and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o many_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o deep_a and_o serious_a sense_n what_o a_o weighty_a and_o solemn_a duty_n the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o forbear_v it_o because_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n these_o very_a man_n presume_v to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o address_v themselves_o unto_o god_n throne_n and_o hear_v his_o holy_a word_n without_o any_o preparation_n at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o require_v care_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o thus_o they_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n whilst_o they_o be_v too_o negligent_a and_o profane_a on_o the_o other_o they_o whole_o omit_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n because_o they_o will_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o at_o all_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o man_n who_o live_v so_o long_o under_o the_o most_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n edify_v so_o little_a by_o it_o why_o their_o understanding_n be_v so_o little_o improve_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o little_o better_v thereby_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v prepare_v mind_n and_o good_a disposition_n along_o with_o they_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o worldly_a affair_n their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o many_o wicked_a and_o impure_a spirit_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o give_v he_o any_o suitable_a entertainment_n some_o preparation_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v before_o we_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v after_o this_o or_o such_o like_a manner_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o any_o other_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o set_v apart_o from_o our_o private_a employment_n to_o the_o more_o solemn_a worship_n of_o our_o creator_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o awake_v let_v our_o soul_n be_v season_v with_o some_o holy_a and_o devout_a meditation_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o sun_n salute_v our_o eye_n and_o refresh_v our_o body_n with_o his_o comfortable_a beam_n 4.2_o mal._n 4.2_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v arise_v with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o make_v we_o the_o overture_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favour_n that_o this_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o receive_v the_o homage_n of_o his_o vassal_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o enter_v his_o court_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n admire_v his_o excellency_n adore_v his_o perfection_n celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o want_n before_o he_o and_o beg_a supply_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o improve_v these_o season_n of_o grace_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o meet_v our_o god_n and_o not_o only_o to_o put_v our_o body_n into_o a_o decent_a and_o become_a dress_n but_o to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o qualification_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o poor_a sinful_a man_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o because_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n 16.1_o prov._n 16.1_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o beseech_v god_n 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v inspire_v our_o heart_n with_o holy_a disposition_n and_o afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o vain_a and_o worldly_a thought_n to_o subdue_v all_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n a_o pure_a undefiled_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n that_o we_o may_v spend_v this_o day_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o iâ—â—edicated_v to_o god_n immediate_a service_n â—â—ter_v so_o holy_a and_o devout_a a_o manner_n as_o may_v promote_v our_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o hereby_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v go_v along_o with_o we_o through_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o incite_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o fervency_n and_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o all_o our_o request_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v grant_v we_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o attention_n and_o firm_a resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o with_o gladness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o soul_n with_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o love_a kindness_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v this_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n till_o the_o hour_n approach_v when_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o our_o devotion_n and_o we_o hear_v the_o summons_n to_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n it_o will_v then_o be_v time_n to_o enter_v upon_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n how_o we_o have_v pass_v the_o last_o week_n how_o well_o we_o have_v perform_v those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v former_o take_v up_o what_o sin_v we_o have_v since_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a duty_n we_o have_v omit_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o these_o our_o neglect_v and_o bewail_v our_o mis-carriage_n and_o resolve_v that_o we_o will_v amend_v our_o life_n and_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o that_o we_o will_v walk_v more_o upright_o and_o more_o exact_o in_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o preparation_n of_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v serve_v with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o unsanctify_v heart_n he_o abhor_v even_o the_o most_o solemn_a fast_n of_o those_o man_n who_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n 58.4_o isa_n 58.4_o he_o expect_v that_o the_o sprinkle_v water_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o we_o 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o wash_v our_o hand_n in_o innocency_n 26.6_o psal_n 26.6_o before_o we_o compass_n god_n altar_n let_v we_o therefore_o never_o omit_v this_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o god_n house_n when_o we_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o upon_o some_o sudden_a emergency_n all_o this_o precaution_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v this_o exactness_n of_o preparation_n may_v be_v omit_v and_o a_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n of_o mind_n will_v suffice_v yet_o this_o will_n in_o no_o wise_a excuse_n the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n nor_o take_v off_o the_o blame_n from_o those_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a omission_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o self-examination_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o some_o degree_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v before_o we_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o receive_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o sacrament_n be_v ancient_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o of_o late_a year_n it_o have_v be_v scandalous_o neglect_v and_o therefore_o as_o when_o man_n come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o due_a preparation_n 11.29_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o they_o trample_v under_o foot_n christ_n holy_a body_n and_o blood_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v condemnation_n to_o themselves_o so_o when_o they_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o attend_v upon_o
near_o we_o resemble_v he_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v of_o he_o in_o which_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o future_a state_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o consist_v in_o repeat_v act_n of_o love_n and_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o the_o better_a fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n by_o furnish_v our_o soul_n with_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o those_o divine_a quality_n of_o humility_n meekness_n charity_n etc._n etc._n the_o more_o capable_a we_o shall_v be_v of_o partake_v of_o those_o heavenly_a pleasure_n 16.11_o psal_n 16.11_o which_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o our_o time_n in_o this_o world_n be_v give_v we_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o we_o may_v furnish_v ourselves_o with_o such_o virtue_n and_o grace_n those_o wedding_n garment_n which_o will_v render_v we_o fit_a guest_n for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb._n it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o every_o virtue_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n which_o we_o must_v obtain_v before_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v it_o but_o this_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n at_o present_a 1._o dr._n scot_n in_o his_o christian_a life_n part._n 1._o and_o have_v be_v already_o large_o treat_v on_o by_o a_o excellent_a hand_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_a remark_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o our_o future_a state_n from_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n or_o to_o take_v those_o figurative_a description_n of_o it_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v 12.25_o mark_v 12.25_o nor_o marry_v nor_o be_v give_v in_o marriage_n a_o sensual_a paradise_n may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v by_o a_o turk_n or_o pagan_a but_o not_o by_o a_o christian_a who_o religion_n teach_v he_o to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o sinful_a lust_n and_o desire_v of_o the_o same_o it_o permit_v he_o indeed_o the_o moderate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o render_v his_o pilgrimage_n more_o easy_a and_o his_o journey_n to_o heaven_n more_o comfortable_a but_o yet_o it_o teach_v he_o that_o his_o chief_a happiness_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v place_v in_o transitory_a delight_n that_o they_o be_v joy_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a nature_n such_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o understand_v which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o those_o who_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o such_o blessing_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o immortal_a part_n such_o as_o the_o bless_a society_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a the_o vision_n of_o god_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n will_v be_v continual_o delight_v and_o transport_v in_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o creator_n if_o therefore_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o 12.14_o heb._n 12.14_o we_o must_v practice_v holiness_n in_o this_o life_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n we_o must_v make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o keep_v our_o passion_n within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o under_o the_o government_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o mortify_v our_o immoderate_a appetite_n and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n such_o as_o faith_n hope_n patience_n and_o charity_n this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o every_o one_o who_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n be_v persuade_v to_o embrace_v this_o pleasant_a course_n of_o life_n and_o methinks_v there_o shall_v need_v no_o more_o argument_n to_o prevail_v with_o you_o present_o to_o enter_v upon_o it_o since_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unquestionable_o both_o for_o your_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a interest_n for_o what_o do_v god_n require_v of_o you_o which_o be_v not_o high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a what_o do_v he_o command_v you_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n to_o love_v mercy_n 6.8_o micah_n 6.8_o and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o your_o god_n i._n e._n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o to_o act_n as_o become_v reasonable_a and_o dependent_a being_n consider_v what_o can_v you_o wish_v for_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o religion_n length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n she_o shall_v give_v thy_o head_n a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n 3.16_o pror_n 3.16_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n exalt_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v promote_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o to_o honour_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n to_o thy_o head_n and_o as_o a_o chain_n about_o thy_o neck_n what_o allurement_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o perish_v even_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n that_o you_o shall_v prefer_v they_o before_o those_o which_o flow_v from_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n and_o now_o may_v not_o god_n just_o expostulate_v with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n 5.4_o isa_n 5.4_o what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v to_o my_o vineyard_n which_o i_o have_v not_o do_v unto_o it_o what_o more_o probable_a and_o more_o rational_a method_n can_v god_n have_v take_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o be_v good_a and_o by_o consequence_n happy_a than_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o he_o have_v address_v himself_o both_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n he_o have_v place_v eternal_a happiness_n on_o one_o hand_n and_o eternal_a misery_n on_o the_o other_o and_o moreover_o have_v strew_v our_o way_n to_o heaven_n with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v for_o we_o we_o resolve_v to_o be_v miserable_a and_o to_o take_v even_o hell_n by_o force_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o blame_v but_o our_o own_o stupendous_a folly_n we_o can_v sure_o be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o our_o service_n or_o that_o our_o praise_n make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o glory_n 35.6_o job_n 35.6_o for_o as_o elihu_n very_o well_o argue_v if_o thou_o sin_v what_o do_v thou_o against_o he_o or_o if_o thy_o transgression_n be_v multiply_v what_o do_v thou_o unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o receive_v he_o at_o thy_o hand_n thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o thy_o righteousness_n may_v profit_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v only_o our_o welfare_n god_n seek_v it_o be_v our_o good_a he_o be_v so_o solicitous_a for_o and_o as_o he_o make_v we_o at_o first_o with_o a_o design_n to_o communicate_v happiness_n unto_o we_o so_o he_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o gracious_a intention_n towards_o we_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o shall_v we_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o go_v on_o to_o defeat_v all_o the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v not_o these_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o move_v we_o shall_v neither_o our_o eternal_a nor_o our_o temporal_a interest_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o we_o this_o will_v certain_o be_v such_o unaccountable_a folly_n and_o monstrous_a ingratitude_n as_o no_o consider_v person_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o let_v i_o therefore_o beseech_v you_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n 12.1_o rom._n 12.1_o that_o you_o present_v your_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v but_o your_o reasonable_a service_n let_v i_o beg_v and_o entreat_v of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o bless_a lord_n and_o redeemer_n that_o you_o will_v so_o far_o consult_v your_o own_o interest_n as_o to_o lead_v a_o pure_a holy_a and_o devout_a life_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o pass_v your_o time_n cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o make_v sure_a of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v sermon_n ii_o psalm_n cxix_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o with_o great_a reason_n have_v
labour_n of_o prove_v to_o you_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o have_v be_v the_o usage_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o of_o those_o who_o example_n be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o of_o those_o heathen_n who_o have_v be_v eminent_a for_o virtue_n and_o morality_n the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o 77.6_o psal_n 77.6_o that_o he_o use_v constant_o to_o call_v himself_o to_o a_o account_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n i_o common_a with_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o my_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n among_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v all_o those_o who_o write_v upon_o practical_a subject_n press_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o shall_v i_o instance_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n basil_n gregory_n and_o the_o rest_n neither_o be_v the_o heathen_a moralist_n want_v in_o the_o recommendation_n of_o it_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o their_o own_o example_n that_o precept_n of_o pythagoras_n in_o his_o golden_a verse_n be_v general_o know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ask_v thyself_o say_v he_o every_o night_n what_o sin_n have_v i_o commit_v this_o day_n what_o good_a have_v i_o do_v what_o good_a have_v i_o leave_v undo_v which_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v seneca_n tell_v we_o quotidie_fw-la apud_fw-la i_o causam_fw-la dico_fw-la i_o every_o day_n pass_v judgement_n upon_o my_o own_o action_n when_o i_o be_o in_o bed_n and_o the_o light_n be_v take_v away_o i_o run_v over_o all_o my_o word_n and_o deed_n i_o consider_v how_o i_o have_v spend_v that_o day_n i_o omit_v nothing_o which_o i_o can_v recollect_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a to_o reflect_v on_o my_o own_o fail_n when_o i_o can_v say_v to_o myself_o this_o be_v not_o well_o do_v but_o do_v so_o no_o more_o he_o also_o tell_v we_o of_o his_o friend_n sixtus_n the_o philosopher_n who_o due_o thus_o examine_v himself_o before_o he_o go_v to_o rest_v what_o disease_n of_o thy_o soul_n or_o what_o vice_n have_v thou_o cure_v this_o day_n what_o sin_n have_v thou_o subdue_v be_v thou_o a_o better_a man_n to_o day_n than_o thou_o be_v yesterday_o if_o so_o thou_o have_v live_v to_o some_o purpose_n but_o if_o not_o thou_o have_v but_o consume_v and_o lose_v thy_o time_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o divine_a plato_n when_o he_o see_v any_o man_n do_v a_o wicked_a or_o unbecoming_a action_n use_v to_o ask_v himself_o this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v i_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n if_o this_o sin_n look_v so_o ill_a in_o that_o man_n be_v it_o not_o worse_o in_o i_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o let_v i_o be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o may_v easy_o heap_v up_o many_o like_a instance_n for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a who_o omit_v or_o neglect_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v this_o for_o grant_v and_o proceed_v second_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v perform_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o 1._o when_o we_o design_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n let_v we_o first_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o life_n from_o every_o thing_n which_o will_v take_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o task_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n for_o since_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o be_v wide_o different_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o attend_v on_o the_o one_o whilst_o our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o about_o the_o other_o and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o two_o opposite_a object_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o keep_v our_o apprehensive_a faculty_n intent_n both_o on_o thing_n temporal_a and_o thing_n spiritual_a when_o we_o have_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v our_o soul_n from_o all_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a thought_n and_o affection_n let_v we_o beseech_v god_n from_o who_o be_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v we_o impartial_o to_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n assist_v our_o memory_n and_o discover_v to_o we_o those_o sin_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o our_o conscience_n and_o teach_v we_o those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o which_o either_o we_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o which_o we_o have_v forget_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o they_o at_o present_a we_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v affect_v with_o when_o we_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n and_o to_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o the_o other_o world_n have_v thus_o fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o and_o i._o the_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o employ_v ourselves_o about_o this_o duty_n ii_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o this_o duty_n will_v be_v most_o seasonable_o perform_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o examine_v themselves_o daily_o and_o this_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o since_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v one_o condition_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o before_o he_o will_v seal_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o they_o unless_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o daily_o the_o number_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o shall_v we_o defer_v it_o till_o a_o far_a time_n many_o of_o they_o will_v slip_v out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o than_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o no_o other_o condition_n of_o pardon_n but_o that_o general_a confession_n of_o they_o 19.12_o psal_n 19.12_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o my_o secret_a sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o call_v those_o sin_n secret_a which_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o only_o because_o we_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o discover_v they_o what_o time_n of_o the_o day_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o this_o employment_n every_o man_n prudence_n must_v determine_v this_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o exigency_n of_o his_o affair_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a even_o in_o this_o case_n 11.6_o eccles_n 11.6_o to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n to_o consider_v in_o the_o morning_n what_o temptation_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o that_o day_n what_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o make_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o we_o will_v resist_v the_o one_o and_o embrace_v the_o other_o and_o to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o account_v in_o the_o evening_n how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v perform_v our_o vow_n unto_o god_n or_o else_o shameful_o give_v up_o his_o cause_n and_o yield_v to_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o prevail_a temptation_n but_o beside_o this_o daily_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o there_o be_v other_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o day_n set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n that_o those_o person_n who_o all_o the_o week_n long_o be_v cumber_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n employ_v in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o body_n may_v have_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v themselves_o and_o to_o secure_v the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o how_o can_v man_n employ_v this_o day_n better_o i_o mean_v that_o part_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v upon_o to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o recollect_v themselves_o how_o they_o have_v spend_v the_o week_n past_a what_o sin_v they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a action_n they_o have_v perform_v what_o progress_n they_o have_v make_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o in_o consider_v what_o temptation_n they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o follow_a week_n and_o in_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o walk_v more_o strict_o and_o more_o
thought_n be_v not_o sinful_a unless_o immediate_o blasphemous_a against_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o blame_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o commit_v murder_n or_o adultery_n unless_o it_o be_v actual_o put_v in_o execution_n which_o we_o have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o among_o we_o who_o maintain_v this_o absurd_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n their_o thought_n be_v so_o free_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o act_n so_o cunning_o as_o to_o escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n 55.21_o psal_n 55.21_o if_o they_o can_v but_o speak_v word_n smooth_a than_o oil_n they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o solicitous_a how_o their_o heart_n stand_v affect_v but_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v 2.15_o rom._n 2.15_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o loud_a word_n and_o most_o public_a action_n in_o god_n book_n not_o only_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n but_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v write_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v not_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o contrive_v beforehand_o how_o we_o may_v fulfil_v our_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o desire_n solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n i._n e._n 9_o prov._n 2.4_o 9_o a_o foolish_a thought_n and_o that_o a_o man_n of_o wicked_a device_n or_o thought_n god_n will_v condemn_v 12.2_o prov._n 12.2_o and_o st._n john_n affirm_v 3.15_o 1_o joh._n 3.15_o that_o whosoever_o hate_v his_o brother_n or_o retain_v any_o rancour_n or_o malice_n in_o his_o heart_n be_v a_o murderer_n now_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n god_n will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a intention_n of_o those_o person_n who_o fail_v in_o their_o obedience_n only_o for_o want_n of_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o so_o on_o the_o other_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v sinful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o we_o have_v neither_o will_n nor_o power_n to_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n abraham_n only_o intend_v to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n isaac_n 11.17_o heb._n 11.17_o and_o this_o holy_a purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n 18.12_o gen._n 18.12_o and_o when_o sarah_n disbelieved_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o deride_v it_o in_o her_o heart_n she_o be_v say_v to_o laugh_v within_o herself_o and_o god_n resent_v the_o provocation_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o a_o wicked_a thought_n be_v put_v into_o execution_n and_o break_v out_o into_o a_o wicked_a act_n 1.15_o jam._n 1.15_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o sin_n it_o be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o heinous_a nature_n and_o deep_a dye_n than_o when_o it_o be_v only_o a_o embryo_n or_o in_o the_o birth_n yet_o in_o many_o respect_v our_o thought_n may_v be_v more_o wicked_a than_o either_o our_o word_n or_o action_n can_v be_v for_o 1._o our_o thought_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o our_o action_n there_o must_v be_v many_o preparatory_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n many_o thought_n twist_v together_o to_o produce_v one_o deliberate_a sinful_a action_n how_o many_o plotting_n and_o contriving_n desire_n and_o hope_n wish_n and_o complacency_n must_v go_v before_o the_o commission_n of_o every_o evil_a deed_n there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o scheme_n erect_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o mean_n and_o method_n must_v be_v resolve_v on_o the_o instrument_n must_v be_v choose_v and_o the_o thing_n frequent_o act_v over_o in_o our_o thought_n before_o any_o notorious_a sinful_a action_n can_v be_v commit_v 2._o the_o same_o sin_n may_v be_v act_v over_o a_o thousand_o time_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o can_v only_o be_v once_o perform_v in_o the_o outward_a action_n we_o may_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o recall_v the_o sin_n we_o have_v former_o commit_v in_o represent_v they_o in_o our_o fancy_n and_o re-acting_a they_o over_o in_o our_o imagination_n and_o hereby_o draw_v down_o a_o fresh_a gild_n upon_o ourselves_o nay_o 3._o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n by_o contrive_v they_o in_o our_o mind_n which_o can_v never_o possible_o be_v real_o act_v thus_o the_o covetous_a man_n may_v rob_v his_o neighbour_n of_o his_o wealth_n though_o he_o never_o obtain_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o the_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a may_v murder_v his_o enemy_n when_o out_o of_o his_o reach_n and_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloodthirsty_a may_v imagine_v all_o mankind_n to_o have_v but_o one_o neck_n and_o then_o cut_v it_o off_o 14.1_o psal_n 14.1_o and_o the_o atheist_n may_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o fancy_v he_o exclude_v out_o of_o the_o world_n from_o these_o and_o such_o other_o consideration_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o think_v as_o we_o please_v but_o that_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n nay_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n that_o no_o word_n or_o action_n can_v be_v good_a or_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o unessayed_v heart_n a_o wicked_a man_n may_v perform_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n they_o be_v only_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la counterfeit_a virtue_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o that_o if_o we_o give_v our_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n i._n e._n a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o heart_n all_o those_o good_a deed_n will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o 2._o the_o keep_v of_o our_o heart_n be_v conducive_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n because_o the_o maintain_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n depend_v on_o it_o now_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v maintain_v by_o our_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o bestow_v on_o we_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o if_o so_o then_o what_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o from_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o impure_a desire_n and_o affection_n reek_v with_o lust_n or_o anger_n or_o revenge_n he_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o delight_n to_o dwell_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a heart_n 57.15_o isa_n 57.15_o and_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v infect_v with_o envy_n malice_n pride_n or_o lust_n we_o shall_v grieve_v he_o and_o he_o will_v depart_v from_o we_o and_o then_o the_o devil_n those_o impure_a spirit_n will_v take_v possession_n of_o our_o soul_n they_o will_v become_v a_o cage_n of_o these_o unclean_a bird_n a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o these_o legion_n to_o dwell_v in_o 3._o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o the_o preparation_n we_o have_v make_v for_o it_o in_o this_o our_o life_n here_o be_v a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n a_o small_a span_n of_o time_n allot_v we_o to_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o divine_a quality_n those_o wedding_n garment_n which_o will_v render_v we_o welcome_a guest_n at_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb._n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o well-grounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v make_v it_o our_o employment_n here_o to_o restrain_v our_o passion_n moderate_a our_o affection_n inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o holy_a meditation_n these_o be_v qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v we_o relish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o another_o life_n for_o we_o may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n hope_v to_o satisfy_v our_o hunger_n with_o precious_a stone_n and_o diamond_n or_o our_o thirst_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o stately_a building_n or_o goodly_a apparel_n as_o that_o a_o malicious_a envious_a lustful_a or_o covetous_a person_n whilst_o he_o continue_v so_o shall_v take_v delight_n in_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o in_o sing_v praise_n and_o hallelujah_n unto_o god_n so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o we_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v our_o
without_o labour_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v this_o encouragement_n that_o every_o day_n will_v make_v it_o more_o easy_a the_o great_a hardship_n be_v in_o the_o beginning_n but_o when_o we_o have_v accustom_a ourselves_o to_o pious_a and_o devout_a meditation_n they_o will_v become_v more_o delightful_a to_o we_o than_o the_o most_o voluptuous_a and_o sensual_a imagination_n we_o shall_v take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o meditate_v on_o god_n word_n and_o contemplate_v those_o joy_n which_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n and_o will_v be_v the_o lot_n and_o portion_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o glory_n than_o we_o can_v do_v in_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n than_o that_o which_o the_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n enjoy_v when_o he_o be_v inflame_v with_o zeal_n and_o transport_v with_o devotion_n when_o with_o st._n paul_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o heaven_n on_o the_o wing_n of_o contemplation_n and_o receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n these_o be_v joy_n beyond_o the_o ken_n of_o a_o sensual_a mind_n and_o the_o peculiar_a reward_n of_o those_o person_n who_o have_v prepare_v themselves_o and_o render_v their_o heart_n capable_a of_o receive_v they_o by_o cleanse_v they_o of_o all_o sinful_a and_o impure_a lust_n and_o deck_v and_o adorn_v they_o with_o holy_a affection_n and_o desire_v with_o these_o man_n the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n and_o where_o he_o dwell_v there_o must_v needs_o be_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_v unexpressible_a this_o be_v the_o most_o bless_a condition_n we_o can_v attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o sure_a mark_n and_o token_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o sermon_n x._o matth_n vii_o 12._o therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n commentator_n put_v their_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n to_o find_v out_o a_o connection_n between_o these_o word_n and_o those_o which_o go_v before_o the_o word_n therefore_o seem_v to_o denote_v that_o they_o be_v a_o inference_n draw_v from_o precede_a premise_n some_o there_o be_v who_o think_v that_o they_o bear_v a_o relation_n to_o those_o precept_n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o this_o gospel_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o which_o treat_v of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n other_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o they_o relate_v only_o to_o the_o seven_o and_o follow_a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o then_o as_o they_o think_v present_o add_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o action_n hereby_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o our_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n ought_v to_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o those_o thing_n we_o want_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o obtain_v they_o this_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o afford_v we_o matter_n of_o wholesome_a advice_n but_o upon_o read_v the_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o connection_n seem_v to_o be_v rather_o strain_v and_o extort_a from_o the_o text_n than_o the_o natural_a design_n of_o the_o inspire_a penman_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v rather_o look_v upon_o these_o word_n as_o a_o entire_a proposition_n contain_v matter_n of_o advice_n how_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o particle_n therefore_o be_v often_o redundant_fw-la and_o serve_v only_o to_o pass_v from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o and_o in_o the_o syriack_n version_n it_o be_v whole_o omit_v as_o to_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o oppose_v the_o gross_a mistake_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o dote_v so_o much_o on_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n as_o to_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o work_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n as_o may_v plain_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n the_o twenty_o three_o and_o twenty_o four_o verse_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v the_o prophet_n so_o earnest_a in_o exhort_v they_o to_o work_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n prove_v that_o these_o be_v the_o great_a line_n of_o our_o duty_n 1.11_o isa_n 1.11_o and_o that_o in_o comparison_n with_o these_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o little_a value_n or_o worth_n 5.22_o amos_n 5.22_o and_o the_o same_o design_n be_v carry_v on_o by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n he_o endeavour_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o superstitious_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n after_o real_a holiness_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o religion_n therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v consider_v i._o the_o mean_v and_o design_n of_o this_o rule_n ii_o i_o shall_v mark_v out_o its_o bound_n and_o limitation_n iii_o i_o shall_v recommend_v it_o to_o your_o practice_n by_o show_v its_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n iv_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o some_o few_o reflection_n on_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n i._o as_o to_o the_o mean_v and_o design_n of_o these_o word_n they_o be_v certain_o a_o appeal_n to_o that_o first_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o all_o animate_v being_n irrational_a creature_n be_v guide_v to_o it_o by_o instinct_n i._n e._n the_o unerring_a hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n but_o mankind_n be_v direct_v by_o reason_n which_o teach_v they_o to_o seek_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o support_v their_o be_v and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n which_o contribute_v to_o their_o wellbeing_a and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n now_o since_o our_o wellbeing_a and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o agreeable_a object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o our_o appetite_n and_o desire_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o since_o the_o same_o object_n produce_v the_o same_o inclination_n and_o passion_n in_o all_o man_n therefore_o from_o hence_o will_v result_v a_o unavoidable_a obligation_n of_o deal_n by_o all_o man_n as_o we_o ourselves_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o if_o we_o be_v in_o their_o condition_n and_o they_o in_o we_o for_o since_o we_o shall_v necessary_o desire_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n our_o neighbour_n be_v in_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v grant_v he_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o in_o our_o power_n which_o we_o shall_v expect_v from_o he_o if_o he_o be_v in_o our_o circumstance_n and_o we_o in_o he_o this_o therefore_o be_v a_o universal_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o those_o particular_a law_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n that_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o act_n either_o because_o the_o action_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o holy_a writ_n nor_o have_v we_o any_o plain_a precept_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o or_o when_o we_o suspect_v that_o our_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n have_v clap_v a_o bias_n upon_o our_o reason_n or_o when_o we_o will_v discover_v the_o due_a measure_n of_o our_o action_n and_o with_o what_o agreeable_a circumstance_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v than_o we_o may_v appeal_v to_o this_o disinteressed_a judge_n which_o god_n have_v place_v in_o our_o bosom_n and_o demand_v bold_o of_o ourselves_o how_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o and_o what_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n our_o neighbour_n be_v in_o for_o the_o holy_a gospel_n have_v not_o provide_v particular_a law_n of_o equal_a extent_n with_o all_o the_o action_n of_o humane_a life_n nor_o give_v direction_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o in_o what_o measure_n every_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v if_o this_o be_v attempt_v we_o may_v well_o say_v that_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v 21.25_o joh._n 21.25_o and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n only_o chalk_n out_o to_o we_o the_o great_a line_n
in_o the_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o private_a and_o too_o many_o there_o be_v who_o feel_v little_a or_o no_o remorse_n in_o the_o omission_n of_o their_o closet_n devotion_n but_o who_o can_v behold_v the_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n prostrate_a before_o god_n repeat_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o fervency_n and_o devotion_n and_o a_o congregation_n unite_v together_o both_o in_o heart_n and_o voice_n but_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o 39.3_o psal_n 39.3_o while_o he_o thus_o muse_n the_o fire_n will_v kindle_v in_o his_o breast_n and_o he_o can_v forbear_v speak_v with_o his_o tongue_n the_o praise_n of_o god_n how_o often_o have_v profane_a and_o wicked_a wretch_n who_o come_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n either_o out_o of_o fashion_n or_o custom_n to_o look_v and_o gaze_v about_o they_o or_o on_o some_o worse_a design_n be_v touch_v by_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n how_o often_o have_v their_o heart_n glow_v within_o they_o and_o they_o have_v take_v up_o serious_a and_o solemn_a resolution_n of_o serve_v and_o worship_v god_n better_a for_o the_o future_a and_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v but_o these_o good_a resolution_n second_v do_v not_o man_n divert_v those_o good_a thought_n and_o put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n by_o business_n or_o pleasure_n they_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o have_v a_o last_a influence_n on_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n innumerable_a be_v the_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n which_o every_o pious_a and_o devout_a person_n be_v sensible_a of_o though_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o form_n in_o other_o a_o suitable_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o they_o who_o can_v declare_v the_o wonderful_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o all_o such_o as_o delight_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n here_o be_v those_o live_a water_n which_o allay_v the_o thirst_n after_o sensual_a enjoyment_n that_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a food_n and_o nourishment_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o by_o these_o ordinance_n our_o faith_n be_v strengthen_v our_o hope_n confirm_v our_o charity_n enlarge_v our_o devotion_n render_v more_o fervent_a and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o our_o unite_a prayer_n we_o take_v even_o heaven_n itself_o god_n pour_v out_o a_o double_a portion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o such_o as_o frequent_v his_o ordinance_n 18.20_o matth._n 18.20_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v promise_v that_o when_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o who_o then_o will_v omit_v one_o opportunity_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o public_a who_o will_v neglect_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n people_n one_o lord_n day_n when_o he_o know_v not_o but_o he_o lose_v that_o season_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v be_v most_o beneficial_a to_o his_o immortal_a soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o neglect_v no_o opportunity_n of_o serve_v god_n for_o we_o know_v not_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v work_v most_o powerful_o on_o our_o heart_n the_o poor_a impotent_a man_n have_v lie_v a_o long_a while_n at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n and_o yet_o have_v he_o be_v absent_a but_o that_o one_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n come_v thither_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a he_o have_v never_o be_v cure_v and_o therefore_o let_v no_o excuse_n serve_v let_v no_o business_n divert_v we_o from_o make_v our_o constant_a approach_n unto_o god_n altar_n for_o the_o spirit_n blow_v when_o as_o well_o as_o where_o it_o list_v and_o we_o must_v blame_v ourselves_o if_o through_o our_o own_o neglect_n we_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o operation_n some_o indeed_o pretend_v that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o frequent_a at_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o make_v it_o up_o in_o their_o closet_n but_o god_n will_v not_o thus_o be_v compound_v with_o our_o private_a devotion_n be_v unquestionable_o our_o duty_n our_o particular_a want_n call_v for_o our_o private_a prayer_n and_o our_o particular_a mercy_n for_o our_o private_a thanksgiving_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o they_o when_o they_o occasion_v the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o public_a when_o two_o duty_n stand_v in_o competition_n one_o with_o another_o we_o ought_v to_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o that_o duty_n whereby_o most_o glory_n will_v accrue_v to_o god_n most_o benefit_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o which_o will_v best_o serve_v to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o since_o all_o these_o end_n be_v best_a obtain_v by_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o our_o private_a devotion_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o either_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v neglect_v every_o good_a christian_a will_v find_v convenient_a time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o both_o of_o they_o but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v omit_v we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o god_n will_v be_v best_a please_v when_o we_o make_v the_o most_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o join_v together_o to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n these_o be_v some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o obligation_n which_o ought_v to_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o give_v a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v ii_o that_o this_o worship_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o decent_a manner_n imaginable_a in_o that_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n which_o become_v every_o devout_a worshipper_n and_o which_o the_o text_n require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o full_a import_n of_o this_o expression_n it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v different_o render_v by_o interpreter_n some_o will_v have_v they_o translate_v in_o ornatu_fw-la sanctitatis_fw-la and_o then_o they_o denote_v that_o true_a faith_n and_o those_o holy_a affection_n of_o soul_n with_o which_o every_o devout_a worshipper_n ought_v to_o approach_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n other_o choose_v rather_o to_o render_v they_o cum_fw-la decenti_fw-la sanctimonio_fw-la which_o more_o plain_o denote_v that_o reverence_n and_o decency_n of_o behaviour_n which_o certain_o become_v every_o one_o who_o speak_v to_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n the_o septuagint_n follow_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o reference_n to_o the_o place_n in_o which_o god_n be_v worship_v among_o the_o jew_n denote_v to_o we_o that_o the_o fit_a place_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v consecrate_a and_o dedicate_v to_o that_o purpose_n that_o god_n will_v afford_v his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n in_o that_o place_n 6.12_o ezra_n 6.12_o in_o which_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o set_v his_o name_n and_o will_v there_o dispense_v to_o we_o the_o large_a effusion_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o though_o god_n be_v present_a at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n and_o hearken_v even_o to_o the_o sigh_n of_o the_o prisoner_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o deep_a dungeon_n yet_o the_o church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o throne_n from_o whence_o he_o give_v public_a audience_n where_o we_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o expect_v a_o speedy_a answer_n to_o our_o petition_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n so_o often_o repeat_v that_o exhortation_n of_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o his_o court_n and_o strength_n and_o beauty_n be_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n the_o 6_o and_o 8_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n i_o shall_v take_v in_o all_o these_o different_a version_n and_o then_o they_o will_v give_v we_o the_o meaning_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n in_o its_o utmost_a latitude_n which_o consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n i._o in_o the_o good_a disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n ii_o in_o the_o become_a and_o suitable_a behaviour_n of_o our_o body_n iii_o in_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o those_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v our_o worship_n 1._o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n consist_v in_o the_o good_a disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n when_o our_o understanding_n be_v fill_v with_o gloriour_a idea_n of_o god_n power_n majesty_n and_o goodness_n our_o will_n resign_v to_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o our_o affection_n draw_v out_o after_o he_o when_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o majesty_n produce_v a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n in_o our_o soul_n his_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n trust_v and_o reliance_n on_o he_o his_o goodness_n gratitude_n and_o thankfulness_n for_o his_o mercy_n love_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o man_n in_o short_a when_o the_o contemplation_n on_o god_n glorious_a attribute_n beget_v in_o our_o soul_n affection_n
his_o ordinance_n careless_o and_o negligent_o they_o grieve_v god_n holy_a spirit_n provoke_v he_o to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n 14._o isa_n 29.13_o 14._o forasmuch_o as_o this_o people_n say_v the_o prophet_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o therefore_o behold_v i_o will_v proceed_v to_o do_v a_o marvellous_a work_n and_o a_o wonder_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n shall_v perish_v and_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o prudent_a man_n shall_v be_v hide_v god_n do_v not_o now_o always_o punish_v profaneness_n and_o coldness_n in_o our_o devotion_n with_o temporal_a evil_n and_o sickness_n in_o the_o body_n as_o former_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o he_o have_v exchange_v they_o for_o such_o as_o be_v far_o more_o dreadful_a such_o as_o endanger_v the_o soul_n and_o take_v away_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o a_o christian_n every_o unsanctify_v approach_n which_o we_o make_v unto_o he_o render_v we_o more_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o our_o devotion_n till_o at_o last_o iâ—_n lead_v we_o by_o degree_n into_o open_a profaneness_n and_o atheism_n let_v therefore_o every_o one_o who_o desire_v to_o receive_v the_o bless_a influence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v a_o temple_n fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o let_v he_o i_o say_v first_o cleanse_v his_o heart_n by_o a_o due_a and_o strict_a examination_n of_o himself_o and_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n for_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n let_v he_o thus_o keep_v his_o foot_n before_o he_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n observe_v what_o path_n he_o have_v walk_v in_o how_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v fit_v and_o dispose_v to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n last_o whilst_o we_o be_v go_v towards_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o that_o god_n before_o who_o we_o be_v go_v to_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a creator_n preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o humble_v himself_o to_o look_v down_o upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v exalt_v above_o all_o praise_n and_o exceed_o happy_a and_o glorious_a above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o think_v it_o be_v this_o god_n who_o grant_v we_o audience_n and_o vouchsafe_v we_o the_o favour_n of_o make_v our_o address_n unto_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v also_o our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n how_o unworthy_a we_o be_v of_o so_o great_a favour_n and_o hereby_o raise_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n that_o humble_a awe_n and_o devout_a reverence_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v 26.2_o levit._fw-la 26.2_o which_o be_v require_v of_o every_o one_o who_o worship_n god_n thus_o the_o devout_a cornelius_n tell_v peter_n that_o he_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v present_a before_o god_n 10.23_o act_n 10.23_o to_o hear_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v they_o by_o god_n i._n e._n they_o have_v consider_v with_o themselves_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o hear_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n a_o frail_a sinful_a man_n like_o themselves_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o before_o we_o present_v our_o petition_n unto_o god_n we_o be_v command_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o on_o earth_n i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a distance_n between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o poor_a creature_n that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a the_o most_o glorious_a and_o the_o most_o holy_a be_v but_o we_o only_a dust_n and_o ash_n vile_a earth_n and_o miserable_a sinner_n vile_a we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n but_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o much_o more_o so_o by_o our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o repeat_v transgression_n when_o therefore_o we_o approach_v the_o holy_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o say_v thus_o within_o ourselves_o 28.17_o gen._n 28.17_o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n dwell_v i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n almighty_n who_o have_v my_o soul_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o my_o nostril_n at_o his_o disposal_n in_o who_o i_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v my_o be_v i_o be_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o present_v myself_o before_o his_o face_n to_o pay_v he_o my_o homage_n and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o tender_v of_o my_o bind_a duty_n and_o service_n let_v i_o therefore_o put_v my_o mind_n into_o such_o a_o devout_a frame_n as_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o and_o take_v care_n that_o i_o behave_v myself_o with_o reverence_n decency_n and_o devotion_n and_o now_o have_v bring_v you_o to_o the_o temple_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v 2._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v 1._o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n 41.24_o joh._n 41.24_o 2._o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n i._n e._n require_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o then_o that_o of_o our_o body_n now_o to_o a_o due_a worship_a god_n with_o our_o soul_n there_o be_v require_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o attention_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o ii_o the_o intention_n and_o ardency_n of_o the_o affection_n iii_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o will_n and_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n 1._o if_o we_o will_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n a_o acceptable_a service_n our_o mind_n must_v be_v attentive_a to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o whilst_o we_o be_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o those_o blessing_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o or_o praise_v he_o for_o those_o we_o have_v receive_v we_o must_v either_o be_v meditate_v on_o the_o god_n we_o worship_n or_o the_o thing_n we_o desire_v or_o praise_v he_o for_o for_o since_o worship_n be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v any_o serious_a sense_n or_o make_v any_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o perfection_n unless_o we_o keep_v our_o mind_n intent_n upon_o they_o we_o may_v as_o well_o commend_v the_o beauty_n of_o a_o object_n we_o never_o see_v and_o be_v take_v with_o that_o music_n we_o never_o hear_v as_o admire_v and_o acknowledge_v those_o excellency_n we_o never_o think_v on_o or_o consider_v for_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o our_o mouth_n when_o our_o thought_n be_v wander_v some_o where_n else_o and_o employ_v about_o some_o other_o business_n be_v but_o lip-worship_n at_o the_o best_a a_o sacrifice_n without_o a_o heart_n which_o god_n will_v utter_o detest_v and_o abhor_v it_o be_v therefore_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a device_n of_o the_o devil_n 2.11_o 2_o cor._n 2.11_o of_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o vain_a thought_n in_o our_o mind_n during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o divert_v they_o upon_o worldly_a and_o sinful_a object_n and_o hereby_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o benefit_n we_o may_v otherwise_o obtain_v by_o a_o due_a and_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o care_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o stand_v continual_o upon_o their_o guard_n to_o bear_v a_o strict_a eye_n over_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o find_v any_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n spring_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o restrain_v and_o bring_v back_o their_o wander_a thought_n and_o never_o to_o make_v they_o their_o own_o by_o consent_v to_o they_o or_o dwell_v upon_o they_o some_o man_n be_v more_o addict_v to_o rove_a and_o volatile_a thought_n than_o other_o be_v from_o their_o natural_a temper_n and_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o unblamable_a for_o that_o which_o they_o can_v help_v but_o it_o be_v then_o only_o they_o be_v faulty_a when_o their_o will_n close_v with_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_v of_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o prevent_v they_o i._n e._n a_o due_a and_o conscientious_a preparation_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o religious_a duty_n then_o do_v
dii_o charior_fw-la est_fw-la illis_fw-la homo_fw-la quam_fw-la sibi_fw-la which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v commit_v thyself_o and_o all_o thy_o concern_v to_o divine_a providence_n let_v he_o determine_v what_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o thou_o what_o be_v most_o requisite_a in_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o affair_n for_o god_n love_v man_n better_a than_o man_n love_v himself_o and_o do_v he_o good_a oftentimes_o against_o his_o will_n and_o though_o he_o deny_v he_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o his_o fleshly_a appetite_n and_o desire_n to_o his_o carnal_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a passion_n yet_o he_o give_v he_o other_o blessing_n which_o be_v more_o wholesome_a and_o more_o profitable_a to_o he_o thus_o a_o careful_a physician_n prescribe_v safe_a and_o beneficial_a though_o unpalatable_a medicine_n to_o his_o disease_a patient_n and_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o mankind_n merciful_o and_o bountiful_o and_o frequent_o deny_v his_o request_n and_o prayer_n out_o of_o kindness_n to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v furnish_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o safe_a and_o more_o convenient_a for_o he_o this_o be_v a_o useful_a lesson_n and_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o st._n paul_n experience_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o two_o precede_a verse_n lest_o say_v he_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n through_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o i_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v i_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n for_o this_o thing_n i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o i_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o st._n paul_n prayer_n wherein_o god_n instead_o of_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o pray_v for_o promise_v to_o give_v he_o his_o grace_n to_o endure_v it_o which_o will_v be_v far_o more_o commodious_a and_o advantageous_a to_o he_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o that_o i_o may_v discourse_v with_o the_o great_a profit_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v consider_v i._o what_o it_o be_v which_o god_n promise_v his_o grace_n ii_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a iii_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o as_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v thus_o unto_o he_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v thy_o request_n in_o exempt_n thou_o from_o thy_o manifold_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n but_o lest_o thou_o shall_v be_v oppress_v by_o they_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o what_o be_v more_o expedient_a for_o thou_o to_o wit_n my_o grace_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v which_o god_n promise_v viz._n his_o grace_n which_o take_v in_o the_o general_n denote_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n renew_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o continual_o strengthen_v and_o guide_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will._n now_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n proceed_v diversity_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v gratia_n gratis_o data_fw-la or_o the_o miraculous_a unction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o to_o one_o be_v give_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o speak_n with_o tongue_n to_o a_o three_o prophesy_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n mean_v in_o the_o text_n 10.12_o 1_o cor._n 10.12_o for_o this_o be_v communicate_v to_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o to_o good_a man_n to_o balaâ—â—_n and_o saul_n and_o caiphas_n and_o judas_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o tempt_a st._n paul_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text._n and_o those_o excellent_a gift_n and_o endowment_n with_o which_o this_o apostle_n be_v furnish_v tend_v to_o puff_n he_o up_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o buffet_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o that_o grace_n which_o uphold_v and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o be_v what_o the_o schoolman_n call_v gratia_n gratum_fw-la faciens_fw-la or_o the_o grace_n of_o life_n such_o as_o be_v all_o the_o save_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n such_o as_o faith_n hope_n charity_n purity_n humility_n and_o all_o other_o gracious_a habit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o wherein_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n do_v true_o consist_v 1.6_o eph._n 1.6_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o render_v we_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n eternal_a life_n unto_o we_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v best_a describe_v by_o its_o effect_n 6.23_o rom._n 6.23_o which_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n teach_v we_o those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o 2.27_o 1_o joh._n 2.27_o and_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o renew_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n govern_v our_o perverse_a will_n and_o affection_n counsel_n and_o action_n god_n holy_a spirit_n lead_v guide_a and_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n 8.14_o rom._n 8.14_o this_o unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n our_o head_n comfort_n we_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n and_o distress_n whether_o of_o body_n or_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v call_v the_o comforter_n 45.8_o joh._n 15.26_o psal_n 45.8_o and_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n and_o last_o it_o help_v we_o in_o all_o our_o strait_n and_o support_v we_o in_o time_n of_o the_o great_a distress_n and_o extremity_n it_o keep_v we_o from_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n when_o we_o consider_v our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o transgression_n or_o from_o question_v his_o providence_n because_o of_o our_o misery_n and_o from_o backslide_n and_o fall_a off_o from_o christ_n for_o fear_n of_o danger_n or_o any_o other_o worldly_a respect_n in_o short_a it_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n 4.13_o phil._n 4.13_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v we_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 2._o observable_a in_o the_o text._n the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o this_o grace_n it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o undergo_v whatsoever_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o we_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 5.23_o 1_o thes_n 5.23_o for_o since_o that_o god_n who_o give_v this_o grace_n be_v in_o himself_o all-sufficient_a therefore_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o assistance_n which_o he_o afford_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v about_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o give_v it_o god_n grace_n sanctify_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o body_n it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n it_o cheer_v we_o in_o adversity_n it_o restrain_v we_o in_o prosperity_n not_o suffer_v we_o either_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o the_o one_o or_o to_o droop_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o fortify_v our_o soul_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o batteries_n 6.12_o eph._n 6.12_o when_o we_o be_v afflict_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o suffering_n here_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 8.18_o rom._n 8.18_o which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o or_o if_o we_o abound_v in_o blessing_n or_o in_o gift_n natural_a or_o supernatural_a it_o tell_v we_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o to_o what_o end_n they_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o hide_v these_o talent_n in_o a_o napkin_n or_o abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n unto_o wantonness_n but_o promote_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n though_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n without_o present_a return_v or_o apparent_a success_n it_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n forbear_v to_o give_v we_o those_o good_a thing_n we_o ask_v for_o that_o he_o may_v try_v our_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o since_o he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o expedient_a to_o grant_v they_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v the_o determination_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n again_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o person_n our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o merciful_a that_o he_o shine_v
of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o pray_v incessant_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o assistance_n without_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o overween_a opinion_n of_o your_o own_o ability_n or_o cast_v a_o envious_a eye_n or_o a_o disdainful_a look_v on_o the_o attainment_n of_o other_o men._n these_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o save_a grace_n 5.22_o gal._n 5.22_o and_o if_o after_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o serious_a enquiry_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o you_o be_v possess_v of_o these_o qualification_n you_o may_v then_o and_o not_o otherwise_o be_v secure_a that_o you_o have_v true_o god_n grace_n even_o the_o grace_n of_o life_n 2._o if_o you_o find_v you_o have_v true_a grace_n endeavour_v to_o cherish_v and_o increase_v it_o for_o though_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v good_a only_o to_o such_o person_n who_o perform_v the_o condition_n annex_v to_o it_o that_o be_v who_o join_v their_o own_o endeavour_n with_o it_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n to_o be_v perform_v which_o if_o neglect_v will_v intercept_v the_o emanation_n of_o god_n grace_n grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o provoke_v he_o to_o depart_v from_o we_o and_o forsake_v we_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v keep_v that_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o we_o must_v cherish_v and_o improve_v it_o we_o must_v hearken_v to_o its_o motion_n obey_v its_o command_n comply_v with_o its_o counsel_n and_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v continue_v and_o increase_v it_o to_o we_o let_v we_o pray_v for_o all_o such_o mercy_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a as_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o but_o let_v we_o make_v our_o most_o fervent_a and_o frequent_a address_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o bless_a influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o beg_v of_o god_n instant_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n to_o enlighten_v assist_v and_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o exigence_n and_o to_o teach_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v a_o due_a use_n and_o right_a improvement_n of_o all_o other_o mercy_n thus_o much_o in_o the_o general_n but_o more_o particular_o 3._o let_v we_o learn_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o we_o since_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n see_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o as_o much_o as_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n if_o david_n can_v slay_v the_o philistine_n with_o a_o sling_n and_o a_o stone_n what_o need_n have_v he_o of_o saul_n armour_n if_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o perform_v what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o what_o occasion_n have_v we_o for_o any_o irresistible_a impulse_n or_o any_o force_n upon_o our_o will_n when_o we_o may_v be_v save_v like_o rational_a creature_n by_o god_n grace_n in_o conjunction_n with_o our_o own_o endeavour_n why_o shall_v we_o expect_v to_o be_v drive_v on_o by_o a_o blind_a instinct_n or_o fatality_n if_o our_o gift_n be_v sufficient_a to_o subdue_v our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o obtain_v heaven_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v content_a and_o thankful_o acquesce_v in_o the_o bounty_n of_o our_o good_a god_n and_o liberal_a benefactor_n we_o be_v teach_v indeed_o to_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n 12.31_o 1_o cor._n 12.31_o and_o to_o strive_v continual_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n but_o have_v do_v our_o endeavour_n we_o ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o that_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o impart_v to_o we_o if_o our_o neighbour_n have_v great_a gift_n than_o we_o have_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o he_o have_v make_v more_o use_n of_o they_o that_o his_o â—_z be_v great_a his_o duty_n temptation_n and_o trial_n more_o weighty_a frequent_a and_o troublesome_a whether_o therefore_o we_o have_v ordinary_a grace_n let_v we_o neither_o repine_v at_o god_n nor_o be_v deject_v in_o ourselves_o nor_o envy_v other_o or_o whether_o we_o have_v extraordinary_a grace_n let_v we_o not_o forget_v god_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o 12.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.11_o or_o despise_v other_o for_o this_o diversity_n of_o gift_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n distribute_v to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o will_n 4._o let_v we_o hence_o learn_v to_o endure_v temptation_n and_o affliction_n patient_o for_o though_o our_o affliction_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n appear_v never_o so_o grievous_a and_o insupportable_a yet_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v lay_v no_o more_o upon_o his_o servant_n than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v he_o will_v proportion_v his_o assistance_n to_o their_o want_n and_o give_v they_o strength_n to_o undergo_v that_o burden_n he_o be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o they_o his_o grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o what_o good_a man_n can_v undergo_v great_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n than_o st._n paul_n do_v and_o yet_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v not_o only_o support_v under_o they_o but_o he_o arrive_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n as_o to_o make_v they_o matter_n of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o glory_n in_o they_o where_o that_o long_a catalogue_n of_o affliction_n be_v introduce_v with_o this_o preface_n see_v that_o many_o glory_n after_o the_o flesh_n 11.18_o 2_o cor._n 11.18_o i_o will_v also_o glory_n and_o let_v we_o but_o summon_v up_o our_o christian_a courage_n and_o resolution_n let_v we_o but_o put_v forth_o that_o strength_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o pray_v to_o god_n fervent_o and_o incessant_o to_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o blessing_n and_o there_o can_v no_o affliction_n befall_v we_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v enable_v to_o go_v through_o with_o and_o at_o last_o see_v a_o happy_a and_o comfortable_a end_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o obtain_v the_o reward_n of_o our_o patience_n in_o the_o next_o and_o therefore_o 5._o and_o last_o we_o may_v from_o hence_o learn_v to_o refer_v the_o success_n of_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o present_o receive_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o petition_n let_v we_o not_o despond_v or_o conclude_v that_o god_n either_o do_v not_o hear_v or_o will_v not_o grant_v a_o favourable_a answer_n to_o our_o request_n for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v defer_v the_o give_v we_o those_o mercy_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o sometime_o to_o deny_v we_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o think_v good_a and_o convenient_a for_o we_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v a_o defect_n in_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v not_o have_v pray_v with_o sufficient_a fervency_n piety_n and_o perseverance_n perhaps_o the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o be_v not_o expedient_a for_o we_o or_o god_n see_v it_o will_v be_v more_o for_o our_o good_a to_o be_v without_o it_o and_o in_o all_o these_o case_n though_o he_o deny_v our_o request_n 6.9_o gal._n 6.9_o yet_o he_o consult_v our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v consider_v that_o at_o last_o we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o our_o prayer_n will_v return_v into_o our_o bosom_n load_v with_o blessing_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o do_v with_o many_o holy_a man_n and_o eminent_a saint_n who_o example_n be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o our_o instruction_n david_n though_o a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n yet_o by_o much_o weep_v fast_v and_o pray_v 12._o 2_o sam._n 12._o can_v not_o obtain_v the_o life_n of_o his_o child_n and_o samuel_n though_o a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o continue_v the_o kingdom_n upon_o saul_n and_o his_o posterity_n st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n 16.1_o 1_o sam._n 16.1_o though_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o though_o he_o not_o only_o pray_v thrice_o but_o offer_v up_o vehement_a supplication_n and_o prayer_n can_v not_o obtain_v a_o exemption_n from_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n when_o therefore_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n let_v we_o always_o make_v our_o request_n with_o resignation_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n and_o after_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n annex_v this_o condition_n to_o all_o our_o petition_n nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v 26.39_o mat._n 26.39_o but_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o then_o if_o god_n do_v not_o see_v fit_a to_o give_v