himself_o in_o darkness_n but_o that_o in_o his_o cold_a blood_n and_o more_o sober_a consideration_n will_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o the_o state_n of_o notorious_a sinfulness_n be_v the_o state_n of_o wretchedness_n and_o of_o death_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n for_o the_o drunkard_n the_o swearer_n the_o liar_n the_o usurer_n the_o unclean_a person_n the_o sabbath-breaker_n the_o sacrilegious_a simoniacal_a and_o sinner_n of_o such_o infamous_a rank_n but_o a_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o without_o repentance_n and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n a_o eternal_a separation_n both_o from_o all_o possibility_n of_o grace_n and_o sound_a comfort_n in_o this_o life_n and_o from_o the_o fruition_n of_o the_o joy_n and_o blessedness_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o i_o therefore_o endeavour_n and_o desire_n to_o come_v near_o and_o close_o to_o man_n conscience_n and_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o out_o of_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o moral_a honesty_n and_o outward_a religiousnes_n they_o may_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v in_o spiritual_a store_n and_o have_v need_n of_o no_o more_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o heaven_n when_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n as_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o save_v grace_n and_o sincere_a exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a in_o these_o lukewarm_a time_n many_o there_o be_v who_o with_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o temporary_a faith_n and_o some_o light_n of_o the_o general_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v a_o fair_a show_n and_o win_v good_a reputation_n for_o their_o spiritual_a state_n both_o with_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o with_o the_o world_n abroad_o when_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o only_a blazing-star_n and_o earthly_a mind_v not_o fix_v in_o the_o same_o firmament_n with_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n nor_o of_o a_o heavenly_a stamp_n and_o if_o they_o rise_v not_o high_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o conversation_n from_o earth_n and_o earthly_a vanity_n when_o their_o rootless_a grace_n shall_v be_v wither_v and_o waste_v away_o their_o fall_n will_v be_v sudden_a and_o fearful_a and_o their_o former_a vanish_v flash_n of_o vain_a hope_n for_o future_a happiness_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o horror_n and_o extreme_a misery_n of_o despair_n most_o behooveful_a then_o be_v it_o for_o every_o man_n in_o time_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v himself_o whether_o christ_n jesus_n be_v in_o he_o or_o no._n and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o worthy_a and_o noble_a employment_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o reflect_v upon_o itself_o and_o with_o a_o undazeled_a and_o undissemble_a eye_n thorough_o to_o try_v and_o descry_v clear_o it_o own_o state_n whether_o it_o be_v already_o wash_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o enlive_v with_o a_o supernatural_a vigour_n and_o life_n of_o grace_n or_o yet_o lie_v pollute_v in_o it_o own_o blood_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o first_o death_n i_o wonder_v how_o any_o man_n can_v be_v at_o rest_n and_o quiet_a until_o he_o be_v assure_v and_o secure_v in_o this_o point_n since_o upon_o it_o depend_v his_o everlasting_a estate_n in_o another_o world_n nay_o since_o even_o in_o this_o world_n every_o unregenerate_a man_n let_v he_o be_v otherwise_o never_o so_o great_a or_o adore_v above_o other_o never_o so_o absolute_a in_o all_o other_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n whatsoever_o yet_o be_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o very_a limb_n of_o satan_n a_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o one_o of_o the_o family_n of_o hell_n the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n all_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n the_o rage_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n though_o he_o little_o think_v upon_o it_o be_v every_o hour_n ready_a and_o address_v to_o seize_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o traitor_n and_o rebel_n to_o the_o high_a majesty_n and_o to_o drag_v he_o down_o into_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n whereas_o the_o state_n of_o true_a christian_n and_o god_n faithful_a one_o be_v most_o comfortable_a and_o glorious_a even_o in_o this_o life_n in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o in_o these_o tabernacle_n of_o clay_n for_o their_o comfort_n be_v not_o fade_v and_o earthly_a spring_v out_o of_o the_o sinful_a pleasure_n &_o transitory_a glory_n of_o the_o world_n not_o fasten_v unto_o honour_n greatness_n and_o possession_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n but_o they_o be_v of_o a_o right_n noble_a and_o heavenly_a temper_n frame_v and_o emplant_v in_o the_o sanctify_a soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o everlasting_a and_o unconquerable_a able_a to_o keep_v a_o man_n in_o heart_n and_o resolution_n against_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o all_o adversary_n of_o all_o creature_n they_o only_o be_v true_o and_o sound_o persuade_v by_o the_o sweet_a and_o secret_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o evidence_n and_o experience_n of_o their_o own_o holy_a life_n that_o after_o the_o approach_n and_o much_o long_v for_o period_n of_o a_o few_o and_o evil_a day_n they_o shall_v reign_v with_o god_n almighty_a the_o holy_a angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n in_o unutterable_a and_o endless_a pleasure_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o therefore_o easy_o and_o resolute_o with_o much_o indignation_n &_o contempt_n overlook_v and_o throw_v out_o of_o their_o heart_n all_o worldly_a thoughtfulnes_n all_o excessive_a desire_n of_o earth_n and_o earthly_a vanity_n all_o restless_a aspiration_n after_o transitory_a honour_n the_o noble_a misery_n of_o this_o wretched_a life_n they_o alone_o have_v fasten_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v from_o above_o with_o save_v faith_n upon_o the_o unualuable_a pretiousnes_n and_o last_a beauty_n of_o their_o immortal_a crown_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o glitter_a and_o golden_a representation_n with_o which_o the_o flatter_a world_n have_v former_o deceive_v and_o dazzle_v their_o eye_n appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n and_o desolation_n their_o glory_n indeed_o here_o upon_o earth_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o outward_a pomp_n and_o state_n it_o do_v not_o shine_v to_o carnal_a eye_n it_o be_v undiscernible_a to_o the_o sharp_a sight_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o policy_n but_o inward_o and_o with_o spiritual_a fairness_n their_o divine_a grace_n make_v they_o so_o true_o honourable_a and_o lovely_a that_o somewhere_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v call_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o dear_a unto_o he_o as_o the_o precious_a ball_n and_o apple_n of_o his_o own_o eye_n they_o be_v in_o so_o high_a esteem_n and_o account_v with_o angel_n that_o those_o excellent_a creature_n with_o much_o joy_n &_o alacrity_n become_v their_o guardian_n and_o serviceable_a unto_o they_o with_o extraordinary_a care_n and_o tenderness_n all_o the_o creature_n groan_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v into_o their_o glorious_a liberty_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n with_o a_o secret_a and_o insensible_a reverence_n they_o adore_v the_o sacred_a character_n of_o divinity_n that_o be_v stamp_v upon_o they_o all_o the_o saint_n acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o their_o neighbour_n of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o heaven_n nay_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o many_o time_n be_v confound_v and_o stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o height_n of_o spirit_n and_o resolution_n that_o possess_v their_o heart_n and_o at_o the_o sober_a &_o undaunted_a majesty_n that_o shine_v in_o their_o face_n this_o and_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o this_o be_v the_o blissful_a state_n of_o god_n child_n even_o in_o this_o life_n howsoever_o they_o be_v neglect_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o the_o world_n and_o wicked_a man_n yet_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o all_o man_n of_o true_a worth_n indeed_o they_o be_v the_o only_a angel_n upon_o earth_n and_o the_o royal_a citizen_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o point_n will_v be_v comfortable_a but_o so_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o tedious_a no_o more_o but_o this_o therefore_o at_o this_o time_n certain_a it_o be_v if_o a_o man_n be_v crown_v with_o the_o royal_a state_n and_o imperial_a command_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n upon_o earth_n if_o his_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o all_o create_a capacity_n &_o fill_v with_o all_o the_o exquisite_a and_o unmixed_a pleasure_n that_o the_o reach_n of_o mortality_n and_o most_o ambitious_a curiosity_n can_v possible_o devise_v and_o may_v without_o interruption_n and_o distaste_n enjoy_v they_o the_o length_n of_o the_o world_n duration_n they_o be_v all_o nothing_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o precious_a and_o peerless_a comfort_n of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o even_o for_o a_o hour_n
be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o break_a staff_n of_o reed_n whereupon_o if_o a_o man_n lean_a it_o will_v go_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o pierce_v it_o yea_o and_o strike_v his_o heart_n too_o thorough_a with_o many_o sorrow_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n they_o will_v all_o prove_v but_o as_o a_o break_a tooth_n and_o slide_a foot_n to_o let_v they_o therefore_o pass_v and_o die_v and_o perish_v i_o come_v to_o two_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o negative_a part_n civil_a honesty_n and_o formal_a hypocrisy_n these_o indeed_o be_v the_o two_o great_a engine_n by_o which_o in_o this_o full_a light_n and_o glorious_a noonetide_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n draw_v many_o multitude_n into_o his_o snare_n in_o this_o life_n and_o into_o chain_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v sweetness_n of_o nature_n lovelines_n of_o disposition_n fairness_n of_o condition_n a_o please_a affability_n in_o carriage_n and_o conversation_n a_o unsway_v uprightness_n in_o civil_a action_n and_o negotiation_n with_o man_n make_v a_o goodly_a show_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o accession_n of_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o outward_a performance_n of_o religious_a exercise_n of_o some_o correspondence_n with_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n why_o then_o the_o matter_n be_v strike_v dead_a there_o be_v the_o perfection_n whatsoever_o be_v above_o be_v proud_a hypocrisy_n vainglorious_a singularity_n fantastic_a preciseness_n when_o god_n know_v there_o may_v be_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o no_o power_n of_o religion_n no_o life_n of_o grace_n no_o true_a happiness_n no_o hope_n of_o eternity_n to_o the_o demonstration_n of_o which_o point_n before_o i_o proceed_v let_v i_o prevent_v two_o objection_n first_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o moral_a virtuousness_n be_v good_a and_o excellent_a in_o itself_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o conversion_n be_v necessary_a but_o if_o moral_a virtuousness_n be_v able_a to_o put_v on_o the_o great_a magnificence_n and_o applause_n that_o ever_o it_o ancient_o enjoy_v among_o the_o precise_a roman_n whereby_o it_o may_v worthy_o draw_v into_o admiration_n and_o just_a challenge_n even_o these_o time_n of_o christianity_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o will_n and_o be_v not_o guide_v and_o sanctify_v by_o supernatural_a grace_n it_o be_v but_o at_o the_o best_a the_o very_a filthiness_n of_o a_o menstruous_a clout_n and_o outward_a action_n of_o religion_n be_v they_o perform_v with_o as_o glorious_a a_o show_n and_o undiscernible_a conveyance_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v by_o the_o most_o formal_a pharisee_n yet_o sever_v from_o a_o sound_n and_o sanctify_a hart_n the_o fountain_n which_o give_v 〈◊〉_d sweetness_n and_o acceptation_n to_o all_o outward_a service_n they_o be_v but_o all_o as_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o a_o dog_n neck_n and_o the_o offering_n of_o swine_n blood_n second_o i_o do_v not_o here_o by_o any_o mean_n purpose_v the_o discomfort_n of_o that_o man_n who_o soul_n be_v yet_o wrestle_v with_o the_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o before_o travel_n of_o his_o new-birth_n i_o wish_v unto_o he_o the_o sweet_a comfort_n that_o either_o he_o in_o his_o deep_a agony_n can_v desire_v or_o the_o bowel_n of_o god_n tender_a compassion_n be_v wont_a to_o pour_v into_o break_a and_o bleed_a heart_n and_o that_o the_o joyful_a light_n of_o his_o saviour_n countenance_n may_v break_v forth_o upon_o his_o cloudy_a and_o droop_a conscience_n with_o far_o great_a brightness_n than_o ever_o the_o clear_a sun_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n neither_o do_v i_o purpose_v the_o discouragement_n of_o he_o who_o have_v happy_o pass_v the_o fearful_a but_o necessary_a pang_n of_o remorse_n for_o sin_n and_o have_v already_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o merit_n and_o mercy_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a though_o a_o weak_a faith_n i_o wish_v that_o his_o soul_n as_o a_o newborn_a babe_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o smooth_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a &_o charitable_a discretion_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v nourish_v with_o the_o sweet_a milk_n of_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o comfortable_a promise_n i_o ever_o esteem_v it_o most_o bloody_a cruelty_n to_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n or_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n or_o to_o add_v sorrow_n to_o he_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v wound_v and_o therefore_o rather_o infinite_o desire_v to_o turn_v the_o smoke_a flax_n into_o a_o burn_a fire_n of_o zeal_n to_o refresh_v the_o weak_a and_o wound_a heart_n with_o soft_a oil_n of_o god_n dear_a mercy_n to_o make_v the_o bruise_a reed_n a_o pillar_n of_o brass_n that_o it_o may_v stand_v strong_a and_o sure_a at_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n whereupon_o i_o pronounce_v out_o of_o most_o certain_a ground_n of_o god_n eternal_a truth_n unto_o the_o weak_a faith_n if_o true_a and_o sound_a that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n with_o all_o the_o fury_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o power_n of_o darkness_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o neither_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o depth_n below_o nor_o height_n above_o nor_o the_o creature_n of_o ten_o thousand_o world_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o work_v a_o separation_n of_o it_o from_o that_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n which_o first_o plant_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n or_o a_o disunion_n of_o it_o from_o christ_n which_o inspire_v it_o continual_o with_o life_n spirit_n and_o motion_n it_o be_v not_o difference_n of_o degree_n and_o measure_n that_o take_v away_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o it_o a_o small_a drop_n of_o water_n be_v as_o well_o and_o true_o water_n as_o the_o whole_a ocean_n a_o little_a spark_n be_v as_o true_o fire_n both_o in_o essence_n and_o quality_n as_o the_o mighty_a flame_n the_o hand_n of_o a_o little_a child_n may_v receive_v a_o pearl_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o great_a giant_n though_o not_o hold_v it_o so_o strong_o a_o weak_a faith_n may_v be_v a_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o a_o save_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o full_a persuasion_n and_o height_n of_o assurance_n this_o only_a i_o must_v advise_v in_o this_o point_n that_o if_o this_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n water_v with_o the_o dew_n of_o grace_n grow_v not_o towards_o a_o great_a tree_n if_o this_o spark_n enkindle_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n spread_v not_o into_o a_o big_a flame_n if_o this_o small_a measure_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o edge_v with_o a_o long_a fervency_n after_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n and_o second_v with_o a_o assiduous_a and_o serious_a endeavour_v after_o more_o perfection_n it_o be_v no_o sound_n and_o save_a faith_n but_o only_o a_o counterfeit_a show_n and_o a_o deceive_a shadow_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o i_o can_v without_o a_o woe_n speak_v good_a of_o evil_n and_o evil_a of_o good_a i_o must_v not_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n wise_a solomon_n have_v teach_v we_o 17.15_o that_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o wicked_a and_o he_o that_o condemn_v the_o just_a even_o they_o both_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a part_n for_o his_o civil_a honesty_n and_o solemn_a performance_n of_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o many_o thousand_o never_o attain_v and_o yet_o himself_o be_v not_o only_o a_o stranger_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o right_a happiness_n and_o hold_v fast_o under_o the_o power_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o first_o death_n but_o also_o by_o accident_n be_v pu_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o a_o imaginary_a perfection_n become_v a_o violent_a opposite_a to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o true_a godliness_n the_o reason_n whereof_o may_v be_v this_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o understanding_n and_o opinion_n work_v in_o every_o man_n a_o too_o too_o much_o love_n of_o his_o own_o invention_n and_o conclusion_n all_o opposition_n inflame_v the_o affection_n and_o set_v on_o foot_n the_o wit_n to_o find_v out_o argument_n for_o their_o proof_n lest_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v too_o weak_a of_o judgement_n in_o frame_v they_o or_o too_o inconstant_a in_o not_o defend_v they_o even_o so_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o the_o more_o plausible_a a_o man_n course_n be_v and_o the_o more_o glorious_o it_o be_v entertain_v of_o the_o world_n the_o strong_a be_v his_o resolution_n to_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o the_o more_o impatient_a he_o be_v
soul_n in_o the_o high_a point_n of_o salvation_n for_o man_n of_o great_a nobleness_n and_o pregnancy_n of_o spirit_n of_o most_o rich_a and_o universal_a endowment_n of_o mind_n without_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o sanctify_a humility_n the_o fair_a branch_n spring_v thence_o and_o the_o true_a crown_n of_o christianity_n be_v ready_a to_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o their_o great_a sufficiency_n with_o a_o disdainful_a prejudice_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o saint_n &_o out_o of_o a_o flatter_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o think_v their_o spiritual_a state_n as_o good_a as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o bless_a from_o god_n when_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n for_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o far_o above_o other_o in_o all_o other_o excellency_n and_o whatsoever_o remarkable_a worth_n the_o world_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o they_o conceive_v also_o that_o in_o a_o proportionable_a congruity_n as_o indeed_o it_o shall_v be_v they_o be_v inferior_a to_o none_o in_o those_o sacred_a apprehension_n of_o heaven_n and_o taste_v of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o this_o consideration_n i_o be_v bold_a out_o of_o a_o christian_a jealousy_n to_o treat_v on_o this_o argument_n be_v persuade_v of_o their_o great_a wisdom_n and_o gracious_a humility_n to_o listen_v to_o any_o heavenly_a message_n which_o may_v either_o discover_v or_o prevent_v spiritual_a danger_n thou_o in_o christ_n jesus_n robert_n bolton_n a_o discourse_n about_o the_o state_n of_o true_a happiness_n psalm_n 1._o 1_o bless_a be_v the_o mâ—n_z that_o do_v not_o walk_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wicked_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a 2_o but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n there_o be_v no_o great_a encouragement_n or_o strong_a motive_n to_o stir_v a_o man_n to_o a_o eager_a and_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o the_o mean_n then_o to_o purpose_n unto_o he_o a_o end_n wherein_o at_o length_n his_o heart_n may_v repose_v as_o in_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o comfort_n and_o contentment_n to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o attainment_n but_o by_o pureness_n of_o heart_n holiness_n of_o life_n constancy_n in_o a_o course_n of_o sanctification_n which_o only_o lead_v unto_o the_o face_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n where_o and_o with_o who_o alone_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o bliss_n a_o river_n of_o infinite_a pleasure_n the_o well_o of_o life_n and_o endless_a rest_n of_o all_o create_a desire_n for_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n soul_n can_v possible_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o any_o creature_n no_o not_o with_o a_o world_n of_o creature_n for_o they_o be_v all_o nothing_o to_o the_o worth_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n christ_n himself_o have_v prefer_v it_o in_o valuation_n 16.25_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n though_o he_o shall_v win_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o he_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v free_a from_o motion_n and_o vexation_n until_o it_o reach_v unto_o either_o in_o certain_a hope_n or_o actual_a fruition_n a_o object_n infinite_a as_o well_o in_o excellency_n of_o nature_n as_o duration_n of_o time_n bless_a then_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o disposer_n of_o these_o heavenly_a song_n of_o david_n whether_o it_o be_v himself_o or_o ezra_n or_o whosoever_o in_o that_o he_o prefix_v this_o excellent_a psalm_n as_o a_o preface_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n wherein_o be_v propose_v and_o comprise_v a_o matchless_a happiness_n whereby_o the_o godly_a man_n may_v even_o in_o this_o life_n flourish_v like_o a_o palm_n tree_n 92.12_o and_o grow_v like_o a_o cedar_n in_o lebanon_n refresh_v continual_o with_o river_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n shed_v into_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o may_v stand_v like_o mount_n zion_n unastonish_v and_o unremouâ—d_v 125.1_o at_o that_o great_a and_o fearful_a day_n when_o the_o wicked_a shall_v call_v for_o the_o mountain_n to_o cover_v they_o and_o wish_v they_o have_v never_o be_v what_o ingenuous_a mind_n will_v not_o be_v inflame_v with_o zeal_n to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o lead_v unto_o a_o end_n as_o full_a of_o happiness_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v full_a of_o light_n and_o the_o sea_n of_o water_n what_o heart_n not_o possess_v with_o a_o iron_n sâ—ew_v will_v not_o thirst_v and_o long_o after_o find_v and_o undissembled_a sincerity_n even_o as_o the_o hart_n bray_v after_o the_o river_n of_o water_n and_o as_o the_o dry_a ground_n gape_v for_o drop_n of_o rain_n since_o by_o it_o alone_o we_o purchase_v and_o put_v on_o a_o unconquerable_a resolution_n issue_v from_o a_o assurance_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o clearness_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 13.1_o whereby_o we_o may_v walk_v even_o as_o bold_a as_o lion_n through_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n amid_o the_o mercilesle_a vexation_n of_o profane_a man_n 91.13_o nay_o we_o may_v walk_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o asp_n the_o young_a lion_n and_o the_o dragon_n we_o may_v tread_v under_o foot_n and_o hereafter_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o with_o pleasure_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o this_o happy_a man_n be_v here_o describe_v unto_o we_o by_o many_o argument_n first_o be_v lay_v down_o his_o mark_n and_o property_n negative_a and_o affirmative_a in_o the_o two_o first_o verse_n second_o his_o happiness_n be_v live_o set_v out_o by_o a_o similitude_n in_o the_o three_o verse_n illustrate_v by_o a_o opposition_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o unhappy_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o verse_n conclude_v with_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o both_o to_o wit_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o vengeance_n upon_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o last_o verse_n the_o negative_a property_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n be_v three_o he_o do_v not_o walk_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n he_o do_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornofull_a amplify_v with_o a_o threefold_a gradation_n in_o the_o person_n action_n and_o object_n of_o the_o action_n the_o gradation_n in_o the_o person_n the_o wicked_a sinner_n and_o scornful_a imply_v all_o fort_n of_o ungodlie_a man_n the_o gradation_n in_o the_o action_n walk_v stand_v and_o sit_v all_o manner_n of_o commerce_n and_o correspondence_n with_o they_o the_o gradation_n in_o the_o object_n the_o counsel_n way_n and_o fear_v all_o kind_n of_o iniquity_n inward_a corruption_n or_o outward_a impiety_n the_o whole_a verse_n labour_v with_o a_o emphatical_a exaggeration_n to_o set_v down_o hiâ—_n bless_a forbearance_n of_o sin_n and_o communicate_v with_o sinful_a man_n the_o second_o verse_n contain_v his_o employment_n in_o piety_n seem_v to_o answer_v in_o opposition_n the_o three_o negative_n with_o three_o affirmative_n his_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wicked_a his_o mediation_n and_o exercise_v in_o that_o law_n to_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n day_n and_o night_n there_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o habit_n oppos'de_v to_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a why_o then_o let_v the_o profane_a and_o flatter_a world_n say_v what_o it_o will_v let_v sensual_a and_o unsanctified_a man_n judge_v as_o they_o lift_v that_o man_n and_o that_o man_n alone_o be_v true_o and_o everlasting_a happy_a that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v that_o do_v not_o delight_n in_o their_o vain_a imagination_n sinful_a affection_n lustful_a desire_n speculative_a wantonness_n in_o their_o proud_a and_o swell_a thought_n which_o conceive_v mischief_n and_o bring_v forth_o a_o lie_n chaff_n &_o bring_v forth_o stubble_n the_o wind_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o whirlwind_n that_o do_v not_o partake_v with_o their_o impotent_a passion_n unhallowed_a policy_n their_o exorbitant_a and_o indirect_a project_n for_o their_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o profit_n who_o soul_n desire_v not_o to_o come_v into_o the_o secret_a of_o their_o cruel_a consultation_n and_o malicious_a designment_n in_o a_o word_n who_o heart_n hate_v and_o abominate_v all_o venom_n of_o inward_a pollution_n that_o have_v either_o fountain_n or_o seat_n in_o any_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n that_o be_v that_o break_v not_o into_o open_a profaneness_n that_o imitate_v not_o their_o action_n and_o conversation_n who_o mouth_n be_v not_o full_a of_o bitterness_n and_o lie_v who_o lip_n aâ—e_v not_o infect_v with_o the_o poison_n of_o asp_n who_o hand_n be_v not_o full_a of_o bribe_n
and_o falsehood_n who_o fâ—et_n be_v not_o swift_a to_o run_v after_o mischief_n vanity_n and_o lewd_a companion_n that_o fit_v not_o in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a that_o be_v that_o confine_v not_o himself_o to_o the_o chair_n of_o iniquity_n that_o confirm_v not_o himself_o in_o his_o malice_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o do_v not_o make_v a_o mock_v of_o sin_n and_o jest_n with_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n that_o do_v not_o direct_v the_o poisonous_a arrow_n of_o a_o spiteful_a tongue_n even_o at_o the_o apple_n of_o god_n own_o cie_n his_o dear_a saint_n and_o servant_n that_o with_o the_o scorner_n do_v not_o dare_v the_o high_a majesty_n of_o the_o almighty_a to_o whet_v his_o glitter_a sword_n and_o take_v hold_v on_o judgement_n to_o put_v on_o his_o habergeon_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o garment_n of_o vengeance_n for_o clothing_n say_v as_o it_o be_v isai._n 5.19_o let_v he_o make_v speed_n let_v he_o hasten_v his_o work_n that_o we_o may_v see_v it_o and_o let_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n draw_v near_o &_o come_v that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o thus_o far_o his_o forbearance_n of_o sinful_a action_n now_o follow_v his_o practice_n in_o action_n of_o piety_n but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n divine_o inspire_v be_v the_o very_a joy_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o delight_n of_o his_o soul_n it_o be_v sweet_a unto_o he_o then_o honey_n &_o the_o honey_n comb_n it_o be_v more_o precious_a unto_o he_o they_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n it_o be_v more_o worth_n unto_o he_o than_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v once_o enkindle_v with_o love_n there_o the_o imagination_n embrace_v with_o dear_a apprehension_n the_o thought_n be_v impatient_a of_o any_o other_o object_n all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v in_o a_o strong_a endeavour_n for_o the_o attainment_n the_o whole_a mind_n must_v needs_o be_v possess_v with_o meditation_n if_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o must_v needs_o meditate_v therein_o and_o this_o fervency_n of_o the_o heart_n can_v possible_o be_v enclose_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o breast_n it_o will_v spread_v itself_o in_o speech_n and_o action_n as_o be_v plain_a psalm_n 37.30_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o righteous_a will_v speak_v of_o wisdom_n and_o his_o tongue_n will_v talk_v of_o judgement_n the_o reason_n follow_v for_o the_o law_n of_o his_o god_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o psalm_n 119_o 167._o my_o soul_n have_v keep_v thy_o testimony_n for_o i_o love_v they_o exceed_o and_o this_o love_n delight_n meditation_n and_o exercise_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o this_o happy_a man_n be_v not_o as_o a_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o morning_n dew_n before_o the_o sun_n but_o like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n it_o be_v not_o for_o a_o start_n for_o fear_n for_o restraint_n for_o reputation_n for_o advantage_n or_o to_o cover_v the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n for_o a_o while_n with_o a_o few_o flash_n of_o deceivable_a comfort_n out_o of_o some_o misapply_v promise_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o free_a resolution_n and_o with_o undaunted_a constancy_n day_n and_o night_n but_o give_v i_o leave_v i_o beseech_v you_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o rest_n or_o deduction_n of_o doctrine_n from_o these_o particular_n to_o propose_v unto_o you_o this_o general_a doctrine_n which_o have_v his_o strength_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o offor_v unto_o we_o a_o happiness_n stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o vain_a felicity_n which_o ancient_a philosopher_n devisde_v out_o of_o their_o deep_a speculation_n or_o profane_a man_n frame_v out_o of_o their_o corrupt_a affection_n not_o consist_v in_o pleasure_n riches_n honour_n greatness_n in_o civil_a honesty_n formal_a hypocrisy_n or_o the_o whole_a possibility_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o the_o bless_a consequent_n the_o whole_a book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n salomon_n sacred_a retractation_n be_v a_o large_a and_o sound_a demonstration_n of_o this_o doctrine_n solomon_n be_v son_n unto_o the_o worthy_a king_n that_o ever_o sway_v sceptre_n upon_o earth_n and_o he_o be_v predecessor_n in_o the_o royal_a line_n unto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o matchless_a for_o nobility_n if_o true_a happiness_n have_v consist_v therein_o he_o be_v king_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o lady_n of_o the_o world_n the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n he_o give_v silver_n as_o stone_n and_o give_v cedar_n as_o the_o wild_a figtree_n that_o grow_v abundant_o in_o the_o plain_a he_o build_v he_o house_n and_o plant_v vineyard_n he_o provide_v he_o man_n finger_n and_o woman_n finger_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o his_o eye_n desire_v he_o with_o hold_v it_o not_o from_o they_o and_o withdraw_v not_o his_o heart_n from_o any_o joy_n for_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n he_o have_v a_o large_a heart_n even_o as_o the_o sand_n that_o be_v on_o the_o sea_n shore_n it_o speculative_a knowledge_n he_o excel_v the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o east_n and_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o egypt_n he_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v from_o the_o cedar_n tree_n that_o be_v in_o lebanon_n even_o unto_o the_o hyssop_n that_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n in_o wisdom_n of_o polity_n and_o government_n there_o be_v none_o like_o unto_o he_o before_o he_o neither_o after_o he_o shall_v arise_v the_o like_a unto_o he_o so_o that_o solomon_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o absolute_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v both_o for_o ability_n in_o understanding_n abundance_n in_o possession_n and_o desire_v in_o search_v to_o take_v a_o exact_a measure_n and_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o all_o creature_n and_o to_o raise_v from_o they_o the_o best_a contentment_n they_o can_v possible_o afford_v yet_o when_o he_o have_v weary_v himself_o in_o the_o variety_n of_o passage_n of_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o eâ—clesiastes_n become_v a_o public_a penitentiary_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o to_o all_o posterity_n see_v his_o judgement_n he_o utter_o disavow_v and_o disclaim_v they_o all_o as_o miserable_a comforter_n as_o mere_a shadow_n and_o dream_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o more_o matter_n of_o sound_a comfort_n than_o there_o be_v light_n in_o the_o great_a darkness_n or_o taste_v in_o the_o white_a of_o a_o egg_n he_o say_v of_o laughter_n 2.2_o thou_o be_v mad_a and_o of_o joy_n haâ—_n be_v this_o that_o thou_o do_v and_o whereas_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o most_o incomparable_a treasure_n this_o transitory_a world_n have_v 1.18_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o wisdom_n be_v much_o grief_n and_o he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n and_o of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n yea_o and_o if_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o create_a nature_n be_v a_o addition_n of_o ten_o thousand_o excellency_n that_o never_o man_n see_v or_o enjoy_v he_o have_v pronounce_v of_o they_o all_o in_o respect_n of_o true_a happiness_n and_o divide_v from_o the_o grace_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o a_o sanctify_a heart_n that_o they_o be_v all_o vanity_n and_o if_o he_o have_v stay_v there_o it_o have_v be_v well_o that_o argue_v but_o a_o passive_a imperfection_n and_o a_o weakness_n of_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o they_o be_v vexation_n of_o spirit_n nothing_o in_o themselves_o yet_o full_a of_o power_n and_o activity_n to_o inflict_v vengeance_n and_o vexation_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v sound_a in_o sincerity_n and_o second_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v out_o his_o infirmity_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n incident_a to_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v able_a to_o pass_v by_o with_o a_o resolute_a and_o content_v patience_n the_o lie_a imputation_n of_o the_o profane_v malice_n it_o be_v able_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o encounter_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n and_o the_o fearfulness_n of_o the_o grave_n yea_o to_o endure_v with_o a_o gracious_a humility_n even_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o angel_n at_o that_o great_a day_n but_o a_o wound_a and_o a_o afflict_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v if_o the_o eye_n be_v dark_a how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o shall_v refresh_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o