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
god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o indeed_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o well_o with_o that_o person_n who_o god_n be_v with_o what_o can_v he_o want_v who_o have_v he_o to_o be_v his_o friend_n he_o who_o have_v the_o divine_a presence_n accompany_v he_o whithersoever_o he_o go_v be_v rich_a and_o happy_a than_o if_o he_o have_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n carry_v about_o with_o he_o for_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a from_o he_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n do_v come_v he_o can_v easy_o command_v any_o desirable_a thing_n where_o when_o and_o to_o who_o he_o please_v so_o that_o he_o who_o enjoy_v god_n have_v enough_o and_o need_v not_o fear_n or_o care_n for_o the_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o god_n will_v be_v to_o he_o in_o stead_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o have_v he_o he_o may_v say_v true_o as_o that_o philosopher_n say_v omnia_fw-la mea_fw-la mecum_fw-la porto_fw-la that_o be_v i_o carry_v about_o with_o i_o all_o thing_n proper_a all_o thing_n necessary_a or_o requisite_a either_o for_o my_o support_n or_o comfort_n for_o god_n be_v all_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o proud_a boast_n of_o caesar_n to_o the_o mariner_n who_o be_v waft_v he_o over_o the_o adriatic_a to_o italy_n when_o he_o perceive_v he_o seize_v with_o fear_n and_o ready_a to_o turn_v back_o pergo_fw-la audacter_fw-la ne_fw-la timeas_fw-la caesarem_fw-la vehis_fw-la caesarisque_fw-la fortunam_fw-la be_v not_o afraid_a you_o carry_v with_o you_o cesar_n and_o his_o fortune_n but_o true_o every_o one_o that_o have_v god_n with_o they_o may_v with_o reason_n confident_o say_v to_o himself_o be_v not_o afraid_a sad_a or_o deject_a deum_fw-la habes_fw-la ejusque_fw-la favorem_fw-la you_o have_v god_n &_o his_o favour_n and_o have_v that_o what_o cause_n can_v there_o be_v of_o fear_n or_o dejection_n for_o he_o be_v wisdom_n power_n all_o goodness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n itself_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v a_o true_a aid_n and_o support_v and_o a_o sure_a rock_n to_o build_v on_o which_o will_v never_o fail_v bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal._n 2._o 12._o though_o i_o walk_v say_v david_n through_o the_o valley_n &_o shadow_n of_o death_n yet_o will_v i_o fear_v no_o evil_n for_o thou_o be_v with_o i_o thy_o rod_n and_o thy_o staff_n they_o comfort_v i_o psal._n 23._o 4._o the_o very_a hope_n of_o this_o special_a presence_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n do_v mighty_o cheer_v up_o the_o psalmist_n spirit_n when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o trouble_n he_o chide_v and_o be_v in_o a_o chaff_n with_o himself_o for_o be_v any_o way_n trouble_v have_v this_o hope_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o say_v he_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v in_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n which_o he_o repeat_v twice_o psal._n 42._o and_o once_o psal._n 43._o many_o excellent_a blessing_n and_o advantage_n follow_v he_o who_o god_n be_v with_o first_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o counsel_n and_o direction_n which_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a and_o desirable_a thing_n the_o life_n of_o man_n while_o in_o this_o world_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n dark_a intricate_a and_o full_a of_o difficulty_n it_o be_v like_o a_o labyrinth_n full_a of_o perplexity_n we_o can_v well_o discern_v the_o outgate_n we_o know_v not_o what_o certain_a course_n to_o steer_v for_o our_o profit_n and_o advantage_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n jerem._n 10._o 23._o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o follow_v our_o own_o device_n thing_n ordinary_o succeed_v worse_o when_o we_o do_v so_o the_o witty_a man_n have_v sometime_o befool_v themselves_o by_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o wit._n no_o man_n wit_n and_o judgement_n can_v be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o guide_v he_o and_o ofttimes_o we_o be_v not_o much_o better_a of_o other_o for_o they_o be_v short_a sight_v too_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o and_o may_v mistake_v thing_n as_o well_o as_o we_o we_o can_v never_o therefore_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v right_a but_o when_o we_o follow_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n when_o we_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o who_o can_v err_v because_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a but_o if_o he_o be_v with_o we_o his_o counsel_n will_v be_v with_o we_o too_o if_o he_o have_v set_v his_o heart_n upon_o and_o choose_v we_o for_o his_o friend_n he_o will_v also_o guide_v and_o instruct_v we_o and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v walk_v what_o man_n be_v he_o say_v david_n that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v choose_v psal._n 25._o 12._o but_o here_o some_o may_v ask_v how_o do_v god_n teach_v we_o and_o what_o way_n be_v we_o to_o expect_v direction_n from_o he_o must_v we_o look_v for_o revelation_n dream_n and_o vision_n indeed_o this_o be_v not_o unusual_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n do_v then_o very_o ordinary_o this_o way_n manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o his_o eminent_a servant_n but_o now_o it_o please_v he_o to_o forbear_v it_o at_o least_o that_o so_o common_a use_n thereof_o and_o we_o be_v neither_o to_o ask_v nor_o to_o look_v for_o advice_n and_o counsel_n this_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o however_o if_o we_o wait_v on_o god_n we_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o direction_n from_o he_o which_o he_o will_v communicate_v to_o we_o two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o by_o the_o inward_a suggestion_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v not_o only_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o clear_v our_o understanding_n with_o wisdom_n &_o knowledge_n so_o that_o in_o the_o general_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v what_o be_v good_a and_o right_n but_o he_o will_v also_o help_v we_o to_o discern_v what_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a in_o that_o particular_a case_n &_o circumstance_n wherein_o we_o stand_v &_o will_v secret_o incline_v and_o draw_v we_o whither_o his_o wisdom_n see_v it_o fit_a for_o his_o glory_n &_o our_o comfort_n this_o be_v no_o idle_a fancy_n or_o delusion_n it_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o fanaticism_n or_o a_o dream_n of_o enthusiastical_a person_n but_o a_o certain_a real_a truth_n which_o all_o good_a and_o holy_a person_n have_v feel_v from_o their_o experience_n though_o these_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isa._n 30._o 21._o thy_o ear_n shall_v hear_v a_o word_n behind_o thou_o save_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o you_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o when_o you_o turn_v to_o the_o left_a be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v restrict_v to_o a_o inward_a inspiration_n but_o also_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o external_a voice_n in_o the_o word_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n yet_o solomon_n seem_v to_o hold_v out_o this_o when_o he_o say_v in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n prov._n 3._o 6._o this_o also_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o elihu_n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v they_o understanding_n job_n 32._o 8._o this_o voice_n be_v inward_a and_o therefore_o not_o audible_a or_o perceptible_a by_o our_o outward_a sense_n but_o however_o it_o may_v prove_v effectual_a enough_o for_o to_o move_v and_o sway_v we_o and_o though_o as_o one_o say_v this_o secret_a direction_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v principal_o god._n see_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v also_o find_v in_o the_o great_a and_o momentous_a concern_v of_o this_o life_n which_o a_o good_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o beg_v his_o direction_n shall_v very_o often_o if_o not_o at_o all_o time_n find_v i_o hope_v none_o will_v be_v so_o injurious_a as_o to_o think_v i_o intend_v to_o countenance_n or_o authorise_v those_o who_o father_n horrid_a impiety_n and_o most_o impertinent_a extravagancy_n upon_o god_n pretend_v they_o be_v carry_v thereto_o by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o know_v and_o will_v have_v every_o one_o to_o assure_v himself_o that_o god_n be_v never_o the_o author_n of_o what_o be_v evil_a foolish_a or_o ridiculous_a whatever_o come_v from_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v suitable_a to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n neither_o do_v god_n show_v himself_o thus_o to_o any_o mean_a trivial_a thing_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o serious_a importance_n but_o because_o some_o have_v be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o purpose_n as_o to_o
allege_v inspiration_n for_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o lay_v such_o thing_n upon_o god_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n therefore_o to_o deny_v all_o such_o commerce_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n or_o that_o he_o ever_o do_v suggest_v counsel_n or_o advice_n to_o any_o in_o any_o matter_n i_o think_v very_o unreasonable_a both_o these_o be_v extremes_n which_o i_o desire_v to_o shun_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o good_a &_o virtuous_a person_n who_o commit_v themselves_o entire_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n may_v and_o do_v find_v themselves_o sometime_o extraordinarly_a direct_v in_o weighty_a and_o important_a case_n especial_o when_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o reason_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o be_v tell_v a_o remarkable_a passage_n when_o dundee_n be_v storm_v and_o take_v by_o the_o english_a in_o our_o late_a revolution_n this_o town_n be_v fancy_v foolish_o to_o be_v a_o place_n of_o strength_n and_o able_a to_o hold_v out_o therefore_o many_o resort_v thither_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n a_o certain_a citizen_n of_o edinburgh_n with_o his_o wife_n and_o apprentice_n who_o find_v themselves_o sad_o disappoint_v upon_o the_o entry_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o sack_v of_o the_o town_n be_v in_o great_a anguish_n of_o spirit_n and_o conclude_v themselves_o lose_v and_o therefore_o they_o recommend_v their_o soul_n to_o god_n mercy_n but_o the_o woman_n be_v extraordinarly_a move_v to_o go_v down_o to_o the_o street_n and_o no_o entreaty_n of_o her_o husband_n can_v dissuade_v she_o when_o down_o the_o first_o she_o espy_v be_v one_o of_o a_o goodly_a countenance_n who_o she_o lay_v hold_v on_o desire_v he_o may_v go_v with_o she_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o house_n she_o fall_v on_o her_o knee_n and_o say_v sir_n you_o shall_v have_v all_o my_o good_n only_o save_o my_o husband_n life_n which_o he_o grant_v tell_v she_o withal_o thát_a providence_n have_v direct_v she_o to_o he_o for_o the_o last_o fight_n he_o be_v at_o he_o receive_v a_o courtesy_n from_o a_o scot_n man_n which_o make_v he_o swear_v to_o save_v the_o first_o that_o seek_v quarter_n in_o this_o this_o have_v not_o well_o pass_v betwixt_o they_o when_o the_o enrage_a soldier_n throng_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o if_o it_o haâ—…_n not_o be_v for_o he_o they_o have_v undoubted_o perish_v this_o be_v a_o singular_a providence_n and_o i_o have_v it_o from_o the_o good_a woman_n herself_o who_o still_n remember_v it_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o god_n kindness_n and_o which_o among_o other_o thing_n she_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o her_o devout_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n a_o second_o way_n whereby_o god_n direct_v we_o be_v external_n viz_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o happy_a occurrence_n of_o his_o providence_n order_v the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n so_o happy_o together_o and_o make_v several_a thing_n to_o fall_v out_o so_o well_o at_o one_o time_n as_o that_o we_o be_v necessary_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n unaware_o engage_v into_o that_o course_n he_o design_n we_o shall_v take_v which_o will_v always_o be_v for_o our_o well_n if_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o unto_o he_o thus_o he_o make_v abraham_n servant_n to_o light_n very_o happy_o upon_o the_o house_n of_o his_o master_n brethren_n and_o the_o woman_n who_o he_o shall_v choose_v for_o his_o master_n son_n wife_n and_o thus_o also_o he_o direct_v jacob_n to_o laban_n and_o ruth_n to_o boaz._n the_o step_n of_o a_o good_a man_n say_v the_o psalmist_n be_v order_v by_o the_o lord_n psal_n 37_o 23_o he_o by_o his_o secret_a providence_n do_v so_o dispose_v of_o he_o and_o engage_v he_o to_o such_o a_o conduct_n in_o his_o affair_n that_o his_o good_a peace_n and_o advantage_n credit_n and_o comfort_n be_v carry_v on_o better_a than_o he_o desire_v or_o can_v have_v expect_v and_o by_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o he_o can_v never_o foresee_v these_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n sometime_o look_v not_o fair_a and_o favourable_a at_o the_o beginning_n they_o may_v look_v as_o if_o he_o frown_v and_o threaten_v we_o but_o the_o issue_n of_o they_o even_o then_o prove_v most_o happy_a as_o we_o see_v in_o ioseph_n case_n who_o so_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o observe_v the_o tract_n of_o his_o own_o life_n and_o god_n deal_n with_o himself_o &_o other_o shall_v come_v sufficient_o to_o understand_v both_o this_o wisdom_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o second_o god_n presence_n be_v not_o desirable_a for_o counsel_n and_o direction_n only_o but_o upon_o many_o other_o account_n nay_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n which_o may_v move_v we_o to_o desire_v any_o thing_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o same_o shall_v excite_v we_o to_o this_o for_o either_o he_o can_v give_v the_o good_a which_o we_o desire_v or_o he_o can_v supply_v the_o want_n thereof_o he_o have_v every_o thing_n at_o his_o disposal_n and_o whatever_o virtue_n or_o property_n any_o creature_n have_v be_v from_o he_o neither_o can_v they_o produce_v even_o their_o most_o natural_a effect_n without_o he_o but_o when_o he_o please_v he_o can_v work_v his_o will_n without_o they_o it_o be_v not_o bread_n alone_o which_o preserve_v our_o life_n but_o his_o blessing_n upon_o it_o and_o he_o can_v easy_o when_o he_o see_v it_o fit_a maintain_v our_o natural_a life_n and_o vigour_n without_o all_o food_n as_o he_o do_v to_o moses_n and_o elijah_n and_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v not_o medicine_n nor_o physic_n which_o recover_v our_o health_n but_o his_o blessing_n in_o our_o use_n of_o they_o and_o even_o when_o these_o mean_n be_v want_v yet_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v but_o that_o he_o can_v make_v whole_a and_o restore_v health_n without_o they_o it_o be_v not_o our_o labour_n and_o industry_n or_o any_o endeavour_n we_o can_v use_v which_o will_v make_v we_o compass_v the_o end_v we_o will_v be_v at_o unless_o he_o act_v and_o concur_v with_o we_o for_o if_o he_o give_v not_o the_o blessing_n if_o he_o speak_v not_o the_o word_n all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v will_v be_v in_o vain_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o you_o say_v the_o psalmist_n to_o rise_v up_o early_o to_o sit_v up_o late_o to_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v he_o who_o give_v his_o belove_a sleep_n psal._n 127._o 2._o and_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o man_n may_v sow_v much_o and_o yet_o bring_v in_o but_o little_a they_o may_v eat_v and_o not_o have_v enough_o drink_n and_o not_o be_v fill_v they_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o yet_o not_o warm_a and_o earn_v wage_n but_o put_v it_o into_o a_o bag_n with_o hole_n hag._n 1._o 6._o so_o that_o the_o favourable_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v desirable_a both_o to_o supply_v what_o we_o want_v and_o to_o make_v these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v useful_a and_o comfortable_a he_o that_o have_v god_n with_o he_o have_v not_o only_o a_o wise_a friend_n but_o a_o powerful_a one_o who_o can_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n who_o can_v oblige_v and_o command_v angel_n and_o all_o creature_n to_o serve_v and_o minister_v unto_o he_o who_o he_o love_v thus_o he_o cause_v the_o raven_n to_o feed_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n these_o fowl_n by_o nature_n be_v more_o ready_a to_o steal_v and_o take_v away_o then_o to_o give_v and_o yet_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n they_o bring_v he_o bread_n and_o flesh_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o bread_n and_o flesh_n in_o the_o evening_n 1_o king_n 17._o 6_o he_o make_v the_o jaw_n bone_n of_o a_o ass_n to_o afford_v drink_n unto_o samson_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o to_o faint_v for_o thirst_n he_o cause_v the_o heaven_n to_o rain_v down_o bread_n to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o give_v they_o quail_n in_o great_a abundance_n so_o that_o even_o than_o they_o be_v feed_v to_o the_o full_a and_o in_o a_o word_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a unto_o god_n as_o by_o his_o power_n he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o please_v so_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o work_v mighty_o and_o wonderful_o for_o those_o who_o he_o love_v when_o his_o glory_n or_o their_o good_a require_v it_o he_o will_v withhold_v nothing_o from_o they_o which_o their_o necessity_n or_o comfort_n call_v for_o and_o will_v make_v all_o thing_n even_o what_o seem_v most_o rough_a severe_a and_o adverse_a to_o work_v together_o for_o their_o good_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rome_n 8._o 28._o and_o as_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v appeaâ—…_n from_o many_o instance_n draw_v from_o scripture_n and_o also_o other_o history_n though_o neither_o private_a person_n nor_o public_a state_n be_v now_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v maintain_v &_o support_v by_o miracle_n and_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o
do_v to_o god_n when_o we_o regard_v man_n more_o than_o he_o and_o do_v we_o not_o regard_v man_n more_o than_o god_n when_o we_o be_v more_o desirous_a of_o applause_n from_o man_n then_o to_o find_v favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o when_o we_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n lest_o they_o shall_v know_v our_o evil_a action_n but_o never_o value_v god_n sight_n and_o knowledge_n thereof_o he_o who_o do_v thus_o have_v not_o take_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v his_o god_n he_o do_v not_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o he_o bow_v only_o to_o man_n to_o his_o own_o credit_n or_o homour_n and_o have_v set_v up_o these_o for_o his_o god._n wherefore_o who_o will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o gross_a idolatry_n as_o to_o worship_v the_o creature_n more_o than_o the_o creator_n and_o and_o who_o will_v testify_v and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o indeed_o adore_v the_o true_a god_n let_v they_o not_o slight_a or_o despise_v the_o divine_a presence_n but_o let_v they_o always_o eye_n and_o consider_v it_o and_o be_v careful_a to_o carry_v themselves_o always_o as_o before_o so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o majesty_n and_o see_v that_o god_n be_v every_o where_o and_o have_v his_o eye_n always_o upon_o we_o let_v we_o in_o private_a and_o in_o public_a at_o home_o and_o abroad_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n walk_v wise_o and_o circumspect_o let_v we_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o incivility_n towards_o god_n as_o to_o do_v any_o unworthy_a thing_n before_o he_o but_o let_v we_o labour_v so_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o that_o he_o may_v think_v we_o worthy_a of_o that_o testimony_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o job_n who_o he_o say_v be_v a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1_o and_o 1_o of_o observe_v god_n way_n and_o action_n in_o the_o second_o place_n walk_v with_o god_n imply_v a_o careful_a observance_n of_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v for_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o such_o as_o be_v in_o company_n together_o to_o watch_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o another_o word_n and_o action_n and_o if_o one_o be_v more_o eminent_a for_o wisdom_n and_o ver._n tue_o or_o any_o other_o excellency_n than_o such_o a_o be_v with_o he_o be_v the_o more_o oblige_v to_o eye_n his_o motion_n and_o and_o behaviour_n nothing_o which_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n speak_v or_o do_v shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unobserved_a and_o it_o do_v speak_v out_o some_o contempt_n of_o one_o to_o think_v that_o what_o they_o do_v or_o say_v be_v not_o worth_a the_o noticing_z as_o therefore_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o great_a and_o eminent_a personage_n we_o ought_v serious_o to_o consider_v they_o their_o speech_n &_o action_n and_o to_o count_v they_o worthy_a our_o remembrance_n so_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o eye_n be_v fix_v upon_o god_n and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o our_o duty_n to_o consider_v he_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o what_o he_o daily_o do_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o we_o may_v return_v he_o due_a praise_n and_o glory_n for_o this_o end_n god_n endue_v we_o with_o rational_a spirit_n and_o with_o understand_a faculty_n that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o contemplate_v himself_o and_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o turn_v away_o our_o eye_n from_o such_o contemplation_n or_o neglect_v they_o we_o do_v in_o so_o far_o swerve_v from_o the_o design_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o do_v disappoint_v god_n of_o that_o tribute_n of_o praise_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o yea_o in_o steed_n of_o honour_v he_o we_o do_v actual_o dishonour_v he_o by_o slight_v the_o effect_n and_o product_n of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n all_o god_n act_n be_v like_o himself_o and_o do_v show_v forth_o his_o admirable_a perfection_n there_o be_v no_o part_n even_o of_o the_o material_a world_n but_o be_v stamp_v with_o some_o impression_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v of_o the_o heaven_n psal._n 19_o 1._o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o god_n other_o work_n they_o all_o declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n i._n e._n as_o a_o curious_a engine_n or_o fine_a piece_n of_o work_n do_v hold_v out_o the_o skill_n and_o cunning_a of_o he_o that_o make_v it_o so_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n have_v in_o they_o what_o do_v set_v forth_o and_o proclaim_v how_o wise_a how_o great_a and_o good_a he_o be_v and_o as_o the_o external_n and_o material_a world_n do_v contain_v visible_a character_n of_o the_o divine_a greatness_n and_o perfection_n so_o god_n have_v create_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a being_n viz._n angel_n and_o man_n capable_a to_o discern_v and_o read_v they_o that_o by_o so_o do_v they_o may_v sound_v forth_o his_o praise_n the_o contemplation_n and_o admiration_n of_o god_n work_n and_o way_n be_v our_o proper_a and_o shall_v be_v our_o constant_a employment_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o this_o there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o such_o power_n and_o capacity_n wise_a and_o understanding_n person_n will_v not_o expend_v more_o upon_o any_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v worth_a they_o will_v not_o rear_v up_o stately_a fabric_n mere_o to_o lodge_v swine_n nor_o will_v they_o buy_v fine_a silk_n and_o carpet_n to_o wipe_v shoe_n and_o dish_n and_o neither_o will_v god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o understand_a soul_n immortal_a spirit_n if_o we_o have_v be_v only_o destine_v to_o the_o act_n of_o a_o brutish_a and_o sensual_a life_n for_o than_o what_o judas_n say_v impertinent_o when_o the_o box_n of_o ointment_n be_v pour_v upon_o our_o lord_n may_v have_v be_v here_o put_v as_o a_o very_a pertinent_a question_n what_o need_v all_o this_o cost_n for_o something_o less_o than_o reason_n and_o spirit_n a_o mere_a animal_n sagacity_n may_v have_v serve_v and_o be_v sufficient_a for_o find_v out_o and_o take_v care_n of_o bodily_a pleasure_n and_o accommodation_n god_n and_o his_o work_n therefore_o be_v the_o only_a suitable_a object_n for_o our_o thought_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o these_o indeed_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o as_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n so_o it_o clevat_v ourselves_o to_o a_o proper_a and_o become_a dignity_n whereas_o the_o most_o of_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o below_o we_o and_o so_o much_o within_o our_o reach_n that_o it_o be_v a_o debase_v of_o our_o nature_n too_o much_o to_o mind_n or_o to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o they_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v ever_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o proper_a and_o necessary_a testification_n of_o their_o respect_n unto_o god_n to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o work_n both_o of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o to_o set_v a_o part_n sometime_o daily_o for_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o it_o be_v isaac_n custom_n to_o go_v out_o to_o the_o field_n and_o meditate_v about_o eventide_n gen._n 24_o 63_o and_o no_o doubt_n his_o meditation_n be_v such_o as_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n show_v how_o much_o that_o holy_a man_n and_o his_o friend_n be_v accustom_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n '_o saint_n work_v and_o way_n for_o all_o their_o discourse_n and_o reason_n be_v take_v thence_o yea_o when_o god_n himself_o appear_v unto_o job_n he_o call_v he_o to_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n and_o do_v therefore_o large_o display_v they_o before_o he_o in_o the_o 38._o and_o follow_v chapter_n nay_o what_o be_v all_o the_o psalm_n but_o as_o so_o many_o devout_a meditation_n of_o god_n work_n or_o pious_a hymn_n compose_v in_o memory_n of_o they_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o psalmist_n be_v great_a and_o they_o be_v seek_v out_o of_o all_o they_o that_o have_v pleasure_n therein_o his_o work_n be_v honourable_a and_o glorious_a and_o he_o have_v ordain_v his_o wonderful_a work_n to_o be_v remember_v psal._n 111._o 2._o 3._o and_o again_o he_o say_v all_o thy_o work_n shall_v praise_v thou_o o_o lord_n and_o thy_o saint_n shall_v bless_v thou_o that_o be_v as_o his_o work_n contain_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o praise_n so_o the_o saint_n shall_v publish_v and_o declare_v it_o by_o admire_v and_o magnify_v of_o they_o they_o shall_v as_o he_o go_v on_o speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n and_o talk_v of_o thy_o power_n to_o make_v know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n his_o mighty_a act_n and_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o his_o kingdom_n psal._n
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
for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n or_o the_o special_a mercy_n confer_v upon_o they_o or_o david_n in_o particular_a they_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o be_v sing_v for_o beside_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o his_o goodness_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o and_o that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v concern_v in_o these_o favour_n heap_v on_o the_o jewish_a nation_n because_o they_o serve_v to_o usher_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god._n i_o say_v beside_o these_o two_o consideration_n those_o act_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o people_n in_o former_a time_n be_v instance_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n and_o so_o proper_a matter_n for_o his_o praise_n they_o be_v also_o ground_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o motive_n to_o trust_v &_o confidence_n in_o he_o both_o for_o ourselves_o and_o the_o public_a see_v rom._n 15._o 4._o 4_o god_n plague_n upon_o the_o heathen_a and_o his_o punishment_n upon_o his_o own_o people_n be_v instance_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalm_n which_o narrate_v these_o may_v be_v sing_v to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n who_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n and_o that_o no_o relation_n to_o he_o will_v excuse_v sin_n or_o hold_v off_o judgement_n if_o his_o law_n be_v break_v and_o so_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o stir_v up_o our_o repentance_n leâ—…t_v we_o likewise_o smart_v and_o our_o thankfulness_n for_o whatforbearance_n and_o gentle_a deal_n we_o have_v meet_v with_o 5_o the_o psalm_n where_o david_n lay_v out_o his_o own_o trouble_n and_o the_o success_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v be_v meditate_v on_o as_o proof_n that_o the_o just_a will_v be_v afflict_v and_o the_o wicked_a prosperous_a to_o teach_v we_o patience_n and_o contentment_n the_o high_a assertion_n of_o his_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n and_o love_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v sing_v thereby_o to_o testify_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v this_o way_n to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o without_o these_o endeavour_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n nor_o presume_v to_o crave_v the_o privilege_n of_o his_o child_n 6._o the_o psalm_n of_o imprecation_n be_v most_o scruple_v at_o but_o it_o be_v because_o person_n be_v not_o at_o the_o pain_n to_o take_v a_o right_a view_n of_o they_o for_o whatever_o be_v the_o particular_a occasion_n of_o they_o or_o who_o ever_o they_o be_v primar_o design_v against_o we_o shall_v consider_v they_o now_o as_o intimation_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n towards_o obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n and_o as_o declaration_n of_o the_o irrevocable_a sentence_n which_o his_o justice_n have_v pass_v against_o they_o nay_o i_o may_v say_v this_o be_v the_o special_a intent_n of_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v only_o to_o vent_v david_n private_a wrath_n and_o enmity_n god_n will_v not_o inspire_v they_o nor_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o lawful_a &_o proper_a sometime_o to_o sing_v they_o then_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o heavy_a judgement_n &_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o impenitent_a sinner_n that_o thereby_o a_o wholesome_a fear_n of_o god_n may_v be_v excite_v in_o we_o by_o they_o also_o we_o may_v be_v support_v against_o those_o tentation_n which_o arise_v from_o success_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n &_o their_o insolency_n in_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o oppress_v his_o people_n and_o as_o it_o be_v never_o think_v unlawful_a in_o time_n of_o war_n and_o public_a trouble_n and_o disorder_n to_o pray_v against_o the_o unjust_a author_n and_o instrument_n thereof_o not_o that_o god_n will_v damn_v their_o soul_n but_o that_o he_o will_v defeat_v their_o device_n give_v they_o shame_n and_o confusion_n and_o by_o his_o judgement_n on_o their_o person_n put_v they_o in_o fear_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o wicked_a enterprise_n and_o all_o this_o not_o to_o satisfy_v our_o revengful_a passion_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o who_o will_v defend_v the_o innocent_a and_o righteous_a to_o the_o end_n all_o people_n may_v be_v engage_v to_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v improper_a on_o such_o occasion_n to_o sing_v these_o psalm_n and_o to_o wait_v patient_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o they_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a who_o will_v wrest_v this_o to_o the_o countenance_v of_o private_a revenge_n and_o the_o curse_v of_o enemy_n whither_o public_a or_o private_a for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n do_v as_o he_o be_v supreme_a judge_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n vengeance_n be_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o punish_v but_o not_o to_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o take_v vengeance_n because_o god_n do_v it_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o unlawful_a to_o meditate_v on_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o sing_v of_o they_o and_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o because_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o curse_v or_o revenge_v ourselves_o 7_o it_o be_v allege_v against_o some_o psalm_n that_o we_o can_v turn_v they_o to_o prayer_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v they_o will_v not_o be_v true_a as_o from_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o sing_v they_o but_o to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o pray_v and_o sing_v every_o prayer_n may_v be_v make_v a_o hymn_n or_o song_n of_o praise_n but_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v sing_v which_o can_v proper_o be_v pray_v in_o prayer_n we_o turn_v our_o mind_n whole_o to_o god_n himself_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o word_n be_v strict_o true_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o particular_a state_n but_o in_o sing_v we_o speak_v not_o so_o direct_o to_o god_n as_o of_o he_o to_o other_o sing_v be_v a_o mutual_a call_n upon_o one_o another_o to_o laud_n and_o praise_n god_n together_o with_o a_o proposal_n of_o what_o make_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v proper_a enough_o to_o sing_v any_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n though_o it_o do_v not_o quadrate_n with_o our_o own_o case_n in_o all_o circumstance_n but_o as_o we_o have_v make_v it_o thus_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n may_v be_v sing_v proper_o and_o with_o edification_n so_o we_o do_v not_o say_v â—…hat_o none_o other_o may_v be_v sing_v it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o have_v other_o hymn_n beside_o and_o most_o reasonable_a to_o have_v some_o more_o appropriate_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mystery_n reveal_v therein_o that_o our_o worship_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o of_o jew_n pliny_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n tell_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o to_o god_n which_o must_v have_v be_v some_o other_o than_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n wherein_o there_o be_v some_o more_o express_a mention_n of_o christ_n or_o which_o have_v some_o more_o peculiar_a reference_n to_o he_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o psalm_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o reason_n why_o the_o hymn_n of_o the_o n._n t._n shall_v no_o be_v use_v as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o old_a see_v the_o same_o spirit_n dictate_v both_o and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o special_a propriety_n in_o they_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o for_o the_o doxology_n the_o question_v its_o lawfulness_n betray_v such_o ignorance_n or_o humour_n that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o prove_v the_o use_n of_o it_o if_o people_n will_v lay_v aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la they_o may_v easy_o discern_v it_o very_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o join_v this_o to_o each_o psalm_n for_o thereby_o we_o give_v the_o psalm_n a_o evangelical_n sense_n &_o make_v it_o refer_v to_o every_o person_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n who_o as_o they_o be_v undivided_a in_o their_o essence_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v unite_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o as_o they_o be_v distinct_o reveal_v to_o we_o so_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o our_o devotion_n to_o pay_v they_o distinct_a and_o particular_a worship_n 3_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n this_o be_v use_v in_o the_o jewish_a assembly_n as_o appear_v from_o neh._n 8._o 8._o luke_n 4._o 16._o act_n 13._o 15._o 15._o 21._o st._n paul_n express_o charge_v the_o read_n of_o his_o epistle_n col._n 4._o
16._o 1_o thess._n 5_o 27._o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v read_v and_o the_o church_n have_v be_v still_o in_o use_n to_o do_v so_o now_o the_o main_a reason_n hereof_o be_v not_o our_o own_o instruction_n but_o to_o do_v honour_n to_o god_n for_o as_o hereby_o we_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o we_o solemn_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v his_o word_n and_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o walk_v as_o it_o dierct_v we_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o right_o perform_v when_o there_o be_v no_o read_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o almost_o as_o if_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o worship_n when_o they_o be_v only_o read_v while_o the_o people_n be_v come_v to_o church_n but_o not_o after_o they_o be_v meet_v for_o then_o the_o read_n be_v only_o use_v for_o a_o divertisement_n to_o put_v off_o the_o time_n and_o not_o as_o a_o honour_n or_o acknowledgement_n due_a to_o god._n they_o understand_v little_a of_o the_o nature_n or_o end_n of_o public_a worship_n who_o will_v have_v the_o read_n of_o scripture_n lay_v aside_o because_o it_o can_v be_v do_v at_o home_n such_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o their_o fancy_n then_o to_o the_o true_a honour_n of_o god_n and_o do_v come_v to_o church_n rather_o to_o feed_v a_o impertinent_a curiosity_n and_o desire_v of_o novelty_n then_o to_o perform_v a_o reasonable_a service_n to_o god._n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o inability_n of_o a_o great_a many_o to_o perform_v this_o exercise_n in_o private_a the_o read_n at_o home_n make_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o respect_n to_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n require_v that_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v promulgate_v with_o solemnity_n and_o hear_v with_o reverence_n we_o have_v a_o eminent_a instance_n hereof_o neh._n 8._o 5_o 6._o four_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v always_o wont_a to_o be_v join_v preach_v on_o the_o sabbath_n and_o other_o festival-daye_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o forecited_a place_n which_o custom_n the_o church_n have_v continue_v and_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a it_o show_v our_o deference_n to_o god_n and_o a_o regard_n for_o his_o authority_n when_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o hear_v such_o as_o he_o have_v commissioned_n to_o inform_v we_o of_o his_o will_n anent_o we_o he_o that_o hear_v you_o say_v christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o send_v i_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v honour_v or_o affront_v according_a as_o their_o servant_n and_o message_n be_v receive_v now_o the_o minister_n be_v ambassador_n in_o christ_n stead_n by_o who_o god_n befeech_v people_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o himself_o 2_o cor_n 5._o 20._o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v the_o errand_n on_o which_o minister_n be_v send_v and_o see_v the_o term_n of_o this_o reconciliation_n and_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v wrought_v be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o preach_v shall_v be_v to_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o exhort_v to_o a_o compliance_n with_o what_o be_v there_o contain_v sermon_n be_v not_o ordain_v to_o teach_v man_n curious_a thing_n or_o to_o tickle_v they_o with_o fine_a neat_a speech_n but_o to_o make_v they_o understand_v the_o scripture_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o and_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o thus_o ezra_n preach_v neh._n 8._o 8._o and_o ordinary_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n their_o sermon_n be_v only_a explication_n of_o such_o portion_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v read_v in_o the_o public_a service_n together_o with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o obey_v it_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o preach_v be_v to_o unfold_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n word_n and_o to_o help_v man_n to_o discern_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v therein_o and_o as_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o edify_v sermon_n which_o discover_v this_o plain_o and_o clear_o so_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o hearken_v diligent_o to_o these_o instruction_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o glad_o it_o speak_v out_o a_o love_n to_o god_n when_o we_o be_v willing_a and_o very_a desirous_a to_o know_v his_o will_n but_o there_o be_v little_a regard_n for_o god_n where_o there_o be_v no_o desire_n to_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v to_o we_o in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n but_o though_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v keep_v know_v ledge_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o to_o render_v the_o private_a search_n and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n useless_a guide_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v help_n but_o not_o to_o take_v away_o our_o own_o sight_n we_o may_v find_v they_o useful_a though_o we_o do_v not_o put_v out_o our_o eye_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v we_o shall_v search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whither_o these_o thing_n we_o hear_v be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a because_o we_o be_v forewarn_v of_o false_a prophet_n every_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v none_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n all_o other_o shall_v be_v try_v before_o trust_v and_o it_o need_v be_v no_o hard_a task_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n if_o we_o lie_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n impartial_o a_o man_n by_o apply_v his_o eye_n narrow_o especial_o if_o he_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o rule_n will_v soon_o discern_v whither_o a_o thing_n be_v straight_o or_o crooked_a and_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o less_o easy_a to_o judge_v in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n 5th_o i_o can_v omit_v here_o what_o be_v ancient_o &_o universal_o use_v though_o now_o turn_v into_o desuetude_n among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v the_o solemn_a and_o explicit_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o a_o rehearsal_n of_o some_o summary_n thereof_o as_o the_o apostle_n or_o nicene_n or_o athanasian_n creed_n the_o express_a declaration_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v much_o both_o for_o our_o profit_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n it_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o this_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n unless_o our_o worship_n be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v altogether_o unacceptable_a and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o have_v this_o faith_n always_o in_o our_o heart_n but_o we_o must_v also_o sometime_o open_o testify_v it_o by_o confess_v the_o same_o with_o our_o mouth_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rome_n 10._o 9_o where_o he_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thou_o he_o be_v that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n this_o be_v also_o profitable_a for_o ourselves_o for_o these_o creed_n be_v the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n which_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o profession_n and_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o answer_v every_o man_n who_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o a_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o creed_n fix_v the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o our_o mind_n bring_v they_o often_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o serve_v to_o excite_v we_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o gospel_n person_n of_o honour_n be_v careful_a to_o behave_v suitable_o while_o they_o have_v the_o sign_n and_o badge_n of_o their_o dignity_n and_o quality_n upon_o they_o and_o sure_o it_o can_v not_o but_o oblige_v and_o quicken_v we_o to_o study_v a_o christian_a behaviour_n if_o we_o frequent_o make_v a_o serious_a and_o solemn_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n last_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v frequent_o accompany_v our_o other_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o apostle_n with_o their_o convert_v do_v this_o daily_a as_o we_o read_v act_n 2._o 42._o 46._o which_o practice_n continue_v long_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n st._n augustine_n in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o janearius_fw-la say_v it_o be_v the_o custom_n to_o do_v so_o in_o many_o place_n 426._o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n condemn_v such_o as_o