it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o they_o and_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o anger_n and_o not_o to_o compassion_n if_o thy_o fast_a be_v private_a confess_v all_o the_o evil_n thou_o know_v by_o thyself_o till_o thou_o can_v say_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o have_v keep_v nothing_o back_o now_o this_o press_a sin_n upon_o thy_o soul_n be_v call_v a_o rent_v of_o the_o heart_n joel_n 2.13_o rend_a your_o heart_n and_o not_o your_o garment_n a_o afflict_v of_o the_o soul_n leu._n 16.29_o in_o it_o you_o shall_v afflict_v your_o soul_n and_o do_v no_o work_n at_o all_o leu._n 23.29_o whatsoever_o soul_n shall_v not_o be_v afflict_a in_o that_o same_o day_n he_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o his_o people_n consider_v the_o corruption_n of_o thy_o heart_n thy_o natural_a corruption_n consider_v the_o number_n of_o thy_o bypass_a sin_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o thy_o present_a remain_a corruption_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v kindle_v against_o thou_o for_o they_o and_o the_o danger_n thy_o soul_n be_v in_o of_o hell_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o consider_v sin_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o evil_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o evil_n it_o be_v the_o foul_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o foul_a than_o the_o devil_n himself_o for_o that_o make_v he_o foul_a and_o can_v he_o be_v strip_v of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v return_v to_o his_o angelical_a glory_n consider_v it_o in_o the_o cause_n it_o have_v its_o original_a from_o the_o devil_n himself_o he_o be_v the_o first_o sinner_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n in_o man_n and_o the_o child_n very_o much_o resemble_v the_o father_n consider_v the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o which_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n it_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v obey_v consider_v the_o person_n against_o who_o thou_o sin_v and_o it_o be_v against_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a yea_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n one_o to_o who_o thou_o owe_v thyself_o and_o all_o thou_o have_v he_o that_o be_v thy_o creator_n and_o make_v thou_o it_o be_v he_o that_o maintain_v thou_o at_o his_o own_o cost_n and_o charges_n one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v thou_o or_o destroy_v thou_o consider_v it_o in_o the_o woeful_a effect_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thy_o judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v yea_o of_o spiritual_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a judgement_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n consider_v it_o in_o the_o price_n that_o be_v pay_v to_o free_v thy_o soul_n from_o the_o gild_n and_o filth_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o lose_v his_o life_n to_o ransom_n soul_n from_o the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o blood_n to_o wash_v away_o their_o scarlet_a sin_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v much_o further_o thy_o humiliation_n and_o soul-affliction_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v thus_o make_v thy_o heart_n to_o bleed_v for_o thy_o sin_n go_v to_o god_n for_o a_o plaster_n but_o what_o good_a will_v a_o plaster_n do_v before_o there_o be_v a_o wound_n beg_v of_o he_o the_o pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o power_n against_o it_o renew_v thy_o covenant_n with_o he_o of_o better_a obedience_n not_o only_a purpose_n but_o promise_v amendment_n of_o life_n resolve_v against_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v every_o sin_n thou_o confess_v let_v it_o be_v with_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o meddle_v no_o more_o with_o it_o this_o be_v that_o spiritual_a fast_a from_o sin_n which_o be_v every_o christian_n duty_n to_o fast_o from_o food_n and_o not_o from_o filthiness_n from_o pleasure_n and_o not_o from_o profaneness_n from_o sleep_n and_o not_o from_o sin_n be_v the_o devil_n fast_o such_o fast_n he_o keep_v and_o such_o will_v be_v keep_v in_o hell_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v david_n humble_v of_o his_o soul_n with_o fast_v psal_n 69.10_o in_o which_o there_o must_v be_v a_o confession_n of_o sin_n a_o accusation_n for_o it_o a_o detestation_n of_o it_o and_o also_o self-condemnation_n and_o though_o prayer_n at_o all_o time_n shall_v be_v fervent_a yet_o especial_o now_o in_o such_o a_o duty_n this_o be_v call_v a_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n joel_n 1.14_o jonah_n 3.8_o and_o thou_o shall_v bring_v faith_n along_o with_o thou_o believe_v thou_o shall_v prevail_v which_o may_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o many_o promise_n make_v to_o this_o duty_n and_o the_o experience_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o success_n jehoshaphat_n hezekiah_n esther_n niniveh_n and_o many_o other_o may_v witness_v nay_o where_o be_v it_o ever_o in_o scripture_n faithful_o perform_v without_o success_n alms-deed_n also_o shall_v be_v add_v isa_n 58.6,7_o yea_o we_o shall_v testify_v our_o humiliation_n by_o our_o ready_a forgive_n of_o other_o and_o assist_v those_o that_o stand_v in_o need_n beg_v also_o those_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v for_o thyself_o the_o church_n or_o state_n and_o as_o in_o the_o law_n sacrifice_n and_o offering_n be_v give_v to_o god_n sacrifice_n thy_o sin_n to_o he_o and_o offer_v to_o he_o the_o calf_n of_o thy_o lip_n prayer_n and_o praise_n dedicate_v thyself_o a_o live_a sacrifice_n and_o devote_v thyself_o to_o his_o service_n 5._o direct_v the_o next_o thing_n considerable_a be_v the_o time_n when_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n the_o papist_n differ_v from_o we_o they_o prescribe_v set_v time_n for_o fast_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v keep_v and_o sinful_a if_o not_o observe_v we_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o fix_a time_n to_o be_v observe_v but_o the_o duty_n be_v incumbent_a on_o we_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o day_n leu._n 16.29_o but_o this_o be_v ceremonial_a and_o end_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o typ_n and_o shadow_n and_o there_o be_v mention_v also_o make_v of_o the_o fast_a in_o the_o five_o and_o seven_o month_n zach._n 7.5_o and_o of_o the_o four_o five_o seven_o and_o ten_o month_n zach._n 8.19_o but_o this_o be_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o so_o just_a occasion_n be_v offer_v for_o public_a humiliation_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o business_n we_o have_v the_o like_a every_o month_n in_o time_n of_o war_n and_o public_a calamity_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v have_v upon_o such_o occasion_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o state_v time_n whether_o occasion_n be_v or_o no_o when_o there_o be_v some_o great_a judgement_n lie_v upon_o we_o or_o some_o eminent_a danger_n hang_v over_o our_o head_n then_o it_o be_v a_o suitable_a time_n for_o this_o exercise_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v fast_n keep_v by_o believer_n in_o all_o age_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n thus_o samuel_n and_o the_o people_n fast_v and_o beseech_v the_o lord_n in_o their_o danger_n 1_o sam._n 7.6,7_o and_o thus_o david_n beseech_v the_o lord_n by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o the_o life_n of_o his_o child_n when_o it_o be_v sick_a 2_o sam._n 12.16_o and_o thus_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n for_o jerusalem_n when_o a_o sore_a judgement_n from_o god_n be_v upon_o it_o 1_o chron._n 21.16_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jabish_a gilead_n fast_v and_o humble_v themselves_o when_o saul_n and_o jonathan_n be_v slay_v and_o israel_n put_v to_o flight_n 1_o sam._n 31.15_o and_o jehosophat_n in_o his_o fear_n proclaim_v a_o fast_a when_o he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v yet_o have_v he_o his_o eye_n up_o to_o god_n 2_o chron._n 20.3_o and_o nehemiah_n when_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n humble_v himself_o by_o fast_v nehem._n 1.4_o and_o esther_n and_o the_o jew_n when_o the_o write_n be_v sign_v and_o the_o time_n be_v set_v when_o they_o shall_v all_o have_v be_v destroy_v esther_n 4.1,2_o etc._n etc._n and_o ezra_n when_o he_o apprehend_v danger_n at_o hand_n ezra_n 8.21_o yea_o this_o be_v the_o course_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o advise_v to_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n or_o public_a calamity_n joel_n 2.12,13_o have_v threaten_v a_o sore_a judgement_n he_o add_v therefore_o now_o say_v the_o lord_n turn_v you_o unto_o i_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o fast_v and_o with_o weep_v and_o with_o mourning_n and_o rend_v your_o heart_n and_o not_o your_o garment_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n for_o he_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a etc._n etc._n and_o this_o course_n the_o ninivites_n do_v take_v and_o it_o succeed_v jonah_n 3.5.8_o yea_o ahab_n humble_v himself_o when_o
be_v no_o hard_a question_n to_o resolve_v neither_o need_v you_o any_o great_a time_n to_o consider_v whether_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o best_a master_n whether_o holiness_n or_o sin_n be_v the_o better_a work_n whether_o heaven_n or_o hell_n be_v the_o better_a wage_n whether_o the_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o endless_a joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v more_o desirable_a have_v thou_o need_v of_o much_o time_n to_o consider_v of_o this_o business_n if_o thou_o yet_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n let_v i_o put_v in_o something_o that_o may_v turn_v the_o scale_n consider_v to_o who_o thou_o be_v most_o engage_v to_o god_n or_o satan_n be_v not_o thou_o god_n by_o right_a of_o creation_n he_o make_v thou_o of_o nothing_o and_o who_o be_v the_o pot_n but_o the_o pot-maker_n he_o make_v thou_o a_o rational_a creature_n when_o he_o may_v have_v make_v thou_o a_o brute_n beast_n a_o toad_n or_o a_o serpent_n or_o the_o most_o despicable_a worm_n that_o crawl_v under_o thy_o foot_n and_o be_v it_o not_o he_o that_o maintain_v thou_o at_o his_o own_o cost_n and_o charges_n thou_o have_v not_o food_n to_o eat_v or_o drink_v to_o drink_v or_o clothes_n to_o put_v on_o but_o what_o he_o give_v thou_o neither_o health_n nor_o strength_n limb_n nor_o sense_n life_n nor_o breath_n but_o from_o he_o it_o be_v his_o corn_n and_o his_o wine_n that_o feed_v thou_o it_o be_v his_o wool_n and_o his_o flax_n that_o clothes_n thou_o it_o be_v his_o silver_n and_o his_o gold_n that_o make_v thou_o rich_a hos_n 2.5_o and_o be_v it_o yet_o a_o question_n who_o shall_v be_v thy_o master_n have_v any_o better_a friend_n or_o great_a benefactor_n nay_o further_a thou_o be_v his_o also_o by_o right_a of_o redemption_n when_o thou_o sell_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o satan_n do_v not_o he_o buy_v thou_o by_o his_o precious_a blood_n out_o of_o that_o hellish_a slavery_n do_v not_o he_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o thy_o ransom_n do_v not_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o free_v thou_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o punishment_n due_a for_o sin_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n and_o from_o everlasting_a damnation_n and_o have_v thou_o yet_o a_o better_a friend_n to_o trust_v to_o the_o work_n god_n set_v thou_o about_o be_v wage_n as_o well_o as_o work_v it_o be_v equal_a it_o be_v reasonable_a it_o be_v honourable_a his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n the_o wage_n also_o differ_v the_o one_o give_v everlasting_a happiness_n the_o other_o endless_a misery_n and_o can_v not_o yet_o determine_v who_o shall_v be_v thy_o master_n consider_v then_o what_o god_n mind_v in_o these_o his_o command_n be_v it_o his_o own_o benefit_n or_o thou_o what_o profit_n be_v he_o like_v to_o have_v by_o thy_o obedience_n or_o what_o damage_n by_o thy_o disobedience_n alas_o thou_o be_v so_o far_o below_o he_o thou_o can_v neither_o do_v he_o good_a or_o hurt_n all_o the_o benefit_n or_o damage_n redound_v to_o thy_o own_o soul_n consider_v also_o what_o the_o devil_n mind_n doubtless_o thy_o ruin_n he_o go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v 1_o pet._n 5.8_o and_o be_v not_o yet_o determine_v who_o shall_v be_v thy_o master_n consider_v then_o whether_o ever_o thou_o know_v one_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v happy_a by_o follow_v a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n or_o ever_o thou_o know_v one_o man_n make_v miserable_a by_o god_n service_n or_o a_o holy_a course_n of_o life_n and_o now_o if_o thou_o have_v reason_n make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o consideration_n thou_o will_v soon_o resolve_v i_o shall_v at_o present_a take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o shall_v proceed_v first_o to_o give_v you_o some_o general_a direction_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o duty_n and_o then_o descend_v to_o some_o particular_a duty_n unto_o god_n and_o give_v direction_n for_o these_o also_o the_o general_n be_v these_o that_o follow_v 1._o direction_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n thou_o perform_v to_o god_n or_o man_n see_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o divine_a warrant_n for_o it_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o which_o he_o command_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o what_o he_o forbid_v be_v our_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v it_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o where_o it_o be_v no_o command_a duty_n there_o thou_o can_v expect_v no_o blessing_n yet_o many_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o invent_v way_n for_o god_n worship_n as_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a and_o with_o the_o pharisee_n teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n they_o set_v up_o their_o post_n by_o god_n post_n and_o their_o dagon_n by_o god_n ark_n but_o it_o will_v never_o stand_v they_o take_v much_o pain_n and_o be_v at_o much_o cost_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v but_o they_o will_v lose_v their_o labour_n and_o when_o they_o come_v for_o their_o reward_n god_n will_v ask_v they_o who_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o their_o hand_n when_o therefore_o thou_o be_v press_v unto_o a_o duty_n inquire_v whether_o god_n command_v it_o or_o at_o least_o whether_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o his_o word_n if_o not_o reject_v it_o we_o must_v not_o worship_n god_n after_o man_n invention_n or_o humane_a tradition_n contrary_a to_o his_o revealed_z will._n god_n have_v leave_v we_o work_n enough_o to_o do_v we_o need_v not_o invent_v more_o we_o read_v indeed_o of_o some_o idolater_n that_o feign_v themselves_o god_n and_o then_o patch_v up_o a_o kind_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n to_o these_o god_n thus_o baal_n priest_n cut_v and_o wound_v themselves_o till_o the_o blood_n gush_v out_o not_o much_o unlike_a to_o our_o popish_a whip_n some_o also_o pour_v out_o drink-offering_n to_o the_o queen_n of_o heaven_n and_o bake_a cake_n for_o she_o jer._n 44.17_o yea_o some_o of_o they_o offer_v their_o child_n to_o molech_n and_o make_v they_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n yet_o all_o this_o labour_n be_v lose_v yea_o worse_o than_o lose_v it_o become_v their_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v to_o a_o strange_a god_n in_o like_a manner_n many_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o false_a manner_n by_o give_v he_o such_o worship_n he_o never_o command_v neither_o ever_o come_v it_o into_o his_o mind_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n for_o worship_n where_o all_o the_o material_a part_n of_o worship_n be_v prescribe_v only_o some_o necessary_a circumstance_n be_v leave_v to_o humane_a prudence_n to_o determine_v as_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o other_o such_o like_a which_o may_v be_v alter_v according_a to_o the_o present_a occasion_n yet_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n but_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o it_o col._n 2.18_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v therefore_o exceed_o err_v in_o thrust_v upon_o we_o those_o new_a invent_v needless_a ceremony_n such_o as_o god_n never_o make_v neither_o ever_o give_v power_n to_o man_n to_o intrude_v into_o his_o worship_n yea_o also_o they_o err_v in_o add_v many_o thing_n as_o fundamental_o which_o be_v error_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v such_o as_o their_o five_o add_a sacrament_n their_o private_a mass_n communicate_v in_o our_o kind_n propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sick_a and_o dead_a prayer_n to_o saint_n depart_v and_o to_o angel_n image_n crucifix_n pope_n pardon_n indulgence_n pilgrimage_n and_o many_o more_o but_o these_o want_a authority_n be_v not_o to_o be_v heed_v by_o we_o yea_o among_o we_o also_o we_o have_v too_o many_o popish_a superstition_n receive_v by_o tradition_n which_o god_n have_v never_o warrant_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o observe_v they_o but_o in_o all_o thy_o duty_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o any_o duty_n to_o thy_o neighbour_n search_v the_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n own_o it_o not_o see_v what_o need_n christian_n have_v of_o knowledge_n to_o know_v what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o be_v command_v and_o what_o forbid_a 2._o direct_v when_o thou_o know_v thy_o duty_n and_o have_v a_o divine_a command_n for_o it_o delay_v not_o but_o set_v upon_o it_o many_o undo_v themselves_o by_o delay_n they_o think_v to_o do_v that_o hereafter_o which_o they_o never_o live_v to_o do_v practice_n be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o set_a upon_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v at_o thy_o hand_n take_v they_o as_o they_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o pick_v and_o choose_v it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o
foundation_n for_o thy_o faith_n and_o when_o thou_o be_v come_v before_o he_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n be_v affect_v with_o awful_a reverence_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o tryer_n of_o the_o reins_o there_o be_v many_o that_o come_v to_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o little_o consider_v with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v come_v also_o with_o a_o full_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n or_o else_o never_o come_v to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v all_o those_o sin_n thou_o shall_v confess_v for_o if_o thou_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v thy_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o think_v to_o get_v pardon_n for_o those_o sin_n thou_o will_v not_o leave_v or_o a_o dispensation_n to_o sin_n meditate_v before_o hand_n of_o the_o number_n nature_n and_o quality_n of_o thy_o sin_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n law_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n his_o threaten_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o the_o punishment_n he_o have_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o sin_n the_o little_a good_a that_o sin_n have_v do_v thou_o and_o the_o great_a hurt_n etc._n etc._n these_o consideration_n may_v work_v in_o thou_o a_o loathe_n of_o sin_n when_o thou_o see_v that_o it_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thy_o misery_n then_o will_v thou_o put_v up_o real_a desire_n to_o have_v it_o mortify_v and_o till_o than_o thou_o will_v but_o dally_v with_o god_n study_v well_o beforehand_o what_o be_v thy_o want_n which_o thou_o will_v have_v supply_v by_o god_n let_v it_o be_v thy_o daily_a work_n to_o think_v what_o sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v strong_a in_o thou_o and_o what_o grace_n be_v weak_a or_o want_v and_o what_o thou_o will_v beg_v at_o god_n hand_n and_o have_v not_o thy_o errand_n to_o seek_v when_o thou_o shall_v do_v it_o study_v well_o also_o what_o mercy_n thou_o have_v receive_v and_o forget_v not_o to_o render_v to_o god_n the_o tribute_n of_o praise_n thankfulness_n for_o one_o mercy_n be_v a_o real_a petition_n for_o another_o many_o like_o the_o leper_n will_v come_v in_o a_o petition_n for_o mercy_n they_o want_v but_o few_o in_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n receive_v most_o man_n be_v like_o the_o swine_n under_o the_o tree_n they_o eat_v the_o crab_n or_o acorn_n but_o look_v not_o up_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o where_o as_o it_o be_v a_o command_a duty_n to_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o sympathize_v one_o with_o another_o mourn_v with_o those_o that_o mourn_v and_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v it_o be_v nehemiah_n practice_n and_o he_o shall_v herein_o be_v our_o precedent_n when_o all_o go_v well_o with_o he_o in_o his_o own_o particular_a the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n can_v wring_v tear_n from_o his_o eye_n nehem._n 1.4_o and_o if_o any_o jar_n be_v between_o thou_o and_o another_o be_v reconcile_v this_o be_v christ_n counsel_n mat._n 5.23_o mark_v 11.26_o come_v thus_o prepare_v and_o there_o be_v great_a hope_n of_o speed_a 3._o direct_v will_v thou_o put_v up_o a_o prevail_a prayer_n see_v that_o thou_o make_v it_o to_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v that_o homage_n which_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o that_o honour_n that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o many_o be_v the_o command_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o duty_n psal_n 50.15_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o and_o christ_n bid_v we_o go_v to_o our_o father_n in_o secret_n and_o our_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v we_o open_o mat._n 6.6_o this_o be_v the_o refuge_n which_o the_o godly_a run_v to_o in_o all_o their_o strait_n hither_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n go_v gen._n 18.27_o &_o 28.3_o &_o 32.11_o hither_o moses_n go_v when_o god_n threaten_v israel_n exod._n 39.11_o yea_o joshua_n hannah_n samuel_n david_n solomon_n elijah_n jehoshaphat_n hezekiah_n peter_n and_o christ_n himself_o and_o thus_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v mat._n 6.9_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o go_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o many_o be_v the_o experience_n which_o believer_n have_v have_v of_o the_o return_n of_o prayer_n make_v to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o one_o precept_n for_o or_o approve_a example_n of_o any_o one_o that_o seek_v either_o to_o saint_n or_o angel_n nor_o any_o promise_n to_o any_o that_o do_v so_o or_o any_o experience_n that_o any_o have_v have_v any_o return_n to_o their_o prayer_n no_o nor_o encouragement_n to_o provoke_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n approve_v it_o but_o the_o contrary_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n to_o ground_v our_o faith_n upon_o and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n we_o may_v find_v god_n himself_o style_v a_o god_n hear_v prayer_n a_o title_n give_v to_o no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n god_n be_v omniscient_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o very_a thought_n and_o wish_n the_o sigh_n and_o breathe_n the_o long_n hungring_n and_o pant_n of_o a_o break_a heart_n be_v know_v to_o he_o and_o he_o know_v when_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o unfeigned_a lip_n he_o be_v hoker_n lebh_n scutator_n cordis_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n jer._n 17.10_o and_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n that_o no_o man_n on_o earth_n can_v claim_v neither_o have_v we_o any_o assurance_n that_o saint_n or_o angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v do_v it_o again_o he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n which_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v not_o be_v finite_a creature_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o help_v we_o know_v he_o hear_v our_o prayer_n but_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o the_o other_o do_v he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o able_a to_o help_v we_o he_o be_v el_n shaddai_o god_n all-sufficient_a gen._n 17.1_o able_a to_o remove_v all_o rub_n out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o the_o creature_n can_v help_v we_o they_o be_v but_o the_o cistern_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n they_o have_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o put_v into_o they_o yea_o all_o religious_a worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o alone_o whereof_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n and_o can_v be_v give_v to_o another_o without_o offence_n it_o be_v from_o he_o that_o we_o receive_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n james_n 1.17_o and_o therefore_o unto_o he_o we_o shall_v go_v to_o beg_v it_o who_o keep_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o will_v be_v seek_v unto_o before_o he_o part_v with_o they_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o shall_v be_v of_o our_o prayer_n for_o how_o can_v we_o call_v upon_o he_o upon_o who_o we_o have_v not_o believe_v rom._n 10.14_o the_o very_a heathen_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n acknowledge_v this_o privilege_n this_o duty_n be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o they_o put_v up_o their_o petition_n to_o those_o they_o esteem_v god_n as_o the_o mariner_n in_o jonah_n ship_n call_v every_o man_n upon_o his_o god_n and_o advise_v jonah_n to_o do_v so_o also_o jonah_n 1.5_o and_o god_n himself_o threaten_v the_o family_n that_o call_v not_o upon_o his_o name_n jer._n 10.25_o and_o in_o their_o distress_n threaten_v to_o send_v they_o to_o the_o god_n they_o serve_v how_o much_o then_o be_v those_o to_o blame_v that_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n as_o the_o papist_n or_o offer_v up_o religious_a worship_n to_o any_o other_o but_o to_o god_n alone_o but_o till_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o a_o duty_n by_o direct_a precept_n or_o approve_a example_n till_o they_o can_v prove_v they_o be_v omnipresent_v always_o at_o hand_n omniscient_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n omnipotent_a and_o can_v help_v we_o in_o all_o our_o strait_n which_o they_o will_v never_o do_v let_v we_o never_o leave_v the_o fountain_n that_o be_v all_o this_o and_o go_v to_o the_o cistern_n that_o can_v help_v we_o 4._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v speed_v in_o prayer_n then_o go_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n if_o thou_o take_v he_o not_o along_o with_o thou_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v welcome_a if_o thou_o come_v not_o clothe_v in_o thy_o elder_a brother_n garment_n thou_o will_v return_v without_o the_o blessing_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n enemy_n to_o god_n and_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o screen_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o burn_v it_o be_v he_o alone_o that_o can_v
holiness_n to_o heaven_n read_v a_o list_n of_o more_o heb._n 11._o but_o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o encouragement_n to_o any_o other_o to_o expect_v heaven_n nay_o god_n tell_v we_o in_o plain_a word_n they_o shall_v never_o come_v there_o 1_o cor._n 6.9,10_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o one_o example_n of_o any_o that_o live_v and_o dye_v in_o their_o sinful_a course_n that_o ever_o be_v save_v what_o may_v we_o gather_v hence_o but_o this_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v attain_v to_o true_a happiness_n serve_v god_n with_o a_o sincere_a heart_n 7._o motive_n thou_o shall_v serve_v the_o lord_n because_o as_o he_o be_v best_o able_a to_o reward_v thou_o for_o thy_o obedience_n and_o pay_v thou_o for_o thy_o work_n so_o be_v he_o best_a able_a to_o punish_v thou_o for_o thy_o disobedience_n for_o as_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o a_o man_n faithful_a and_o true_a to_o his_o people_n so_o be_v his_o threaten_n to_o his_o enemy_n thou_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v thy_o own_o master_n who_o thou_o will_v serve_v thou_o be_v engage_v to_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o thou_o must_v or_o do_v worse_o thou_o be_v he_o by_o right_n of_o creation_n for_o who_o be_v the_o pot_n but_o the_o potter_n and_o by_o right_a of_o redemption_n he_o pay_v a_o price_n for_o thou_o and_o buy_v thou_o dear_a so_o also_o by_o covenant_n right_a thou_o have_v devote_v thyself_o to_o his_o service_n and_o take_v press_n money_n to_o fight_v his_o battle_n and_o if_o thou_o revolt_v he_o will_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n against_o thou_o hence_o it_o be_v thou_o may_v well_o fear_v his_o wrath_n and_o expect_v his_o judgement_n if_o thou_o perfidious_o betray_v thy_o trust_n and_o revolt_a to_o the_o enemy_n christ_n himself_o bid_v thou_o not_o to_o fear_v those_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o fear_v he_o that_o can_v cast_v body_n and_o soul_n into_o hell_n luk._n 12.5_o if_o he_o be_v not_o glorify_v by_o thou_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v upon_o thou_o if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o salvation_n he_o will_v have_v the_o glory_n of_o thy_o destruction_n luk._n 19.27_o those_o my_o enemy_n that_o will_v not_o that_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v they_o and_o slay_v they_o before_o my_o face_n god_n take_v those_o for_o his_o enemy_n that_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o and_o will_v prove_v a_o sore_a enemy_n to_o they_o and_o do_v thou_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o god_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v god_n to_o be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o thou_o it_o will_v send_v thou_o tremble_v to_o thy_o grave_n it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o life_n and_o death_n at_o his_o girdle_n he_o kill_v and_o he_o make_v alive_a he_o bring_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n and_o back_n again_o and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v deliver_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n he_o need_v not_o muster_v a_o army_n against_o thou_o to_o destroy_v thou_o the_o least_o fly_n or_o gnat_n or_o hair_n may_v end_v thy_o life_n if_o it_o have_v a_o commission_n from_o god_n thou_o be_v but_o a_o worm_n if_o he_o tread_v upon_o thou_o he_o leave_v the_o dead_a behind_o he_o if_o he_o withhold_v thy_o breath_n thou_o return_v to_o the_o dust_n for_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o breath_n than_o what_o he_o put_v into_o thou_o how_o then_o can_v thou_o grapple_v with_o the_o almighty_a or_o contend_v with_o god_n be_v thy_o flesh_n of_o brass_n and_o thy_o sinew_n of_o iron_n be_v thy_o foundation_n as_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o the_o pillar_n of_o heaven_n thou_o be_v yet_o too_o weak_a who_o ever_o harden_v himself_o against_o god_n and_o prosper_v whilst_o thou_o remain_v his_o enemy_n well_o may_v thou_o fear_v his_o heavy_a hand_n there_o be_v no_o judgement_n that_o ever_o thou_o read_v threaten_v or_o ever_o execute_v upon_o sinful_a wretch_n that_o thou_o can_v be_v secure_a from_o thou_o know_v not_o but_o the_o water_n may_v drown_v thou_o as_o they_o do_v the_o old_a world_n or_o as_o the_o red_a sea_n do_v pharaoh_n or_o fire_n from_o heaven_n may_v consume_v thou_o as_o it_o do_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o also_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n and_o the_o two_o captain_n and_o their_o fifty_n at_o the_o prayer_n of_o elijah_n thou_o know_v not_o but_o the_o plague_n which_o fall_v upon_o egypt_n may_v fall_v upon_o thou_o and_o consume_v thou_o or_o that_o thy_o life_n may_v be_v end_v by_o the_o sword_n the_o famine_n or_o the_o pestilence_n thou_o know_v not_o but_o a_o angel_n may_v smite_v thou_o as_o herod_n and_o thou_o may_v be_v devour_v with_o worm_n or_o that_o the_o earth_n may_v open_v and_o swallow_v the_o quick_a as_o it_o do_v corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n thou_o know_v not_o but_o thou_o may_v be_v strike_v dead_a for_o the_o next_o lie_n thou_o tell_v as_o ananias_n and_o saphirah_n be_v or_o whether_o bear_n may_v not_o devour_v thou_o as_o they_o do_v those_o child_n that_o mock_v the_o prophet_n or_o whether_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v strike_v with_o leprosy_n as_o gehazy_n or_o thy_o house_n may_v not_o fall_v upon_o thy_o head_n as_o upon_o job_n child_n in_o a_o word_n whatever_o a_o man_n destitute_a of_o grace_n and_o divine_a protection_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o suffer_v thou_o have_v no_o assurance_n but_o it_o may_v be_v thy_o portion_n read_v deut._n 28.15_o etc._n etc._n where_o thou_o may_v see_v thy_o own_o miserable_a condition_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o those_o spiritual_a judgement_n which_o be_v worse_a than_o these_o be_v seize_v upon_o thou_o blindness_n of_o mind_n hardness_n of_o hart_n searedness_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n and_o eternal_a judgement_n dog_v thou_o at_o the_o heel_n and_o will_v certain_o seize_v upon_o thou_o except_o repentance_n prevent_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o death_n make_v a_o separation_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n never_o any_o unregenerate_a unrepent_v unrighteouss_n or_o unclean_a person_n shall_v ever_o go_v to_o heaven_n john_n 3.7_o luk._n 13.3_o 1_o cor._n 6.9,10_o rev._n 21.13_o and_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a place_n for_o the_o scripture_n own_v no_o purgatory_n psal_n 9.17_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n and_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n see_v the_o doom_n of_o the_o wicked_a servant_n mat_n 24._o last_o he_o be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o his_o portion_n be_v appoint_v with_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o that_o unprofitable_a servant_n that_o improve_v not_o his_o talon_n mat._n 25.30_o he_o be_v bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n and_o all_o the_o wicked_a ungracious_a servant_n that_o improve_v not_o their_o talent_n as_o god_n appoint_v shall_v then_o be_v bid_v depart_v you_o wicked_a into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n mat._n 25.41.48_o this_o be_v god_n judgement_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o devil_n wage_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o servant_n who_o then_o will_v have_v such_o a_o enemy_n or_o such_o a_o master_n learn_v direction_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o follow_v in_o those_o duty_n mention_v chap._n ii_o of_o duty_n in_o general_n have_v in_o the_o foregoing_a treatise_n show_v you_o the_o excellency_n necessity_n and_o benefit_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o the_o deadly_a danger_n of_o all_o unholy_a course_n i_o hope_v many_o of_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o alter_v that_o course_n of_o life_n you_o have_v too_o long_o already_o live_v in_o and_o will_v begin_v to_o question_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v to_o this_o end_n in_o this_o part_n i_o shall_v point_v out_o some_o necessary_a duty_n which_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o perform_v and_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n by_o they_o for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o they_o now_o my_o desire_n be_v that_o you_o will_v resolve_v to_o practise_v what_o out_o of_o god_n word_n i_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v your_o duty_n otherwise_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v i_o write_v they_o or_o you_o read_v they_o what_o say_v say_v you_o will_v you_o do_v it_o or_o will_v you_o not_o it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a business_n neither_o will_v a_o slight_a resolution_n serve_v your_o turn_n you_o will_v meet_v with_o many_o rack_n in_o the_o way_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v with_o many_o storm_n of_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n you_o have_v spend_v too_o much_o time_n already_o in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o it_o be_v pity_n you_o shall_v any_o long_o serve_v so_o bad_a a_o master_n and_o now_o god_n give_v you_o a_o call_v unto_o his_o service_n methinks_v it_o shall_v
up_o to_o heaven_n upon_o their_o wing_n which_o be_v the_o place_n of_o its_o rest_n in_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v trade_v with_o god_n for_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o make_v not_o this_o use_n of_o they_o they_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a god_n regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o external_a part_n of_o duty_n though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v disregard_v as_o he_o do_v the_o internal_a he_o look_v especial_o at_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o duty_n my_o son_n say_v he_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n if_o this_o be_v present_a many_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o if_o this_o be_v absent_a though_o the_o duty_n be_v never_o so_o glorious_o act_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v hateful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n cain_n and_o abel_n both_o offer_a sacrifice_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n we_o know_v not_o the_o one_o exceed_v the_o other_o yet_o one_o be_v accept_v and_o the_o other_o reject_v why_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n because_o the_o one_o be_v accompany_v with_o sincerity_n the_o other_o with_o hypocrisy_n and_o as_o god_n so_o all_o good_a man_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o look_v to_o the_o heart_n in_o duty_n they_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o they_o to_o god_n and_o offer_v it_o at_o his_o foot_n they_o know_v the_o more_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o duty_n the_o better_a god_n love_v it_o and_o the_o more_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o sin_n the_o worse_a it_o be_v they_o look_v more_o and_o grieve_v more_o at_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o a_o duty_n when_o it_o lie_v dead_a or_o dull_a than_o at_o a_o mis_fw-fr expression_n or_o external_a fail_n when_o thou_o come_v therefore_o unto_o god_n in_o duty_n gather_v in_o thy_o scatter_a thought_n and_o affection_n and_o let_v they_o meet_v here_o as_o line_n do_v in_o a_o centre_n or_o as_o the_o sunbeam_n in_o a_o burn_a glass_n this_o will_v make_v thy_o prayer_n hot_a and_o fervent_a which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v cold_a and_o remiss_a when_o our_o spirit_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o flesh_n keep_v under_o in_o the_o duty_n than_o we_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v it_o be_v not_o the_o multitude_n of_o loose_a or_o lone_a and_o cold_a expression_n will_v serve_v turn_n the_o pharisee_n outdo_v many_o christian_n in_o long_a prayer_n but_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a performance_n that_o god_n require_v cold_a petition_n do_v but_o put_v denial_n into_o christ_n mouth_n we_o must_v perform_v every_o duty_n as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o life_n and_o death_n for_o eternity_n yea_o as_o if_o it_o be_v our_o last_o duty_n that_o ever_o we_o shall_v perform_v such_o performance_n as_o these_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o man._n 6._o direction_n thou_o must_v perform_v all_o thy_o duty_n as_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n so_o to_o a_o right_a end_n for_o the_o end_n either_o make_v or_o marrs_n the_o action_n now_o the_o end_n be_v such_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n now_o god_n never_o ordain_v duty_n or_o good_a work_n to_o be_v trust_v in_o for_o salvation_n thou_o can_v never_o merit_v heaven_n by_o thy_o prayer_n or_o other_o duty_n they_o be_v not_o command_v for_o this_o end_n indeed_o they_o be_v a_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la of_o salvation_n for_o though_o they_o can_v save_v we_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o they_o be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n though_o not_o causa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la christ_n have_v purchase_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n they_o be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o we_o in_o the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o do_v they_o and_o threaten_v we_o and_o will_v punish_v we_o if_o we_o neglect_v they_o as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o prove_v when_o i_o treat_v of_o they_o particular_o and_o that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o command_v be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v a_o honest_a heart_n though_o there_o be_v neither_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n for_o the_o doer_n or_o neglecter_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o glorify_v god_n john_n 15.8_o hereby_o be_v our_o heavenly_a father_n glorify_v when_o we_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n mat._n 5.18_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o this_o mean_n also_o we_o may_v be_v instrumental_a of_o other_o conversion_n wife_n be_v command_v to_o carry_v themselves_o so_o holy_o and_o wise_o that_o thereby_o unbelieve_a husband_n may_v be_v win_v to_o the_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 3.1_o and_o as_o they_o may_v do_v good_a to_o other_o so_o they_o may_v bring_v comfort_n to_o themselves_o these_o breathe_n out_o of_o grace_n will_v be_v a_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o we_o find_v the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n teach_v we_o how_o and_o for_o what_o to_o pray_v these_o product_n of_o grace_n will_v yield_v the_o soul_n no_o little_a satisfaction_n yea_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o obtain_v many_o blessing_n from_o god_n what_o sweet_a return_n of_o prayer_n have_v the_o saint_n have_v how_o often_o have_v god_n answer_v they_o in_o the_o very_a petition_n they_o have_v ask_v christ_n bid_v they_o ask_v and_o they_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o they_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o how_o many_o can_v experience_n this_o truth_n though_o god_n promise_v the_o mercy_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v seek_v to_o for_o it_o and_o what_o sweet_a and_o ravish_a income_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v christian_n oftentimes_o in_o the_o hear_n read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o what_o satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v true_a we_o must_v not_o trust_v to_o they_o for_o comfort_n as_o the_o cause_n but_o as_o the_o instrument_n hezekiah_n find_v comfort_n upon_o his_o sick_a bed_n from_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o god_n will._n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o one_o special_a end_n why_o god_n appoint_v they_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n near_o unto_o christ_n by_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o must_v use_v they_o they_o be_v as_o ladder_n to_o help_v we_o up_o to_o heaven_n to_o lift_v we_o above_o ourselves_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o a_o traveller_n do_v of_o a_o boat_n or_o bridge_n to_o help_v we_o over_o unto_o christ_n or_o as_o he_o do_v of_o a_o staff_n or_o style_v to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o journey_n though_o they_o in_o themselves_o have_v no_o excellency_n yet_o they_o help_v we_o over_o where_o true_a treasure_n be_v though_o they_o be_v empty_a in_o themselves_o and_o vain_a to_o those_o that_o trust_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v they_o enrich_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o trust_v not_o to_o they_o but_o use_v they_o for_o the_o end_v appoint_v but_o many_o like_o foolish_a lover_n woo_v the_o maid_n when_o they_o shall_v court_v the_o mistress_n or_o like_o foolish_a traveller_n play_v with_o the_o style_n or_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o boat_n and_o neglect_v their_o way_n they_o trust_v to_o their_o duty_n but_o these_o be_v never_o appoint_v to_o save_v we_o or_o to_o make_v up_o christ_n merit_n satisfactory_a for_o this_o be_v sufficient_a but_o that_o it_o may_v help_v we_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n satisfaction_n use_v they_o therefore_o for_o that_o end_n 7._o direct_v when_o thou_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o all_o that_o thou_o can_v say_v thou_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v no_o more_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v thy_o duty_n luke_n 17.10_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o rest_v in_o or_o trust_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o christ_n for_o justification_n or_o salvation_n trust_v not_o to_o thy_o duty_n for_o they_o will_v deceive_v thou_o and_o prove_v like_o egyptian_a reed_n not_o only_o break_v but_o run_v into_o thy_o hand_n they_o be_v never_o appoint_v for_o this_o end_n to_o trust_v to_o they_o let_v the_o papist_n brag_n never_o so_o much_o of_o their_o work_n of_o supererogation_n or_o of_o their_o merit_n let_v the_o ignorant_a person_n brag_v of_o his_o good_a meaning_n his_o good_a heart_n and_o his_o good_a serve_a god_n let_v the_o civil_a man_n brag_v of_o his_o pay_v every_o man_n his_o own_o and_o upright_o deal_n and_o the_o almost_o christian_a of_o his_o repent_v return_v and_o reform_v alas_o all_o this_o will_v deceive_v they_o
this_o be_v not_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v have_v some_o better_a shelter_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o storm_n of_o god_n fiery_a indignation_n the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o all_o our_o righteousness_n be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n or_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n isa_n 6.6_o and_o will_v god_n think_v you_o delight_n in_o this_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_a and_o never_o cleanse_v from_o original_a corruption_n and_o can_v we_o think_v the_o stream_n thence_o issue_v can_v be_v sweet_a this_o bitter_a root_n send_v many_o branch_n of_o actual_a sin_n which_o mix_v themselves_o with_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o make_v they_o abominable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o dead_a fly_n that_o spoil_v all_o the_o ointment_n we_o can_v do_v a_o duty_n but_o we_o spoil_v it_o in_o the_o do_n and_o if_o we_o can_v unless_o we_o can_v do_v every_o duty_n thus_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n what_o advantage_n shall_v we_o have_v by_o that_o one_o we_o must_v live_v free_a from_o evil_a thought_n vain_a word_n and_o evil_a action_n or_o we_o can_v stand_v approve_v by_o god_n nay_o if_o we_o can_v do_v so_o and_o live_v free_a from_o the_o least_o transgression_n for_o the_o future_a this_o will_v not_o discharge_v we_o of_o our_o forepast_a debt_n will_v the_o constant_a payment_n of_o rent_n for_o the_o future_a clear_v up_o the_o arrear_n that_o be_v behind_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o think_v to_o be_v save_v by_o our_o own_o good_a work_n or_o justify_v by_o our_o good_a duty_n alas_o they_o be_v too_o much_o defile_v with_o sin_n and_o self_n to_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o how_o ready_a be_v man_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o any_o thing_n that_o will_v give_v they_o the_o least_o hope_n and_o trust_v to_o good_a heart_n and_o good_a duty_n and_o good_a meaning_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o loath_a they_o be_v to_o come_v out_o of_o themselves_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o bankrupt_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o the_o vanity_n of_o these_o hope_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o able_a divine_a who_o speak_v full_o to_o my_o purpose_n who_o tell_v thou_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o bring_v in_o perfect_a righteousness_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o christ_n to_o trust_v unto_o thou_o must_v desire_v and_o pray_v till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shake_v till_o thou_o have_v wear_v thy_o tongue_n to_o the_o stump_n endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v and_o other_o commend_v thou_o for_o a_o exact_a christian_a mourn_v in_o some_o wilderness_n till_o doom_n day_n dig_v thy_o grave_n with_o thy_o nail_n weep_v bucket_n full_a of_o hourly_a tear_n till_o thou_o can_v weep_v no_o more_o fast_a and_o pray_v till_o thy_o skin_n and_o bone_n cleave_v together_o promise_v and_o purpose_n with_o full_a resolution_n to_o be_v better_a yea_o reform_v thy_o head_n heart_n life_n and_o tongue_n leave_v some_o nay_o all_o sin_n live_v like_o a_o angel_n shine_v like_o a_o sun_n walk_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n like_o a_o distress_a pilgrim_n so_o that_o all_o that_o see_v thou_o may_v commend_v and_o admire_v thou_o die_v ten_o thousand_o death_n lie_v at_o the_o fire_n back_o of_o hell_n as_o many_o million_o of_o year_n as_o there_o be_v grass_n pile_n upon_o the_o earth_n sands_n on_o the_o sea_n shore_n star_n in_o heaven_n or_o mote_n in_o the_o sun_n i_o tell_v thou_o not_o one_o spark_n of_o god_n wrath_n will_v be_v quench_v by_o all_o these_o duty_n for_o they_o be_v not_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n chap._n iii_o direction_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n have_v give_v you_o some_o general_a direction_n necessary_a in_o all_o duty_n without_o which_o no_o duty_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n i_o shall_v next_o descend_v to_o some_o particular_n which_o god_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n how_o they_o may_v be_v perform_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o soul_n advantage_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mere_a do_v of_o a_o duty_n but_o the_o well_o do_v of_o it_o that_o attain_v these_o end_n the_o first_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v that_o great_a duty_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n as_o for_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v give_v direction_n among_o those_o relative_n duty_n which_o god_n willing_a i_o intend_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o its_o place_n if_o i_o can_v sufficient_o instruct_v you_o in_o this_o i_o need_v not_o speak_v much_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o this_o will_v be_v a_o help_n in_o all_o the_o other_o for_o in_o the_o word_n be_v direction_n for_o the_o other_o also_o i_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v this_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o hope_v few_o will_v deny_v it_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v above_o ordinance_n so_o as_o to_o neglect_v they_o time_n have_v discover_v their_o folly_n do_v not_o god_n send_v his_o messenger_n to_o preach_v and_o be_v it_o not_o our_o duty_n to_o hear_v the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o and_o woe_n to_o he_o if_o he_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9.18_o and_o be_v preach_v their_o duty_n and_o be_v not_o hear_v we_o yea_o do_v not_o christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o hear_v and_o give_v we_o caution_n to_o that_o purpose_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v and_o what_o we_o hear_v mark_v 4.24_o luke_n 8.18_o and_o oftentimes_o call_v upon_o those_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v that_o they_o shall_v hear_v and_o in_o many_o parable_n give_v direction_n about_o hear_v as_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o good_a seed_n and_o the_o tare_n and_o many_o more_o but_o my_o business_n be_v at_o present_a only_o by_o way_n of_o motive_n to_o put_v you_o on_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o by_o way_n of_o direction_n to_o help_v you_o in_o it_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a use_n those_o motive_n draw_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o word_n for_o who_o be_v not_o move_v with_o profit_n and_o gain_v but_o here_o be_v the_o great_a gain_n to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n i_o say_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o it_o rom._n 10.14,17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v to_o this_o end_n god_n send_v paul_n to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n act_v 26.17,18_o when_o christ_n meet_v with_o paul_n in_o the_o way_n act_n 9.9,10_o he_o do_v not_o instruct_v he_o himself_o but_o send_v he_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o ananias_n and_o when_o he_o send_v a_o angel_n to_o cornelius_n it_o be_v not_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o he_o but_o to_o direct_v he_o to_o peter_n act_v 10.35_o it_o be_v by_o preach_v that_o peter_n convert_v 3000._o at_o one_o time_n act_v 2.37.41_o the_o word_n be_v the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o a_o good_a heart_n fructify_v abundant_o mat._n 13.8_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o be_v threaten_v mat._n 10.14_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o receive_v you_o nor_o hear_v your_o word_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o they_o and_o few_o be_v bring_v in_o that_o neglect_n this_o duty_n nay_o it_o be_v of_o daily_a use_n to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v to_o build_v they_o up_o it_o be_v the_o milk_n that_o must_v nourish_v they_o and_o make_v they_o grow_v for_o where_o there_o be_v life_n there_o must_v be_v food_n david_n by_o this_o mean_n become_v wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n and_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o the_o ancient_n and_o what_o condition_n soever_o a_o poor_a soul_n be_v in_o here_o he_o may_v find_v direction_n be_v thou_o in_o sorrow_n and_o distress_n here_o consolation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v here_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n suck_v sweetness_n out_o of_o the_o promise_n be_v thou_o in_o affliction_n here_o be_v cordial_n to_o uphold_v a_o faint_a heart_n direction_n to_o bear_v they_o well_o and_o promise_n of_o a_o seasonable_a deliverance_n if_o thou_o run_v astray_o here_o thou_o may_v hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o thou_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o god_n have_v here_o set_v way-mark_n to_o guide_v thou_o if_o thou_o be_v dead_a or_o dull_a here_o be_v rouse_a consideration_n to_o quicken_v thou_o if_o thy_o faith_n be_v weak_a here_o it_o may_v be_v strengthen_v if_o thy_o soul_n be_v sin_n sick_a here_o be_v a_o physician_n direct_v to_o and_o a_o potion_n prescribe_v
will_v effect_v the_o cure_n if_o thou_o be_v trouble_v with_o satan_n temptation_n here_o be_v armour_n of_o proof_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o thy_o defence_n with_o which_o christ_n himself_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n mat._n 4.4,7,10_o in_o a_o word_n here_o be_v that_o way_n to_o life_n point_v out_o unto_o thou_o that_o will_v never_o fail_v when_o all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o humane_a policy_n and_o good_a meaning_n and_o intention_n will_v deceive_v now_o that_o thou_o may_v hear_v with_o profit_n take_v these_o direction_n follow_v 1._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v hear_v with_o profit_n resolve_v then_o to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n that_o lie_v in_o thy_o way_n for_o doubtless_o there_o will_v be_v many_o snare_n lay_v for_o thou_o and_o thou_o will_v find_v many_o hindrance_n to_o this_o duty_n many_o enemy_n will_v appear_v and_o without_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o go_v through_o what_o ever_o danger_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n thou_o will_v hardly_o hold_v out_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o cursory_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v thus_o oppose_v but_o the_o practise_n of_o it_o when_o hear_v the_o devil_n be_v a_o swear_a enemy_n and_o therefore_o expect_v he_o will_v do_v his_o worst_a thou_o shall_v find_v that_o if_o he_o can_v have_v his_o will_n there_o shall_v never_o godly_a minister_n be_v settle_v do_v you_o not_o see_v what_o oppositon_n be_v raise_v what_o contention_n break_v out_o before_o a_o faithful_a pastor_n can_v be_v settle_v what_o instrument_n do_v he_o use_v to_o hinder_v the_o work_n who_o will_v neither_o spare_v cost_v nor_o pain_n in_o the_o business_n or_o if_o they_o be_v settle_v how_o oft_o do_v he_o raise_v one_o or_o other_o to_o worry_v they_o and_o make_v they_o weary_a of_o their_o place_n if_o not_o of_o their_o life_n for_o he_o know_v such_o as_o these_o discover_v his_o wile_n and_o hinder_v his_o trade_n and_o if_o he_o can_v but_o stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o drive_v they_o out_o into_o the_o wilderness_n he_o may_v rule_v without_o control_n it_o be_v not_o the_o drunken_a debauch_a clergy_n that_o he_o fear_v these_o bring_v fish_n to_o his_o net_n if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o endeavour_v then_o to_o work_v such_o a_o prejudice_n in_o the_o hearer_n heart_n to_o their_o minister_n that_o they_o seldom_o profit_v by_o they_o if_o they_o can_v have_v nothing_o against_o they_o but_o concern_v the_o law_n of_o their_o god_n yet_o he_o persuade_v they_o they_o be_v fanatic_n because_o more_o serious_a in_o religion_n than_o some_o other_o be_v and_o so_o divert_v what_o he_o can_v from_o hear_v they_o and_o then_o he_o think_v himself_o sure_a of_o they_o sometime_o he_o set_v they_o about_o their_o worldly_a business_n or_o to_o go_v to_o fair_n etc._n etc._n he_o know_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n to_o he_o in_o that_o or_o persuade_v they_o to_o drouse_a or_o sleep_v out_o their_o time_n or_o sit_v idle_o at_o home_n or_o spend_v the_o sermon_n time_n at_o dice_n or_o card_n or_o other_o unlawful_a game_n for_o other_o he_o have_v a_o companion_n at_o the_o alehouse_n door_n to_o call_v they_o he_o know_v there_o they_o be_v secure_a if_o thou_o break_v through_o these_o difficulty_n he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o lull_v thou_o asleep_o in_o the_o congregation_n or_o if_o awake_a to_o distract_v thy_o thought_n with_o worldly_a business_n that_o when_o thy_o body_n be_v in_o the_o congregation_n thy_o mind_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o shop_n or_o field_n or_o perhaps_o he_o may_v let_v thy_o eye_n wander_v upon_o this_o beauty_n or_o that_o new_a fashion_n and_o thus_o divert_v thy_o mind_n from_o thy_o duty_n and_o those_o that_o will_v be_v very_o attentive_a at_o a_o stage-play_n be_v very_o heartless_a at_o a_o sermon_n as_o if_o it_o do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v they_o or_o if_o thou_o do_v hear_v attentive_o yet_o he_o will_v make_v thou_o a_o forgetful_a hearer_n and_o pick_v up_o the_o seed_n as_o fast_o as_o it_o be_v sow_o mat._n 13.4.19_o how_o often_o do_v man_n leave_v all_o behind_o they_o at_o the_o church_n door_n and_o that_o man_n can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o one_o passage_n in_o a_o whole_a sermon_n that_o can_v give_v you_o a_o large_a account_n of_o a_o stage-play_n or_o idle_a tale_n or_o story_n or_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v remember_v it_o must_v be_v some_o mis-expression_n or_o something_o that_o must_v render_v the_o preacher_n contemptible_a and_o so_o bring_v he_o into_o question_n and_o if_o they_o remember_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a the_o devil_n persuade_v they_o they_o shall_v never_o practise_v it_o or_o at_o least_o defer_v it_o till_o hereafter_o or_o if_o they_o practise_v any_o it_o must_v be_v the_o light_n and_o cheap_a and_o easy_a part_n of_o duty_n and_o so_o as_o good_a never_o a_o whit_n as_o never_o the_o better_a these_o and_o a_o thousand_o such_o be_v the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o keep_v thy_o soul_n in_o bondage_n which_o if_o he_o do_v thou_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o he_o have_v instrument_n also_o which_o he_o set_v on_o work_n wicked_a man_n some_o to_o draw_v and_o some_o to_o drive_v some_o by_o one_o mean_n some_o by_o another_o to_o hinder_v thou_o oh_o take_v heed_n what_o you_o do_v say_v one_o you_o will_v run_v yourself_o upon_o the_o pike_n of_o danger_n you_o will_v make_v yourself_o contemptible_a to_o the_o world_n say_v another_o you_o will_v hazard_v your_o estate_n or_o liberty_n cry_v a_o three_o our_o forefather_n say_v another_o be_v honest_a man_n yet_o never_o follow_v these_o course_n other_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n will_v load_v you_o with_o scoff_v and_o scorn_n and_o if_o this_o serve_v not_o with_o downright_a persecution_n and_o which_o be_v most_o dangerous_a thy_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n will_v side_n with_o satan_n and_o help_v to_o betray_v thou_o carnal_a reason_n be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v what_o need_v so_o much_o ado_n there_o be_v never_o good_a world_n since_o there_o be_v so_o much_o preach_v when_o alas_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o in_o the_o much_o preach_v but_o in_o the_o little_a practice_n now_o have_v so_o many_o enemy_n you_o must_v come_v with_o a_o full_a resolution_n to_o break_v through_o or_o never_o begin_v 2._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v sure_a to_o propound_v to_o thyself_o right_a end_n &_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o by_o end_n w_z ch_z many_o bring_v it_o be_v the_o end_n that_o make_v or_o mar_v the_o action_n many_o glorious_a work_n have_v be_v spoil_v by_o a_o bad_a end_n let_v the_o duty_n be_v never_o so_o excellent_o perform_v if_o the_o end_n thou_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o performance_n be_v not_o right_a the_o duty_n be_v abominable_a in_o god_n account_n thus_o the_o fast_n prayer_n and_o alm_n deed_n of_o the_o pharisee_n though_o all_o command_v duty_n be_v by_o god_n reject_v because_o it_o be_v popular_a applause_n they_o aim_v at_o mat._n 6.1,2,3_o etc._n etc._n thou_o may_v hear_v all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o no_o profit_n as_o too_o many_o do_v if_o thy_o end_n be_v not_o good_a ask_v thyself_o therefore_o this_o question_n when_o thou_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n what_o do_v i_o here_o or_o what_o errand_n come_v i_o about_o what_o be_v my_o end_n in_o come_v or_o what_o do_v i_o desire_v or_o will_v get_v by_o hear_v and_o get_v thy_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o return_v a_o answer_n and_o if_o thy_o end_n arise_v no_o high-than_a thyself_o they_o be_v false_a and_o deceitful_a if_o every_o man_n will_v speak_v out_o or_o if_o we_o can_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n speak_v within_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v many_o false_a heart_a that_o neither_o perform_v the_o duty_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n neither_o take_v they_o pleasure_n in_o the_o duty_n itself_o may_v not_o some_o of_o you_o say_v it_o be_v not_o love_n to_o god_n or_o his_o word_n but_o for_o custom_n sake_n we_o come_v we_o and_o our_o father_n before_o we_o be_v always_o good_a churchman_n but_o if_o this_o be_v all_o thy_o end_n be_v low_a and_o base_a other_o may_v say_v we_o come_v to_o hear_v of_o some_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o may_v go_v with_o our_o sin_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o world_n upon_o our_o back_n but_o these_o man_n can_v endure_v soul-seeking_a sermon_n but_o cry_v out_o of_o such_o preacher_n as_o ahab_n of_o micajah_n he_o never_o prophecy_n good_a of_o i_o but_o evil_a and_o therefore_o they_o hate_v they_o as_o herodias_n do_v john_n baptist_n and_o delight_n in_o those_o that_o daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n and_o cry_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n
and_o a_o title_n to_o glory_n in_o a_o word_n how_o you_o may_v avoid_v misery_n and_o attain_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o be_v not_o all_o this_o worth_a your_o serious_a consideration_n again_o here_o be_v a_o rich_a legacy_n bequeath_v to_o you_o by_o your_o heavenly_a father_n even_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n more_o worth_a than_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o these_o worth_n the_o read_n at_o these_o breast_n of_o consolation_n thou_o may_v suck_v and_o be_v satisfy_v for_o they_o can_v never_o be_v draw_v dry_a thou_o will_v never_o repent_v the_o pain_n thou_o take_v this_o way_n this_o word_n also_o be_v excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o call_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n act_v 13.26_o as_o point_v out_o the_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 2_o cor._n 5.19_o as_o hold_v out_o christ_n the_o only_a reconnciliator_n the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2.16_o as_o point_v out_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n here_o also_o be_v contain_v our_o evidence_n for_o glory_n and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o show_v for_o heaven_n this_o tell_v we_o what_o qualification_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n here_o we_o find_v a_o redeemer_n a_o saviour_n a_o surety_n to_o discharge_v our_o debt_n and_o redeem_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n yea_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n this_o be_v god_n love_n letter_n wherein_o he_o make_v love_n to_o sinful_a soul_n and_o offer_v they_o christ_n for_o a_o husband_n and_o heaven_n with_o he_o for_o a_o jointure_n here_o thou_o may_v find_v a_o cure_n for_o a_o wound_a conscience_n and_o a_o sin_n sick_a soul_n when_o neither_o man_n nor_o mean_n neither_o food_n nor_o physic_n can_v do_v thou_o good_a here_o be_v a_o plaster_n point_v out_o to_o draw_v out_o the_o vennom_n of_o sin_n and_o staunch_v the_o blood_n yea_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v here_o chalk_v out_o and_o shall_v we_o trifle_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o many_o be_v the_o promise_v make_v to_o those_o that_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n rom._n 3.12_o and_o many_o be_v the_o threaten_n against_o those_o that_o contemn_v it_o deut._n 19.20_o poru._n 1.23,24_o isa_n 6.9,10_o 1_o sam._n 2.25_o methinks_v such_o consideration_n shall_v breed_v a_o appetite_n to_o it_o 6._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n be_v sure_a to_o carry_v thyself_o well_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hear_v we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v as_o well_o as_o what_o we_o hear_v if_o thou_o shall_v make_v these_o preparation_n as_o before_o direct_v yet_o all_o may_v be_v spoil_v at_o last_o resort_v therefore_o timely_a to_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o thou_o to_o wait_v for_o god_n than_o god_n wait_v for_o thou_o late_a come_n argue_v a_o weak_a stomach_n hungry_a person_n will_v not_o strive_v to_o be_v last_o at_o a_o feast_n and_o a_o hungry_a soul_n will_v make_v haste_n where_o meat_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o when_o thou_o be_v there_o behave_v thyself_o reverent_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n say_v as_o jacob_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o carry_v thyself_o as_o if_o god_n be_v present_a look_v upon_o thou_o many_o by_o their_o light_a behaviour_n manifest_v their_o little_a zeal_n do_v apprehend_v god_n present_a before_o the_o eye_n of_o thy_o soul_n it_o will_v keep_v thy_o eye_n from_o sleep_v and_o thy_o heart_n from_o wander_v join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o every_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n a_o private_a prayer_n be_v most_o suitable_a for_o a_o private_a place_n and_o private_a duty_n as_o before_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o the_o closet_n be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n eccles_n 5.1_o when_o the_o minister_n pray_v join_v with_o he_o and_o pray_v with_o devotion_n when_o he_o sing_v sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n when_o he_o preach_v here_o with_o attention_n attend_v not_o only_o to_o the_o word_n but_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o sense_n but_o also_o to_o the_o divine_a obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o thou_o draw_v out_o all_o thy_o strength_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n hear_v as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o life_n for_o thy_o soul_n for_o eternity_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v deut._n 32.46,47_o set_a your_o heart_n upon_o all_o the_o word_n which_o i_o testify_v among_o you_o this_o day_n which_o you_o shall_v command_v your_o child_n to_o observe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a thing_n for_o you_o because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n and_o through_o this_o you_o shall_v prolong_v your_o day_n and_o you_o must_v not_o only_o hear_v with_o attention_n but_o with_o understand_v also_o for_o how_o can_v you_o profit_v by_o it_o or_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v you_o if_o you_o understand_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o some_o minister_n the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n seek_v to_o hide_v their_o meaning_n in_o a_o cloud_n of_o word_n and_o deliver_v their_o message_n either_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o in_o unknown_a notion_n and_o it_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o some_o hearer_n that_o delight_n in_o those_o sermon_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o mass_n bite_v not_o but_o what_o wise_a man_n will_v delight_v to_o gnaw_v bone_n that_o may_v have_v flesh_n paul_n have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n in_o the_o church_n to_o edification_n than_o two_o thousand_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n 1_o cor._n 14.19_o and_o when_o thou_o do_v understand_v it_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o take_v it_o not_o upon_o trust_n it_o be_v christ_n counsel_n search_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostle_n try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o so_o do_v act._n 17.11_o and_o when_o you_o have_v find_v it_o to_o be_v wholesome_a meat_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o and_o without_o this_o it_o will_v do_v you_o little_a good_a what_o good_a will_v meat_n do_v if_o not_o eat_v or_o physic_n if_o not_o take_v or_o a_o plaster_n if_o not_o apply_v do_v as_o a_o hungry_a man_n do_v lay_v hold_v on_o something_o to_o feed_v upon_o when_o nice_a stomach_n carve_v away_o all_o to_o other_o now_o he_o meet_v with_o this_o man_n or_o that_o man_n but_o do_v he_o say_v nothing_o to_o thou_o will_v another_o man_n meat_n feed_v thou_o or_o another_o man_n physic_n make_v thou_o well_o close_o with_o it_o thyself_o lay_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o the_o word_n strive_v not_o against_o it_o submit_v to_o it_o endeavour_v not_o by_o subtle_a destruction_n cunning_a evasion_n false_a gloss_n partial_a interpretation_n to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o it_o or_o blunt_v the_o edge_n but_o with_o david_n when_o reprove_v cry_v out_o i_o be_o the_o man_n wrest_v not_o out_o of_o god_n hand_n if_o any_o sin_n be_v reprove_v reform_v it_o if_o any_o duty_n press_v practise_v it_o if_o the_o minister_n teach_v thou_o any_o thing_n thou_o know_v not_o before_o remember_v it_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o 7._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v demean_v thyself_o well_o then_o after_o hear_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o give_v diligent_a attention_n nay_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o foregoing_a duty_n for_o the_o most_o of_o the_o work_n lie_v behind_o when_o the_o minister_n have_v do_v thy_o work_n begin_v thou_o must_v call_v it_o to_o mind_n ruminate_v upon_o it_o do_v as_o the_o clean_a beast_n under_o the_o law_n chew_v the_o cud_n what_o ever_o slip_v out_o of_o thy_o memory_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a it_o be_v wat_fw-mi thou_o remember_v be_v most_o like_a to_o profit_v thou_o now_o to_o this_o end_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o minister_n method_n what_o be_v his_o text_n how_o divide_v how_o explain_v what_o observation_n he_o raise_v how_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o what_o scripture_n by_o what_o reason_n how_o he_o apply_v they_o what_o mark_n or_o motive_n he_o give_v under_o such_o use_v etc._n etc._n if_o he_o take_v not_o this_o method_n which_o be_v exceed_o good_a for_o the_o memory_n yet_o observe_v at_o least_o what_o design_n he_o follow_v what_o he_o drive_v at_o what_o sin_n he_o reprove_v what_o duty_n he_o press_v what_o grace_n he_o excite_v and_o thus_o do_v thou_o will_v gather_v up_o some_o glean_n of_o this_o sermon_n especial_o observe_v if_o he_o press_v any_o duty_n thou_o neglecte_v or_o reprove_v any_o sin_n thou_o live_v in_o if_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v forget_v remember_v this_o and_o
what_o he_o teach_v thou_o that_o thou_o know_v not_o before_o now_o when_o thou_o have_v thus_o call_v these_o thing_n to_o mind_n meditate_v upon_o they_o for_o as_o meat_n can_v nourish_v if_o not_o digest_v no_o more_o will_v the_o word_n till_o by_o meditation_n thou_o make_v it_o thy_o own_o meat_n be_v easy_o cast_v up_o when_o it_o lie_v undigested_a in_o the_o stomach_n so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o not_o cover_v by_o harrow_n the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n pick_v it_o up_o and_o when_o the_o word_n be_v not_o cover_v by_o mediration_n the_o devil_n steal_v it_o away_o mat._n 13.4.19_o if_o any_o thing_n lie_v dark_a or_o difficult_a to_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o minister_n or_o some_o understanding_n christian_n to_o confer_v of_o it_o make_v know_v thy_o doubt_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o get_v knowledge_n the_o two_o disciple_n that_o come_v to_o emaus_n inquire_v by_o the_o way_n and_o discourse_v and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o word_n in_o thy_o house_n and_o as_o thou_o go_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o deut._n 6.7_o oh_o what_o benefit_n may_v christian_n get_v be_v they_o careful_a of_o this_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v then_o dwell_v plentuous_o in_o they_o this_o will_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n when_o thou_o have_v pass_v thus_o far_o than_o press_v it_o upon_o thy_o own_o heart_n for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v thou_o otherwise_o examine_v thyself_o by_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n whether_o thou_o have_v those_o gracious_a qualification_n yea_o or_o no_o whether_o thou_o be_v yet_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o whether_o deliver_v and_o be_v according_o affect_v press_v home_o every_o reproof_n to_o thyself_o and_o see_v how_o far_o guilty_a thou_o have_v be_v mourn_v for_o it_o and_o reform_v lay_v to_o heart_n every_o exhortation_n to_o duty_n and_o let_v every_o motive_n strengthen_v thy_o resolution_n practice_n every_o direction_n and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o every_o passage_n for_o thy_o soul_n good_a and_o be_v sure_a to_o practise_v what_o be_v teach_v thou_o otherwise_o thou_o may_v hear_v all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o little_a purpose_n it_o be_v not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o doer_n that_o be_v justify_v 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 yea_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o thou_o practise_v it_o thyself_o but_o thou_o must_v endeavour_v that_o other_o may_v do_v so_o also_o to_o this_o end_n thou_o must_v instruct_v thy_o family_n thy_o child_n and_o thy_o servant_n what_o in_o thou_o lie_v press_v they_o on_o also_o to_o obedience_n this_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n eph._n 6.4_o deut._n 4.9_o and_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n deut._n 18.19_o prov._n 4.4_o and_o 31.1_o and_o because_o all_o thy_o service_n without_o god_n blessing_n be_v worth_a nothing_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o fasten_v these_o truth_n upon_o thy_o heart_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o thy_o family_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o it_o be_v god_n must_v give_v the_o increase_n mark_v also_o from_o time_n to_o time_n how_o thou_o do_v grow_v or_o decrease_v these_o direction_n well_o use_v through_o god_n blessing_n will_v make_v thou_o profit_n by_o hear_v chap._n iu_o direction_n in_o read_v the_o word_n the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v point_v out_o unto_o you_o be_v the_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n which_o open_a and_o apply_v it_o for_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a and_o very_o beneficial_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a where_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v have_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a addition_n and_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o much_o good_a receive_v by_o it_o this_o word_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n and_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o man_n convert_v by_o it_o especial_o where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o ordinary_o be_v preach_v that_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n see_v deut._n 17.19_o where_o the_o king_n be_v command_v to_o take_v this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o if_o king_n themselves_o be_v not_o exempt_v notwithstanding_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o business_n who_o then_o can_v plead_v exemption_n yea_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o israel_n deut._n 31.11_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n even_o to_o timothy_n to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v 1_o tim._n 4.13_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n so_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n moses_n take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n exod._n 24.7_o so_o do_v joshua_n chap._n 8.34,35_o so_o do_v josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34,35_o and_o nehemiah_n chap._n 8.38.18_o and_o 9.3_o thus_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8.30_o yea_o there_o be_v a_o blessing_n pronounce_v upon_o it_o rev._n 1.3_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o a_o christian_a the_o very_a light_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o sun_n because_o it_o common_o rise_v and_o set_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o heed_v and_o admire_v so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o word_n be_v common_a it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prize_v mannah_n you_o know_v be_v at_o first_o admire_v at_o the_o last_o loathe_a so_o it_o be_v here_o if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v prize_v as_o it_o be_v when_o a_o cart_n load_n of_o hay_n be_v give_v for_o a_o few_o chapter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o worth_n of_o it_o will_v be_v know_v in_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o health_n be_v best_a prize_v in_o sickness_n peace_n in_o war_n and_o liberty_n in_o bondage_n now_o for_o the_o person_n that_o ought_v to_o read_v they_o be_v all_o that_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n for_o if_o any_o be_v exempt_v they_o will_v be_v king_n for_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o business_n but_o the_o book_n of_o god_n must_v be_v to_o they_o a_o vade_fw-la mecum_fw-la a_o constant_a companion_n parent_n be_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n in_o it_o and_o under_o these_o two_o relation_n all_o superior_n and_o inferior_n be_v contain_v deut._n 6.7_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n practice_n and_o policy_n no_o doubt_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n christ_n bid_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o how_o dare_v papist_n and_o other_o speak_v the_o contrary_a we_o be_v command_v to_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o we_o and_o it_o be_v make_v a_o mark_n for_o a_o bless_a man_n to_o meditate_v in_o day_n and_o night_n here_o be_v the_o mine_n out_o of_o which_o we_o must_v dig_v for_o knowledge_n prov._n 2.3,4_o oh_o that_o man_n will_v spend_v that_o time_n in_o read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o do_v in_o vain_a and_o idle_a visit_n needless_a recreation_n card_v dice_a drink_v drab_v and_o such_o like_a how_o much_o will_v it_o conduce_v to_o their_o soul_n health_n this_o make_v more_o to_o the_o evening_n their_o account_n with_o god_n and_o make_v preparation_n for_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o other_o will_v i_o know_v it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a to_o understand_v and_o therefore_o dangerous_a to_o be_v meddle_v with_o lest_o they_o be_v abuse_v this_o be_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n and_o the_o slothful_a on_o the_o other_o who_o will_v not_o plough_n because_o of_o winter_n prov._n 20.4_o but_o this_o shall_v rather_o quicken_v our_o diligence_n than_o serve_v for_o a_o discouragement_n if_o difficult_a duty_n be_v neglect_v we_o shall_v never_o reach_v heaven_n it_o be_v true_a some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a but_o the_o most_o necessary_a be_v plain_a and_o easy_a here_o indeed_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_o
a_o elephant_n may_v swim_v but_o the_o gain_n will_v countervail_v the_o loss_n and_o charge_n here_o be_v a_o lamp_n to_o light_v we_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n to_o refresh_v we_o a_o sword_n to_o defend_v we_o a_o key_n to_o open_a christ_n will_n to_o we_o flagon_n of_o wine_n and_o apple_n of_o paradise_n take_v therefore_o these_o direction_n in_o thy_o read_n 4._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v read_v the_o word_n with_o profit_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n come_v not_o out_o of_o a_o huddle_n of_o business_n with_o thy_o heart_n full_a of_o the_o world_n to_o discourse_v with_o god_n take_v not_o god_n word_n any_o more_o than_o his_o name_n in_o vain_a take_v it_o not_o profane_o into_o thy_o mouth_n without_o due_a regard_n or_o consideration_n lest_o he_o turn_v thou_o away_o with_o a_o curse_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a concernment_n even_o of_o life_n and_o death_n yea_o of_o the_o eternal_a well_o or_o ill_o be_v of_o thy_o soul_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v slight_v beg_v leave_v therefore_o of_o god_n before_o thou_o meddle_v with_o it_o yea_o beg_v his_o blessing_n upon_o it_o without_o which_o nothing_o can_v do_v we_o good_a for_o soul_n or_o body_n the_o want_n of_o due_a preparation_n cause_v many_o to_o find_v the_o word_n so_o ineffectual_a yea_o find_v so_o little_a sweetness_n in_o it_o again_o if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o it_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o read_v it_o be_v not_o read_v by_o fit_n and_o start_n will_v serve_v turn_n many_o be_v now_o off_o now_o on_o now_o they_o will_v and_o then_o they_o will_v not_o as_o the_o world_n give_v they_o leave_v or_o as_o the_o humour_n take_v they_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o get_v a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o read_v what_o ever_o come_v of_o it_o break_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n a_o little_a now_o and_o then_o will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a without_o this_o resolution_n satan_n will_v baffle_v thou_o and_o lay_v some_o temptation_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v the_o world_n will_v divert_v thou_o and_o one_o business_n or_o other_o present_v itself_o to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n thy_o own_o corruption_n will_v oppose_v it_o and_o thy_o deceitful_a heart_n make_v thou_o delay_v it_o but_o this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v not_o divert_v from_o it_o any_o more_o than_o thou_o will_v be_v from_o thy_o meat_n but_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a thou_o must_v not_o only_o do_v the_o duty_n but_o do_v it_o well_o to_o this_o end_n get_v thy_o heart_n in_o order_n get_v it_o cleanse_v from_o distract_n thought_n and_o care_n &_o free_v from_o disquiet_v motion_n &_o perterbation_n a_o full_a vessel_n can_v receive_v no_o more_o and_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o the_o world_n have_v no_o room_n for_o heaven_n say_v therefore_o to_o thy_o worldly_a care_n and_o thought_n when_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o go_v to_o sacrifice_n stay_v here_o and_o i_o will_v come_v to_o you_o again_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n apprehend_v he_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n behold_v thou_o this_o will_v keep_v thy_o thought_n from_o rove_a and_o thy_o imagination_n from_o wander_a in_o his_o service_n and_o awe_v thy_o heart_n and_o curb_v thy_o affection_n bring_v with_o thou_o also_o a_o spiritual_a appetite_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n come_v with_o a_o empty_a stomach_n or_o why_o do_v thou_o seek_v after_o food_n a_o hungry_a man_n be_v most_o like_a to_o taste_v and_o relish_v those_o dainty_n the_o word_n be_v to_o david_n sweet_a than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n if_o there_o be_v spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o soul_n there_o will_v be_v a_o appetite_n for_o no_o life_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o food_n bring_v faith_n also_o along_o with_o thou_o which_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o without_o this_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v no_o nourishment_n the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v profit_v they_o not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4.2_o reading_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a if_o thou_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o thou_o read_v or_o doubte_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o threaten_n i'faith_o also_o will_v subdue_v carnal_a reason_n and_o help_v thou_o out_o when_o thou_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n but_o above_o all_o seek_v help_n from_o above_o from_o god_n here_o be_v many_o difficulty_n too_o hard_o for_o thou_o to_o grapple_v with_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o divine_a assistance_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n it_o be_v he_o that_o open_v lydia_n heart_n and_o must_v open_v thou_o or_o the_o word_n can_v do_v it_o beg_v therefore_o his_o assistance_n and_o come_v thus_o prepare_v to_o the_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o likely_a way_n to_o speed_n 2._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o read_v of_o the_o word_n be_v sure_a to_o propound_v right_a end_n to_o thyself_o for_o the_o end_n crown_v the_o action_n many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o their_o end_n be_v bad_a they_o undo_v themselves_o and_o lose_v their_o labour_n by_o this_o mean_n some_o read_v for_o custom_n and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o make_v read_v the_o end_n of_o read_v and_o be_v like_o the_o silly_a woman_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o always_o learn_v and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o work_n be_v do_v matter_n it_o no_o more_o some_o read_v to_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o knowledge_n and_o their_o brain_n with_o notion_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v with_o applause_n when_o yet_o they_o never_o suffer_v it_o to_o sink_v down_o or_o soak_v into_o or_o season_v the_o heart_n but_o such_o speculative_a knowledge_n do_v little_a good_a yea_o great_a hurt_n it_o make_v they_o sin_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o read_v to_o a_o worse_a end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o maintain_v error_n and_o pervert_v the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n thus_o the_o jesuit_n and_o many_o heretic_n but_o every_o one_o shall_v and_o a_o true_a christian_a do_v in_o this_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o make_v god_n glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n the_o mark_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o regulate_v his_o action_n according_o and_o doubtless_o from_o god_n he_o will_v receive_v his_o reward_n when_o other_o as_o it_o be_v self_n they_o aim_v at_o so_o from_o self_n they_o must_v expect_v their_o wage_n a_o believer_n he_o will_v know_v more_o that_o he_o may_v obey_v better_a he_o will_v know_v god_n better_o that_o he_o may_v love_v he_o more_o and_o know_v god_n will_n that_o he_o may_v do_v his_o work_n he_o will_v know_v his_o work_n as_o well_o as_o his_o wage_n his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o his_o privilege_n he_o read_v he_o word_n of_o god_n and_o those_o book_n which_o open_a and_o apply_v it_o that_o he_o may_v know_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o follow_v the_o one_o and_o fly_v the_o other_o and_o may_v not_o be_v seduce_v by_o false_a teacher_n nor_o draw_v aside_o from_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a he_o will_v know_v light_a from_o darkness_n and_o have_v the_o scale_n of_o ignorance_n fall_v from_o his_o eye_n he_o will_v know_v good_a from_o evil_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o yea_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a he_o will_v know_v vice_n from_o virtue_n and_o discern_v what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o those_o that_o in_o persecute_v the_o saint_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n he_o will_v be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o know_v the_o state_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o whether_o his_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n be_v good_a or_o no_o he_o observe_v what_o qualification_n the_o scripture_n require_v for_o heaven_n and_o then_o by_o scripture-light_n he_o will_v discern_v they_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o endeavour_n to_o read_v his_o own_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o see_v what_o interest_n he_o have_v in_o
be_v store_v with_o wholesome_a truth_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v barren_a and_o empty_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o store_v only_o with_o vanity_n and_o folly_n this_o season_v it_o and_o fill_v it_o with_o good_a thing_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v a_o cage_n of_o unclean_a bird_n a_o very_a sink_v of_o sin_n and_o filthiness_n this_o season_v the_o thought_n which_o produce_v work_n and_o action_n meditation_n in_o the_o word_n be_v that_o which_o david_n be_v excellent_a at_o and_o every_o bless_a man_n shall_v follow_v psal_n 1.2_o and_o solomon_n advise_v to_o when_o he_o bid_v search_v for_o wisdom_n as_o for_o silver_n and_o dig_v for_o it_o as_o for_o fine_a gold_n prov._n 24._o this_o also_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o speed_v annex_v prov._n 2.12_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o age_n have_v take_v and_o hereby_o it_o be_v they_o become_v famous_a we_o find_v peter_n alone_o upon_o the_o house_n top_n a_o fit_a place_n for_o meditation_n you_o may_v find_v isaac_n in_o the_o field_n meditate_v gen._n 24.63_o act._n 10.9_o elijah_n upon_o mount_n carmel_n and_o daniel_n by_o the_o brook_n of_o vlai_n and_o how_o sapless_a and_o unsavery_n be_v all_o the_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o man_n skill_a in_o divine_a meditation_n the_o philosopher_n that_o know_v little_a of_o god_n and_o less_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o their_o phylosophical_a notion_n and_o speculation_n that_o they_o ofttimes_o matter_v not_o their_o meat_n or_o their_o drink_n or_o their_o necessary_a recreation_n archimedes_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o his_o geometrical_a notion_n that_o when_o the_o city_n syracuse_n be_v take_v he_o be_v heedless_a yea_o when_o a_o soldier_n stand_v ready_a to_o kill_v he_o will_v not_o be_v draw_v off_o till_o death_n itself_o end_v his_o contemplation_n if_o the_o creature_n can_v bring_v such_o satisfaction_n what_o will_v the_o study_n of_o the_o creator_n do_v and_o the_o meditation_n of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n but_o alas_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o wise_a man_n many_o read_v it_o not_o at_o all_o other_o cursory_o few_o fruitful_o most_o be_v forgetful_a hearer_n and_o forgetful_a reader_n but_o meditation_n will_v fix_v it_o in_o the_o memory_n 7._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v read_v with_o profit_n apply_v what_o thou_o read_v to_o thyself_o and_o bring_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o thy_o grace_n to_o this_o touchstone_n and_o behold_v thy_o face_n in_o this_o glass_n of_o the_o word_n to_o what_o end_n be_v meat_n give_v but_o to_o be_v eat_v or_o physic_n but_o to_o be_v take_v or_o a_o plaster_n but_o to_o be_v apply_v many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o they_o apply_v not_o what_o they_o read_v to_o themselves_o perhaps_o they_o can_v apply_v it_o to_o other_o and_o say_v here_o be_v for_o such_o and_o such_o a_o man_n when_o they_o neglect_v their_o own_o portion_n they_o be_v like_o the_o pharisee_n they_o bind_v heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bourn_n and_o lay_v they_o upon_o other_o man_n shoulder_n but_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o touch_v they_o with_o one_o of_o their_o finger_n but_o why_o will_v thou_o deal_v so_o liberal_o to_o other_o and_o deal_v so_o deceitful_o with_o thy_o own_o soul_n do_v it_o want_v nothing_o or_o do_v god_n speak_v nothing_o to_o thou_o but_o only_o to_o other_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n thou_o be_v not_o so_o kind_a thou_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v by_o another_o neither_o will_v thou_o give_v away_o thy_o estate_n with_o thy_o own_o hand_n to_o another_o and_o why_o be_v thou_o so_o injurious_a to_o thy_o soul_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n thou_o will_v not_o deprive_v thy_o belly_n of_o food_n nor_o thy_o back_n of_o raiment_n &_o must_v thy_o soul_n only_o be_v deprive_v of_o both_o a_o hungry_a man_n will_v not_o thus_o dispose_v of_o his_o meat_n nor_o a_o covetous_a man_n of_o his_o money_n and_o this_o thy_o liberality_n show_v thou_o have_v neither_o a_o stomach_n to_o these_o spiritual_a dainty_n nor_o a_o desire_n after_o these_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a treasure_n this_o word_n be_v of_o general_a use_n to_o all_o every_o one_o have_v his_o portion_n for_o as_o god_n have_v make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a so_o he_o have_v speak_v nothing_o in_o vain_a when_o therefore_o thou_o read_v his_o precept_n wherein_o he_o command_v duty_n and_o forbid_v sin_n persuade_v thyself_o that_o god_n be_v now_o particular_o speak_v unto_o thou_o and_o apply_v what_o be_v speak_v to_o thyself_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o man_n or_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o thou_o or_o as_o if_o god_n by_o a_o audible_a voice_n call_v thou_o out_o by_o name_n as_o he_o do_v samuel_n and_o give_v thou_o these_o command_n to_o observe_v these_o duty_n to_o do_v these_o sin_n to_o avoid_v and_o let_v it_o deter_v thou_o from_o sin_n and_o quicken_v thou_o to_o duty_n as_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v to_o thou_o from_o heaven_n when_o a_o minister_n reprove_v sin_n some_o guilty_a conscience_n say_v he_o mean_v i_o it_o be_v true_a if_o thou_o be_v guilty_a the_o minister_n do_v mean_v thou_o and_o god_n mean_v thou_o when_o the_o word_n speak_v against_o drunkard_n swearer_n liar_n than_o it_o mean_v thou_o if_o thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n when_o thou_o read_v the_o precious_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o repugnant_a sinner_n assure_v thyself_o if_o thou_o be_v such_o a_o one_o these_o promise_n will_v be_v make_v good_a to_o thou_o yea_o as_o sure_a as_o if_o thy_o name_n be_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o annex_v to_o they_o yea_o as_o if_o they_o be_v make_v to_o none_o but_o thou_o and_o those_o threaten_n thou_o reap_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o unrepent_v sinner_n assure_v thyself_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o that_o condition_n thou_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o they_o and_o they_o will_v be_v as_o certain_o make_v good_a upon_o thou_o if_o thou_o continue_v in_o this_o condition_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v only_o denounce_v against_o thou_o and_o those_o reproof_n which_o thou_o read_v for_o sin_n take_v they_o to_o thyself_o as_o speak_v by_o god_n to_o thou_o if_o thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n reprove_v for_o assure_v thyself_o god_n mean_v thou_o in_o they_o and_o those_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o gracious_a qualification_n scatter_v through_o out_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_n of_o to_o try_v thyself_o by_o &_o make_v use_n also_o of_o all_o the_o admonition_n god_n give_v thou_o and_o of_o all_o the_o example_n thou_o find_v of_o divine_a vengeance_n let_v they_o deter_v thou_o from_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a saint_n encourage_v thou_o in_o good_a and_o general_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o direction_n instruction_n etc._n etc._n thus_o do_v thou_o will_v gather_v good_a by_o thy_o read_n chap._n v._o direction_n for_o meditation_n the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v meditation_n a_o necessary_a though_o much_o neglect_a duty_n yea_o christian_n themselves_o that_o make_v conscience_n of_o other_o duty_n and_o be_v much_o in_o hear_v read_v and_o prayer_n yet_o be_v too_o backward_o yea_o unskilled_a in_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o do_v they_o know_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o income_n many_o receive_v by_o it_o they_o will_v not_o neglect_v it_o it_o bring_v much_o advantage_n to_o a_o gracious_a soul_n and_o store_v it_o with_o many_o heavenly_a truth_n which_o those_o that_o neglect_v it_o never_o attain_v in_o this_o a_o man_n engage_v all_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o consider_v and_o muse_v upon_o some_o spiritual_a object_n for_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o it_o here_o as_o wicked_a man_n use_v it_o to_o devise_v mischief_n but_o as_o a_o christian_a duty_n now_o meditation_n be_v either_o occasional_a and_o sudden_a or_o else_o solemn_a and_o set_v for_o both_o be_v necessary_a both_o be_v beneficial_a the_o former_a be_v occasion_v by_o object_n occasional_o present_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n either_o to_o the_o sense_n or_o bring_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o resemble_v those_o sudden_a ejaculation_n sudden_o occasion_v only_o in_o the_o one_o a_o man_n speak_v to_o god_n and_o in_o the_o other_o a_o man_n speak_v to_o his_o own_o heart_n thus_o we_o see_v david_n by_o behold_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n those_o glorious_a lamp_n of_o heaven_n he_o fall_v out_o into_o admiration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o poor_a man_n in_o raise_v he_o above_o these_o and_o make_v he_o but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o
meditation_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n but_o of_o set_v and_o solemn_a meditation_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n at_o some_o time_n only_o and_o when_o thou_o come_v unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v come_v prepare_o no_o duty_n can_v be_v well_o perform_v without_o much_o less_o this_o so_o serious_a and_o solemn_a a_o duty_n this_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o must_v be_v whole_o set_v upon_o some_o special_a object_n which_o for_o the_o time_n we_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n this_o duty_n be_v as_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n in_o the_o clean_a beast_n or_o as_o in_o digestion_n to_o the_o body_n for_o as_o digestion_n turn_v food_n into_o soil_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n so_o meditation_n turn_v thou_o truth_n receive_v into_o affection_n resolution_n act_n yea_o into_o a-ho_o life_n and_o conversation_n now_o the_o preparation_n require_v be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n the_o internal_a be_v chief_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o understanding_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n in_o the_o work_n if_o the_o instrument_n be_v in_o tune_n the_o music_n will_v be_v good_a if_o that_o be_v out_o it_o will_v be_v little_a worth_n the_o success_n of_o the_o work_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o heart_n if_o that_o be_v right_a god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o dwell_v there_o and_o give_v in_o his_o assistance_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o without_o his_o assistance_n the_o duty_n will_v do_v we_o little_a good_a there_o must_v be_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n in_o the_o brain_n or_o the_o work_n will_v not_o prosper_v in_o our_o hand_n get_v thy_o affection_n as_o much_o off_o from_o the_o world_n and_o as_o resolve_o set_v upon_o christ_n as_o thou_o can_v for_o christ_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o partner_n and_o as_o a_o gracious_a heart_n so_o a_o understanding_n head_n will_v much_o forward_a the_o work_n it_o be_v a_o sweet_a conjunction_n where_o these_o meet_a but_o if_o sever_a the_o former_a be_v most_o requisite_a come_v with_o a_o empty_a heart_n and_o it_o will_v be_v fill_v with_o a_o enlarge_a heart_n and_o it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v this_o duty_n be_v enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o whole_a man_n be_v the_o faculty_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o capacious_a than_o they_o be_v angel_n themselves_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o many_o mystery_n lay_v by_o therefore_o all_o other_o thought_n occasion_n business_n and_o concernment_n whatsoever_o and_o gather_v in_o thy_o whole_a strength_n and_o set_v upon_o the_o duty_n bring_v not_o a_o full_a vessel_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o more_o if_o a_o vessel_n be_v full_a of_o water_n there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o wine_n if_o thy_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o muck_n thou_o can_v hold_v no_o money_n if_o thy_o heart_n be_v stuff_v with_o trifle_n it_o can_v hold_v no_o better_a treasure_n when_o thou_o mounte_v this_o hill_n of_o contemplation_n be_v sure_a with_o abraham_n leave_v all_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o hill_n say_v stand_v by_o pleasure_n stand_v by_o friend_n stand_v by_o world_n and_o worldly_a thing_n i_o be_o go_v to_o sacrifice_n and_o will_v come_v again_o when_o we_o come_v into_o our_o prince_n presence_n we_o leave_v our_o muck_n behind_o we_o and_o bring_v no_o unsuitable_a company_n with_o we_o much_o more_o when_o we_o come_v into_o god_n presence_n cast_v off_o all_o sin_n out_o with_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a thought_n yea_o all_o other_o thought_n though_o at_o other_o time_n good_a which_o will_v any_o way_n disturb_v thou_o and_o dispose_v thy_o business_n so_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v hinder_v and_o for_o external_a preparation_n it_o consist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o needful_a circumstance_n as_o time_n place_n etc._n etc._n for_o occasional_a meditation_n all_o time_n and_o all_o place_n be_v fit_a when_o a_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v but_o not_o so_o here_o the_o sabbath_n day_n be_v a_o fit_a time_n when_o other_o duty_n be_v not_o on_o foot_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o upon_o other_o day_n experience_n will_v best_o instruct_v thou_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o lively_a and_o active_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n in_o the_o morning_n or_o in_o the_o evening_n the_o like_a i_o say_v for_o place_n where_o thou_o find_v it_o most_o convenient_a at_o home_n or_o abroad_o in_o the_o house_n or_o in_o the_o field_n the_o place_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o free_a from_o distraction_n be_v the_o fit_a isaac_n walk_v into_o the_o field_n christ_n in_o the_o garden_n peter_n on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n but_o i_o conceive_v ordinary_o for_o this_o set_a meditation_n that_o place_n which_o christ_n appoint_v for_o private_a prayer_n be_v suitable_a for_o this_o secret_a duty_n viz._n the_o closet_n with_o the_o door_n shut_v mat_n 6.46_o in_o a_o word_n when_o thou_o feel_v a_o sweet_a gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n assist_v thou_o lose_v not_o the_o opportunity_n strike_v while_o the_o iron_n be_v hot_a perhaps_o thou_o may_v do_v more_o than_o in_o a_o hour_n than_o at_o another_o time_n in_o a_o day_n 3._o direct_v have_v thus_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o the_o work_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o fit_a time_n and_o place_n set_v upon_o it_o set_v thyself_o serious_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n apprehend_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o thou_o how_o thou_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v thy_o heart_n from_o wander_a and_o thy_o thought_n from_o rove_a yea_o before_o thou_o begin_v put_v up_o some_o pithy_a fervent_a petition_n for_o god_n assistance_n and_o direction_n and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v thou_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o end_n and_o that_o he_o will_v take_v possession_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o keep_v thy_o thought_n from_o wander_v from_o the_o duty_n for_o without_o god_n assistance_n thou_o will_v but_o strive_v in_o thy_o own_o strength_n and_o lose_v all_o thy_o labour_n when_o thou_o have_v make_v this_o entrance_n by_o prayer_n make_v choice_n of_o some_o profitable_a subject_n to_o meditate_v upon_o all_o meditation_n though_o set_v and_o solemn_a and_o serious_a be_v not_o that_o i_o treat_v of_o how_o serious_o do_v the_o covetous_a man_n study_v how_o to_o grow_v rich_a yea_o perhaps_o how_o to_o deceive_v his_o brother_n how_o serious_a be_v the_o voluptuous_a man_n study_v how_o to_o get_v pleasure_n or_o satisfy_v his_o lust_n the_o ambitious_a man_n how_o to_o get_v honour_n &_o the_o envious_a man_n how_o to_o do_v his_o neighbour_n a_o mischief_n yea_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v he_o can_v sleep_v till_o it_o be_v do_v but_o this_o be_v devilish_a and_o not_o divine_a meditation_n but_o single_a out_o some_o choice_n profitable_a subject_n and_o let_v thy_o thought_n run_v upon_o that_o that_o which_o may_v wind_v up_o thy_o affection_n near_o unto_o god_n and_o which_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o time_n thou_o imploye_v about_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n garden_n will_v furnish_v thou_o with_o flower_n enough_o to_o gather_v honey_n on_o the_o scripture_n will_v abundant_o furnish_v thou_o to_o this_o end_n no_o verse_n but_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o meditation_n this_o be_v the_o cannon_n whereby_o thou_o may_v try_v good_a from_o bad_a and_o truth_n from_o error_n by_o this_o thou_o may_v know_v what_o be_v duty_n what_o be_v sin_n what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a or_o thou_o may_v take_v any_o common_a place_n in_o divinity_n for_o the_o subject_a of_o thy_o meditation_n here_o thou_o may_v find_v a_o large_a field_n to_o walk_v in_o and_o many_o necessary_a yea_o fundamental_a truth_n may_v fall_v under_o consideration_n but_o take_v heed_n of_o meddle_v with_o secret_a thing_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n there_o be_v enough_o reveal_v for_o thy_o salvation_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o thy_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o needful_a i_o may_v lead_v thou_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o show_v thou_o matter_n sufficient_a to_o work_v upon_o as_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o bottomless_a gulf_n that_o the_o angel_n themselves_o can_v never_o sound_v or_o fathom_n yet_o here_o we_o may_v sail_v by_o the_o scripture_n chard_n in_o safety_n consider_v also_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o decree_n creation_n and_o providence_n consider_v thy_o own_o estate_n in_o the_o creation_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o in_o thy_o restauration_n consider_v christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o office_n his_o incarnation_n birth_n life_n doctrine_n miracle_n death_n and_o passion_n his_o resurrection_n ascention_n and_o intercession_n and_o his_o come_n at_o the_o
last_o to_o judgement_n and_o here_o thou_o have_v matter_n enough_o to_o spend_v thy_o day_n about_o consider_v also_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n he_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n and_o the_o promise_n he_o make_v to_o the_o obedient_a and_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o disobedient_a consider_v also_o the_o four_o last_o thing_n death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o by_o this_o thou_o see_v there_o be_v work_n enough_o in_o nature_n garden_n also_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n well_o worthy_a thy_o consideration_n there_o be_v not_o a_o weed_n in_o the_o field_n a_o tree_n in_o thy_o orchard_n a_o herb_n in_o thy_o garden_n a_o beast_n in_o thy_o pasture_n a_o fowl_n in_o the_o air_n or_o a_o fish_n in_o the_o sea_n or_o river_n but_o will_v teach_v thou_o something_o and_o it_o be_v a_o barren_a heart_n indeed_o that_o can_v draw_v a_o meditation_n from_o the_o least_o gnat_n or_o most_o despicable_a worm_n that_o crawl_v under_o his_o foot_n 4._o direct_v have_v thus_o prepare_v matter_n and_o pitch_v upon_o some_o suitable_a subject_n to_o exercise_n thy_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o proceed_v then_o to_o drive_v on_o thy_o intend_a design_n to_o a_o head_n and_o to_o the_o end_n thou_o do_v propose_v now_o this_o end_n shall_v be_v the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o clear_n it_o from_o error_n or_o ignorance_n and_o the_o quicken_a the_o affection_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o the_o will_n to_o a_o resolution_n in_o meditation_n if_o right_o manage_v the_o soul_n exercise_n two_o sort_n of_o act_n the_o one_o direct_v the_o other_o reflect_v the_o first_o upon_o the_o subject_a meditate_a upon_o the_o other_o upon_o the_o soul_n itself_o by_o the_o first_o we_o find_v out_o the_o rule_n by_o the_o second_o we_o apply_v our_o own_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o observe_v our_o deviation_n and_o obliquity_n the_o first_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o the_o other_o quicken_v the_o affection_n by_o the_o first_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v true_a what_o be_v false_a what_o be_v good_a what_o be_v bad_a what_o be_v sin_n what_o be_v duty_n and_o consequent_o what_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o what_o refuse_v by_o the_o other_o we_o apply_v our_o action_n to_o this_o rule_n and_o try_v whether_o we_o have_v walk_v according_a to_o it_o wherein_o we_o have_v go_v astray_o and_o which_o way_n to_o return_v now_o as_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o act_n so_o there_o be_v a_o different_a way_n for_o the_o soul_n act_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o several_a end_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o some_o have_v pitch_v upon_o this_o course_n which_o though_o all_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o follow_v yet_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o for_o the_o use_n of_o those_o that_o can_v and_o that_o be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o those_o place_n that_o natural_a and_o artificial_a reason_n afford_v we_o which_o may_v help_v the_o invention_n and_o ready_a the_o memory_n and_o much_o facilitate_v the_o work_n i_o mean_v those_o logical_a place_n follow_v as_o first_o to_o consider_v the_o thing_n about_o which_o we_o meditate_v what_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o as_o ability_n do_v serve_v consider_v it_o in_o the_o definition_n or_o the_o description_n of_o it_o but_o stand_v not_o overlong_a or_o over-nice_o upon_o this_o or_o any_o of_o those_o that_o follow_v lest_o what_o you_o get_v one_o way_n may_v be_v lose_v another_o what_o you_o get_v in_o the_o understanding_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o affection_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n consider_v it_o also_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o subject_a capable_a of_o the_o sort_n kind_n and_o part_n of_o it_o this_o will_v give_v room_n to_o thy_o thought_n and_o thy_o proceed_n will_v be_v more_o distinct_a consider_v it_o also_o in_o the_o cause_n the_o efficient_a material_a formal_a and_o final_a cause_n the_o efficient_a cause_n be_v that_o by_o who_o virtue_n force_n or_o efficacy_n a_o thing_n be_v the_o material_a cause_n be_v ex_fw-la qua_fw-la res_fw-la est_fw-la of_o what_o matter_n a_o thing_n be_v make_v the_o form_n be_v whereby_o a_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o it_o be_v and_o the_o end_n be_v the_o cause_n for_o who_o sake_n or_o for_o what_o purpose_n a_o thing_n be_v consider_v also_o if_o the_o subject_n will_v admit_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n for_o these_o be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a in_o the_o work_n and_o be_v also_o pertinent_a to_o our_o business_n consider_v also_o the_o subject_a wherein_o it_o be_v and_o about_o which_o it_o be_v occupy_v as_o also_o of_o its_o property_n and_o quality_n either_o adhere_n to_o it_o or_o inhere_v in_o it_o together_o with_o the_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a this_o also_o be_v useful_a also_o the_o comparat_n and_o desperat_o what_o it_o be_v like_a and_o what_o it_o be_v unlike_a fit_a similitude_n much_o illustrate_v and_o give_v great_a light_n to_o the_o understanding_n testimony_n also_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v but_o noble_a command_n assent_n like_o those_o of_o scripture_n holy_a man_n testimony_n be_v of_o good_a use_n but_o divine_a authority_n be_v all_o in_o all_o or_o if_o you_o think_v this_o way_n too_o intricate_a you_o may_v take_v such_o a_o method_n as_o be_v most_o familiar_a to_o explain_v the_o subject_a you_o treat_v of_o raise_v thy_o observation_n clear_v the_o doctrine_n from_o difficulty_n and_o doubt_n prove_v it_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o then_o make_v use_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a let_v it_o inform_v thou_o in_o the_o useful_a consectary_n and_o conclusion_n that_o may_v thence_o follow_v let_v it_o instruct_v thou_o in_o the_o duty_n it_o reach_v forth_o let_v it_o be_v for_o examination_n how_o thou_o have_v carry_v thyself_o or_o whether_o thou_o have_v the_o require_v qualification_n for_o reproof_n if_o thou_o have_v go_v astray_o for_o encouragement_n if_o thou_o have_v do_v thy_o duty_n for_o caution_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o press_v all_o home_n upon_o thy_o heart_n such_o a_o course_n be_v like_a to_o furnish_v thou_o with_o suitable_a matter_n for_o thy_o soul_n good_a 5._o direct_v when_o thou_o have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v and_o by_o meditation_n have_v inform_v thyself_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o present_a point_n and_o have_v find_v out_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture-light_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v error_n what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v thy_o next_o work_n be_v to_o press_v this_o upon_o thy_o own_o head_n and_o compare_v thy_o head_n and_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o try_v wherein_o thou_o have_v go_v right_a and_o wherein_o thou_o have_v go_v astray_o for_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o thus_o reflect_v back_o upon_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o duty_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a if_o thou_o only_o study_v to_o find_v out_o truth_n from_o error_n or_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n without_o regulate_v thy_o life_n and_o action_n according_o and_o endeavour_v to_o fill_v thy_o head_n with_o notional_a knowledge_n it_o will_v but_o aggravate_v thy_o sin_n and_o thou_o will_v sin_v with_o a_o candle_n in_o thy_o hand_n but_o when_o by_o this_o impartial_a trial_n thou_o find_v out_o wherein_o thou_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o thy_o duty_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v at_o thy_o hand_n or_o want_v those_o require_a qualification_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n press_v those_o thing_n home_o upon_o thy_o heart_n till_o they_o make_v some_o impression_n there_o yea_o till_o they_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n and_o work_v upon_o the_o will_n to_o a_o through_o resolution_n of_o reformation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o meditation_n and_o without_o this_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n when_o thou_o find_v wherein_o thou_o have_v come_v short_a to_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n to_o make_v more_o haste_n and_o where_o thou_o have_v sin_v go_v astray_o to_o return_v and_o where_o thou_o have_v sin_v to_o reform_v press_v on_o thy_o meditation_n till_o thou_o find_v some_o life_n in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v good_a till_o thou_o find_v a_o sweetness_n in_o it_o if_o bad_a till_o it_o appear_v odious_a if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a by_o scripture-light_n and_o rectify_v reason_n than_o the_o affection_n of_o love_n must_v needs_o be_v stir_v for_o good_a be_v its_o object_n and_o evil_a as_o evil_n can_v be_v love_v when_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v bad_a the_o affection_n
overwhelm_v in_o the_o sea_n exod._n 14.21_o over_o amalek_n exod._n 17.12_o over_o sennacherib_n 2_o king_n 19.32_o it_o have_v withhold_v rain_n from_o the_o earth_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o after_o procure_v it_o james_z 5.17,18_o it_o have_v bring_v angel_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o help_n of_o man_n thus_o to_o daniel_n chap._n 9.21_o for_o hezekiahs_n help_n 2_o king_n 19.35_o where_o a_o angel_n slay_v in_o one_o night_n in_o the_o camp_n of_o sennacherib_n a_o hundred_o forty_o and_o five_o thousand_o and_o to_o elisha_n 2_o king_n 6.17_o where_o the_o mountain_n be_v full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n about_o elisha_n it_o have_v bring_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o enemy_n 2_o kin._n 1.10.12_o it_o have_v procure_v bear_n to_o devour_v those_o child_n that_o mock_v the_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 2.24_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n mat._n 17.21_o and_o to_o work_v strange_a deliverance_n as_o jonah_n out_o of_o the_o whale_n belly_n jonah_n 2.10_o peter_n out_o of_o prison_n act_v 12.5_o etc._n etc._n by_o this_o the_o widow_n oil_n be_v increase_v 2_o king_n 4.3_o and_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v mark_n 11.23_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o recover_v the_o sick_a james_n 5.15_o to_o divert_v judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v thus_o moses_n oft_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n luke_n 18.13_o to_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n mat._n 26.41_o to_o have_v deliverance_n out_o of_o trouble_n psal_n 50.15_o to_o procure_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.13_o to_o get_v wisdom_n james_n 1.5_o who_o now_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o such_o a_o duty_n now_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n well_o take_v these_o direction_n 1._o direct_v there_o be_v several_a qualification_n requisite_a to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v right_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o which_o a_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o though_o christ_n bid_v ask_v and_o we_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o we_o yet_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o we_o ask_v and_o have_v not_o because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v upon_o thy_o heart_n or_o otherwise_o thou_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v the_o blind_a man_n john_n 9.31_o can_v say_v god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o pray_v and_o the_o apostle_n incourage_v simon_n magus_n to_o the_o duty_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v but_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v bring_v over_o to_o god_n we_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v we_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abomination_n to_o god_n till_o then_o we_o can_v comfortable_o call_v god_n father_n nor_o come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n neither_o will_v christ_n mediate_v or_o intercede_v for_o we_o while_o we_o remain_v his_o enemy_n neither_o will_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n rom._n 8.15_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o through_o faith_n that_o we_o have_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n to_o god_n eph._n 3_o 12._o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o that_o we_o hate_v sin_n if_o we_o come_v to_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o devour_a fire_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sin_n how_o can_v we_o hearty_o pray_v against_o sin_n and_o for_o holiness_n if_o we_o love_v sin_n and_o hate_v holiness_n as_o all_o unconverted_a sinner_n do_v this_o be_v dissemble_v with_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o with_o he_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n say_v david_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o yea_o god_n who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o require_v holiness_n in_o all_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n with_o comfort_n heb._n 12.14_o knowledge_n also_o be_v requisite_a for_o god_n can_v abide_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a in_o sacrifice_n without_o this_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a nor_o the_o service_n acceptable_a without_o this_o a_o man_n know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o or_o what_o to_o pray_v against_o what_o to_o seek_v or_o what_o to_o shun_v what_o be_v sin_n or_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o he_o want_v or_o what_o he_o have_v and_o what_o blind_a worship_n be_v he_o like_v to_o offer_v he_o can_v never_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v self-denial_n also_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n subject_a his_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o notable_a example_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n himself_o who_o meat_n and_o drink_v it_o be_v to_o do_v his_o father_n will._n so_o when_o he_o have_v pray_v that_o that_o bitter_a cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o yet_o add_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o thus_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n i'faith_o also_o be_v requireâ—_n for_o if_o those_o shaft_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o head_v by_o faith_n they_o will_v never_o reach_v heaven_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n require_v whatsoever_o you_o ask_v believe_o you_o shall_v receive_v and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o nay_o further_o patience_n be_v also_o require_v we_o must_v wait_v for_o a_o answer_n not_o like_o those_o short-winded_a bethulian_o that_o set_v god_n a_o time_n and_o will_v wait_v no_o long_o but_o refer_v all_o to_o his_o will_n who_o best_o know_v his_o own_o time_n yea_o the_o best_a time_n and_o fit_a season_n he_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v a_o humble_a man_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a he_o that_o have_v not_o low_o self-denying_a thought_n of_o himself_o god_n will_v have_v low_a thought_n of_o his_o service_n he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o he_o must_v also_o beg_v for_o the_o power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.26_o god_n know_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n come_v not_o in_o thy_o own_o strength_n thou_o must_v also_o be_v painful_a and_o laborious_a not_o only_o pray_v for_o mercy_n but_o endeavour_n for_o they_o a_o few_o faint_a wish_n will_v not_o serve_v turn_n sin_n must_v be_v fight_v against_o as_o well_o as_o pray_v against_o endeavour_n must_v be_v use_v 2._o direct_v before_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n prepare_v thy_o heart_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n be_v thou_o but_o to_o meet_v some_o prince_n or_o noble_a man_n thou_o will_v make_v some_o preparation_n much_o more_o shall_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v to_o meet_v the_o great_a god_n one_o that_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o end_n and_o motive_n in_o the_o duty_n what_o business_n of_o concernment_n be_v there_o but_o needs_o some_o preparation_n much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o examine_v therefore_o what_o relation_n thou_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n or_o a_o enemy_n who_o can_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o he_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o be_v not_o reconcile_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o thou_o and_o a_o surety_n to_o undertake_v thy_o debt_n how_o dare_v thou_o approach_v to_o the_o creditor_n to_o who_o thou_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o can_v not_o pay_v a_o farthing_n how_o dare_v approach_v this_o consume_a fire_n that_o be_v but_o chaff_n and_o stubble_n and_o what_o hope_n have_v of_o speed_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n the_o promise_n belong_v not_o to_o thou_o but_o when_o thou_o can_v find_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o christ_n can_v call_v god_n father_n yet_o rush_v not_o rude_o into_o his_o presence_n but_o study_v well_o what_o thing_n he_o have_v promise_v for_o those_o thou_o may_v bold_o ask_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v but_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v till_o it_o be_v fulfil_v but_o if_o thou_o ask_v amiss_o that_o be_v what_o he_o never_o promise_v no_o wonder_n if_o thou_o receive_v it_o not_o acquaint_v thyself_o well_o with_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o power_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n this_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a
god_n blessing_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n be_v great_a encouragement_n he_o will_v never_o succeed_v they_o in_o so_o sinful_a a_o course_n be_v it_o such_o nay_o the_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o sabbath-breaker_n bespeak_v god_n for_o the_o author_n for_o none_o in_o the_o world_n can_v lawful_o have_v do_v it_o without_o he_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o i_o hope_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o build_v upon_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o direct_v you_o to_o keep_v it_o as_o a_o sabbath_n 2._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v faithful_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n as_o god_n command_v thou_o make_v preparation_n for_o it_o before_o it_o come_v for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n well_o do_v without_o some_o preparation_n and_o much_o more_o here_o we_o prepare_v the_o body_n for_o physic_n before_o we_o take_v it_o we_o provide_v in_o summer_n for_o winter_n and_o lay_v in_o provision_n in_o harvest_n we_o prepare_v in_o the_o day_n for_o the_o night_n and_o work_v when_o we_o have_v the_o light_n we_o prepare_v in_o health_n for_o sickness_n and_o in_o youth_n for_o age_n and_o be_v we_o to_o appear_v before_o some_o great_a man_n we_o shall_v make_v preparation_n according_o and_o shall_v we_o only_o be_v want_v in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o rush_v into_o his_o presence_n without_o prepare_a heart_n god_n bid_v we_o remember_v the_o sabbath_n day_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a or_o to_o sanctify_v it_o as_o it_o be_v deut._n 5.12_o the_o word_n remember_v signify_v either_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v something_o past_a or_o to_o commit_v to_o memory_n something_o for_o the_o future_a and_o both_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o business_n god_n set_v this_o memento_n upon_o it_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o those_o that_o will_v keep_v it_o well_o when_o it_o be_v come_v must_v remember_v it_o before_o it_o come_v or_o otherwise_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o it_o will_v take_v hold_n upon_o some_o occasion_n or_o other_o to_o draw_v we_o aside_o from_o the_o duty_n in_o hand_n we_o can_v forecast_v for_o fair_n and_o market_n sometime_o long_o before_o and_o make_v preparation_n for_o they_o according_a to_o our_o need_n whether_o to_o buy_v or_o sell_v we_o consider_v our_o want_n to_o have_v they_o supply_v and_o make_v preparation_n according_o and_o yet_o how_o few_o make_v preparation_n for_o the_o market_n day_n for_o the_o soul_n many_o tire_v themselves_o in_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o call_v in_o the_o week_n day_n and_o then_o use_v the_o lord_n day_n no_o otherwise_o than_o a_o beast_n only_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n for_o their_o spirit_n be_v spend_v and_o their_o body_n tire_v they_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o sleep_v than_o any_o holy_a duty_n and_o rush_v rude_o out_o of_o the_o world_n into_o the_o service_n of_o god_n they_o bring_v so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n with_o they_o that_o it_o render_v they_o incapable_a of_o any_o spiritual_a duty_n but_o thy_o care_n shall_v be_v to_o sequester_v thy_o heart_n thought_n and_o affection_n from_o the_o world_n and_o set_v they_o upon_o god_n and_o empty_a thy_o heart_n of_o worldly_a care_n and_o trouble_n that_o thou_o may_v mind_v the_o business_n god_n set_v thou_o about_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v one_o cause_o why_o man_n get_v so_o little_a benefit_n by_o the_o ordinance_n and_o hear_v so_o much_o and_o profit_n so_o little_a because_o they_o come_v not_o with_o empty_a heart_n a_o full_a vessel_n can_v receive_v no_o more_o when_o the_o prophet_n multiply_v the_o widow_n oil_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o empty_a vessel_n the_o oil_n stay_v when_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o the_o world_n this_o water_n of_o life_n will_v run_v over_o but_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o prepare_v the_o heart_n for_o so_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o entertain_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o invite_v himself_o to_o sup_v with_o we_o he_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o tryer_n of_o the_o reins_o before_o the_o sabbath_n come_v use_v such_o foresight_n diligence_n and_o meditation_n and_o dispose_v and_o seasonable_o dispatch_v thy_o worldly_a business_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v more_o free_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n we_o find_v israel_n do_v thus_o prepare_v to_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n exod._n 16.22_o and_o gather_v manna_n enough_o the_o day_n before_o and_o this_o be_v usual_a among_o the_o jew_n luke_n 23.54_o and_o that_o day_n be_v the_o preparation_n and_o the_o sabbath_n draw_v on_o thus_o nehemiah_n prepare_v against_o the_o sabbath_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v profane_v nehem._n 13.19_o and_o god_n example_n in_o this_o be_v bind_v to_o we_o he_o finish_v his_o work_n before_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o and_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o any_o unnecessary_a worldly_a business_n then_o either_o with_o hand_n or_o heart_n that_o our_o duty_n be_v not_o pester_v with_o the_o world_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v as_o free_a to_o serve_v the_o lord_n if_o possible_a as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o worldly_a business_n to_o look_v to_o but_o many_o forecast_n business_n for_o that_o day_n or_o make_v it_o necessary_a through_o their_o former_a neglect_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o folly_n solomon_n bid_v we_o look_v well_o to_o our_o foot_n viz._n our_o affection_n when_o we_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n eccl._n 5.1_o and_o it_o be_v good_a to_o consider_v who_o presence_n we_o come_v into_o and_o with_o holy_a david_n wash_v our_o hand_n in_o innocency_n before_o we_o compass_v his_o altar_n psal_n 26.6_o examine_v how_o the_o case_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o thy_o soul_n and_o venture_v not_o into_o his_o presence_n in_o a_o unregenerate_a condition_n or_o have_v sin_n unmortified_a or_o unrepented_a of_o lest_o he_o break_v thou_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v thou_o consider_v what_o sin_n thou_o have_v commit_v especial_o in_o the_o week_n past_a and_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o lay_v aside_o thy_o worldly_a business_n betimes_o on_o the_o eve_n when_o other_o only_o sweep_v their_o house_n do_v thou_o sweep_v thy_o heart_n set_v some_o time_n apart_o for_o read_v meditate_v confer_v instruct_v thy_o family_n and_o pray_v with_o they_o reconcile_v the_o difference_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o family_n between_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n yea_o neighbour_n and_o neighbour_n that_o your_o prayer_n be_v not_o hinder_v for_o god_n can_v hardly_o be_v well_o serve_v where_o the_o member_n of_o a_o family_n live_v at_o discord_n in_o a_o word_n prepare_v thy_o heart_n to_o meet_v god_n the_o day_n follow_v 3._o direct_v will_v thou_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n take_v heed_n thou_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a upon_o that_o day_n this_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o a_o day_n of_o rest_n and_o not_o only_o as_o some_o say_v from_o sin_n which_o shall_v be_v commit_v no_o day_n but_o also_o from_o labour_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v lawful_a the_o work_n of_o our_o call_v yea_o unnecessary_a recreation_n be_v forbid_v exod._n 20.10_o in_o it_o thou_o shall_v do_v no_o manner_n of_o work_n thou_o nor_o thy_o son_n nor_o thy_o daughter_n thy_o manservant_n nor_o thy_o maid-servant_n thy_o cattle_n nor_o the_o strange_a that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n jer._n 17.21,22_o neither_o do_v you_o any_o work_n but_o hallow_v the_o sabbath_n day_n etc._n etc._n neither_o will_v a_o bare_a cessation_n from_o work_n serve_v the_o turn_n for_o rest_n be_v command_v for_o a_o high_a end_n that_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n with_o more_o freedom_n and_o therefore_o idleness_n be_v a_o sin_n worse_o than_o bodily_a labour_n upon_o that_o day_n and_o when_o man_n use_v not_o rest_v as_o a_o mean_n but_o as_o a_o end_n it_o be_v a_o egregious_a breach_n of_o the_o four_o command_n and_o it_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o be_v a_o acceptable_a duty_n on_o that_o day_n which_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n any_o day_n he_o that_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n only_o by_o rest_v from_o his_o labour_n keep_v it_o but_o as_o a_o bruit_n beast_n yet_o the_o most_o of_o man_n spend_v great_a part_n of_o the_o day_n in_o idleness_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o and_o think_v if_o they_o give_v god_n their_o bodily_a presence_n for_o a_o hour_n or_o two_o it_o be_v sufficeable_a but_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v we_o shall_v think_v it_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n that_o will_v work_v but_o two_o or_o three_o hour_n in_o the_o day_n god_n give_v we_o six_o whole_a day_n for_o our_o work_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o give_v he_o one_o whole_a
imagine_v that_o god_n immediate_o from_o heaven_n strike_v they_o dead_a for_o every_o such_o transgression_n we_o find_v indeed_o the_o law_n execute_v numb_a 15.36_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o man_n that_o gather_v stick_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n though_o man_n can_v be_v compel_v to_o become_v true_a christian_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v to_o a_o outward_a compliance_n and_o restrain_v from_o the_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n though_o they_o will_v not_o sanctify_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o shall_v be_v restrain_v from_o profane_v it_o with_o their_o hand_n or_o tongue_n false_a prophet_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o those_o that_o teach_v error_n and_o heresy_n shall_v be_v restrain_v but_o alas_o here_o be_v our_o misery_n we_o have_v few_o nehemiah_n in_o our_o time_n to_o redress_v these_o abuse_n many_n not_o only_o do_v it_o themselves_o but_o take_v pleasure_n in_o those_o that_o do_v and_o the_o sabbath_n be_v profane_v and_o few_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n minister_n also_o in_o their_o place_n shall_v see_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o though_o they_o can_v compel_v yet_o they_o may_v persuade_v and_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o the_o wilful_a breaker_n of_o his_o law_n the_o word_n and_o sword_n shall_v go_v together_o and_o if_o they_o prove_v obstinate_a sinner_n they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o as_o those_o that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o a_o christian_a society_n excommunication_n have_v proceed_v i_o suppose_v against_o person_n for_o less_o fault_n in_o god_n account_n governor_n of_o family_n also_o whether_o parent_n or_o master_n shall_v look_v to_o those_o under_o their_o charge_n for_o neither_o son_n nor_o daughter_n manservant_n nor_o maid-servant_n shall_v break_v this_o law_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o the_o magistrate_n have_v yet_o he_o have_v power_n to_o command_v rebuke_v restrain_v and_o if_o need_v be_v to_o correct_v and_o why_o have_v god_n give_v this_o power_n into_o their_o hand_n but_o to_o this_o end_n abraham_n joshua_n david_n and_o other_o do_v thus_o reform_v their_o family_n gen._n 18.19_o josh_n 24.15_o psal_n 101._o throughout_o eph._n 6.4_o esther_n 4.6_o servant_n that_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n as_o suppose_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o mahometan_a yet_o aught_o to_o be_v restrain_v from_o the_o open_a profanation_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o many_o parent_n and_o master_n will_v profane_v it_o themselves_o and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v see_v to_o their_o child_n or_o servant_n yea_o often_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o precedent_n they_o command_v the_o violation_n and_o many_o that_o will_v not_o open_o profane_v it_o themselves_o yet_o wink_v at_o other_o when_o they_o do_v it_o but_o can_v god_n think_v thou_o discern_v the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o see_v thy_o approbation_n of_o it_o some_o plead_v as_o lot_n of_o zoar_n it_o be_v a_o little_a one_o it_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n the_o more_o shame_n to_o break_v a_o command_n of_o god_n for_o a_o small_a matter_n if_o the_o devil_n mend_v thy_o wage_n thou_o will_v mend_v thy_o work_n and_o a_o great_a temptation_n will_v make_v thou_o break_v they_o all_o but_o thou_o will_v find_v none_o so_o small_a some_o plead_v a_o necessity_n for_o do_v this_o or_o that_o but_o be_v it_o not_o thy_o neglect_n that_o make_v it_o necessary_a some_o plead_v youth_n must_v have_v some_o recreation_n so_o they_o must_v have_v food_n and_o raiment_n shall_v they_o therefore_o steal_v for_o it_o why_o may_v they_o not_o have_v it_o out_o of_o thy_o six_o day_n as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o god_n one_o give_v they_o of_o thy_o own_o and_o not_o of_o another_o time_n for_o it_o chap._n ix_o direction_n in_o baptism_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v come_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o give_v some_o direction_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o business_n of_o very_a great_a concernment_n and_o the_o most_o miscarry_v and_o lose_v their_o labour_n that_o use_v they_o i_o shall_v spend_v a_o few_o word_n concern_v sacrament_n in_o general_a and_o then_o treat_v of_o they_o several_o a_o sacrament_n be_v a_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n institute_v and_o ordain_v by_o god_n himself_o whereby_o he_o confirm_v unto_o the_o elect_n the_o free_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o also_o bind_v they_o unto_o obedience_n to_o his_o revealed_z will._n the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o adam_n in_o paradise_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n engage_v to_o perfect_a obedience_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o damnation_n do_v this_o and_o live_v and_o have_v man_n continue_v in_o innocency_n he_o have_v be_v everlasting_o happy_a upon_o that_o covenant_n term_n but_o when_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o satan_n man_n have_v break_v this_o covenant_n and_o transgress_v that_o command_n which_o forbid_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a he_o lose_v by_o this_o transgression_n that_o image_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v create_v and_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o have_v the_o image_n of_o satan_n stamp_v upon_o his_o soul_n and_o instead_o of_o original_a righteousness_n have_v original_a sin_n and_o his_o whole_a nature_n be_v deprave_v and_o after_o which_o fall_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o posterity_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v save_v upon_o the_o first_o covenant_n term_n and_o lay_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o perish_v if_o the_o great_a god_n have_v not_o find_v out_o a_o way_n which_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v not_o have_v do_v to_o reconcile_v sinful_a man_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o mediator_n and_o to_o this_o end_n send_v his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n to_o be_v make_v man_n that_o be_v god_n and_o man_n he_o may_v be_v a_o fit_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n who_o by_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n discharge_v the_o debt_n buy_v the_o prisoner_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n with_o they_o even_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o tenor_n of_o it_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o unto_o this_o covenant_n the_o sacrament_n seal_n now_o this_o covenant_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n though_o under_o a_o different_a administration_n it_o be_v then_o more_o dark_a and_o typical_a now_o more_o clear_a and_o manifest_v and_o even_o then_o also_o god_n give_v they_o seal_n to_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n not_o that_o they_o be_v needful_a on_o god_n part_n for_o his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n but_o on_o man_n part_n they_o be_v lest_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n he_o shall_v doubt_v and_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n alter_v the_o administration_n for_o when_o the_o substance_n be_v come_v the_o shadow_n flee_v away_o he_o alter_v the_o seal_n also_o and_o appoint_v only_o two_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o one_o for_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n the_o other_o for_o our_o growth_n and_o nourishment_n these_o and_o these_o only_o be_v our_o gospel_n sacrament_n as_o for_o these_o five_o add_v by_o the_o papist_n they_o be_v proper_o no_o sacrament_n at_o all_o for_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o seal_v by_o they_o some_o of_o they_o want_v a_o divine_a institution_n some_o of_o they_o have_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n and_o a_o divine_a promise_n be_v want_v and_o therefore_o a_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v now_o baptism_n be_v the_o first_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o institution_n administration_n order_n and_o use_v and_o therefore_o come_v first_o to_o be_v treat_v of_o the_o word_n be_v take_v from_o the_o greek_n and_o signify_v to_o wash_v or_o dip_v etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v attribute_v in_o scripture_n to_o many_o thing_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o they_o only_o in_o this_o place_n we_o treat_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n institute_v by_o christ_n whereby_o person_n be_v dip_v in_o or_o sprinkle_v with_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o dedicate_v and_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o enter_v into_o his_o
the_o outward_a sign_n or_o symbol_n viz._n bread_n and_o wine_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o change_v into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v yet_o be_v they_o not_o naked_a bare_a or_o empty_a thing_n but_o such_o as_o real_o exhibit_v yea_o seal_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o a_o believe_a soul_n no_o other_o bread_n nor_o wine_n in_o the_o world_n though_o a_o drop_n a_o bit_n be_v worth_a a_o kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v hereunto_o the_o internal_a matter_n be_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o grace_n these_o be_v signify_v resemble_v exhibit_v and_o apply_v by_o the_o outward_a element_n the_o form_n be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o be_v and_o perfection_n to_o the_o matter_n without_o the_o which_o this_o bread_n and_o wine_n will_v be_v but_o common_a bread_n and_o wine_n this_o also_o be_v external_n or_o internal_a the_o external_n form_n consist_v in_o the_o lawful_a administration_n and_o participation_n of_o it_o according_a to_o god_n word_n the_o internal_a form_n be_v the_o union_n between_o the_o sign_n and_o the_o thing_n signify_v now_o this_o sacramental_a union_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o who_o virtue_n christ_n his_o merit_n and_o benefit_n be_v not_o only_o resemble_v and_o present_v to_o the_o mind_n but_o be_v real_o make_v one_o with_o the_o element_n yet_o this_o union_n be_v not_o natural_a according_a to_o place_n for_o there_o be_v no_o mutation_n of_o the_o sign_n into_o the_o thing_n signify_v neither_o be_v the_o thing_n signify_v include_v or_o fasten_v to_o the_o thing_n signify_v it_o can_v be_v a_o local_a union_n that_o christ_n body_n shall_v be_v local_o present_a with_o the_o sign_n for_o christ_n body_n though_o glorify_v can_v be_v in_o all_o place_n at_o once_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o physical_a union_n as_o if_o of_o two_o united_n lose_v their_o proper_a form_n shall_v by_o a_o mixture_n make_v a_o three_o but_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a union_n whereby_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v real_o convey_v to_o the_o soul_n for_o beside_o his_o divine_a presence_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o be_v present_a with_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n not_o local_o but_o sacramental_o he_o be_v symbolical_o present_a to_o the_o mind_n he_o be_v present_a spiritual_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n efficacious_o present_a though_o absent_a in_o place_n yet_o we_o find_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o our_o spirit_n the_o end_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o be_v a_o badge_n or_o note_n of_o our_o profession_n to_o be_v a_o pledge_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o a_o testimony_n of_o our_o society_n with_o the_o church_n and_o may_v seem_v as_o a_o prospective_n glass_n to_o view_n christ_n afar_o off_o in_o the_o covenant_n god_n promise_v to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o our_o seed_n and_o set_v to_o his_o seal_n and_o we_o seal_v the_o counterpane_n and_o engage_v that_o we_o and_o we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o covenant_n so_o mutual_o enter_v into_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v we_o so_o that_o you_o see_v a_o right_a receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v of_o very_o great_a concernment_n and_o the_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v very_o dangerous_a here_o be_v manna_n for_o a_o believe_a soul_n but_o poison_n to_o a_o unworthy_a receiver_n this_o nourish_v peter_n but_o poison_a judas_n it_o feed_v the_o good_a but_o kill_v the_o bad_a it_o make_v some_o better_a and_o some_o worse_o some_o more_o holy_a and_o some_o more_o profane_a it_o increase_v grace_n where_o grace_n be_v but_o increase_v gild_n where_o grace_n be_v want_v it_o be_v like_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v upon_o a_o garden_n of_o herb_n it_o make_v they_o smell_v more_o odoriferous_o when_o upon_o a_o dunghill_n it_o make_v it_o smell_v more_o fulsom_o it_o be_v like_o the_o pass_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n safe_a to_o israel_n dangerous_a to_o the_o egyptian_n he_o that_o bring_v strange_a fire_n he_o shall_v be_v burn_v by_o it_o leu._n 10.3_o god_n will_v be_v honour_v by_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o he_o that_o come_v without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n shall_v go_v away_o not_o with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n but_o with_o bolt_n upon_o his_o heel_n mat._n 22.12_o according_a to_o a_o man_n preparation_n such_o be_v like_a to_o be_v his_o entertainment_n he_o that_o sow_n nothing_o shall_v reap_v nothing_o and_o he_o that_o sow_v vanity_n shall_v reap_v folly_n and_o he_o that_o sow_n spare_o shall_v reap_v little_a 2_o cor._n 9.6_o he_o that_o take_v most_o care_n and_o pain_n be_v like_a to_o have_v the_o best_a crop_n methinks_v there_o need_v no_o more_o motive_n to_o persuade_v you_o than_o the_o benefit_n of_o worthy_a receive_v and_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o contrary_a the_o one_o have_v his_o grace_n increase_v the_o other_o his_o sin_n the_o one_o have_v his_o salvation_n seal_v up_o the_o other_o without_o repentance_n his_o damnation_n he_o have_v god_n curse_n under_o seal_n and_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o christ_n death_n 1._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n worthy_o thou_o must_v examine_v thyself_o whether_o thou_o have_v those_o habitual_a qualification_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o so_o holy_a a_o duty_n there_o be_v several_a grace_n that_o must_v be_v exercise_v at_o this_o time_n but_o how_o can_v a_o man_n act_n grace_n that_o have_v it_o not_o he_o that_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n feast_n without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v a_o welcome_a guest_n mat._n 22.12_o without_o grace_n in_o exercise_n this_o ordinance_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a thou_o may_v indeed_o eat_v the_o bread_n and_o drink_v the_o wine_n these_o be_v bodily_a action_n but_o without_o faith_n thou_o can_v not_o feed_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o what_o good_a will_v a_o bit_n of_o bread_n or_o a_o sup_n of_o wine_n do_v thou_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n that_o receive_v he_o the_o mouth_n that_o feed_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o stomach_n that_o digest_v he_o and_o suck_v sweetness_n from_o he_o try_v whether_o thou_o have_v spiritual_a life_n a_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n and_o without_o regeneration_n he_o remain_v thus_o and_o what_o good_a will_v a_o feast_n do_v to_o a_o dead_a man_n if_o you_o put_v meat_n into_o a_o dead_a man_n mouth_n what_o be_v he_o benefit_v by_o it_o will_v it_o nourish_v he_o can_v he_o eat_v it_o swallow_v or_o digest_v it_o when_o he_o can_v exercise_v any_o act_n of_o life_n without_o which_o food_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a no_o more_o can_v this_o sacrament_n nourish_v till_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v and_o new_o bear_v and_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n put_v into_o he_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o have_v not_o the_o require_a qualification_n neither_o do_v he_o intend_v to_o keep_v the_o condition_n and_o what_o then_o have_v he_o to_o do_v with_o the_o seal_n or_o what_o hope_n can_v he_o have_v of_o the_o privilege_n if_o a_o man_n have_v evidence_n for_o land_n mutual_o sign_v and_o seal_v if_o he_o fail_v in_o the_o covenant_n on_o his_o part_n how_o can_v he_o expect_v another_o shall_v make_v good_a his_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o circumcise_v be_v not_o permit_v to_o eat_v the_o passeover_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n supper_n answer_n exod._n 12.43_o now_o these_o habitual_a qualification_n be_v such_o as_o the_o scripture_n require_v and_o such_o as_o make_v up_o the_o wedding_n garment_n and_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v evidence_n to_o show_v before_o he_o lay_v claim_v to_o such_o a_o ordinance_n he_o shall_v be_v in_o covenant_n before_o he_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o ordinance_n be_v not_o for_o the_o beget_n but_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o grace_n the_o apostle_n to_o this_o end_n bid_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n 1_o cor._n 11.28,29_o for_o he_o that_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n the_o word_n examine_v signify_v to_o take_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o himself_o and_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n into_o himself_o as_o whether_o he_o be_v gold_n or_o dross_n whether_o he_o be_v chaff_n or_o wheat_n
house_n but_o he_o propound_v some_o end_n for_o so_o do_v otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o irrational_a enterprise_n the_o skilful_a archer_n shoot_v not_o at_o random_n but_o the_o mark_n be_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o skilful_a pilot_n propound_v to_o himself_o the_o wish_a haven_n as_o his_o end_n and_o all_o his_o endeavour_n tend_v thither_o every_o one_o income_v to_o the_o ordinance_n propound_v one_o end_n or_o other_o but_o if_o thou_o propound_v a_o wrong_a end_n take_v what_o pain_n thou_o will_v thou_o will_v like_o the_o pharisee_n mat._n 6.1,2_o etc._n etc._n lose_v thy_o reward_n if_o thou_o perform_v with_o they_o a_o command_a duty_n and_o aim_v not_o at_o god_n glory_n but_o thy_o own_o thou_o must_v look_v a_o reward_n elsewhere_o and_o not_o from_o god_n the_o papist_n as_o they_o corrupt_v this_o sacrament_n in_o leave_v the_o institution_n and_o make_v addition_n and_o detraction_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v which_o never_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n so_o they_o pervert_v it_o to_o wrong_v end_n to_o further_a their_o own_o hellish_a design_n as_o to_o murder_n king_n blow_v up_o parliament_n massacree_n protestant_n and_o conceal_v their_o hellish_a plot_n etc._n etc._n and_o many_o other_o i_o fear_v come_v with_o base_a low_a and_o unworthy_a end_n to_o this_o sacrament_n custom_n bring_v some_o shame_v other_o fear_v of_o the_o law_n a_o three_o sort_n etc._n etc._n and_o come_v in_o their_o sin_n with_o unprepared_a heart_n and_o vicious_a life_n they_o make_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o table_n of_o devil_n as_o the_o apostle_n complain_v and_o instead_o of_o seal_v the_o covenant_n with_o god_n they_o seal_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o devil_n to_o remain_v his_o slave_n and_o have_v the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o damnation_n under_o seal_n now_o the_o principal_a end_n which_o christian_n shall_v aim_v at_o be_v god_n glory_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.24.26_o do_v this_o say_v christ_n in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o by_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n we_o show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v these_o element_n set_v apart_o and_o sanctify_v to_o this_o holy_a use_n be_v thus_o take_v we_o profess_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n preach_v to_o other_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o benefit_n thereby_o procure_v which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o sacrament_n be_v unto_o christian_n as_o the_o pillar_n of_o stone_n erect_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o jordan_n by_o joshua_n for_o a_o memorial_n of_o the_o wonderful_a pass_v of_o israel_n over_o jordan_n or_o as_o the_o pot_n of_o manna_n command_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o memorial_n that_o israel_n be_v forty_o year_n feed_v in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n so_o be_v this_o sacrament_n to_o be_v receive_v even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o memorial_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o bloody_a passion_n and_o the_o benefit_n procure_v to_o the_o church_n by_o it_o and_o if_o israel_n have_v sufficient_a cause_n to_o keep_v the_o passeover_n for_o a_o memorial_n of_o their_o deliverance_n from_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n much_o more_o and_o great_a cause_n have_v christian_n to_o keep_v this_o feast_n for_o a_o memorial_n of_o their_o deliverance_n from_o this_o hellish_a pharaoh_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o slavery_n this_o be_v one_o end_v why_o god_n leave_v we_o sacrament_n that_o whenever_o we_o do_v partake_v of_o they_o we_o may_v remember_v this_o deliverance_n and_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o this_o shall_v put_v we_o in_o mind_n what_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o we_o his_o life_n his_o doctrine_n his_o miracle_n his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o alas_o many_o man_n when_o they_o have_v the_o sacrament_n in_o their_o mouth_n have_v the_o devil_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o seldom_o mention_v god_n name_n except_o in_o a_o oath_n or_o vain_a speech_n but_o these_o man_n damnation_n sleep_v not_o another_o end_n be_v the_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o as_o i_o have_v often_o mention_v god_n on_o his_o part_n ratify_v it_o and_o assure_v we_o by_o his_o seal_n he_o will_v make_v it_o good_a and_o we_o on_o our_o part_n dedicate_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n and_o annex_v our_o seal_n he_o promise_v to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o promise_v to_o be_v his_o people_n but_o many_o be_v not_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o seal_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o beget_n ordinance_n but_o confirm_v those_o that_o be_v beget_v such_o as_o these_o seal_n a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o hell_n isa_n 28.15_o this_o sacrament_n be_v like_o the_o water_n of_o jealousy_n mention_v in_o the_o law_n if_o a_o woman_n that_o drink_v of_o it_o be_v pure_a it_o will_v make_v her_o fruitful_a if_o defile_v it_o will_v make_v her_o thigh_n to_o rot_v and_o her_o belly_n to_o swell_v another_o end_n be_v for_o the_o increase_a faith_n and_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o beget_n but_o increase_a grace_n and_o therefore_o presupposeth_a grace_n to_o be_v there_o as_o also_o for_o the_o maintain_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o love_v one_o with_o another_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o heir_n together_o of_o the_o same_o glory_n 4._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n profitable_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v thou_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o and_o what_o thou_o will_v have_v god_n to_o give_v thou_o or_o do_v for_o thou_o for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v ordain_v to_o supply_v our_o want_n and_o heal_v our_o disease_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n market_n day_n now_o when_o a_o man_n go_v unto_o the_o market_n he_o consider_v what_o he_o want_v and_o what_o he_o need_v to_o buy_v now_o a_o christian_n want_n which_o he_o here_o come_v to_o supply_v be_v principal_o in_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v spiritual_a want_n soul_n want_v that_o be_v here_o supply_v if_o grace_n be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o supply_n promise_v but_o if_o it_o be_v weak_a there_o be_v food_n may_v nourish_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o make_v he_o strong_a but_o it_o will_v not_o give_v life_n to_o a_o dead_a carcase_n the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o beget_n but_o a_o nourish_a ordinance_n and_o god_n give_v none_o leave_v to_o sit_v at_o his_o table_n but_o such_o as_o be_v his_o child_n who_o will_v invite_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o a_o feast_n now_o though_o all_o god_n child_n have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n yet_o have_v they_o many_o defect_n in_o grace_n a_o child_n that_o have_v life_n must_v have_v food_n to_o maintain_v life_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o his_o maturity_n and_o full_a growth_n now_o the_o want_v we_o shall_v examine_v before_o the_o sacrament_n be_v either_o defect_n in_o grace_n and_o decay_v of_o grace_n for_o here_o be_v a_o supply_n to_o be_v have_v for_o both_o if_o we_o make_v a_o right_a improvement_n of_o this_o ordinance_n defect_n in_o grace_n be_v often_o discern_v by_o the_o prevail_a of_o corruption_n examine_v thyself_o well_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o thy_o soul_n cast_v a_o eye_n over_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o bring_v thy_o thought_n and_o word_n and_o action_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hereby_o thou_o may_v see_v what_o be_v straight_o what_o be_v crooked_a look_v into_o this_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n and_o thou_o will_v see_v thy_o own_o spot_n when_o thou_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o rule_n thou_o will_v see_v thy_o deviation_n and_o will_v find_v where_o thou_o have_v come_v short_a and_o where_o thou_o have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n make_v a_o catalogue_n of_o thy_o sin_n especial_o those_o since_o thy_o conversion_n and_o since_o thy_o last_o renenewig_n thy_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o this_o sacrament_n and_o consider_v thy_o sin_n with_o their_o several_a aggravation_n and_o when_o thou_o see_v what_o thou_o shall_v have_v do_v and_o what_o thou_o have_v do_v compare_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o and_o compare_v the_o difference_n and_o see_v how_o short_a thou_o come_v it_o be_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n jer._n 3.40_o search_v and_o try_v your_o way_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n come_v then_o to_o god_n with_o shame_n in_o thy_o face_n and_o sorrow_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o if_o possible_a with_o tear_n in_o thy_o eye_n confess_v these_o thy_o sin_n with_o their_o aggravation_n aaron_n be_v command_v to_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o scape-goat_n and_o confess_v over_o he_o all_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o all_o their_o transgression_n and_o
42.15_o josh_n 14.9_o 1_o king_n 20.3_o yea_o in_o gospel_n time_n paul_n rom._n 1.9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v in_o my_o spirit_n i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n which_o show_v it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n who_o when_o witness_n be_v want_v take_v a_o oath_n as_o a_o religious_a band_n and_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o heart_n appeal_v to_o god_n that_o do_v know_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o a_o oath_n that_o be_v intrinsical_o evil_a neither_o the_o matter_n form_n nor_o end_v the_o call_n upon_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o that_o can_v otherwise_o be_v satisfy_v what_o evil_a can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n be_v for_o confirmation_n the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n 2_o cor._n 1.23_o indeed_o all_o rash_a common_a swear_v be_v forbid_v by_o christ_n and_o also_o by_o st._n james_n 1._o direct_v as_o concern_v oath_n consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o party_n themselves_o concern_v and_o they_o be_v either_o the_o party_n require_v a_o oath_n or_o the_o party_n of_o who_o a_o oath_n be_v require_v for_o both_o of_o they_o require_v some_o satisfaction_n he_o that_o require_v it_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o authority_n and_o have_v a_o lawful_a ground_n or_o otherwise_o he_o can_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o exact_v it_o by_o force_n every_o man_n can_v force_v another_o to_o swear_v and_o without_o just_a cause_n no_o one_o ought_v in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o for_o the_o person_n swear_v which_o be_v agens_fw-la principalis_fw-la the_o chief_a actor_n in_o the_o business_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o he_o be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o swear_v to_o give_v be_v at_o his_o own_o dispose_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v the_o child_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n ought_v not_o to_o take_v a_o oath_n neither_o indeed_o shall_v their_o oath_n be_v impose_v or_o regard_v neither_o do_v such_o a_o oath_n bound_v the_o conscience_n be_v ignorant_o take_v they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n neither_o can_v they_o come_v with_o deliberation_n as_o they_o ought_v or_o compare_v their_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n or_o right_a reason_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o at_o what_o age_n that_o be_v i_o think_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v for_o doubtless_o some_o attain_v it_o soon_o some_o late_a but_o i_o think_v our_o law_n say_v sixteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o before_o that_o time_n their_o testimony_n be_v not_o valid_a and_o a_o oath_n may_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o if_o otherwise_o lawful_a though_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o valid_a by_o the_o law_n but_o alas_o how_o common_a oh_o too_o common_a be_v that_o customary_a swear_v of_o child_n even_o before_o they_o can_v speak_v plain_a as_o if_o they_o suck_v it_o in_o with_o their_o mother_n milk_n and_o have_v be_v teach_v it_o with_o their_o mother_n tongue_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v either_o by_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o how_o many_o before_o they_o can_v speak_v plain_a lisp_v out_o oath_n against_o god_n himself_o who_o name_n they_o profane_o abuse_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o shame_n of_o their_o parent_n the_o damage_n of_o the_o nation_n where_o they_o live_v for_o because_o of_o oath_n the_o land_n mourn_v and_o to_o the_o apparent_a hazard_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o without_o repentance_n will_v eternal_o curse_v their_o parent_n in_o hell_n for_o their_o sinful_a education_n again_o mad_a and_o frantic_a man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o though_o they_o once_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n yet_o through_o their_o distemper_n it_o be_v lose_v the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o fool_n and_o idiot_n that_o never_o have_v it_o and_o so_o never_o know_v the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n though_o too_o many_o of_o they_o though_o they_o can_v speak_v reason_n can_v swear_v and_o curse_v and_o take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o their_o proneness_n to_o this_o and_o other_o sin_n and_o their_o backwardness_n to_o what_o be_v good_a discover_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o sinful_a offspring_n of_o lapse_v adam_n and_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n for_o original_a sin_n and_o their_o want_n of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v some_o extenuation_n of_o their_o sin_n god_n require_v little_a where_o little_o be_v give_v yet_o it_o excuse_v not_o a_o toto_fw-la but_o a_o tanto_fw-la it_o discover_v a_o foul_a fountain_n that_o thus_o bubble_n up_o their_o word_n their_o action_n their_o discourse_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v why_o then_o their_o oath_n again_o man_n when_o far_o go_v in_o drink_n or_o passion_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o considerate_a duty_n neither_o can_v they_o do_v it_o without_o sin_n because_o not_o with_o mature_a deliberation_n though_o some_o case_n their_o promisory_a oath_n may_v bind_v they_o and_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o break_v they_o though_o it_o be_v to_o their_o own_o damage_n psal_n 15.4_o for_o drunkenness_n or_o immoderate_a passion_n be_v no_o excuse_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o a_o aggravation_n for_o one_o sin_n will_v not_o excuse_v another_o again_o if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o right_a mind_n and_o otherwise_o qualify_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n at_o his_o own_o dispose_n and_o not_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o swear_v otherwise_o he_o can_v avoid_v sin_n what_o course_n soever_o he_o take_v as_o suppose_v a_o son_n under_o the_o tuition_n of_o a_o father_n or_o a_o servant_n of_o a_o master_n shall_v without_o parent_n or_o master_n consent_n swear_v to_o go_v a_o journey_n as_o suppose_v in_o popery_n on_o a_o pilgrimage_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o at_o his_o own_o dispose_n we_o read_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n if_o a_o woman_n vow_v a_o vow_n or_o a_o maid_n in_o her_o father_n house_n if_o her_o husband_n or_o father_n approve_v not_o of_o it_o it_o be_v void_a consider_v then_o whether_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n or_o marriage_n promise_v without_o parent_n consent_n be_v valid_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v sinful_a those_o under_o authority_n shall_v not_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o by_o oath_n without_o parent_n consent_v 2._o direct_v have_v already_o show_v you_o who_o may_v swear_v and_o who_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o tell_v you_o by_o who_o you_o ought_v to_o swear_v and_o here_o also_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o much_o corruption_n in_o practice_n though_o a_o oath_n be_v lawful_a when_o lawful_o require_v as_o by_o a_o lawful_a magistrate_n in_o a_o lawful_a cause_n from_o a_o person_n right_o qualify_v as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o who_o he_o please_v for_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v part_n of_o divine_a worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o another_o gen._n 21.53_o jacob_n swear_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n that_o be_v by_o the_o god_n who_o his_o father_n fear_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o swear_v by_o god_n i_o have_v show_v you_o already_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o example_n deut._n 6.13_o &_o 10.20_o and_o many_o more_o but_o where_o we_o have_v any_o injunction_n or_o toleration_n give_v to_o swear_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v yea_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n to_o ascribe_v unto_o any_o creature_n divine_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o set_n of_o they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n yea_o a_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o something_o else_o in_o his_o stead_n in_o a_o lawful_a oath_n we_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v the_o truth_n for_o that_o we_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o a_o oath_n but_o we_o ascribe_v omniscience_n omnipotence_n omnipresence_n yea_o the_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o truth_n to_o god_n we_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o tryer_n of_o the_o reins_o and_o that_o he_o be_v both_o the_o witness_n judge_n and_o revenger_n of_o falsehood_n and_o lie_v and_o furthermore_o by_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n god_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o give_v testimony_n with_o
to_o be_v worthy_a the_o weight_n of_o a_o oath_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o we_o call_v to_o witness_v and_o under_o who_o divine_a judgement_n we_o set_v ourselves_o in_o case_n we_o speak_v false_a and_o in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v be_v lawful_a and_o possible_a and_o like_a to_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o good_a to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o 4._o direct_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o this_o also_o be_v stumble_v at_o by_o some_o and_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n this_o shall_v be_v agreeable_a or_o at_o least_o not_o contradictory_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v either_o external_n or_o internal_a the_o external_n form_n consist_v in_o word_n or_o sign_n or_o both_o the_o internal_a form_n consist_v in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n a_o little_a of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n the_o external_n sometime_o consist_v in_o word_n without_o sign_n and_o thus_o a_o man_n swear_v and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o intention_n in_o plain_a word_n and_o this_o oath_n be_v various_o word_v according_a to_o the_o use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n man_n live_v in_o and_o thus_o we_o may_v find_v as_o before_o have_v be_v prove_v god_n angel_n and_o man_n have_v thus_o swear_v sometime_o also_o man_n swear_v and_o affirm_v by_o sign_n without_o word_n and_o this_o be_v most_o frequent_a where_o there_o be_v many_o that_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o covenant_n be_v either_o read_v or_o speak_v and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o enter_v into_o that_o bond_n make_v it_o know_v by_o some_o external_n sign_n or_o token_n by_o some_o action_n or_o gesture_n as_o by_o a_o nod_n with_o the_o head_n bow_v the_o body_n stand_v up_o or_o to_o a_o side_n lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o otherwise_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v by_o the_o imposer_n or_o by_o write_v down_o their_o name_n by_o any_o of_o those_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o consent_n and_o this_o be_v as_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v utter_v and_o sometime_o we_o may_v find_v a_o oath_n take_v both_o by_o word_n and_o sign_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n of_o swear_v thus_o god_n frequent_o be_v say_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n when_o he_o swear_v to_o his_o people_n thus_o the_o angel_n dan._n 12.7_o he_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o left_a hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n in_o make_v oath_n and_o covenant_n divers_n be_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o heathen_n have_v use_v at_o such_o time_n yea_o many_o and_o various_a be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o such_o case_n one_o be_v the_o put_v the_o hand_n under_o the_o thigh_n thus_o abraham_n swear_v his_o servant_n gen._n 24.2_o and_o thus_o joseph_n swear_v unto_o his_o father_n jacob_n gen._n 47.29_o another_o form_n much_o in_o use_n be_v lift_v up_o the_o hand_n as_o be_v even_o now_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v use_v by_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n by_o god_n deut._n 32.40_o for_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n and_o say_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o by_o abraham_n gen._n 19.22_o i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a and_o false_a swearer_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_a hand_n of_o deceit_n because_o they_o lift_v it_o up_o deceitful_o psal_n 144.8_o 11._o and_o various_a have_v be_v the_o ceremony_n that_o have_v be_v use_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o in_o succeed_a generation_n among_o we_o the_o put_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n and_o kiss_v it_o be_v most_o in_o use_n or_o both_o which_o be_v but_o a_o profess_v sign_n of_o our_o consent_n and_o i_o know_v not_o any_o cause_n of_o scruple_n in_o it_o thus_o for_o the_o external_n the_o internal_a form_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o a_o oath_n shall_v not_o consist_v in_o equivalent_a or_o ambiguous_a word_n or_o phrase_n for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v take_v they_o in_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o the_o imposer_n mind_n and_o may_v require_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o may_v attest_v another_o but_o the_o sense_n shall_v be_v obvious_a to_o both_o giver_n and_o taker_n or_o otherwise_o nothing_o or_o at_o least_o we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v witness_v and_o the_o oath_n prove_v vain_a nay_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n be_v close_v heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o end_n of_o strife_n and_o thus_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v take_v in_o vain_a and_o this_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n profane_v and_o abuse_v and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o lie_n when_o we_o affirm_v by_o oath_n what_o in_o the_o imposer_n sense_n be_v not_o true_a and_o so_o it_o prove_v perjury_n but_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_a common_a sense_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o all_o neither_o shall_v there_o be_v equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n use_v in_o a_o oath_n this_o be_v the_o sallacious_a deal_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n think_v to_o evade_v all_o oath_n and_o delude_v the_o imposer_n but_o they_o most_o delude_v themselves_o and_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v who_o worship_n be_v abuse_v they_o hide_v part_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o subvert_v the_o sense_n as_o thus_o they_o swear_v they_o be_v not_o at_o rome_n and_o think_v in_o their_o mind_n not_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o but_o what_o be_v mentire_fw-la but_o contra_fw-la mentum_fw-la ire_n though_o this_o may_v serve_v in_o foro_fw-la humano_fw-la god_n can_v easy_o detect_v such_o juggle_a deceit_n and_o will_v never_o hold_v those_o guiltless_a that_o thus_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o like_o jezebel_n deceive_v under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v honour_v god_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n see_v then_o that_o thou_o aim_v at_o right_a ends._n in_o thy_o oath_n the_o end_n must_v be_v lawful_a and_o good_a or_o the_o duty_n will_v prove_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o snare_n a_o man_n may_v swear_v that_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o yet_o if_o his_o end_n be_v bad_a it_o will_v prove_v his_o sin_n now_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o say_v before_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o some_o necessary_a truth_n in_o question_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v prove_v heb._n 6.16_o man_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o themselves_o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n to_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n now_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o weighty_a business_n that_o require_v a_o oath_n and_o a_o necessary_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o question_n some_o doubtful_a matter_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v find_v out_o or_o prove_v that_o can_v be_v evidence_v but_o by_o a_o oath_n in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n vindicate_v himself_o this_o way_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o do_v it_o rom._n 1.9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o my_o spirit_n that_o without_o cease_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o always_o in_o my_o prayer_n 2_o cor._n 1.23_o i_o call_v god_n to_o record_v upon_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v he_o appeal_v to_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n to_o witness_v with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o his_o affection_n to_o they_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n and_o our_o own_o and_o neighbour_n good_a shall_v be_v principal_o mind_v in_o this_o duty_n but_o too_o many_o have_v by_o and_o base_a and_o low_a end_n in_o it_o and_o not_o according_o when_o a_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o can_v otherwise_o be_v find_v out_o and_o yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v impose_v exod._n 22.10,11_o if_o a_o man_n deliver_v unto_o his_o neighbour_n a_o ass_n or_o a_o ox_n or_o a_o sheep_n or_o any_o beast_n to_o keep_v and_o it_o die_v or_o be_v hurt_v or_o be_v drive_v away_o no_o man_n see_v it_o then_o shall_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v between_o they_o both_o that_o he_o have_v not_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o his_o neighbour_n good_n and_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o shall_v accept_v thereof_o
be_v lawful_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o subject_a the_o party_n vow_v be_v right_o qualify_v now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o three_o thing_n be_v requisite_a they_o shall_v be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o other_o qualification_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o shall_v be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la at_o their_o own_o dispose_n in_o the_o thing_n they_o vow_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v free_a and_o no_o force_n put_v upon_o they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o shall_v do_v it_o willing_o and_o spontanious_o for_o god_n love_v cheerful_a not_o constrain_v service_n a_o free_a will_n offer_v that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v necessary_a none_o can_v doubt_v if_o a_o man_n vow_n and_o not_o know_v or_o not_o consider_v the_o nature_n use_v and_o end_n of_o a_o vow_n this_o will_v be_v but_o blind_a sacrifice_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v with_o great_a wisdom_n care_n deliberation_n and_o circumspection_n which_o can_v be_v without_o knowledge_n eccles_n 56._o suffer_v not_o thy_o mouth_n to_o cause_v thy_o flesh_n to_o sin_n neither_o say_v thou_o before_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o error_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o folly_n after_o the_o vow_n to_o inquire_v those_o that_o want_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n whither_o they_o be_v child_n in_o their_o nonage_n or_o fool_n or_o idiot_n such_o as_o be_v not_o compos_fw-la mentis_fw-la in_o their_o right_a mind_n but_o mad_a or_o brainsick_a these_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o make_v a_o vow_n now_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v the_o just_a time_n when_o a_o child_n vow_n be_v obligatory_a or_o become_v oblige_v some_o come_v to_o their_o discretion_n soon_o and_o some_o late_a and_o some_o as_o i_o say_v not_o at_o all_o the_o hebrew_n hold_v the_o vow_n of_o a_o man_n child_n be_v not_o valid_a till_o twelve_o year_n of_o age_n and_o the_o maid_n at_o eleven_o but_o this_o seem_v young_a enough_o there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v live_v many_o more_o year_n before_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o vow_n for_o till_o they_o know_v the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o a_o vow_n how_o shall_v they_o perform_v such_o a_o duty_n faith_n also_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n for_z whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n also_o be_v require_v yea_o a_o gracious_a temper_n and_o disposition_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n and_o they_o shall_v have_v grace_n not_o only_o in_o the_o habit_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act_n or_o they_o will_v receive_v little_a benefit_n by_o this_o duty_n again_o the_o party_n shall_v be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n and_o not_o under_o another_o command_n he_o must_v be_v at_o his_o own_o liberty_n as_o touch_v the_o thing_n he_o vow_v or_o else_o his_o vow_n be_v unlawful_a we_o read_v numb_a 30.4,5_o etc._n etc._n that_o if_o a_o woman_n in_o her_o youth_n that_o be_v past_o a_o child_n vow_v a_o vow_n in_o her_o father_n house_n if_o her_o father_n approve_v of_o her_o vow_n it_o be_v rati_fw-la fie_v if_o not_o it_o be_v well_o the_o like_a we_o read_v of_o a-married_n woman_n who_o vow_n be_v ratify_v or_o nullify_v by_o her_o husband_n and_o the_o like_a party_n of_o reason_n show_v that_o a_o son_n or_o servant_n or_o subject_a ought_v not_o to_o vow_v against_o the_o mind_n of_o parent_n master_n or_o prince_n concern_v thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v subject_v to_o they_o can_v a_o son_n vow_v to_o leave_v his_o parent_n or_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n service_n during_o his_o engagement_n without_o their_o leave_n to_o go_v on_o pilgimage_n or_o to_o live_v monastical_a life_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o equity_n make_v such_o vow_n sinful_a when_o it_o be_v to_o the_o wrong_n of_o the_o superior_n the_o inferior_a in_o this_o case_n put_v himself_o upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v by_o such_o a_o vow_n if_o he_o keep_v it_o he_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o command_v obedience_n to_o the_o superior_a who_o they_o disobey_v if_o they_o break_v it_o they_o sin_v also_o against_o god_n who_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o vow_v than_o to_o vow_n and_o not_o perform_v some_o of_o the_o papist_n themselves_o who_o give_v the_o large_a liberty_n in_o this_o case_n i_o conceive_v more_o than_o ever_o god_n give_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o wise_a without_o her_o husband_n consent_n ought_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o nunnery_n or_o vow_v a_o monastic_a life_n and_o the_o like_a parity_n of_o reason_n hold_v for_o other_o inferior_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v subject_v again_o this_o be_v a_o free_a will_n offer_v and_o no_o absolve_v command_v lie_v upon_o we_o neither_o do_v we_o sin_v if_o we_o vow_v not_o deut._n 23.22_o if_o thou_o forbear_v to_o vow_n it_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o the_o therefore_o none_o shall_v be_v constrain_v or_o compel_v to_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v voluntary_a at_o every_o one_o be_v own_o dispose_n there_o be_v none_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o it_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n by_o fear_n or_o violence_n it_o shall_v be_v voluntary_a out_o of_o faith_n and_o conscience_n in_o way_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o mercy_n receive_v and_o for_o the_o obtain_v those_o we_o want_v by_o which_o we_o bound_v ourselves_o to_o some_o necessary_a duty_n for_o good_a end_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v conducible_a to_o those_o end_n deut._n 23.21_o when_o thou_o shall_v vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thou_o shall_v not_o slack_v to_o pay_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v sure_o require_v it_o of_o thou_o and_o it_o will_v be_v sin_n in_o thou_o i_o will_v pay_v my_o vow_n say_v david_n which_o my_o lip_n have_v utter_v when_o i_o be_v in_o trouble_n psalm_n 66.13,14_o and_o 132.2,3_o 3._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o offend_v in_o thy_o vow_n take_v heed_n thou_o vow_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a or_o unsuitable_a if_o thou_o vow_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n or_o will_v of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n nay_o whether_o thou_o perform_v or_o no_o thou_o be_v a_o transgressor_n there_o be_v some_o vow_n which_o bound_v unto_o command_v duty_n as_o to_o dedicate_v ourselves_o whole_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o that_o our_o vow_n in_o baptism_n which_o we_o often_o iterate_v in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n these_o vow_n be_v absolute_a and_o without_o condition_n some_o be_v conditional_a as_o the_o vow_n of_o jacob_n and_o hannah_n before_o mention_v if_o god_n give_v in_o the_o mercy_n then_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o make_v good_a our_o word_n as_o they_o do_v and_o also_o jepththah_n but_o in_o all_o whether_o absolute_a or_o conditional_a beware_v of_o vow_v any_o unlawful_a thing_n we_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o evil_a yea_o from_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o it_o 1_o thes_n 5.22_o if_o in_o our_o vow_n we_o dedicate_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n let_v it_o be_v such_o as_o he_o approve_v of_o he_o like_v not_o the_o halt_a the_o blind_a nor_o the_o lame_a in_o sacrifice_n leu._n 22.23_o neither_o will_v he_o be_v serve_v with_o the_o hire_n of_o a_o whore_n nor_o the_o price_n of_o a_o dog_n deut._n 23.18_o thou_o must_v vow_v something_o that_o be_v thy_o own_o and_o lawful_o get_v thou_o must_v not_o vow_v any_o thing_n sinful_a in_o itself_o or_o sinful_a by_o circumstance_n or_o necessary_a accident_n we_o see_v the_o vow_n of_o paul_n persecutor_n that_o they_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v he_o act_v 23.12_o be_v sinful_a in_o a_o double_a respect_n first_o as_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v and_o also_o in_o that_o they_o vow_v a_o thing_n not_o in_o their_o own_o power_n so_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o break_v it_o our_o vow_n also_o shall_v be_v considerate_a and_o not_o rash_a nor_o heady_a as_o be_v that_o of_o jephthah_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o that_o unpleasing_a work_n of_o sacrifice_v his_o daughter_n judg._n 11.30,34_o and_o that_o of_o saul_n in_o bind_v his_o people_n from_o taste_v food_n which_o have_v like_a to_o have_v cost_n jonathan_n his_o life_n 1_o sam._n 14.25_o neither_o can_v those_o vow_n be_v justify_v of_o the_o papist_n wherein_o they_o bound_v themselves_o and_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o it_o to_o murder_n heretic_n king_n as_o they_o call_v the_o protestant_n and_o to_o massacree_n protestant_n themselves_o but_o by_o what_o warrant_n be_v it_o do_v and_o who_o give_v they_o this_o authority_n a_o vow_n shall_v not_o be_v vinculum_fw-la iniquitatis_fw-la a_o bond_n of_o
thing_n not_o command_v as_o meat_n drink_n apparel_n etc._n etc._n and_o tend_v to_o perfection_n and_o by_o the_o keep_n of_o they_o a_o man_n may_v attain_v to_o a_o high_a perfection_n than_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o command_a duty_n but_o what_o scripture_n say_v thus_o their_o end_n which_o be_v to_o merit_v by_o they_o spoil_v all_o their_o duty_n and_o make_v they_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o vow_n we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n be_v make_v to_o other_o end_n and_o be_v all_o conducible_a to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n god_n glory_n some_o have_v vow_v thankfulness_n for_o mercy_n receive_v some_o sacrifice_n burn_a offering_n incense_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 66.13,14_o &_o 61.8_o &_o 132.2_o etc._n etc._n some_o have_v make_v conditional_a vow_n if_o god_n will_v give_v they_o in_o such_o mercy_n they_o will_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o thus_o jacob_n dedicate_v himself_o to_o god_n for_o ever_o if_o he_o will_v make_v provision_n for_o he_o in_o his_o journey_n gen._n 28.20,21_o and_o hannah_n that_o if_o god_n will_v give_v she_o a_o son_n she_o will_v devote_v he_o unto_o god_n for_o ever_o 1_o sam._n 1.11_o read_v leu._n 27._o throughout_o psal_n 116.12,13,14_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v pay_v my_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o god_n glory_n so_o our_o own_o and_o other_o benefit_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o may_v be_v regard_v in_o a_o vow_n it_o be_v some_o stay_n and_o ground_n for_o our_o faith_n and_o some_o confirmation_n for_o our_o assurance_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o forecited_n place_n 1_o sam._n 1.11_o etc._n etc._n when_o hannah_n have_v make_v her_o vow_n she_o look_v no_o more_o sad_a sometime_o they_o be_v make_v of_o thanksgiving_n for_o deliverance_n as_o the_o mariner_n in_o jonah_n ship_n jonah_n 1.16_o make_v vow_n to_o their_o god_n sometime_o they_o be_v make_v to_o prevent_v sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v as_o when_o we_o vow_v sobriety_n and_o moderation_n to_o prevent_v the_o sin_n of_o drunkenness_n gluttony_n pride_n or_o covetousness_n thus_o some_o vow_v against_o drink_v wine_n or_o strong_a drink_n as_o the_o rechabite_v nazarites_n and_o other_o some_o make_v vow_n to_o humble_v their_o soul_n numb_a 30.13_o every_o vow_n and_o every_o bind_a oath_n to_o afflict_v the_o soul_n the_o husband_n may_v establish_v it_o or_o the_o husband_n may_v make_v it_o void_a sometime_o for_o the_o mend_n of_o our_o life_n or_o the_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o sometime_o for_o the_o leave_v of_o some_o sin_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v the_o end_n which_o we_o shall_v look_v after_o when_o we_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a vow_n so_o likewise_o at_o the_o good_a of_o other_o as_o when_o we_o bound_v ourselves_o to_o give_v alm_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a to_o redeem_v captive_n or_o do_v work_n of_o charity_n to_o our_o power_n these_o be_v good_a end_n if_o god_n glory_n and_o not_o our_o own_o applause_n or_o thought_n of_o merit_n interpose_v not_o as_o also_o to_o lay_v out_o something_o for_o religious_a and_o pious_a uses_n the_o maintain_n of_o faithful_a able_a minister_n etc._n etc._n david_n vow_n he_o will_v not_o give_v rest_n or_o sleep_v to_o his_o eye_n or_o come_v within_o his_o house_n till_o he_o have_v find_v out_o a_o place_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n psal_n 132.2_o etc._n etc._n but_o where_o do_v you_o read_v of_o any_o that_o vow_v and_o think_v to_o merit_v at_o god_n hand_n by_o so_o do_v 7._o direct_v when_o thou_o have_v make_v thy_o vow_n thy_o next_o duty_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o word_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o vow_v than_o to_o vow_n and_o not_o perform_v but_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v then_o that_o the_o vow_n be_v lawful_a and_o allow_v by_o god_n otherwise_o the_o performance_n be_v but_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n and_o increase_v the_o guilt_n he_o that_o vow_v to_o commit_v sin_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o if_o thou_o sin_n in_o thy_o vow_n do_v not_o ratify_v it_o by_o perform_v it_o as_o herod_n who_o make_v a_o rash_a vow_n but_o do_v increase_v his_o guilt_n by_o cut_v off_o john_n baptist_n head_n but_o suppose_v thy_o vow_n be_v lawful_a thou_o can_v not_o lawful_o break_v it_o nay_o though_o the_o performance_n tend_v to_o thy_o damage_n for_o if_o thou_o do_v thou_o commit_v a_o sin_n as_o bad_a if_o not_o worse_o than_o perjury_n when_o thou_o have_v vow_v therefore_o defer_v not_o to_o pay_v for_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n pay_v that_o therefore_o which_o thou_o have_v vow_v eccl._n 5.3,4,5,6_o deut._n 23.23_o when_o thou_o have_v vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v sure_o require_v it_o of_o thou_o and_o it_o will_v be_v sin_n to_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v forbear_v to_o vow_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v sin_n to_o thou_o that_o which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n thou_o shall_v keep_v and_o perform_v a_o freewill_n offer_v according_a to_o what_o thou_o have_v vow_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v promise_v with_o thy_o mouth_n psal_n 76.11_o vow_n and_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n more_o place_n may_v be_v instance_a in_o if_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a if_o thy_o vow_n be_v rash_a repent_v of_o the_o rashness_n of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o lawful_a it_o must_v be_v perform_v if_o it_o prove_v to_o thy_o damage_n it_o be_v a_o reward_n of_o thy_o folly_n but_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o folly_n in_o make_v it_o but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v perform_v for_o a_o vow_n must_v not_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n christ_n himself_o show_v the_o wickedness_n of_o such_o a_o vow_n mat._n 15.5,6_o where_o by_o their_o vow_n corban_n they_o make_v null_a the_o command_n of_o god_n concern_v honour_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o relieve_v they_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o dedicate_v those_o thing_n to_o pious_a uses_n yea_o to_o god_n himself_o which_o we_o owe_v to_o anotner_n david_n rash_a vow_n 1_o sam._n 2.5.12.39_o be_v not_o perform_v he_o vow_v the_o destruction_n of_o nabal_n and_o all_o his_o family_n and_o bless_a god_n for_o keep_v he_o from_o do_v evil_a the_o wicked_a vow_n of_o paul_n persecutor_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v fulfil_v have_v the_o power_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n act_n 23.21_o nor_o the_o rash_a and_o unadvised_a vow_n of_o saul_n which_o tend_v to_o hurt_v and_o not_o to_o good_a 1_o sam._n 14.39_o nor_o such_o superstitious_a vow_n as_o we_o read_v of_o jer._n 44.25_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n say_v you_o and_o your_o wife_n have_v both_o speak_v with_o your_o mouth_n and_o fulfil_v with_o your_o hand_n say_v we_o will_v sure_o perform_v our_o vow_n that_o we_o have_v vow_v to_o burn_v incense_n to_o the_o queen_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o drink-offering_n unto_o she_o you_o will_v sure_o accomplish_v your_o vow_n etc._n etc._n god_n take_v it_o ill_a in_o they_o and_o sore_o threaten_v they_o for_o it_o but_o if_o the_o vow_n be_v lawful_a he_o expect_v the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o jacob_n vow_n make_v gen._n 28.20_o god_n mind_v he_o of_o it_o gen._n 31.13_o i_o be_o the_o god_n of_o bethel_n where_o thou_o anoint_v the_o pillar_n numb_a 30.3_o etc._n etc._n a_o young_a woman_n vow_n if_o her_o father_n contradict_v it_o not_o shall_v sure_o stand_v good_a see_v also_o leu._n 7.16_o &_o 22.17_o &_o 27.2_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 76.12_o yea_o the_o lord_n threaten_v those_o that_o make_v not_o good_a their_o vow_n that_o vow_v a_o better_a and_o pay_v a_o worse_o mal._n 1.14_o curse_a be_v the_o deceiver_n which_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n yea_o we_o find_v he_o punish_v this_o sin_n in_o annanias_n and_o sapphira_n who_o devote_v the_o price_n of_o a_o possession_n to_o god_n and_o after_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o it_o and_o be_v both_o strike_v dead_a for_o it_o act_n 5.1,2_o etc._n etc._n a_o godly_a man_n when_o he_o promise_v reformation_n of_o life_n the_o leave_v of_o any_o know_a sin_n the_o performance_n of_o any_o religious_a duty_n the_o do_v of_o any_o pious_a or_o charitable_a work_n etc._n etc._n will_v make_v good_a his_o vow_n but_o how_o usual_a be_v it_o for_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o sickness_n distress_n or_o danger_n to_o make_v vow_n
followed_z infant_n you_o see_v though_o uncapable_a be_v not_o free_v even_o such_o as_o hang_v upon_o their_o mother_n breast_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o actual_o sin_v yet_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o sinful_a lump_n of_o mankind_n and_o deserve_a judgement_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v timely_o train_v up_o in_o this_o christian_a duty_n and_o their_o cry_n for_o meat_n and_o the_o very_a bellow_n of_o the_o beast_n may_v stick_v something_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o help_v further_o to_o humble_a and_o break_v it_o yea_o many_o of_o those_o little_a one_o be_v god_n elect_n their_o presence_n may_v be_v a_o argue_v with_o god_n to_o spare_v as_o the_o presence_n of_o jehosophat_n move_v elijah_n to_o come_v to_o ahab_n 2_o king_n 3.19_o this_o be_v one_o motive_n why_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o destroy_v niniveh_n because_o there_o be_v sixscore_o thousand_o soul_n in_o it_o that_o know_v not_o the_o right_a hand_n from_o the_o left_a but_o though_o all_o these_o come_v and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o come_v yet_o all_o come_v not_o right_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o that_o work_n if_o thou_o will_v indeed_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o turn_v away_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n from_o the_o land_n thou_o shall_v be_v one_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o that_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o thy_o soul_n one_o that_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o court_n a_o interest_n in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o can_v through_o he_o go_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n one_o that_o can_v without_o lie_v call_v god_n father_n and_o lie_v claim_v to_o the_o share_n in_o his_o promise_n one_o that_o art_n reconcile_v to_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n such_o a_o one_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v for_o mercy_n it_o be_v not_o those_o that_o howl_v for_o corn_n and_o wine_n he_o regard_v it_o be_v not_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o swine_n or_o the_o bellow_n of_o beast_n he_o matter_n if_o there_o be_v a_o full_a congregation_n of_o unconverted_a sinner_n that_o resolve_v to_o love_v and_o not_o leave_v their_o sin_n i_o question_v whether_o these_o man_n cry_n do_v not_o prevail_v more_o to_o bring_v down_o judgement_n than_o mercy_n when_o man_n covenant_n with_o â—od_n and_o promise_v obedience_n and_o never_o intend_v to_o perform_v it_o this_o be_v but_o a_o mock_n of_o god_n that_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o the_o break_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o he_o that_o can_v and_o will_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n we_o can_v deceive_v he_o though_o we_o come_v with_o tear_n in_o our_o eye_n if_o there_o be_v not_o sorrow_n in_o the_o heart_n our_o crocodile_n tear_n will_v not_o advantage_n we_o but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o weak_a gift_n and_o part_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v right_a yet_o they_o will_v be_v own_v god_n look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o the_o outside_n as_o the_o inside_n of_o duty_n though_o i_o know_v those_o that_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n especial_o in_o public_a shall_v be_v man_n of_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o be_v thus_o qualify_v it_o be_v a_o sweet_a conjunction_n where_o grace_n and_o part_n meet_v they_o shall_v know_v their_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o bewail_v and_o confess_v they_o ezra_n 9.4.6_o nehem._n 1.6,7_o they_o shall_v know_v their_o own_o want_n and_o the_o want_n of_o the_o nation_n dan._n 9.11.18_o in_o a_o word_n every_o novice_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o duty_n and_o therefore_o christ_n himself_o excuse_v his_o disciple_n for_o not_o fast_v not_o only_o because_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o but_z as_o it_o be_v conceive_v because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o duty_n luke_n 5.36,37_o mat._n 9.15,16_o 2._o direct_v will_v thou_o fast_o as_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o as_o god_n require_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o be_v right_o qualify_v but_o come_v prepare_v to_o the_o duty_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n of_o moment_n can_v be_v well_o do_v without_o preparation_n much_o less_o such_o a_o solemn_a work_n and_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a duty_n now_o the_o preparation_n requisite_a be_v partly_o external_n and_o partly_o internal_a the_o external_n help_v forward_o the_o other_o and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o on_o the_o evening_n before_o lay_v aside_o thy_o bodily_a labour_n betimes_o that_o thou_o may_v trim_v up_o thy_o lamp_n to_o meet_v the_o bride_n groom_n the_o day_n follow_v and_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n against_o the_o next_o day_n duty_n and_o take_v that_o evening_n but_o a_o moderate_a supper_n such_o as_o will_v help_v and_o not_o hinder_v thou_o in_o the_o ensue_a duty_n and_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o thou_o can_v without_o prejudice_n to_o thy_o health_n or_o hindrance_n to_o thy_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n follow_v for_o thou_o shall_v deny_v thyself_o in_o sleep_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n but_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o main_a work_n and_o so_o no_o further_o to_o be_v use_v than_o it_o be_v helpful_a to_o it_o now_o the_o main_a work_n be_v to_o get_v the_o heart_n into_o a_o melt_a frame_n and_o humble_a temper_n for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v we_o to_o come_v and_o go_v with_o the_o heart_n unbroken_a now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o the_o consideration_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n when_o they_o be_v press_v home_o upon_o the_o spirit_n by_o serious_a meditation_n call_v to_o mind_n therefore_o thy_o original_a gild_n and_o the_o pollution_n of_o thy_o nature_n and_o how_o the_o whole_a man_n soul_n and_o body_n be_v defile_v by_o it_o and_o thy_o best_a duty_n stain_v as_o also_o thy_o actual_a sin_n many_o for_o number_n and_o heinous_a for_o nature_n call_v to_o mind_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o of_o thy_o ripe_a age_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o call_v general_a and_o particular_a thy_o relation_n sin_n and_o how_o thou_o have_v fail_v in_o every_o relation_n thou_o have_v be_v in_o thy_o sin_n of_o omission_n commission_n and_o participation_n thy_o sin_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n of_o weakness_n and_o wilfulness_n against_o the_o law_n and_o against_o the_o gospel_n against_o god_n and_o against_o man_n with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o as_o against_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o love_n and_o light_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n promise_n and_o resolution_n vow_n and_o covenant_n mean_n and_o help_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o only_o thy_o own_o sin_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o family_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o relation_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v yea_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o superior_n and_o inferior_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n for_o these_o shall_v be_v confess_v as_o daniel_n do_v dan._n 9.2,3_o etc._n etc._n the_o sin_n of_o superior_n inferior_n and_o equal_n for_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o abuse_n of_o mercy_n which_o we_o have_v have_v in_o general_a in_o the_o nation_n or_o in_o particular_a ourselves_o david_n can_v mourn_v in_o secret_a when_o man_n keep_v not_o god_n law_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v mourning_n in_o zion_n and_o be_v sure_o come_v not_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o confess_v or_o bewail_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o and_o resolve_v to_o leave_v nor_o to_o bewail_v the_o omission_n of_o any_o one_o duty_n which_o thou_o be_v not_o resolve_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o practice_n nor_o to_o beg_v for_o one_o mercy_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o labour_v for_o as_o well_o as_o to_o pray_v for_o for_o if_o thou_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v thy_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o shall_v thou_o come_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o thou_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n that_o will_v not_o mock_v and_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a when_o thou_o say_v lord_n when_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o this_o mercy_n god_n may_v say_v man_z when_o will_v thou_o leave_v thy_o sin_n when_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n if_o thou_o say_v never_o god_n will_v return_v thou_o the_o like_a answer_n never_o think_v by_o thy_o prayer_n to_o benefit_n thyself_o or_o the_o church_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o reform_v thy_o own_o heart_n and_o as_o thou_o must_v consider_v thy_o sin_n so_o also_o thy_o want_n what_o mercy_n thou_o will_v beg_v for_o
judgement_n be_v threaten_v and_o it_o be_v defer_v in_o his_o day_n 1_o king_n 21.27_o many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o prove_v time_n of_o public_a calamity_n seasonable_a time_n for_o this_o duty_n when_o sin_n also_o abound_v it_o be_v a_o time_n for_o god_n people_n to_o be_v mourner_n in_o zion_n for_o assure_o judgement_n will_v follow_v ezek._n 9_o 4._o 1_o sam._n 7.6,7_o psal_n 69.10_o david_n weep_v and_o chastened_a his_o soul_n with_o fast_v for_o where_o sin_n go_v before_o unbewailed_a judgement_n necessary_o follow_v after_o and_o a_o man_n may_v foresee_v the_o effect_n by_o the_o cause_n when_o such_o sin_n as_o usual_o bring_v judgement_n be_v act_v among_o we_o we_o may_v look_v for_o the_o like_a effect_n for_o like_a sin_n bring_v like_o plague_n lam._n 1.20_o i_o have_v grievous_o rebel_v and_o what_o follow_v abroad_o the_o sword_n bereave_v at_o home_o there_o be_v as_o death_n see_v also_o lam._n 2.17_o jer._n 7.12_o amos_n 6.2,3_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o prevail_a of_o sin_n we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o humble_v our_o soul_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o turn_v away_o the_o fierce_a anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o never_o more_o cause_o than_o at_o this_o day_n again_o when_o thou_o find_v thy_o corruption_n strong_a and_o thy_o grace_n weak_a or_o when_o thou_o find_v some_o notable_a decay_n in_o thy_o grace_n it_o be_v time_n then_o to_o look_v about_o thou_o as_o also_o when_o thou_o will_v beg_v any_o great_a thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n go_v to_o he_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n thus_o daniel_n beg_v the_o deliverance_n of_o god_n people_n out_o of_o babylon_n according_a to_o god_n promise_n he_o seek_v to_o he_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n dan._n 9.1,2_o etc._n etc._n &_o 10.2_o etc._n etc._n for_o though_o god_n determine_v to_o do_v it_o yet_o will_v he_o be_v seek_v to_o for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n and_o likewise_o when_o some_o person_n be_v design_v for_o some_o great_a work_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n it_o have_v usual_o be_v do_v by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n thus_o christ_n spend_v a_o whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n before_o he_o choose_v his_o disciple_n luke_n 6.12_o paul_n and_o silas_n be_v set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n act_v 14.2,3_o and_o in_o case_n of_o spiritual_a desertion_n we_o shall_v thus_o seek_v to_o god_n mat._n 9.14_o and_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o some_o great_a undertake_n esther_n 4.16_o when_o corruption_n be_v strong_a when_o ordinary_a food_n wlll_v not_o serve_v we_o must_v use_v physic_n some_o sin_n like_o some_o devil_n go_v not_o out_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v these_o be_v the_o time_n for_o this_o extraordinary_a duty_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o lent_n or_o holiday_n eve_n whereon_o the_o papist_n keep_v their_o mock-fast_n but_o come_v not_o to_o humble_v their_o soul_n for_o their_o sin_n 6._o direct_v propound_v a_o right_a end_n to_o thyself_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o fast_v or_o otherwise_o it_o will_v prove_v in_o vain_a and_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n take_v it_o ill_o from_o god_n that_o he_o regard_v they_o not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o see_v not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o our_o soul_n and_o thou_o take_v no_o notice_n isa_n 58.3_o behold_v say_v god_n you_o fast_o for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o to_o strike_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n etc._n etc._n be_v it_o such_o a_o fast_a that_o i_o have_v choose_v etc._n etc._n zach._n 7.5_o when_o you_o fast_v and_o mourn_v in_o the_o five_o and_o seven_o month_n even_o these_o seventy_o year_n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_a unto_o i_o even_o to_o i_o hos_fw-la 7.14_o they_o have_v not_o cry_v to_o i_o with_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o howl_v upon_o their_o bed_n they_o assemble_v themselves_o for_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o they_o rebel_n against_o i_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v absent_a god_n regard_v not_o the_o service_n the_o pharisee_n mat._n 6.16,17_o they_o fast_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n that_o other_o may_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o of_o a_o austee_a course_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o reward_n from_o man_n not_o from_o god_n the_o papist_n make_v merit_v their_o end_n they_o fast_v and_o think_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o it_o but_o alas_o what_o can_v poor_a sinful_a creature_n merit_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o divine_a indignation_n and_o fierce_a judgement_n god_n may_v say_v of_o we_o as_o of_o those_o jer._n 14.12_o when_o they_o fast_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o cry_n when_o they_o offer_v burnt-offering_n and_o a_o oblation_n i_o will_v not_o accept_v they_o but_o i_o will_v consume_v they_o by_o the_o sword_n and_o by_o the_o famine_n and_o by_o the_o pestilence_n luke_n 18_o 12._o i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n say_v the_o pharisee_fw-mi yet_o the_o poor_a publican_n be_v regard_v before_o he_o see_v also_o rom._n 14.6_o 1_o cor._n 8_o 8._o alas_o be_v man_n but_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n this_o conceit_n of_o merit_n will_v soon_o vanish_v fast_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o only_o useful_a as_o it_o suit_v with_o the_o main_a end_n bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a but_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 4.7,8_o the_o true_a end_n of_o fast_v be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a in_o both_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v the_o ordinary_a end_n be_v such_o as_o these_o the_o subdue_a the_o flesh_n and_o bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n thus_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 9.27_o i_o bring_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n god_n people_n have_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n and_o have_v need_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o subject_v it_o that_o they_o may_v subdue_v their_o corruption_n and_o if_o ordinary_a mean_n will_v not_o do_v extraordinary_n must_v be_v use_v if_o the_o temptation_n remain_v this_o duty_n must_v be_v follow_v and_o at_o length_n god_n will_v give_v strength_n and_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o corroborate_v and_o strengthen_v the_o spirit_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o perform_v the_o require_v duty_n this_o put_v fervency_n into_o our_o prayer_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n this_o way_n man_n take_v some_o revenge_n upon_o themselves_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o abuse_n of_o mercy_n by_o this_o mean_v a_o man_n be_v better_a enable_v to_o grapple_v with_o temptation_n and_o bring_v under_o corruption_n and_o perform_v duty_n of_o our_o general_n and_o particular_a call_v more_o heavenly_a this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n zach._n 12.10_o thus_o the_o prophetess_n anna_n spend_v her_o time_n in_o serve_v god_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n luke_n 2.37_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o body_n become_v dull_a and_o heavy_a and_o unfit_a for_o spiritual_a duty_n but_o by_o moderate_a abstinence_n it_o become_v more_o active_a and_o lively_a and_o therefore_o fast_v and_o prayer_n be_v usual_o join_v together_o for_o fast_v of_o itself_o do_v little_o good_a fast_v testify_v our_o humility_n our_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o guilt_n before_o god_n and_o our_o unworthiness_n of_o meat_n drink_v sleep_v raiment_n or_o other_o refresh_a comfort_n be_v these_o the_o end_v you_o aim_v at_o be_v this_o the_o mark_v you_o shoot_v at_o and_o the_o white_a that_o be_v in_o your_o eye_n it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v you_o fit_a for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o may_v do_v your_o master_n will_v better_o and_o wind_n up_o the_o heart_n to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o holiness_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n but_o if_o custom_n or_o fashion_v or_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n or_o popular_a applause_n or_o hope_n of_o merit_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n be_v your_o end_n your_o duty_n will_v be_v curse_v and_o blast_v to_o you_o and_o be_v return_v sin_n into_o your_o bosom_n the_o extraordinary_a end_n we_o aim_v at_o in_o our_o fast_n shall_v be_v the_o remove_n of_o evil_n feel_v or_o fear_v either_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a from_o ourselves_o or_o other_o the_o beg_v those_o mercy_n we_o want_v and_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o we_o have_v and_o fear_v to_o lose_v these_o be_v the_o end_v the_o godly_a have_v use_v these_o extraordinary_a fast_n for_o and_o this_o have_v be_v successful_a to_o these_o end_n these_o be_v mean_n of_o god_n own_o prescribe_v and_o promise_n be_v add_v of_o a_o good_a success_n and_o many_o christian_n for_o themselves_o and_o other_o
goodness_n of_o god_n in_o they_o value_v they_o according_a to_o their_o worth_n as_o jacob_n do_v gen._n 22.9.10_o lord_n say_v he_o i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o thy_o mercy_n which_o thou_o have_v show_v i_o for_o with_o my_o staff_n i_o pass_v over_o this_o jordan_n and_o now_o i_o be_o become_v two_o band_n david_n when_o he_o behold_v the_o glorious_a lamp_n of_o heaven_n the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n break_v out_o into_o admiration_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o regard_v he_o psal_n 8.3.4_o outward_a mercy_n but_o especial_o spiritual_a shall_v &_o will_v affect_v the_o heart_n if_o lay_v home_o by_o meditation_n 2._o direct_v when_o thou_o keep_v a_o day_n keep_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o to_o thyself_o let_v thy_o ultimate_a end_n and_o aim_n be_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o main_a design_n thou_o drive_v on_o be_v his_o praise_n it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o duty_n this_o shall_v be_v regard_v but_o especial_o in_o this_o for_o this_o time_n be_v set_v apart_o mere_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o praise_v he_o with_o a_o enlarge_a heart_n and_o if_o thou_o propound_v low_a end_n than_o these_o god_n will_v not_o own_v thy_o work_n these_o day_n be_v appoint_v to_o praise_n god_n and_o not_o as_o many_o abuse_v they_o and_o pamper_v the_o flesh_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o doubtless_o our_o duty_n 1._o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o if_o in_o our_o ordinary_a course_n we_o shall_v drive_v on_o this_o design_n much_o more_o in_o this_o extraordinary_a duty_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o day_n and_o exercise_n here_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v fill_v the_o heart_n spiritual_a and_o not_o carnal_a joy_n &_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v fill_v our_o mouth_n not_o vain_a laughter_n we_o shall_v speak_v out_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o soul_n and_o whatsoever_o suit_v not_o with_o this_o be_v unsuitable_a for_o the_o occasion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o many_o that_o pretend_v conscience_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o saints-day_n blame_v all_o those_o that_fw-mi look_v upon_o they_o as_o indifferent_a i_o say_v that_o those_o to_o who_o honest_a labour_n at_o other_o time_n lawful_a be_v hold_v a_o great_a transgression_n yet_o make_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o of_o serve_v god_n upon_o these_o day_n but_o spend_v their_o time_n vain_o and_o profane_o neither_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o soul_n or_o body_n these_o think_v they_o serve_v god_n better_o at_o a_o alehouse_n at_o a_o cockpit_n or_o bear-baiting_n or_o stage-play_a at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o other_o unlawful_a game_n than_o they_o can_v in_o a_o honest_a call_v but_o be_v this_o the_o feast_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v this_o may_v serve_v turn_n if_o we_o worship_v such_o a_o idol_n as_o israel_n then_o do_v fxod_n 32.6_o but_o shall_v we_o serve_v our_o god_n with_o such_o service_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v bacchus_n he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v to_o gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n this_o spiritual_a service_n that_o be_v command_v shall_v we_o praise_v god_n for_o his_o creature_n by_o intemperance_n and_o abuse_v of_o they_o yet_o be_v not_o these_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o of_o the_o great_a stickler_n for_o such_o festival_n look_v into_o a_o alehouse_n and_o see_v whether_o more_o meet_v not_o there_o upon_o such_o day_n as_o these_o than_o the_o whole_a week_n beside_o and_o many_o a_o oath_n swear_v and_o many_o a_o lie_v tell_v and_o many_o a_o vain_a word_n speak_v at_o such_o time_n and_o upon_o such_o occasion_n yea_o much_o drunkenness_n debauchery_n quarrel_n fight_n and_o sometime_o murder_n be_v there_o committtd_a and_o be_v this_o god_n feast_n or_o the_o devil_n sacrifice_n it_o more_o suit_v a_o heathen_a idol_n than_o a_o holy_a god_n be_v this_o the_o place_n where_o god_n be_v like_a to_o meet_v thou_o or_o will_v have_v death_n meet_v thou_o here_o or_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o company_n suitable_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n will_v thou_o thank_v god_n for_o thy_o reason_n when_o thou_o have_v lose_v the_o use_n of_o it_o by_o drink_v and_o transform_v thyself_o into_o a_o beast_n or_o can_v then_o remember_v god_n benefit_n to_o praise_v he_o for_o they_o when_o thou_o can_v not_o remember_v what_o thou_o do_v it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o judge_v any_o man_n that_o keep_v those_o day_n as_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n ought_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o approve_v of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v keep_v i_o know_v the_o godly_a be_v allow_v to_o eat_v their_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o drink_v their_o wine_n with_o a_o merry_a heart_n but_o it_o be_v spiritual_a not_o carnal_a joy_n they_o ought_v upon_o thanksgiving_n day_n to_o cease_v from_o their_o labour_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o than_o they_o keep_v it_o but_o as_o a_o beast_n but_o as_o a_o fast_o be_v a_o help_n to_o humiliation_n and_o make_v prayer_n the_o more_o fervent_a so_o feast_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n elevate_v the_o soul_n and_o make_v praise_n the_o more_o hearty_a when_o we_o fresh_o taste_v god_n goodness_n in_o the_o prevision_n make_v for_o we_o labour_v in_o both_o be_v forbid_v as_o it_o be_v a_o hindrance_n in_o the_o duty_n in_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o god_n be_v more_o dishonour_v in_o those_o day_n pretend_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o honour_v he_o in_o than_o in_o all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n beside_o but_o god_n will_v not_o own_o such_o servant_n nor_o accept_v of_o such_o service_n when_o man_n think_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o work_v forbid_v upon_o that_o day_n or_o nothing_o more_o than_o idleness_n require_v but_o many_o will_v glorify_v god_n much_o better_a in_o a_o lawful_a call_v than_o at_o a_o unlawful_a exercise_n or_o unnecessary_a recreation_n i_o know_v recreation_n be_v lawful_a as_o i_o hope_v in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n to_o demonstrate_v and_o give_v direction_n in_o it_o but_o why_o shall_v we_o take_v god_n time_n for_o our_o use_n if_o these_o day_n be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n service_n let_v they_o be_v spend_v in_o his_o service_n if_o for_o our_o recreation_n let_v we_o never_o put_v the_o title_n of_o holiday_n upon_o they_o let_v they_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o be_v use_v or_o not_o use_v at_o pleasure_n or_o people_n keep_v from_o dishonour_v god_n in_o they_o 3._o direct_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o day_n see_v thy_o ground_n be_v good_a and_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n to_o it_o or_o otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o own_v it_o it_o be_v true_a thanksgiving_n be_v a_o work_n of_o every_o day_n but_o every_o day_n be_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o a_o holy_a festival_n to_o god_n come_v not_o superstitious_o to_o it_o as_o the_o papist_n nor_o profane_o as_o the_o sensualist_n nor_o wicked_o as_o the_o profane_a enemies_n to_o god_n and_o godliness_n see_v thou_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o by_o real_a mercy_n receive_v and_o in_o give_v thanks_o mistake_v not_o judgement_n for_o mercy_n and_o mercy_n for_o judgement_n it_o be_v true_a we_o ought_v to_o observe_v all_o god_n providence_n and_o bless_v god_n for_o all_o chastisement_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o be_v for_o the_o good_a which_o we_o receive_v by_o they_o as_o job_n 1.21_o but_o this_o shall_v be_v with_o humiliation_n not_o exultation_n if_o thy_o foundation_n be_v rot_v the_o building_n can_v be_v good_a there_o be_v many_o that_o hearty_o rejoice_v and_o give_v thanks_o also_o to_o god_n after_o their_o manner_n for_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n i_o fear_v our_o time_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o example_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o ammonite_n and_o will_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a ezek._n 25.6_o because_o thou_o have_v clap_v thy_o hand_n and_o stamp_v with_o thy_o foot_n and_o rejoice_v in_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o despite_n against_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n therefore_o i_o will_v stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n against_o thou_o and_o deliver_v thou_o for_o a_o spoil_n to_o the_o heathen_a etc._n etc._n see_v god_n take_v it_o ill_o when_o man_n exult_v over_o his_o people_n in_o distress_n and_o if_o they_o praise_v he_o for_o correct_v they_o it_o be_v unpleasing_a service_n to_o he_o
together_o sin_n be_v to_o holy_a spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o water_n be_v to_o fire_n of_o a_o extinguish_n nature_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o brush_n and_o dash_v babylon_n child_n when_o they_o be_v young_a and_o the_o cockatrice_n egg_n before_o they_o break_v forth_o into_o serpent_n entertain_v not_o a_o delightful_a thought_n of_o any_o sin_n resist_v the_o first_o motion_n of_o sin_n avoid_v all_o the_o occasion_n repel_v the_o temptation_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o get_v as_o far_o from_o it_o as_o possible_o thou_o can_v for_o god_n and_o sin_n can_v be_v entertain_v and_o lodge_v together_o in_o one_o soul_n thou_o must_v either_o break_v thy_o peace_n with_o the_o one_o or_o with_o the_o other_o of_o these_o irrevocable_a enemy_n thou_o can_v not_o serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n all_o sin_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n yet_o some_o sin_n be_v more_o abominable_a than_o other_o as_o worldly-mindedness_a this_o will_v choke_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o thou_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n that_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a mat._n 13.22_o pride_n also_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n and_o make_v a_o man_n set_v himself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o his_o own_o will_n for_o his_o rule_n this_o turn_v angel_n out_o of_o heaven_n adam_n out_o of_o paradise_n and_o many_o into_o hell_n idolatry_n also_o be_v abominable_a when_o man_n set_v up_o other_o god_n and_o serve_v they_o god_n will_v not_o take_v it_o at_o their_o hand_n many_o more_o there_o be_v of_o which_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a some_o thing_n likewise_o be_v to_o be_v do_v yea_o every_o duty_n add_v some_o strength_n and_o help_v forward_o this_o communion_n private_a meditation_n and_o private_a prayer_n be_v excellent_a help_n to_o this_o end_n meditation_n be_v a_o excellent_a help_n hereunto_o ah_o what_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a taste_n of_o of_o god_n may_v a_o man_n have_v that_o exercise_v himself_o in_o this_o soul-fatting_a duty_n such_o a_o man_n can_v find_v god_n in_o every_o creature_n and_o like_o the_o bee_n suck_v sweetness_n from_o every_o weed_n and_o flower_n he_o can_v get_v advantage_n by_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n health_n and_o sickness_n yea_o every_o thing_n he_o know_v see_v or_o hear_v of_o yea_o every_o creature_n will_v lead_v such_o a_o man_n to_o god_n and_o teach_v he_o some_o lesson_n worth_a his_o learning_n for_o as_o by_o the_o vein_n the_o mineral_n may_v be_v find_v or_o as_o the_o stream_n lead_v to_o the_o fountain_n so_o every_o thing_n lead_v to_o god_n and_o point_v out_o his_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n yea_o the_o consideration_n and_o thought_n of_o god_n attribute_n word_n and_o work_n may_v fill_v the_o soul_n with_o admiration_n and_o make_v a_o man_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o god_n every_o chapter_n verse_n and_o line_n of_o holy_a writ_n be_v as_o a_o ladder_n to_o lift_v thou_o near_a heaven_n and_o draw_v thou_o near_o unto_o god_n such_o a_o man_n know_v how_o to_o spiritualise_v every_o evil_a and_o moral_a action_n and_o what_o ever_o he_o do_v he_o can_v engage_v god_n for_o to_o reward_v he_o he_o can_v suck_v sweetness_n out_o of_o all_o cross_a providence_n and_o when_o god_n seem_v to_o frown_v can_v turn_v the_o curtain_n aside_o and_o see_v his_o please_a face_n and_o view_v his_o love_n in_o the_o dark_a passage_n of_o his_o providence_n another_o mean_n to_o maintain_v communion_n be_v secret_a prayer_n when_o the_o soul_n can_v power_n out_o itself_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o christ_n with_o faith_n and_o fervency_n who_o have_v promise_v to_o grant_v whatever_o they_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n ah_o what_o sweet_a crumb_n of_o comfort_n do_v many_o feel_v come_v from_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o suit_n when_o a_o man_n spread_v his_o case_n and_o complaint_n before_o christ_n as_o sometime_o hezekiah_n do_v the_o blasphemous_a letter_n how_o do_v this_o engage_v god_n in_o his_o cause_n if_o thou_o maintaine_v life_n in_o these_o two_o duty_n thou_o will_v maintain_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o life_n in_o thy_o soul_n 3._o direct_v another_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o thy_o soul_n be_v to_o store_v thy_o heart_n with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n without_o the_o which_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a prov._n 19.2_o and_o this_o be_v do_v in_o private_a as_o well_o as_o public_a partly_o by_o read_v and_o conference_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n this_o will_v notable_o increase_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o give_v direction_n in_o and_o desire_v thou_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o meditation_n also_o be_v a_o fruitful_a duty_n even_o that_o which_o be_v occasional_a whereby_o thou_o may_v gather_v observation_n and_o learn_v many_o lesson_n for_o thy_o soul_n good_a from_o every_o creature_n thou_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o treat_v of_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o if_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n we_o be_v not_o bear_v for_o ourselves_o if_o thou_o have_v a_o family_n study_n and_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n also_o teacheh_o they_o in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v walk_v for_o to_o that_o purpose_n god_n have_v give_v thou_o authority_n over_o they_o thou_o be_v a_o king_n a_o priest_n and_o a_o prophet_n in_o thy_o own_o house_n rule_v then_o in_o thy_o family_n as_o a_o king_n instruct_v as_o a_o prophet_n and_o pray_v among_o they_o as_o a_o priest_n god_n will_v be_v serve_v in_o thy_o family_n as_o well_o as_o in_o thy_o closet_n or_o in_o the_o public_a therefore_o sometime_o particular_a house_n be_v call_v church_n because_o in_o they_o god_n be_v worship_v to_o this_o end_n prepare_v then_o what_o thou_o can_v for_o the_o public_a ordinance_n by_o instruction_n admonition_n and_o encouragement_n remove_v what_o rub_v thou_o can_v out_o of_o their_o way_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v show_v they_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o if_o thou_o can_v help_v it_o let_v none_o serve_v thou_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v god_n this_o be_v david_n resolution_n psal_n 101.2_o etc._n etc._n require_v a_o account_n at_o their_o hand_n what_o they_o learn_v and_o what_o benefit_n they_o receive_v press_v these_o thing_n more_o upon_o their_o spirit_n and_o fasten_v it_o upon_o their_o mind_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v let_v slip_n by_o repeat_v the_o sermon_n or_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o their_o good_a and_o press_v home_o and_o drive_v at_o what_o the_o minister_n drive_v at_o in_o his_o sermon_n read_v the_o scripture_n also_o be_v a_o useful_a mean_n to_o increase_v knowledge_n in_o thyself_o and_o family_n and_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o private_a in_o thy_o family_n and_o in_o secret_a by_o thyself_o redeem_v time_n to_o this_o end_n and_o if_o possible_a make_v they_o understand_v what_o they_o read_v drive_v the_o nail_n to_o the_o head_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o expel_v ignorance_n and_o to_o get_v knowledge_n this_o can_v but_o work_v some_o knowledge_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o in_o this_o word_n be_v contain_v the_o wfll_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n obedience_n and_o here_o be_v a_o legacy_n leave_v we_o by_o our_o father_n will_n the_o promise_n which_o be_v our_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o show_v for_o glory_n and_o shall_v this_o be_v neglect_v by_o we_o or_o mean_o esteem_v some_o may_v object_n they_o have_v long_o try_v this_o mean_n and_o see_v little_a profit_n by_o it_o but_o do_v thy_o duty_n and_o leave_v the_o success_n to_o god_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n yet_o there_o must_v be_v plant_v and_o water_v or_o good_a fruit_n can_v be_v expect_v god_n serve_v his_o providence_n by_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o christ_n himself_o commend_v this_o lesson_n to_o the_o pharisee_n this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v therein_o for_o ever_o josh_n 18._o psal_n 12._o this_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v plenteous_o in_o you_o col_n 3.16_o it_o be_v abraham_n practice_n to_o teach_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 18.19_o this_o also_o be_v paul_n counsel_n eph._n 6.4_o yea_o and_o god_n own_o command_n deut._n 6.6,7_o the_o word_n that_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o unto_o thy_o child_n thou_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o
doubtless_o joshua_n intend_v to_o put_v this_o power_n in_o exercise_n when_o he_o resolve_o promise_v that_o he_o and_o his_o house_n shall_v serve_v the_o lord_n josh_n 20.15_o yet_o alas_o how_o many_o governor_n of_o family_n neglect_v this_o duty_n some_o be_v debar_v from_o it_o by_o their_o own_o guilt_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n they_o shall_v reprove_v in_o other_o this_o stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o make_v they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n these_o man_n do_v more_o hurt_v by_o their_o example_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v like_a to_o do_v by_o their_o reproof_n their_o way_n be_v therefore_o first_o to_o cast_v out_o the_o beam_n out_o of_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o to_o seek_v to_o pluck_v out_o the_o mote_n out_o of_o another_o but_o i_o speak_v chief_o to_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o make_v some_o conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o with_o those_o i_o be_o likely_a to_o prevail_v and_o these_o also_o many_o of_o they_o be_v extreme_o negligent_a and_o have_v need_n of_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n themselves_o friend_n do_v you_o very_o believe_v that_o ungodly_a liver_n shall_v go_v to_o hell_n and_o be_v once_o there_o be_v in_o a_o irrecoverable_a lose_a condition_n and_o can_v you_o suffer_v such_o among_o you_o that_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v the_o torment_n of_o eternal_a fire_n and_o hold_v your_o tongue_n and_o never_o give_v they_o warning_n of_o their_o danger_n what_o a_o uncharitable_a thing_n be_v this_o that_o you_o will_v suffer_v those_o that_o be_v in_o near_a relation_n to_o you_o perhaps_o the_o wife_n of_o your_o bosom_n or_o the_o child_n of_o your_o own_o bowel_n to_o lie_v in_o such_o a_o desperate_a danger_n and_o never_o warn_v they_o of_o it_o if_o thou_o see_v a_o blind_a man_n upon_o the_o brow_n of_o a_o hill_n ready_a to_o break_v his_o neck_n or_o a_o mad_a man_n ready_a to_o kill_v himself_o thou_o will_v call_v to_o the_o one_o and_o warn_v he_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o restrain_v the_o other_o if_o thou_o be_v able_a and_o will_v thou_o have_v compassion_n on_o the_o body_n and_o no_o pity_n on_o the_o soul_n shall_v thou_o see_v thy_o near_a relation_n come_v to_o the_o gallow_n and_o may_v save_v their_o life_n for_o a_o few_o word_n speak_v will_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o hold_v thy_o peace_n be_v one_o of_o thy_o intimate_v friend_n in_o hell_n and_o be_v there_o a_o possibility_n of_o their_o delivery_n will_v thou_o not_o go_v and_o ride_v and_o speak_v and_o pray_v suppose_v this_o be_v the_o way_n in_o their_o behalf_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n and_o will_v thou_o let_v they_o quiet_o go_v on_o in_o that_o way_n that_o certain_o tend_v thither_o and_o never_o show_v they_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o a_o vicious_a life_n without_o repentance_n will_v as_o certain_o lead_v to_o hell_n as_o god_n be_v god_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o no_o unclean_a thing_n shall_v ever_o enter_v heaven_n no_o dirty_a dog_n shall_v tread_v 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thou_o pray_v for_o their_o conversion_n and_o will_v not_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n what_o dissemble_v be_v this_o and_o what_o mock_v of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v a_o desire_n it_o will_v be_v join_v with_o endeavour_n shall_v thou_o see_v thy_o friend_n in_o a_o pit_n ready_a to_o be_v drown_v will_v thou_o fall_v upon_o thy_o knee_n and_o pray_v for_o help_v and_o not_o put_v forth_o thy_o hand_n to_o help_v he_o this_o will_v seem_v little_a love_n god_n will_v have_v mean_n use_v to_o serve_v his_o providence_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o fear_v trouble_v they_o but_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a physician_n that_o suffer_v his_o patient_n to_o die_v under_o his_o hand_n rather_o than_o trouble_v he_o in_o a_o swoon_n we_o shake_v and_o rub_v and_o pinch_z and_o use_v other_o mean_n which_o perhaps_o may_v hurt_v they_o the_o papist_n be_v more_o charitable_a in_o their_o blind_a devotion_n how_o dear_a do_v they_o pay_v for_o mass_n dirge_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o 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