jacob_n vow_v or_o man_n felicity_n and_o duty_n in_o two_o part_n by_o john_n cockburn_n d._n d._n edinburgh_n print_v for_o alexander_n ogston_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o william_n keblewhite_n at_o the_o swan_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n london_n mdcxcvi_o imprimatur_fw-la edinburgh_n 12_o february_n 1686._o i_o have_v consider_v this_o book_n entitle_v iacob_n vow_n and_o find_v nothing_o therein_o repugnant_a to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n or_o contrary_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o allow_v the_o same_o to_o be_v print_v io._n edinburgh_n the_o preface_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o follow_v treatise_n may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o tittle_n the_o true_a design_n hereof_o be_v to_o direct_v to_o true_a felicity_n to_o show_v wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n that_o be_v what_o be_v the_o necessary_a mean_n we_o shall_v use_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v it_o and_o as_o their_o be_v little_o say_v but_o what_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o main_a design_n so_o the_o treatise_n be_v chief_o intend_v for_o common_a use_n therefore_o it_o be_v judge_v fit_a to_o study_v plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n rather_o than_o fine_a language_n or_o quaint_a expression_n and_o therefore_o also_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v on_o this_o matter_n be_v draw_v from_o obvious_a thing_n which_o be_v neither_o so_o abstract_a from_o common_a observance_n as_o to_o be_v gainsay_v nor_o yet_o so_o abstruse_a and_o perplex_v as_o to_o need_v much_o learning_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a capacity_n to_o understand_v they_o nothing_o be_v deliver_v but_o what_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v and_o if_o the_o least_o serious_a attention_n be_v give_v in_o read_v the_o same_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v go_v away_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a no_o new_a discovery_n be_v pretend_v here_o all_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o man_n felicity_n and_o duty_n be_v old_a and_o know_v truth_n but_o however_o people_n have_v need_n to_o be_v teach_v they_o to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o a_o due_a observance_n of_o they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o thy_o be_v necessary_a and_o important_a thing_n but_o also_o because_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o forget_v they_o and_o meet_v with_o many_o thing_n daily_o which_o divert_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o what_o thus_o evident_o belong_v to_o their_o felicity_n folly_n and_o error_n atheisime_n and_o ungodliness_n take_v man_n off_o the_o way_n of_o happiness_n and_o they_o be_v daily_a abound_v and_o many_o pamphlet_n and_o discourse_n spread_v which_o help_v forward_o their_o growth_n common_a charity_n therefore_o oblige_v every_o one_o to_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o stay_v and_o extirpate_v these_o to_o discover_v the_o mischief_n of_o they_o and_o to_o contribute_v such_o help_n as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o truth_n virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a bliss_n out_o of_o this_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n i_o have_v be_v induce_v to_o publish_v this_o discourse_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o i_o hearty_o pray_v god_n to_o carry_v home_o the_o conviction_n of_o what_o be_v here_o handle_v upon_o the_o reader_n that_o he_o may_v be_v as_o dutiful_a as_o be_v here_o direct_v and_o by_o be_v so_o arrive_v at_o all_o the_o felicity_n here_o mention_v which_o certain_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a and_o even_o as_o much_o as_o heart_n can_v wish_v the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part._n chap._n i._n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o vow_n of_o vow_n in_o general_a their_o use_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o pag._n 1._o chap._n ii_o of_o jacob_n request_n man_n wisdom_n discern_v able_a by_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o desire_n god_n deny_v no_o request_n but_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o improper_a all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o complete_a one_o happiness_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o particular_n which_o jacob_n here_o ask_v of_o the_o first_o viz_o the_o divine_a presence_n what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o excellent_a a_o blessing_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o p._n 27_o chap_n iii_o why_o jacob_n mention_v other_o particular_n see_v the_o first_o request_n do_v comprehend_v they_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o he_o can_v ask_v the_o second_o request_n treat_v of_o the_o reason_n of_o jacob_n â—…ear_n and_o the_o lyableness_n of_o all_o man_n general_o to_o danger_n no_o true_a security_n but_o in_o the_o divine_a protection_n a_o application_n of_o all_o p._n 58_o chap._n iu_o jacob_n three_o request_n consider_v in_o respect_n of_o himself_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n ask_v more_o yet_o all_o wise_a heathen_n and_o jew_n have_v prefer_v this_o portion_n to_o all_o other_o the_o confine_v our_o desire_n to_o this_o be_v show_v by_o several_a instance_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o reasonable_a and_o that_o therefore_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o content_v himself_o with_o his_o competency_n all_o man_n competency_n be_v not_o the_o same_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o he_o who_o have_v get_v his_o competency_n what_o of_o he_o who_o have_v less_o and_o what_o his_o who_o have_v more_o chap._n v._n of_o the_o end_n which_o jacob_n propose_v to_o himself_o in_o these_o request_n his_o condition_n here_o a_o fit_a emblem_n to_o represent_v the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n all_o man_n consider_v as_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n both_o in_o a_o litteral_n and_o moral_a sense_n the_o patriarch_n live_v in_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n hold_v forth_o and_o some_o account_n thereof_o give_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o first_o part._n p._n 101_o the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o part_n chap._n i._n a_o short_a reveiw_n of_o the_o first_o part_n the_o case_n propose_v how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eye_n the_o reward_n in_o our_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n the_o resolution_n give_v in_o five_o particular_n with_o a_o application_n of_o all_o to_o jacob_n here_o p._n 139_o chap._n ii_o show_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n the_o lord_n shall_v be_v my_o god._n p._n 163_o sect._n 1._o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v give_v and_o a_o proposal_n of_o the_o particular_n to_o be_v treat_v on_o under_o this_o head_n ibid._n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o worship_v god._n p._n 167_o sect._n 3_o what_o care_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o direct_v our_o worship_n to_o the_o true_a god._n rule_n how_o to_o do_v it_o where_o also_o the_o dolatry_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v consider_v p._n 173_o sect._n 4._o show_v what_o worship_n and_o service_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o how_o we_o may_v come_v to_o know_v the_o same_o p._n 248_o sect._n 5._o of_o the_o fear_n of_o god._n p._n 266._o sect._n 5._o of_o walk_v with_o god._n p._n 284._o viz._n of_o regard_v gods_n presence_n p._n 286._o of_o observe_v god_n way_n and_o action_n p._n 291._o of_o consult_v god._n p._n 311._o of_o follow_v god._n p._n 324._o chap_n iii_o of_o these_o word_n and_o the_o stone_n which_o i_o have_v set_v for_o a_o pillar_n shall_v be_v god_n house_n the_o reason_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o p._n 331._o sect._n 1_o of_o church_n or_o place_n consecrate_v to_o god_n the_o origine_fw-la and_o necessity_n thereof_o what_o regard_n and_o reverence_n shall_v be_v pay_v they_o p._n 333._o sect._n 2._o of_o prayer_n p._n 359_o sect._n 3_o of_o public_a worship_n p._n 376._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o last_o word_n of_o jacob_n vow_n the_o question_n about_o the_o church_n right_a to_o tithe_n wave_v but_o the_o take_v they_o away_o be_v show_v to_o be_v sacrilege_n every_o patricular_a person_n owe_v to_o god_n a_o part_n of_o his_o estate_n the_o proportion_n consider_v and_o some_o motive_n press_v charity_n and_o almsgiving_n be_v propose_v p._n 419_o the_o conclusion_n after_o p._n 468._o jacob_n vow_v or_o man_n felicity_n and_o duty_n part_n i._n gen._n chap._n 28._o verse_n 20._o and_o jacob_n vow_v a_o vow_n say_v if_o god_n will_v be_v with_o i_o and_o will_v keep_v i_o in_o this_o way_n that_o i_o go_v and_o will_v give_v i_o bread_n to_o eat_v and_o raiment_n to_o put_v on_o 21._o so_o that_o i_o come_v again_o to_o my_o father_n house_n in_o peace_n then_o shall_v the_o lord_n be_v my_o god._n 22._o and_o this_o stone_n which_o i_o have_v set_v for_o a_o pillar_n shall_v be_v god_n house_n and_o of_o all_o that_o thou_o shall_v give_v i_o i_o sure_o will_v give_v the_o ten_o unto_o thou_o
be_v these_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o in_o truth_n when_o consider_v be_v no_o pretext_n at_o all_o because_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o fancy_n can_v understand_v that_o to_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o they_o such_o a_o mystery_n and_o miracle_n as_o transubstantiation_n be_v have_v need_n to_o have_v be_v assert_v more_o plain_o and_o clear_o that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o term_n which_o do_v more_o necessary_o import_v it_o the_o disciple_n who_o use_v frequent_o to_o trouble_v our_o lord_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o raise_v scruple_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o thing_n far_o more_o credible_a it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o they_o will_v have_v let_v this_o go_v if_o they_o have_v understand_v he_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v if_o they_o have_v so_o take_v he_o up_o as_o to_o think_v that_o he_o say_v what_o he_o reach_v and_o what_o they_o receive_v and_o eat_v be_v not_o real_a bread_n but_o that_o same_o real_a body_n which_o be_v before_o their_o eye_n they_o will_v no_o doubt_v inquire_v far_o into_o the_o matter_n and_o ask_v how_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v but_o have_v a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passover_n hear_v our_o lord_n say_v of_o the_o unleavened_a bread_n according_a to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n this_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o affliction_n which_o our_o father_n eat_v in_o egypt_n they_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o bread_n now_o distribut_n to_o be_v his_o body_n otherways_o than_o the_o unleavened_a bread_n be_v the_o bread_n which_o their_o father_n eat_v in_o egypt_n to_o wit_n not_o the_o same_o real_o but_o only_o the_o symbol_n or_o memorial_n thereof_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v a_o mere_a groundless_a conceit_n favour_v neither_o by_o sense_n nor_o by_o reason_n nor_o scripture_n but_o flat_o oppose_v by_o all_o of_o they_o and_o so_o though_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v consecrat_n to_o a_o holy_a use_n and_o though_o it_o serve_v for_o holy_a end_n and_o purpose_n yet_o as_o to_o its_o nature_n and_o substance_n it_o be_v still_o bread_n and_o therefore_o who_o worship_n it_o worship_v not_o god_n but_o a_o creature_n and_o a_o dumb_a senseless_a creature_n of_o itself_o too_o which_o be_v as_o gross_a idolatry_n as_o any_o can_v be_v neither_o will_v it_o excuse_v they_o that_o they_o think_v it_o to_o be_v he_o who_o be_v their_o god_n for_o then_o all_o idolatry_n shall_v be_v excusable_a he_o who_o worship_n the_o sun_n shall_v be_v excuse_v if_o he_o fancy_v a_o deity_n therein_o man_n opinion_n will_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o make_v that_o justifiable_a which_o be_v of_o itself_o damnable_a otherways_o the_o great_a crime_n may_v prove_v no_o crime_n nor_o will_v it_o acquit_v the_o papist_n of_o idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o host_n that_o they_o intend_v therein_o to_o worship_n jesus_n christ_n see_v their_o worship_n be_v direct_v immediate_o to_o another_o thing_n otherways_o the_o israelite_n who_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n may_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n be_v free_v of_o idolatry_n and_o yet_o the_o papist_n in_o worship_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n be_v more_o gross_a than_o the_o israelite_n in_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n for_o they_o make_v not_o the_o calf_n their_o god_n neither_o do_v they_o terminat_fw-la their_o worship_n in_o the_o calf_n itself_o but_o use_v it_o only_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o convey_v their_o worship_n to_o the_o true_a god._n whereas_o the_o papist_n believe_v the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v the_o very_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o do_v terminat_fw-la their_o worship_n in_o the_o very_a sacrament_n itself_o then_o which_o i_o hardly_o think_v there_o can_v be_v a_o grosser_n instance_n of_o idolatry_n produce_v from_o among_o the_o heathen_n whither_o ancient_a or_o modern_a if_o say_v coster_n a_o popish-writ_a the_o idolat_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v not_o true_a the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_n in_o worship_v some_o golden_a or_o silver_n statue_n or_o any_o image_n of_o their_o god_n or_o the_o laplander_n worship_v a_o red_a cloth_n or_o the_o egyptian_n a_o animal_n be_v more_o excusable_a than_o that_o of_o christian_n worship_v a_o bit_n of_o bread_n and_o another_o of_o they_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o bread_n in_o the_o eucharist_n they_o be_v all_o idolater_n thus_o they_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o supposition_n of_o transubstantiation_n only_o which_o can_v vindicat_fw-la they_o from_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v suppose_v we_o have_v already_o prove_v and_o they_o who_o will_v needs_o believe_v a_o thing_n not_o only_o without_o all_o ground_n but_o contrary_a to_o all_o evidence_n of_o sense_n reason_n and_o scripture_n their_o error_n be_v wilful_a and_o neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v excuse_v nor_o the_o practice_n which_o they_o build_v thereupon_o to_o be_v extenuate_v and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n here_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o father_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o opinion_n for_o first_o we_o be_v not_o obliedge_v to_o believe_v any_o of_o they_o contrary_a to_o sense_n reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o second_o it_o have_v be_v frequent_o show_v that_o they_o say_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o until_o about_o the_o eight_o or_o nine_o century_n this_o opinion_n do_v not_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n it_o only_o enter_v in_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n for_o which_o among_o several_a other_o see_v a_o late_a discourse_n of_o transubstantiation_n but_o though_o there_o be_v ground_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v real_o in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o papist_n imagine_v yet_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a yea_o i_o may_v say_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o know_v certain_o or_o to_o have_v any_o assurance_n when_o the_o bread_n be_v true_o transubstantiate_v or_o that_o christ_n be_v real_o in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o who_o adore_v it_o run_v always_o the_o hazard_n of_o commit_v the_o gross_a idolatry_n which_o be_v the_o most_o heinous_a of_o crime_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transubstantiation_n if_o the_o element_n be_v not_o prepare_v of_o due_a matter_n viz._n the_o bread_n of_o true_a wheat_n and_o the_o wine_n of_o ripe_a grape_n and_o neither_o of_o they_o any_o way_n spoil_v or_o corrupt_v if_o the_o priest_n who_o celebrat_n be_v not_o a_o true_a priest_n that_o be_v to_o say_v right_o ordain_v and_o according_a to_o they_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v one_o ordination_n valid_a and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o know_v when_o they_o be_v want_v or_o when_o they_o be_v present_a but_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o true_a priest_n yet_o if_o he_o intend_v not_o serious_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o do_v not_o pronounce_v the_o word_n or_o do_v not_o pronounce_v they_o right_o but_o do_v either_o mangle_v or_o transpose_v they_o in_o all_o these_o case_n there_o be_v no_o transubstantiation_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v consecrat_fw-mi and_o common_a bread_n and_o wine_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v when_o the_o bread_n be_v transubstantiate_v or_o when_o not_o when_o christ_n be_v real_o present_a and_o when_o he_o be_v absent_a for_o it_o be_v one_o to_o a_o hundred_o but_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o necessary_a condition_n of_o a_o right_a consecration_n be_v want_v and_o therefore_o also_o who_o adore_v the_o sacrament_n can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o adore_v jesus_n christ_n real_o but_o instead_o of_o he_o may_v be_v pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o a_o mere_a creature_n to_o lifeless_a bread_n and_o wine_n which_o may_v perplex_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o such_o as_o serious_o consider_v the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o crime_n of_o idolatry_n to_o evade_v this_o difficulty_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v always_o with_o the_o supposition_n of_o christ_n presence_n that_o they_o adore_v the_o bread_n upon_o this_o condition_n that_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o this_o be_v a_o silly_a evasion_n and_o will_v never_o free_v their_o church_n of_o idolatry_n for_o it_o be_v only_a doctor_n or_o the_o learned_a who_o may_v use_v these_o subtlety_n as_o for_o the_o vulgar_a they_o do_v not_o make_v any_o such_o supposition_n nor_o do_v they_o worship_v the_o sacrament_n with_o any_o such_o salvo_fw-la and_o beside_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o
such_o and_o the_o like_a case_n and_o circumstance_n we_o be_v all_o ready_a enough_o to_o make_v vow_n and_o promise_n i_o know_v not_o if_o we_o be_v all_o as_o ready_a to_o perform_v and_o accomplish_v they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o too_o many_o be_v like_o bad_a debtor_n who_o either_o altother_n refuse_v the_o payment_n of_o their_o debt_n or_o else_o shift_v it_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o thereby_o do_v declare_v their_o folly_n and_o disingenuity_n and_o monstruous_a ingratitude_n if_o god_n have_v be_v so_o gracious_a as_o to_o hear_v we_o shall_v not_o we_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o keep_v the_o promise_v we_o make_v to_o he_o follow_v david_n practice_n psalm_n 66._o 13._o where_o he_o say_v i_o will_v go_v into_o thy_o house_n with_o burn_a offering_n i_o will_v pay_v thou_o my_o vow_n which_o my_o lip_n have_v utter_v and_o my_o mouth_n have_v speak_v when_o i_o be_v in_o trouble_n and_o again_o psalm_n 116._o 12._o have_v ask_v himself_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o i_o his_o answer_n &_o resolution_n be_v i_o will_v take_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v pay_v my_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o his_o people_n see_v and_o consider_v than_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o have_v be_v your_o particular_a vow_n and_o promise_v at_o any_o time_n and_o labour_n now_o to_o keep_v they_o faithful_o do_v you_o promise_v to_o be_v more_o holy_a to_o have_v a_o great_a love_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v you_o vow_n to_o be_v more_o studious_a to_o advance_v his_o glory_n to_o be_v more_o just_a and_o honest_a in_o your_o deal_n more_o kind_a to_o your_o neighbour_n and_o more_o charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a do_v you_o at_o any_o time_n pass_v your_o word_n that_o you_o will_v pray_v often_o and_o more_o fervent_o in_o private_a by_o yourselves_o and_o take_v a_o care_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v observe_v in_o your_o family_n that_o you_o will_v forbear_v swear_v and_o drink_v loose_a and_o profane_a company_n do_v you_o promise_v great_a sobriety_n &_o temperance_n do_v you_o engage_v to_o bridle_v your_o passion_n to_o be_v watchful_a against_o anger_n and_o wrath_n and_o to_o study_v calmness_n and_o peace_n do_v you_o engage_v to_o be_v more_o content_v with_o your_o allowance_n and_o more_o thankful_a for_o they_o do_v you_o vow_n to_o keep_v the_o church_n better_o to_o be_v a_o more_o devout_a and_o attentive_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n and_o of_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o servant_n have_v you_o devote_v any_o particular_a time_n for_o private_a retirement_n and_o converse_v with_o god_n or_o any_o particular_a moiety_n of_o your_o estate_n for_o pious_a use_n whether_o these_o or_o whatever_o else_o have_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o your_o vow_n see_v that_o you_o both_o remember_v they_o and_o also_o give_v diligence_n to_o observe_v they_o neither_o mince_v thy_o vow_n nor_o defer_v the_o pay_n of_o they_o let_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o thou_o be_v liberal_a in_o thy_o promise_n but_o spare_v in_o thy_o performance_n like_o he_o who_o when_o he_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o perish_v at_o sea_n promise_v a_o rich_a offering_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o land_n put_v it_o off_o with_o a_o penny_n matter_n keep_v thy_o word_n to_o god_n and_o do_v it_o cheerful_o without_o grudge_v let_v not_o our_o present_a ease_n and_o prosperity_n blot_v out_o the_o sense_n and_o memory_n of_o his_o past_a love_a kindness_n neither_o let_v we_o account_v any_o thing_n too_o good_a for_o god_n or_o too_o much_o to_o be_v give_v he_o we_o can_v give_v he_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v his_o own_o for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v we_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v our_o bind_a duty_n and_o withal_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o may_v have_v yet_o need_v of_o his_o kindness_n we_o may_v yet_o fall_v into_o strait_n and_o trouble_n be_v seize_v with_o sickness_n and_o in_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o then_o how_o much_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v he_o our_o friend_n but_o how_o and_o with_o what_o confidence_n can_v we_o cry_v unto_o he_o if_o we_o now_o deal_v deceitful_o with_o god_n and_o break_v the_o word_n which_o we_o have_v utter_v that_o therefore_o we_o may_v avoid_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o displeasure_n and_o also_o have_v god_n to_o be_v our_o refuge_n and_o a_o present_a help_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n let_v we_o vow_n and_o pay_v our_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o keep_v every_o thing_n which_o have_v go_v out_o of_o our_o lip_n thus_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o vow_n in_o general_n have_v show_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o what_o obligation_n there_o be_v on_o we_o to_o make_v they_o what_o caution_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o and_o what_o care_n to_o keep_v they_o when_o they_o be_v make_v chap._n ii_o of_o jacob_n request_n man_n wisdom_n discernible_a by_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o desire_n god_n deny_v no_o request_n but_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o improper_a all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o complete_a one_o happiness_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o particular_n which_o jacob_n here_o ask_v of_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o divine_a presence_n what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o excellent_a a_o blessing_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o have_v take_v occasion_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n upon_o jacob_n vow_v to_o speak_v of_o vow_n in_o general_a we_o come_v next_o to_o treat_v of_o this_o vow_n in_o particular_a in_o which_o we_o have_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n what_o he_o promise_v unto_o god_n and_o what_o he_o crave_v of_o he_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o promise_n this_o last_o stand_v first_o in_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v handle_v it_o first_o now_o jacob_n crave_v here_o three_o thing_n of_o god_n first_o that_o god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v his_o presence_n second_o that_o he_o will_v keep_v he_o in_o his_o way_n which_o be_v his_o protection_n three_o that_o he_o will_v afford_v he_o his_o necessary_a maintenance_n of_o food_n and_o raiment_n these_o be_v his_o desire_n and_o in_o the_o four_o place_n you_o have_v the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o ask_v these_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v bring_v back_o to_o his_o father_n house_n in_o peace_n jacob_n may_v seem_v at_o first_o to_o ask_v no_o great_a matter_n his_o request_n look_v not_o very_o big_a and_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v modest_a and_o reasonable_a but_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v due_o consider_v and_o serious_o canvas_v they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o complete_a one_o happiness_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o discover_v man_n more_o than_o their_o request_n and_o petition_n for_o they_o do_v certain_o speak_v out_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o what_o it_o be_v their_o heart_n set_v most_o value_n upon_o it_o be_v once_o witty_o say_v to_o a_o young_a man_n speak_v that_o i_o may_v see_v thou_o thereby_o signify_v that_o we_o know_v man_n better_o by_o their_o word_n than_o by_o their_o face_n but_o this_o especial_o hold_v true_a when_o their_o word_n express_v their_o desire_n a_o fool_n may_v be_v know_v by_o his_o desire_n and_o a_o wise_a man_n by_o he_o for_o by_o these_o we_o may_v perceive_v easy_o what_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n one_o have_v and_o what_o inclination_n and_o disposition_n whether_o they_o have_v take_v up_o right_a measure_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v judge_v according_a to_o their_o true_a nature_n or_o only_o according_a to_o their_o outward_a appearance_n fool_n look_v only_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o if_o a_o thing_n glister_n or_o make_v any_o big_a or_o splendid_a show_n they_o covet_v it_o whatever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o wise_a man_n pierce_v through_o into_o the_o inward_a nature_n of_o thing_n &_o seek_v only_o what_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a good_a and_o useful_a like_a as_o the_o patriarch_n do_v here_o for_o in_o that_o he_o seek_v these_o and_o no_o other_o thing_n from_o god_n it_o show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v wise_a and_o understanding_n that_o he_o have_v ever_o this_o time_n weigh_v and_o ponder_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o man_n and_o find_v out_o what_o be_v good_a proper_a and_o necessary_a for_o he_o and_o true_o will_v we_o restrain_v our_o desire_n to_o these_o thing_n jacob_n here_o mention_n if_o we_o will_v make_v these_o all_o we_o aim_v at_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v both_o act_n
god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o indeed_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o well_o with_o that_o person_n who_o god_n be_v with_o what_o can_v he_o want_v who_o have_v he_o to_o be_v his_o friend_n he_o who_o have_v the_o divine_a presence_n accompany_v he_o whithersoever_o he_o go_v be_v rich_a and_o happy_a than_o if_o he_o have_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n carry_v about_o with_o he_o for_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a from_o he_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n do_v come_v he_o can_v easy_o command_v any_o desirable_a thing_n where_o when_o and_o to_o who_o he_o please_v so_o that_o he_o who_o enjoy_v god_n have_v enough_o and_o need_v not_o fear_n or_o care_n for_o the_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o god_n will_v be_v to_o he_o in_o stead_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o have_v he_o he_o may_v say_v true_o as_o that_o philosopher_n say_v omnia_fw-la mea_fw-la mecum_fw-la porto_fw-la that_o be_v i_o carry_v about_o with_o i_o all_o thing_n proper_a all_o thing_n necessary_a or_o requisite_a either_o for_o my_o support_n or_o comfort_n for_o god_n be_v all_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o proud_a boast_n of_o caesar_n to_o the_o mariner_n who_o be_v waft_v he_o over_o the_o adriatic_a to_o italy_n when_o he_o perceive_v he_o seize_v with_o fear_n and_o ready_a to_o turn_v back_o pergo_fw-la audacter_fw-la ne_fw-la timeas_fw-la caesarem_fw-la vehis_fw-la caesarisque_fw-la fortunam_fw-la be_v not_o afraid_a you_o carry_v with_o you_o cesar_n and_o his_o fortune_n but_o true_o every_o one_o that_o have_v god_n with_o they_o may_v with_o reason_n confident_o say_v to_o himself_o be_v not_o afraid_a sad_a or_o deject_a deum_fw-la habes_fw-la ejusque_fw-la favorem_fw-la you_o have_v god_n &_o his_o favour_n and_o have_v that_o what_o cause_n can_v there_o be_v of_o fear_n or_o dejection_n for_o he_o be_v wisdom_n power_n all_o goodness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n itself_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v a_o true_a aid_n and_o support_v and_o a_o sure_a rock_n to_o build_v on_o which_o will_v never_o fail_v bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal._n 2._o 12._o though_o i_o walk_v say_v david_n through_o the_o valley_n &_o shadow_n of_o death_n yet_o will_v i_o fear_v no_o evil_n for_o thou_o be_v with_o i_o thy_o rod_n and_o thy_o staff_n they_o comfort_v i_o psal._n 23._o 4._o the_o very_a hope_n of_o this_o special_a presence_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n do_v mighty_o cheer_v up_o the_o psalmist_n spirit_n when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o trouble_n he_o chide_v and_o be_v in_o a_o chaff_n with_o himself_o for_o be_v any_o way_n trouble_v have_v this_o hope_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o say_v he_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v in_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n which_o he_o repeat_v twice_o psal._n 42._o and_o once_o psal._n 43._o many_o excellent_a blessing_n and_o advantage_n follow_v he_o who_o god_n be_v with_o first_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o counsel_n and_o direction_n which_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a and_o desirable_a thing_n the_o life_n of_o man_n while_o in_o this_o world_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n dark_a intricate_a and_o full_a of_o difficulty_n it_o be_v like_o a_o labyrinth_n full_a of_o perplexity_n we_o can_v well_o discern_v the_o outgate_n we_o know_v not_o what_o certain_a course_n to_o steer_v for_o our_o profit_n and_o advantage_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n jerem._n 10._o 23._o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o follow_v our_o own_o device_n thing_n ordinary_o succeed_v worse_o when_o we_o do_v so_o the_o witty_a man_n have_v sometime_o befool_v themselves_o by_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o wit._n no_o man_n wit_n and_o judgement_n can_v be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o guide_v he_o and_o ofttimes_o we_o be_v not_o much_o better_a of_o other_o for_o they_o be_v short_a sight_v too_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o and_o may_v mistake_v thing_n as_o well_o as_o we_o we_o can_v never_o therefore_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v right_a but_o when_o we_o follow_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n when_o we_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o who_o can_v err_v because_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a but_o if_o he_o be_v with_o we_o his_o counsel_n will_v be_v with_o we_o too_o if_o he_o have_v set_v his_o heart_n upon_o and_o choose_v we_o for_o his_o friend_n he_o will_v also_o guide_v and_o instruct_v we_o and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v walk_v what_o man_n be_v he_o say_v david_n that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v choose_v psal._n 25._o 12._o but_o here_o some_o may_v ask_v how_o do_v god_n teach_v we_o and_o what_o way_n be_v we_o to_o expect_v direction_n from_o he_o must_v we_o look_v for_o revelation_n dream_n and_o vision_n indeed_o this_o be_v not_o unusual_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n do_v then_o very_o ordinary_o this_o way_n manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o his_o eminent_a servant_n but_o now_o it_o please_v he_o to_o forbear_v it_o at_o least_o that_o so_o common_a use_n thereof_o and_o we_o be_v neither_o to_o ask_v nor_o to_o look_v for_o advice_n and_o counsel_n this_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o however_o if_o we_o wait_v on_o god_n we_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o direction_n from_o he_o which_o he_o will_v communicate_v to_o we_o two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o by_o the_o inward_a suggestion_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v not_o only_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o clear_v our_o understanding_n with_o wisdom_n &_o knowledge_n so_o that_o in_o the_o general_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v what_o be_v good_a and_o right_n but_o he_o will_v also_o help_v we_o to_o discern_v what_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a in_o that_o particular_a case_n &_o circumstance_n wherein_o we_o stand_v &_o will_v secret_o incline_v and_o draw_v we_o whither_o his_o wisdom_n see_v it_o fit_a for_o his_o glory_n &_o our_o comfort_n this_o be_v no_o idle_a fancy_n or_o delusion_n it_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o fanaticism_n or_o a_o dream_n of_o enthusiastical_a person_n but_o a_o certain_a real_a truth_n which_o all_o good_a and_o holy_a person_n have_v feel_v from_o their_o experience_n though_o these_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isa._n 30._o 21._o thy_o ear_n shall_v hear_v a_o word_n behind_o thou_o save_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o you_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o when_o you_o turn_v to_o the_o left_a be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v restrict_v to_o a_o inward_a inspiration_n but_o also_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o external_a voice_n in_o the_o word_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n yet_o solomon_n seem_v to_o hold_v out_o this_o when_o he_o say_v in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n prov._n 3._o 6._o this_o also_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o elihu_n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v they_o understanding_n job_n 32._o 8._o this_o voice_n be_v inward_a and_o therefore_o not_o audible_a or_o perceptible_a by_o our_o outward_a sense_n but_o however_o it_o may_v prove_v effectual_a enough_o for_o to_o move_v and_o sway_v we_o and_o though_o as_o one_o say_v this_o secret_a direction_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v principal_o god._n see_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v also_o find_v in_o the_o great_a and_o momentous_a concern_v of_o this_o life_n which_o a_o good_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o beg_v his_o direction_n shall_v very_o often_o if_o not_o at_o all_o time_n find_v i_o hope_v none_o will_v be_v so_o injurious_a as_o to_o think_v i_o intend_v to_o countenance_n or_o authorise_v those_o who_o father_n horrid_a impiety_n and_o most_o impertinent_a extravagancy_n upon_o god_n pretend_v they_o be_v carry_v thereto_o by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o know_v and_o will_v have_v every_o one_o to_o assure_v himself_o that_o god_n be_v never_o the_o author_n of_o what_o be_v evil_a foolish_a or_o ridiculous_a whatever_o come_v from_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v suitable_a to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n neither_o do_v god_n show_v himself_o thus_o to_o any_o mean_a trivial_a thing_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o serious_a importance_n but_o because_o some_o have_v be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o purpose_n as_o to_o
inconsistent_a with_o the_o pure_a love_n of_o god_n but_o only_o subordinate_a thereunto_o but_o as_o for_o the_o temporal_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o make_v they_o our_o chief_a and_o ultimat_fw-la end_n or_o to_o propose_v they_o to_o ourselves_o as_o any_o main_a motive_n &_o inducement_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o god_n or_o his_o law_n for_o we_o shall_v resolve_v to_o cleave_v to_o god_n whither_o he_o give_v we_o these_o thing_n or_o no_o nay_o though_o he_o shall_v leave_v we_o altogether_o destitute_a of_o all_o worldly_a help_n and_o comfort_n yet_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o resolution_n never_o to_o forsake_v he_o say_v with_o holy_a job_n though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o job._n 13._o 15._o now_o as_o to_o iacob_n case_n in_o particular_a it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o swerve_v from_o these_o general_a position_n which_o we_o have_v lay_v down_o yea_o it_o seem_v evident_a that_o he_o keep_v close_o to_o they_o he_o make_v it_o be_v true_a his_o request_n for_o himself_o first_o but_o his_o serve_a and_o honour_v of_o god_n may_v be_v the_o chief_a thing_n he_o have_v before_o he_o if_o he_o have_v aim_v more_o at_o his_o own_o private_a interest_n than_o at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o modest_a in_o his_o desire_n nor_o yet_o content_v himself_o with_o so_o small_a a_o portion_n as_o food_n and_o raiment_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v seek_v more_o but_o that_o he_o do_v not_o seek_v more_o make_v it_o clear_a that_o he_o give_v himself_o free_o to_o god_n without_o respect_n to_o his_o benefit_n god_n have_v be_v promise_v he_o the_o whole_a land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o possession_n to_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n and_o he_o to_o let_v see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o that_o account_n he_o tie_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o resolve_v to_o become_v his_o servant_n he_o ask_v no_o more_o but_o food_n and_o raiment_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o thou_o do_v not_o so_o great_a thing_n if_o thou_o grant_v but_o food_n and_o raiment_n if_o thou_o will_v but_o bring_v i_o back_o to_o my_o father_n house_n in_o peace_n though_o i_o shall_v never_o brook_v this_o land_n as_o my_o property_n and_o possession_n yet_o thou_o shall_v be_v my_o god_n thus_o jacob_n love_v god_n for_o himself_o like_o a_o friend_n and_o not_o for_o his_o benefit_n like_o a_o merchant_n can_v jacob_n have_v pass_v by_o food_n and_o rayâ—…ent_a as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v all_o other_o good_a benefit_n of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o have_v give_v himself_o thus_o unto_o god_n upon_o composition_n but_o absolute_o and_o 223._o without_o condition_n now_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o food_n and_o raiment_n for_o without_o this_o he_o can_v not_o love_v his_o god_n because_o without_o this_o he_o can_v not_o subsist_v nor_o have_v his_o be_v by_o which_o he_o evident_o witness_n that_o he_o therefore_o and_o for_o no_o neither_o end_n desire_v to_o be_v but_o only_o to_o love_n and_o serve_v his_o god._n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a speech_n of_o crispus_n passienus_n a_o witty_a gentleman_n of_o rome_n quorundam_fw-la se_fw-la judicium_fw-la it_fw-la quam_fw-la beneficium_fw-la quorundam_fw-la beneficium_fw-la it_fw-la quam_fw-la judicium_fw-la that_o be_v some_o man_n respect_n and_o good_a opinion_n be_v more_o to_o be_v esteem_v then_o another_o man_n benefit_n and_o one_o say_v that_o jacob_n here_o do_v express_v the_o same_o conceit_n for_o when_o he_o come_v to_o compound_v with_o laban_n he_o make_v his_o bargain_n in_o another_o manner_n he_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o for_o bread_n and_o raiment_n only_o but_o fourteen_o year_n for_o his_o daughter_n and_o sex_n year_n for_o his_o flock_n by_o which_o mean_n he_o become_v rich_a and_o wealthy_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o covenant_v thus_o different_o with_o god_n and_o with_o laban_n be_v because_o with_o laban_n he_o seek_v his_o own_o commodity_n but_o with_o god_n only_o his_o acceptance_n and_o favour_n from_o this_o example_n of_o iacob_n we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o learn_v this_o lesson_n to_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o all_o our_o desire_n when_o we_o make_v any_o request_n for_o any_o particular_a favour_n the_o chief_a thing_n which_o shall_v prompt_v we_o thereto_o shall_v be_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o occasion_n of_o serve_v god_n some_o way_n or_o other_o more_o eminent_o thus_o hannah_n when_o she_o pray_v for_o a_o son_n she_o at_o the_o same_o time_n vow_v to_o devote_v he_o to_o god._n and_o david_n beseech_v the_o lord_n earnest_o to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o consider_v the_o trouble_n which_o he_o suffer_v of_o they_o which_o hate_v he_o and_o the_o end_n why_o he_o desire_v this_o be_v that_o i_o may_v say_v he_o show_v forth_o all_o thy_o praise_n in_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n psal._n 9_o 13_o 14._o whither_o we_o call_v for_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a blessing_n we_o shall_v seek_v they_o not_o for_o themselves_o or_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o mere_a enjoument_n of_o they_o but_o to_o reflect_v honour_n on_o god_n that_o we_o have_v such_o thing_n may_v be_v capacitate_v and_o enable_v to_o do_v he_o great_a service_n we_o must_v not_o let_v the_o reins_o lose_v to_o our_o desire_n and_o be_v over_o anxious_a for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o our_o state_n for_o oftentimes_o there_o be_v as_o much_o of_o vanity_n and_o seek_v our_o own_o praise_n in_o this_o as_o any_o other_o thing_n whither_o we_o have_v little_a or_o much_o what_o ever_o our_o condition_n be_v be_v it_o great_a or_o small_a we_o may_v yet_o have_v opportunity_n enough_o of_o glorify_v god_n jacob_n seek_v here_o but_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o suppose_v he_o shall_v get_v no_o more_o yet_o he_o devote_a himself_o to_o god_n and_o resolve_v to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o chap._n ii_o show_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n the_o lord_n shall_v be_v my_o god._n section_n i._o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v give_v and_o a_o proposal_n of_o the_o particular_n to_o be_v treat_v on_o under_o this_o head_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o particular_a consideration_n of_o what_o the_o patriarch_n vow_v and_o promise_v here_o he_o put_v up_o three_o request_n unto_o god_n and_o here_o also_o he_o make_v three_o express_a and_o particular_a promise_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v his_o god._n some_o render_v these_o word_n otherwise_o then_o we_o have_v they_o in_o our_o translation_n and_o put_v another_o sense_n upon_o they_o they_o have_v it_o cumque_fw-la fuerit_fw-la dominus_fw-la mihi_fw-la deus_fw-la make_v it_o a_o four_o petition_n import_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o the_o lord_n indeed_o will_v be_v to_o i_o a_o god_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a and_o comprehensive_a request_n and_o do_v include_v all_o desirable_a happiness_n for_o what_o can_v one_o ask_v more_o than_o that_o god_n shall_v manifest_v his_o wisdom_n his_o power_n his_o goodness_n and_o all_o his_o other_o glorious_a perfection_n for_o his_o particular_a behoof_n and_o benefit_n wherefore_o the_o psalmist_n have_v pray_v for_o the_o flourish_a of_o their_o state_n that_o their_o son_n may_v be_v as_o plant_n grow_v up_o in_o their_o youth_n and_o their_o daughter_n as_o corner-stone_n polish_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o palace_n that_o their_o garner_n may_v he_o full_o afford_v all_o manner_n of_o store_n that_o their_o sheep_n may_v bring_v forth_o thousand_o and_o ten_o thousand_o in_o their_o street_n their_o ox_n strong_a to_o labour_n that_o there_o be_v no_o break_n in_o or_o go_v out_o nor_o any_o complain_n in_o the_o street_n have_v i_o say_v pray_v for_o this_o and_o be_v much_o take_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o happiness_n he_o cry_v out_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o present_o he_o check_v himself_o and_o upon_o second_o thought_n cry_n yea_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n psal._n 144._o 15._o intimate_v thereby_o to_o we_o that_o the_o lord_n interess_v himself_o in_o any_o people_n and_o become_v their_o god_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n than_o all_o that_o which_o he_o have_v former_o speak_v of_o do_v amount_v to_o but_o how_o great_a and_o desirable_a soever_o this_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v interpret_v the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n especial_o see_v they_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_n coincide_v with_o the_o first_o petition_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v with_o one_o and_o to_o be_v one_o god_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o
very_o proper_a and_o convenient_a to_o set_v apart_o one_o particular_a room_n of_o our_o house_n for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v perform_v our_o devotion_n with_o the_o great_a freedom_n and_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o disturbance_n and_o those_o interruption_n which_o person_n usual_o meet_v with_o who_o want_n this_o conveniency_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o thing_n itself_o prayer_n be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n enjoin_v by_o clear_a precept_n recommede_v by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o holy_a man_n and_o so_o necessary_a that_o who_o pray_v not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o seldom_o can_v be_v say_v to_o worship_n god_n whatever_o elâ—…e_n they_o do_v for_o their_o other_o act_n can_v be_v proper_o refer_v to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o prayer_n our_o obligation_n to_o prayer_n arise_v not_o from_o one_o but_o from_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o by_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o all_o of_o they_o he_o who_o pray_v declare_v god_n omnipresence_n his_o omniscience_n his_o omnipotence_n and_o all_o sufficiency_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o but_o who_o neglect_v prayer_n do_v not_o believe_v these_o divine_a perfection_n or_o do_v not_o serious_o consider_v they_o he_o make_v no_o actual_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o live_v in_o open_a defiance_n of_o they_o and_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o a_o independency_n and_o selfsufficiency_n which_o be_v god_n prerogative_n again_o there_o can_v be_v no_o intercourse_n with_o god_n but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n without_o prayer_n we_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o he_o end_v of_o religion_n viz._n union_n with_o god_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o who_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o prayer_n have_v his_o heart_n alienat_fw-la from_o god_n and_o be_v whole_o indispose_v for_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o impression_n thereof_o without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o advance_v towards_o perfection_n prayer_n be_v by_o some_o compare_v to_o breathe_v and_o not_o unfit_o for_o what_o that_o be_v to_o the_o body_n prayer_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n respiration_n be_v no_o more_o necessary_a to_o our_o naturallli'e_n then_o prayer_n to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n for_o hereby_o it_o â—…s_v preserve_v &_o as_o the_o stifle_a our_o breath_n end_v our_o life_n so_o the_o cease_v to_o pray_v destroy_v the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o bâ—…dy_n which_o breathe_v not_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o feeling_n nor_o be_v it_o capable_a of_o motion_n even_o so_o the_o man_n who_o pray_v not_o be_v without_o all_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n neither_o make_v he_o any_o motion_n towards_o he_o prayer_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o show_v a_o desire_n and_o capacity_n to_o receive_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o growth_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o desire_n and_o capacity_n obstruct_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n spirit_n so_o where_o this_o be_v he_o will_v certain_o manifest_v his_o lâ—…ve_n and_o bestow_v his_o grace_n to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o desire_n and_o capacity_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o who_o ask_v shall_v receive_v he_o who_o seek_v shall_v find_v and_o who_o knockâ—…th_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o he_o mat._n 11._o but_o to_o make_v prayer_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o thus_o profitable_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v be_v right_o perform_v and_o due_o qualify_v true_a prayer_n be_v always_o acceptable_a as_o incense_v and_o never_o fail_v to_o bring_v down_o a_o blessing_n but_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o mere_a show_n they_o be_v content_v that_o they_o seem_v to_o pray_o but_o do_v not_o pray_v real_o some_o pray_v much_o but_o yet_o be_v never_o a_o whit_n near_o god_n nor_o move_v more_o forward_o in_o holiness_n which_o be_v both_o the_o undoubted_a sign_n and_o the_o certain_a effect_n of_o true_a prayer_n we_o ought_v then_o not_o only_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o pray_v aright_o else_o all_o the_o labour_n we_o bestow_v this_o way_n be_v in_o vain_a you_o ask_v say_v st._n james_n and_o you_o have_v not_o why_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o now_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v proper_a prayer_n and_o effectual_a first_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o free_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o by_o empty_a show_n which_o have_v no_o solidity_n or_o reality_n in_o they_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v remove_v he_o care_v not_o for_o our_o draw_v near_o with_o our_o mouth_n or_o the_o honour_v he_o with_o our_o lip_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o isa_n 29._o 1â—…_n to_o prostrate_v our_o body_n before_o god_n and_o to_o let_v our_o mind_n â—…ove_v and_o wander_v be_v to_o offer_v a_o dead_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v no_o reasonable_a or_o acceptable_a service_n to_o utter_v word_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o who_o meaning_n we_o attend_v not_o to_o be_v not_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o prat_v it_o be_v to_o babble_n without_o sense_n to_o make_v a_o sound_n which_o signify_v nothing_o and_o deserve_v no_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o the_o pronunciation_n of_o puppet_n and_o mechanical_a engine_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o wheel_n and_o spring_n without_o understanding_n our_o prayer_n be_v but_o brutish_a gruâ—…tlings_n if_o they_o come_v not_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v not_o perform_v by_o the_o understanding_n wherefore_o when_o we_o be_v to_o pray_o we_o shall_v first_o fix_v our_o spirit_n and_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o serious_a attention_n and_o shall_v endeavonr_v to_o wind_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o that_o fervour_n and_o earnestness_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n â—…_n will_v be_v necessary_a to_o bestow_v some_o time_n in_o meditation_n and_o read_v of_o the_o seripture_n or_o some_o other_o devout_a book_n have_v thus_o reduce_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o due_a attention_n and_o secure_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a against_o wander_a thought_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o prayer_n the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o each_o and_o the_o affection_n suitable_a thereto_o and_o frame_v our_o prayer_n according_o for_o they_o can_v be_v acceptable_a if_o lame_a and_o defective_a nor_o though_o they_o have_v all_o necessary_a part_n if_o each_o part_n be_v not_o right_o adjust_v and_o proper_o qualify_v to_o clear_v this_o better_a we_o will_v touch_v a_o little_a on_o they_o the_o first_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v adoration_n and_o invocation_n this_o we_o shall_v always_o begin_v with_o for_o as_o in_o our_o address_n to_o king_n and_o great_a personage_n we_o use_v first_o to_o do_v they_o reverence_n and_o to_o testify_v their_o dignity_n before_o we_o present_v our_o request_n so_o in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n we_o shall_v first_o adore_v his_o majesty_n and_o invocate_v his_o audience_n now_o the_o right_a way_n to_o do_v this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v accost_v he_o with_o a_o heap_n of_o big_a tittle_n but_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v his_o incomprehensible_a nature_n and_o adorable_a perfection_n visible_a in_o his_o manifold_a work_n and_o if_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v worthy_a of_o he_o we_o will_v be_v abash_v at_o ourselves_o as_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n and_o most_o unworthy_a to_o be_v regard_v by_o one_o so_o high_o exalt_v above_o all_o our_o thought_n to_o express_v which_o and_o to_o cherish_v it_o too_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o throw_v ourselves_o in_o some_o humble_a posture_n thus_o the_o publican_n to_o signify_v his_o own_o vileness_n and_o god_n greatness_n he_o stand_v a_o far_o off_o and_o will_v not_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n as_o one_o ashamed_a of_o himself_o but_o lest_o the_o reflect_v upon_o god_n majesty_n and_o greatness_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o hope_n of_o acceptance_n and_o rather_o fill_v we_o with_o dread_n than_o confidence_n in_o he_o we_o must_v remember_v his_o goodness_n his_o love_n his_o mercy_n and_o how_o that_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n as_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o ineffable_a greatness_n who_o throne_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o father_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v when_o you_o pray_v say_v he_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n confession_n be_v another_o part_n of_o prayer_n this_o
from_o and_o be_v not_o perform_v by_o the_o inward_a mind_n thus_o in_o a_o word_n as_o we_o shall_v worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n so_o to_o worship_n in_o spirit_n be_v to_o worship_n with_o the_o inward_a act_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o worship_n in_o truth_n be_v to_o perform_v such_o outward_a act_n as_o do_v not_o mystical_o and_o figurative_o but_o plain_o and_o proper_o signify_v and_o hold_v forth_o these_o inward_a one_o have_v thus_o view_v the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o general_n we_o pass_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o part_n thereof_o in_o particular_a and_o first_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n shall_v consist_v of_o prayer_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a from_o scripture_n reason_n &_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o prove_v it_o the_o part_n and_o qualification_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o private_a prayer_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o know_v before_o hand_n what_o we_o shall_v pray_v and_o so_o unworthy_a a_o thing_n to_o utter_v rash_a and_o indiscreet_a expression_n before_o god_n especial_o in_o public_a therefore_o the_o church_n in_o age_n have_v ever_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o compose_v deliberate_o form_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o extemporary_a effusion_n of_o he_o who_o officiate_n there_o be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n any_o church_n except_o our_o own_o without_o a_o public_a service_n and_o liturgy_n but_o because_o we_o be_v drive_v to_o the_o necessity_n at_o present_a not_o to_o use_v one_o therefore_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o the_o public_a minister_n to_o take_v the_o more_o care_n in_o compose_v their_o prayer_n that_o their_o expression_n be_v grave_a &_o decent_a &_o that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o contain_v all_o thing_n proper_a &_o necessary_a &_o nothing_o disagreable_a to_o god_n or_o which_o may_v disgust_v &_o stumble_v the_o worshipper_n they_o shall_v study_v to_o make_v their_o prayer_n to_o express_v true_o the_o general_a needs_o &_o desire_n of_o the_o people_n for_o he_o who_o pray_v be_v their_o mouth_n employ_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o name_n what_o every_o one_o shall_v do_v if_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o speak_v &_o so_o all_o public_a prayer_n shall_v be_v so_o order_v that_o every_o one_o may_v be_v able_a to_o join_v hearty_o with_o they_o and_o here_o i_o can_v pass_v two_o fault_n ordinary_o commit_v in_o this_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o one_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o country_n parish_n the_o other_o general_o both_o in_o city_n and_o country_n by_o this_o last_o i_o mean_v a_o careless_a unconcernedness_n in_o prayer_n many_o think_v not_o themselves_o oblige_v to_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n while_o he_o pray_v they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v but_o their_o voice_n &_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o say_v with_o the_o heart_n what_o he_o do_v with_o the_o mouth_n else_o the_o prayer_n can_v be_v hear_v as_o they_o or_o for_o they_o though_o one_o pray_v but_o audible_o to_o shun_v confusion_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o to_o assent_v thereto_o the_o other_o fault_n be_v commit_v often_o by_o the_o common_a people_n especial_o in_o the_o northern_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o the_o former_a in_o the_o southren_n part_n who_o fall_n to_o their_o particular_a prayer_n when_o the_o minister_n be_v pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n this_o be_v a_o irregular_a and_o undecent_a thing_n which_o obstruct_v the_o edification_n design_v by_o this_o part_n of_o worship_n see_v 1._o cor._n 14._o 26._o when_o the_o congregation_n come_v together_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v different_a exercise_n but_o always_o the_o same_o they_o shall_v pray_v one_o and_o the_o same_o prayer_n with_o one_o accord_n as_o we_o read_v the_o disciple_n do_v act._n 4._o 24._o to_o prevent_v both_o these_o evil_n if_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o all_o both_o jewish_a and_o christian_a liturgy_n to_o appoint_v the_o people_n to_o utter_v sometime_o some_o short_a sentenes_n and_o always_o to_o speak_v out_o audible_o amen_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o every_o prayer_n as_o be_v inti_fw-la mate_n to_o we_o 1._o cor._n 14._o 16._o another_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n especial_o in_o public_a assembly_n be_v sing_v of_o psalm_n and_o spiritual_a song_n this_o be_v always_o a_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o our_o saviour_n with_o his_o disciple_n matth._n 26._o 30._o and_o st._n paul_n enjoin_v it_o to_o all_o christian_n eph._n 5._o 19_o col._n 3._o 16._o sing_v hymn_n and_o psalm_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n both_o to_o prepare_v our_o mind_n for_o it_o and_o to_o make_v we_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o it_o fix_v our_o thought_n elevate_v our_o spirit_n fill_v we_o with_o joy_n in_o god_n and_o leave_v on_o our_o mind_n a_o deep_a impression_n of_o divine_a truth_n than_o almost_o any_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o have_v be_v a_o universal_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o sing_v be_v our_o duty_n so_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v excellent_o fit_v for_o the_o purpose_n they_o furnish_v we_o both_o with_o proper_a matter_n and_o apposite_a expression_n they_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v employ_v particular_o in_o this_o divine_a exercise_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o have_v cease_v with_o the_o law_n or_o jewish_a state_n no_o certain_o they_o be_v still_o useful_a to_o the_o church_n and_o proper_a for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o doubt_n s._n paul_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n and_o s._n james_n ch_n 5._o 13._o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n because_o the_o tittle_n of_o psalm_n have_v be_v always_o appropriate_a to_o they_o and_o from_o this_o injunction_n of_o the_o apostle_n conformable_a to_o their_o practice_n and_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o uâ—…efull_a the_o church_n have_v ever_o use_v these_o psalm_n in_o her_o public_a service_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o not_o only_a scruple_n at_o some_o of_o the_o psalm_n but_o say_v express_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v sing_v and_o when_o it_o be_v do_v they_o refuse_v to_o take_v a_o part_n but_o true_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o indeed_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o all_o occasion_n some_o be_v more_o pertinent_a and_o suitable_a at_o one_o time_n then_o another_o and_o therefore_o they_o who_o have_v the_o order_n of_o the_o public_a service_n shall_v make_v a_o prudent_a choice_n of_o psalm_n suit_v to_o the_o occasion_n however_o all_o of_o they_o may_v be_v sing_v and_o because_o people_n have_v not_o their_o own_o choice_n but_o must_v take_v they_o as_o they_o be_v prescribe_v i_o will_v here_o propose_v some_o consideration_n to_o show_v how_o we_o may_v free_o join_v with_o any_o psalm_n and_o both_o sing_v it_o with_o understanding_n and_o also_o with_o edification_n first_o there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n of_o those_o psalm_n which_o declare_v the_o divine_a attribute_n display_v the_o work_n of_o god_n hold_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o word_n or_o the_o general_n state_n of_o man._n to_o sing_v and_o meditate_v on_o these_o can_v be_v improper_a at_o any_o time_n but_o always_o useful_a and_o seasonable_a 2_o as_o for_o those_o psalm_n which_o be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n beside_o the_o literal_a sense_n which_o relate_v to_o those_o person_n their_o action_n and_o circumstance_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o be_v pen_v there_o be_v a_o mystical_a sense_n belong_v to_o they_o which_o refer_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o moreover_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v accommodate_v to_o several_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n both_o of_o private_a person_n and_o public_a society_n by_o allow_v some_o liberty_n to_o figure_n allegory_n and_o other_o poetical_a strain_n which_o be_v usual_a in_o song_n and_o hymn_n now_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v little_o concern_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o the_o mystical_a and_o if_o they_o will_v suffer_v a_o accommodation_n to_o ourselves_o or_o the_o church_n and_o state_n we_o live_v in_o than_o we_o not_o only_o may_v use_v they_o but_o the_o use_n of_o they_o will_v be_v both_o pleasant_a and_o edify_a 3_o these_o psalm_n which_o contain_v narration_n of_o the_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v