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and_o diligence_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v both_o how_o to_o get_v and_o how_o to_o use_v they_o as_o we_o ought_v these_o be_v the_o gift_n but_o second_o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o the_o best_a gift_n for_o that_o term_n denote_v not_o only_o a_o diversity_n but_o a_o preference_n of_o some_o above_o other_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o by_o the_o best_a gift_n here_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v not_o absolute_o the_o best_a in_o every_o kind_n but_o those_o that_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v before_o assert_v 7._o ver._n 7._o that_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_o whatever_o most_o promote_v that_o end_n be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o best_a gift_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n refer_v here_o to_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o be_v very_o necessary_a at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o 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the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v earnest_o to_o covet_v and_o labour_n for_o the_o best_a gift_n that_o be_v such_o especial_o as_o conduce_v most_o to_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o their_o hearer_n st._n paul_n give_v this_o direction_n with_o reference_n to_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o be_v rife_o in_o his_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v covet_v and_o seek_v after_o the_o best_a of_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v still_o the_o same_o we_o be_v concern_v likewise_o even_o in_o those_o ordinary_a gift_n that_o be_v continue_v to_o we_o to_o desire_v those_o most_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v most_o good_a in_o treat_v therefore_o of_o this_o proposition_n i_o must_v inquire_v first_o what_o be_v now_o the_o best_a or_o most_o beneficial_a gift_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o second_o how_o we_o be_v to_o covet_v and_o seek_v after_o they_o for_o the_o first_o before_o i_o can_v show_v you_o what_o be_v now_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a gift_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n i_o must_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o four_o or_o five_o gift_n or_o talent_n in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a though_o they_o have_v be_v too_o much_o affect_v in_o our_o day_n and_o the_o 1._o i_o shall_v mention_v of_o these_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o extemporary_a effusion_n in_o prayer_n which_o some_o have_v miscall_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v affect_v nor_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o best_a gift_n for_o this_o instead_o of_o edify_v have_v great_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o destroy_v the_o reverence_n and_o harmony_n of_o public_a worship_n solomon_n who_o have_v be_v just_o repute_v the_o wise_a of_o man_n have_v will_v we_o not_o to_o be_v rash_a with_o our_o mouth_n nor_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n 5.2_o â—…cl_n 5.2_o but_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o be_v upon_o earth_n therefore_o our_o word_n unto_o he_o shall_v be_v few_o mean_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o approach_v the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o with_o the_o profound_a awe_n and_o reverence_n and_o that_o be_v best_a signify_v by_o few_o and_o well_o weigh_v expression_n in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o a_o great_a than_o solomon_n even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o the_o head_n and_o founder_n of_o his_o church_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v by_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n according_a to_o his_o order_n have_v use_v the_o same_o ever_o since_o and_o likewise_o compose_v her_o public_a liturgy_n according_a to_o that_o excellent_a platform_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n our_o church_n have_v at_o this_o day_n one_o of_o the_o most_o pious_a and_o best_a compose_a liturgy_n that_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n so_o that_o now_o we_o need_v only_o bring_v ardent_a desire_n and_o good_a affection_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v a_o gracious_a answer_n and_o acceptance_n there_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n a_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o pray_v by_o inspiration_n call_v sometime_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n when_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o they_o know_v not_o how_o or_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o they_o ought_v but_o when_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v dictate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o we_o be_v direct_v both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n when_o the_o sacred_a canon_n be_v complete_v and_o public_a prayer_n compose_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o than_o this_o among_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n cease_v together_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a be_v not_o wont_a to_o give_v extraordinary_a assistance_n when_o ordinary_a mean_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n so_o that_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n now_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n consist_v not_o in_o pour_v out_o many_o and_o new_a word_n but_o in_o the_o pious_a motion_n and_o good_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n still_o but_o how_o 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o not_o by_o furnish_v we_o with_o new_a phrase_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n which_o god_n be_v no_o way_n delight_v with_o but_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v that_o be_v by_o exciting_a the_o inward_a desire_n and_o breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o he_o hence_o we_o read_v that_o the_o poor_a publican_n short_a litany_n 14._o luke_n 18_o 10_o
11_o 14._o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n prevail_v more_o for_o his_o justification_n than_o the_o tedious_a harangue_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi which_o sect_n though_o in_o outward_a pretence_n and_o appearance_n the_o strict_a in_o those_o time_n our_o saviour_n blame_v for_o their_o babble_v and_o vain_a repetition_n in_o prayer_n as_o if_o they_o think_v to_o be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_v and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v what_o crude_a and_o indigested_a not_o to_o say_v blasphemous_a speech_n have_v drop_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o such_o bold_a pretender_n to_o inspire_a prayer_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o extemporary_a way_n of_o pray_v be_v a_o thing_n unknown_a in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v plain_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o late_a invention_n bring_v into_o these_o kingdom_n by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o popish_a emissary_n mere_o to_o distract_v and_o divide_v the_o people_n and_o we_o know_v how_o they_o triumph_v in_o the_o schism_n and_o confusion_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v by_o it_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o this_o gift_n and_o the_o pretender_n to_o it_o 2._o the_o affectation_n of_o tone_n or_o the_o vehemence_n of_o voice_n or_o gesture_n in_o prayer_n or_o preach_v serve_v not_o the_o true_a end_n of_o edification_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v reckon_v rather_o among_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o seducer_n than_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o best_a gift_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o grave_n and_o serious_a thing_n and_o make_v its_o way_n into_o the_o heart_n rather_o by_o powerful_a argument_n than_o by_o a_o powerful_a noise_n 12._o kin._n 19.1_o 12._o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o the_o earthquake_n nor_o in_o the_o tempest_n but_o in_o the_o small_a and_o still_a voice_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n word_n be_v better_a convey_v by_o calm_a and_o sound_a reason_n than_o by_o the_o loud_a bluster_n of_o action_n or_o utterance_n such_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a and_o be_v better_a suit_v to_o the_o levity_n of_o the_o stage_n than_o to_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o pulpit_n affect_a tone_n and_o gesture_n may_v indeed_o raise_v the_o fancy_n and_o overheat_v the_o imagination_n but_o seldom_o or_o never_o leave_v any_o true_a or_o last_a warmth_n upon_o the_o heart_n or_o the_o affection_n they_o may_v serve_v to_o astonish_v and_o startle_v weak_a people_n for_o the_o present_a but_o the_o impression_n quick_o wear_v off_o and_o pass_v away_o with_o the_o motion_n or_o sound_n that_o raise_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o those_o that_o use_n or_o follow_v those_o art_n that_o though_o they_o may_v seem_v affect_v for_o a_o while_n yet_o they_o never_o prove_v either_o the_o wise_a or_o the_o better_a men._n length_n and_o lowdness_n be_v the_o main_a ingredient_n of_o the_o pharisee_n prayer_n for_o which_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n often_o condemn_v their_o hypocrisy_n but_o never_o commend_v their_o devotion_n all_o that_o have_v have_v any_o game_n to_o play_v upon_o the_o people_n have_v betake_v themselves_o to_o such_o wiles_n and_o by_o this_o craft_n have_v get_v their_o wealth_n and_o make_v merchandise_n of_o they_o but_o as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o regular_a clergy_n not_o to_o affect_v such_o mean_a art_n so_o it_o will_v be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o laity_n to_o beware_v of_o be_v delude_v by_o those_o that_o use_v they_o 3._o the_o gift_n of_o divers_a tongue_n or_o the_o ostentation_n of_o several_a language_n in_o popular_a sermon_n be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v affect_v by_o we_o for_o the_o vulgar_a be_v little_o edify_v by_o latin_a and_o it_o be_v proverbial_a among_o they_o to_o say_v of_o what_o they_o understand_v not_o that_o it_o be_v greek_a to_o they_o so_o that_o the_o use_n of_o these_o tongue_n in_o our_o discourse_n to_o they_o can_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n they_o may_v serve_v to_o amuse_v and_o confound_v they_o but_o can_v any_o way_n inform_v or_o help_v their_o understanding_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o study_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v and_o accomplish_v a_o divine_a see_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o many_o great_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o learning_n be_v write_v in_o those_o language_n but_o of_o what_o use_v the_o embellish_v or_o interlard_v our_o discourse_n with_o they_o to_o the_o common_a people_n shall_v be_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o understand_v 14._o 1_o cor._n 14._o the_o apostle_n blame_v pray_v and_o prophesy_v in_o a_o tongue_n not_o know_v to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o intermix_v these_o thing_n we_o speak_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o use_n of_o hard_a word_n and_o term_n of_o art_n that_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o vulgar_a understanding_n speak_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o 1.20_o 2_o pet._n 2.18_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o great_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n and_o affect_v science_n false_o so_o call_v as_o also_o the_o cloud_v our_o discourse_n with_o mystical_a phrase_n and_o uncouth_a expression_n such_o as_o the_o incoming_n and_o out-letting_n the_o beaming_n and_o streaming_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o such_o like_a unintelligible_a jargon_n whereby_o some_o man_n instead_o of_o make_v difficult_a thing_n plain_a have_v make_v plain_a thing_n difficult_a which_o be_v a_o very_a fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a talon_n 4._o the_o ostentation_n of_o wit_n or_o curiosity_n of_o language_n in_o our_o public_a discourse_n tend_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o edification_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o best_a gift_n witty_a say_n and_o fine_a sentence_n may_v indeed_o tickle_v the_o ear_n but_o never_o sink_v into_o the_o heart_n they_o may_v please_v a_o while_n and_o afford_v matter_n of_o talk_n but_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o profit_v the_o hearer_n st._n paul_n that_o great_a converter_n of_o soul_n declare_v that_o his_o preach_v consist_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o word_n but_o in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2.4_o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o he_o study_v not_o fineness_n of_o expression_n but_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n and_o we_o read_v that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v more_o than_o a_o vain_a ostentation_n of_o wit_n can_v ever_o do_v and_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v triumph_v over_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a 1.21_o 1_o cor._n 1.21_o our_o business_n my_o brethren_n be_v not_o to_o gratify_v itch_a ear_n but_o to_o save_v man_n soul_n and_o that_o be_v better_a do_v by_o grave_n solid_a and_o practical_a discourse_n than_o by_o the_o most_o florid_n and_o polite_a preachment_n which_o may_v delight_v for_o the_o present_a but_o bring_v no_o last_a benefit_n or_o instruction_n with_o they_o for_o as_o the_o plain_a food_n nourish_v more_o than_o the_o most_o delicious_a kickshaw_n so_o plain_a truth_n without_o art_n or_o varnish_n ofttimes_o leave_v deep_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n than_o all_o the_o charm_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n last_o the_o art_n of_o strain_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o force_v they_o from_o their_o plain_a and_o genuine_a sense_n be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a gift_n this_o be_v do_v sometime_o by_o critic_n who_o to_o advance_v a_o new_a notion_n will_v stretch_v and_o pervert_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o invention_n and_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n and_o particle_n offer_v violence_n to_o a_o text_n and_o even_o take_v it_o by_o force_n 5._o lat_fw-la 5._o our_o bless_a saviour_n rebuke_v the_o pharisee_n for_o their_o false_a gloss_n by_o which_o they_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o these_o man_n just_o incur_v the_o same_o censure_n who_o by_o their_o wild_a and_o strain_v interpretation_n make_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n of_o none_o effect_n there_o be_v other_o who_o to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n will_v rack_v and_o torture_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o please_v hence_o some_o have_v use_v the_o bible_n as_o the_o most_o successful_a engine_n to_o overturn_v church_n and_o state_n and_o have_v make_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n the_o trumpet_n of_o war_n and_o sedition_n this_o be_v a_o most_o pernicious_a talon_n and_o have_v do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o who_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o damnation_n 3._o pet._n 3._o and_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o other_o who_o have_v wrest_v they_o to_o the_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n of_o kingdom_n and_o have_v so_o far_o rack_v some_o passage_n of_o sacred_a writ_n as_o even_o to_o force_v they_o to_o speak_v blood_n and_o confusion_n but_o our_o
therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n advise_v we_o to_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gifis_n he_o thereby_o put_v we_o upon_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o become_a master_n of_o they_o and_o because_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o they_o be_v i_o shall_v brief_o mind_v you_o of_o these_o four_o 1._o diligent_a study_n 2._o frequent_a exercise_n 3._o hearty_a prayer_n and_o 4._o a_o good_a life_n of_o each_o of_o which_o a_o word_n or_o two_o distinct_o and_o 1._o we_o must_v covet_v these_o gift_n by_o our_o diligent_a study_n and_o earnest_a search_n after_o they_o for_o this_o be_v now_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o acquire_v they_o indeed_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v out_o and_o come_v upon_o they_o not_o by_o study_n but_o by_o sudden_a infusion_n the_o mighty_a wind_n in_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n descend_v be_v a_o symbol_n of_o inspiration_n and_o betoken_v the_o breathe_n into_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o fire_n that_o sit_v upon_o their_o head_n represent_v that_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n which_o enable_v they_o with_o courage_n to_o go_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o their_o office_n the_o cloven-tongue_n bespeak_v the_o diversity_n of_o language_n with_o which_o they_o be_v endow_v by_o which_o mean_v illiterate_a person_n excel_v the_o great_a rabbi_n and_o fisherman_n speak_v more_o language_n than_o the_o most_o study_a linguist_n but_o now_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v that_o by_o industry_n which_o they_o have_v by_o inspiration_n and_o the_o church_n be_v arrive_v at_o the_o stature_n of_o a_o man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n god_n almighty_n have_v lay_v aside_o those_o extraordinary_a help_n and_o support_v of_o infancy_n so_o that_o diligence_n now_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o it_o be_v study_n alone_o that_o open_v to_o we_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n 2.15_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o study_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o show_v thyself_o a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v a_o able_a divine_a be_v a_o work_n of_o study_n and_o a_o serious_a intention_n of_o mind_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o expert_a and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o office_n we_o may_v not_o now_o pretend_v to_o or_o look_v for_o inspiration_n nor_o hope_v by_o dream_n and_o vision_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n no_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o sloth_n whilst_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n be_v only_o the_o reward_n of_o industry_n 8._o rom._n 1â—_n 8._o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o say_v the_o apostle_n even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o hand_n oh_o let_v it_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n too_o and_o make_v it_o the_o daily_a object_n of_o thy_o study_n and_o meditation_n 19_o 2_o pet._n 19_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o pprophecy_n say_v st._n peter_n whereunto_o we_o do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n as_o to_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n solomon_n that_o great_a master_n of_o wisdom_n exhort_v we_o to_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n and_o to_o search_v diligent_o for_o understanding_n yea_o he_o will_v we_o to_o search_v for_o it_o as_o for_o silver_n and_o to_o dig_v for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n 4._o prov._n 4._o for_o though_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n that_o seem_v to_o float_v at_o top_n and_o to_o lie_v open_a to_o a_o careless_a eye_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o that_o lie_v deep_a and_o require_v a_o profounder_n search_v here_o we_o be_v to_o employ_v our_o most_o compose_a thought_n give_v ourselves_o to_o read_v and_o meditation_n as_o the_o first_o and_o great_a mean_n of_o attain_v they_o 2._o our_o study_n for_o these_o gift_n must_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o frequent_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o they_o this_o will_v whet_v our_o part_n and_o set_v a_o edge_n on_o our_o faculty_n and_o thereby_o enable_v we_o right_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n st._n paul_n exhort_v timothy_n 6._o tim._n â—_o 6._o to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o he_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v exercise_n that_o put_v life_n and_o vigour_n into_o our_o part_n that_o blow_v up_o those_o spark_n within_o we_o and_o quicken_v they_o in_o o_o a_o bright_a and_o useful_a flame_n thus_o to_o employ_v be_v to_o improve_v our_o talon_n which_o will_v daily_o increase_v by_o exercise_n and_o like_o the_o widow_n cruise_n of_o oil_n multiply_v by_o be_v use_v a_o lazy_a neglect_n of_o man_n gift_n make_v they_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o and_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o their_o own_o part_n they_o do_v but_o too_o much_o exercise_v the_o patience_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v they_o he_o that_o bury_v his_o talon_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o he_o that_o wrap_v it_o in_o a_o napkin_n be_v both_o deprive_v of_o they_o and_o doom_v as_o wicked_a and_o unprofitable_a servant_n to_o outer_a darkness_n whereas_o he_o that_o use_v his_o talon_n to_o his_o master_n honour_n be_v commend_v for_o a_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n and_o enter_v into_o his_o master_n joy_n which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o exercise_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n of_o improve_n our_o gift_n and_o procure_v to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o 3._o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o gift_n we_o must_v add_v hearty_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o they_o for_o though_o paul_n may_v plant_v 3._o â—or_a 3._o and_o apollo_n may_v water_v yet_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o give_v the_o increase_n 1.5_o 〈◊〉_d 1.5_o if_o any_o lack_n wisdom_n say_v st._n james_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n thither_o our_o recourse_n must_v be_v if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o obtain_v it_o and_o indeed_o whither_o else_o shall_v we_o go_v 6.68_o 〈◊〉_d 6.68_o he_o only_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o seek_v for_o wisdom_n only_o in_o book_n and_o write_n be_v but_o to_o seek_v the_o live_n among_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n that_o enlivens_fw-la our_o endeavour_n and_o make_v we_o rich_a both_o in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o he_o that_o leave_v out_o this_o in_o his_o search_n after_o they_o will_v never_o arrive_v to_o more_o than_o what_o will_v betray_v his_o own_o ignorance_n 1._o â—es_n 1._o every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v look_v upward_o and_o make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o he_o in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o for_o our_o encouragement_n the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o 1.5_o jam._n 1.5_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o earthly_a parent_n be_v not_o more_o willing_a to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o their_o child_n 7.11_o mat._n 7.11_o than_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v to_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o our_o desire_n then_o of_o these_o gift_n must_v be_v carry_v on_o with_o uncessant_a petition_n to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o if_o we_o will_v attain_v to_o any_o measure_n of_o they_o we_o must_v seek_v they_o upon_o our_o knee_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n that_o give_v the_o talon_n and_o the_o improvement_n too_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n owe_v all_o their_o increase_n to_o the_o dew_n of_o his_o heavenly_a benediction_n last_o to_o our_o prayer_n we_o must_v join_v the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o wisdom_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o pollute_a soul_n nor_o can_v so_o refine_v a_o perfection_n inhabit_v a_o impure_a or_o corrupt_a heart_n the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n 2.14_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o it_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v it_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o therefore_o our_o heart_n must_v be_v purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o entrance_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v consecrate_v to_o holy_a use_n before_o they_o can_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o good_a life_n will_v best_o dispose_v we_o to_o a_o good_a understanding_n and_o sincere_a desire_n of_o please_a god_n will_v make_v we_o useful_a and_o profitable_a unto_o men._n so_o that_o if_o we_o mean_v to_o arrive_v at_o any_o proficiency_n or_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n we_o must_v live_v up_o to_o that_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v for_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n say_v our_o saviour_n 17._o john_n â—_o 17._o he_o shall_v know_v the_o
doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n divinity_n as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v on_o those_o word_n be_v a_o science_n that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o study_v as_o to_o live_v ourselves_o into_o it_o pass_v into_o the_o head_n through_o the_o heart_n and_o our_o knowledge_n will_v daily_o increase_v by_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o what_o we_o know_v for_o god_n almighty_a delight_n to_o communicate_v his_o mind_n to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v it_o 14._o psal_n 25.9_o 14._o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o psalmist_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o his_o covenant_n and_o elsewhere_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o humble_a he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n he_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o reward_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n with_o far_a discovery_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o same_o ingenious_a author_n have_v observe_v that_o in_o old_a time_n the_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v man_n of_o extraordinary_a piety_n too_o and_o such_o have_v most_o of_o the_o secret_a will_n of_o god_n impart_v to_o they_o that_o best_o perform_v his_o reveal_v will_v they_o be_v the_o enoch_n the_o abraham_n and_o the_o elijah_n and_o such_o of_o who_o the_o scripture_n more_o remarkable_o testify_v that_o they_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o sure_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o another_o be_v likely_a to_o know_v more_o of_o his_o mind_n than_o a_o stranger_n or_o one_o that_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o he_o in_o short_a virtue_n be_v the_o most_o fruitful_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o he_o that_o do_v what_o he_o know_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o know_v more_o of_o it_o for_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v say_v our_o saviour_n and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundant_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o text_n have_v show_v you_o what_o be_v the_o best_a gift_n and_o how_o we_o be_v to_o covet_v and_o seek_v after_o they_o but_o i_o must_v crave_v a_o little_a more_o of_o your_o patience_n whilst_o i_o show_v unto_o you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n and_o this_o will_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o text_n contain_v in_o this_o proposition_n ii_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n excel_v the_o high_a and_o the_o best_a gift_n of_o it_o and_o here_o i_o can_v almost_o wish_v for_o the_o tongue_n of_o a_o angel_n to_o describe_v to_o you_o this_o more_o excellent_a way_n and_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o but_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n have_v prevent_v our_o wish_n and_o extol_v the_o single_a grace_n of_o charity_n as_o high_a as_o word_n can_v reach_v above_o all_o other_o gift_n and_o endowment_n whatever_o for_o in_o the_o next_o word_n to_o our_o text_n he_o thus_o deliver_v himself_o can_v i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o of_o angel_n and_o have_v all_o the_o charm_n of_o divine_a and_o humane_a eloquence_n can_v i_o dart_v the_o bright_a beam_n of_o light_n into_o man_n understanding_n and_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a rhetoric_n command_v and_o insinuate_v into_o their_o affection_n yet_o without_o charity_n 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o i_o be_o no_o better_a than_o a_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n have_v i_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v the_o deep_a mystery_n have_v i_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o that_o be_v past_a since_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n and_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o have_v i_o faith_n strong_a enough_o to_o remove_v mountain_n and_o to_o make_v the_o pole_n of_o the_o world_n to_o change_v their_o place_n yet_o in_o all_o these_o accomplishment_n without_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o less_o than_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n what_o can_v the_o tongue_n of_o man_n or_o of_o angel_n speak_v high_a in_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o virtue_n and_o to_o extol_v the_o grace_n above_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o will_v plain_o demonstrate_v the_o pre-eminence_n first_o the_o subject_n on_o who_o they_o be_v bestow_v second_o the_o end_n or_o use_v unto_o which_o they_o serve_v and_o three_o the_o term_n of_o their_o duration_n or_o continuance_n first_o the_o subject_n on_o who_o they_o be_v bestow_v will_v give_v grace_n vast_o the_o pre-eminence_n for_o gift_n like_o the_o rain_n and_o other_o common_a blessing_n be_v shower_v down_o promiscuous_o on_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n like_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n shine_v indifferent_o both_o on_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a judas_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o many_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 7.22_o matth._n 7.22_o lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n who_o yet_o shall_v be_v bid_v to_o depart_v from_o he_o as_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n so_o that_o the_o high_a and_o best_a gift_n neither_o find_v nor_o give_v any_o intrinsic_a worth_n to_o the_o person_n that_o have_v they_o but_o leave_v they_o many_o time_n as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o they_o find_v they_o for_o many_o who_o in_o christ_n name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n will_v be_v sentence_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o take_v up_o their_o abode_n for_o ever_o with_o they_o but_o grace_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n stamp_v a_o excellence_n on_o those_o that_o receive_v it_o for_o it_o make_v they_o like_a unto_o god_n and_o render_v they_o most_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v confer_v on_o none_o but_o the_o particular_a favourite_n and_o darling_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v only_o the_o excellent_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n 16.3_o psal_n 16.3_o as_o the_o psalmist_n style_v they_o that_o walk_v in_o this_o more_o excellent_a way_n when_o many_o gift_a brethren_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n grace_n be_v that_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v whereby_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v mark_v and_o seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n â—0_n eph._n 4._o â—0_n it_o be_v by_o this_o seal_n as_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2.9_o â—_o tim._n 2.9_o that_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o and_o by_o this_o sacred_a stamp_n or_o signature_n we_o too_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o belong_v to_o he_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o particular_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n which_o be_v not_o communicate_v to_o any_o but_o the_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n 7.6_o â—at_a 7.6_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o cast_v these_o pearl_n before_o swine_n nor_o be_v this_o child_n bread_n give_v unto_o dog_n no_o this_o be_v reserve_v as_o the_o peculiar_a lot_n and_o portion_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o must_v far_o surpass_v those_o common_a gift_n that_o be_v share_v promiscuous_o by_o wicked_a men._n second_o the_o end_n or_o use_v to_o which_o they_o serve_v will_v far_o give_v grace_n the_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o best_a gift_n 8._o cor._n 8._o for_o knowledge_n say_v the_o apostle_n puff_v up_o and_o tempt_v many_o a_o man_n to_o pride_n and_o vanity_n whereas_o it_o be_v charity_n that_o edifi_v it_o be_v grace_n that_o correct_v the_o swell_a quality_n of_o gift_n that_o lay_v the_o foundation_n in_o humility_n and_o thereby_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n the_o great_a gift_n and_o ability_n if_o not_o accompany_v with_o grace_n to_o direct_v the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o edify_v that_o they_o have_v in_o all_o age_n do_v the_o church_n the_o great_a mischief_n how_o many_o pestilent_a error_n and_o schism_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n of_o heretic_n what_o ground_n have_v atheism_n and_o debauchery_n get_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o influence_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o fine_a wit_n and_o as_o the_o sharp_a razor_n cut_v deep_a so_o have_v the_o quick_a part_n make_v the_o deep_a wound_n in_o religion_n and_o man_n soul_n so_o pernicious_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o ill_a management_n both_o to_o the_o public_a and_o themselves_o but_o grace_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v liable_a to_o these_o or_o the_o like_a abuse_n that_o it_o prevent_v the_o evil_a and_o correct_v the_o abuse_n of_o our_o gift_n it_o be_v this_o put_v all_o their_o usefulness_n into_o they_o and_o make_v they_o instead_o of_o do_v