be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n but_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o vast_a bigness_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o heaven_n with_o the_o constant_a motion_n the_o brightness_n and_o durableness_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n but_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o a_o sense_n vast_a and_o large_a than_o these_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a to_o comprehend_v they_o it_o be_v of_o more_o unwearied_a motion_n than_o they_o it_o move_v its_o self_n it_o be_v bright_a far_o and_o far_o more_o durable_a than_o any_o of_o they_o it_o be_v then_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n that_o the_o make_n of_o he_o be_v thus_o set_v together_o with_o those_o great_a operation_n of_o the_o create_a power_n upon_o these_o ground_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n do_v in_o our_o text_n intimate_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n it_o shall_v be_v the_o business_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o insist_v upon_o some_o proof_n and_o application_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o let_v we_o now_o persuade_v ourselves_o for_o a_o little_a while_n to_o turn_v our_o thought_n inward_a to_o view_v and_o consider_v ourselves_o to_o know_v what_o a_o sort_n of_o be_v god_n have_v give_v we_o of_o all_o knowledge_n this_o may_v be_v reckon_v some_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o important_a hereby_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v what_o it_o become_v we_o to_o do_v what_o our_o true_a interest_n be_v what_o great_a thing_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o shall_v therefore_o pursue_v they_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v insist_v only_o upon_o these_o two_o head_n of_o discourse_n as_o contain_v what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a purpose_n they_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o it_o which_o do_v arise_v from_o and_o be_v the_o consequent_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v represent_v to_o you_o brief_o under_o two_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n 2._o it_o be_v immortal_a 1._o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therein_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a be_v it_o be_v invisible_a a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n through_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v say_v of_o god_n in_o praise_n of_o he_o that_o he_o can_v be_v see_v the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v he_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o invisible_a god_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 17._o this_o then_o be_v a_o excellency_n and_o do_v great_o recommend_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v too_o pure_a and_o sublime_a a_o thing_n to_o fall_v under_o the_o gross_a apprehension_n of_o bodily_a sense_n it_o be_v a_o pure_a uncompounded_a and_o unmixed_a thing_n it_o be_v all_o the_o same_o be_v not_o make_v up_o of_o worse_a and_o better_a part_n it_o be_v in_o a_o sort_n all_o light_n and_o have_v no_o darkness_n be_v a_o bright_a celestial_a ray_n spring_v from_o the_o great_a father_n of_o light_n and_o spirit_n or_o at_o least_o it_o be_v very_o full_a of_o light_n and_o brightness_n in_o its_o original_a state_n and_o before_o it_o be_v sully_v with_o sinful_a pollution_n in_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n it_o have_v not_o diversity_n of_o part_n design_v for_o divers_a action_n so_o as_o that_o what_o one_o part_n can_v do_v another_o can_v which_o be_v the_o usual_a disparagement_n of_o body_n but_o all_o the_o soul_n can_v do_v whatever_o the_o soul_n can_v do_v it_o can_v all_o of_o it_o understand_v and_o will_v apprehend_v or_o remember_v it_o can_v all_o choose_v or_o refuse_v it_o have_v not_o some_o part_n heavy_a and_o some_o active_a some_o to_o move_v and_o other_o to_o be_v move_v but_o be_v all_o full_a of_o action_n and_o be_v always_o work_v and_o busy_a it_o know_v no_o weariness_n it_o need_v no_o rest_n or_o refreshment_n it_o know_v its_o own_o action_n and_o choose_v what_o it_o do_v and_o act_n free_o and_o from_o its_o own_o motion_n these_o be_v the_o property_n and_o advantage_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o spirit_n the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v abundant_o declare_v when_o a_o man_n die_v it_o say_v of_o his_o body_n the_o dust_n shall_v return_v to_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v and_o of_o his_o soul_n the_o spirit_n shall_v return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o eccles_n 12._o 7._o this_o be_v a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o raise_v from_o the_o dust_n as_o that_o be_v but_o come_v from_o god_n immediate_o nor_o do_v it_o return_v to_o the_o dust_n but_o return_v to_o god_n at_o our_o death_n the_o apostle_n say_v what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v the_o purpose_n wish_n design_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 11._o and_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o that_o epistle_n at_o the_o 5_o verse_n he_o direct_v the_o corinthian_n to_o excommunicate_v a_o eminent_a person_n among_o they_o who_o have_v be_v incestuous_a for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n mean_v his_o soul_n i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o to_o this_o particular_a but_o proceed_v 2._o to_o what_o be_v next_o mention_v as_o declare_v the_o excellent_a nature_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v immortal_a these_o being_n have_v a_o beginning_n indeed_o as_o every_o thing_n else_o have_v but_o one_o who_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o all_o other_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v never_o come_v to_o a_o end_n when_o a_o man_n die_v there_o be_v only_o a_o separation_n make_v for_o a_o while_n of_o his_o soul_n from_o his_o body_n with_o a_o dissolution_n indeed_o of_o the_o body_n but_o the_o soul_n remain_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v that_o live_v still_o though_o not_o here_o and_z continues_z to_o be_v though_o it_o have_v change_v its_o habitation_n do_v not_o imagine_v say_v the_o die_a cyrus_n to_o his_o child_n that_o when_o i_o depart_v from_o you_o i_o shall_v be_v no_o where_o nor_o any_o long_o for_o whilst_o i_o be_v with_o you_o you_o can_v not_o see_v my_o soul_n only_o you_o know_v by_o the_o action_n you_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v in_o my_o body_n be_v assure_v then_o that_o it_o be_v still_o the_o same_o though_o you_o do_v never_o see_v it_o thus_o the_o learned_a heathen_a can_v speak_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o to_o be_v immortal_a as_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n it_o have_v nothing_o in_o its_o self_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o its_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o uncompounded_a thing_n it_o can_v be_v destroy_v by_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o only_o by_o god_n that_o make_v it_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n know_v no_o decay_n it_o admit_v of_o no_o increase_n of_o its_o substance_n it_o remain_v always_o the_o same_o and_o be_v herein_o a_o noble_a image_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a god_n it_o shall_v outlast_v the_o strong_a work_n of_o humane_a art_n it_o shall_v endure_v long_o than_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n it_o shall_v weary_v time_n and_o then_o run_v on_o with_o eternity_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o important_a excellency_n of_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v and_o certain_o if_o we_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n immortal_a this_o deserve_v our_o very_a serious_a consideration_n and_o this_o also_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o source_n of_o all_o saving-knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n do_v sufficient_o teach_v we_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o our_o be_v after_o this_o life_n and_o even_o before_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n as_o when_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o penitent_a thief_n when_o he_o be_v die_v this_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n he_o be_v to_o be_v therefore_o his_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissolve_v with_o his_o body_n and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v in_o paradise_n in_o a_o happy_a state_n when_o the_o scripture_n call_v death_n a_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n it_o seem_v to_o intimate_v this_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o be_v to_o leave_v his_o body_n in_o this_o world_n as_o all_o other_o die_a person_n do_v yet_o speak_v of_o his_o death_n as_o a_o departure_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 6._o and_o in_o phil._n 1._o 23._o he_o speak_v of_o his_o death_n as_o what_o he_o desire_v in_o these_o word_n i_o desire_v to_o
depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o do_v most_o plain_o show_v he_o expect_v to_o be_v still_o and_o to_o be_v more_o happy_a after_o death_n than_o he_o be_v here_o again_o this_o be_v also_o plain_o suggest_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n 16._o 19_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n then_o be_v at_o his_o death_n dispose_v to_o such_o abode_n as_o it_o deserve_v and_o be_v suit_v to_o till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o general_n resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n of_o man_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v be_v unite_v to_o its_o own_o body_n again_o and_o live_v with_o it_o for_o ever_o in_o a_o state_n of_o endless_a happiness_n or_o endless_a misery_n thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o its_o nature_n the_o second_o head_n of_o proof_n of_o this_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v to_o be_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n arise_v from_o its_o nature_n it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o further_a apprehension_n of_o its_o excellency_n to_o consider_v what_o great_a and_o honourable_a thing_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o these_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o under_o three_o head_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o knowledge_n of_o moral_a qualification_n and_o of_o a_o most_o sublime_a and_o elevate_a kind_n of_o happiness_n 1._o it_o be_v capable_a of_o knowledge_n it_o can_v know_v the_o creature_n about_o we_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n can_v understand_v their_o nature_n and_o use_v by_o virtue_n of_o which_o it_o have_v and_o exercise_n a_o dominion_n over_o these_o thing_n it_o know_v how_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o serve_v our_o necessity_n and_o delight_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o it_o can_v make_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o use_n of_o reason_n themselves_o to_o serve_v for_o rational_a and_o wise_a purpose_n it_o can_v tame_v the_o wild_a and_o correct_v the_o hurtful_a creature_n it_o can_v govern_v the_o strong_a and_o by_o artful_a application_n give_v strength_n to_o the_o weak_a one_o it_o often_o fetch_v wholesome_a food_n or_o very_o effectual_a physic_n out_o of_o mortal_a poison_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v himself_o to_o understand_v his_o own_o nature_n in_o the_o principle_n and_o end_n of_o it_o to_o know_v his_o ornament_n and_o disparagement_n the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o his_o happiness_n or_o misery_n and_o wherein_o these_o do_v true_o consist_v and_o lie_v man_n be_v capable_a to_o understand_v and_o know_v very_o much_o of_o the_o ever-blessed_n god_n the_o high_a be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o delightful_a perfection_n of_o his_o infinite_a nature_n he_o can_v see_v the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o these_o perfection_n upon_o the_o sensible_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a knowledge_n and_o the_o best_a use_n of_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n suggest_v rom._n 1._o 20._o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n render_v he_o capable_a of_o know_v the_o rule_n of_o true_a wisdom_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o those_o rule_n which_o direct_v we_o to_o render_v ourselves_o acceptable_a and_o amiable_a to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o to_o become_v and_o honour_n ourselves_o those_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a angel_n govern_v their_o behaviour_n and_o those_o by_o which_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n though_o in_o a_o infinite_a eminency_n above_o all_o his_o creature_n govern_v he_o and_o sure_o this_o capacity_n of_o knowledge_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a and_o honourable_a advantage_n especial_o that_o of_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o have_v be_v mention_v knowledge_n find_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n pleasant_a and_o useful_a employment_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o active_a and_o busy_a thing_n must_v have_v such_o employment_n or_o it_o be_v uneasy_a and_o unhappy_a knowledge_n present_v we_o with_o the_o object_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o inable_v we_o to_o enjoy_v they_o this_o be_v the_o light_n and_o brightness_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o mind_n ignorance_n be_v dark_a and_o deform_v and_o leave_v the_o soul_n unpolisht_a and_o ugly_a ignorance_n like_o darkness_n be_v uncomfortable_a and_o sad_a knowledge_n like_o the_o light_n be_v cheer_v and_o delightful_a this_o improve_v and_o raise_v the_o activity_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o ignorance_n be_v clog_v and_o wretched_o confine_v of_o knowledge_n than_o it_o may_v be_v say_v it_o be_v more_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n but_o especial_o be_v that_o true_a of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v it_o of_o even_o that_o which_o present_v to_o we_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a live_n of_o which_o also_o solomon_n speak_v thus_o happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n and_o the_o man_n that_o get_v understanding_n for_o the_o merchandise_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o merchandise_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o gain_n thereof_o than_o fine_a gold_n she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o she_o prov._n 3._o 13_o 14_o 15._o 2._o another_o capacity_n which_o great_o recommend_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o moral_a qualification_n by_o which_o word_n i_o mean_v the_o glorious_a virtue_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n it_o be_v not_o only_o capable_a of_o know_v the_o rule_n of_o these_o virtue_n but_o also_o of_o possess_v the_o virtue_n themselves_o and_o of_o express_v they_o in_o our_o action_n our_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n may_v be_v adorn_v with_o the_o bright_a ray_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o reverence_n and_o humility_n our_o behaviour_n towards_o man_n may_v all_o be_v regulate_v and_o adorn_v with_o justice_n and_o charity_n meekness_n and_o sincerity_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n none_o of_o the_o other_o creature_n about_o we_o can_v be_v possess_v of_o such_o qualification_n a_o stone_n or_o a_o beast_n can_v be_v just_a or_o good_a or_o faithful_a a_o beast_n do_v not_o know_v what_o its_o self_n do_v it_o have_v not_o freedom_n of_o will_n do_v not_o choose_v any_o of_o its_o action_n therefore_o can_v be_v virtuous_a or_o vicious_a the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v in_o this_o the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o visible_a world_n and_o when_o it_o be_v endow_v with_o these_o virtue_n at_o least_o it_o be_v bright_a and_o more_o glorious_a than_o the_o sun_n or_o star_n these_o render_v we_o like_v to_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o high_a manner_n that_o a_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o these_o thing_n consist_v the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n in_o man_n before_o the_o unhappy_a fall_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o though_o we_o then_o lose_v the_o thing_n themselves_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o capacity_n of_o receive_v they_o again_o and_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o renew_n or_o restore_v that_o image_n in_o we_o again_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o indue_a we_o with_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n these_o be_v excellency_n which_o god_n ascribe_v to_o himself_o which_o he_o glory_v in_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v our_o great_a advancement_n and_o honour_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o they_o and_o it_o must_v be_v account_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a worth_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o honourable_a ornament_n 3._o it_o be_v another_o argument_n of_o this_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v a_o very_a high_a and_o honourable_a kind_n of_o happiness_n even_o the_o best_a that_o any_o creature_n can_v attain_v to_o when_o the_o manna_n which_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v feed_v with_o in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v call_v angel_n food_n it_o be_v intimate_v that_o this_o wonderful_a provision_n do_v as_o a_o figure_n represent_v that_o mankind_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o same_o happiness_n with_o the_o glorious_a angel_n and_o all_o holy_a and_o devote_a soul_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n partake_v of_o it_o in_o this_o life_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v every_o man_n even_o from_o the_o prince_n to_o the_o beggar_n capable_a of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a felicity_n as_o this_o be_v a_o spirit_n it_o have_v a_o very_a high_a sense_n of_o thing_n and_o a_o very_a lively_a perception_n of_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n no_o mere_a body_n or_o matter_n however_o it_o be_v refine_v or_o make_v up_o into_o
say_v on_o this_o subject_a 1._o let_v we_o with_o great_a thankfulness_n acknowledge_v to_o the_o creator_n what_o he_o have_v make_v we_o and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o bounty_n towards_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v and_o own_v it_o be_v god_n that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o it_o be_v one_o part_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v let_v we_o own_o this_o and_o endeavour_v to_o render_v to_o god_n all_o that_o which_o be_v due_a from_o we_o for_o it_o to_o show_v forth_o his_o praise_n not_o only_o with_o our_o lip_n but_o in_o our_o life_n by_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n let_v each_o of_o we_o hearty_o say_v within_o himself_o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n we_o may_v hereupon_o very_o just_o thus_o expostulate_v with_o and_o admonish_v ourselves_o have_v i_o a_o power_n to_o think_v and_o shall_v my_o thought_n neglect_v the_o excellent_a be_v that_o give_v it_o i_o shall_v he_o be_v seldom_o in_o my_o thought_n by_o who_o i_o constant_o think_v how_o base_a and_o ungrateful_a a_o character_n of_o a_o man_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n be_o i_o capable_a of_o knowledge_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v my_o great_a ambition_n to_o know_v he_o that_o make_v i_o so_o to_o know_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o being_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o render_v he_o the_o homage_n that_o belong_v to_o he_o have_v i_o a_o will_v to_o choose_v good_a and_o shall_v i_o fix_v my_o choice_n on_o any_o thing_n before_o he_o shall_v i_o not_o cleave_v to_o he_o by_o it_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a and_o who_o give_v i_o this_o power_n for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v i_o not_o always_o say_v it_o to_o he_o as_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o my_o soul_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o on_o earth_n that_o i_o can_v desire_v beside_o thou_o shall_v i_o not_o pay_v he_o the_o homage_n of_o my_o affection_n from_o who_o i_o have_v they_o and_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o have_v wherewith_o to_o guide_v they_o i_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o fear_v he_o alone_o to_o entettain_v my_o hope_n with_o the_o please_a expectation_n of_o enjoy_v he_o i_o shall_v be_v angry_a only_o with_o that_o which_o provoke_v his_o anger_n and_o hate_v what_o he_o hate_v and_o forbid_v thus_o ought_v we_o to_o admonish_v ourselves_o upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o to_o resolve_v according_o thus_o shall_v we_o endeavour_v to_o honour_v he_o who_o have_v crown_v we_o with_o such_o dignity_n and_o honour_n 2._o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o soul_n shall_v make_v all_o man_n prefer_v they_o before_o their_o body_n and_o chief_o regard_v they_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v plain_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o important_a part_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o immortal_a this_o aught_o then_o to_o have_v the_o chief_a dominion_n in_o we_o all_o the_o appetite_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o inferior_a body_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o shall_v not_o suffer_v our_o sense_n or_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o force_v object_n and_o thought_n upon_o the_o mind_n but_o make_v it_o rather_o to_o choose_v its_o own_o employment_n upon_o consideration_n and_o advice_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o reason_n how_o much_o folly_n and_o sin_n will_v such_o a_o course_n prevent_v and_o it_o high_o become_v and_o concern_v we_o to_o give_v this_o as_o absolute_a a_o dominion_n in_o we_o as_o we_o can_v that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v clog_v or_o bias_v by_o particular_a temper_n or_o constitution_n the_o obedience_n to_o temper_v be_v a_o most_o effectual_a hindrance_n both_o of_o wisdom_n and_o religion_n no_o man_n can_v govern_v himself_o well_o that_o do_v not_o set_v his_o reason_n above_o his_o constitution_n and_o make_v his_o temper_n subject_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o and_o of_o religion_n i_o confess_v that_o in_o some_o case_n some_o severity_n towards_o the_o body_n may_v be_v necessary_a to_o this_o purpose_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n may_v be_v requisite_a to_o the_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o this_o but_o let_v we_o observe_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o this_o case_n if_o thy_o right_a hand_n say_v he_o offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o for_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n maim_v than_o have_v two_o hand_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n fire_n we_o be_v better_o wrong_v the_o flesh_n if_o that_o must_v be_v than_o to_o endanger_v the_o spirit_n and_o a_o little_a hurt_n the_o body_n than_o damn_v the_o soul_n to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o this_o state_n of_o the_o body_n absolute_a and_o complete_a subjection_n to_o the_o mind_n be_v of_o so_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n as_o that_o it_o be_v worth_a all_o that_o it_o can_v cost_v we_o for_o so_o we_o shall_v become_v free_a and_o easy_a in_o all_o our_o action_n we_o shall_v possess_v and_o enjoy_v our_o own_o soul_n we_o shall_v will_v to_o do_v what_o we_o shall_v and_o shall_v do_v it_o the_o more_o ready_o and_o do_v it_o the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o perfect_o thus_o shall_v a_o man_n have_v the_o great_a comfort_n in_o his_o action_n he_o shall_v exercise_v the_o bright_a virtue_n and_o obtain_v by_o they_o the_o more_o praise_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man._n let_v we_o prefer_v our_o soul_n above_o our_o body_n and_o chief_o mind_v the_o interest_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o body_n stand_v by_o when_o they_o come_v into_o competition_n with_o those_o of_o the_o soul_n we_o shall_v govern_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o far_o as_o this_o can_v be_v do_v with_o a_o chief_a regard_n of_o these_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o fit_a and_o due_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o govern_v ourselves_o so_o in_o what_o we_o choose_v to_o love_v or_o hate_n in_o what_o we_o pursue_v or_o avoid_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o grand_a business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o promote_v the_o advantage_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n 3._o let_v we_o be_v great_o ambitious_a of_o those_o divine_a and_o high_a qualification_n that_o we_o have_v be_v make_v capable_a to_o possess_v since_o we_o may_v be_v wise_a and_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a faithful_a and_o prudent_a let_v we_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o be_v so_o to_o be_v endow_v with_o these_o virtue_n be_v to_o put_v on_o the_o great_a excellency_n and_o worth_n the_o scripture_n very_o just_o say_v the_o righteous_a be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n these_o virtue_n in_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o become_a ornament_n these_o make_v the_o bright_a and_o most_o last_a beauty_n such_o as_o angel_n love_v and_o god_n himself_o take_v delight_n in_o these_o will_v increase_v and_o not_o fade_v or_o decay_v with_o time_n and_o will_v last_v to_o eternity_n these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o most_o useful_a riches_n they_o do_v in_o a_o sense_n deliver_v the_o soul_n from_o hell_n and_o entitle_v it_o to_o everlasting_a blessedness_n these_o be_v not_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o be_v such_o a_o sure_a and_o durable_a possession_n as_o moth_n and_o rust_n can_v corrupt_v nor_o can_v thief_n break_v through_o to_o and_o steal_v they_o these_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o in_o good_a work_n do_v lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o these_o virtue_n we_o be_v also_o capable_a of_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o contrary_a vice_n and_o that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a we_o must_v needs_o be_v vicious_a and_o impious_a he_o that_o be_v not_o just_a and_o true_a in_o his_o deal_n must_v be_v unjust_a and_o perfidious_a he_o that_o be_v not_o merciful_a and_o good_a must_v be_v hard-hearted_a and_o cruel_a and_o as_o we_o be_v acceptable_a and_o lovely_a to_o god_n by_o those_o virtue_n in_o we_o so_o we_o be_v odious_a and_o detestable_a with_o these_o vice_n the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o he_o love_v he_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n the_o pure_a angel_n abhor_v sinner_n and_o do_v not_o care_v to_o be_v near_o they_o to_o see_v what_o be_v so_o odious_a and_o offensive_a as_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v to_o they_o as_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n do_v exalt_v and_o honour_n and_o become_v we_o so_o do_v
wickedness_n and_o impiety_n debase_v and_o disparage_v we_o these_o latter_a deform_v we_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o so_o make_v we_o true_o more_o vile_a than_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v so_o much_o reason_n be_v there_o that_o we_o earnest_o endeavour_v then_o to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o piety_n and_o virtue_n 4._o and_o last_o the_o excellency_n and_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n shall_v make_v we_o great_o concern_v to_o secure_v and_o attain_v for_o they_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n since_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o one_o we_o shall_v not_o rest_v till_o we_o have_v some_o good_a assurance_n of_o it_o it_o will_v become_v we_o and_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v we_o shall_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a let_v every_o man_n then_o take_v it_o into_o his_o most_o deliberate_a thought_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o he_o to_o all_o eternity_n let_v this_o be_v a_o great_a concern_v with_o we_o all_o when_o this_o frail_a tabernacle_n of_o my_o body_n shall_v be_v take_v down_o in_o which_o my_o soul_n now_o dwell_v where_o then_o shall_v my_o poor_a banish_a soul_n abide_v where_o oh_o where_o shall_v that_o be_v then_o dispose_v of_o to_o what_o company_n shall_v i_o go_v for_o i_o can_v be_v happy_a alone_o and_o what_o good_a thing_n shall_v i_o then_o enjoy_v for_o i_o have_v not_o a_o selfsufficiency_n within_o i_o i_o be_o tell_v and_o assure_v of_o two_o very_a different_a state_n after_o this_o life_n the_o one_o of_o perfect_a happiness_n and_o the_o other_o of_o perfect_a misery_n to_o which_o of_o these_o two_o state_n be_o i_o likely_a to_o be_v doom_v since_o i_o be_o immortal_a and_o must_v abide_v forever_o in_o that_o i_o be_o send_v to_o it_o great_o concern_v i_o to_o know_v which_o of_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o one_o be_v design_v for_o good_a man_n and_o the_o other_o for_o the_o bad_a which_o be_v it_o then_o of_o these_o two_o character_n that_o i_o bear_v since_o the_o course_n of_o my_o life_n have_v a_o certain_a tendency_n towards_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o and_o i_o shall_v fare_v hereafter_o according_a as_o i_o have_v live_v here_o let_v i_o consider_v well_o what_o a_o course_n i_o take_v be_o i_o sit_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o kind_n and_o love_a world_n above_o if_o i_o harbour_v any_o malice_n or_o envy_n or_o hatred_n in_o my_o heart_n be_o i_o fit_a for_o the_o pure_a mansion_n of_o heaven_n if_o i_o live_v in_o sensual_a and_o brutish_a sin_n be_o i_o fit_a to_o live_v with_o those_o who_o be_v all_o faithful_a and_o true_a with_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n if_o i_o be_o deceitful_a and_o unjust_a and_o have_v rather_o be_v cunning_a than_o sincere_a be_o i_o fit_a to_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o those_o that_o reverence_n and_o adore_v he_o if_o i_o be_o habitual_o profane_a and_o accustom_v to_o despise_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a and_o to_o abuse_v the_o awful_a name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a oath_n and_o perjury_n be_o i_o sit_v to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o to_o be_v happy_a out_o of_o it_o if_o my_o heart_n be_v so_o set_v upon_o it_o that_o i_o can_v love_v i_o can_v relish_v and_o delight_n in_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v of_o this_o world_n if_o this_o be_v my_o condition_n and_o this_o have_v be_v my_o course_n of_o life_n certain_o this_o will_v not_o bring_v i_o to_o heaven_n if_o a_o man_n find_v then_o that_o it_o have_v be_v thus_o with_o he_o he_o shall_v resolve_v to_o stop_v and_o divert_v his_o course_n since_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n we_o must_v follow_v after_o holiness_n we_o must_v follow_v after_o these_o divine_a qualification_n that_o have_v be_v mention_v as_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n we_o must_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o course_n of_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n we_o must_v repent_v of_o our_o past_a sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v blot_v out_o we_o must_v purify_v ourselves_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a blessed_n say_v our_o saviour_n be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n we_o must_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o present_v ourselves_o and_o our_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n hope_v for_o acceptance_n through_o he_o and_o for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o only_o for_o his_o sake_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o we_o must_v either_o dwell_v with_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n in_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o bliss_n or_o be_v doom_v to_o the_o prison_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o confine_v to_o dwell_v with_o enrage_a and_o wicked_a and_o spiteful_a companion_n if_o we_o must_v not_o dwell_v in_o the_o region_n of_o light_n we_o shall_v be_v dismiss_v to_o the_o gloomy_a cave_n of_o everlasting_a darkness_n if_o we_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o joy_n and_o hymn_n and_o praise_n of_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o the_o howl_n and_o discord_n and_o torment_n of_o hell_n and_o there_o bear_v a_o sad_a part_n ourselves_o in_o those_o everlasting_a sorrow_n there_o be_v no_o middle_a state_n but_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o will_v be_v our_o everlasting_a and_o unalterable_a portion_n life_n and_o death_n be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o we_o have_v leave_v to_o choose_v between_o they_o but_o it_o be_v so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o choose_v life_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o refuse_v death_n if_o we_o do_v not_o choose_v life_n and_o happiness_n and_o earnest_o and_o steady_o engage_v in_o the_o course_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o we_o must_v fall_v into_o the_o other_o destruction_n and_o misery_n will_v come_v of_o themselves_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v say_v the_o apostle_n if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o we_o must_v determine_v our_o choice_n between_o these_o two_o thing_n while_o our_o present_a life_n last_v not_o a_o moment_n more_o will_v be_v allow_v we_o to_o do_v it_o in_o and_o this_o life_n be_v of_o uncertain_a duration_n and_o most_o certain_o be_v hasten_v away_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o therefore_o to_o hasten_v our_o choice_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o be_v very_o constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n when_o we_o have_v choose_v that_o the_o prayer_n oeternal_a and_o almighty_a god_n before_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o or_o ever_o thou_o have_v form_v the_o earth_n or_o the_o world_n even_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n thy_o duration_n be_v without_o beginning_n or_o end_n and_o thou_o be_v the_o author_n and_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n beside_o thyself_o it_o be_v thou_o o_o lord_n that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o thou_o have_v send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n to_o enjoy_v it_o a_o while_n to_o study_v and_o see_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n about_o we_o to_o praise_v thou_o for_o their_o excellency_n and_o goodness_n to_o love_v thou_o for_o they_o and_o more_o than_o they_o as_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o that_o goodness_n which_o be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v among_o they_o and_o thou_o have_v make_v we_o for_o the_o high_a and_o noble_a happiness_n of_o enjoy_v thyself_o o_o lord_n how_o great_a and_o good_a thing_n have_v thou_o design_v we_o for_o and_o how_o low_a and_o mean_a thing_n do_v we_o consine_n ourselves_o to_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o think_v how_o seldom_o we_o think_v of_o thou_o we_o use_v thy_o creature_n and_o thy_o gift_n and_o forget_v thyself_o we_o be_v charm_v and_o detain_v with_o that_o little_a goodness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o neglect_v that_o infinite_a abundance_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o we_o common_o make_v but_o a_o low_a animal_n use_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n consider_v in_o they_o only_o their_o suitableness_n to_o the_o appetite_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o body_n and_o value_v and_o delight_v in_o they_o only_o for_o that_o and_o so_o they_o do_v not_o raise_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o thou_o and_o thus_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o we_o seek_v none_o but_o these_o thing_n we_o live_v as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o make_v capable_a of_o better_a we_o seek_v our_o happiness_n where_o it_o be_v not_o and_o neglect_v it_o where_o it_o be_v
as_o idleness_n and_o that_o do_v and_o must_v needs_o dwell_v together_o if_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o accomplishment_n in_o the_o proper_a season_n for_o it_o that_o be_v on_o the_o lords-day_n and_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o business_n and_o necessary_a refreshment_n on_o other_o day_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o this_o endeavour_n after_o such_o knowledge_n a_o good_a employment_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o long_o keep_v from_o idle_a and_o vain_a thought_n and_o then_o when_o a_o man_n do_v know_v much_o especial_o of_o sacred_a thing_n his_o mind_n will_v not_o want_v good_a and_o useful_a object_n to_o entertain_v its_o self_n with_o at_o any_o time_n when_o he_o be_v at_o leisure_n for_o think_v he_o need_v not_o at_o any_o time_n be_v idle_a but_o may_v be_v meditate_v on_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o good_a live_n he_o may_v be_v apply_v they_o to_o his_o action_n and_o examine_v and_o regulate_v his_o course_n of_o life_n encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o good_a he_o find_v and_o rebuke_v himself_o for_o his_o error_n he_o may_v be_v very_o profitable_o meditate_v on_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o thereby_o raise_v in_o himself_o all_o those_o pious_a and_o devout_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o suitable_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o perfection_n he_o may_v be_v often_o think_v of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v to_o which_o all_o mankind_n be_v hasten_v and_o send_v his_o thought_n before_o he_o into_o eternity_n and_o muse_v upon_o those_o two_o different_a state_n which_o will_v hereafter_o divide_v all_o mankind_n between_o they_o and_o in_o one_o or_o other_o of_o which_o we_o must_v have_v our_o long_a abode_n even_o to_o all_o eternity_n these_o be_v thought_n very_o fit_a to_o make_v the_o mind_n wise_a and_o serious_a and_o to_o cure_v the_o levity_n of_o it_o and_o be_v certain_o very_o good_a and_o profitable_a employment_n for_o it_o when_o no_o duty_n require_v it_o attendance_n but_o he_o that_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o subject_n worthy_a of_o his_o thought_n will_v still_o think_v too_o and_o then_o he_o must_v needs_o think_v for_o the_o most_o part_n very_o idle_o and_o vain_a his_o thought_n will_v seldom_o be_v employ_v about_o that_o which_o be_v his_o duty_n nor_o will_v they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v dispose_v or_o lead_v he_o to_o it_o 3._o we_o shall_v accustom_v ourselves_o frequent_o to_o review_v and_o reflect_v upon_o our_o thought_n to_o think_v what_o we_o have_v be_v think_v upon_o and_o in_o what_o strain_n and_o way_n our_o thought_n have_v be_v employ_v let_v we_o endeavour_v always_o to_o know_v what_o pass_v within_o we_o what_o we_o do_v with_o our_o own_o mind_n how_o we_o employ_v their_o noble_a power_n and_o commune_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o the_o psalmist_n advise_v if_o we_o often_o do_v thus_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o we_o can_v be_v long_o idle_a but_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o so_o and_o so_o may_v rectify_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v apprehend_v our_o wander_n and_o may_v prevent_v our_o wild_a imagination_n from_o pollute_v we_o with_o evil_a thought_n and_o such_o as_o will_v actuate_v and_o cherish_v evil_a inclination_n and_o without_o this_o frequent_a reflection_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o we_o shall_v be_v often_o draw_v away_o beside_o if_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o call_v ourselves_o thus_o to_o account_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o reverence_v ourselves_o as_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v we_o shall_v become_v desirous_a to_o be_v always_o able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n to_o our_o own_o conscience_n of_o the_o employment_n of_o our_o thought_n we_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o a_o wholesome_a shame_n for_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o vagary_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n we_o shall_v easy_o cure_v and_o prevent_v the_o vanity_n of_o they_o 4._o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o good_a and_o pious_a ejaculation_n our_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o obligation_n to_o he_o every_o moment_n and_o our_o constant_a danger_n and_o proneness_n to_o fall_v into_o sin_n do_v great_o require_v this_o and_o without_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o special_a usefulness_n to_o cure_v the_o vanity_n and_o levity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o make_v it_o always_o serious_a and_o wise_a and_o direct_v to_o its_o main_a end_n the_o glorify_v of_o god_n that_o which_o i_o mean_v by_o it_o be_v this_o let_v we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o make_v little_a short_a address_n to_o god_n upon_o all_o occasion_n that_o occur_v to_o we_o to_o which_o purpose_n the_o holy_a scripture_n afford_v we_o a_o abundant_a supply_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o awake_v in_o the_o morning_n to_o say_v i_o lay_v i_o down_o and_o sleep_v i_o awake_v for_o the_o lord_n sustain_v i_o when_o the_o light_n of_o the_o day_n come_v the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_n when_o a_o man_n go_v forth_o about_o his_o business_n hold_v up_o my_o go_n in_o thy_o path_n that_o my_o footstep_n slip_v not_o when_o we_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o man_n fault_n and_o sin_n lead_v i_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v i_o from_o evil_n when_o we_o see_v child_n one_o generation_n shall_v praise_v thy_o name_n unto_o another_o and_o shall_v declare_v thy_o mighty_a acts._n thus_o we_o shall_v well_o employ_v our_o mind_n and_o beside_o thus_o we_o may_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o we_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v and_o so_o be_v possess_v with_o such_o a_o constant_a reverence_n of_o the_o almighty_a as_o shall_v make_v we_o careful_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o prevent_v this_o idleness_n of_o thought_n and_o all_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o which_o grace_n that_o may_v obtain_v let_v we_o earnest_o seek_v it_o of_o almighty_a god_n and_o join_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o this_o mean_n with_o all_o the_o other_o the_o prayer_n o_o lord_n the_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o father_n of_o spirit_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o of_o man_n and_o from_o who_o no_o secret_n be_v hide_v thou_o o_o lord_n we_o believe_v know_v we_o altogether_o and_o thou_o see_v our_o thought_n even_o afar_o off_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o think_v how_o much_o vanity_n and_o folly_n and_o sin_n thou_o have_v see_v within_o we_o how_o little_a our_o mind_n have_v attend_v and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o the_o main_a end_n of_o our_o being_n the_o live_n to_o thy_o honour_n and_o glory_n how_o seldom_o this_o come_v into_o our_o thought_n what_o we_o be_v make_v for_o what_o the_o creator_n just_o expect_v from_o we_o hence_o be_v our_o mind_n so_o often_o engage_v in_o that_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o and_o that_o which_o will_v not_o at_o all_o profit_n we_o and_o so_o often_o employ_v in_o gratify_v and_o exercise_v inward_o some_o sinful_a and_o foolish_a inclination_n while_o we_o neglect_v to_o set_v our_o mind_n to_o that_o good_a employment_n which_o our_o business_n and_o duty_n give_v we_o our_o adversary_n the_o devil_n or_o our_o sinful_a inclination_n or_o the_o evil_a company_n of_o the_o world_n find_v they_o very_o ill_a employment_n and_o from_o hence_o do_v our_o life_n and_o action_n wretched_o and_o shameful_o wander_v from_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o excellent_a commandment_n thus_o we_o do_v instead_o of_o serve_v thou_o in_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n most_o unjust_o and_o unworthy_o sin_n against_o thou_o in_o all_o we_o ought_v to_o meditate_v on_o thy_o law_n day_n and_o night_n that_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n to_o study_v thy_o law_n and_o learn_v thy_o statute_n but_o we_o have_v be_v those_o that_o care_v not_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v thy_o path_n this_o our_o way_n o_o lord_n be_v our_o folly_n we_o condemn_v we_o abhor_v ourselves_o for_o it_o and_o own_o ourselves_o obnoxious_a to_o thy_o wrath_n and_o deserve_v that_o thou_o shall_v reject_v we_o from_o thy_o care_n but_o since_o thy_o goodness_n have_v yet_o be_v mindful_a of_o we_o even_o while_o we_o forget_v thou_o we_o hope_v thy_o mercy_n will_v receive_v we_o when_o we_o return_v unto_o thou_o our_o hope_n be_v in_o thy_o word_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n belong_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n though_o we_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o forgive_v we_o then_o o_o lord_n we_o pray_v thou_o all_o our_o transgression_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o great_a propitiation_n and_o atonement_n which_o be_v make_v for_o we_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o thy_o son_n our_o only_a saviour_n for_o his_o sake_n look_v merciful_o upon_o our_o infirmity_n and_o heal_v
they_o vouchsafe_v to_o direct_v sanctify_v and_o govern_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o body_n in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o in_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o commandment_n cleanse_v thou_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v sincere_o love_v thou_o and_o due_o magnify_v thy_o holy_a name_n true_o serve_v thou_o with_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o be_v thou_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o write_v all_o thy_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o beseech_v thou_o enlighten_v our_o darkness_n cure_v our_o ignorance_n with_o all_o necessary_a knowledge_n of_o thou_o and_o of_o thy_o christ_n change_v our_o will_n and_o turn_v the_o bias_n of_o they_o from_o this_o world_n towards_o thyself_o from_o empty_a and_o vain_a good_n to_o full_a and_o substantial_a one_o from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o mind_n make_v we_o more_o indifferent_a about_o our_o outward_a circumstance_n and_o more_o concern_v about_o the_o inward_a state_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o account_v it_o our_o great_a felicity_n to_o do_v well_o to_o please_v thou_o and_o approve_v ourselves_o unto_o thou_o make_v our_o vain_a and_o light_a mind_n serious_a and_o wise_a furnish_v we_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o thy_o good_a spirit_n for_o every_o good_a work_n for_o thou_o alone_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n it_o be_v by_o thou_o alone_o o_o lord_n that_o we_o can_v be_v enable_v to_o please_v thou_o we_o alas_o be_v not_o able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n help_v we_o to_o set_v thou_o always_o before_o we_o in_o the_o frequent_a thought_n of_o thou_o and_o a_o habitual_a reverence_n and_o fear_v of_o thou_o that_o a_o sense_n of_o thy_o continual_a presence_n and_o observance_n may_v restrain_v we_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o encourage_v and_o quicken_v we_o to_o mind_n and_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o humble_o implore_v thy_o mercy_n upon_o all_o man_n convert_v unto_o thyself_o all_o jew_n turk_n and_o heathen_n bring_v they_o from_o their_o several_a way_n of_o vanity_n to_o know_v and_o worship_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n by_o jesus_n the_o true_a christ_n and_o mediator_n give_v the_o heathen_a for_o a_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o a_o possession_n to_o thy_o well-beloved_a son_n give_v unto_o thy_o church_n all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o it_o to_o amend_v and_o purge_v away_o what_o be_v amiss_o and_o to_o supply_v what_o be_v defective_a in_o it_o and_o to_o make_v it_o fruitful_a in_o all_o good_a work_n and_o that_o all_o who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o christian_n may_v have_v their_o conversation_n such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n bless_v we_o pray_v thou_o and_o defend_v these_o nation_n in_o which_o we_o live_v bless_v we_o with_o a_o continuance_n of_o wise_a and_o kind_a and_o righteous_a governor_n and_o of_o loyal_a peaceable_a and_o obedient_a subject_n give_v peace_n in_o our_o day_n we_o humble_o beseech_v thou_o for_o there_o be_v none_o we_o rely_v upon_o to_o fight_v for_o we_o but_o only_o thou_o o_o god_n establish_v truth_n among_o we_o for_o all_o generation_n bring_v into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n all_o such_o as_o have_v err_v and_o be_v deceive_v remember_v in_o mercy_n all_o that_o be_v dear_a and_o relate_v to_o we_o give_v they_o thing_n necessary_a for_o life_n and_o godliness_n guide_v they_o o_o lord_n by_o thy_o counsel_n through_o this_o world_n and_o bring_v they_o at_o last_o unto_o thy_o glory_n sanctify_v we_o by_o thy_o word_n which_o have_v be_v this_o day_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o promote_v in_o we_o thereby_o all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n of_o live_v forgive_v the_o wander_a of_o our_o mind_n in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o thou_o and_o all_o other_o defect_n in_o our_o duty_n and_o comfort_v we_o with_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n be_v thou_o our_o gracious_a protector_n this_o night_n for_o in_o thou_o alone_o do_v we_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o if_o it_o please_v thou_o to_o allow_v another_o day_n and_o yet_o a_o long_a time_n on_o earth_n grant_v that_o it_o may_v be_v spend_v in_o thy_o fear_n and_o in_o a_o diligent_a and_o unwearied_a application_n to_o all_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n this_o we_o humble_o ask_v and_o whatever_o thou_o see_v to_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o we_o commit_v and_o resign_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o thy_o conduct_n and_o disposal_n and_o hope_v in_o thy_o mercy_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o desire_v to_o ascribe_v all_o praise_n and_o glory_n and_o domihion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n of_o true_a happiness_n wherein_o it_o lie_v demonstrate_v let_v we_o pray_v prevent_v we_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o our_o do_n with_o thy_o most_o gracious_a favour_n and_o further_o we_o with_o thy_o continual_a help_n that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o thou_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n and_o final_o by_o thy_o mercy_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o psalm_n 4._o 6_o 7._o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n more_o than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o their_o wine_n increase_v it_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o common_a desire_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v happy_a and_o be_v the_o end_n which_o they_o aim_v at_o and_o propose_v to_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a pursuit_n and_o endeavour_n but_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v here_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o good_a the_o many_o the_o most_o of_o man_n be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v not_o know_v where_o their_o true_a happiness_n lie_v nor_o in_o what_o course_n or_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o their_o uncertainty_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v represent_v by_o these_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o be_v too_o evident_o see_v in_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n the_o human_a nature_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o mankind_n we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o reasonable_a immortal_a soul_n we_o have_v all_o the_o same_o capacity_n and_o our_o happiness_n right_o and_o true_o consider_v must_v be_v to_o all_o the_o same_o the_o same_o object_n must_v make_v all_o man_n happy_a and_o they_o must_v obtain_v that_o in_o the_o same_o way_n but_o alas_o how_o be_v the_o world_n distract_v and_o divide_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o happiness_n some_o of_o they_o run_v one_o way_n after_o it_o and_o some_o another_o and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o neglect_v and_o divert_v from_o the_o true_a object_n with_o some_o there_o be_v no_o felicity_n like_o the_o heap_v up_o of_o wealth_n like_o the_o sight_n of_o full_a bag_n or_o great_a purchase_n and_o they_o delight_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o gainful_a bargain_n with_o other_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o pleasant_a as_o to_o spend_v and_o they_o delight_v in_o this_o as_o much_o as_o the_o other_o do_v in_o get_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n be_v their_o belove_a felicity_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v with_o other_o there_o be_v no_o heaven_n like_o honour_n and_o command_n the_o have_a authority_n and_o power_n among_o man_n the_o be_v court_v and_o seek_v to_o respect_v and_o obey_v with_o some_o how_o great_a a_o felicity_n be_v it_o to_o be_v fine_a and_o to_o have_v all_o thing_n about_o they_o so_o to_o have_v themselves_o their_o house_n their_o entertainment_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o they_o gaudy_a and_o pompous_a and_o much_o adorn_v thus_o be_v mankind_n disperse_v thus_o they_o wander_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o happiness_n and_o thus_o the_o many_o be_v take_v up_o and_o employ_v in_o this_o great_a concern_v have_v express_v the_o uncertainty_n and_o intimate_v the_o wander_a of_o the_o generality_n in_o this_o affair_n the_o psalmist_n next_o express_v what_o he_o seek_v as_o the_o object_n of_o happiness_n in_o these_o word_n lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v lord_n let_v we_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o thy_o favour_n regard_v we_o with_o kindness_n and_o love_n let_v we_o enjoy_v the_o exercise_n and_o benefit_n of_o thy_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o mercy_n it_o may_v be_v show_v you_o by_o the_o use_n of_o this_o phrase_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o when_o he_o have_v make_v this_o request_n he_o add_v
show_v mercy_n to_o all_o mankind_n pour_v out_o thy_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o and_o seek_v thou_o and_o find_v and_o praise_v thou_o and_o rejoice_v in_o thy_o abundant_a goodness_n let_v thy_o continual_a pity_n cleanse_v and_o defend_v thy_o church_n lord_n look_v down_o in_o mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o bless_v we_o that_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v fear_v thou_o we_o pray_v thou_o do_v good_a to_o these_o nation_n in_o which_o we_o live_v according_a thy_o infinite_a sufficiency_n and_o our_o necessity_n oh_o let_v not_o our_o iniquity_n withhold_v good_a thing_n from_o we_o but_o according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a compassion_n blot_v out_o all_o our_o transgression_n bless_v our_o gracious_a king_n and_o queen_n and_o make_v the_o one_o a_o nurse_n father_n and_o the_o other_o a_o nurse_n mother_n to_o that_o part_n of_o thy_o church_n which_o thou_o have_v plant_v among_o we_o and_o let_v their_o good_a influence_n extend_v further_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o make_v they_o the_o honourable_a instrument_n of_o establish_v peace_n and_o truth_n not_o only_o in_o these_o but_o also_o in_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o great_a name_n bless_v all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n among_o we_o and_o make_v they_o to_o live_v to_o thy_o glory_n to_o be_v conformable_a and_o obedient_a to_o our_o governor_n and_o useful_a peaceable_a righteous_a and_o charitable_a one_o towards_o another_o in_o their_o several_a station_n we_o humble_o pray_v for_o all_o friend_n relation_n benefactor_n bless_v and_o preserve_v they_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o conduct_v they_o to_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n let_v this_o day_n oh_o lord_n be_v happy_a to_o we_o in_o the_o fruitful_a and_o effectual_a influence_n of_o thy_o ordinance_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n let_v we_o not_o be_v forgetful_a hearer_n but_o be_v doer_n of_o thy_o word_n that_o we_o may_v be_v blessed_v in_o our_o deed._n grant_v we_o to_o lie_v down_o in_o peace_n this_o night_n to_o rest_v in_o safety_n and_o be_v thou_o o_o god_n our_o portion_n and_o refuge_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n and_o hereafter_o our_o exceed_a great_a reward_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o name_n and_o word_n we_o further_o present_v our_o request_n unto_o thou_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n hallow_v be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n and_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a amen_n the_o heavenly_a mind_n describe_v and_o urge_v let_v we_o pray_v prevent_v we_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o our_o do_n with_o thy_o most_o gracious_a favour_n and_o further_o we_o with_o thy_o continual_a help_n that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o thou_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n and_o final_o by_o thy_o mercy_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o colos_n 3._o 2._o set_a your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n how_o well_o do_v the_o bounteous_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n contrive_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n for_o the_o make_v he_o exceed_o happy_a he_o put_v into_o our_o constitution_n a_o immortal_a spirit_n join_v to_o a_o live_n and_o sensible_a body_n and_o so_o he_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o delight_n of_o both_o world_n the_o spiritual_a and_o the_o material_a by_o our_o soul_n we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v and_o delight_n in_o spiritual_a object_n and_o their_o property_n and_o quality_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o rational_a spiritual_a delight_n in_o sensible_a object_n and_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v and_o delight_n in_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o infinite_a eternal_a perfection_n and_o by_o our_o body_n which_o be_v ally_v to_o this_o world_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o sensual_a delight_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o enjoy_v and_o please_v ourselves_o with_o the_o property_n virtue_n and_o quality_n belong_v to_o material_a thing_n so_o bounteous_a and_o kind_a be_v the_o creator_n to_o man_n in_o the_o form_n of_o he_o but_o alas_o man_n have_v not_o be_v kind_a to_o himself_o he_o do_v not_o remain_v long_o in_o the_o happy_a state_n which_o he_o be_v first_o set_v in_o but_o by_o follow_v too_o much_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o sense_n he_o lose_v all_o the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o his_o mind_n by_o eat_v the_o forbid_v fruit_n he_o sin_v against_o god_n lose_v his_o favour_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o become_v alienate_v from_o god_n and_o his_o mind_n become_v subject_a to_o the_o shameful_a disease_n of_o sensuality_n a_o low_a and_o sordid_a propensity_n to_o earthly_a thing_n do_v from_o henceforth_o possess_v he_o and_o a_o wretched_a incapacity_n and_o averseness_n towards_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o be_v condemn_v to_o enjoy_v only_o the_o low_a and_o weak_a and_o the_o least_o part_n of_o our_o happiness_n to_o gnaw_v as_o it_o be_v on_o the_o shell_n of_o pleasure_n and_o enjoy_v no_o more_o than_o the_o brute_n beast_n do_v we_o follow_v the_o unhappy_a fall_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v amuse_n and_o entertain_v ourselves_o only_o with_o the_o poor_a object_n of_o sense_n utter_o forget_v and_o neglect_v our_o high_a capacity_n and_o our_o true_a happiness_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o to_o recover_v we_o from_o this_o shameful_a and_o deadly_a fall_n to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o this_o our_o wretched_a attachment_n to_o this_o world_n and_o turn_v we_o from_o a_o false_a happiness_n to_o a_o true_a one_o the_o scope_n and_o aim_n of_o all_o its_o doctrine_n precept_n promise_n threaten_n motive_n and_o assistance_n be_v this_o to_o make_v we_o true_o happy_a and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o what_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v to_o in_o say_v set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n by_o thing_n above_o he_o mean_v those_o very_a thing_n which_o be_v recommend_v to_o you_o by_o the_o discourse_n immediate_o forego_v this_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o the_o true_a object_n of_o our_o happiness_n he_o mean_v god_n himself_o who_o be_v our_o chief_a good_a and_o the_o expression_n and_o exercise_n of_o his_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o love_n he_o meâ—â—â—_n the_o grace_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v 〈◊〉_d the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o perfect_a and_o adorn_v and_o compose_v the_o mind_n he_o mean_v the_o everlasting_a blessedness_n which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o happiness_n and_o joy_n of_o heaven_n by_o advise_v to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o those_o thing_n he_o mean_v they_o shall_v be_v much_o the_o object_n of_o our_o mind_n he_o intend_v the_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n to_o they_o and_o the_o employ_v of_o all_o our_o power_n about_o they_o the_o original_a word_n which_o we_o render_v here_o set_v your_o affection_n have_v this_o large_a import_n and_o signification_n and_o may_v be_v render_v mind_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o let_v your_o judgement_n esteem_v they_o your_o will_n choose_v and_o your_o affection_n follow_v they_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v rather_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n to_o express_v thus_o when_o it_o only_o intend_v to_o prefer_v the_o former_a thing_n it_o speak_v of_o before_o the_o latter_a so_o in_o hos_n 6._o 6._o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n say_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v rather_o than_o sacrifice_n he_o intend_v to_o express_v god_n preference_n of_o mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n here_o then_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v a_o hebrew_n of_o hebrew_n speak_v after_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o own_o language_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o mean_v set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o rather_o than_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n mind_v those_o thing_n most_o let_v they_o have_v the_o preference_n with_o you_o he_o do_v not_o forbid_v nor_o do_v our_o religion_n forbid_v the_o moderate_a seek_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v unsensible_a of_o their_o goodness_n to_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o they_o nor_o absolute_o and_o whole_o to_o refuse_v or_o reject_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a in_o their_o kind_a and_o
degree_n and_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a state_n and_o we_o may_v enjoy_v they_o with_o delight_n and_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o they_o but_o still_o we_o must_v prefer_v the_o thing_n above_o to_o these_o below_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o material_a the_o better_a and_o noble_a thing_n to_o those_o that_o be_v worse_o and_o of_o a_o mean_a nature_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o business_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o god_n assistance_n to_o explain_v or_o express_v to_o you_o more_o large_o and_o particular_o the_o import_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n here_o and_o then_o to_o urge_v our_o obedience_n to_o it_o with_o a_o few_o proper_a motive_n and_o thus_o will_v this_o discourse_n as_o it_o be_v intend_v be_v very_o applicatory_a of_o that_o which_o go_v before_o it_o explication_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o mind_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o thing_n above_o with_o how_o much_o concern_v and_o care_v we_o shall_v seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o matchless_a blessing_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o therein_o this_o i_o shall_v represent_v to_o you_o under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o thing_n above_o must_v have_v the_o preference_n of_o our_o judgement_n we_o must_v esteem_v and_o value_v they_o before_o all_o other_o 2._o they_o must_v have_v the_o preference_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n we_o must_v choose_v and_o love_v they_o desire_n and_o delight_n in_o they_o more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o 3._o they_o must_v have_v the_o preference_n of_o our_o action_n and_o course_n of_o life_n we_o shall_v seek_v and_o pursue_v they_o more_o than_o all_o other_o thing_n i_o shall_v particular_o insist_v and_o enlarge_v my_o discourse_n upon_o each_o of_o these_o several_o for_o the_o better_a illustration_n of_o they_o 1._o those_o thing_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o preference_n of_o our_o judgement_n we_o shall_v esteem_v and_o value_v they_o as_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o must_v account_v god_n our_o chief_a good_a and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o his_o love_n the_o high_a felicity_n this_o shall_v be_v the_o settle_a and_o fix_a judgement_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o conclusion_n deliberate_o and_o firm_o make_v the_o apostle_n who_o give_v this_o direction_n in_o our_o present_a text_n express_v thus_o concern_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v phil._n 3._o 8._o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o that_o be_v that_o i_o may_v through_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o peculiar_a love_n this_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n and_o state_n of_o all_o good_a and_o rectify_a soul_n thy_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n say_v david_n psal_n 63._o 3._o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v thy_o commandment_n than_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o hony-comb_n psal_n 19_o this_o preference_n and_o esteem_n of_o thing_n above_o be_v several_a time_n express_v by_o solomon_n in_o the_o word_n which_o he_o put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o holy_a soul_n in_o his_o book_n of_o canticle_n in_o chap._n 1._o verse_n 2._o she_o say_v to_o christ_n thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n the_o expression_n and_o exercise_n of_o thy_o favour_n be_v better_a far_o and_o more_o cheer_v and_o refresh_v to_o the_o mind_n than_o the_o rich_a wine_n be_v to_o the_o faint_a and_o thirsty_a body_n again_o she_o say_v chap._n 2._o 3._o as_o the_o apple_n tree_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n so_o be_v my_o belove_a among_o the_o son_n he_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o yea_o she_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n chap._n 5._o 10._o he_o be_v the_o chief_a among_o ten_o thousand_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o expression_n of_o such_o soul_n as_o mind_v the_o thing_n above_o rather_o than_o those_o below_o and_o prefer_v spiritual_a object_n before_o sensual_a god_n must_v have_v the_o ascendant_n in_o our_o soul_n he_o who_o true_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a must_v be_v account_v so_o we_o must_v believe_v he_o the_o centre_n and_o source_n of_o all_o goodness_n the_o fountain_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o give_v away_o from_o himself_o what_o he_o have_v communicate_v to_o they_o but_o be_v still_o a_o inexhaustible_a fullness_n of_o good_a that_o in_o he_o do_v all_o desirable_a fullness_n dwell_v and_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v full_a content_a and_o happiness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n we_o must_v account_v it_o a_o much_o happy_a state_n to_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n above_o than_o the_o thing_n below_o much_o better_a to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o good_a than_o rich_a and_o great_a to_o enjoy_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n than_o the_o esteem_n of_o men._n and_o if_o we_o have_v the_o great_a value_n and_o esteem_v for_o the_o thing_n above_o we_o shall_v value_v all_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o they_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o subserviency_n to_o they_o and_o be_v mean_n of_o attain_v they_o will_v be_v value_v next_o to_o they_o and_o will_v for_o their_o sake_n be_v in_o great_a esteem_n too_o such_o be_v prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n reading_n and_o meditate_v on_o it_o and_o the_o attendance_n upon_o sacrament_n and_o again_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a and_o opposite_a to_o these_o which_o hinder_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o will_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o indifferent_a they_o will_v be_v account_v very_o evil_a thing_n and_o be_v absolute_o reject_v from_o all_o esteem_n with_o we_o such_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n thus_o must_v the_o thing_n above_o have_v the_o preference_n of_o our_o judgement_n 2._o they_o must_v also_o have_v the_o preference_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n we_o must_v choose_v they_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n love_v desire_v and_o delight_v most_o in_o they_o when_o those_o thing_n be_v propose_v describe_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o we_o must_v not_o regard_v they_o with_o indifferent_a and_o careless_a mind_n our_o soul_n must_v be_v move_v towards_o they_o in_o choose_v accept_v and_o desire_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o they_o this_o also_o have_v be_v the_o temper_n of_o good_a soul_n as_o the_o expression_n that_o have_v fall_v from_o such_o do_v abundant_o declare_v the_o holy_a author_n of_o psal_n 73._o say_v to_o god_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o on_o earth_n that_o i_o can_v desire_v beside_o thou_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n say_v cant._n 1._o 2._o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_v of_o his_o mouth_n that_o which_o i_o chief_o desire_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o expression_n of_o thy_o matchless_a love_n and_o in_o verse_n 4._o she_o say_v we_o will_v be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o thou_o we_o will_v remember_v thy_o love_n more_o than_o wine_n if_o we_o can_v enjoy_v thy_o favour_n oh_o jesus_n lover_n of_o soul_n this_o be_v that_o we_o most_o value_n this_o be_v all_o we_o care_v for_o this_o be_v that_o will_v be_v most_o please_v to_o we_o ardent_a desire_n after_o god_n the_o psalmist_n express_v psal_n 42._o 1_o 2._o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brooks_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n if_o we_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o peculiar_a love_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v most_o earnest_o and_o incessant_o desire_v this_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o chief_a subject_n and_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o want_n of_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v and_o madeup_n with_o any_o thing_n else_o let_v 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fair_o into_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v there_o very_o frequent_o urge_v and_o enjoin_v to_o christian_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n our_o lord_n himself_o say_v he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o mat._n 5._o 17._o how_o can_v it_o then_o be_v a_o doubt_n but_o that_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n when_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o that_o be_v he_o come_v not_o to_o take_v away_o the_o force_n and_o obligation_n of_o any_o but_o to_o fulfil_v and_o obey_v they_o himself_o and_o to_o enforce_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o by_o his_o follower_n his_o whole_a sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n contain_v in_o the_o 5_o 6_o and_o seven_o chapter_n of_o matthew_n be_v make_v up_o of_o moral_a instruction_n wherein_o he_o rescue_v these_o from_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o pure_a precept_n themselves_o again_o our_o saviour_n do_v enjoin_v at_o once_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a moral_a law_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o luke_n 10._o it_o be_v say_v ver._n 25._o a_o certain_a lawyer_n stand_v up_o and_o tempt_v he_o say_v master_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n jesus_n answer_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n how_o read_v thou_o he_o answer_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o jesus_n reply_v in_o verse_n 28._o this_o do_v and_o thou_o shall_v live_v intimate_v that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o life_n that_o he_o can_v take_v than_o by_o a_o diligent_a endeavour_n and_o application_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n always_o appoint_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o teach_v or_o procure_v a_o new_a way_n of_o salvation_n he_o therefore_o intimate_v that_o he_o may_v learn_v in_o what_o be_v then_o write_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n jesus_n christ_n come_v not_o to_o alter_v the_o term_n and_o way_n to_o salvation_n which_o have_v be_v appoint_v to_o all_o the_o world_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n but_o only_o to_o teach_v that_o way_n more_o perfect_o further_n the_o apostle_n also_o after_o christ_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n pour_v upon_o they_o do_v urge_v and_o require_v the_o obedience_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n out_o of_o the_o many_o instance_n which_o may_v be_v produce_v from_o every_o one_o of_o 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the_o law_n that_o be_v moral_a st._n james_n also_o in_o the_o 2d_o chap._n to_o his_o epist_n do_v enforce_v and_o urge_v the_o obedience_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n nothing_o less_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o 8_o ver._n if_o you_o fulfil_v the_o royal_a law_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o thou_o shall_v do_v well_o and_o in_o the_o follow_a ver._n he_o further_o urge_v the_o obedience_n to_o this_o general_a precept_n and_o say_v he_o that_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o and_o bring_v his_o discourse_n to_o this_o point_n that_o he_o who_o despise_v his_o poor_a neighbour_n and_o neglect_v work_n of_o mercy_n transgress_v the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o shall_v kill_v or_o commit_v adultery_n which_o thing_n be_v also_o forbid_v still_o as_o he_o there_o intimate_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v unanimous_o urge_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n 2._o another_o thing_n that_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n under_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v this_o that_o even_o the_o gospel_n its_o self_n make_v this_o the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o jesus_n christ_n good_a work_n indeed_o do_v not_o constitute_v a_o justify_v state_n but_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_v it_o as_o they_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o be_v justify_v by_o christ_n we_o be_v certain_o not_o admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o a_o sincere_a engagement_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n or_o without_o a_o solemn_a vow_n and_o promise_v to_o keep_v
state_n with_o a_o loyal_a obedient_a peaceable_a and_o love_a people_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o live_v to_o thy_o glory_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n in_o who_o own_o word_n we_o further_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o great_a duty_n of_o thankfulness_n urge_v and_o direct_v let_v we_o pray_v prevent_v we_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o our_o do_n with_o thy_o most_o gracious_a favour_n and_o further_o we_o with_o thy_o continual_a help_n that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o thou_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n and_o final_o by_o thy_o mercy_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o 1_o thes_n 5._o 18._o in_o every_o thing_n give_v thanks_o there_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a evil_n and_o disorder_n which_o we_o may_v too_o frequent_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o every_o man_n reason_n condemn_v in_o other_o and_o yet_o all_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v often_o guilty_a of_o it_o themselves_o it_o be_v that_o we_o we_o do_v common_o remember_v long_o and_o retain_v a_o very_a deep_a resentment_n of_o a_o injury_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o real_a or_o but_o a_o imagine_a one_o but_o we_o soon_o forget_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v and_o lose_v the_o impression_n of_o they_o thus_o do_v mankind_n often_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o also_o do_v they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o god_n though_o he_o can_v wrong_v or_o injure_v we_o yet_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v he_o do_v so_o when_o he_o do_v in_o any_o thing_n displease_v we_o and_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o as_o if_o he_o do_v we_o murmur_v against_o he_o and_o grow_v discontent_v and_o froward_a be_v ready_a to_o think_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v he_o and_o to_o throw_v off_o our_o duty_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n forget_v his_o benefit_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o we_o have_v many_o time_n through_o desire_n of_o what_o we_o want_v we_o be_v very_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a in_o our_o request_n for_o what_o we_o will_v have_v and_o be_v cold_a in_o our_o thanksgiving_n or_o neglect_v to_o be_v thankful_a at_o all_o when_o we_o have_v obtain_v it_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o fault_n in_o mankind_n repeat_v his_o instruction_n in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_n he_o bid_v we_o take_v care_n to_o join_v with_o all_o our_o prayer_n thanksgiving_n in_o phil._n 4._o 6._o he_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v to_o god_n however_o desirous_a you_o be_v however_o solicitous_a to_o obtain_v what_o you_o want_v of_o god_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v thankful_a for_o what_o you_o have_v again_o in_o this_o chapter_n where_o our_o present_a text_n be_v he_o join_v the_o command_n of_o thanksgiving_n with_o that_o of_o prayer_n the_o 17_o ver._n bid_v we_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o this_o 18_o say_v in_o every_o thing_n give_v thanks_o whatever_o your_o condition_n be_v recommend_v it_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o prayer_n and_o how_o long_o soever_o it_o please_v god_n to_o deny_v or_o delay_v what_o you_o desire_v yet_o continue_v to_o pray_v and_o with_o your_o prayer_n remember_v also_o to_o give_v thanks_o in_o every_o thing_n give_v thanks_o that_o be_v in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n endeavour_v to_o retain_v always_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n to_o praise_v he_o for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o and_o be_v free_a from_o all_o hard_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o undecent_a murmur_n against_o he_o i_o confess_v this_o command_n in_o this_o place_n seem_v to_o be_v chief_o direct_v to_o those_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n by_o the_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o because_o this_o duty_n be_v urge_v more_o general_o elsewhere_o and_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n require_v of_o such_o good_a man_n but_o it_o be_v also_o require_v of_o all_o man_n at_o least_o by_o consequence_n and_o as_o all_o man_n be_v require_v to_o be_v good_a i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v the_o word_n as_o exhort_v to_o a_o universal_a duty_n and_o i_o conclude_v from_o they_o that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o express_v a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n unto_o god_n of_o the_o benefit_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o that_o in_o all_o estate_n and_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o in_o discourse_v upon_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o 2_o thing_n 1._o to_o prove_v that_o every_o man_n have_v reason_n for_o great_a thankfulness_n to_o almighty_a god_n 2._o to_o direct_v the_o right_a expression_n and_o declaration_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o every_o man_n have_v some_o reason_n to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n some_o reason_n to_o praise_n and_o love_v he_o and_o to_o be_v patient_a and_o content_v in_o every_o condition_n and_o this_o i_o think_v will_v evident_o appear_v upon_o the_o make_n good_a the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o all_o man_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n there_o be_v not_o one_o among_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n that_o can_v just_o reckon_v himself_o not_o at_o all_o oblige_v to_o god_n every_o man_n be_v behold_v to_o god_n for_o his_o be_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o continuance_n of_o his_o be_v so_o long_o as_o he_o subsist_v and_o for_o some_o thing_n that_o comfort_v he_o in_o his_o be_v and_o without_o doubt_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o universal_a benefit_n every_o man_n be_v behold_v to_o god_n for_o that_o be_v which_o he_o have_v it_o be_v god_n that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o and_o from_o that_o sort_n of_o be_v which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o be_v we_o engage_v to_o be_v thankful_a we_o be_v make_v but_o little_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n and_o crown_v with_o honour_n and_o dignity_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v of_o all_o man_n psal_n 8._o the_o mean_a man_n be_v next_o in_o dignity_n to_o they_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o creation_n it_o be_v a_o exceed_a honour_n of_o our_o body_n and_o their_o great_a worth_n and_o commendation_n that_o they_o be_v make_v fit_a to_o serve_v and_o entertain_v so_o noble_a a_o guest_n as_o a_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o this_o honour_n the_o most_o deform_a the_o weak_a and_o the_o most_o crazy_a body_n have_v belong_v to_o it_o but_o our_o great_a worth_n and_o dignity_n lie_v in_o the_o soul_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o there_o be_v in_o every_o man_n a_o excellent_a spirit_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o very_o great_a thing_n however_o it_o be_v in_o some_o man_n wretched_o neglect_v and_o depress_v by_o this_o be_v all_o man_n capable_a of_o the_o sublime_a knowledge_n of_o the_o creator_n capable_a to_o love_v and_o praise_n and_o delight_v themselves_o in_o he_o by_o such_o a_o be_v than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o happiness_n to_o a_o great_a and_o excellent_a degree_n and_o even_o of_o the_o high_a kind_n of_o happiness_n that_o can_v be_v as_o we_o can_v enjoy_v or_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o high_a good_n and_o our_o immortal_a soul_n render_v we_o capable_a of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o eternal_a fruition_n of_o a_o infinite_a eternal_a good_n every_o man_n may_v reach_v this_o happiness_n if_o he_o will_v this_o be_v that_o he_o be_v make_v and_o design_v for_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o default_n thus_o our_o be_v then_o shall_v engage_v we_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o further_n it_o be_v to_o he_o we_o owe_v the_o continuance_n of_o our_o be_v he_o support_v and_o maintain_v we_o in_o this_o life_n while_o it_o last_v and_o after_o it_o in_o the_o other_o this_o be_v a_o continual_a obligation_n to_o thankfulness_n it_o be_v a_o continual_a creation_n as_o no_o be_v can_v make_v its_o self_n so_o none_o can_v preserve_v or_o continue_v its_o self_n at_o all_o but_o all_o thing_n have_v always_o a_o most_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o the_o great_a creator_n we_o ought_v then_o all_o of_o we_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v he_o that_o hold_v our_o soul_n in_o life_n and_o while_o he_o continue_v this_o life_n he_o oblige_v we_o in_o that_o we_o be_v so_o long_o capable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o see_v and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasant_a and_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n if_o we_o have_v good_a and_o virtuous_a soul_n and_o be_v free_a from_o envy_n and_o
this_o exhortation_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o without_o doubt_n the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o sweet_a of_o any_o they_o sink_v deep_o into_o a_o man_n than_o any_o other_o and_o affect_v he_o more_o as_o they_o enter_v into_o his_o mind_n and_o put_v all_o the_o inward_a power_n of_o that_o into_o a_o please_a exercise_n and_o motion_n they_o possess_v more_o of_o a_o man_n than_o those_o that_o touch_v only_o his_o body_n and_o sense_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v the_o most_o and_o as_o we_o may_v say_v the_o great_a part_n of_o he_o it_o have_v most_o desire_n and_o great_a capacity_n of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v much_o more_o sensible_a both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n than_o the_o dull_a body_n the_o psalmist_n speak_v the_o great_a sweetness_n and_o excellency_n of_o religious_a pleasure_n when_o he_o say_v of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o it_o sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n psal_n 19_o 10._o he_o mean_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n the_o do_v any_o duty_n command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n afford_v he_o a_o far_o great_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n than_o ever_o he_o can_v by_o his_o sense_n receive_v from_o the_o most_o pleasant_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n 2._o since_o there_o be_v so_o much_o pleasure_n in_o well-doing_n this_o may_v just_o persuade_v man_n off_o from_o the_o guilty_a pursuit_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n why_o shall_v a_o man_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v guilty_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o pleasure_n when_o he_o may_v enjoy_v that_o which_o be_v very_o rich_a and_o sensible_a without_o be_v so_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o gild_n will_v great_o allay_v the_o brisk_v pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o guilty_a laughter_n the_o heart_n be_v sad_a these_o be_v always_o best_a and_o sweet_a to_o he_o that_o regular_o and_o sober_o use_v they_o that_o use_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n thus_o he_o shall_v hurt_v neither_o his_o body_n nor_o his_o soul_n nor_o his_o estate_n nor_o his_o neighbour_n while_o he_o please_v his_o appetite_n and_o gratify_v his_o sense_n and_o so_o he_o avoid_v the_o unpleasing_a farewell_n of_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n he_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o appetite_n while_o he_o please_v it_o but_o keep_v himself_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o have_v always_o a_o very_a lively_a relish_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o pleasure_n the_o irregular_a and_o intemperate_a man_n make_v a_o drudgery_n of_o those_o of_o this_o world_n and_o turn_v their_o fine_a relish_n eager_a and_o four_o and_o the_o other_o sort_n that_o be_v the_o high_a and_o delicate_a one_o of_o religion_n he_o utter_o deprive_v himself_o of_o in_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n a_o man_n may_v enjoy_v both_o sort_n but_o in_o that_o which_o be_v guilty_a and_o irreligious_a he_o can_v well_o enjoy_v either_o this_o be_v the_o first_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o discourse_n 2._o a_o second_o be_v this_o it_o ought_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o betake_v themselves_o steady_o to_o a_o religious_a and_o good_a course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n with_o design_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o son_n of_o men._n he_o speak_v this_o in_o a_o kind_a condescension_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o inclination_n to_o make_v a_o bait_n of_o pleasure_n which_o we_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o dote_v upon_o and_o this_o sure_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n this_o aught_o much_o rather_o to_o induce_v man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o virtuous_a to_o act_v as_o become_v they_o and_o pursue_v their_o true_a happiness_n than_o to_o make_v they_o guilty_a of_o folly_n and_o sin_n of_o what_o be_v shameful_a and_o hurtful_a to_o they_o and_o of_o what_o will_v incur_v their_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o how_o great_a a_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n be_v it_o that_o the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v thus_o contrive_v that_o the_o universal_a sovereign_n have_v make_v the_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o reasonable_a and_o so_o good_a that_o we_o may_v delight_v in_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o will_v reward_v itself_o they_o will_v exceed_o aggravate_v our_o wickedness_n and_o show_v a_o strange_a obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o enmity_n to_o god_n if_o we_o shall_v rather_o refuse_v all_o this_o happiness_n and_o pleasure_n than_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v far_o enough_o urge_v this_o argument_n in_o our_o text_n to_o show_v that_o they_o who_o will_v do_v wicked_o do_v obstinate_o refuse_v their_o own_o interest_n and_o to_o furnish_v the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n with_o such_o a_o conviction_n as_o will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o prove_v a_o sharp_a sting_n and_o torment_n if_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o now_o to_o restrain_v they_o from_o wickedness_n the_o prayer_n most_o great_a and_o glorious_a lord_n god_n the_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a be_v the_o great_a excellency_n among_o thy_o creature_n lie_v in_o their_o great_a likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o thou_o we_o give_v thou_o thanks_o o_o lord_n for_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o so_o great_a honour_n as_o the_o resemble_v of_o thou_o in_o our_o action_n for_o that_o thou_o have_v lay_v upon_o we_o such_o law_n as_o guide_v we_o to_o a_o noble_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n thou_o do_v of_o thy_o bounteous_a goodness_n make_v man_n upright_o incline_v to_o such_o action_n and_o suit_v to_o thy_o excellent_a law_n but_o alas_o we_o have_v defile_v and_o pollute_a ourselves_o with_o sin_n and_o be_v become_v averse_a and_o unwilling_a impotent_a and_o unable_a to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n our_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n to_o thou_o and_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o thy_o law_n nor_o can_v be_v till_o they_o be_v renew_a sanctify_a and_o create_v again_o in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n o_o lord_n open_z thou_o our_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o wondrous_a and_o allure_a excellency_n of_o thy_o law_n work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v according_a to_o thy_o good_a pleasure_n rectify_v the_o apprehension_n the_o relish_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o may_v find_v thy_o commandment_n to_o be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n lord_n make_v we_o so_o steady_a and_o diligent_a in_o our_o duty_n so_o practise_v and_o enure_v to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o love_n with_o it_o that_o we_o may_v find_v thy_o way_n to_o be_v to_o we_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o way_n of_o pleasantness_n show_v and_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o thy_o service_n that_o it_o be_v perfect_a freedom_n that_o it_o be_v our_o great_a honour_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o good_a live_n be_v our_o best_a ornament_n even_o as_o a_o chain_n of_o gold_n about_o the_o neck_n encourage_v we_o we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o our_o duty_n with_o a_o constant_a sense_n of_o thy_o presence_n with_o we_o of_o thy_o gracious_a eye_n and_o regard_v to_o all_o we_o do_v let_v we_o know_v thou_o do_v accept_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n and_o imperfect_a performance_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n enable_v we_o to_o hope_v in_o thy_o mercy_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o thou_o in_o welldoing_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o especial_o we_o pray_v thou_o o_o lord_n shed_v abroad_o thy_o love_n abundant_o in_o our_o heart_n let_v love_n possess_v we_o love_n move_v love_v direct_a and_o bias_n we_o make_v we_o to_o love_v thou_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o commandment_n so_o shall_v we_o run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a we_o shall_v ever_o walk_v before_o thou_o and_o not_o faint_a in_o that_o bless_a way_n renew_v we_o o_o lord_n after_o thy_o image_n and_o make_v we_o holy_a as_o thou_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a as_o thou_o be_v good_a merciful_a as_o thou_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a and_o forgive_a as_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v let_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n show_v forth_o the_o virtue_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n look_v down_o in_o mercy_n upon_o all_o mankind_n rescue_v the_o miserable_a slave_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n from_o their_o sad_a bondage_n under_o he_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o happy_a liberty_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n save_o thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o bless_v thy_o
way_n to_o pursue_v it_o he_o that_o find_v not_o this_o in_o one_o sort_n and_o train_n of_o vice_n will_v hope_v to_o find_v it_o in_o another_o he_o that_o see_v the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o voluptuousness_n and_o pleasure_n will_n after_o that_o think_v there_o be_v great_a reward_n in_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n great_a happiness_n in_o the_o riches_n and_o honour_n which_o he_o think_v to_o gain_v by_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o delusion_n continue_v with_o many_o man_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o day_n and_o to_o their_o final_a and_o eternal_a vexation_n and_o disappointment_n i_o shall_v therefore_o industrious_o prove_v this_o truth_n and_o then_o add_v some_o application_n of_o it_o and_o we_o may_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o this_o that_o he_o that_o sow_v iniquity_n shall_v reap_v vanity_n if_o we_o will_v consider_v well_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o sinner_n do_v not_o always_o gain_v the_o thing_n he_o pursue_v by_o his_o guilty_a endeavour_n a_o overrule_a providence_n govern_v all_o thing_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v whatsoever_o the_o universal_a and_o sovereign_a disposer_n please_v and_o this_o providence_n often_o blast_v the_o endeavour_n of_o wicked_a men._n the_o lawless_a voluptuary_n can_v always_o catch_v the_o guilty_a pleasure_n he_o pursue_v every_o covetous_a man_n can_v be_v rich_a nor_o do_v ambition_n certain_o rise_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n and_o respect_n it_o aspire_v to_o we_o may_v often_o see_v man_n give_v themselves_o up_o to_o worldly_a pursuit_n and_o neglect_v every_o thing_n else_o and_o yet_o that_o they_o can_v with_o all_o this_o application_n and_o endeavour_n gain_v but_o very_o little_a of_o this_o world_n we_o may_v often_o see_v that_o the_o very_a way_n they_o take_v to_o accomplish_v their_o desire_n as_o seem_v to_o they_o the_o most_o likely_a to_o do_v so_o do_v tend_v to_o frustrate_v they_o the_o wise_a man_n express_v this_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o covetousness_n prov._n 11._o 24._o there_o be_v that_o scatter_v and_o yet_o increase_v say_v he_o and_o there_o be_v that_o withholdeth_a more_o than_o be_v meet_v and_o it_o tend_v to_o poverty_n a_o man_n may_v liberal_o bestow_v all_o that_o be_v due_a to_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o generosity_n and_o yet_o increase_v and_o another_o may_v think_v to_o grow_v rich_a by_o fordo_v save_v by_o withhold_v his_o neighbour_n due_a by_o crafty_a and_o fraudulent_a bargain_n by_o refrain_v from_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o generosity_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o thrive_a trick_n may_v be_v but_o poor_a in_o this_o respect_n be_v their_o iniquity_n vain_a that_o it_o do_v not_o always_o attain_v the_o thing_n it_o seek_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n must_v sometime_o meet_v with_o this_o sort_n of_o disappointment_n since_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o wicked_a prov._n 3._o 33._o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o shall_v work_v to_o the_o sinner_n vexation_n and_o misery_n in_o one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o it_o do_v this_o sometime_o in_o this_o way_n though_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o god_n do_v many_o time_n give_v man_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o seek_v even_o by_o guilty_a endeavour_n he_o let_v the_o wicked_a voluptuary_n accomplish_v his_o guilty_a desire_n and_o the_o covetous_a or_o ambitious_a person_n thrive_v in_o wealth_n and_o rise_v to_o honour_n by_o ill_a art_n there_o be_v many_o a_o villainy_n thus_o far_o prosperous_a in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o to_o make_v good_a still_o what_o our_o text_n say_v it_o may_v be_v add_v 2._o all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v gain_v by_o wickedness_n be_v of_o very_o little_a worth_n and_o goodness_n the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o empty_a thing_n the_o sinner_n gain_v but_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n the_o accommodation_n of_o this_o present_a life_n he_o at_o best_o enjoy_v but_o creature_n and_o they_o have_v all_o their_o sufficiency_n from_o god_n their_o great_a goodness_n come_v from_o his_o blessing_n and_o that_o the_o sinner_n can_v enjoy_v with_o they_o they_o be_v like_o gaudy_a cloud_n but_o such_o as_o be_v empty_a and_o without_o rain_n they_o be_v as_o break_a cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n the_o sinner_n feed_v on_o husk_n like_o the_o wretched_a prodigal_n these_o thing_n may_v please_v he_o much_o while_o they_o be_v new_a but_o in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o have_v suck_v out_o all_o the_o sweetness_n of_o they_o and_o they_o please_v no_o more_o and_o like_o the_o bee_n he_o often_o spoil_v the_o flower_n which_o he_o suck_v the_o honey_n of_o his_o pleasure_n from_o how_o often_o may_v we_o see_v those_o enjoyment_n after_o a_o little_a while_n loathe_v and_o disdain_v which_o be_v seek_v with_o the_o most_o earnest_a desire_n which_o the_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o gain_v they_o and_o which_o at_o first_o perhaps_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v take_v a_o great_a and_o a_o long_a delight_n in_o what_o he_o think_v will_v be_v a_o great_a pleasure_n and_o happiness_n he_o after_o a_o little_a while_n find_v to_o be_v a_o ungrateful_a drudgery_n and_o that_o which_o he_o expect_v will_v be_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o life_n prove_v the_o redious_a burden_n of_o it_o man_n common_o expect_v more_o from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v and_o so_o be_v disappoint_v beside_o the_o goodness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v get_v by_o wickedness_n terminate_v in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n all_o the_o reward_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o outward_a good_n they_o may_v serve_v sometime_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o his_o body_n but_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o his_o soul_n and_o they_o can_v serve_v all_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o body_n neither_o so_o little_a goodness_n and_o worth_n be_v in_o they_o a_o man_n wealth_n and_o great_a estate_n can_v give_v he_o a_o strong_a constitution_n nor_o certain_o preserve_v he_o in_o health_n nor_o always_o purchase_v the_o recovery_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v as_o by_o all_o our_o take_n think_v we_o can_v make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a nor_o add_v one_o cubit_n to_o the_o stature_n wealth_n can_v make_v the_o crooked_a body_n straight_o nor_o the_o deform_a beautiful_a the_o body_n may_v be_v please_v but_o it_o be_v hurt_v too_o by_o guilty_a and_o intemperate_a pleasure_n they_o destroy_v the_o appetite_n they_o please_v they_o impair_v the_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o wither_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o body_n they_o be_v usual_o close_o attend_v with_o uneasy_a loathe_n and_o painful_a disease_n wealth_n and_o honour_n can_v defend_v a_o man_n from_o a_o pestilential_a air_n nor_o possible_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v sometime_o incommode_v by_o extremity_n of_o wether_n they_o can_v purchase_v he_o a_o fair_a day_n nor_o a_o warm_a or_o cool_a one_o according_a as_o he_o have_v occasion_n these_o can_v reprieve_v a_o man_n from_o the_o grave_a nor_o cure_v he_o of_o mortality_n the_o rich_a as_o well_o as_o the_o poor_a the_o honourable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o mean_a must_v die_v and_o go_v down_o to_o the_o place_n of_o darkness_n and_o contempt_n they_o that_o trust_v in_o their_o wealth_n and_o boast_v themselves_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o riches_n say_v the_o psalmist_n none_o of_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n redeem_v his_o brother_n nor_o give_v to_o god_n a_o ransom_n for_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o not_o see_v corruption_n psal_n 49._o 6_o 7_o 9_o thus_o they_o be_v but_o some_o of_o our_o necessity_n that_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n can_v serve_v and_o they_o be_v only_o outward_a one_o too_o as_o well_o as_o not_o all_o they_o and_o beside_o as_o be_v say_v these_o thing_n be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v his_o noble_a part_n his_o soul_n be_v utter_o neglect_v and_o the_o interest_n of_o that_o be_v forget_v and_o quit_v while_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o wickedness_n pursue_v and_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o mind_n can_v take_v no_o delight_n in_o guilty_a and_o forbid_a pleasure_n it_o be_v never_o exercise_v in_o a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o they_o but_o with_o pain_n and_o torment_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o solomon_n say_v of_o they_o prov._n 14._o 13._o in_o laughter_n the_o heart_n be_v say_v and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mirth_n be_v heaviness_n and_o as_o it_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o these_o so_o much_o rather_o have_v it_o no_o profit_n or_o advantage_n from_o they_o they_o indeed_o hurt_v and_o prejudice_v the_o soul_n they_o suppress_v and_o
soul_n take_v thy_o ease_n eat_v drink_n and_o be_v merry_a because_o he_o be_v alarm_v with_o fear_n of_o lose_v what_o he_o have_v and_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o his_o condition_n he_o be_v now_o perhaps_o in_o more_o care_n and_o engage_v in_o great_a toil_n and_o labour_n to_o keep_v than_o it_o cost_v he_o to_o get_v what_o he_o have_v and_o thus_o be_v he_o further_o hinder_v from_o the_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o 3._o this_o very_a often_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o smart_a lash_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n his_o own_o mind_n will_v not_o let_v he_o enjoy_v what_o he_o have_v with_o any_o comfort_n while_o that_o be_v upbraid_v and_o condemn_v he_o for_o base_a treachery_n and_o perfidiousness_n or_o barbarous_a cruelty_n and_o oppression_n which_o he_o use_v in_o the_o get_n it_o that_o give_v he_o great_a disturbance_n while_o it_o call_v he_o fool_n and_o brute_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o guilty_a pleasure_n and_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o hurt_v his_o body_n impair_v his_o estate_n wrong_n his_o neighbour_n offend_v god_n while_o he_o follow_v they_o what_o pleasure_n can_v a_o man_n take_v in_o the_o applause_n of_o flatterer_n in_o the_o respect_n of_o inferior_n while_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o god_n above_o hate_n and_o despise_v he_o with_o the_o world_n of_o holy_a spirit_n he_o be_v odious_a and_o contemptible_a there_o can_v be_v no_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o a_o man_n have_v while_o his_o mind_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v all_o forfeit_v by_o his_o sin_n he_o have_v it_o not_o with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o with_o his_o displeasure_n that_o he_o who_o he_o have_v offend_v in_o get_v it_o can_v take_v it_o away_o when_o he_o please_v that_o he_o be_v therefore_o in_o continual_a danger_n of_o lose_v it_o all_o he_o be_v always_o obnoxious_a to_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n if_o he_o can_v hope_v to_o defend_v himself_o from_o man_n he_o can_v hope_v to_o defend_v himself_o from_o god_n how_o unhappy_a must_v he_o be_v who_o consider_v that_o as_o he_o have_v heap_v up_o riches_n he_o have_v treasure_v wrath_n too_o that_o this_o wrath_n shall_v be_v likely_a to_o course_v his_o family_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o have_v gather_v for_o they_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v lie_v heavy_a upon_o himself_o at_o far_a when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v and_o must_v go_v to_o give_v a_o account_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o it_o be_v no_o profit_n to_o a_o man_n so_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o comfort_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o if_o he_o will_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n for_o it_o and_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o the_o guilty_a conscience_n will_v often_o afflict_v a_o man_n with_o but_o the_o sting_n and_o rebuke_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n will_v make_v themselves_o incomparable_o more_o sensible_a than_o any_o sensual_a pleasure_n can_v be_v for_o while_o these_o stroke_n and_o tickle_v the_o sense_n and_o reach_v but_o to_o the_o body_n they_o pierce_v even_o to_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o some_o philosopher_n will_v speak_v and_o fix_v themselves_o and_o dwell_v there_o 4._o this_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o sinner_n here_o we_o may_v remember_v again_o what_o be_v say_v before_o that_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o in_o judgement_n give_v they_o up_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o own_o violent_a lust_n he_o condemn_v they_o to_o suffer_v the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o appetite_n their_o heart_n shall_v be_v continual_o knaw_v with_o envy_n their_o spirit_n may_v be_v oppress_v with_o excessive_a grief_n even_o for_o the_o small_a or_o for_o mere_o imaginary_a inconvenience_n their_o mind_n shall_v be_v roast_v and_o continual_o agitate_a with_o vain_a fear_n doubtful_a and_o anxious_a hope_n with_o restless_a and_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o what_o comfort_n can_v a_o man_n take_v in_o his_o life_n when_o he_o be_v torment_v with_o these_o painful_a disease_n of_o the_o mind_n what_o can_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o offence_n and_o distaste_n weariness_n and_o tribulation_n they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o moderate_v a_o passion_n to_o curb_v a_o desire_n to_o mortify_v a_o vice_n and_o so_o be_v subject_a to_o divers_a master_n be_v enslave_v to_o many_o tyrant_n and_o expose_v to_o a_o multitude_n of_o tormentor_n which_o like_o a_o legion_n of_o devil_n will_v not_o let_v a_o man_n rest_n day_n nor_o night_n beside_o we_o be_v in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n surround_v with_o many_o outward_a calamity_n expose_v to_o innumerable_a evil_n and_o we_o can_v be_v safe_a among_o they_o but_o from_o the_o constant_a protection_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o this_o the_o sinner_n have_v no_o right_a to_o and_o he_o often_o want_v it_o the_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n often_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o assault_n of_o these_o and_o sometime_o one_o cross_n shall_v make_v he_o uneasy_a and_o when_o that_o be_v go_v another_o shall_v vex_v he_o one_o while_o he_o shall_v be_v afflict_v with_o pain_n at_o another_o time_n with_o loss_n at_o another_o with_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n the_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n set_v himself_o to_o mingle_v sorrow_n and_o grief_n and_o inconvenience_n with_o his_o portion_n he_o will_v not_o let_v he_o enjoy_v any_o thing_n pure_a or_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o some_o sorrow_n in_o it_o and_o further_o there_o be_v sometime_o a_o strange_a and_o secret_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n attend_v the_o sinner_n which_o hinder_v he_o from_o take_v any_o delight_n or_o comfort_n in_o what_o he_o have_v and_o we_o can_v hardly_o tell_v why_o he_o do_v not_o this_o be_v express_v by_o solomon_n eccles._n 6._o 2._o where_o he_o say_v he_o have_v see_v a_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v riches_n wealth_n and_o honour_n so_o that_o he_o want_v nothing_o for_o his_o soul_n of_o all_o that_o he_o desire_v yet_o god_n have_v not_o give_v he_o power_n to_o eat_v thereof_o that_o be_v god_n withhold_v from_o he_o a_o power_n to_o enjoy_v to_o comfort_v himself_o and_o take_v delight_n in_o what_o he_o have_v this_o be_v a_o strange_a case_n but_o be_v what_o we_o may_v see_v sometime_o happen_v we_o may_v see_v some_o pine_a and_o discontent_a in_o that_o condition_n wherein_o they_o think_v to_o be_v very_o happy_a and_o they_o can_v give_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o they_o can_v take_v delight_n in_o what_o they_o think_v will_v have_v be_v very_o delightful_a and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o to_o other_o but_o the_o power_n to_o enjoy_v be_v it_o seem_v from_o god_n and_o be_v another_o and_o a_o different_a gift_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o possess_v and_o the_o sinner_n may_v gain_v large_a possession_n by_o his_o guilty_a endeavour_n but_o may_v want_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o the_o power_n to_o enjoy_v they_o how_o many_o covetous_a person_n may_v we_o see_v want_v what_o they_o have_v while_o they_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o use_v it_o to_o their_o credit_n or_o comfort_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v such_o man_n make_v rich_a and_o many_o may_v we_o see_v think_v themselves_o mighty_a unhappy_a in_o circumstance_n which_o other_o be_v ready_a to_o envy_v and_o afflict_v themselves_o with_o imaginary_a inconvenience_n while_o they_o be_v under_o no_o other_o real_a one_o but_o only_o that_o of_o their_o own_o sick_a and_o foolish_a imagination_n thus_o do_v the_o powerful_a curse_n of_o god_n mingle_v its_o self_n with_o the_o sinner_n portion_n and_o spoil_v the_o pleasure_n of_o what_o he_o have_v while_o he_o possess_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o proof_n of_o our_o text._n 4._o it_o may_v be_v say_v he_o that_o sow_v iniquity_n shall_v reap_v but_o vanity_n in_o that_o all_o the_o felicity_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v of_o a_o very_a short_a and_o a_o transitory_a duration_n let_v he_o gain_v what_o he_o will_v let_v he_o take_v what_o delight_n and_o comfort_n he_o can_v in_o it_o this_o will_v last_v but_o a_o very_a little_a while_n it_o be_v a_o felicity_n but_o of_o a_o few_o moment_n continuance_n his_o happiness_n be_v like_o a_o fire_n of_o thorn_n which_o be_v almost_o as_o soon_o out_o as_o it_o be_v kindle_v it_o can_v last_v no_o long_o than_o this_o present_a life_n and_o then_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v short_a this_o life_n be_v continual_o haste_v away_o and_o so_o be_v all_o his_o happiness_n the_o psalmist_n true_o say_v man_n
interest_n require_v and_o begin_v to_o treasure_n up_o joy_n to_o lay_v up_o reward_n and_o happiness_n for_o ourselves_o these_o be_v thing_n sure_o that_o can_v be_v do_v too_o soon_o if_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o forsake_v a_o wicked_a life_n at_o all_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o least_o to_o delay_v the_o do_v so_o when_o we_o come_v to_o condemn_v ourselves_o in_o earnest_n for_o our_o sin_n we_o shall_v condemn_v ourselves_o too_o for_o continue_v so_o long_o in_o they_o let_v we_o all_o then_o be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o david_n at_o least_o from_o this_o time_n i_o make_v have_v and_o delay_v not_o o_o lord_n to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n the_o prayer_n o_o lord_n the_o eternal_a god_n creator_n and_o owner_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o thou_o the_o heaven_n be_v frame_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o thy_o mouth_n thou_o have_v make_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v be_v thou_o the_o world_n be_v thou_o and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o all_o be_v of_o thou_o and_o through_o and_o to_o thou_o we_o who_o be_v now_o before_o thou_o here_o be_v a_o small_a handful_n of_o creature_n who_o thou_o have_v bring_v into_o be_v from_o the_o ground_n thou_o raise_v our_o live_a body_n and_o by_o thy_o mighty_a power_n have_v form_v the_o spirit_n within_o we_o and_o we_o lord_n be_v thou_o thy_o right_a and_o property_n we_o be_v in_o nothing_o our_o own_o our_o tongue_n be_v not_o our_o own_o our_o thought_n be_v not_o our_o own_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n the_o faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o thou_o be_v lord_n over_o we_o we_o owe_v thou_o the_o entire_a homage_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o be_v thou_o for_o we_o be_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o the_o sheep_n of_o thy_o pasture_n we_o be_v those_o who_o thou_o have_v oblige_v to_o love_n and_o honour_n thou_o by_o innumerable_a benefit_n thou_o have_v feed_v and_o clothe_v and_o nourish_v and_o protect_v we_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o all_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o thou_o hold_v our_o soul_n in_o life_n we_o humble_o acknowledge_v o_o lord_n thy_o right_n in_o we_o and_o we_o now_o own_o the_o obligation_n thou_o have_v lay_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o here_o present_a to_o thou_o our_o body_n to_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o live_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v our_o just_a and_o most_o reasonable_a service_n o_o lord_n let_v we_o be_v accept_v with_o thou_o through_o jesus_n christ_n we_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v deserve_v thou_o shall_v reject_v and_o abhor_v we_o who_o have_v be_v hitherto_o so_o little_o concern_v to_o please_v thou_o who_o have_v so_o often_o and_o so_o exceed_o pollute_v ourselves_o with_o that_o which_o be_v most_o odious_a and_o offensive_a to_o thou_o we_o be_v exceed_o guilty_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o thy_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n in_o that_o we_o have_v be_v rebel_n against_o thy_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o we_o have_v be_v unjust_a to_o thy_o propriety_n in_o we_o we_o have_v be_v ungrateful_a to_o thy_o goodness_n towards_o we_o we_o judge_v we_o condemn_v we_o abhor_v ourselves_o for_o these_o thing_n o_o do_v not_o thou_o enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o we_o for_o in_o thy_o sight_n shall_v no_o man_n live_v be_v justify_v we_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o all_o our_o misdoing_n the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o be_v grievous_a to_o we_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o be_v intolerable_a but_o thou_o o_o lord_n who_o property_n be_v always_o to_o have_v mercy_n who_o have_v promise_v forgiveness_n to_o all_o that_o with_o a_o penitent_a heart_n and_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n turn_n unto_o thou_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o deal_v not_o with_o we_o after_o our_o sin_n neither_o reward_n we_o according_a to_o our_o iniquity_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a compassion_n and_o blot_v out_o all_o our_o transgression_n we_o fly_v from_o thy_o justice_n to_o the_o footstool_n of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o there_o prostrate_v ourselves_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n o_o lord_n for_o his_o sake_n forgive_v we_o all_o that_o be_v past_a and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v ever_o hereafter_o serve_v and_o please_v thou_o in_o newness_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n to_o thy_o honour_n and_o glory_n do_v thou_o make_v we_o sincere_a in_o the_o dedication_n of_o ourselves_o again_o unto_o thou_o in_o this_o renewal_n of_o our_o resolution_n to_o serve_v thou_o create_v in_o we_o o_o lord_n a_o clean_a heart_n and_o renew_v in_o we_o a_o right_a spirit_n do_v thou_o make_v we_o to_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o to_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n cause_v we_o without_o delay_n to_o turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n and_o make_v we_o to_o delight_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o testimony_n more_o than_o in_o all_o riches_n o_o lord_n rescue_v we_o we_o pray_v thou_o from_o the_o bond_n of_o our_o belove_a or_o habitual_a sin_n save_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n let_v we_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a the_o child_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o craft_n and_o subtilty_n and_o from_o all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o and_o let_v we_o never_o be_v harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o any_o sin_n we_o pray_v also_o o_o lord_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o of_o ourselves_o o_o let_v thy_o gospel_n run_v and_o be_v glorify_v from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o and_o let_v many_o be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o enemy_n may_v be_v diminish_v and_o the_o happy_a kingdom_n of_o thy_o dear_a son_n may_v be_v enlarge_v we_o especial_o pray_v for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o thy_o catholic_n church_n that_o thou_o will_v purge_v out_o of_o it_o all_o that_o do_v offend_v thou_o and_o grant_v that_o all_o who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o christian_n may_v hold_v the_o faith_n in_o unity_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o in_o righteousness_n of_o life_n look_v in_o mercy_n upon_o these_o nation_n to_o which_o we_o belong_v forgive_v our_o cry_a sin_n and_o turn_v we_o from_o every_o evil_a way_n bless_v we_o with_o the_o continuance_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o with_o a_o mighty_a efficacy_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n righteousness_n charity_n and_o sobriety_n among_o we_o bless_v we_o pray_v thou_o our_o most_o gracious_a king_n and_o queen_n our_o subordinate_a magistrate_n those_o that_o minister_n to_o thou_o in_o holy_a thing_n among_o we_o and_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n beside_o make_v we_o to_o fear_v thou_o to_o depart_v from_o all_o iniquity_n to_o serve_v to_o thy_o glory_n and_o to_o the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o each_o other_o and_o defend_v we_o all_o from_o all_o foreign_a or_o domestic_a enemy_n of_o our_o peace_n we_o commend_v also_o to_o thy_o infinite_a mercy_n all_o our_o friend_n relation_n or_o enemy_n those_o that_o have_v do_v we_o kindness_n we_o pray_v thou_o o_o lord_n abundant_o to_o requite_v they_o and_o those_o that_o have_v do_v we_o any_o injury_n father_n forgive_v they_o let_v thy_o word_n which_o we_o have_v this_o day_n hear_v have_v power_n to_o sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n we_o humble_o hope_v for_o the_o mercy_n we_o have_v seek_v of_o thou_o this_o day_n and_o desire_v we_o may_v commit_v our_o self_n to_o thy_o careful_a and_o gracious_a providence_n this_o night_n and_o for_o evermore_o lord_n bless_v and_o keep_v we_o lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n and_o guide_v we_o by_o thy_o counsel_n till_o thou_o have_v bring_v we_o to_o thy_o glory_n all_o we_o humble_o ask_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n beseech_v thou_o to_o hear_v we_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o further_o in_o his_o own_o word_n say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o meanness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n prove_v and_o apply_v let_v we_o pray_v prevent_v we_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o our_o do_n with_o thy_o most_o gracious_a favour_n and_o further_o we_o with_o thy_o continual_a help_n that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o thou_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n and_o final_o by_o thy_o mercy_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o job_n 14._o 2._o he_o come_v forth_o like_o
a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o he_o flee_v also_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o to_o know_v who_o it_o be_v that_o these_o word_n of_o job_n do_v describe_v in_o so_o mean_a and_o disparage_v a_o character_n we_o need_v but_o look_v back_o to_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v he_o be_v speak_v of_o man._n it_o be_v man_n that_o come_v forth_o like_o a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o he_o flee_v as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o represent_v by_o this_o expression_n the_o contemptible_a and_o wretched_a condition_n of_o our_o present_a life_n which_o we_o very_o foolish_o and_o unreasonable_o dote_v upon_o and_o admire_v this_o life_n on_o earth_n be_v never_o intend_v to_o be_v our_o happy_a state_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v fall_v much_o below_o that_o degree_n of_o happiness_n which_o the_o creator_n have_v intend_v it_o shall_v enjoy_v yet_o this_o pitiful_a state_n be_v that_o the_o wretched_a son_n of_o man_n be_v most_o extreme_o fond_a of_o here_o they_o will_v always_o be_v this_o take_v up_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o care_n they_o know_v or_o at_o least_o mind_n no_o heaven_n but_o earth_n and_o think_v to_o heap_v up_o felicity_n as_o they_o gather_v worldly_a enjoyment_n we_o study_v how_o to_o live_v happy_o till_o we_o die_v and_o dote_v upon_o fade_a pleasure_n as_o if_o we_o be_v always_o to_o enjoy_v they_o we_o common_o live_v here_o as_o if_o after_o this_o life_n we_o be_v to_o be_v no_o long_o and_o there_o be_v no_o better_a thing_n attainable_a than_o what_o this_o life_n possess_v and_o while_o we_o mind_v this_o world_n we_o neglect_v the_o other_o we_o do_v not_o seek_v the_o better_a happiness_n of_o that_o and_o lose_v it_o for_o want_n of_o seek_v it_o yea_o we_o forfeit_v that_o happiness_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o deserve_v and_o incur_v everlasting_a misery_n by_o what_o our_o too_o great_a love_n of_o this_o life_n and_o its_o enjoyment_n do_v engage_v we_o in_o very_o much_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o next_o be_v due_a to_o this_o unhappy_a cause_n to_o render_v a_o temporal_a life_n happy_a as_o we_o suppose_v we_o spoil_v a_o eternal_a one_o or_o incur_v a_o eternal_a death_n we_o serve_v our_o body_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o great_a folly_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n suggest_v by_o that_o question_n mark_v 8._o 36._o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n to_o meet_v with_o this_o unhappy_a and_o dangerous_a error_n as_o much_o as_o this_o text_n without_o strain_v it_o will_v allow_v i_o shall_v employ_v the_o follow_a discourse_n about_o three_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v inquire_v and_o make_v it_o appear_v from_o other_o scripture_n what_o intimation_n concern_v our_o present_a life_n this_o text_n afford_v we_o 2._o i_o shall_v insist_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o illustration_n of_o those_o intimation_n 3._o i_o shall_v add_v the_o due_a improvement_n and_o application_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v we_o compare_v this_o text_n of_o scripture_n with_o other_o that_o we_o may_v derive_v from_o it_o the_o more_o certain_o and_o evident_o the_o instruction_n it_o contain_v in_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 24._o it_o be_v say_v all_o flesh_n be_v as_o grass_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n as_o the_o flower_n of_o grass_n the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n fall_v away_o and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o add_v but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o by_o this_o opposition_n of_o the_o word_n that_o endure_v to_o the_o grass_n and_o the_o flower_n of_o it_o which_o fall_v away_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o by_o the_o comparison_n of_o a_o flower_n the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v teach_v we_o this_o life_n be_v not_o of_o long_a continuance_n the_o flower_n be_v the_o short_a live_a part_n even_o of_o those_o plant_n that_o have_v the_o short_a duration_n and_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n fit_a to_o mind_v we_o of_o the_o short_a continuance_n of_o this_o present_a life_n further_o in_o ps_n 103._o v._n 15_o 16._o we_o be_v tell_v as_o for_o man_n his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n as_o a_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n so_o he_o flourish_v for_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o and_o it_o be_v go_v this_o short_a live_v flower_n be_v expose_v as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n it_o be_v liable_a to_o many_o destructive_a and_o mortal_a accident_n yea_o if_o but_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o it_o be_v go_v it_o be_v most_o easy_o destroy_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n may_v look_v fair_a and_o beautiful_a but_o have_v very_o little_a strength_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o man_n be_v the_o psalmist_n mean_v here_o he_o be_v as_o feeble_a as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n a_o small_a mischief_n may_v snatch_v he_o away_o in_o his_o prime_n thus_o the_o scripture_n teach_v by_o this_o comparison_n the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o shortness_n of_o human_a life_n again_o in_o psal_n 102._o v._n 11._o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o himself_o say_v my_o day_n be_v like_o a_o shadow_n that_o decline_v which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v while_o my_o affliction_n last_o and_o i_o hope_v for_o better_a day_n my_o life_n decline_v apace_o it_o waste_v continual_o away_o in_o psal_n 144._o v._n 4._o it_o be_v say_v man_n be_v like_a to_o vanity_n his_o day_n be_v as_o a_o shadow_n that_o pass_v away_o from_o these_o scripture_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o by_o the_o comparison_n of_o a_o shadow_n be_v teach_v we_o how_o transitory_a our_o present_a life_n be_v it_o be_v continual_o pass_v away_o and_o spend_v itself_o and_o the_o rather_o may_v we_o be_v allow_v to_o conclude_v this_o from_o our_o present_a text_n because_o it_o be_v say_v of_o man_n he_o flee_v as_o a_o shadow_n and_o then_o it_o be_v add_v too_o he_o continue_v not_o from_o this_o text_n than_o it_o appear_v we_o may_v learn_v these_o three_o serious_a intimation_n 1._o the_o present_a life_n of_o mortal_a man_n be_v very_o short_a as_o be_v the_o continuance_n of_o a_o flower_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o feeble_a and_o frail_a be_v most_o easy_o cut_v off_o and_o destroy_v and_o yet_o be_v expose_v too_o as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n 3._o this_o our_o present_a life_n in_o this_o world_n be_v altogether_o transitory_a it_o be_v continual_o pass_v away_o as_o a_o shadow_n always_o move_v and_o pass_v on_o till_o it_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o night_n universal_a darkness_n these_o be_v very_o obvious_a truth_n and_o such_o as_o every_o man_n thought_n may_v easy_o suggest_v to_o he_o and_o they_o be_v very_o important_a and_o worth_a our_o consider_v and_o will_v be_v to_o those_o that_o will_v well_o consider_v they_o the_o spring_n of_o much_o peace_n and_o wisdom_n but_o as_o obvious_a and_o useful_a as_o they_o be_v it_o appear_v they_o be_v much_o neglect_v and_o man_n common_o live_v as_o if_o they_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n at_o lest_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o seldom_o or_o never_o consider_v they_o let_v we_o then_o not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o they_o for_o a_o little_a while_n at_o present_a and_o let_v none_o fear_v any_o harm_n will_v follow_v if_o thereby_o they_o shall_v make_v impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n and_o for_o the_o future_a so_o stay_v there_o as_o never_o to_o be_v forget_v again_o the_o next_o thing_n then_o that_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v be_v to_o illustrate_v these_o particular_n to_o express_v and_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o a_o few_o more_o word_n on_o purpose_n that_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v detain_v a_o while_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o we_o may_v give_v they_o some_o advantage_n to_o make_v a_o due_a impression_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o present_a life_n of_o mortal_a man_n be_v very_o short_a they_o that_o live_v the_o great_a number_n of_o year_n have_v but_o a_o short_a life_n on_o earth_n a_o little_a time_n pass_v over_o the_o innocence_n and_o ease_n of_o our_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n a_o little_a more_o wither_v the_o flourish_a beauty_n and_o gaiety_n of_o youth_n a_o little_a more_o weaken_v the_o strength_n and_o spend_v the_o usefulness_n of_o ripe_a manhood_n and_o if_o beyond_o this_o we_o live_v a_o little_a time_n more_o bury_v the_o decay_v and_o infirmity_n of_o old-age_n the_o long_a distance_n from_o the_o cradle_n to_o the_o grave_n be_v but_o a_o short_a one_o and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v have_v
let_v we_o further_o take_v notice_n and_o consider_v that_o this_o present_a life_n be_v altogether_o transitory_a the_o life_n of_o man_n flee_v as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o we_o may_v think_v it_o stay_v with_o we_o but_o it_o do_v not_o it_o continual_o pass_v away_o every_o shadow_n be_v in_o continual_a motion_n as_o the_o sun_n that_o make_v it_o do_v constant_o move_v and_o so_o this_o short_a life_n be_v continual_o pass_v away_o it_o never_o make_v one_o moment_n stop_v and_o sure_o that_o which_o be_v but_o short_a and_o yet_o be_v continual_o pass_v must_v needs_o be_v quick_o do_v we_o have_v here_o no_o continue_a city_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o heb._n 13._o 14._o we_o be_v but_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o earth_n heb._n 11._o 13._o we_o can_v have_v here_o a_o settle_a abide_n state_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o apprehend_v how_o transitory_a our_o life_n be_v let_v we_o fix_v our_o eye_n sometime_o or_o our_o thought_n at_o present_a upon_o 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of_o a_o speedy_a death_n or_o perhaps_o if_o he_o be_v so_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o great_a many_o he_o hope_v perhaps_o to_o recover_v this_o sickness_n and_o promise_n himself_o after_o it_o many_o year_n of_o life_n when_o he_o have_v but_o a_o few_o moment_n to_o live_v and_o the_o flattery_n of_o friend_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o encourage_v this_o conceit_n and_o the_o physician_n must_v give_v he_o it_o may_v be_v more_o hope_n than_o himself_o have_v to_o support_v this_o sick_a man_n spirit_n and_o assist_v his_o own_o prescription_n and_o then_o though_o the_o concern_v to_o avoid_v death_n do_v not_o put_v he_o by_o his_o repentance_n yet_o the_o hope_n of_o long_a life_n may_v do_v it_o he_o will_v think_v he_o need_v not_o yet_o repent_v the_o dangerous_a period_n before_o which_o he_o purpose_v to_o do_v it_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o thus_o he_o go_v on_o to_o cheat_v himself_o into_o everlasting_a perdition_n and_o it_o 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for_o such_o a_o particular_a occasion_n our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o the_o history_n of_o his_o family_n by_o the_o evangelist_n have_v leave_v a_o pattern_n of_o this_o last_o sort_n which_o may_v just_o be_v regard_v as_o a_o direction_n in_o this_o case_n both_o by_o minister_n and_o people_n his_o disciple_n desire_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v he_o comply_v with_o their_o desire_n and_o do_v so_o by_o compose_v a_o form_n for_o they_o it_o be_v without_o doubt_n part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n after_o this_o example_n of_o the_o great_a pastor_n to_o teach_v the_o faithful_a people_n to_o pray_v and_o this_o they_o may_v do_v in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o he_o do_v and_o the_o people_n shall_v certain_o do_v well_o if_o they_o use_v the_o prayer_n which_o such_o have_v compose_v for_o they_o thus_o they_o shall_v be_v edify_v and_o profit_v by_o the_o gift_n which_o god_n have_v communicate_v to_o his_o minister_n whatever_o gift_n 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pray_v with_o they_o as_o people_z be_v common_o wont_a to_o do_v when_o such_o a_o person_n happen_v to_o stay_v a_o night_n at_o their_o house_n and_o i_o have_v say_v so_o much_o to_o this_o matter_n because_o i_o have_v observe_v the_o unjust_a and_o erroneous_a disparage_v of_o prayer_n by_o a_o form_n which_o have_v be_v among_o we_o have_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n towards_o the_o too_o frequent_a omission_n of_o family_n worship_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o preface_n i_o shall_v only_o suggest_v these_o advice_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o this_o book_n that_o it_o be_v as_o i_o think_v ordinary_o most_o fit_a that_o this_o exercise_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n himself_o but_o if_o any_o circumstance_n hinder_v that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o child_n or_o servant_n but_o shall_v always_o be_v do_v in_o his_o presence_n if_o possible_a that_o his_o authority_n may_v give_v it_o the_o more_o respect_n with_o the_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o family_n when_o the_o introductory_n prayer_n be_v say_v all_o shall_v be_v stand_v to_o make_v themselves_o sensible_a of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o dispose_v they_o to_o a_o reverend_a and_o serious_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o so_o to_o make_v the_o more_o solemn_a and_o fit_a entrance_n upon_o what_o they_o be_v go_v about_o the_o latter_a prayer_n shall_v be_v use_v by_o all_o the_o company_n kneel_v and_o join_v in_o it_o with_o heart_n and_o devout_a affection_n if_o any_o young_a person_n who_o be_v devout_o incline_v have_v it_o their_o lot_n to_o live_v under_o such_o governor_n of_o their_o family_n as_o be_v negligent_a of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o advise_v they_o if_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v it_o to_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o their_o chamber_n alone_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o these_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n this_o they_o may_v very_o profitable_o do_v and_o perhaps_o their_o good_a example_n in_o such_o a_o practice_n may_v 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our_o work_n begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o thou_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n and_o final_o by_o thy_o mercy_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o zach._n 12._o last_o part_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n within_o he_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v now_o read_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v part_n of_o a_o very_a majestic_a preface_n or_o introduction_n to_o a_o favourable_a prophecy_n concern_v judah_n and_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v understand_v to_o foretell_v the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n the_o distress_n of_o those_o time_n and_o the_o mighty_a deliverance_n which_o god_n will_v give_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o conduct_n and_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o those_o men._n in_o so_o great_a and_o lofty_a expression_n the_o prophet_n be_v direct_v to_o introduce_v it_o that_o he_o may_v encourage_v the_o faith_n and_o raise_v the_o expectation_n of_o that_o people_n who_o be_v now_o in_o a_o very_a weak_a and_o low_a condition_n for_o they_o be_v but_o new_o return_v from_o their_o captivity_n and_o be_v envy_v and_o hate_v and_o oppose_v in_o their_o present_a interest_n by_o wicked_a and_o powerful_a neighbour_n he_o remind_v they_o herein_o of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o that_o god_n in_o who_o he_o will_v have_v they_o now_o put_v their_o trust_n the_o whole_a verse_n and_o preface_n contain_v thus_o much_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o israel_n say_v the_o lord_n who_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n within_o he_o that_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o this_o text_n be_v that_o the_o prophet_n place_v this_o work_n of_o god_n his_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n within_o he_o together_o with_o his_o stretch_n out_o the_o wide_a and_o spacious_a heaven_n and_o his_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o ponderous_a earth_n and_o that_o when_o he_o design_v to_o represent_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n his_o ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v by_o show_v they_o the_o work_v he_o have_v already_o do_v this_o than_o we_o may_v reckon_v be_v here_o intimate_v to_o be_v a_o workparallel_a with_o those_o that_o be_v mention_v with_o it_o and_o fit_a to_o be_v mention_v with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o mighty_a work_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o two_o all_o god_n work_n of_o creation_n do_v declare_v their_o author_n greatness_n and_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v praise_v he_o but_o some_o do_v this_o more_o than_o other_o as_o they_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o great_a than_o other_o elsewhere_o also_o the_o scripture_n mention_n the_o make_n of_o man_n as_o one_o of_o the_o more_o excellent_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o set_v it_o together_o with_o his_o make_v the_o earth_n and_o stretch_v out_o the_o heaven_n as_o in_o isa_n 45._o 12._o where_o god_n to_o magnify_v himself_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o that_o people_n and_o to_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o can_v raise_v up_o one_o that_o shall_v deliver_v they_o from_o captivity_n say_v by_o his_o prophet_n i_o have_v make_v the_o earth_n and_o create_v man_n upon_o it_o i_o even_o my_o hand_n have_v stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n now_o when_o the_o make_n of_o man_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n for_o certain_o a_o thing_n so_o small_a and_o weak_a so_o gross_a and_o heavy_a and_o so_o dark_a and_o so_o decay_a as_o be_v the_o humane_a body_n can_v just_o be_v reckon_v worthy_a of_o this_o great_a comparison_n