display_v himself_o and_o his_o glory_n and_o will_v give_v admirable_a manifestation_n of_o his_o wisdom_n power_n goodness_n and_o other_o perfection_n beyond_o what_o either_o eye_n have_v see_v or_o ear_n hear_v or_o what_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man._n tâ—…irdly_n the_o excellent_a company_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v no_o small_a addition_n to_o the_o happiness_n thereof_o they_o be_v person_n far_o from_o malice_n and_o envy_n from_o entertain_v suspicion_n and_o animosity_n or_o from_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v out_o in_o jar_n and_o contest_v but_o as_o they_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o best_a endowment_n so_o they_o be_v act_v with_o the_o large_a charity_n and_o goodwill_n love_v each_o other_o entire_o and_o entertain_v one_o another_o with_o all_o the_o indear_n expression_n of_o friendship_n of_o all_o pleasure_n friendship_n and_o the_o society_n of_o excellent_a person_n be_v the_o great_a it_o affect_v the_o mind_n most_o and_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n what_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n then_o may_v be_v expect_v in_o the_o society_n of_o angel_n and_o arch-angel_n cherubim_n and_o seraphim_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a but_o four_a in_o the_o other_o life_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o not_o only_o in_o a_o far_o better_a state_n as_o to_o external_o but_o shall_v also_o feel_v great_a and_o glorious_a change_n in_o ourselves_o for_o first_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v in_o which_o mean_a exercise_n the_o one_o half_a of_o our_o time_n be_v consume_v there_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v cloged_a and_o fetter_a to_o a_o crazy_a infirm_a and_o sickly_a body_n as_o now_o for_o then_o this_o corruptible_a shall_v put_v on_o incorruption_n and_o this_o mortal_a immortality_n and_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v change_v this_o vile_a body_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fashion_v like_o unto_o his_o glorious_a body_n according_a to_o the_o work_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o 1_o cor._n 15._o phil._n 3._o 21._o there_o shall_v be_v a_o vast_a change_n in_o the_o â—…rame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o body_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o it_o glory_n and_o power_n and_o splendour_n and_o some_o other_o subtle_a and_o excellent_a quality_n so_o far_o above_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o body_n that_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o term_v it_o a_o spiritual_a body_n second_o as_o such_o glorious_a change_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o our_o body_n so_o the_o like_a shall_v be_v do_v to_o our_o soul_n the_o body_n be_v thus_o change_v into_o the_o better_a because_o the_o soul_n be_v also_o make_v more_o perfect_a these_o excellent_a endowment_n be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o body_n because_o the_o perfection_n and_o dignity_n to_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v now_o raise_v require_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v solodge_v for_o be_v our_o inward_a faculty_n be_v much_o better_a than_o former_o the_o outward_a organ_n and_o instrument_n of_o action_n shall_v be_v better_o too_o now_o our_o soul_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v deliver_v from_o ignorance_n and_o error_n and_o all_o the_o disorder_n which_o sin_n have_v involve_v they_o into_o but_o shall_v also_o have_v all_o their_o faculty_n rectify_v and_o elevat_fw-la to_o the_o outmost_a height_n of_o perfection_n of_o which_o creature_n be_v capable_a truth_n shall_v not_o then_o be_v veil_v with_o absurdity_n nor_o shall_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o by_o such_o tedious_a and_o uncertain_a inquiry_n as_o now_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o but_o shall_v be_v endow_v with_o all_o desirable_a wisdom_n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n but_o then_o shall_v i_o know_v as_o also_o i_o be_o know_v 1_o cor._n 13._o 12._o and_o to_o make_v our_o soul_n complete_o perfect_a there_o shall_v be_v add_v unspotted_a purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n belove_a say_v st._n john_n now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v 1_o john_n 3._o 2._o the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v renew_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o more_o clear_o and_o brighty_a than_o it_o be_v at_o our_o first_o creation_n the_o divine_a perfection_n shall_v be_v transcribe_v upon_o we_o and_o thereby_o we_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o near_a and_o inconceivable_a union_n with_o god._n and_o now_o see_v this_o do_v appear_v what_o need_v more_o here_o we_o may_v well_o stay_v our_o thought_n for_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o climb_v high_o god_n be_v perfection_n itself_o and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o happiness_n he_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v most_o happy_a who_o be_v like_o god_n and_o united_n to_o he_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v great_a happiness_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o this_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o likeness_n to_o he_o david_n doubt_v not_o of_o receive_v satisfaction_n from_o this_o when_o he_o say_v as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v behold_v thy_o face_n in_o righteousness_n i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v when_o i_o awake_v with_o thy_o likeness_n psal._n 17._o 15._o this_o be_v true_a felieity_n and_o shall_v be_v aspire_v after_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o any_o man_n to_o sit_v down_o low_o or_o to_o content_v himself_o with_o less_o degree_n of_o happiness_n see_v god_n be_v willing_a to_o bestow_v this_o upon_o he_o the_o obtain_v heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n shall_v be_v our_o main_a project_n and_o the_o great_a design_n we_o shall_v be_v always_o dryve_v on_o nothing_o shall_v divertâ—…us_o from_o this_o but_o all_o our_o endeavour_n shall_v be_v to_o further_o it_o on_o and_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n shall_v be_v chief_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o favour_v this_o aim_n of_o we_o and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o miscarry_v some_o who_o worldly_a love_n and_o carnal_a affection_n have_v seize_v and_o enslave_v may_v with_o reuben_n and_o gad_n wish_v to_o have_v their_o tabernacle_n set_v up_o this_o side_n jordan_n and_o provide_v they_o can_v get_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n will_v never_o seek_v after_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n but_o such_o certain_o act_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n they_o must_v put_v off_o the_o man_n very_o much_o who_o intend_v no_o high_a pleasure_n then_o what_o be_v bodily_a and_o arise_v from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o earthly_a thing_n which_o though_o glute_v to_o the_o full_a can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n as_o all_o man_n experience_n do_v testify_v as_o noah_n dove_n find_v no_o rest_n until_o she_o return_v to_o the_o ark_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v any_o solid_a content_n until_o it_o ascend_v into_o the_o holy_a hill_n of_o god_n and_o rest_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o he_o from_o who_o it_o have_v its_o be_v and_o as_o man_n true_a felicity_n lie_v not_o in_o this_o but_o in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o the_o chief_a satisfaction_n which_o we_o can_v have_v at_o present_a flow_v from_o the_o sure_a and_o well_o ground_v hope_n of_o that_o after_o happiness_n even_o as_o the_o great_a content_n of_o a_o merchant_n while_o he_o be_v traffic_v abroad_o be_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o gain_n he_o will_v make_v when_o he_o come_v home_o and_o as_o the_o chief_a delight_n of_o a_o heir_n while_o he_o be_v minor_a be_v in_o his_o hope_n of_o succeed_a to_o his_o father_n honour_n and_o fortune_n when_o he_o arrive_v at_o full_a age._n here_o we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o quality_n and_o condition_n of_o minor_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o grudge_v though_o we_o be_v not_o put_v actual_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o full_a happiness_n we_o may_v be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v for_o the_o present_a that_o the_o same_o be_v sure_o reserve_v to_o we_o and_o wait_v upon_o we_o till_o that_o we_o be_v ripe_a for_o it_o bless_v be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o again_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 4._o the_o design_n of_o this_o present_a treatise_n be_v to_o direct_v to_o true_a felicity_n which_o as_o it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n
very_a necessary_a for_o the_o direct_n of_o their_o life_n and_o compose_v their_o mind_n in_o peace_n it_o be_v but_o small_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o patriarch_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v in_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v they_o if_o we_o take_v away_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o another_o life_n for_o the_o promise_n do_v more_o concern_v their_o posterity_n then_o themselves_o and_o as_o for_o the_o favour_n present_o confer_v the_o pleasure_n thereof_o can_v not_o but_o be_v very_o much_o mar_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o death_n nay_o the_o more_o good_a they_o enjoy_v the_o more_o they_o will_v be_v trouble_v when_o they_o reflect_v upon_o their_o mortality_n and_o they_o can_v not_o but_o frequent_o reflect_v thereon_o see_v every_o where_o instance_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o death_n damp_n a_o man_n spirit_n and_o imbitter_v his_o life_n the_o great_a matter_n of_o contentment_n one_o have_v at_o present_a the_o great_a will_v be_v his_o disquiet_a when_o he_o think_v he_o will_v die_v unless_o he_o believe_v his_o death_n will_v be_v follow_v with_o a_o long_a and_o better_a life_n it_o be_v the_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a who_o desire_v death_n or_o think_v upon_o it_o without_o regrate_a other_o can_v think_v upon_o it_o without_o sadness_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o comfort_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o assurance_n of_o after_o happiness_n o_o death_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n how_o bitter_a be_v the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o to_o a_o man_n that_o live_v at_o rest_n in_o his_o possession_n and_o to_o the_o man_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o vex_v he_o and_o that_o have_v prosperity_n in_o all_o thing_n yea_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v yet_o able_a to_o receive_v meat_n eccles._n 41_o 1_o 2._o if_o then_o the_o patriarch_n have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o without_o the_o hope_n of_o it_o their_o life_n will_v have_v be_v very_o miserable_a and_o the_o singular_a blessing_n god_n bestow_v on_o they_o will_v have_v but_o tend_v to_o increase_v their_o misery_n but_o that_o another_o better_a state_n be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o live_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o be_v plain_o intimate_fw-la to_o we_o by_o st._n paul_n heb._n 11._o 13._o &c_n &c_n where_o he_o say_v these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o a_o far_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n and_o true_o if_o they_o have_v be_v mindful_a of_o that_o country_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v out_o they_o may_v have_v have_v opportunity_n to_o have_v return_v but_o now_o they_o desire_v a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a therefore_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n for_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o a_o city_n and_o a_o little_a before_o he_o tell_v we_o particular_o of_o abraham_n that_o he_o look_v for_o a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o maker_n and_o builder_n be_v god._n which_o he_o can_v not_o look_v for_o in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o certain_o he_o expect_v it_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v if_o we_o break_v off_o the_o fetter_n of_o lust_n and_o disentangle_v ourselves_o from_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a interest_n and_o allow_v our_o soul_n but_o any_o measure_n of_o rational_a wisdom_n as_o than_o our_o desire_n will_v soon_o take_v wing_n and_o flee_v above_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n so_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v easy_o incline_v to_o believe_v another_o better_a state_n to_o succeed_v this_o for_o without_o this_o supposition_n man_n be_v the_o strange_a and_o most_o puzzle_v phenomena_n the_o most_o unaccountable_a thing_n in_o nature_n a_o be_v patch_v up_o of_o irregularity_n &_o contradiction_n for_o by_o nature_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o immortality_n and_o yet_o as_o to_o his_o duration_n but_o a_o ephemera_fw-la of_o so_o short_a a_o life_n that_o he_o bend_v to_o die_v almost_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o begin_v to_o live_v he_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o high_a perfection_n and_o fit_v for_o the_o noble_a employment_n and_o yet_o iâ—…_n we_o do_v not_o suppose_v another_o life_n he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v except_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o serve_v the_o mean_a end_n of_o a_o animal_n life_n which_o the_o brute_n beast_n attain_v to_o with_o much_o less_o toil_n and_o trouble_v thus_o he_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o the_o creature_n we_o see_v and_o seem_v to_o be_v design_v lord_n of_o they_o will_v be_v in_o the_o worst_a condition_n of_o any_o because_o never_o attain_v the_o end_n and_o perfection_n his_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o neither_o receive_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o most_o reasonable_a which_o be_v the_o most_o manlike_a desire_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o afterstate_n preferable_a to_o this_o man_n will_v not_o be_v the_o ornament_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o rather_o its_o deformity_n and_o will_v afford_v some_o ground_n of_o impeach_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n as_o if_o either_o the_o contrivance_n have_v be_v mar_v or_o the_o design_n of_o create_v he_o cruel_a in_o that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o capacity_n never_o to_o be_v perfect_v and_o with_o desire_n and_o appetite_n which_o can_v receive_v satisfaction_n hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n be_v kind_a to_o the_o beast_n then_o to_o man_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n who_o least_o use_v his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v that_o lay_v aside_o that_o which_o make_v he_o man_n and_o endeavour_n to_o be_v as_o the_o beast_n who_o perish_v then_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o worst_a case_n of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o miserable_a who_o love_n and_o fear_n and_o serve_v god_n most_o and_o be_v most_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o these_o and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v the_o negation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n which_o can_v be_v admit_v unless_o we_o deny_v a_o providence_n altogether_o and_o ascribe_v all_o thing_n to_o blind_a chance_n and_o indeed_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n seem_v to_o follow_v so_o necessary_o from_o a_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o there_o have_v be_v very_o few_o who_o doubt_v of_o that_o without_o call_v this_o in_o question_n too_o but_o though_o those_o thing_n may_v incline_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a happy_a state_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o certain_o assure_v we_o thereof_o they_o be_v great_a and_o strong_a presumption_n indeed_o but_o no_o certain_a demonstration_n because_o it_o may_v be_v allege_v that_o these_o absurdity_n be_v rather_o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o ignorance_n which_o can_v understand_v better_a then_o of_o that_o suppose_a state_n of_o man_n and_o that_o we_o can_v conclude_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v because_o that_o otherways_o we_o be_v unable_a to_o salve_n and_o vindicat_fw-la the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o how_o do_v we_o know_v what_o be_v consistant_fw-la or_o inconsistent_a with_o infinite_a wisdom_n many_o thing_n may_v be_v agreeable_a thereto_o which_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n therefore_o of_o a_o after_o happy_a state_n can_v only_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n 2_o tim._n 1_o 10._o he_o have_v put_v this_o matter_n clear_o out_o of_o doubt_n so_o that_o it_o need_v no_o long_o be_v dispute_v as_o a_o uncertain_a problem_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o plain_a assertion_n and_o express_v promise_n and_o his_o own_o resurrection_n have_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n to_o succeed_v this_o so_o that_o nothing_o but_o perverseness_n and_o obstinacy_n can_v make_v man_n call_v it_o in_o question_n he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v with_o this_o evidence_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v be_v proof_n against_o all_o evidence_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o convince_v he_o he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o believe_v though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o do_v only_o ascertain_v we_o of_o a_o future_a state_n so_o it_o be_v from_o it_o only_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v any_o true_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n thereof_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v guess_v at_o as_o the_o other_o if_o any_o shall_v offer_v to_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o a_o country_n which_o they_o have_v never_o see_v neither_o have_v any_o true_a idea_n
be_v superad_v to_o natural_a light_n both_o to_o confirm_v it_o and_o to_o supply_v its_o defect_n and_o what_o be_v thus_o necessary_a god_n have_v not_o withhold_v from_o man_n but_o as_o he_o make_v particular_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o the_o false_a deity_n which_o man_n have_v devise_v as_o be_v show_v above_o so_o he_o have_v give_v express_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n concern_v the_o way_n how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v that_o man_n may_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v herein_o nor_o yet_o make_v a_o offer_n of_o what_o be_v abominable_a in_o his_o sight_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o now_o leave_v to_o man_n uncertain_a conjecture_n and_o unless_o they_o be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a they_o need_v not_o perplex_v their_o mind_n long_o with_o such_o inquiry_n wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burn_a offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a if_o we_o be_v true_o serious_a we_o may_v soon_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n for_o as_o micah_n say_v he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o the_o lord_n do_v inquire_v of_o thou_o he_o have_v give_v a_o sure_a plain_a and_o fix_a rule_n which_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o neither_o be_v it_o far_o of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o heaven_n that_o thou_o shall_v say_v who_o shall_v go_v up_o for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o bring_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o beyond_o the_o sea_n that_o thou_o shall_v say_v who_o shall_v go_v over_o the_o sea_n for_o we_o and_o bring_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v very_o nigh_o unto_o thou_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o thou_o may_v do_v it_o deut_n 30._o 11._o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o be_v witness_v by_o the_o divine_a testimony_n of_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o the_o like_a which_o can_v only_o come_v from_o god_n who_o ever_o also_o consider_v impartial_o and_o attentiâ—…ely_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o manner_n of_o expression_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v they_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o as_o to_o their_o matter_n they_o both_o teach_v thing_n not_o discernible_a by_o natural_a light_n and_o also_o the_o dictate_v of_o human_a reason_n can_v not_o be_v so_o pure_o and_o with_o such_o evidence_n hold_v forth_o by_o any_o mere_a man_n sure_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n come_v far_o short_a of_o they_o even_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o as_o to_o their_o style_n and_o expression_n it_o be_v so_o fit_v to_o teach_v man_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o become_v god_n and_o so_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n only_o can_v join_v these_o two_o together_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o great_a master_n of_o eloquency_n to_o counterfeit_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v many_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n and_o as_o they_o be_v his_o word_n so_o the_o design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o prescribe_v that_o service_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o will_v be_v accept_v by_o he_o wherefore_o who_o will_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o consult_v these_o holy_a book_n especial_o the_o n._n t._n even_o as_o a_o subject_a to_o know_v his_o devoir_n to_o his_o soveragine_n will_v do_v best_a to_o consult_v the_o public_a act_n and_o statute_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o who_o will_v worship_n god_n acceptable_o must_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o he_o who_o will_v show_v himself_o a_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n must_v do_v it_o by_o a_o careful_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o his_o prince_n some_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o ask_v here_o wither_v any_o service_n will_v be_v acceptable_a beside_o what_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o i_o shall_v study_v to_o answer_v plain_o and_o in_o few_o word_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o exchange_v the_o divine_a appointment_n with_o our_o own_o divice_n for_o nothing_o which_o we_o can_v do_v will_v excuse_v the_o neglect_n of_o command_a duty_n nor_o will_v be_v receive_v in_o compensation_n of_o they_o we_o then_o true_o adore_v god_n and_o own_o he_o when_o we_o hearty_o and_o ready_o comply_v with_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o as_o this_o will_v please_v he_o better_o than_o a_o ox_n or_o bullock_n that_o have_v horn_n and_o hoof_n yea_o better_o than_o thousand_o of_o oblation_n and_o burn_a offering_n so_o though_o we_o will_v do_v never_o so_o much_o or_o so_o many_o thing_n it_o will_v not_o please_v he_o if_o that_o be_v leave_v undo_v as_o samuel_n say_v to_o saul_n have_v the_o lord_n as_o great_a pleasure_n in_o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n as_o in_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n behold_v to_o obey_v be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n and_o to_o hearken_v then_o the_o fat_a of_o lamb_n â—…_n sam._n 15._o 22._o second_o if_o we_o make_v the_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n which_o be_v of_o our_o own_o devise_v of_o equal_a weight_n and_o value_n with_o what_o be_v command_v they_o be_v abominable_a superstition_n but_o three_o if_o these_o two_o be_v guard_v against_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o displease_v to_o god_n to_o do_v thing_n not_o express_o or_o particular_o enjoin_v especial_o if_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o do_v they_o be_v main_o to_o help_v forward_o that_o service_n which_o be_v enjoin_v this_o matter_n will_v be_v far_o clear_v by_o the_o follow_a example_n if_o some_o capricious_a and_o conceit_a person_n shall_v either_o counteract_v or_o slight_v the_o establish_a statute_n of_o the_o king_n and_o resolve_v to_o express_v his_o loyalty_n by_o new_a way_n of_o his_o own_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o will_v not_o find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o king_n though_o his_o aim_n be_v good_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o one_o due_o observe_v the_o king_n law_n and_o pay_v the_o homage_n require_v and_o moreover_o out_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o affection_n will_v do_v more_o or_o something_o else_o than_o what_o by_o the_o law_n he_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o king_n will_v not_o be_v displease_v with_o he_o yea_o can_v but_o high_o favour_v he_o the_o very_a same_o may_v be_v say_v to_o the_o present_a question_n only_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o all_o humane_a law_n be_v imperfect_a so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v outdo_v they_o his_o action_n often_o may_v be_v better_o than_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o may_v pretend_v to_o merit_v at_o the_o king_n hand_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v most_o perfect_a and_o reach_v to_o all_o thing_n good_a and_o commendable_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o order_n to_o other_o thing_n and_o none_o have_v reason_n to_o plead_v merit_n before_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v for_o their_o action_n which_o be_v command_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o perfection_n require_v and_o if_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n not_o express_o or_o particular_o require_v if_o it_o be_v good_a or_o useful_a any_o wise_a it_o come_v under_o some_o general_a command_n if_o it_o be_v not_o good_a and_o useful_a it_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o unreasonable_a service_n which_o god_n do_v not_o value_n or_o regard_n thus_o have_v show_v that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v the_o worship_n he_o will_v have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o worship_v in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n who_o do_v it_o not_o as_o they_o be_v there_o direct_v it_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v what_o that_o worship_n be_v which_o be_v there_o require_v &_o by_o which_o we_o testify_v that_o we_o own_o the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v our_o god_n now_o in_o discourse_v hereof_o we_o shall_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o indeed_o must_v have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n viz._n faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n both_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mediator_n and_o a_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n without_o this_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb_n 11._o 6._o and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v clear_a for_o see_v we_o have_v offend_v god_n and_o thereby_o make_v he_o our_o enemy_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o peace_n be_v first_o make_v before_o either_o our_o
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
next_o place_n we_o must_v address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o may_v please_v he_o to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o discern_a his_o will_n and_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v walk_v for_o be_v we_o do_v not_o pray_v we_o be_v not_o desirous_a hereof_o neither_o due_o value_v it_o and_o so_o god_n will_v not_o think_v we_o worthy_a of_o it_o who_o despise_v or_o light_o esteem_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o wander_v in_o the_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o he_o will_v lead_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n who_o humble_o seek_v he_o but_o though_o prayer_n be_v good_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a mean_n it_o must_v not_o be_v neglect_v but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v rest_v in_o we_o must_v not_o ask_v direction_n as_o pilate_n what_o be_v truth_n at_o christ_n who_o when_o he_o put_v the_o question_n present_o go_v out_o and_o stay_v not_o for_o a_o answer_n after_o we_o have_v pray_v we_o shall_v listen_v attentive_o to_o what_o god_n say_v we_o ought_v to_o hearken_v careful_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o god._n and_o therefore_o three_o we_o must_v search_v diligent_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o and_o by_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o we_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n god_n have_v give_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o path_n and_o so_o who_o will_v walk_v upright_o so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n must_v follow_v the_o guidance_n thereof_o be_v true_a god_n speak_v also_o inward_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o ordinary_o it_o be_v by_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o the_o word_n '_o tt_v seldom_o and_o in_o some_o singular_a case_n only_o that_o he_o speak_v to_o man_n without_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o scripture_n however_o he_o never_o speak_v but_o agreeable_o to_o the_o scripture_n whatever_o he_o say_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n must_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o god_n neither_o can_v nor_o will_v contradict_v himself_o wherefore_o all_o inward_a suggestion_n and_o inspiration_n must_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v in_o a_o like_a case_n be_v the_o sure_a word_n 2_o pet_n 1._o 19_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o put_v great_a confidence_n in_o the_o outward_a light_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o what_o be_v inward_o suggest_v for_o we_o may_v ready_o deceive_v ourselves_o here_o and_o take_v the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o our_o own_o strong_a imagination_n for_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n spirit_n every_o one_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o they_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v often_o hard_a for_o any_o to_o do_v it_o but_o by_o compare_v they_o to_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v from_o god._n we_o must_v not_o then_o be_v too_o hasty_a in_o conclude_v our_o inclination_n to_o a_o thing_n or_o aversion_n from_o it_o after_o that_o we_o have_v pray_v fervent_o to_o be_v from_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o at_o lest_o no_o wise_a opposite_a to_o what_o be_v there_o enjoin_v we_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o holy_a oracle_n which_o deliver_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o they_o therefore_o we_o must_v resort_v at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n to_o know_v what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o by_o they_o all_o person_n of_o each_o sex_n age_n condition_n employment_n may_v be_v instruct_v how_o to_o order_v their_o conversation_n aright_o before_o god._n for_o they_o be_v so_o compose_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n by_o they_o may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o it_o be_v true_a every_o one_o will_v not_o find_v their_o particular_a case_n state_v and_o resolve_v but_o either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o either_o by_o express_a precept_n or_o parallel_n and_o not_o much_o different_a example_n they_o shall_v see_v what_o may_v sufficient_o inform_v and_o resolve_v they_o and_o whoso_o will_v give_v themselves_o entire_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n shall_v without_o doubt_n as_o we_o show_v before_o either_o by_o secret_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o or_o by_o some_o special_a occurrence_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v particular_o direct_v in_o the_o disposal_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o affair_n which_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o to_o which_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v speak_v particular_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n unto_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o testimony_n psal._n 25._o 9_o 10._o thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o we_o shall_v consult_v god_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o he_o now_o certain_o it_o concern_v we_o very_o much_o thus_o to_o consult_v he_o and_o to_o follow_v these_o mean_n for_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o we_o to_o do_v the_o heathen_n of_o old_a glory_v much_o in_o their_o oracle_n and_o use_v to_o consult_v they_o in_o all_o their_o affair_n though_o they_o be_v so_o uncertain_a and_o ambiguous_a that_o they_o prove_v more_o often_o snare_n to_o entrap_v they_o than_o light_v to_o guide_v they_o but_o sure_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v in_o this_o special_a privilege_n we_o have_v of_o consult_v the_o true_a god_n who_o neither_o will_v deceive_v other_o nor_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o who_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o speak_v to_o we_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o by_o his_o word_n and_o who_o promise_v far_o direction_n as_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n hereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v wise_o and_o be_v show_v the_o true_a way_n of_o carry_v on_o our_o happiness_n and_o peace_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v david_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8._o it_o be_v a_o laudable_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n before_o they_o begin_v any_o enterprise_n and_o so_o it_o become_v we_o to_o resort_v unto_o the_o scripture_n for_o counsel_n and_o direction_n where_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o full_o and_o clear_o if_o we_o be_v desirous_a thereof_o and_o follow_v the_o direction_n prescribe_v above_o david_n no_o doubt_n have_v many_o counselor_n and_o yet_o he_o prefer_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o god_n before_o they_o all_o thy_o testimony_n say_v he_o be_v my_o delight_n and_o counselor_n and_o again_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o bid_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o his_o teacher_n for_o god_n testimony_n be_v his_o meditation_n ps_n 119._o 24._o 99_o it_o be_v report_v of_o the_o heathen_a socrates_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o certain_a spirit_n or_o genius_n which_o he_o use_v as_o his_o counsellor_n and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o he_o be_v require_v to_o speak_v or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n his_o usual_a answer_n be_v si_fw-la daemon_n permiserit_fw-la if_o my_o spirit_n or_o genius_n will_v suffer_v now_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n that_o we_o have_v a_o better_a counsellor_n to_o advise_v with_o and_o therefore_o also_o whenso_fw-la ere_o any_o thing_n be_v propound_v unto_o we_o either_o to_o our_o understanding_n or_o will_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v let_v our_o answer_n be_v with_o the_o psalmist_n i_o will_v hear_v what_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v speak_v ps._n 85._o 8._o i_o will_v first_o consult_v god_n by_o the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o never_o conclude_v or_o resolve_v any_o thing_n without_o advise_v thus_o with_o god_n we_o shall_v high_o honour_v he_o and_o show_v a_o entire_a regard_n unto_o he_o and_o also_o take_v a_o wise_a and_o most_o profitable_a course_n for_o ourselves_o but_o alas_o as_o solomon_n complain_v wherefore_o be_v there_o a_o price_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n to_o get_v wisdom_n see_v he_o have_v no_o heart_n unto_o it_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o and_o how_o little_a do_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o have_v the_o scripture_n see_v we_o make_v so_o little_a use_n of_o they_o and_o take_v so_o little_a notice_n of_o what_o god_n say_v to_o we_o in_o and_o by_o they_o how_o sad_a be_v it_o and_o what_o matter_n of_o regrate_a
do_v this_o our_o house_n and_o family_n shall_v be_v a_o little_a sanctuary_n unto_o god_n who_o will_v gracions_o vouchsafe_v to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o to_o establish_v with_o we_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n which_o shall_v afford_v we_o great_a peace_n and_o quiet_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o shall_v prevent_v those_o unnatural_a tar_z and_o disorder_n which_o fall_v out_o too_o common_o among_o those_o of_o the_o same_o family_n if_o god_n be_v much_o among_o they_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v and_o he_o be_v not_o among_o they_o because_o his_o name_n be_v not_o call_v upon_o nor_o his_o worship_n observe_v by_o they_o three_o we_o may_v see_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v how_o much_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o of_o god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v religion_n to_o erect_v church_n and_o temple_n so_o it_o be_v with_o a_o design_n to_o use_v they_o and_o to_o come_v up_o unto_o they_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o hear_v what_o he_o will_v say_v to_o we_o when_o jacob_n resolve_v to_o build_v god_n a_o house_n he_o do_v not_o mean_a to_o shut_v the_o door_n thereof_o and_o to_o be_v a_o stranger_n thereunto_o but_o to_o visit_v it_o often_o that_o he_o may_v have_v opportunity_n of_o meeting_n and_o converse_v with_o his_o god._n if_o civility_n and_o kindness_n draw_v we_o to_o the_o house_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o if_o such_o as_o be_v about_o king_n court_n be_v oblige_v to_o come_v and_o attend_v the_o king_n person_n at_o those_o hour_n when_o the_o court_n open_v up_o or_o that_o he_o present_v himself_o sure_o we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o much_o more_o oblige_v to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o wait_v upon_o he_o at_o these_o time_n and_o hour_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o meet_v with_o we_o what_o a_o honour_n and_o happiness_n be_v it_o to_o have_v the_o freedom_n to_o stand_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o the_o liberty_n to_o speak_v unto_o he_o the_o psalmist_n it_o seem_v think_v it_o a_o great_a happiness_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o choose_v o_o lord_n and_o cause_v to_o approach_v unto_o thou_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o thy_o court_n we_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o thy_o house_n even_o of_o thy_o holy_a temple_n ps._n 65._o 4._o and_o again_o how_o amiable_a be_v thy_o tabernacle_n o_o lord_n of_o host_n my_o soul_n long_v yea_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o dwell_v in_o thy_o house_n they_o will_v be_v still_o praise_v thou_o ps._n 84._o hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o priest_n and_o levit_n as_o very_o happy_a who_o office_n oblige_v they_o to_o a_o continual_a attendance_n on_o god_n house_n their_o lot_n he_o think_v be_v worthy_a of_o his_o ambition_n for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n may_v have_v command_v the_o chief_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o undervalue_v they_o all_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v in_o god_n house_n a_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n say_v he_o be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o door_n keeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n then_o to_o dwell_v in_o tent_n of_o wickedness_n this_o favour_n he_o seek_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o prefer_v before_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o ps._n 27._o 4._o where_o he_o say_v one_o have_v have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o will_v i_o seek_v after_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o certain_o whosoever_o come_v up_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n with_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o and_o desire_n after_o he_o shall_v receive_v much_o comfort_n and_o good_a thereby_o it_o be_v not_o a_o honour_n only_o but_o a_o advantage_n also_o to_o be_v in_o god_n presence_n for_o he_o still_o leave_v a_o blessing_n behind_o he_o and_o have_v express_o promise_v to_o meet_v with_o we_o in_o his_o house_n to_o bless_v we_o as_o you_o have_v it_o exod._n 20._o 24._o in_o token_n hereof_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n be_v appoint_v to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n as_o appear_v from_o deut._n 10._o 8._o which_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v be_v extend_v to_o evangelical_n minister_n see_v god_n goodness_n be_v not_o narrow_a but_o large_a than_o it_o be_v of_o old_a we_o be_v not_o then_o to_o look_v upon_o pastoral_a benediction_n especial_o in_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n only_o as_o intimation_n of_o their_o own_o good_a wish_n but_o as_o authoritative_a declaration_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v effectual_a upon_o such_o as_o be_v worthy_a see_v mat._n 10._o 13._o let_v none_o therefore_o withdraw_v from_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o let_v all_o accept_v of_o all_o occasion_n of_o come_v up_o thereto_o as_o david_n who_o tell_v we_o i_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v we_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n ps._n 122._o 1._o for_o our_o come_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a god_n will_v not_o suffer_v such_o as_o sincere_o seek_v he_o to_o return_v without_o profit_n i_o say_v not_o to_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n seek_v you_o i_o in_o vain_a isa._n 45._o 19_o they_o speak_v ignorant_o and_o unadvised_o who_o say_v they_o will_v not_o be_v the_o better_a by_o come_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o may_v profit_v themselves_o as_o well_o at_o home_n for_o see_v god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v there_o such_o as_o be_v true_o dispose_v and_o seek_v he_o in_o sincerity_n shall_v undoubted_o find_v he_o they_o shall_v feel_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n move_v on_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o taste_v and_o see_v his_o goodness_n that_o by_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o by_o reason_n they_o may_v understand_v it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o the_o church_n or_o public_a meeting_n but_o may_v &_o will_v manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o servant_n also_o in_o other_o place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o likely_o to_o find_v he_o at_o home_n who_o stay_v there_o out_o of_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o place_n he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v for_o a_o solemn_a meeting_n with_o his_o people_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o despise_v or_o neglect_v those_o mean_n of_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v but_o to_o use_v they_o pious_o and_o thankful_o wait_v humble_o upon_o he_o that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o he_o may_v bless_v we_o it_o be_v a_o tempt_a of_o god_n to_o expect_v or_o desire_v he_o shall_v show_v himself_o or_o convey_v his_o blessing_n by_o way_n extraordinary_a while_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n may_v be_v have_v what_o be_v better_o than_o to_o find_v god_n what_o be_v more_o desirable_a then_o to_o receive_v expression_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o where_o shall_v we_o seek_v he_o or_o where_o may_v we_o with_o great_a assurance_n expect_v these_o then_o where_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v find_v to_o wit_n in_o his_o house_n and_o ordinance_n let_v we_o then_o resort_v thither_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v he_o who_o our_o soul_n love_v who_o shall_v resolve_v our_o doubt_n and_o advise_v we_o in_o the_o way_n we_o shall_v take_v he_o shall_v ease_v our_o heart_n of_o our_o secret_a grief_n comfort_v we_o against_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o shall_v refresh_v we_o with_o new_a strength_n and_o vigour_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o endure_v patient_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o race_n that_o so_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n i_o have_v know_v some_o and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v nothing_o extraordinary_a who_o upon_o their_o come_n to_o church_n have_v receive_v a_o resolution_n of_o their_o particular_a doubt_n comfort_v for_o their_o particular_a trouble_n and_o who_o when_o they_o little_o expect_v it_o have_v have_v their_o present_a case_n touch_v as_o if_o the_o preacher_n have_v main_o aim_v at_o they_o when_o yet_o he_o neither_o know_v they_o norintended_a they_o weak_a preacher_n will_v drop_v now_o and_o then_o good_a and_o useful_a speech_n and_o though_o their_o discourse_n in_o the_o gross_a be_v not_o learned_a nor_o eloquent_a yet_o sometime_o they_o let_v fall_v short_a sentence_n which_o may_v be_v and_o often_o prove_v more_o beneficial_a than_o more_o fine_a and_o elaborat_a sermon_n i_o have_v know_v digression_n in_o sermon_n what_o be_v usual_o term_v a_o run_v from_o the_o
text_n more_o pertinent_a to_o some_o of_o the_o hearer_n then_o if_o the_o minister_n have_v keep_v more_o close_o to_o his_o subject_n because_o they_o be_v thereby_o strike_v home_o and_o hit_v upon_o some_o particular_n of_o their_o condition_n which_o concern_v they_o to_o understand_v and_o to_o be_v right_o inform_v of_o if_o then_o man_n will_v but_o lay_v aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la put_v themselves_o in_o a_o suitable_a disposition_n and_o listen_v attentive_o they_o may_v and_o without_o doubt_n shall_v be_v edify_v and_o better_v by_o come_v to_o church_n the_o apprehend_a weakness_n of_o he_o who_o be_v to_o officiat_fw-la aught_o to_o be_v no_o discouragement_n for_o god_n often_o use_v weak_a and_o mean_a thing_n to_o effectuate_v great_a matter_n &_o by_o what_o we_o account_v the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v he_o do_v save_v those_o that_o believe_v though_o there_o be_v no_o sermon_n it_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n nevertheless_o to_o come_v up_o to_o church_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v testify_v our_o homage_n to_o god_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o but_o however_o for_o our_o encouragement_n if_o we_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o hear_v what_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v speak_v he_o will_v speak_v good_a one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o last_o place_n when_o we_o come_v up_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v careful_a to_o lay_v aside_o every_o thing_n which_o may_v offend_v and_o be_v unbecoming_a so_o divine_a and_o holy_a a_o presence_n while_o we_o be_v there_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o decent_o and_o reverent_o for_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o king_n over-awe_n we_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o angel_n if_o it_o be_v improper_a and_o most_o unseemly_a to_o appear_v any_o way_n light_v frothy_a &_o impertinent_a before_o king_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v sit_v in_o majesty_n and_o state_n it_o be_v sure_a much_o more_o unworthy_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o 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and_o obstruct_v our_o own_o good_a and_o benefit_n if_o we_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o god_n when_o we_o come_v to_o church_n if_o he_o do_v not_o bless_v we_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o no_o whit_n better_v the_o reason_n must_v be_v our_o irreverent_a and_o unseemly_a behaviour_n or_o some_o indisposition_n in_o ourselves_o for_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o manifest_v himself_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v see_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o temple_n or_o if_o we_o will_v taste_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o house_n we_o must_v guard_v against_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v provock_n he_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o and_o must_v labour_v so_o to_o please_v he_o by_o a_o humble_a devout_a and_o reverent_a behaviour_n as_o that_o he_o may_v condescend_v to_o come_v and_o manifest_v himself_o to_o our_o soul_n for_o our_o edification_n and_o comfort_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o come_v if_o you_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o do_v reverence_n to_o god_n by_o come_v what_o a_o dishonour_n be_v do_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n when_o you_o only_o come_v up_o unto_o it_o because_o you_o know_v not_o otherwise_o how_o to_o spend_v the_o time_n or_o when_o you_o make_v it_o only_o a_o place_n for_o meet_v with_o your_o neighbour_n where_o you_o talk_v about_o news_n and_o other_o worldly_a affair_n and_o where_o you_o may_v be_v inform_v what_o garb_n and_o dress_n be_v most_o in_o fashion_n or_o where_o you_o may_v sleep_v and_o take_v your_o rest_n or_o where_o without_o disturbance_n you_o may_v ruminate_v on_o your_o business_n and_o project_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v to_o the_o corinthian_n have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o so_o i_o say_v have_v you_o not_o other_o place_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n in_o or_o do_v you_o indeed_o despise_v the_o church_n of_o god_n consider_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o the_o church_n as_o st._n chrisostome_n say_v 439_o be_v no_o barber_n or_o drug-seller_n shop_n nor_o any_o other_o crafts-mans_n or_o merchant_n workhouse_n in_o the_o market_n place_n but_o the_o place_n of_o angel_n the_o place_n of_o arch-angel_n the_o palace_n of_o god_n heaven_n itself_o think_v near_o who_o thou_o stand_v with_o who_o thou_o invocate_a god_n namely_o with_o cherubim_n and_o seraphim_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n consider_v but_o what_o companion_n thou_o have_v let_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v thou_o to_o sobriety_n when_o thou_o remember_v that_o thou_o who_o be_v compound_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v admit_v with_o the_o incorporeal_a power_n to_o celebrate_v the_o common_a lord_n of_o all_o when_o thou_o go_v into_o a_o king_n palace_n thou_o compose_v thyself_o to_o comeliness_n in_o thy_o habit_n in_o thy_o look_n in_o thy_o gate_n and_o in_o all_o thy_o whole_a guise_n but_o here_o be_v indeed_o the_o palaâ—…e_n of_o a_o king_n and_o the_o like_a attendance_n to_o that_o in_o heaven_n and_o do_v thou_o laugh_v etc._n etc._n i_o know_v well_o enough_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o but_o hear_v thou_o i_o and_o know_v that_o angel_n be_v every_o where_o and_o that_o chief_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n they_o attend_v upon_o their_o king_n where_o all_o be_v fill_v with_o these_o incorporeal_a power_n sect_n ii_o of_o prayer_n have_v have_v occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o church_n or_o sacred_a place_n i_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o subjoine_v some_o short_a discourse_n on_o prayer_n see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a use_n &_o end_n of_o these_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o church_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n the_o very_a design_n of_o consecrate_v house_n or_o place_n be_v that_o man_n may_v have_v in_o they_o conveniency_n for_o prayer_n &_o thither_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o come_v not_o only_o to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n but_o also_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o private_a devotion_n but_o because_o our_o lord_n perceive_v that_o the_o resort_v to_o such_o public_a place_n so_o often_o as_o we_o need_v to_o pray_v may_v minister_v to_o pride_n and_o vanity_n which_o spoil_v the_o odour_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o hinder_v their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n therefore_o he_o have_v advise_v we_o mat._n 6._o to_o choose_v out_o the_o most_o secret_a and_o retire_a place_n for_o our_o private_a prayer_n and_o address_n to_o god_n and_o though_o the_o place_n we_o pray_v in_o have_v not_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v appropriate_a to_o god_n yet_o our_o prayer_n shall_v find_v acceptance_n if_o they_o be_v sincere_a and_o right_o qualify_v prayer_n do_v in_o some_o sense_n sanctify_v the_o place_n but_o the_o place_n can_v add_v no_o weight_n or_o worth_n to_o our_o prayer_n it_o may_v be_v more_o convenient_a for_o we_o to_o pray_v in_o one_o place_n more_o than_o another_o but_o our_o prayer_n will_v not_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o place_n they_o be_v say_v in_o god_n be_v every_o where_o and_o we_o may_v free_o address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o any_o where_o and_o where_o ever_o man_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n without_o wrath_n or_o doubt_v they_o shall_v be_v hear_v if_o church_n be_v employ_v to_o any_o other_o use_n than_o prayer_n and_o religious_a service_n they_o be_v profane_v see_v mark_n 11._o 15._o but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a to_o go_v to_o church_n each_o time_n we_o pray_v to_o god._n the_o church_n shall_v be_v reserve_v for_o public_a worship_n chief_o but_o as_o for_o what_o we_o do_v apart_o by_o ourselves_o we_o ought_v to_o seek_v out_o place_n of_o the_o great_a privacy_n to_o do_v it_o in_o and_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o former_a section_n if_o our_o state_n will_v suffer_v it_o it_o will_v be_v
upon_o the_o back_n of_o another_o so_o that_o he_o have_v no_o rest_n or_o security_n such_o a_o one_o may_v learn_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v also_o where_o the_o fault_n lie_v and_o who_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o it_o be_v perhaps_o because_o he_o have_v never_o seek_v the_o lord_n nor_o study_v so_o to_o order_v his_o way_n as_o to_o please_v god_n he_o have_v trust_v too_o much_o to_o himself_o his_o wit_n and_o industry_n his_o wealth_n power_n or_o friend_n because_o of_o these_o he_o have_v think_v with_o himself_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v always_o well_o with_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o care_v much_o for_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v set_v himself_o to_o vex_v and_o trouble_v he_o for_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a unto_o their_o cry_n so_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a to_o cut_v off_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o from_o the_o earth_n psal._n 34._o 15_o 16._o because_o david_n displease_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o raise_v he_o up_o many_o enemy_n let_v every_o man_n therefore_o try_v and_o examine_v himself_o let_v he_o search_v his_o way_n and_o see_v what_o sin_n lie_v at_o his_o door_n and_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o let_v he_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v cause_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v favourable_o upon_o he_o happy_a shall_v he_o be_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o make_v god_n thy_o friend_n and_o he_o shall_v preserve_v thou_o from_o all_o evil_n he_o shall_v preserve_v thy_o soul_n the_o lord_n shall_v preserve_v thy_o go_v out_o and_o thy_o come_n in_o from_o this_o time_n forth_o and_o even_o forevermore_o psal._n 121_o 7._o 8._o chap._n iu._n jacob_n three_o request_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o himself_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n ask_v more_o yet_o all_o wise_a heathen_n and_o jew_n have_v prefer_v this_o portion_n to_o all_o other_o the_o confine_v our_o desire_n to_o this_o be_v show_v by_o several_a instance_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o reasonable_a and_o that_o therefore_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o content_v himself_o with_o his_o competency_n all_o man_n competency_n be_v not_o the_o same_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o he_o who_o have_v get_v his_o competency_n what_o of_o he_o who_o have_v less_o and_o what_o he_o who_o have_v more_o jacob_n three_o request_n which_o he_o here_o make_v be_v for_o maintenance_n this_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n about_o which_o he_o condition_n with_o god_n and_o in_o this_o particular_a he_o be_v not_o immodest_a and_o exorbitant_a his_o desire_n be_v far_o from_o be_v inordinate_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o he_o crave_v only_o what_o be_v simple_o necessary_a and_o requisite_a for_o the_o support_n of_o his_o life_n he_o ask_v no_o more_o but_o that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o bread_n to_o eat_v and_o raiment_n to_o put_v on_o without_o these_o he_o can_v not_o live_v and_o have_v these_o he_o think_v he_o have_v enough_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a or_o sufficient_a as_o to_o his_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o that_o jacob_n confine_v his_o desire_n to_o this_o sober_a measure_n of_o food_n and_o raiment_n be_v the_o more_o observable_a see_v we_o find_v a_o little_a before_o god_n make_v he_o large_a profer'_v and_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o whole_a land_n in_o which_o he_o be_v it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o he_o will_v at_o least_o take_v in_o god_n own_o promise_n unto_o he_o as_o one_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o vow_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v well_o if_o thou_o will_v indeed_o give_v i_o all_o this_o which_o thou_o have_v promise_v and_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o i_o which_o thou_o have_v speak_v and_o make_v i_o so_o great_a and_o so_o rich_a a_o man_n than_o thou_o shall_v be_v my_o god_n but_o he_o take_v another_o method_n and_o proceed_v after_o another_o manner_n he_o pass_v by_o all_o these_o large_a proffer_v of_o wealth_n and_o greatness_n and_o pitch_v only_o upon_o a_o mere_a simple_a sufficiency_n of_o food_n and_o raiment_n think_v it_o improper_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o a_o piece_n of_o immodesty_n for_o he_o to_o seek_v more_o than_o be_v necessay_v for_o he_o if_o god_n give_v more_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o bounty_n if_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n think_v fit_a to_o bestow_v a_o large_a allowance_n and_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o these_o temporal_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o praise_n and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n but_o it_o do_v not_o become_v he_o to_o prescribe_v and_o set_v down_o rule_n to_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n he_o know_v his_o happiness_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o that_o man_n life_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o abundance_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v food_n and_o raiment_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o support_n of_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o he_o crave_v no_o more_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n be_v otherwise_o mind_v their_o desire_n be_v not_o bound_v with_o iacob_n they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v ordinary_o with_o the_o portion_n of_o food_n and_o raiment_n however_o sufficient_a it_o be_v of_o itself_o they_o be_v not_o content_v with_o mere_a necessary_a supply_n but_o greedy_o covet_v a_o superabundance_n which_o be_v both_o their_o folly_n and_o their_o sin_n we_o have_v show_v how_o wise_a and_o understanding_n the_o patriarch_n be_v in_o the_o two_o former_a particular_n and_o have_v propose_v he_o as_o our_o pattern_n and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v he_o to_o be_v no_o less_o wise_a in_o this_o and_o no_o less_o worthy_a of_o our_o imitation_n wherefore_o let_v we_o set_v this_o holy_a man_n example_n before_o we_o and_o let_v we_o moderate_a our_o desire_n after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n according_a to_o this_o measure_n and_o model_n which_o he_o give_v and_o set_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o which_o all_o wise_a man_n have_v ever_o proportion_v their_o desire_n thus_o agur_n pray_v give_v i_o neither_o poverty_n nor_o riches_n feed_v i_o with_o food_n convenient_a for_o i_o prov._n 30_o 8._o and_o as_o solomon_n contemn_v riches_n and_o much_o wealth_n so_o far_o as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o ask_v they_o from_o god_n when_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o choice_n what_o to_o ask_v so_o he_o have_v advise_v we_o â—…o_o despise_v they_o and_o not_o to_o seek_v after_o they_o labour_v not_o say_v he_o to_o be_v rich_a cease_v from_o thy_o own_o wisdom_n prov_n 23_o 4._o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thou_o be_v not_o wise_a thou_o understand_v not_o they_o self_n sufficient_o if_o thou_o think_v it_o a_o fine_a or_o a_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o to_o have_v great_a abundance_n st._n paul_n judge_v this_o which_o jacob_n here_o require_v sufficient_a matter_n of_o contentment_n have_v food_n and_o raiment_n say_v he_o let_v we_o be_v therewith_o content_a 1._o tim_n 6_o 8_o and_o we_o may_v instance_n even_o in_o many_o heathen_n who_o seek_v no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a competency_n and_o in_o their_o judgement_n prefer_v that_o to_o the_o great_a affluence_n of_o worldly_a wealth_n and_o grandeur_n horace_n call_v this_o auream_fw-la mediocritatem_fw-la a_o golden_a competency_n because_o it_o be_v the_o best_a of_o condition_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v bene_fw-la est_fw-la mi_fw-mi deus_fw-la obtulit_fw-la parca_fw-la quod_fw-la satis_fw-la est_fw-la manu_fw-la thrice_o happy_a he_o to_o who_o the_o wise_a indulgency_n of_o heaven_n with_o spare_v hand_n but_o just_o enough_o have_v give_v plutarch_n in_o his_o banquet_n of_o the_o seven_o wise_a man_n bring_v in_o this_o question_n which_o be_v the_o happy_a family_n which_o one_o of_o the_o sage_n answer_v thus_o where_o necessary_n be_v not_o want_v and_o superfluity_n be_v not_o seek_v how_o much_o seneca_n speak_v in_o the_o commendation_n of_o a_o moderate_a state_n and_o how_o much_o in_o the_o contempt_n of_o riches_n be_v know_v to_o all_o who_o have_v see_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o write_n and_o the_o follow_a line_n speak_v out_o his_o sentiment_n thereof_o fata_fw-la si_fw-la liceat_fw-la mihi_fw-la fingere_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la meo_fw-la etc._n etc._n tuta_fw-la i_o media_fw-la vehat_fw-la rita_n decurrens_fw-la via_fw-la if_o all_o my_o wish_n i_o can_v have_v i_o for_o felicity_n no_o other_o thing_n will_v crave_v then_o mediocrity_n it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o cicero_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr officiis_n nihil_fw-la est_fw-la tam_fw-la angusti_fw-la animi_fw-la tamque_fw-la parvi_fw-la quam_fw-la amare_fw-la divitias_fw-la that_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o bewray_v ignorance_n &_o meanness_n of_o spirit_n than_o the_o
love_n of_o riches_n and_o certain_o to_o crave_v and_o be_v desirous_a of_o more_o than_o what_o be_v competent_a for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o support_v of_o our_o life_n be_v both_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o dependence_n &_o subjection_n we_o owe_v god_n and_o do_v also_o bespeak_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o vanity_n folly_n and_o inconsideratness_n god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a master_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n he_o allow_v and_o command_v that_o we_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o necessary_a supply_n of_o our_o life_n yea_o this_o much_o we_o may_v lawful_o seek_v from_o he_o wherefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o prescribe_v his_o disciple_n he_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o daily_a bread_n comprehend_v under_o that_o all_o other_o necessary_a supply_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n augustine_n quando_fw-la rogamus_fw-la panem_fw-la quotidianum_fw-la quicquid_fw-la nobis_fw-la propter_fw-la carnem_fw-la nostrum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la est_fw-la rogamus_fw-la that_o be_v when_o we_o ask_v our_o daily_a bread_n we_o also_o ask_v all_o other_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n and_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n and_o as_o it_o become_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o this_o that_o we_o may_v own_v and_o show_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n so_o it_o become_v we_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o seek_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v content_v when_o we_o have_v get_v it_o to_o ask_v and_o be_v desirous_a of_o more_o be_v but_o immodesty_n and_o do_v bâ—…wray_v a_o unruly_a and_o stubborn_a and_o unreasonable_a disposition_n as_o the_o holy_a father_n we_o just_a now_o mention_v say_v food_n and_o raiment_n be_v necessary_a without_o it_o we_o can_v live_v there_o be_v no_o immodesty_n in_o seek_v it_o but_o it_o be_v impudence_n to_o ask_v riches_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o ask_v what_o may_v nourish_v our_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o seek_v only_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o sustenance_n of_o our_o life_n aliud_fw-la est_fw-la unde_fw-la superbias_fw-la aliud_fw-la unde_fw-la vivas_fw-la when_o a_o servant_n have_v receive_v his_o allowance_n be_v sufficient_o feed_v and_o clothe_v what_o a_o insolency_n be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o desire_v his_o master_n to_o give_v superfluity_n over_o and_o above_o what_o he_o needs_o mere_o to_o please_v his_o fancy_n or_o to_o gratify_v his_o humour_n it_o be_v not_o discretion_n to_o set_v down_o measure_n and_o to_o prescribe_v what_o shall_v be_v give_v where_o nothing_o be_v due_a now_o god_n owe_v we_o nothing_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o give_v we_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o but_o only_o because_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o preserve_v we_o and_o have_v in_o some_o sense_n oblige_v himself_o to_o maintain_v and_o cherish_v that_o life_n he_o have_v give_v which_o yet_o give_v no_o allowance_n to_o seek_v for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o unreasonable_a and_o unsatiable_a appetite_n necessary_n we_o may_v call_v for_o but_o superabundance_n and_o more_o than_o enough_o we_o ought_v not_o see_v we_o live_v mere_o by_o the_o bounty_n of_o almighty_a god_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o carve_v for_o ourselves_o but_o the_o alm_n and_o portion_n which_o he_o bestow_v we_o shall_v take_v thankful_o and_o sit_v down_o contented_o therewith_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o we_o have_v several_a other_o fail_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n mention_v in_o scripture_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o one_o instance_n of_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n for_o temporal_a good_n in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o as_o the_o excessive_a love_n hereof_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n so_o the_o express_a desire_n of_o they_o be_v arrogant_a presumption_n which_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v ever_o careful_a to_o keep_v themselves_o free_a of_o and_o as_o it_o be_v immodesty_n and_o undiscretion_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n to_o be_v desirous_a of_o more_o than_o a_o competency_n than_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o maintain_v we_o in_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n so_o real_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a and_o vain_a thing_n in_o itself_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o seek_v more_o than_o that_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o all_o that_o be_v over_o and_o above_o be_v perfect_o vain_a useless_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o it_o be_v no_o real_a but_o a_o imaginary_a satisfaction_n only_o which_o a_o man_n can_v promise_v to_o himself_o thereby_o if_o one_o keep_v the_o wealth_n by_o he_o which_o he_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o if_o he_o hoard_v it_o up_o in_o his_o chest_n and_o coffer_n and_o put_v it_o to_o no_o use_n what_o be_v he_o the_o better_a of_o it_o what_o do_v it_o real_o signify_v more_o to_o he_o than_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o a_o hundred_o fathom_n under_o ground_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n except_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a dale_n of_o care_n fear_v anxiety_n and_o trouble_v which_o he_o will_v want_v if_o it_o be_v still_o there_o fond_a man_n what_o good_a or_o beauty_n can_v be_v find_v iâ—…_n hâ—…aps_o of_o treasure_n bury_v under_o ground_n which_o rather_o then_o diminish_v ever_o to_o see_v thou_o will_v thyself_o too_o bury_v with_o they_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o difference_n be_v it_o not_o quite_o as_o bad_a never_a to_o use_v as_o never_o to_o have_v have_v cowley_n dionysius_n the_o elder_a understand_v a_o certain_a citizen_n have_v gold_n hide_v in_o his_o houâ—…e_n he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o but_o afterward_o when_o the_o same_o person_n go_v to_o sojourn_v in_o another_o city_n and_o do_v trade_n with_o a_o little_a which_o he_o have_v steal_v away_o dionysius_n send_v for_o he_o and_o restore_v he_o all_o back_n again_o bâ—…cause_fw-mi he_o begin_v to_o use_v his_o wealth_n and_o to_o leave_v off_o the_o render_v a_o useful_a thing_n useless_a thereby_o show_v that_o the_o true_a use_n of_o money_n be_v not_o to_o hoard_v it_o up_o but_o to_o lay_v it_o out_o in_o such_o and_o such_o way_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o public_a good_a sure_o use_v alone_o make_v money_n not_o a_o contemptible_a stone_n herbert_n again_o if_o one_o shall_v resolve_v to_o use_v and_o spend_v it_o on_o his_o family_n and_o housekeep_n if_o a_o man_n design_n to_o keep_v a_o great_a retinue_n and_o to_o live_v up_o suitable_o to_o the_o abundance_n which_o he_o possess_v yet_o even_o in_o that_o case_n there_o be_v more_o of_o fancy_n than_o solid_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n when_o good_n encâ—…ease_v say_v solomon_n they_o be_v increase_v that_o eat_v they_o and_o what_o good_a be_v there_o to_o the_o owner_n thereof_o save_v the_o behold_n of_o they_o with_o their_o eye_n eccl._n 5._o 11._o which_o true_o be_v a_o very_a small_a and_o vain_a good_a let_v a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o much_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o even_o in_o that_o abundance_n his_o natural_a necessity_n be_v not_o better_o supply_v than_o if_o he_o have_v only_o a_o simple_a competency_n of_o all_o his_o dish_n he_o fill_v but_o one_o belly_n &_o of_o all_o his_o fair_a house_n and_o rich_a furnish_v room_n he_o can_v lodge_v but_o in_o one_o at_o once_o and_o neither_o the_o variety_n nor_o the_o â—…ineness_n and_o delicacy_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o enjoy_v do_v secure_a from_o death_n or_o sickness_n and_o disease_n and_o the_o other_o encumbrance_n of_o our_o life_n man_n life_n say_v our_o saviour_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o possess_v luke_o 12._o 15._o that_o be_v a_o man_n life_n be_v not_o prolong_v thereby_o he_o must_v not_o necessary_o live_v as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o spend_v even_o though_o he_o have_v much_o good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n his_o soul_n may_v be_v very_o soon_o require_v of_o he_o as_o the_o parable_n there_o show_v and_o as_o the_o abundance_n make_v not_o our_o life_n the_o long_o so_o neither_o much_o the_o better_o true_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n do_v not_o always_o follow_v great_a measure_n of_o this_o world_n good_n he_o that_o have_v little_a and_o but_o a_o moderate_a competency_n pass_v his_o day_n ordinary_o more_o quiet_o and_o contented_o than_o he_o that_o have_v much_o riches_n and_o his_o sleep_n be_v always_o sound_a the_o sweet_a sleep_n do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v bed_n of_o down_n and_o pillow_n of_o silk_n the_o sleep_n say_v solomon_n of_o a_o labour_a man_n be_v sweet_a whither_o he_o eat_v little_a or_o much_o but_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o rich_a will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o sleep_v eccl_n 5_o 12._o our_o nature_n may_v be_v well_o enough_o supply_v with_o little_a natura_fw-la paucis_fw-la contenta_fw-la and_o ordinary_o when_o that_o little_a and_o moderate_a competency_n be_v only_o enjoy_v it_o afford_v great_a