thy_o desire_n to_o god_n rise_v from_o thy_o knee_n and_o either_o walk_n or_o sit_v as_o thou_o think_v best_o 2._o begin_v to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o thy_o soul_n to_o a_o perfect_a surrender_n of_o itself_o by_o the_o argument_n before_o lay_v down_o press_v they_o upon_o thyself_o with_o all_o they_o may_v and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v as_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o thou_o as_o be_v possible_a thou_o may_v imagine_v that_o thou_o hear_v almighty_a god_n speak_v to_o thou_o from_o heaven_n in_o this_o manner_n consider_v thyself_o o_o man_n and_o take_v notice_n what_o thou_o be_v and_o what_o good_a thing_n thou_o do_v possess_v look_v upon_o thy_o body_n and_o all_o its_o useful_a member_n consider_v thy_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n and_o observe_v their_o several_a motion_n and_o operation_n and_o tell_v i_o whence_o thou_o be_v and_o to_o who_o thou_o be_v indebt_v for_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o world_n that_o furnish_v thou_o with_o all_o thing_n necessary_a and_o fit_v for_o thou_o and_o tell_v i_o who_o be_v the_o framer_n of_o it_o and_o who_o make_v it_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o thou_o can_v thou_o deny_v that_o i_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o wherefore_o then_o have_v thou_o lift_v up_o thyself_o against_o i_o and_o presume_v to_o act_v as_o it_o thou_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o i_o or_o obligation_n to_o i_o if_o thou_o sowe_v thy_o seed_n in_o thy_o field_n thou_o expect_v to_o reap_v the_o crop_n if_o thou_o do_v nourish_v and_o provide_v for_o a_o poor_a beast_n thou_o think_v that_o thou_o may_v use_v he_o at_o thy_o pleasure_n if_o thou_o make_v a_o instrument_n to_o work_v withal_o thou_o challenge_a a_o right_a to_o dispose_v of_o it_o but_o i_o have_v maintain_v and_o preserve_v a_o creature_n hear_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o thyself_o and_o thou_o will_v allow_v i_o no_o right_a and_o title_n to_o he_o and_o his_o service_n tell_v i_o o_o thou_o unjust_a and_o ungrateful_a wretch_n do_v i_o ever_o give_v thou_o liberty_n to_o dispose_v of_o thyself_o do_v i_o ever_o give_v thou_o occasion_n to_o think_v that_o i_o make_v no_o reckon_n of_o thou_o or_o that_o i_o expect_v no_o acknowledgement_n from_o thou_o no_o wretched_a creature_n thou_o do_v know_v that_o i_o make_v thou_o for_o myself_o and_o that_o i_o will_v not_o give_v away_o my_o interest_n in_o thou_o that_o i_o put_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o thou_o and_o that_o as_o i_o make_v thou_o capable_a of_o serve_v i_o so_o i_o expect_v and_o desire_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o therefore_o do_v i_o love_v thou_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o bestow_v innumerable_a gift_n upon_o thou_o i_o give_v thou_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v fit_v for_o thou_o and_o assure_v thou_o that_o i_o will_v withhold_v no_o good_a thing_n from_o thou_o yea_o i_o give_v thou_o myself_o in_o my_o own_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o descend_v out_o of_o my_o bosom_n to_o assure_v thou_o of_o my_o love_n as_o well_o as_o to_o convince_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v deserve_v my_o hatred_n thou_o can_v rage_v against_o a_o poor_a servant_n that_o neglect_v thy_o business_n and_o seem_v to_o ssight_v thou_o yea_o thy_o poor_a neighbour_n that_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o thou_o shall_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o thy_o displeasure_n if_o he_o chance_v to_o wrong_v thou_o they_o must_v seek_v thy_o pardon_n and_o crouch_v before_o thou_o and_o think_v themselves_o beholden_a to_o thou_o if_o by_o so_o do_v they_o can_v make_v their_o peace_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v humble_v myself_o to_o thou_o thou_o vile_a worm_n and_o have_v not_o spare_v my_o own_o son_n that_o i_o may_v spare_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o to_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o thy_o duty_n to_o i_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v witness_v for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v stoop_v low_o enough_o in_o desire_v the_o friendship_n of_o rebellious_a dust_n and_o ash_n and_o they_o shall_v also_o witness_v the_o justice_n of_o my_o severity_n to_o thou_o if_o so_o much_o love_n and_o condescension_n will_v not_o work_v upon_o thou_o here_o thou_o may_v pause_v a_o while_n and_o observe_v how_o thy_o soul_n be_v affect_v with_o these_o thing_n and_o then_o thou_o may_v imagine_v again_o that_o thou_o hear_v almighty_a god_n speak_v further_o to_o thou_o and_o more_o full_o relate_v the_o wonderful_a history_n of_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o account_n of_o his_o mean_a birth_n of_o his_o humble_a and_o painful_a life_n of_o his_o bloody_a and_o cruel_a death_n and_o his_o design_n and_o end_v in_o all_o this_o proceed_v to_o show_v thou_o with_o how_o much_o love_n and_o with_o what_o tender_a regard_n for_o thou_o he_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o ascend_v to_o his_o father_n and_o how_o that_o after_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v in_o his_o own_o person_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o fit_v for_o he_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o complete_a the_o great_a and_o good_a work_n of_o thy_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o then_o imagine_v that_o he_o tell_v thou_o what_o that_o bless_a and_o holy_a spirit_n have_v for_o his_o part_n do_v for_o thou_o what_o gift_n he_o have_v bestow_v what_o wonder_v he_o have_v wrought_v what_o art_n and_o method_n he_o have_v use_v and_o with_o what_o goodness_n and_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o bring_v thou_o to_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o all_o his_o love_n and_o of_o all_o thy_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o excite_v encourage_v and_o enable_v thou_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o end_n bespeak_v thou_o in_o this_o or_o the_o like_a manner_n and_o now_o wretch_n that_o thou_o be_v must_v all_o this_o love_n be_v lose_v upon_o thou_o and_o must_v i_o lose_v thou_o for_o ever_o after_o all_o that_o i_o have_v do_v for_o thou_o will_v nothing_o work_v upon_o thy_o hard_a heart_n upon_o thy_o proud_a and_o stubborn_a will_n will_v nothing_o conquer_v the_o perverseness_n of_o thy_o spirit_n not_o the_o command_v of_o thy_o maker_n not_o the_o death_n of_o thy_o saviour_n not_o the_o good_a motion_n and_o inspiration_n of_o thy_o sanctifier_n can_v thou_o withstand_v my_o power_n that_o thou_o be_v thus_o obstinate_a against_o my_o goodness_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o save_v thou_o do_v thou_o think_v that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o destroy_v thou_o o_o foolish_a creature_n and_o unwise_a consider_v these_o thing_n serious_o and_o as_o thou_o ought_v remember_v what_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o what_o unreasonale_fw-la course_v thou_o have_v take_v hitherto_o and_o proceed_v no_o far_o in_o thy_o folly_n but_o return_v to_o that_o i_o love_v that_o call_v thou_o that_o entreat_v thou_o that_o will_v save_v thou_o here_o thou_o may_v pause_v a_o little_a as_o before_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n more_o be_v necessary_a to_o shame_n and_o humble_v thou_o to_o soften_v and_o melt_v thou_o thou_o may_v turn_v thyself_o to_o consider_v thy_o own_o engagement_n and_o to_o charge_n upon_o thyself_o that_o monstrous_a perfidiousness_n which_o thou_o have_v and_o will_v continue_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o if_o thou_o do_v now_o withstand_v the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o that_o thy_o perfidiousness_n may_v appear_v the_o more_o detestable_a thou_o may_v consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o that_o be_v which_o thou_o have_v be_v engage_v and_o be_v now_o call_v upon_o to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n unjust_a dishonest_a or_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v not_o to_o destroy_v thyself_o or_o to_o make_v thyself_o miserable_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o do_v the_o just_a the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o thou_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v it_o be_v to_o return_v to_o the_o author_n of_o thy_o be_v and_o thereby_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o thy_o creation_n and_o consult_v the_o only_a happiness_n and_o rest_v of_o thy_o soul_n it_o be_v to_o unite_v thyself_o to_o the_o supreme_a good_a to_o make_v thyself_o his_o and_o to_o make_v he_o hine_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v this_o a_o thing_n so_o much_o against_o thou_o that_o thou_o need_v so_o much_o invitation_n and_o persuasion_n to_o it_o o_o my_o soul_n my_o foolish_a soul_n may_v thou_o say_v what_o can_v thou_o say_v for_o thyself_o in_o this_o case_n be_v there_o any_o excuse_n for_o thy_o folly_n any_o plea_n for_o thy_o wickedness_n no_o far_o be_v it_o from_o thou_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o let_v we_o rather_o amend_v what_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o be_v more_o wise_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v happy_a have_v we_o be_v if_o we_o have_v need_v from_o the_o beginning_n so_o much_o invitation_n to_o
destroy_v ourselves_o but_o since_o we_o can_v do_v that_o upon_o very_o little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o let_v we_o no_o long_o withstand_v this_o which_o be_v so_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a with_o we_o to_o save_v ourselves_o then_o turn_v thyself_o to_o god_n in_o who_o presence_n thou_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n thou_o may_v speak_v as_o i_o hope_v thou_o will_v be_v able_a with_o truth_n to_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o he_o i_o be_o overcome_v i_o be_o overcome_v o_o god_n i_o can_v no_o long_o withstand_v thy_o mighty_a love_n i_o must_v i_o do_v yield_v myself_o a_o captive_a to_o it_o i_o be_o thou_o i_o do_v acknow_v ledge_n by_o all_o right_n and_o i_o will_v be_v thou_o for_o ever_o by_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o my_o heart_n i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o in_o return_n to_o that_o wonderful_a love_n thou_o have_v show_v i_o and_o i_o can_v do_v no_o more_o o_o let_v this_o little_a that_o i_o can_v do_v be_v accept_v by_o thou_o and_o receive_v i_o for_o thy_o own_o take_v possession_n of_o i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n and_o let_v it_o preserve_v i_o for_o ever_o to_o thyself_o according_a as_o i_o do_v now_o sincere_o resign_v up_o myself_o and_o all_o i_o have_v to_o thou_o then_o 3._o cast_v thyself_o upon_o the_o ground_n say_v thus_o and_o say_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o soul_n to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n my_o creator_n redeemer_n and_o sanctifier_n do_v i_o give_v myself_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o i_o to_o be_v guide_v govern_v and_o dispose_v of_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o may_v he_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o this_o my_o act_n which_o i_o promise_v never_o to_o revoke_v and_o may_v i_o never_o obtain_v the_o least_o favour_n from_o he_o if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o with_o with_o a_o upright_a heart_n and_o a_o unfeigned_a purpose_n to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o my_o life_n end_n thou_o be_v my_o witness_n o_o my_o god_n be_v thou_o also_o my_o helper_n with_o thy_o continue_a grace_n and_o so_o shall_v i_o be_v faithful_a to_o thou_o according_a to_o my_o heart_n desire_n amen_n amen_n but_o then_o 4._o as_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o private_a between_o man_n and_o man_n must_v in_o some_o case_n receive_v a_o further_a consirmation_n by_o such_o solemnity_n as_o be_v appoint_v by_o humane_a law_n so_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v do_v thus_o between_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o soul_n must_v be_v far_o confirm_v and_o as_o it_o be_v complete_v by_o those_o solemnity_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v require_v and_o therefore_o sail_v not_o to_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n that_o be_v offer_v thou_o to_o go_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v prepare_v thyself_o at_o home_n by_o such_o meditation_n as_o i_o have_v before_o teach_v thou_o and_o by_o read_v some_o good_a book_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n such_o as_o dr._n patrick_n christian_a saacrifice_n which_o i_o desire_v may_v find_v a_o place_n both_o in_o thy_o closet_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n do_v thou_o there_o renew_v what_o thou_o have_v do_v in_o private_a and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o public_a court_n avow_v it_o and_o consirm_v it_o at_o that_o holy_a tale_n god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o meet_v thou_o attend_v with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o holy_a angel_n and_o he_o strict_o require_v and_o expect_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o be_v at_o that_o table_n and_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v there_o show_v thou_o and_o which_o can_v but_o draw_v thy_o very_a heart_n from_o thou_o if_o thou_o do_v consider_v it_o aright_o remember_v what_o thou_o be_v to_o do_v and_o let_v thy_o heart_n speak_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o almighty_a god_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n o_o heavenly_a father_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v up_o myself_o entire_o to_o thou_o since_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n o_o my_o bless_a saviour_n that_o i_o shall_v surrender_v myself_o and_o all_o i_o have_v into_o thy_o hand_n since_o thou_o do_v offer_v thyself_o a_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o i_o and_o do_v now_o offer_v these_o holy_a pledge_n of_o the_o all-sufficient_a virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n to_o i_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v resign_v myself_o to_o thou_o o_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n since_o thou_o do_v offer_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o holiness_n and_o life_n in_o i_o and_o therefore_o as_o i_o do_v now_o accept_v with_o all_o thinkfulness_n those_o great_a and_o inestimable_a favour_n and_o do_v declare_v my_o acceptance_n of_o they_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o thy_o servant_n and_o all_o thy_o holy_a angel_n here_o present_a by_o receive_v those_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o they_o according_a to_o thy_o command_n and_o institution_n so_o do_v i_o give_v up_o myself_o and_o all_o i_o have_v to_o thou_o and_o declare_v it_o before_o the_o face_n of_o all_o these_o witness_n and_o i_o earnest_o desire_v that_o even_o my_o unworthy_a self_n may_v be_v accept_v through_o this_o my_o poor_a gift_n the_o perfect_a sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n of_o my_o dear_a saviour_n and_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v own_v by_o my_o god_n to_o the_o everlasting_a parise_v of_o the_o holy_a bless_a and_o undivided_a trinity_n who_o i_o be_o and_o who_o i_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n amen_n but_o then_o 5._o when_o thou_o be_v go_v from_o this_o holy_a table_n retire_v as_o soon_o as_o possible_o thou_o can_v and_o while_o these_o good_a thought_n be_v warm_a in_o thy_o breast_n into_o thy_o closet_n and_o there_o take_v the_o book_n of_o thy_o spiritual_a account_n into_o thy_o hand_n for_o i_o will_v not_o have_v thou_o to_o be_v without_o such_o a_o book_n for_o record_v these_o thing_n wherein_o the_o welfare_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v great_o concern_v lest_o thou_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o care_n and_o exactness_n of_o those_o who_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o call_v good_a husband_n in_o worldly_a matter_n and_o with_o thy_o pen_n write_v thus_o in_o such_o a_o year_n and_o such_o a_o month_n and_o on_o such_o a_o day_n i_o do_v through_o god_n grace_n with_o all_o the_o devotion_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o soul_n make_v a_o entire_a surrender_n of_o myself_o and_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o i_o to_o almighty_a god_n protest_v and_o vow_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o full_a guide_n govern_v and_o dispose_v of_o i_o and_o i_o for_o ever_o and_o then_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v a_o more_o distinct_a understanding_n of_o what_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o what_o thou_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v thou_o may_v under_o write_v these_o follow_v particular_n viz._n i_o have_v give_v up_o myself_o entire_o to_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v not_o serve_v myself_o but_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n i_o have_v give_v he_o my_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o my_o chief_a care_n and_o study_n must_v be_v to_o know_v he_o his_o nature_n his_o perfection_n his_o work_n his_o will_n these_o must_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o meditation_n night_n and_o day_n as_o for_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o must_v be_v as_o dross_n and_o dung_n to_o i_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o must_v be_v as_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n phil._n 3.8_o v._o i_o must_v believe_v all_o his_o reelation_n and_o silence_v all_o the_o carnal_a reason_n against_o whatsoever_o he_o teach_v i_o i_o must_v rest_v myself_o on_o his_o veracity_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o he_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v himself_o nor_o deceive_v i_o see_v rom._n 4.19_o 20._o have_v give_v he_o my_o will_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v have_v no_o will_n of_o my_o own_o whatever_o he_o will_v i_o must_v will_v also_o i_o must_v will_v his_o glory_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v and_o that_o must_v be_v my_o chief_a end_n in_o every_o thing_n i_o must_v prefer_v it_o before_o all_o desirable_a thing_n and_o subordinate_a my_o own_o desire_n delight_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o it_o i_o must_v say_v as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o psal_n 73.25_o i_o must_v do_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v i_o and_o forbear_v whatever_o he_o forbid_v and_o i_o must_v do_v it_o for_o this_o reason_n chief_o because_o
profitable_a and_o minister_v grace_n unto_o the_o hearer_n ephes_n 4.29_o and_o colos_n 6.4_o and_o why_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o it_o become_v we_o to_o use_v that_o unprofitable_a not_o to_o say_v that_o corrupt_a communication_n which_o daily_o proceed_v from_o our_o mouth_n without_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o one_o another_o in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o can_v understand_v 5._o meditate_v frequent_o upon_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o read_v and_o hear_v this_o be_v another_o mean_n for_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v avail_v we_o but_o very_o little_a for_o this_o be_v the_o chew_v or_o tather_o the_o digest_v of_o what_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v it_o be_v that_o which_o implant_v those_o notice_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v get_v into_o our_o head_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o to_o bring_v forth_o those_o good_a fruit_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o do_v montaign_n mich._n the_o montaign_n it_o be_v a_o good_a observation_n of_o a_o great_a man_n some_o year_n ago_o that_o in_o all_o humane_a sect_n there_o be_v never_o any_o what_o difficulty_n or_o strangeness_n soever_o their_o doctrine_n maintain_v but_o will_v in_o some_o sort_n conform_v their_o behaviour_n and_o square_v their_o life_n unto_o it_o whereas_o this_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a institution_n which_o we_o pretend_v to_o prefer_v before_o all_o doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n seldom_o make_v christian_n but_o by_o the_o tongue_n of_o which_o this_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v as_o pertinent_a to_o our_o present_a business_n that_o those_o be_v in_o love_n with_o their_o doctrine_n how_o absurd_a soever_o they_o be_v either_o because_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n or_o because_o they_o have_v their_o first_o inventor_n in_o great_a admiration_n do_v so_o exercise_v their_o thought_n upon_o they_o that_o their_o soul_n can_v not_o but_o receive_v such_o impression_n from_o they_o as_o appear_v in_o their_o outward_a behaviour_n whereas_o most_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n have_v no_o such_o kindness_n for_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n or_o the_o author_n of_o it_o do_v never_o employ_v their_o thought_n about_o it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v so_o seldom_o and_o in_o so_o sleight_n and_o careless_a a_o manner_n that_o it_o can_v work_v any_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o do_v they_o meditate_v daily_o upon_o it_o as_o holy_a david_n do_v upon_o god_n law_n psal_n 119.97_o do_v they_o examine_v its_o truth_n do_v they_o weigh_v its_o goodness_n do_v they_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o make_v trial_n of_o its_o force_n and_o power_n upon_o their_o soul_n they_o will_v be_v so_o fashion_v to_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o it_o as_o to_o be_v know_v by_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n from_o all_o other_o man_n thou_o must_v be_v frequent_a then_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o mean_a and_o let_v no_o day_n pass_v thou_o without_o spend_v some_o time_n in_o it_o and_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n at_o any_o time_n that_o thou_o must_v either_o omit_v to_o read_v good_a book_n or_o to_o meditate_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o omit_v that_o rather_o than_o this_o for_o he_o that_o read_v but_o little_a and_o meditate_v much_o will_v be_v a_o wise_a and_o better_a man_n than_o he_o that_o read_v much_o and_o meditate_v none_o or_o but_o very_o little_a 6._o prayer_n this_o be_v a_o mean_n which_o must_v accompany_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o ought_v never_o to_o be_v omit_v for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o we_o can_v know_v no_o more_o of_o god_n than_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o manifest_v himself_o unto_o we_o if_o he_o do_v not_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o assist_v our_o endeavour_n we_o shall_v advance_v but_o little_a by_o all_o we_o can_v do_v the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o teach_v man_n knowledge_n psal_n 94.10_o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.8_o and_o if_o we_o desire_v that_o spirit_n or_o those_o gift_n we_o must_v ask_v for_o they_o for_o thus_o do_v the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o psal_n 25.4_o v._o psal_n 119.66_o v._o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n teach_v we_o to_o do_v when_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v besil_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n coloss_n 1.9_o 10._o and_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n 7._o there_o be_v another_o mean_n of_o improve_n our_o knowledge_n of_o as_o great_a use_v though_o little_a thought_n of_o as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a viz._n the_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o that_o which_o we_o know_v by_o apply_v it_o to_o practice_n and_o regulate_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n according_a to_o it_o by_o thus_o use_v what_o we_o know_v we_o shall_v come_v to_o know_v it_o better_o for_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n comparable_a to_o that_o which_o we_o call_v experimental_a and_o he_o that_o taste_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v and_o how_o good_a the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v which_o be_v the_o word_n by_o which_o the_o psalmist_n express_v this_o knowledge_n psal_n 34.8_o v._o know_v they_o as_o much_o better_a than_o other_o do_v as_o they_o that_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o honey_n know_v it_o better_o than_o they_o that_o have_v only_o hear_v of_o it_o beside_o by_o this_o use_n of_o what_o we_o know_v we_o be_v put_v into_o a_o better_a disposition_n to_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o as_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o for_o as_o some_o of_o the_o old_a heathen_a wise_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v as_o no_o eye_n can_v behold_v the_o sun_n if_o it_o have_v not_o the_o image_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o it_o so_o no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o who_o soul_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n sashion_v to_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o more_o skilful_a man_n in_o divine_a thing_n than_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o i_o mean_v st._n paul_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o natural_a or_o animal_n man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1._o corin._n 2.14_o which_o assertion_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o conformity_n between_o the_o know_a faculty_n and_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o improve_v that_o little_a knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n according_a to_o those_o small_a remain_n of_o god_n image_n in_o we_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o our_o naughty_a corrupt_a affection_n and_o if_o we_o use_v not_o those_o external_a help_n to_o that_o light_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o spiritualize_a of_o our_o mind_n we_o can_v never_o true_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereas_o do_v this_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v or_o to_o discern_v they_o clear_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o great_a master_n teach_v we_o john_n 7.17_o where_o he_o show_v we_o what_o we_o must_v do_v to_o attain_v a_o true_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o his_o doctrine_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o and_o in_o another_o place_n to_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o practical_a use_n of_o what_o we_o know_v he_o tell_v we_o he_o that_o keep_v my_o commandment_n he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o john_n 14.21_o v._o thus_o have_v i_o show_v thou_o how_o thou_o must_v endeavour_v to_o improve_v thyself_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o give_v thou_o some_o further_a advice_n chap._n v._n sect._n 1_o contain_v a_o five_o advice_n to_o live_v always_o as_o in_o god_n sight_n with_o the_o great_a vsefulness_n of_o this_o to_o promote_v a_o holy_a life_n sect._n 2._o contain_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o live_v always_o as_o in_o god_n sight_n §_o 1._o tthou_fw-mi must_v live_v always_o
hear_v you_o say_v he_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despilse_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o where_o we_o see_v that_o as_o he_o have_v give_v that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o his_o father_n to_o these_o his_o minister_n so_o he_o do_v require_v all_o man_n to_o own_o it_o and_o submit_v unto_o it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v account_v the_o disow_a the_o not_o obey_v the_o reject_v and_o despise_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o the_o disow_a reject_v and_o despise_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o authority_n and_o his_o father_n likewise_o will_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o reject_v and_o despise_v he_o and_o his_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v concern_v this_o matter_n it_o be_v foresee_v by_o god_n how_o hardly_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n will_v be_v convince_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n stir_v up_o the_o bless_a apostle_n frequent_o to_o put_v man_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o the_o duty_n that_o we_o owe_v unto_o they_o thus_o we_o find_v st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o be_v the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o charge_v they_o to_o esteem_v they_o as_o such_o 1_o corinth_n 4.1_o v._o and_o we_o find_v he_o beseech_v the_o thessalonian_o to_o know_v they_o that_o do_v labour_n among_o they_o and_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v admonish_v they_o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thess_n 5.12_o 13._o and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n charge_n they_o to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o for_o their_o guide_n or_o leader_n so_o the_o word_n signify_v and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o and_o he_o back_v his_o charge_n with_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o do_v watch_v for_o their_o soul_n be_v those_o that_o be_v to_o give_v account_n i.e._n they_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o watch_v for_o man_n soul_n and_o they_o must_v give_v account_n to_o he_o of_o the_o soul_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o this_o they_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v with_o any_o comfort_n if_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o they_o and_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o viz._n their_o make_v their_o account_n sad_a and_o grievous_a by_o their_o non-submission_n will_v be_v unprofitable_a for_o they_o he_o mean_v more_o than_o his_o word_n express_v according_a to_o a_o way_n of_o speak_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o scripture_n i.e._n this_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v profitable_a for_o they_o man_n that_o it_o will_v bring_v the_o great_a damage_n and_o mischief_n to_o they_o viz_o the_o ruin_n and_o perdition_n of_o their_o soul_n i_o forbear_v to_o mention_v any_o more_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o i_o omit_v to_o urge_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o and_o best_a christian_n as_o also_o the_o black_a character_n that_o be_v give_v by_o some_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n of_o those_o that_o do_v slight_v the_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o refuse_v to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o because_o i_o have_v promise_v not_o to_o be_v tedious_a now_o have_v careful_o observe_v and_o serious_o weigh_v these_o thing_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o put_v some_o few_o question_n brief_o to_o thou_o do_v thou_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o these_o spiritual_a guide_n in_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o they_o why_o do_v christ_n appoint_v they_o why_o do_v he_o not_o leave_v man_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v their_o body_n and_o their_o outward_a estate_n for_o that_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v any_o order_n of_o man_n to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o provide_v for_o their_o body_n or_o to_o increase_v their_o estate_n be_v confess_v by_o all_o be_v there_o need_v of_o these_o guide_n for_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o christianity_n to_o the_o world_n and_o be_v there_o no_o need_n of_o they_o for_o the_o propagation_n and_o maintenance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n i_o forbear_v to_o press_v thou_o with_o the_o natural_a blindness_n of_o man_n understanding_n with_o that_o inconsideration_n rashness_n levity_n inconstancy_n which_o be_v inseparable_a tof_o humane_a nature_n 〈◊〉_d also_o with_o that_o averseness_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o all_o man_n feel_v and_o good_a man_n can_v but_o complain_v of_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a that_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o know_v that_o the_o world_n need_v spiritual_a guide_n he_o will_v never_o have_v appoint_v any_o such_o nor_o have_v promise_v they_o those_o assistance_n which_o thou_o have_v now_o hear_v of_o nor_o have_v take_v any_o care_n to_o inform_v man_n of_o the_o duty_n they_o do_v owe_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o those_o man_n too_o much_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n or_o too_o regardless_o of_o their_o everlasting_a interest_n that_o account_v these_o guide_n to_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o or_o be_v want_v in_o that_o respect_n for_o they_o and_o dependence_n upon_o they_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o thou_o will_v confess_v it_o but_o further_a do_v thou_o not_o understand_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o man_n may_v receive_v very_o great_a advantage_n by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n if_o they_o please_v themselves_o sure_o those_o of_o old_a that_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o galatian_n do_v chap._n 4.14_o as_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n yea_o even_o as_o christ_n jesus_n do_v believe_v so_o beside_o be_v not_o the_o make_n of_o this_o provision_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n soul_n a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o therefore_o must_v not_o they_o be_v great_a despiser_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o enemy_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n that_o make_v little_a account_n of_o it_o and_o seek_v no_o advantage_n by_o it_o or_o can_v they_o with_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o reason_n call_v themselves_o christian_n or_o expect_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o those_o benefit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o his_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n or_o no_o other_o regard_n to_o they_o than_o as_o they_o please_v their_o own_o humour_n and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o stubborn_a will_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o thou_o will_v answer_v to_o these_o demand_n according_a to_o my_o heart_n desire_v and_o therefore_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v that_o my_o advice_n be_v good_a and_o useful_a that_o thou_o commit_v thy_o soul_n to_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o show_v thou_o brief_o how_o thou_o must_v practice_v this_o advice_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o former_a advice_n 1._o thou_o must_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o good_a guide_n i_o call_v he_o a_o good_a guide_n who_o have_v authority_n from_o christ_n be_v able_a to_o direct_v thou_o aright_o in_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o thy_o soul_n and_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o thou_o christ_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o none_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v guide_n of_o soul_n but_o those_o that_o have_v authority_n from_o he_o nor_o that_o all_o those_o that_o have_v authority_n from_o he_o shall_v discharge_v their_o office_n faithful_o among_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n there_o be_v a_o judas_n and_o among_o the_o seven_o deacon_n ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n tradition_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v one_o that_o fail_v and_o in_o those_o write_n that_o we_o have_v of_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n we_o find_v complaint_n of_o some_o that_o love_v the_o world_n more_o than_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o fleshly_a lust_n more_o than_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o st._n peter_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v of_o old_a false_a prophet_n among_o god_n people_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o christian_n who_o through_o covetousness_n shall_v with_o feign_a word_n make_v merchandise_n of_o they_o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o wonder_n if_o there_o be_v some_o such_o among_o we_o now_o but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o caution_n to_o thou_o with_o who_o thou_o do_v trust_v thy_o soul_n thy_o soul_n be_v a_o jewel_n of_o too_o great_a value_n to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o every_o pretender_n yea_o or_o of_o every_o one_o