have_v embolden_v yourselves_o to_o venture_v upon_o temptation_n and_o sinful_a occasion_n be_v confident_a and_o full_o resolve_v not_o to_o yield_v to_o they_o have_v you_o not_o often_o be_v surprise_v and_o lead_v away_o captive_a contrary_a to_o your_o hope_n contrary_a to_o your_o intention_n contrary_a to_o your_o resolution_n contrary_a to_o the_o vain_a confidence_n with_o which_o you_o be_v before_o possess_v methinks_v former_a experience_n shall_v make_v you_o cautious_a never_o again_o to_o trust_v those_o heart_n with_o such_o opportunity_n and_o advantage_n for_o wickedness_n since_o they_o have_v be_v so_o often_o already_o treacherous_a and_o deceitful_a to_o we_o venture_v they_o not_o therefore_o upon_o temptation_n for_o what_o security_n have_v you_o that_o a_o sinful_a heart_n will_v not_o sin_n yea_o and_o betray_v you_o to_o commit_v those_o great_a abomination_n which_o possible_o you_o can_v now_o think_v of_o without_o horror_n and_o shiver_a and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o note_v to_o you_o from_o the_o connexion_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o petition_n with_o the_o former_a lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil._n in_o the_o word_n themselves_o we_o have_v two_o thing_n chief_o considerable_a the_o thing_n that_o we_o pray_v against_o and_o the_o person_n to_o who_o we_o pray_v that_o which_o we_o pray_v against_o be_v evil_a that_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o it_o the_o person_n to_o who_o we_o pray_v be_v god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n that_o which_o we_o pray_v against_o be_v evil._n some_o limit_n this_o word_n evil_n only_o unto_o satan_n make_v the_o sense_n to_o be_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o evil_a one_o sound_v this_o interpretation_n upon_o that_o article_n that_o be_v join_v with_o the_o original_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o be_v not_o always_o descretive_a but_o sometime_o indefinite_a as_o for_o instance_n matth._n 12.35_o and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o therefore_o consider_v the_o comprehensiveness_n of_o this_o prayer_n we_o ought_v to_o allow_v the_o word_n a_o large_a extent_n and_o to_o comprehend_v under_o it_o first_o satan_n who_o proper_a style_n and_o epithet_n it_o be_v to_o be_v call_v the_o evil_a one_o and_o so_o we_o find_v this_o black_a title_n give_v he_o in_o scripture_n matth._n 13.19_o the_o wicked_a one_o come_v and_o snatch_v away_o that_o which_o be_v sow_o and_o 1_o john_n 2.13_o 19_o you_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o he_o be_v the_o wicked_a one_o eminent_o and_o singular_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a author_n of_o evil_a his_o temptation_n be_v all_o unto_o evil_n his_o delight_n be_v only_o in_o evil_a he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o those_o that_o do_v evil._n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o significant_a character_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v also_o ascribe_v unto_o man_n according_a to_o their_o resemblance_n of_o he_o second_o all_o other_o evil_n be_v here_o mean_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o sin_n or_o sorrow_n whether_o they_o be_v transgression_n or_o punishment_n and_o that_o either_o temporal_a punishment_n in_o those_o judgement_n which_o god_n inflict_v upon_o sinner_n here_o or_o eternal_a judgement_n such_o as_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o inflict_v upon_o they_o hereafter_o from_o all_o these_o we_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v but_o the_o great_a of_o all_o these_o be_v sin_n for_o first_o it_o be_v great_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o as_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o great_a good_a even_o god_n for_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v something_o of_o good_a even_o as_o much_o as_o derive_v and_o participate_v of_o god_n and_o so_o the_o very_a devil_n themselves_o have_v a_o metaphysical_a goodness_n in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v creature_n and_o have_v receive_v their_o being_n and_n power_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nothing_o that_o be_v evil._n but_o sin_n have_v not_o the_o least_o ray_n or_o footstep_n of_o goodness_n in_o it_o but_o be_v only_a defect_n and_o irregularity_n and_o that_o alone_o which_o as_o his_o soul_n always_o hate_v so_o his_o hand_n never_o make_v second_o it_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n in_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o it_o once_o turn_v glorious_a angel_n into_o hideous_a devil_n and_o tumble_v they_o down_o from_o heaven_n to_o hell_n fill_v the_o world_n with_o woe_n and_o plague_n bring_v death_n and_o disease_n and_o a_o vast_a and_o endless_a sum_n of_o misery_n into_o it_o it_o torment_v and_o terrify_v the_o conscience_n kindle_v hell-flame_n expose_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o eternal_a and_o direful_a revenge_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o be_v so_o perfect_o and_o only_o evil_a that_o the_o worst_a of_o thing_n here_o be_v they_o free_a from_o the_o contagion_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v excellent_a and_o amiable_a to_o pray_v therefore_o against_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n be_v to_o pray_v against_o all_o other_o evil_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o devil_n the_o evil_a one_o can_v hurt_v we_o but_o by_o sin_n and_o no_o other_o evil_n can_v befall_v we_o but_o for_o sin_n god_n inflict_v they_o as_o the_o due_a guerdon_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o transgression_n sin_n therefore_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a evil_n and_o all_o other_o but_o retainer_n to_o it_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a speak_v only_o of_o god_n deliver_v we_o from_o sin_n now_o as_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o sin_n which_o make_v it_o so_o exceed_v evil_a the_o gild_n of_o it_o whereby_o it_o damn_v and_o the_o filth_n of_o it_o whereby_o it_o pollute_v the_o soul_n so_o god_n have_v two_o way_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o it_o first_o by_o remove_v the_o gild_n already_o contract_v which_o he_o do_v in_o justify_v and_o pardon_v the_o sinner_n second_o by_o prevent_v we_o from_o fall_v
for_o ever_o the_o kingdom_n be_v thou_o for_o ever_o the_o power_n be_v thou_o for_o ever_o the_o glory_n be_v thou_o for_o ever_o for_o so_o this_o particle_n for_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v distribute_v unto_o each_o of_o the_o forego_n attribute_n now_o in_o ascribe_v unto_o god_n these_o attribute_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o eminency_n and_o the_o propriety_n of_o they_o the_o eminency_n of_o they_o in_o the_o particle_n the_o the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n the_o glory_n denote_v to_o we_o the_o high_a and_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o these_o for_o his_o kingdom_n be_v that_o which_o rule_v over_o all_o his_o power_n that_o which_o not_o create_v power_n can_v control_v his_o glory_n such_o as_o stain_v all_o other_o excellency_n and_o make_v all_o their_o light_n and_o lustre_n to_o be_v only_o the_o shadow_n of_o god_n the_o propriety_n of_o this_o attribute_n in_o this_o particle_n thou_o though_o other_o may_v have_v kingdom_n and_o power_n and_o glory_n yet_o these_o in_o their_o eminency_n belong_v only_o unto_o god_n they_o be_v thou_o and_o thy_o only_a original_o infinite_o and_o unchangeable_o now_o all_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o petition_n of_o this_o prayer_n by_o the_o illative_a particle_n for_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o this_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o a_o reason_n both_o why_o we_o pray_v unto_o god_n and_o likewise_o why_o god_n shall_v grant_v we_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o pray_v for_o first_o we_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o his_o be_v the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o he_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o relieve_v and_o supply_v we_o second_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o therefore_o grant_v they_o unto_o we_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o this_o add_v strong_a consolation_n and_o assurance_n to_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v hear_v in_o these_o request_n that_o we_o present_v to_o god_n for_o first_o his_o be_v the_o kingdom_n and_o we_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o he_o as_o our_o king_n for_o help_n and_o protection_n second_o his_o be_v the_o power_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v and_o help_v we_o and_o to_o do_v abundant_o for_o we_o above_o what_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v three_o his_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o therefore_o since_o what_o we_o ask_v be_v for_o his_o honour_n and_o praise_n we_o may_v firm_o believe_v our_o request_n shall_v be_v grant_v unto_o we_o and_o four_o all_o these_o be_v he_o for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v rest_v assure_v that_o at_o no_o time_n our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v in_o vain_a but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o same_o unchangeable_a god_n who_o in_o former_a age_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o and_o give_v great_a thing_n unto_o his_o servant_n who_o have_v call_v upon_o he_o so_o he_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o power_n and_o the_o same_o compassion_n his_o ear_n be_v not_o heavy_a nor_o his_o arm_n shorten_v nor_o his_o bowel_n wither_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v with_o assurance_n expect_v that_o he_o will_v supply_v our_o want_n and_o grant_v our_o desire_n since_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v for_o ever_o unexhausted_a thus_o every_o word_n be_v a_o forcible_a reason_n both_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o address_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n and_o likewise_o to_o move_v he_o to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o thus_o ask_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o from_o hence_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o in_o our_o prayer_n we_o ought_v to_o plead_v with_o god_n by_o weighty_a and_o enforce_v reason_n second_o that_o the_o most_o forcible_a reason_n in_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n first_o that_o in_o our_o prayer_n we_o ought_v to_o plead_v with_o god_n by_o weighty_a and_o enforce_v reason_n thus_o god_n bid_v we_o to_o take_v unto_o ourselves_o word_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o he_o hosea_n 14.2_o and_o thus_o if_o we_o look_v into_o scripture_n those_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v there_o record_v we_o shall_v find_v they_o dispute_v if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o as_o well_o as_o request_n and_o so_o many_o reason_n urge_v in_o they_o as_o if_o by_o dint_n of_o argument_n they_o will_v constrain_v god_n to_o yield_v to_o their_o desire_n so_o in_o moses_n prayer_n exod._n 32.11_o wherefore_o do_v thy_o wrath_n wax_v hot_a against_o thy_o people_n which_o thou_o have_v bring_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n with_o great_a power_n wherefore_o shall_v the_o egyptian_n say_v for_o mischief_n do_v he_o bring_v they_o out_o to_o slay_v they_o in_o the_o mountain_n and_o to_o consume_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n turn_v thou_o from_o thy_o fierce_a wrath_n and_o repent_v of_o this_o evil_a against_o thy_o people_n remember_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n thy_o servant_n to_o who_o thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o own_o self_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o will_v multiply_v your_o seed_n as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o this_o land_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o will_n i_o give_v unto_o your_o seed_n and_o they_o shall_v inherit_v it_o for_o ever_o and_o so_o joshua_n plead_v with_o god_n josh_n 7.8_o o_o lord_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v when_o israel_n turn_v their_o back_n before_o their_o enemy_n for_o the_o canaanite_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n shall_v hear_v of_o it_o and_o shall_v environ_v we_o round_o and_o cut_v off_o our_o name_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o what_o will_v thou_o do_v unto_o thy_o great_a name_n and_o so_o jehoshaphat_n 2_o chron._n 20.6_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o our_o father_n be_v not_o thou_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o rule_a thou_o not_o over_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o in_o thy_o hand_n be_v there_o not_o power_n and_o may_v so_o that_o none_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v thou_o and_o so_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o plead_v with_o god_n by_o such_o powerful_a argument_n as_o if_o he_o will_v extort_v mercy_n and_o deliverance_n from_o he_o now_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o the_o argument_n we_o can_v urge_v and_o all_o the_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v allege_v can_v alter_v the_o purpose_n and_o determination_n of_o god_n as_o to_o any_o event_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v yet_o there_o be_v this_o twofold_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o plead_v they_o first_o because_o by_o consider_v the_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o pray_v for_o such_o mercy_n our_o desire_n will_v be_v the_o more_o earnest_a and_o fervent_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o it_o will_v put_v spirit_n and_o life_n into_o our_o petition_n when_o we_o can_v represent_v to_o god_n the_o necessity_n of_o our_o ask_n which_o to_o his_o mercy_n will_v prove_v a_o strong_a motive_n for_o his_o grant_n second_o because_o reason_n in_o prayer_n do_v mighty_o conduce_v to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o give_v we_o great_a encouragement_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v certain_o obtain_v what_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o ask_v now_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o obtain_v our_o request_n be_v a_o great_a condition_n to_o the_o acceptation_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o to_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n as_o without_o wrath_n so_o also_o without_o doubt_v 1_o tim._n 2.8_o and_o again_o jam._n 1.7_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v for_o let_v not_o that_o man_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o when_o we_o can_v humble_o represent_v unto_o god_n both_o the_o great_a necessity_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o of_o those_o mercy_n that_o we_o beg_v and_o likewise_o the_o equity_n which_o arise_v either_o from_o his_o promise_n past_a or_o his_o name_n and_o attribute_n proclaim_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o what_o abundant_a strength_n and_o confidence_n may_v this_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n and_o make_v we_o come_v to_o god_n with_o a_o humble_a expectation_n that_o he_o will_v either_o answer_v our_o prayer_n or_o our_o reason_n and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v thy_o prayer_n answer_v pray_v chief_o for_o such_o thing_n for_o which_o thou_o can_v produce_v such_o reason_n as_o can_v be_v answer_v and_o therefore_o second_o the_o most_o forcible_a reason_n and_o argument_n in_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n these_o must_v needs_o be_v powerful_a when_o they_o be_v himself_o and_o if_o
not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v a._n these_o be_v not_o so_o much_o prayer_n as_o declaration_n of_o their_o submission_n unto_o and_o patience_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n q._n may_v we_o not_o pray_v at_o all_o that_o god_n will_n of_o purpose_n may_v be_v do_v a._n yes_o it_o be_v for_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a or_o eternal_a blessing_n on_o ourselves_o or_o other_o q._n what_o force_n do_v the_o particle_n thy_o carry_v in_o it_o when_o we_o pray_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v a._n it_o may_v be_v take_v either_o emphatical_o or_o exclusive_o 1._o first_o it_o signify_v that_o god_n will_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v above_o and_o before_o all_o other_o act_n 4.19_o but_o peter_n and_o john_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o you_o more_o than_o unto_o god_n judge_v you_o both_o because_o it_o be_v most_o sovereign_a and_o because_o it_o be_v most_o holy_a and_o perfect_a so_o that_o we_o act_n most_o like_a man_n when_o we_o act_v most_o like_a christian_n 2._o second_o it_o signify_v exclusive_o that_o god_n will_n and_o not_o our_o own_o may_v be_v do_v for_o we_o be_v carnal_a and_o corrupt_a we_o pray_v for_o the_o subdue_a it_o to_o he_o q._n what_o mean_v you_o by_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n a._n first_o i_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o myself_o and_o all_o other_o live_v on_o the_o earth_n psal_n 67.2_o that_o thy_o way_n may_v be_v know_v upon_o earth_n thy_o save_a health_n among_o all_o nation_n second_o we_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v improve_v the_o few_o day_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o device_n nor_o operation_n in_o the_o grave_a q._n have_v give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o petition_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o what_o be_v next_o observable_a a._n the_o proportion_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n q._n but_o be_v it_o not_o impossible_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n where_o the_o holy_a angel_n do_v perfect_o perform_v it_o a._n it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o equality_n of_o perfection_n but_o not_o as_o to_o the_o similitude_n and_o proportion_n of_o our_o endeavour_n after_o it_o for_o we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a matt._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a which_o command_v we_o obey_v when_o we_o serious_o endeavour_v it_o q._n how_o then_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v in_o heaven_n a._n first_o thy_o obedience_n be_v absolute_o perfect_a both_o as_o to_o part_n and_o degree_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o obey_v all_o god_n will_n enjoin_v they_o and_o that_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o after_o this_o perfection_n we_o ought_v to_o strive_v and_o in_o this_o petition_n pray_v for_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o it_o second_o their_o obedience_n be_v cheerful_a not_o extort_a by_o fear_n or_o suffering_n three_o they_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o zeal_n and_o ardency_n psal_n 104.4_o who_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n his_o minister_n a_o flame_a fire_n four_o they_o do_v it_o with_o celerity_n and_o ready_a dispatch_n and_o therefore_o the_o angel_n be_v often_o in_o scripture_n describe_v to_o have_v wing_n five_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v do_v in_o heaven_n with_o all_o possible_a prostration_n and_o reverence_n rev._n 4.10_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o cast_v their_o crown_n before_o the_o throne_n say_v six_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v do_v in_o heaven_n with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n rev._n 7.15_o therefore_o be_v they_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o day_n and_o night_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n shall_v dwell_v among_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o endeavour_v that_o we_o may_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n q._n what_o learn_v you_o from_o this_o a._n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o compare_v our_o obedience_n with_o other_o man_n as_o the_o boast_a pharisee_n do_v but_o to_o take_v the_o example_n for_o our_o holiness_n from_o heaven_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o imitate_v the_o purity_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o god_n of_o angel_n for_o st._n paul_n himself_n when_o he_o prescribe_v his_o life_n as_o a_o example_n for_o christian_n do_v it_o only_o as_o he_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ_n q._n we_o have_v already_o consider_v the_o three_o first_o petition_n which_o immediate_o relate_v to_o god_n s_o glory_n it_o remain_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o those_o which_o immediate_o concern_v our_o own_o good_a which_o be_v the_o first_o of_o they_o a._n that_o wherein_o we_o beg_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n in_o these_o word_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n q._n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o bread_n a._n all_o temporal_a and_o earthly_a blessing_n that_o contribute_v either_o to_o our_o be_v or_o well_o be_v for_o bread_n be_v the_o most_o usual_a and_o useful_a support_n of_o life_n it_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n put_v for_o all_o kind_n of_o provision_n necessary_a for_o natural_a life_n gen._n 3.19_o in_o the_o sweat_n of_o thy_o face_n shall_v thou_o eat_v bread_n till_o thou_o return_v into_o the_o ground_n for_o out_o of_o it_o waste_v thou_o take_v for_o dust_n thou_o be_v and_o unto_o dust_n shall_v thou_o return_v q._n what_o learn_v we_o hence_o a._n that_o it_o be_v not_o below_o a_o spiritual_a christian_n to_o pray_v for_o temporal_a mercy_n both_o because_o they_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o matt._n 6.32_o for_o after_o all_o 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or_o disease_n will_v what_o be_v your_o body_n but_o clog_n to_o your_o spirit_n and_o prison_n to_o your_o soul_n and_o certain_o those_o enemy_n be_v not_o very_o formidable_a who_o when_o they_o most_o think_v to_o hurt_v you_o only_o knock_v off_o your_o clog_n or_o break_v open_a your_o prison_n and_o let_v your_o soul_n escape_v to_o their_o desire_a liberty_n second_o our_o saviour_n answer_v that_o though_o they_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n when_o god_n permit_v they_o yet_o they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o touch_v it_o without_o his_o permission_n and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n by_o show_v how_o punctual_a and_o particular_a god_n providence_n be_v even_o over_o the_o small_a and_o those_o that_o seem_v the_o most_o trifle_a occurrence_n of_o the_o world_n a_o sparrow_n who_o price_n be_v but_o mean_a two_o of_o they_o value_v at_o a_o farthing_n which_o some_o make_v to_o be_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o a_o roman_a penny_n and_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o 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only_o his_o visitation_n that_o have_v hitherto_o preserve_v our_o spirit_n and_o to_o his_o never_o sail_a providence_n we_o owe_v it_o that_o such_o frail_a and_o feeble_a creature_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v crush_v before_o the_o moth_n liable_a to_o so_o many_o disease_n and_o accident_n have_v yet_o a_o name_n among_o the_o live_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o fail_v from_o off_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n second_o as_o god_n preserve_v so_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n and_o this_o government_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n direction_n of_o the_o creature_n action_n and_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o action_n of_o his_o rational_a creature_n first_o god_n by_o his_o govern_n providence_n direct_v all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o creature_n yea_o and_o by_o the_o secret_a but_o efficacious_a
honour_n thy_o glory_n lie_v bleed_v and_o suffer_v through_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n why_o commit_v thy_o care_n to_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o so_o wield_v their_o lust_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v bring_v about_o and_o effect_v his_o own_o end_n god_n be_v glorify_v himself_o even_o by_o these_o thing_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v trouble_v this_o thought_n keep_v alive_a on_o our_o heart_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v amid_o all_o the_o tumult_n we_o observe_v and_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o unwind_v these_o ravel_v dispensation_n to_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o glory_n yet_o he_o can_v and_o will_n there_o be_v a_o invisible_a and_o wise_a hand_n that_o mould_v and_o fashion_n all_o and_o though_o the_o part_n by_o themselves_o may_v appear_v rude_a and_o unpolished_a yet_o put_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o series_n of_o providence_n together_o and_o that_o will_v appear_v most_o admirable_a and_o glorious_a 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he_o be_v the_o author_n that_o compose_v it_o and_o likewise_o he_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o which_o it_o principal_o treat_v now_o though_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v more_o especial_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n yet_o also_o may_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o true_o and_o proper_o go_v under_o his_o name_n for_o first_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o he_o may_v well_o write_v this_o title_n upon_o our_o bibles_n the_o work_n of_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o prophet_n before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v but_o his_o amanuensis_n and_o write_v only_o what_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n dictate_v to_o they_o 2_o pet._n 1.21_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o certain_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v they_o by_o christ_n authority_n and_o commission_n and_o what_o he_o declare_v he_o take_v from_o he_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o they_o john_n 16.14_o 15._o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o second_o christ_n also_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n the_o send_v christ_n a_o saviour_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o great_a business_n which_o have_v employ_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o father_n the_o admiration_n and_o ministration_n of_o angel_n the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n before_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v when_o revelation_n or_o tradition_n be_v yet_o the_o only_a positive_a rule_n for_o faith_n and_o practice_n the_o patriarch_n see_v he_o by_o these_o abraham_n see_v my_o day_n and_o be_v glad_a joh._n 8.56_o afterward_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n see_v he_o by_o type_n promise_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n he_o be_v that_o excellent_a theme_n that_o have_v fill_v up_o many_o chapter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o first_o draught_n of_o a_o picture_n represent_v the_o feature_n and_o proportion_n of_o the_o person_n but_o afterward_o be_v add_v the_o complexion_n and_o life_n to_o it_o so_o be_v it_o here_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o prophet_n draw_v the_o first_o lineament_n and_o proportion_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v add_v the_o life_n and_o sweetness_n to_o it_o in_o the_o new_a yea_o christ_n be_v so_o true_o describe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o his_o life_n by_o his_o death_n by_o all_o the_o great_a remark_n of_o either_o that_o in_o his_o contest_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o appeal_v thither_o for_o a_o testimony_n john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o st._n peter_n act_v 3.24_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o prophet_n as_o many_o as_o have_v speak_v have_v foretell_v of_o these_o day_n and_o act_v 10.43_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o true_a expositor_n be_v himself_o the_o true_a author_n make_v they_o all_o speak_v his_o sense_n luke_n 24.27_o begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o saying_n concern_v himself_o so_o that_o st._n chrysostom_n observation_n hold_v true_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o take_v root_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o flow_v forth_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o author_n and_o as_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o and_o in_o both_o these_o lie_v couch_v a_o very_a cogent_a argument_n that_o may_v enforce_v this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o first_o be_v christ_n the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n peruse_v these_o book_n which_o he_o have_v compose_v the_o writing_n of_o man_n be_v value_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n of_o their_o author_n if_o they_o be_v of_o approve_a integrity_n profound_a knowledge_n solid_a judgement_n their_o work_n be_v esteem_v and_o study_v and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v much_o more_o conversant_a in_o these_o which_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o author_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o the_o essential_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n these_o that_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o write_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o quill_n of_o the_o heavenly_a dove_n second_o christ_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o what_o be_v all_o other_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n but_o beggarly_a element_n if_o compare_v with_o this_o here_o we_o have_v the_o cabinet_n of_o god_n counsel_n unlock_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n public_o declare_v here_o we_o have_v the_o stupendous_a history_n of_o god_n become_a man_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n this_o god-man_n do_v upon_o earth_n of_o all_o the_o cruelty_n he_o suffer_v here_o we_o have_v the_o description_n of_o his_o victory_n in_o his_o resurrection_n of_o his_o triumph_n in_o his_o ascension_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o his_o session_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a sure_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n as_o the_o apostle_n with_o admiration_n recount_v it_o
1_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o of_o all_o these_o wounderful_a passage_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o perfect_a narrative_n and_o what_o have_v the_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n ever_o treat_v on_o like_o this_o either_o for_o strangeness_n or_o truth_n all_o their_o learning_n be_v but_o idle_a and_o contemptible_a speculation_n compare_v to_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n who_o subdue_v death_n by_o die_v and_o without_o force_n convert_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n above_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a say_n of_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr carne_fw-la christi_fw-la cont_n marc._n and_o yet_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o that_o strike_v natus_fw-la est_fw-la dei_fw-la filius_fw-la non_fw-la pudet_fw-la quia_fw-la pudendum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v bear_v we_o blush_v not_o at_o it_o because_o it_o be_v shameful_a mortuus_fw-la est_fw-la dei_fw-la filius_fw-la prorsus_fw-la credibile_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la ineptum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v it_o be_v credible_a because_o it_o be_v unfit_a and_o unlikely_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o sepultus_fw-la resurrexit_fw-la certum_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la impossibile_fw-it est_fw-la he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v certain_a true_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a now_o these_o unlikely_a and_o impossible_a thing_n judge_v so_o by_o humane_a reason_n these_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n declare_v and_o declare_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o convince_v even_o reason_n itself_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o though_o it_o can_v comprehend_v they_o if_o therefore_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a and_o those_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v not_o invent_v for_o it_o can_v hardly_o receive_v they_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o reveal_v all_o the_o wonder_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o folly_n this_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v lie_v in_o the_o expression_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o which_o he_o be_v both_o the_o author_n and_o the_o subject_a second_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o text_n the_o manner_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v set_v forth_o very_o significant_o first_o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o do_v not_o only_o give_v it_o the_o hear_n as_o a_o strange_a and_o marvellous_a story_n let_v not_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o vanish_v out_o of_o your_o mind_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n vanish_v out_o of_o your_o ear_n but_o lay_v it_o up_o and_o lodge_v it_o in_o your_o heart_n make_v it_o familiar_a and_o domestic_a to_o you_o that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o know_v to_o you_o as_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o same_o house_n with_o you_o read_v it_o ponder_v and_o meditate_v upon_o it_o till_o you_o have_v transcribe_v the_o bible_n upon_o your_o heart_n and_o faithful_o print_v it_o in_o your_o memory_n second_o let_v it_o dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o or_o copious_o which_o may_v be_v take_v either_o objective_o or_o subjective_o objective_o and_o so_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o content_v not_o yourselves_o with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o that_o you_o read_v the_o gospel_n or_o new_a testament_n but_o neglect_v the_o old_a as_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o flush_a notionist_n or_o that_o you_o know_v the_o historical_a part_n of_o both_o but_o neglect_v the_o doctrinal_a which_o be_v the_o fond_a and_o childish_a custom_n of_o some_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o will_v romance_n skip_v over_o the_o moral_a discourse_n as_o impertinent_a to_o the_o story_n but_o when_o we_o receive_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o be_v diligent_a in_o revolve_v the_o prophet_n evangelist_n apostle_n every_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o the_o heavenly_a reveal_v truth_n again_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n or_o subjective_o and_o so_o it_o do_v when_o not_o only_o every_o part_n of_o it_o dwell_v in_o we_o but_o when_o it_o dwell_v also_o in_o every_o part_n of_o we_o in_o our_o memory_n to_o retain_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n to_o meditate_v on_o it_o in_o our_o affection_n to_o love_v it_o and_o in_o our_o life_n to_o practice_v it_o then_o do_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v rich_o or_o abundant_o in_o we_o three_o let_v it_o dwell_v rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n the_o high_a wisdom_n be_v true_o to_o know_v and_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n so_o acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o you_o may_v from_o thence_o learn_v true_a wisdom_n the_o save_a knowledge_n both_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o it_o only_o to_o know_v what_o it_o contain_v be_v not_o wisdom_n but_o folly_n but_o than_o it_o dwell_v in_o you_o in_o wisdom_n when_o you_o study_v it_o to_o practice_v it_o when_o you_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o rule_n that_o you_o may_v obey_v it_o this_o be_v wisdom_n here_o and_o will_v end_v in_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n explain_v in_o handle_v this_o subject_a i_o shall_v only_o pursue_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o endeavour_v to_o press_v those_o exhortation_n upon_o you_o and_o indeed_o i_o need_v not_o many_o argument_n to_o persuade_v those_o who_o have_v already_o any_o acquaintance_n with_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n still_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o have_v you_o not_o yourselves_o find_v such_o clear_a light_n such_o attractive_a sweetness_n and_o persuasive_a eloquence_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o that_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v for_o it_o fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o what_o it_o speak_v on_o in_o its_o own_o behalf_n who_o of_o we_o have_v not_o find_v direction_n from_o it_o in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n solution_n of_o doubt_n support_v under_o affliction_n comfort_n under_o sadness_n strength_n against_o temptation_n quickning_n of_o grace_n warmth_n of_o affection_n and_o in_o brief_a whatsoever_o we_o can_v expect_v from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v we_o not_o find_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o shall_v we_o need_v further_a to_o commend_v it_o to_o you_o by_o argument_n since_o it_o have_v commend_v itself_o by_o manifold_a experience_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n know_v we_o be_v disarm_v and_o disable_v if_o once_o he_o can_v wrest_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o and_o therefore_o labour_v all_o he_o can_v to_o strike_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n or_o if_o we_o do_v read_v it_o he_o strive_v to_o put_v on_o such_o false_a spectacle_n as_o shall_v misrepresent_v every_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o possess_v we_o with_o prejudice_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_a encounter_n with_o some_o of_o those_o prejudice_v opinion_n which_o make_v this_o a_o clasp_v and_o seal_v book_n to_o many_o first_o some_o may_v fear_v lest_o the_o study_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v only_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o condemnation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o various_a the_o duty_n so_o difficult_a and_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o infirm_a and_o opposite_a that_o they_o cast_v a_o despair_a look_n at_o they_o as_o impossible_a to_o be_v fulfil_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o knowledge_n without_o practice_n will_v expose_v they_o to_o damnation_n without_o excuse_n they_o have_v read_v ja._n 4.17_o to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v a_o emphatical_a and_o weighty_a sin_n and_o luke_n 12.47_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n this_o they_o have_v read_v and_o this_o deterr_v they_o from_o read_v any_o far_o if_o they_o can_v practice_v what_o they_o know_v and_o if_o to_o know_v and_o not_o practice_v be_v only_o to_o inflame_v their_o last_o reckon_n and_o make_v their_o torment_n more_o intolerable_a it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o to_o muffle_v up_o themselves_o in_o a_o safe_a ignorance_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o though_o the_o word_n abound_v with_o multitude_n of_o sublime_a precept_n and_o difficult_a duty_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o discouragement_n from_o the_o study_n of_o it_o for_o consider_v that_o this_o same_o
thy_o own_o evil_a conscience_n that_o haunt_v and_o terrify_v thou_o when_o thou_o read_v that_o dreadful_a threaten_v ezek._n 18.4_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o terror_n in_o it_o do_v not_o thy_o guilty_a conscience_n witness_v against_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n it_o be_v this_o that_o turn_v and_o level_v all_o god_n artillery_n against_o thou_o get_v therefore_o a_o conscience_n pacify_v upon_o good_a ground_n and_o the_o very_a threaten_n of_o the_o word_n will_v speak_v to_o thou_o not_o so_o much_o terror_n from_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o the_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n denounce_v as_o joy_n that_o thou_o have_v escape_v it_o three_o it_o may_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o work_v in_o thou_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n be_v prepare_v thou_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n for_o that_o usual_o usher_v in_o this_o we_o find_v the_o gaoler_n tremble_v before_o we_o find_v he_o rejoice_v there_o be_v mighty_a and_o rend_a wind_n earthquake_n and_o fire_n all_o terrible_a before_o these_o come_v the_o still_a voice_n in_o which_o god_n be_v 1_o king_n 19.12_o so_o god_n in_o conviction_n many_o time_n prepare_v the_o way_n by_o thunder_n and_o earthquake_n by_o the_o thunder_a of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o tremble_v of_o our_o own_o conscience_n before_o he_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o still_a and_o sweet_a voice_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o certain_o they_o be_v much_o more_o afraid_a than_o hurt_n who_o god_n by_o his_o terror_n thus_o fright_v into_o heaven_n but_o three_o some_o may_v still_o say_v their_o fear_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o they_o will_v drive_v they_o into_o desperation_n or_o distraction_n if_o they_o long_o pore_v on_o those_o dreadful_a thing_n the_o scripture_n contain_v i_o answer_v there_o be_v not_o one_o line_n or_o syllable_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n that_o give_v the_o least_o ground_n for_o despair_n nay_o there_o be_v the_o most_o support_a comfort_n a_o poor_a fearful_a tremble_v soul_n can_v desire_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n come_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v you_o out_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v isaiah_n 55.7_o ay_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_v out_o and_o forget_v your_o sin_n and_o innumerable_a such_o like_a now_o if_o man_n will_v only_o take_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wound_v they_o and_o not_o also_o the_o balm_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o heal_v they_o they_o may_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n especial_o when_o they_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o the_o devil_n commentary_n fret_v themselves_o into_o despair_n four_o some_o may_v say_v certain_o it_o can_v be_v thus_o necessary_a that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n shall_v dwell_v thus_o rich_o and_o abundant_o in_o all_o christian_n it_o be_v requisite_a indeed_o for_o minister_n who_o calling_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o abundance_n of_o scripture_n dwell_v in_o they_o but_o for_o we_o who_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o law_n at_o their_o mouth_n a_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n may_v well_o be_v sufficient_a we_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v by_o he_o we_o must_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o such_o chief_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o god_n may_v well_o expect_v a_o more_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o the_o word_n to_o dwell_v in_o minister_n because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o their_o general_n but_o particular_a call_n to_o peruse_v and_o study_v it_o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o twofold_a fullness_n a_o fullness_n of_o the_o private_a christian_a and_o a_o fullness_n of_o the_o 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concern_v ourselves_o and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v which_o nature_n can_v never_o give_v the_o least_o glimpse_n to_o discover_v what_o signature_n be_v there_o stamp_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n or_o temporal_a carnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n what_o creature_n can_v inform_v we_o of_o our_o first_o fall_n and_o guilt_n contract_v by_o it_o where_o can_v we_o find_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o of_o grace_n print_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n all_o the_o great_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v nature_n secretary_n and_o ransack_v its_o abstruse_a mystery_n yet_o all_o their_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n can_v not_o discover_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n these_o be_v truth_n which_o nature_n be_v so_o far_o from_o search_v out_o that_o it_o can_v scarce_o receive_v they_o when_o reveal_v 1._o corinth_n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v the_o light_n that_o can_v reveal_v these_o must_v break_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n itself_o and_o so_o it_o do_v upon_o the_o prophet_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o if_o it_o be_v their_o singular_a privilege_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v descend_v into_o their_o breast_n and_o so_o possess_v they_o with_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o what_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v become_v oracular_a how_o little_o less_o be_v we_o since_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o truth_n which_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v to_o they_o god_n heretofore_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o now_o he_o speak_v by_o they_o unto_o we_o their_o revelation_n be_v become_v we_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o what_o god_n teach_v they_o by_o extraordinary_a 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most_o glorious_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v but_o beam_n forth_o light_a to_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v those_o gospel_n mystery_n the_o scripture_n relate_v the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n incarnation_n the_o mystical_a union_n of_o our_o person_n to_o he_o by_o our_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v substitute_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o guilty_a sinner_n that_o he_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n become_v reconcile_v to_o man_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n these_o be_v mystery_n so_o infinite_o profound_a as_o be_v enough_o to_o puzzle_v a_o whole_a college_n of_o
angel_n now_o these_o the_o scripture_n propound_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o to_o pose_v but_o to_o perfect_v our_o understanding_n for_o that_o little_a knowledge_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n and_o where_o our_o scanty_a apprehension_n fall_v short_a of_o fathom_v these_o deep_a mystery_n the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o seek_v it_o out_o with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 11.33_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n how_o unreasearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o knowledge_n the_o more_o you_o draw_v from_o it_o the_o more_o still_o spring_v up_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a mine_n and_o the_o far_o you_o search_v into_o it_o still_o the_o rich_a you_o find_v it_o it_o be_v tedious_a to_o read_v the_o work_n and_o writing_n of_o man_n often_o over_o because_o we_o be_v soon_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o our_o understanding_n have_v nothing_o new_a to_o refresh_v it_o but_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n it_o fare_v with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o those_o who_o christ_n miraculous_o feed_v the_o bread_n multiply_v under_o their_o tooth_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o very_o chew_v of_o it_o so_o here_o while_o we_o ruminate_v and_o chew_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o multiply_v and_o rise_v up_o thick_a under_o our_o meditation_n one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o neglect_n that_o many_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o fear_n that_o they_o shall_v but_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o thing_n again_o which_o they_o have_v already_o read_v and_o know_v and_o this_o they_o account_v tedious_a and_o irksome_a indeed_o if_o they_o read_v it_o only_o superficial_o and_o slight_o it_o 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study_v all_o his_o life_n time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o childhood_n to_o decrepit_a age_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o compact_v and_o thick_o set_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v daily_o learn_v something_o which_o before_o he_o know_v not_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v study_v to_o speak_v compendious_o in_o the_o scripture_n what_o a_o miracle_n of_o brevity_n be_v it_o that_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n relate_v both_o to_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n shall_v be_v all_o comprise_v in_o ten_o word_n not_o a_o word_n but_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o draw_v out_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v whole_a volume_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 119.96_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a when_o we_o have_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o yet_o remain_v such_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o scripture_n expression_n and_o in_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o thing_n express_v that_o after_o our_o utmost_a industry_n still_o there_o will_v be_v leave_v new_a truth_n to_o become_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o new_a search_n four_o the_o scripture_n exhibit_v to_o we_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o and_o this_o knowledge_n the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v afford_v we_o john_n 5.39_o so_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o we_o need_v not_o therefore_o inquire_v after_o blind_a tradition_n or_o expect_v any_o whimsical_a enthusiasm_n the_o write_a word_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o whosoever_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v be_v wise_a only_a in_o impertinence_n now_o have_v god_n contract_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o sum_v it_o up_o in_o one_o book_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o study_v that_o which_o do_v so_o necessary_o concern_v we_o other_o knowledge_n be_v only_o for_o the_o adorn_v and_o embellishment_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n of_o life_n eternal_a i_o have_v before_o speak_v enough_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o knowledge_n unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o far_o enlarge_v therefore_o as_o st._n peter_n say_v to_o christ_n lord_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o let_v we_o answer_v whatsoever_o may_v seem_v to_o call_v we_o off_o from_o the_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v to_o this_o we_o must_v cleave_v with_o this_o we_o will_v converse_v for_o here_o alone_o be_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n five_o the_o knowledge_n that_o the_o scripture_n disclose_v be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o perpetual_a truth_n it_o depend_v not_o upon_o probability_n or_o conjecture_n but_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o he_o have_v dictate_v it_o for_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lie_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o veracity_n or_o truth_n be_v the_o conformity_n of_o our_o speech_n to_o the_o existency_n of_o thing_n but_o divine_a truth_n and_o veracity_n have_v no_o other_o rule_n beside_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o he_o must_v needs_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n who_o speak_v thing_n into_o their_o being_n such_o be_v the_o omnipotent_a speech_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o declare_v be_v therefore_o true_a because_o he_o declare_v it_o never_o matter_n how_o strange_a and_o impossible_a scripture-mystery_n may_v seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o captious_a understanding_n of_o natural_a man_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v undertake_v for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v as_o much_o impiety_n to_o doubt_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o very_a eye_n nay_o the_o information_n of_o our_o sense_n what_o we_o see_v what_o we_o hear_v what_o we_o feel_v be_v not_o so_o certain_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v and_o testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o speak_v of_o that_o miraculous_a voice_n that_o sound_v from_o heaven_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v we_o say_v the_o apostle_n hear_v this_o voice_n when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n but_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n or_o as_o the_o greek_a may_v well_o be_v render_v we_o account_v more_o sure_a the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n unto_o which_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n what_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o god_n himself_o shall_v vocal_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n yes_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o because_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n may_v seem_v somewhat_o obscure_a in_o comparison_n with_o this_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o obscure_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o testimony_n of_o clear_a sense_n now_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v know_v thing_n beyond_o all_o danger_n either_o of_o falsehood_n or_o hesitation_n be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o may_v take_v all_o for_o certain_a upon_o the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o god_n who_o neither_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v six_o the_o scripture_n alone_o give_v we_o the_o true_a and_o unerring_a knowledge_n
first_o i_o answer_v first_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n very_a case_n rom._n 7.8_o sin_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o command_n wrought_v in_o i_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n now_o this_o effect_n be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v unto_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o wicked_a heart_n of_o man_n which_o take_v a_o hint_n so_o desperate_o corrupt_a be_v it_o from_o god_n forbid_a sin_n to_o put_v itself_o in_o mind_n of_o commit_v it_o second_o thou_o complain_v that_o the_o word_n excit_v to_o corruption_n but_o it_o do_v it_o not_o otherwise_o than_o the_o sun_n draw_v smoak_n and_o stink_v out_o of_o a_o dunghill_n it_o do_v increase_v but_o unhappy_o excite_v they_o the_o very_a same_o lust_n lay_v hide_v in_o their_o heart_n before_o there_o they_o lie_v like_o so_o many_o viper_n and_o serpent_n asleep_a till_o the_o light_n and_o warmth_n of_o the_o word_n make_v they_o stir_v and_o crawl_v about_o and_o this_o advantage_n thou_o may_v make_v of_o it_o that_o when_o thy_o corruption_n swarm_v thick_a about_o thou_o upon_o the_o disturbance_n the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v make_v among_o they_o thou_o may_v thence_o see_v what_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o nature_n thou_o have_v how_o much_o filth_n and_o mud_n there_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o which_o present_o rise_v upon_o the_o first_o stir_v this_o may_v make_v thou_o vile_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o deep_o humble_v under_o the_o sad_a and_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thy_o indwelling_a sin_n it_o be_v the_o very_a use_n the_o apostle_n make_v in_o the_o same_o case_n rom._n 7.24_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n when_o humour_n be_v in_o motion_n we_o soon_o perceive_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o our_o body_n and_o when_o corruption_n be_v once_o stir_v we_o may_v thereby_o easy_o know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n three_o the_o same_o word_n that_o do_v thus_o occasional_o stir_v up_o sin_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o beat_v it_o down_o you_o may_v perceive_v by_o this_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a to_o their_o sin_n since_o they_o do_v so_o rise_v and_o arm_n against_o it_o their_o great_a enemy_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o alarm_n that_o they_o take_v be_v but_o before_o their_o overthrow_n it_o may_v be_v the_o mud_n be_v only_o stir_v that_o it_o may_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o their_o heart_n cleanse_v from_o it_o be_v not_o discourage_v therefore_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n so_o apposite_a to_o the_o destruction_n and_o subdue_a of_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n though_o at_o first_o it_o may_v seem_v instead_o of_o subdue_a of_o sin_n to_o strengthen_v they_o six_o many_o be_v discourage_v from_o study_v the_o scripture_n because_o their_o memory_n be_v so_o treacherous_a and_o unfaithful_a they_o can_v retain_v nothing_o when_o they_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v recollect_v what_o they_o have_v read_v they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o it_o either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o nothing_o abide_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o be_v as_o good_a give_v over_o as_o thus_o continual_o pour_v water_n into_o a_o sieve_n and_o inculcate_v truth_n upon_o such_o a_o leaky_a memory_n where_o all_o run_v out_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o complaint_n of_o many_o but_o first_o this_o shall_v put_v thou_o on_o a_o more_o frequent_a and_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o discourage_v thou_o from_o it_o more_o pain_n will_v supply_v this_o defect_n thou_o must_v the_o often_o prompt_v and_o the_o often_o examine_v thyself_o the_o more_o forgetful_a thou_o be_v memory_n be_v the_o soul_n steward_n and_o if_o thou_o find_v it_o unfaithful_a call_v it_o the_o often_o to_o account_v be_v still_o follow_v it_o with_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n and_o continual_o instill_v somewhat_o into_o it_o a_o vessel_n set_v under_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o spring_n can_v leak_v fast_o than_o it_o be_v supply_v a_o constant_a drop_n of_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n into_o the_o memory_n will_v keep_v it_o that_o though_o it_o be_v leaky_a yet_o it_o never_o shall_v be_v empty_a second_o scripture_n truth_n when_o they_o do_v not_o enrich_v the_o memory_n yet_o they_o may_v purify_v the_o heart_n we_o must_v not_o measure_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n according_a to_o what_o of_o it_o remain_v but_o according_a to_o what_o effect_n it_o leave_v behind_o lightning_z you_o know_v than_o which_o nothing_o soon_o vanish_v away_o yet_o it_o often_o break_v and_o melt_v the_o hard_a and_o most_o firm_a body_n in_o its_o sudden_a passage_n such_o be_v the_o irresistible_a force_n of_o the_o word_n the_o spirit_n often_o dart_v it_o through_o we_o it_o seem_v but_o like_o a_o flash_n and_o go_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v break_v and_o melt_v down_o our_o hard_a heart_n before_o it_o when_o it_o leave_v no_o impression_n at_o all_o upon_o our_o memory_n i_o have_v hear_v of_o one_o who_o return_v from_o a_o affect_a sermon_n high_o commend_v it_o to_o some_o and_o be_v demand_v what_o he_o remember_v of_o it_o answer_v true_o i_o remember_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o only_o while_o i_o hear_v it_o it_o make_v i_o resolve_v to_o live_v better_a than_o ever_o i_o have_v do_v and_o so_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o will_n here_o be_v now_o a_o sermon_n lose_v to_o the_o memory_n but_o not_o to_o the_o affection_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v a_o story_n of_o one_o that_o complain_v to_o a_o age_a holyman_n that_o he_o be_v much_o discourage_v from_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o his_o memory_n be_v so_o slippery_a he_o can_v fasten_v nothing_o upon_o it_o that_o he_o read_v the_o old_a hermit_n for_o so_o as_o i_o remember_v he_o be_v describe_v bid_v he_o take_v a_o earthen_a pitcher_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o water_n when_o he_o have_v do_v it_o he_o bid_v he_o empty_v it_o again_o and_o wipe_v it_o clean_o that_o nothing_o shall_v remain_v in_o it_o which_o when_o the_o other_o have_v do_v and_o wonder_v to_o what_o this_o tend_v now_o say_v he_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o water_n remain_v to_o it_o yet_o the_o pitcher_n be_v clean_a than_o it_o be_v before_o so_o though_o thy_o memory_n retain_v nothing_o of_o the_o word_n thou_o read_v yet_o thy_o heart_n be_v the_o clean_a for_o its_o very_a passage_n through_o three_o never_o fear_v your_o memory_n only_o pray_v for_o good_a and_o pious_a affection_n affection_n to_o the_o truth_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v make_v the_o memory_n retentive_a of_o they_o most_o man_n memory_n be_v like_o jet_n or_o electrical_a body_n that_o attract_v and_o holdfast_v only_a straw_n or_o feather_n or_o such_o vain_a and_o light_a thing_n discourse_n to_o they_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n or_o some_o idle_a and_o romantic_a story_n their_o memory_n retain_v this_o as_o faithful_o as_o if_o it_o be_v engrave_v on_o leaf_n of_o brass_n whereas_o the_o great_a important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n and_o concernment_n of_o eternity_n leave_v no_o more_o impression_n upon_o they_o than_o word_n on_o the_o air_n in_o which_o they_o be_v speak_v whence_o be_v this_o but_o only_o that_o the_o one_o sort_n work_v themselves_o into_o the_o memory_n through_o the_o interest_n they_o have_v get_v in_o the_o affection_n which_o the_o other_o can_v do_v have_v we_o but_o the_o same_o delight_n in_o heavenly_a object_n do_v we_o but_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o mingle_v it_o with_o faith_n in_o the_o hear_n this_o will_v fix_v that_o volatileness_n and_o flittiness_n of_o our_o memory_n and_o make_v every_o truth_n as_o indelible_a as_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o be_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o 6_o objection_n seven_o other_o complain_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v they_o may_v as_o well_o and_o with_o as_o good_a success_n attempt_v to_o spy_v out_o what_o lie_v at_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a and_o hide_a mystery_n which_o no_o humane_a understanding_n can_v fathom_v or_o comprehend_v and_o this_o discourage_v they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o there_o be_v such_o profound_a depth_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v a_o system_n and_o compendium_n of_o his_o infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n that_o wisdom_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v hide_v in_o god_n those_o deep_a truth_n which_o your_o understanding_n can_v reach_v