disstance_n which_o be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o and_o so_o we_o read_v that_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o david_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o bow_v down_o and_o fall_v upon_o their_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o god_n or_o that_o he_o appear_v unto_o they_o yea_o god_n himself_o express_o require_v this_o of_o moses_n and_o joshua_n at_o these_o manifestation_n of_o his_o presence_n unto_o they_o which_o we_o find_v exod._n 3._o 5._o josh_o 5._o 15._o for_o there_o he_o command_v they_o to_o put_v off_o their_o shoe_n from_o off_o their_o foot_n which_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a nation_n be_v then_o a_o testimony_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o indeed_o see_v we_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a or_o reasonable_a then_o that_o we_o shall_v reverence_n and_o exalt_v he_o by_o such_o depress_v of_o ourselves_o and_o humble_v of_o our_o body_n in_o his_o sight_n the_o very_a angel_n these_o glorious_a spirit_n be_v say_v to_o vail_n and_o cover_v their_o face_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o god_n and_o how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v abash_v and_o humble_v who_o dwell_v in_o house_n of_o clay_n and_o who_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n certain_o if_o there_o be_v any_o gesture_n or_o posture_n more_o humble_a than_o anoher_n it_o become_v we_o to_o use_v it_o and_o it_o do_v bespeak_v little_a reverence_n to_o god_n to_o use_v that_o gesture_n and_o carriage_n when_o we_o speak_v to_o he_o or_o he_o speak_v to_o we_o which_o we_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o but_o when_o we_o be_v converse_v with_o our_o equal_n or_o inferior_n sit_v therefore_o at_o prayer_n and_o have_v the_o head_n cover_v when_o divine_a worship_n be_v perform_v be_v very_o undecent_a and_o unbecoming_a thing_n i_o wonder_v how_o ever_o this_o creep_v in_o or_o come_v to_o be_v in_o fashion_n among_o we_o and_o i_o think_v it_o yet_o more_o strange_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o defend_v that_o which_o be_v condemn_v not_o only_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n but_o also_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n whatsoever_o for_o even_o the_o very_a heathen_n will_v account_v it_o irreverence_n towards_o their_o false_a god_n which_o many_o christian_n in_o this_o country_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o do_v towards_o the_o true_a and_o living_n god_n what_o the_o lord_n say_v by_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n in_o another_o case_n will_v be_v very_o applicable_a here_o a_o son_n honour_v his_o father_n and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o then_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n offer_v this_o now_o unto_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n mal_fw-fr 1._o 6._o 8._o nay_o to_o pass_v king_n and_o prince_n and_o those_o of_o the_o best_a quality_n even_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o gentleman_n will_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o affront_v and_o uncivil_o treat_v if_o they_o have_v not_o great_a respect_n pay_v they_o than_o what_o some_o show_n to_o god_n who_o will_v not_o be_v incense_v and_o provock_v if_o his_o tennent_n or_o any_o other_o poor_a mean_a fellow_n shall_v thrust_v into_o his_o presence_n without_o uncover_v his_o head_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o talk_v with_o he_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o cause_n kick_v such_o all_o manner_a person_n to_o the_o door_n and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o that_o can_v be_v reckon_v as_o reverence_v and_o a_o sign_n of_o devotion_n to_o god_n which_o man_n look_v upon_o as_o rudeness_n and_o incivility_n there_o be_v some_o which_o very_o much_o mistake_v that_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n isai._n 29._o 13._o where_o the_o lord_n complain_v of_o his_o people_n of_o old_a that_o they_o draw_v near_o he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o that_o they_o honour_v he_o with_o their_o lip_n as_o if_o that_o be_v a_o discharge_n of_o all_o external_a worship_n or_o of_o outward_a reverence_n therein_o whereas_o it_o be_v not_o the_o outward_a honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o the_o lord_n there_o find_v fault_n with_o but_o only_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o god_n value_v not_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n for_o than_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n he_o care_v not_o for_o our_o outward_a reverence_n and_o prostration_n when_o the_o inward_a spirit_n of_o devotion_n be_v want_v but_o as_o he_o call_v chief_o for_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n because_o it_o be_v the_o better_a part_n of_o man_n so_o he_o expect_v that_o have_v the_o inward_a the_o outward_a man_n will_v follow_v and_o indeed_o what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o shall_v not_o be_v put_v asunder_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n outward_o as_o well_o as_o inward_o when_o he_o say_v glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o in_o your_o spirit_n which_o be_v god_n 1_o cor_n 6._o 20._o '_o tits_fw-fr true_a superstition_n be_v a_o fault_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a way_n to_o redress_v it_o to_o turn_v profane_a and_o irreverent_a god_n be_v not_o please_v with_o the_o humble_a posture_n of_o our_o body_n when_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n do_v not_o accompany_v they_o but_o to_o make_v up_o that_o want_n we_o must_v not_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o necessary_a and_o become_a testimony_n of_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v on_o another_o occasion_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n i_o may_v well_o apply_v here_o these_o ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v matth_n 23._o 23._o as_o hypocrisy_n may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o outward_a act_n and_o expression_n of_o humility_n and_o reverence_n so_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v little_a true_a sense_n of_o god_n within_o when_o the_o outward_a behaviour_n be_v not_o grave_a modest_a and_o humble_a wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o one_o i_o will_v as_o sure_o believe_v he_o temperate_a who_o be_v stagger_v in_o the_o street_n with_o drink_n and_o he_o chaste_a who_o eye_n be_v full_a of_o adultery_n &_o he_o merciful_a who_o hand_n be_v imbrue_v in_o blood_n as_o that_o he_o can_v true_o fear_v god_n who_o show_v no_o outward_a reverence_n in_o his_o worship_n the_o outward_a reverence_n of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o testify_v the_o inward_a respect_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o it_o be_v also_o requisite_a for_o the_o quicken_a and_o stir_v it_o up_o as_o the_o outward_a pomp_n and_o grandeur_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v necessary_a to_o put_v people_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o otherways_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o forget_v or_o to_o be_v too_o bold_a with_o so_o the_o outward_a humiliation_n of_o our_o body_n serve_v to_o cherish_v and_o to_o keep_v up_o in_o we_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n greatness_n and_o glory_n which_o otherways_o perhaps_o will_v slip_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n thus_o we_o have_v speak_v to_o that_o reverence_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n which_o be_v always_o one_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o fear_n the_o other_o effect_n thereof_o consist_v in_o a_o great_a care_n and_o circumspection_n not_o to_o offend_v or_o displease_v he_o and_o indeed_o if_o this_o be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n nor_o will_v any_o reverence_n which_o we_o show_v towards_o he_o find_v acceptance_n with_o he_o as_o child_n who_o true_o honour_n and_o respect_v their_o parent_n be_v always_o very_o loath_a to_o give_v they_o any_o manner_n of_o offence_n and_o as_o they_o be_v grieve_v when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o chance_v to_o do_v it_o though_o they_o do_v not_o fear_v nor_o apprehend_v to_o be_v chastise_v so_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_o act_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v careful_o watch_v against_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o will_v have_v a_o aversion_n from_o it_o though_o there_o where_o no_o ground_n to_o dread_a hell_n or_o other_o punishment_n but_o even_o because_o that_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o he_o who_o they_o entire_o love_v and_o honour_n and_o when_o they_o have_v sin_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o offence_n which_o be_v give_v god_n thereby_o will_v afflict_v they_o more_o than_o these_o bitter_a fruit_n which_o sin_n always_o produce_v therefore_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n do_v always_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v these_o
very_o proper_a and_o convenient_a to_o set_v apart_o one_o particular_a room_n of_o our_o house_n for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v perform_v our_o devotion_n with_o the_o great_a freedom_n and_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o disturbance_n and_o those_o interruption_n which_o person_n usual_o meet_v with_o who_o want_n this_o conveniency_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o thing_n itself_o prayer_n be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n enjoin_v by_o clear_a precept_n recommede_v by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o holy_a man_n and_o so_o necessary_a that_o who_o pray_v not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o seldom_o can_v be_v say_v to_o worship_n god_n whatever_o elâ—…e_n they_o do_v for_o their_o other_o act_n can_v be_v proper_o refer_v to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o prayer_n our_o obligation_n to_o prayer_n arise_v not_o from_o one_o but_o from_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o by_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o all_o of_o they_o he_o who_o pray_v declare_v god_n omnipresence_n his_o omniscience_n his_o omnipotence_n and_o all_o sufficiency_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o but_o who_o neglect_v prayer_n do_v not_o believe_v these_o divine_a perfection_n or_o do_v not_o serious_o consider_v they_o he_o make_v no_o actual_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o live_v in_o open_a defiance_n of_o they_o and_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o a_o independency_n and_o selfsufficiency_n which_o be_v god_n prerogative_n again_o there_o can_v be_v no_o intercourse_n with_o god_n but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n without_o prayer_n we_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o he_o end_v of_o religion_n viz._n union_n with_o god_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o who_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o prayer_n have_v his_o heart_n alienat_fw-la from_o god_n and_o be_v whole_o indispose_v for_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o impression_n thereof_o without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o advance_v towards_o perfection_n prayer_n be_v by_o some_o compare_v to_o breathe_v and_o not_o unfit_o for_o what_o that_o be_v to_o the_o body_n prayer_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n respiration_n be_v no_o more_o necessary_a to_o our_o naturallli'e_n then_o prayer_n to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n for_o hereby_o it_o â—…s_v preserve_v &_o as_o the_o stifle_a our_o breath_n end_v our_o life_n so_o the_o cease_v to_o pray_v destroy_v the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o bâ—…dy_n which_o breathe_v not_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o feeling_n nor_o be_v it_o capable_a of_o motion_n even_o so_o the_o man_n who_o pray_v not_o be_v without_o all_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n neither_o make_v he_o any_o motion_n towards_o he_o prayer_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o show_v a_o desire_n and_o capacity_n to_o receive_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o growth_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o desire_n and_o capacity_n obstruct_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n spirit_n so_o where_o this_o be_v he_o will_v certain_o manifest_v his_o lâ—…ve_n and_o bestow_v his_o grace_n to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o desire_n and_o capacity_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o who_o ask_v shall_v receive_v he_o who_o seek_v shall_v find_v and_o who_o knockâ—…th_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o he_o mat._n 11._o but_o to_o make_v prayer_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o thus_o profitable_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v be_v right_o perform_v and_o due_o qualify_v true_a prayer_n be_v always_o acceptable_a as_o incense_v and_o never_o fail_v to_o bring_v down_o a_o blessing_n but_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o mere_a show_n they_o be_v content_v that_o they_o seem_v to_o pray_o but_o do_v not_o pray_v real_o some_o pray_v much_o but_o yet_o be_v never_o a_o whit_n near_o god_n nor_o move_v more_o forward_o in_o holiness_n which_o be_v both_o the_o undoubted_a sign_n and_o the_o certain_a effect_n of_o true_a prayer_n we_o ought_v then_o not_o only_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o pray_v aright_o else_o all_o the_o labour_n we_o bestow_v this_o way_n be_v in_o vain_a you_o ask_v say_v st._n james_n and_o you_o have_v not_o why_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o now_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v proper_a prayer_n and_o effectual_a first_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o free_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o by_o empty_a show_n which_o have_v no_o solidity_n or_o reality_n in_o they_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v remove_v he_o care_v not_o for_o our_o draw_v near_o with_o our_o mouth_n or_o the_o honour_v he_o with_o our_o lip_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o isa_n 29._o 1â—…_n to_o prostrate_v our_o body_n before_o god_n and_o to_o let_v our_o mind_n â—…ove_v and_o wander_v be_v to_o offer_v a_o dead_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v no_o reasonable_a or_o acceptable_a service_n to_o utter_v word_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o who_o meaning_n we_o attend_v not_o to_o be_v not_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o prat_v it_o be_v to_o babble_n without_o sense_n to_o make_v a_o sound_n which_o signify_v nothing_o and_o deserve_v no_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o the_o pronunciation_n of_o puppet_n and_o mechanical_a engine_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o wheel_n and_o spring_n without_o understanding_n our_o prayer_n be_v but_o brutish_a gruâ—…tlings_n if_o they_o come_v not_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v not_o perform_v by_o the_o understanding_n wherefore_o when_o we_o be_v to_o pray_o we_o shall_v first_o fix_v our_o spirit_n and_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o serious_a attention_n and_o shall_v endeavonr_v to_o wind_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o that_o fervour_n and_o earnestness_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n â—…_n will_v be_v necessary_a to_o bestow_v some_o time_n in_o meditation_n and_o read_v of_o the_o seripture_n or_o some_o other_o devout_a book_n have_v thus_o reduce_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o due_a attention_n and_o secure_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a against_o wander_a thought_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o prayer_n the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o each_o and_o the_o affection_n suitable_a thereto_o and_o frame_v our_o prayer_n according_o for_o they_o can_v be_v acceptable_a if_o lame_a and_o defective_a nor_o though_o they_o have_v all_o necessary_a part_n if_o each_o part_n be_v not_o right_o adjust_v and_o proper_o qualify_v to_o clear_v this_o better_a we_o will_v touch_v a_o little_a on_o they_o the_o first_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v adoration_n and_o invocation_n this_o we_o shall_v always_o begin_v with_o for_o as_o in_o our_o address_n to_o king_n and_o great_a personage_n we_o use_v first_o to_o do_v they_o reverence_n and_o to_o testify_v their_o dignity_n before_o we_o present_v our_o request_n so_o in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n we_o shall_v first_o adore_v his_o majesty_n and_o invocate_v his_o audience_n now_o the_o right_a way_n to_o do_v this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v accost_v he_o with_o a_o heap_n of_o big_a tittle_n but_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v his_o incomprehensible_a nature_n and_o adorable_a perfection_n visible_a in_o his_o manifold_a work_n and_o if_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v worthy_a of_o he_o we_o will_v be_v abash_v at_o ourselves_o as_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n and_o most_o unworthy_a to_o be_v regard_v by_o one_o so_o high_o exalt_v above_o all_o our_o thought_n to_o express_v which_o and_o to_o cherish_v it_o too_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o throw_v ourselves_o in_o some_o humble_a posture_n thus_o the_o publican_n to_o signify_v his_o own_o vileness_n and_o god_n greatness_n he_o stand_v a_o far_o off_o and_o will_v not_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n as_o one_o ashamed_a of_o himself_o but_o lest_o the_o reflect_v upon_o god_n majesty_n and_o greatness_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o hope_n of_o acceptance_n and_o rather_o fill_v we_o with_o dread_n than_o confidence_n in_o he_o we_o must_v remember_v his_o goodness_n his_o love_n his_o mercy_n and_o how_o that_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n as_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o ineffable_a greatness_n who_o throne_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o father_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v when_o you_o pray_v say_v he_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n confession_n be_v another_o part_n of_o prayer_n this_o
god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o indeed_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o well_o with_o that_o person_n who_o god_n be_v with_o what_o can_v he_o want_v who_o have_v he_o to_o be_v his_o friend_n he_o who_o have_v the_o divine_a presence_n accompany_v he_o whithersoever_o he_o go_v be_v rich_a and_o happy_a than_o if_o he_o have_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n carry_v about_o with_o he_o for_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a from_o he_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n do_v come_v he_o can_v easy_o command_v any_o desirable_a thing_n where_o when_o and_o to_o who_o he_o please_v so_o that_o he_o who_o enjoy_v god_n have_v enough_o and_o need_v not_o fear_n or_o care_n for_o the_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o god_n will_v be_v to_o he_o in_o stead_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o have_v he_o he_o may_v say_v true_o as_o that_o philosopher_n say_v omnia_fw-la mea_fw-la mecum_fw-la porto_fw-la that_o be_v i_o carry_v about_o with_o i_o all_o thing_n proper_a all_o thing_n necessary_a or_o requisite_a either_o for_o my_o support_n or_o comfort_n for_o god_n be_v all_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o proud_a boast_n of_o caesar_n to_o the_o mariner_n who_o be_v waft_v he_o over_o the_o adriatic_a to_o italy_n when_o he_o perceive_v he_o seize_v with_o fear_n and_o ready_a to_o turn_v back_o pergo_fw-la audacter_fw-la ne_fw-la timeas_fw-la caesarem_fw-la vehis_fw-la caesarisque_fw-la fortunam_fw-la be_v not_o afraid_a you_o carry_v with_o you_o cesar_n and_o his_o fortune_n but_o true_o every_o one_o that_o have_v god_n with_o they_o may_v with_o reason_n confident_o say_v to_o himself_o be_v not_o afraid_a sad_a or_o deject_a deum_fw-la habes_fw-la ejusque_fw-la favorem_fw-la you_o have_v god_n &_o his_o favour_n and_o have_v that_o what_o cause_n can_v there_o be_v of_o fear_n or_o dejection_n for_o he_o be_v wisdom_n power_n all_o goodness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n itself_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v a_o true_a aid_n and_o support_v and_o a_o sure_a rock_n to_o build_v on_o which_o will_v never_o fail_v bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal._n 2._o 12._o though_o i_o walk_v say_v david_n through_o the_o valley_n &_o shadow_n of_o death_n yet_o will_v i_o fear_v no_o evil_n for_o thou_o be_v with_o i_o thy_o rod_n and_o thy_o staff_n they_o comfort_v i_o psal._n 23._o 4._o the_o very_a hope_n of_o this_o special_a presence_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n do_v mighty_o cheer_v up_o the_o psalmist_n spirit_n when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o trouble_n he_o chide_v and_o be_v in_o a_o chaff_n with_o himself_o for_o be_v any_o way_n trouble_v have_v this_o hope_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o say_v he_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v in_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n which_o he_o repeat_v twice_o psal._n 42._o and_o once_o psal._n 43._o many_o excellent_a blessing_n and_o advantage_n follow_v he_o who_o god_n be_v with_o first_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o counsel_n and_o direction_n which_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a and_o desirable_a thing_n the_o life_n of_o man_n while_o in_o this_o world_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n dark_a intricate_a and_o full_a of_o difficulty_n it_o be_v like_o a_o labyrinth_n full_a of_o perplexity_n we_o can_v well_o discern_v the_o outgate_n we_o know_v not_o what_o certain_a course_n to_o steer_v for_o our_o profit_n and_o advantage_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n jerem._n 10._o 23._o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o follow_v our_o own_o device_n thing_n ordinary_o succeed_v worse_o when_o we_o do_v so_o the_o witty_a man_n have_v sometime_o befool_v themselves_o by_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o wit._n no_o man_n wit_n and_o judgement_n can_v be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o guide_v he_o and_o ofttimes_o we_o be_v not_o much_o better_a of_o other_o for_o they_o be_v short_a sight_v too_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o and_o may_v mistake_v thing_n as_o well_o as_o we_o we_o can_v never_o therefore_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v right_a but_o when_o we_o follow_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n when_o we_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o who_o can_v err_v because_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a but_o if_o he_o be_v with_o we_o his_o counsel_n will_v be_v with_o we_o too_o if_o he_o have_v set_v his_o heart_n upon_o and_o choose_v we_o for_o his_o friend_n he_o will_v also_o guide_v and_o instruct_v we_o and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v walk_v what_o man_n be_v he_o say_v david_n that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v choose_v psal._n 25._o 12._o but_o here_o some_o may_v ask_v how_o do_v god_n teach_v we_o and_o what_o way_n be_v we_o to_o expect_v direction_n from_o he_o must_v we_o look_v for_o revelation_n dream_n and_o vision_n indeed_o this_o be_v not_o unusual_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n do_v then_o very_o ordinary_o this_o way_n manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o his_o eminent_a servant_n but_o now_o it_o please_v he_o to_o forbear_v it_o at_o least_o that_o so_o common_a use_n thereof_o and_o we_o be_v neither_o to_o ask_v nor_o to_o look_v for_o advice_n and_o counsel_n this_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o however_o if_o we_o wait_v on_o god_n we_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o direction_n from_o he_o which_o he_o will_v communicate_v to_o we_o two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o by_o the_o inward_a suggestion_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v not_o only_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o clear_v our_o understanding_n with_o wisdom_n &_o knowledge_n so_o that_o in_o the_o general_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v what_o be_v good_a and_o right_n but_o he_o will_v also_o help_v we_o to_o discern_v what_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a in_o that_o particular_a case_n &_o circumstance_n wherein_o we_o stand_v &_o will_v secret_o incline_v and_o draw_v we_o whither_o his_o wisdom_n see_v it_o fit_a for_o his_o glory_n &_o our_o comfort_n this_o be_v no_o idle_a fancy_n or_o delusion_n it_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o fanaticism_n or_o a_o dream_n of_o enthusiastical_a person_n but_o a_o certain_a real_a truth_n which_o all_o good_a and_o holy_a person_n have_v feel_v from_o their_o experience_n though_o these_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isa._n 30._o 21._o thy_o ear_n shall_v hear_v a_o word_n behind_o thou_o save_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o you_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o when_o you_o turn_v to_o the_o left_a be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v restrict_v to_o a_o inward_a inspiration_n but_o also_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o external_a voice_n in_o the_o word_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n yet_o solomon_n seem_v to_o hold_v out_o this_o when_o he_o say_v in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n prov._n 3._o 6._o this_o also_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o elihu_n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v they_o understanding_n job_n 32._o 8._o this_o voice_n be_v inward_a and_o therefore_o not_o audible_a or_o perceptible_a by_o our_o outward_a sense_n but_o however_o it_o may_v prove_v effectual_a enough_o for_o to_o move_v and_o sway_v we_o and_o though_o as_o one_o say_v this_o secret_a direction_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v principal_o god._n see_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v also_o find_v in_o the_o great_a and_o momentous_a concern_v of_o this_o life_n which_o a_o good_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o beg_v his_o direction_n shall_v very_o often_o if_o not_o at_o all_o time_n find_v i_o hope_v none_o will_v be_v so_o injurious_a as_o to_o think_v i_o intend_v to_o countenance_n or_o authorise_v those_o who_o father_n horrid_a impiety_n and_o most_o impertinent_a extravagancy_n upon_o god_n pretend_v they_o be_v carry_v thereto_o by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o know_v and_o will_v have_v every_o one_o to_o assure_v himself_o that_o god_n be_v never_o the_o author_n of_o what_o be_v evil_a foolish_a or_o ridiculous_a whatever_o come_v from_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v suitable_a to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n neither_o do_v god_n show_v himself_o thus_o to_o any_o mean_a trivial_a thing_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o serious_a importance_n but_o because_o some_o have_v be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o purpose_n as_o to_o
allege_v inspiration_n for_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o lay_v such_o thing_n upon_o god_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n therefore_o to_o deny_v all_o such_o commerce_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n or_o that_o he_o ever_o do_v suggest_v counsel_n or_o advice_n to_o any_o in_o any_o matter_n i_o think_v very_o unreasonable_a both_o these_o be_v extremes_n which_o i_o desire_v to_o shun_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o good_a &_o virtuous_a person_n who_o commit_v themselves_o entire_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n may_v and_o do_v find_v themselves_o sometime_o extraordinarly_a direct_v in_o weighty_a and_o important_a case_n especial_o when_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o reason_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o be_v tell_v a_o remarkable_a passage_n when_o dundee_n be_v storm_v and_o take_v by_o the_o english_a in_o our_o late_a revolution_n this_o town_n be_v fancy_v foolish_o to_o be_v a_o place_n of_o strength_n and_o able_a to_o hold_v out_o therefore_o many_o resort_v thither_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n a_o certain_a citizen_n of_o edinburgh_n with_o his_o wife_n and_o apprentice_n who_o find_v themselves_o sad_o disappoint_v upon_o the_o entry_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o sack_v of_o the_o town_n be_v in_o great_a anguish_n of_o spirit_n and_o conclude_v themselves_o lose_v and_o therefore_o they_o recommend_v their_o soul_n to_o god_n mercy_n but_o the_o woman_n be_v extraordinarly_a move_v to_o go_v down_o to_o the_o street_n and_o no_o entreaty_n of_o her_o husband_n can_v dissuade_v she_o when_o down_o the_o first_o she_o espy_v be_v one_o of_o a_o goodly_a countenance_n who_o she_o lay_v hold_v on_o desire_v he_o may_v go_v with_o she_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o house_n she_o fall_v on_o her_o knee_n and_o say_v sir_n you_o shall_v have_v all_o my_o good_n only_o save_o my_o husband_n life_n which_o he_o grant_v tell_v she_o withal_o thát_a providence_n have_v direct_v she_o to_o he_o for_o the_o last_o fight_n he_o be_v at_o he_o receive_v a_o courtesy_n from_o a_o scot_n man_n which_o make_v he_o swear_v to_o save_v the_o first_o that_o seek_v quarter_n in_o this_o this_o have_v not_o well_o pass_v betwixt_o they_o when_o the_o enrage_a soldier_n throng_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o if_o it_o haâ—…_n not_o be_v for_o he_o they_o have_v undoubted_o perish_v this_o be_v a_o singular_a providence_n and_o i_o have_v it_o from_o the_o good_a woman_n herself_o who_o still_n remember_v it_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o god_n kindness_n and_o which_o among_o other_o thing_n she_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o her_o devout_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n a_o second_o way_n whereby_o god_n direct_v we_o be_v external_n viz_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o happy_a occurrence_n of_o his_o providence_n order_v the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n so_o happy_o together_o and_o make_v several_a thing_n to_o fall_v out_o so_o well_o at_o one_o time_n as_o that_o we_o be_v necessary_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n unaware_o engage_v into_o that_o course_n he_o design_n we_o shall_v take_v which_o will_v always_o be_v for_o our_o well_n if_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o unto_o he_o thus_o he_o make_v abraham_n servant_n to_o light_n very_o happy_o upon_o the_o house_n of_o his_o master_n brethren_n and_o the_o woman_n who_o he_o shall_v choose_v for_o his_o master_n son_n wife_n and_o thus_o also_o he_o direct_v jacob_n to_o laban_n and_o ruth_n to_o boaz._n the_o step_n of_o a_o good_a man_n say_v the_o psalmist_n be_v order_v by_o the_o lord_n psal_n 37_o 23_o he_o by_o his_o secret_a providence_n do_v so_o dispose_v of_o he_o and_o engage_v he_o to_o such_o a_o conduct_n in_o his_o affair_n that_o his_o good_a peace_n and_o advantage_n credit_n and_o comfort_n be_v carry_v on_o better_a than_o he_o desire_v or_o can_v have_v expect_v and_o by_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o he_o can_v never_o foresee_v these_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n sometime_o look_v not_o fair_a and_o favourable_a at_o the_o beginning_n they_o may_v look_v as_o if_o he_o frown_v and_o threaten_v we_o but_o the_o issue_n of_o they_o even_o then_o prove_v most_o happy_a as_o we_o see_v in_o ioseph_n case_n who_o so_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o observe_v the_o tract_n of_o his_o own_o life_n and_o god_n deal_n with_o himself_o &_o other_o shall_v come_v sufficient_o to_o understand_v both_o this_o wisdom_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o second_o god_n presence_n be_v not_o desirable_a for_o counsel_n and_o direction_n only_o but_o upon_o many_o other_o account_n nay_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n which_o may_v move_v we_o to_o desire_v any_o thing_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o same_o shall_v excite_v we_o to_o this_o for_o either_o he_o can_v give_v the_o good_a which_o we_o desire_v or_o he_o can_v supply_v the_o want_n thereof_o he_o have_v every_o thing_n at_o his_o disposal_n and_o whatever_o virtue_n or_o property_n any_o creature_n have_v be_v from_o he_o neither_o can_v they_o produce_v even_o their_o most_o natural_a effect_n without_o he_o but_o when_o he_o please_v he_o can_v work_v his_o will_n without_o they_o it_o be_v not_o bread_n alone_o which_o preserve_v our_o life_n but_o his_o blessing_n upon_o it_o and_o he_o can_v easy_o when_o he_o see_v it_o fit_a maintain_v our_o natural_a life_n and_o vigour_n without_o all_o food_n as_o he_o do_v to_o moses_n and_o elijah_n and_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v not_o medicine_n nor_o physic_n which_o recover_v our_o health_n but_o his_o blessing_n in_o our_o use_n of_o they_o and_o even_o when_o these_o mean_n be_v want_v yet_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v but_o that_o he_o can_v make_v whole_a and_o restore_v health_n without_o they_o it_o be_v not_o our_o labour_n and_o industry_n or_o any_o endeavour_n we_o can_v use_v which_o will_v make_v we_o compass_v the_o end_v we_o will_v be_v at_o unless_o he_o act_v and_o concur_v with_o we_o for_o if_o he_o give_v not_o the_o blessing_n if_o he_o speak_v not_o the_o word_n all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v will_v be_v in_o vain_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o you_o say_v the_o psalmist_n to_o rise_v up_o early_o to_o sit_v up_o late_o to_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v he_o who_o give_v his_o belove_a sleep_n psal._n 127._o 2._o and_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o man_n may_v sow_v much_o and_o yet_o bring_v in_o but_o little_a they_o may_v eat_v and_o not_o have_v enough_o drink_n and_o not_o be_v fill_v they_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o yet_o not_o warm_a and_o earn_v wage_n but_o put_v it_o into_o a_o bag_n with_o hole_n hag._n 1._o 6._o so_o that_o the_o favourable_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v desirable_a both_o to_o supply_v what_o we_o want_v and_o to_o make_v these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v useful_a and_o comfortable_a he_o that_o have_v god_n with_o he_o have_v not_o only_o a_o wise_a friend_n but_o a_o powerful_a one_o who_o can_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n who_o can_v oblige_v and_o command_v angel_n and_o all_o creature_n to_o serve_v and_o minister_v unto_o he_o who_o he_o love_v thus_o he_o cause_v the_o raven_n to_o feed_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n these_o fowl_n by_o nature_n be_v more_o ready_a to_o steal_v and_o take_v away_o then_o to_o give_v and_o yet_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n they_o bring_v he_o bread_n and_o flesh_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o bread_n and_o flesh_n in_o the_o evening_n 1_o king_n 17._o 6_o he_o make_v the_o jaw_n bone_n of_o a_o ass_n to_o afford_v drink_n unto_o samson_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o to_o faint_v for_o thirst_n he_o cause_v the_o heaven_n to_o rain_v down_o bread_n to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o give_v they_o quail_n in_o great_a abundance_n so_o that_o even_o than_o they_o be_v feed_v to_o the_o full_a and_o in_o a_o word_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a unto_o god_n as_o by_o his_o power_n he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o please_v so_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o work_v mighty_o and_o wonderful_o for_o those_o who_o he_o love_v when_o his_o glory_n or_o their_o good_a require_v it_o he_o will_v withhold_v nothing_o from_o they_o which_o their_o necessity_n or_o comfort_n call_v for_o and_o will_v make_v all_o thing_n even_o what_o seem_v most_o rough_a severe_a and_o adverse_a to_o work_v together_o for_o their_o good_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rome_n 8._o 28._o and_o as_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v appeaâ—…_n from_o many_o instance_n draw_v from_o scripture_n and_o also_o other_o history_n though_o neither_o private_a person_n nor_o public_a state_n be_v now_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v maintain_v &_o support_v by_o miracle_n and_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o
fix_a staâ—…ion_n in_o this_o world_n but_o be_v either_o by_o their_o â—…hoice_n willing_o or_o through_o necessity_n change_v their_o habitation_n and_o employment_n when_o we_o think_v ourselves_o most_o secure_a and_o be_v build_v to_o ourselves_o house_n and_o tabernacle_n of_o residence_n hope_v that_o here_o we_o shall_v fix_v and_o settle_v behold_v present_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o occur_v which_o defeat_v our_o design_n and_o alter_v our_o purpose_n and_o constrain_v we_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o some_o state_n and_o condition_n we_o little_o think_v upon_o and_o thus_o all_o man_n almost_o from_o their_o own_o experience_n may_v say_v that_o their_o life_n and_o condition_n heâ—…e_o be_v like_a that_o of_o a_o traveller_n and_o pilgrim_n but_o however_o true_a it_o hold_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n it_o be_v always_o moral_o true_a that_o man_n while_o upon_o earth_n be_v but_o a_o sojourner_n and_o stranger_n whatever_o be_v his_o lot_n and_o portion_n for_o first_o god_n have_v not_o intend_v we_o a_o sure_a and_o last_a abide_v here_o he_o have_v resolve_v not_o to_o suffer_v we_o to_o make_v any_o long_a or_o considerable_a stay_n on_o the_o earth_n he_o design_v only_o that_o we_o shall_v take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o thing_n take_v a_o turn_n or_o two_o and_o then_o remove_v hence_o man_n life_n here_o be_v but_o of_o few_o day_n even_o those_o who_o attain_v to_o the_o great_a number_n of_o year_n their_o life_n if_o compare_v to_o eternity_n be_v but_o a_o span-long_a and_o see_v that_o thus_o we_o have_v but_o so_o short_a and_o so_o uncertain_a possession_n of_o this_o world_n our_o stay_n therein_o can_v be_v count_v other_o than_o a_o sojourn_v it_o can_v be_v say_v proper_o that_o we_o dwell_v here_o but_o only_o that_o we_o lodge_v for_o we_o be_v not_o true_a inhabitant_n but_o only_o way-faring_a man_n who_o take_v a_o night_n lodging_n and_o afterward_o be_v go_v we_o can_v call_v no_o place_n here_o our_o home_n we_o never_o go_v home_o till_o we_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a and_o pass_v over_o into_o the_o other_o world_n that_o be_v our_o home_n because_o there_o be_v no_o change_v of_o it_o nor_o flit_a from_o it_o second_o as_o we_o be_v to_o account_v ourselves_o sojourner_n because_o our_o life_n be_v short_a so_o stranger_n because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o a_o agreeable_a habitation_n all_o creature_n have_v a_o proper_a element_n whither_o also_o their_o natural_a propensitie_n incline_v they_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a element_n of_o any_o be_v which_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o quality_n and_o where_o it_o find_v rest_n and_o ease_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v improper_a and_o unnatural_a which_o agree_v not_o with_o its_o disposition_n and_o where_o it_o live_v with_o difficulty_n and_o in_o much_o pain_n thus_o the_o air_n be_v a_o improper_a element_n for_o fish_n as_o the_o water_n for_o fowl_n and_o terrestrial_a creature_n and_o consequent_o this_o world_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a place_n and_o habitation_n of_o spirit_n and_o rational_a being_n and_o therefore_o also_o not_o of_o man_n see_v we_o be_v of_o this_o order_n by_o our_o better_a part_n the_o creature_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o here_o below_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o converse_n with_o we_o and_o all_o the_o delight_n and_o enjoyment_n here_o can_v only_o gratify_v the_o body_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o cheer_v those_o frail_a tabernacle_n we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o but_o it_o be_v little_a service_n they_o can_v do_v the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o however_o proper_a these_o low_a region_n may_v be_v for_o body_n yet_o certain_o our_o soul_n soar_v high_a and_o aspire_v after_o a_o happiness_n beyond_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v here_o wherefore_o while_o we_o be_v upon_o earth_n we_o may_v be_v true_o call_v exile_n and_o say_v to_o suffer_v banishment_n for_o heaven_n only_o be_v our_o native_a sâ—…yle_n it_o be_v in_o yonder_o region_n above_o that_o we_o can_v only_o expect_v to_o find_v a_o suitable_a habitation_n and_o abode_n the_o very_a heathen_n have_v this_o sentiment_n they_o account_v their_o stay_n here_o a_o perfect_a banishment_n and_o esteem_v the_o body_n the_o prison_n which_o detain_v the_o soul_n from_o its_o native_a country_n so_o anexagoras_n be_v ask_v whither_o he_o have_v any_o care_n or_o concernment_n for_o his_o country_n because_o he_o trouble_v not_o himself_o with_o the_o public_a affair_n and_o transaction_n his_o answer_n be_v god_n forbid_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o indeed_o my_o mind_n be_v great_o towards_o my_o country_n point_v with_o his_o finger_n to_o heaven_n that_o be_v a_o man_n home_n where_o his_o friend_n and_o relation_n live_v where_o his_o wealth_n and_o estate_n and_o the_o possession_n wherein_o his_o happiness_n lie_v be_v reserve_v &_o where_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v place_v and_o so_o heaven_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v only_o our_o home_n thither_o shall_v we_o aim_v for_o our_o soul_n be_v descend_v thence_o there_o god_n our_o father_n live_v and_o jesus_n christ_n our_o elder_a brother_n and_o angel_n and_o seraphim_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a our_o friend_n and_o companion_n and_o fellow-citizen_n and_o there_o be_v the_o treasure_n of_o our_o happiness_n that_o good_a which_o our_o soul_n crave_v and_o seek_v after_o be_v shut_v up_o there_o and_o no_o where_o else_o this_o world_n afford_v no_o perfect_a contentment_n or_o true_a solid_a happiness_n all_o we_o can_v expect_v here_o be_v some_o little_a refresh_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o faint_v and_o languish_v this_o world_n be_v a_o inn_n too_o narrow_a and_o scanty_a for_o to_o give_v satisfactory_a ease_n and_o fullness_n this_o be_v only_o to_o be_v look_v for_o when_o we_o come_v to_o our_o father_n house_n where_o there_o be_v many_o mansion_n and_o all_o rich_o and_o well_o furnish_v in_o his_o presence_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v river_n of_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o psal._n 16._o 11._o this_o earthly_a canaan_n which_o be_v here_o promise_v to_o jacob_n be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n and_o give_v as_o a_o pledge_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o patriarch_n have_v a_o prospect_n beyond_o the_o land_n wherein_o he_o be_v though_o it_o be_v the_o pleasant_a upon_o earth_n he_o have_v already_o taste_v these_o delight_n which_o canaan_n upon_o earth_n afford_v and_o albeit_o they_o be_v good_a enough_o of_o their_o kind_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o be_v far_o short_a of_o of_o satisfy_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v something_o to_o be_v desire_v more_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v even_o in_o the_o best_a country_n here_o jacob_n have_v certain_o the_o best_a and_o most_o virtuous_a education_n of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v preserve_v from_o vice_n and_o immorality_n which_o render_v man_n brutish_a and_o so_o enfeeble_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v dream_v of_o nothing_o but_o what_o savour_v of_o the_o flesh_n he_o be_v early_o teach_v all_o natural_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o instruct_v also_o in_o thing_n which_o natural_a light_n can_v not_o reach_v to_o and_o therefore_o he_o certain_o know_v and_o be_v persawd_v that_o there_o be_v something_o within_o he_o beside_o flesh_n and_o bone_n even_o a_o divine_a soul_n capable_a of_o and_o design_v for_o a_o more_o noble_a kind_n of_o life_n than_o what_o man_n enjoy_v at_o present_a because_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o patriarch_n express_v in_o scripture_n be_v temporal_a we_o must_v not_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o spiritual_a &_o eternal_a blessing_n be_v veil_v under_o these_o and_o may_v perhaps_o also_o be_v promise_v a_o part_n though_o they_o be_v not_o particular_o mention_v no_o doubt_n more_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o then_o what_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o but_o what_o be_v write_v be_v only_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v to_o we_o for_o the_o point_v out_o of_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o they_o who_o be_v so_o dear_o belove_v of_o god_n honour_v with_o many_o particular_a revelation_n and_o who_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a i_o say_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v leave_v ignorant_a of_o a_o future_a state_n such_o a_o thought_n be_v injurious_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o also_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o character_n they_o deserve_v as_o questionless_a they_o have_v a_o curiosity_n to_o know_v whither_o there_o be_v another_o better_a life_n hereafter_o so_o god_n will_v not_o refuse_v to_o satisfy_v the_o same_o it_o be_v very_o laudable_a and_o
do_v to_o god_n when_o we_o regard_v man_n more_o than_o he_o and_o do_v we_o not_o regard_v man_n more_o than_o god_n when_o we_o be_v more_o desirous_a of_o applause_n from_o man_n then_o to_o find_v favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o when_o we_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n lest_o they_o shall_v know_v our_o evil_a action_n but_o never_o value_v god_n sight_n and_o knowledge_n thereof_o he_o who_o do_v thus_o have_v not_o take_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v his_o god_n he_o do_v not_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o he_o bow_v only_o to_o man_n to_o his_o own_o credit_n or_o homour_n and_o have_v set_v up_o these_o for_o his_o god._n wherefore_o who_o will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o gross_a idolatry_n as_o to_o worship_v the_o creature_n more_o than_o the_o creator_n and_o and_o who_o will_v testify_v and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o indeed_o adore_v the_o true_a god_n let_v they_o not_o slight_a or_o despise_v the_o divine_a presence_n but_o let_v they_o always_o eye_n and_o consider_v it_o and_o be_v careful_a to_o carry_v themselves_o always_o as_o before_o so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o majesty_n and_o see_v that_o god_n be_v every_o where_o and_o have_v his_o eye_n always_o upon_o we_o let_v we_o in_o private_a and_o in_o public_a at_o home_o and_o abroad_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n walk_v wise_o and_o circumspect_o let_v we_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o incivility_n towards_o god_n as_o to_o do_v any_o unworthy_a thing_n before_o he_o but_o let_v we_o labour_v so_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o that_o he_o may_v think_v we_o worthy_a of_o that_o testimony_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o job_n who_o he_o say_v be_v a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1_o and_o 1_o of_o observe_v god_n way_n and_o action_n in_o the_o second_o place_n walk_v with_o god_n imply_v a_o careful_a observance_n of_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v for_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o such_o as_o be_v in_o company_n together_o to_o watch_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o another_o word_n and_o action_n and_o if_o one_o be_v more_o eminent_a for_o wisdom_n and_o ver._n tue_o or_o any_o other_o excellency_n than_o such_o a_o be_v with_o he_o be_v the_o more_o oblige_v to_o eye_n his_o motion_n and_o and_o behaviour_n nothing_o which_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n speak_v or_o do_v shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unobserved_a and_o it_o do_v speak_v out_o some_o contempt_n of_o one_o to_o think_v that_o what_o they_o do_v or_o say_v be_v not_o worth_a the_o noticing_z as_o therefore_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o great_a and_o eminent_a personage_n we_o ought_v serious_o to_o consider_v they_o their_o speech_n &_o action_n and_o to_o count_v they_o worthy_a our_o remembrance_n so_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o eye_n be_v fix_v upon_o god_n and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o our_o duty_n to_o consider_v he_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o what_o he_o daily_o do_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o we_o may_v return_v he_o due_a praise_n and_o glory_n for_o this_o end_n god_n endue_v we_o with_o rational_a spirit_n and_o with_o understand_a faculty_n that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o contemplate_v himself_o and_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o turn_v away_o our_o eye_n from_o such_o contemplation_n or_o neglect_v they_o we_o do_v in_o so_o far_o swerve_v from_o the_o design_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o do_v disappoint_v god_n of_o that_o tribute_n of_o praise_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o yea_o in_o steed_n of_o honour_v he_o we_o do_v actual_o dishonour_v he_o by_o slight_v the_o effect_n and_o product_n of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n all_o god_n act_n be_v like_o himself_o and_o do_v show_v forth_o his_o admirable_a perfection_n there_o be_v no_o part_n even_o of_o the_o material_a world_n but_o be_v stamp_v with_o some_o impression_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v of_o the_o heaven_n psal._n 19_o 1._o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o god_n other_o work_n they_o all_o declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n i._n e._n as_o a_o curious_a engine_n or_o fine_a piece_n of_o work_n do_v hold_v out_o the_o skill_n and_o cunning_a of_o he_o that_o make_v it_o so_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n have_v in_o they_o what_o do_v set_v forth_o and_o proclaim_v how_o wise_a how_o great_a and_o good_a he_o be_v and_o as_o the_o external_n and_o material_a world_n do_v contain_v visible_a character_n of_o the_o divine_a greatness_n and_o perfection_n so_o god_n have_v create_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a being_n viz._n angel_n and_o man_n capable_a to_o discern_v and_o read_v they_o that_o by_o so_o do_v they_o may_v sound_v forth_o his_o praise_n the_o contemplation_n and_o admiration_n of_o god_n work_n and_o way_n be_v our_o proper_a and_o shall_v be_v our_o constant_a employment_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o this_o there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o such_o power_n and_o capacity_n wise_a and_o understanding_n person_n will_v not_o expend_v more_o upon_o any_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v worth_a they_o will_v not_o rear_v up_o stately_a fabric_n mere_o to_o lodge_v swine_n nor_o will_v they_o buy_v fine_a silk_n and_o carpet_n to_o wipe_v shoe_n and_o dish_n and_o neither_o will_v god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o understand_a soul_n immortal_a spirit_n if_o we_o have_v be_v only_o destine_v to_o the_o act_n of_o a_o brutish_a and_o sensual_a life_n for_o than_o what_o judas_n say_v impertinent_o when_o the_o box_n of_o ointment_n be_v pour_v upon_o our_o lord_n may_v have_v be_v here_o put_v as_o a_o very_a pertinent_a question_n what_o need_v all_o this_o cost_n for_o something_o less_o than_o reason_n and_o spirit_n a_o mere_a animal_n sagacity_n may_v have_v serve_v and_o be_v sufficient_a for_o find_v out_o and_o take_v care_n of_o bodily_a pleasure_n and_o accommodation_n god_n and_o his_o work_n therefore_o be_v the_o only_a suitable_a object_n for_o our_o thought_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o these_o indeed_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o as_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n so_o it_o clevat_v ourselves_o to_o a_o proper_a and_o become_a dignity_n whereas_o the_o most_o of_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o below_o we_o and_o so_o much_o within_o our_o reach_n that_o it_o be_v a_o debase_v of_o our_o nature_n too_o much_o to_o mind_n or_o to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o they_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v ever_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o proper_a and_o necessary_a testification_n of_o their_o respect_n unto_o god_n to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o work_n both_o of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o to_o set_v a_o part_n sometime_o daily_o for_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o it_o be_v isaac_n custom_n to_o go_v out_o to_o the_o field_n and_o meditate_v about_o eventide_n gen._n 24_o 63_o and_o no_o doubt_n his_o meditation_n be_v such_o as_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n show_v how_o much_o that_o holy_a man_n and_o his_o friend_n be_v accustom_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n '_o saint_n work_v and_o way_n for_o all_o their_o discourse_n and_o reason_n be_v take_v thence_o yea_o when_o god_n himself_o appear_v unto_o job_n he_o call_v he_o to_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n and_o do_v therefore_o large_o display_v they_o before_o he_o in_o the_o 38._o and_o follow_v chapter_n nay_o what_o be_v all_o the_o psalm_n but_o as_o so_o many_o devout_a meditation_n of_o god_n work_n or_o pious_a hymn_n compose_v in_o memory_n of_o they_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o psalmist_n be_v great_a and_o they_o be_v seek_v out_o of_o all_o they_o that_o have_v pleasure_n therein_o his_o work_n be_v honourable_a and_o glorious_a and_o he_o have_v ordain_v his_o wonderful_a work_n to_o be_v remember_v psal._n 111._o 2._o 3._o and_o again_o he_o say_v all_o thy_o work_n shall_v praise_v thou_o o_o lord_n and_o thy_o saint_n shall_v bless_v thou_o that_o be_v as_o his_o work_n contain_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o praise_n so_o the_o saint_n shall_v publish_v and_o declare_v it_o by_o admire_v and_o magnify_v of_o they_o they_o shall_v as_o he_o go_v on_o speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n and_o talk_v of_o thy_o power_n to_o make_v know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n his_o mighty_a act_n and_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o his_o kingdom_n psal._n
from_o and_o be_v not_o perform_v by_o the_o inward_a mind_n thus_o in_o a_o word_n as_o we_o shall_v worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n so_o to_o worship_n in_o spirit_n be_v to_o worship_n with_o the_o inward_a act_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o worship_n in_o truth_n be_v to_o perform_v such_o outward_a act_n as_o do_v not_o mystical_o and_o figurative_o but_o plain_o and_o proper_o signify_v and_o hold_v forth_o these_o inward_a one_o have_v thus_o view_v the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o general_n we_o pass_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o part_n thereof_o in_o particular_a and_o first_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n shall_v consist_v of_o prayer_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a from_o scripture_n reason_n &_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o prove_v it_o the_o part_n and_o qualification_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o private_a prayer_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o know_v before_o hand_n what_o we_o shall_v pray_v and_o so_o unworthy_a a_o thing_n to_o utter_v rash_a and_o indiscreet_a expression_n before_o god_n especial_o in_o public_a therefore_o the_o church_n in_o age_n have_v ever_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o compose_v deliberate_o form_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o extemporary_a effusion_n of_o he_o who_o officiate_n there_o be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n any_o church_n except_o our_o own_o without_o a_o public_a service_n and_o liturgy_n but_o because_o we_o be_v drive_v to_o the_o necessity_n at_o present_a not_o to_o use_v one_o therefore_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o the_o public_a minister_n to_o take_v the_o more_o care_n in_o compose_v their_o prayer_n that_o their_o expression_n be_v grave_a &_o decent_a &_o that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o contain_v all_o thing_n proper_a &_o necessary_a &_o nothing_o disagreable_a to_o god_n or_o which_o may_v disgust_v &_o stumble_v the_o worshipper_n they_o shall_v study_v to_o make_v their_o prayer_n to_o express_v true_o the_o general_a needs_o &_o desire_n of_o the_o people_n for_o he_o who_o pray_v be_v their_o mouth_n employ_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o name_n what_o every_o one_o shall_v do_v if_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o speak_v &_o so_o all_o public_a prayer_n shall_v be_v so_o order_v that_o every_o one_o may_v be_v able_a to_o join_v hearty_o with_o they_o and_o here_o i_o can_v pass_v two_o fault_n ordinary_o commit_v in_o this_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o one_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o country_n parish_n the_o other_o general_o both_o in_o city_n and_o country_n by_o this_o last_o i_o mean_v a_o careless_a unconcernedness_n in_o prayer_n many_o think_v not_o themselves_o oblige_v to_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n while_o he_o pray_v they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v but_o their_o voice_n &_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o say_v with_o the_o heart_n what_o he_o do_v with_o the_o mouth_n else_o the_o prayer_n can_v be_v hear_v as_o they_o or_o for_o they_o though_o one_o pray_v but_o audible_o to_o shun_v confusion_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o to_o assent_v thereto_o the_o other_o fault_n be_v commit_v often_o by_o the_o common_a people_n especial_o in_o the_o northern_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o the_o former_a in_o the_o southren_n part_n who_o fall_n to_o their_o particular_a prayer_n when_o the_o minister_n be_v pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n this_o be_v a_o irregular_a and_o undecent_a thing_n which_o obstruct_v the_o edification_n design_v by_o this_o part_n of_o worship_n see_v 1._o cor._n 14._o 26._o when_o the_o congregation_n come_v together_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v different_a exercise_n but_o always_o the_o same_o they_o shall_v pray_v one_o and_o the_o same_o prayer_n with_o one_o accord_n as_o we_o read_v the_o disciple_n do_v act._n 4._o 24._o to_o prevent_v both_o these_o evil_n if_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o all_o both_o jewish_a and_o christian_a liturgy_n to_o appoint_v the_o people_n to_o utter_v sometime_o some_o short_a sentenes_n and_o always_o to_o speak_v out_o audible_o amen_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o every_o prayer_n as_o be_v inti_fw-la mate_n to_o we_o 1._o cor._n 14._o 16._o another_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n especial_o in_o public_a assembly_n be_v sing_v of_o psalm_n and_o spiritual_a song_n this_o be_v always_o a_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o our_o saviour_n with_o his_o disciple_n matth._n 26._o 30._o and_o st._n paul_n enjoin_v it_o to_o all_o christian_n eph._n 5._o 19_o col._n 3._o 16._o sing_v hymn_n and_o psalm_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n both_o to_o prepare_v our_o mind_n for_o it_o and_o to_o make_v we_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o it_o fix_v our_o thought_n elevate_v our_o spirit_n fill_v we_o with_o joy_n in_o god_n and_o leave_v on_o our_o mind_n a_o deep_a impression_n of_o divine_a truth_n than_o almost_o any_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o have_v be_v a_o universal_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o sing_v be_v our_o duty_n so_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v excellent_o fit_v for_o the_o purpose_n they_o furnish_v we_o both_o with_o proper_a matter_n and_o apposite_a expression_n they_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v employ_v particular_o in_o this_o divine_a exercise_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o have_v cease_v with_o the_o law_n or_o jewish_a state_n no_o certain_o they_o be_v still_o useful_a to_o the_o church_n and_o proper_a for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o doubt_n s._n paul_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n and_o s._n james_n ch_n 5._o 13._o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n because_o the_o tittle_n of_o psalm_n have_v be_v always_o appropriate_a to_o they_o and_o from_o this_o injunction_n of_o the_o apostle_n conformable_a to_o their_o practice_n and_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o uâ—…efull_a the_o church_n have_v ever_o use_v these_o psalm_n in_o her_o public_a service_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o not_o only_a scruple_n at_o some_o of_o the_o psalm_n but_o say_v express_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v sing_v and_o when_o it_o be_v do_v they_o refuse_v to_o take_v a_o part_n but_o true_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o indeed_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o all_o occasion_n some_o be_v more_o pertinent_a and_o suitable_a at_o one_o time_n then_o another_o and_o therefore_o they_o who_o have_v the_o order_n of_o the_o public_a service_n shall_v make_v a_o prudent_a choice_n of_o psalm_n suit_v to_o the_o occasion_n however_o all_o of_o they_o may_v be_v sing_v and_o because_o people_n have_v not_o their_o own_o choice_n but_o must_v take_v they_o as_o they_o be_v prescribe_v i_o will_v here_o propose_v some_o consideration_n to_o show_v how_o we_o may_v free_o join_v with_o any_o psalm_n and_o both_o sing_v it_o with_o understanding_n and_o also_o with_o edification_n first_o there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n of_o those_o psalm_n which_o declare_v the_o divine_a attribute_n display_v the_o work_n of_o god_n hold_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o word_n or_o the_o general_n state_n of_o man._n to_o sing_v and_o meditate_v on_o these_o can_v be_v improper_a at_o any_o time_n but_o always_o useful_a and_o seasonable_a 2_o as_o for_o those_o psalm_n which_o be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n beside_o the_o literal_a sense_n which_o relate_v to_o those_o person_n their_o action_n and_o circumstance_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o be_v pen_v there_o be_v a_o mystical_a sense_n belong_v to_o they_o which_o refer_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o moreover_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v accommodate_v to_o several_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n both_o of_o private_a person_n and_o public_a society_n by_o allow_v some_o liberty_n to_o figure_n allegory_n and_o other_o poetical_a strain_n which_o be_v usual_a in_o song_n and_o hymn_n now_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v little_o concern_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o the_o mystical_a and_o if_o they_o will_v suffer_v a_o accommodation_n to_o ourselves_o or_o the_o church_n and_o state_n we_o live_v in_o than_o we_o not_o only_o may_v use_v they_o but_o the_o use_n of_o they_o will_v be_v both_o pleasant_a and_o edify_a 3_o these_o psalm_n which_o contain_v narration_n of_o the_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v