Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
spirit_n	heart_n	holy_a	lord_n	17,551	5	3.7649	3	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A64466	A fast of Gods chusing plainly opened for the help of those poor in spirit, whose hearts are set to seek the Lord their God in New-England, in the solemn ordinance of a fast : wherein is shewed, 1, the nature of such a fast, 2, the testimony God will give thereunto of his gracious acceptance, 3, the special seasons wherein God will bear witness to such a fast, 4, some helps to faith that is shall be so, 5, why such a fast is so acceptable and succesfull, 6, how much this concerns Gods people in New-England : preached on a fast called by publick authority, on 26, 1[6]74 / by Thomas Thacher...	Thacher, Thomas, 1620-1678.; Mather, Increase, 1639-1723.	1678 (1678)	Wing T830; ESTC R9807	27,462	32

of_o god_n a_o flatter_a of_o he_o with_o your_o lip_n a_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o your_o tongue_n if_o your_o spirit_n be_v not_o thus_o dispose_v and_o incline_v in_o such_o a_o solemn_a duty_n therefore_o further_o to_o distinguish_v there_o be_v a_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o a_o fast_a that_o he_o have_v not_o choose_v it_o this_o the_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o hang_v down_o the_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n for_o a_o day_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v this_o all_o that_o god_n require_v to_o put_v on_o a_o sad_a face_n and_o sad_a clothes_n and_o sad_a thought_n for_o a_o day_n or_o to_o fetch_v a_o sigh_n or_o two_o in_o your_o closet_n and_o pray_v in_o your_o family_n and_o go_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o when_o the_o day_n be_v over_o to_o be_v as_o you_o be_v before_o not_o make_v conscience_n of_o answer_v the_o expectation_n just_o raise_v upon_o your_o profession_n but_o the_o proud_a be_v proud_a still_o and_o the_o filthy_a be_v filthy_a still_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v if_o you_o will_v show_v i_o your_o fast_n where_o be_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o but_o sin_n be_v get_v ground_n upon_o we_o notwithstanding_o our_o fast_n schism_n heresy_n envy_n malice_n and_o strife_n notwithstanding_o your_o fast_n and_o all_o our_o day_n of_o atonement_n they_o prevail_v not_o to_o consume_v waist_n and_o destroy_v these_o abomination_n out_o of_o the_o land_n these_o be_v not_o the_o fast_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v god_n fast_n will_v break_v the_o heart_n for_o sin_n and_o from_o sin_n but_o your_o fast_n keep_v the_o heart_n whole_a and_o the_o life_n of_o sin_n whole_a within_o you_o never_o look_v for_o a_o tender_a he_o be_v if_o you_o can_v but_o fast_o away_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n &_o your_o care_n &_o diligent_a endeavour_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n my_o heart_n akesto_fw-la think_v of_o the_o unfruitful_a fast_n that_o be_v among_o we_o as_o to_o the_o body_n of_o this_o people_n though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v precious_a soul_n among_o we_o that_o mourn_v for_o these_o thing_n but_o ah_o new-england_n new-england_n how_o will_v thou_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o thy_o fast_n there_o be_v not_o a_o soul_n that_o hear_v i_o but_o fast_v either_o the_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v or_o that_o he_o have_v not_o choose_v you_o do_v fast_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v your_o profession_n that_o you_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n hang_v over_o your_o head_n and_o that_o you_o be_v sorry_a with_o all_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o have_v provoke_v god_n this_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o your_o action_n or_o else_o what_o do_v you_o here_o you_o profess_v that_o you_o do_v with_o all_o your_o heart_n entertain_v motion_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n where_o there_o have_v be_v strife_n and_o do_v profess_v you_o forgive_v they_o as_o god_n have_v forgive_v you_o and_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o k●●passion_n to_o afflict_a one_o and_o that_o your_o hand_n shall_v be_v open_a to_o relieve_v they_o according_a to_o your_o ability_n can_v any_o of_o your_o soul_n come_v to_o seek_v mercy_n from_o god_n and_o have_v your_o heart_n shut_v up_o against_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a without_o great_a hypocrisy_n how_o do_v your_o heart_n work_v towards_o these_o thing_n consider_v it_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n q._n what_o be_v the_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v answ_n it_o be_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v sincere_o and_o entire_o carry_v forth_o in_o a_o holy_a conformity_n to_o that_o which_o the_o duty_n make_v profession_n of_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n say_v god_n god_n care_v not_o for_o external_a performance_n without_o the_o heart_n they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o dog_n neck_n etc._n etc._n isa_n 66_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o high_a abomination_n when_o you_o come_v without_o a_o suitable_a heart_n to_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n which_o show_v a_o suitable_a heart_n to_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n first_o when_o the_o soul_n come_v with_o brokenness_n &_o contrition_n of_o heart_n when_o a_o holy_a tremble_n seize_v upon_o such_o a_o man_n when_o he_o draw_v nigh_o lest_o he_o provoke_v god_n and_o procure_v his_o indignation_n a_o break_a heart_n and_o contrite_a spirit_n begin_v the_o day_n and_o go_v along_o through_o the_o day_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v indeed_o suit_v to_o the_o duty_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o penitent_a self_n abasement_n before_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o duty_n these_o jew_n that_o be_v the_o false_a heart_a among_o they_o though_o there_o be_v some_o among_o they_o that_o be_v upright_o they_o quarrel_v with_o god_n wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o see_v not_o but_o the_o sincere_a soul_n be_v humble_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o cast_v away_o his_o prayer_n and_o service_n for_o god_n owe_v he_o nothing_o &c._n &c._n and_o there_o be_v a_o strong_a and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v he_o will_v no_o more_o return_n unto_o vanity_n 3_o in_o a_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o soul_n de●ers_v not_o nor_o delay_n nor_o put_v off_o the_o do_n of_o that_o work_n which_o concern_v it_o to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o its_o fast_n you_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n that_o your_o heart_n and_o way_n may_v be_v reform_v do_v you_o do_v it_o forthwith_o the_o delay_a soul_n that_o i●_n put_v off_o his_o reformation_n and_o renovation_n do_v not_o keep_v such_o a_o fast_a as_o god_n have_v choose_v if_o it_o be_v not_o time_n for_o you_o to_o do_v your_o duty_n it_o be_v time_n for_o you_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n if_o it_o be_v not_o time_n for_o you_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n it_o be_v time_n for_o god_n to_o carry_v on_o your_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n towards_o your_o desolation_n these_o delay_a soul_n do_v not_o keep_v a_o fast_a unto_o god_n when_o you_o resolve_v a_o fast_a you_o must_v resolve_v to_o begin_v and_o prosecute_v this_o work_n of_o turn_v unto_o god_n that_o very_a day_n and_o carry_v it_o on_o to_o the_o end_n last_o a_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v always_o leave_v a_o warm_a impression_n of_o love_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o to_o all_o mankind_n as_o god_n give_v opportunity_n oh_o when_o you_o have_v taste_v mercy_n from_o god_n how_o merciful_a will_v it_o make_v you_o to_o be_v to_o other_o therefore_o when_o man_n be_v hard-hearted_a cruel_a and_o harsh_a and_o their_o spirit_n not_o incline_v to_o mercy_n they_o have_v be_v very_o little_a with_o god_n to_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v again_o why_o be_v this_o call_v the_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v i_o answer_v brief_o reas_n 1._o because_o that_o such_o a_o fast_o do_v exact_o answer_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n will_v about_o it_o which_o he_o have_v eternal_o in_o himself_o and_o which_o he_o give_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n &_o therefore_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o its_o first_o pattern_n and_o exemplar_n unto_o the_o will_n and_o choice_n of_o god_n reas_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v because_o god_n prefer_v this_o above_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o fast_a there_o be_v fast_n many_o but_o this_o god_n prefer_v above_o all_o there_o be_v fast_n which_o obtain_v some_o answer_n from_o god_n yet_o be_v not_o like_o these_o you_o know_v what_o ahab_n obtain_v from_o god_n by_o fast_v 1_o king_n 21_o 27_o 28_o 29._o god_n have_v respect_n to_o his_o fast_n and_o humble_v himself_o and_o ahab_n obtain_v a_o reprieve_n thereby_o so_o that_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v be_v not_o execute_v in_o his_o day_n but_o yet_o ahab_n do_v not_o fast_o with_o such_o a_o fast_a as_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o delight_n in_o and_z accepts_z of_o reas_n 3._o because_o god_n take_v pleasure_n and_o have_v a_o gracious_a respect_n to_o his_o people_n in_o it_o and_o after_o it_o the_o service_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o it_o be_v a_o day_n he_o have_v choose_v and_o it_o ascend_v as_o the_o offering_n of_o a_o sweet_a smell_a sacrifice_n this_o be_v note_v in_o that_o the_o other_o be_v not_o a_o accept_a day_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v a_o day_n wherein_o god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o heaven_n if_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n when_o one_o sinner_n be_v convert_v how_o much_o more_o when_o a_o whole_a congregation_n be_v thus_o do_v to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v even_o to_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o

contrite_a spirit_n isai_n 66._o 2._o how_o much_o more_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o a_o people_n reas_n 4._o he_o will_v take_v his_o own_o time_n to_o manifest_v his_o own_o gracious_a acceptation_n of_o his_o people_n in_o such_o a_o fast_a you_o be_v not_o present_o answer_v you_o will_v say_n as_o you_o expect_v be_v it_o so_o remember_v your_o time_n be_v always_o but_o christ_n hour_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v but_o he_o that_o shall_v co●●_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v beyond_o his_o own_o time_n to_o answer_n quest_n ii_o we_o be_v come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v what_o those_o spiritual_a or_o outward_a benefit_n be_v whereby_o the_o lord_n be_v wont_a to_o manifest_v his_o gracious_a acceptation_n of_o such_o a_o fast_a and_o in_o general_a you_o may_v take_v it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o answer_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n he_o testify_v his_o acceptation_n thereof_o but_o more_o particular_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n whereby_o god_n discover_v his_o acceptance_n of_o such_o a_o day_n as_o this_o be_v 1._o when_o he_o give_v they_o a_o pray_v and_o fast_v frame_n of_o spirit_n such_o a_o frame_n as_o he_o require_v for_o this_o be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n but_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n grace_n when_o god_n prepare_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o humble_a he_o also_o hear_v their_o cry_n psal_n 10._o 17._o when_o god_n cause_v your_o heart_n and_o your_o tongue_n to_o pray_v he_o will_v certain_o cause_v his_o ear_n to_o hear_v for_o he_o be_v the_o hearer_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n rom._n 8._o 26._o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v but_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o god_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o when_o a_o man_n pray_v by_o his_o own_o spirit_n his_o own_o spirit_n be_v under_o his_o own_o command_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v uniform_a in_o his_o prayer_n he_o be_v not_o sometime_o straighten_v and_o sometime_o enlarge_v except_o it_o be_v through_o the_o distemper_n of_o his_o body_n or_o the_o like_a but_o when_o a_o man_n pray_v by_o god_n spirit_n there_o be_v some_o strange_a out-going_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o prayer_n which_o no_o mortal_a be_v able_a to_o command_v such_o enlargedness_n of_o heart_n such_o desire_n after_o christ_n and_o his_o grace_n such_o affliction_n for_o sin_n &_o earnest_a longing_n for_o deliverance_n as_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o command_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o when_o god_n give_v such_o a_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o gracious_a acceptation_n it_o be_v a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n when_o god_n give_v you_o a_o humble_a spirit_n it_o be_v a_o day_n of_o abstinence_n when_o god_n put_v into_o thy_o heart_n a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o divorcement_n from_o all_o sin_n how_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a soever_o this_o be_v a_o pledge_n of_o god_n gracious_a acceptation_n according_a to_o that_o promise_n isai_n 65._o 24._o before_o they_o call_v i_o will_v answer_v and_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o speak_v i_o will_v hear_v 2._o when_o god_n give_v a_o heart_n after_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n that_o which_o concern_v ourselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v our_o spiritual_a request_n &_o supplication_n present_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v when_o there_o be_v a_o reform_a spirit_n a_o purify_n spirit_n a_o watchful_a spirit_n against_o sin_n when_o the_o soul_n set_v himself_o with_o more_o watchfulness_n &_o industry_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o a_o people_n as_o in_o nehe._n 10._o the_o whole_a chapter_n and_o the_o last_o chap._n of_o ezra_n after_o their_o humiliation_n how_o active_a be_v they_o for_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n when_o church_n and_o court_n and_o all_o in_o their_o place_n endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o sin_n and_o make_v up_o the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o they_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a demonstration_n that_o god_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n to_o answer_v they_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a gracious_a argument_n of_o our_o acceptation_n with_o god_n when_o he_o give_v in_o any_o of_o those_o spiritual_a or_o outward_a blessing_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n there_o be_v eight_o glorious_a privilege_n here_o engage_v to_o such_o a_o person_n or_o people_n 1._o light_n after_o darkness_n v._o 8._o and_o 10._o than_o shall_v thy_o light_n break_v forth_o as_o the_o morning_n and_o thy_o light_n shall_v arise_v in_o obscurity_n and_o thy_o darkness_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o noon_n day_n etc._n etc._n when_o god_n give_v a_o poor_a 〈◊〉_d light_n after_o darkness_n and_o light_n in_o obscurity_n break_v forth_o as_o 〈◊〉_d morning_n this_o be_v a_o great_a benefit_n light_n signify_v not_o only_o the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o understanding_n or_o quicken_a you_o with_o spiritual_a light_n but_o all_o kind_n of_o help_n and_o consolation_n and_o prosperity_n and_o so_o darkness_n signify_v all_o kind_n of_o affliction_n whether_o it_o be_v sense_n of_o sin_n or_o other_o sorrow_n or_o the_o like_a there_o be_v four_o thing_n in_o this_o first_o it_o be_v light_a in_o darkness_n when_o you_o see_v darkness_n have_v cover_v your_o soul_n that_o you_o have_v not_o know_v what_o your_o state_n &_o condition_n have_v be_v and_o thereupon_o have_v be_v great_a affliction_n and_o agony_n of_o soul_n and_o there_o have_v be_v also_o great_a affliction_n outward_o as_o common_o one_o affliction_n go_v not_o alone_o or_o when_o there_o have_v be_v distress_n upon_o a_o people_n and_o now_o god_n cause_v light_a to_o spring_v after_o darkness_n some_o glimpse_n of_o hope_n some_o raising_n up_o of_o your_o spirit_n and_o expectation_n of_o good_a day_n some_o comfortable_a change_n of_o providence_n as_o paul_n be_v comfort_v by_o the_o come_n of_o titus_n which_o he_o ascribe_v to_o god_n comfort_v of_o he_o this_o be_v light_a after_o darkness_n 2._o when_o this_o light_n that_o be_v promise_v be_v gradual_a like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o morning_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n you_o must_v not_o say_v there_o be_v no_o light_n because_o it_o be_v not_o noon_n at_o first_o if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n or_o the_o light_n of_o the_o morning_n star_n you_o have_v cause_n to_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o a_o answer_n of_o prayer_n if_o it_o do_v but_o foreshow_v the_o beginning_n of_o your_o return_n from_o spiritual_a captivity_n or_o outward_a calamity_n you_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o a_o spr_a light_n which_o shall_v go_v on_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n in_o full_a perfection_n of_o glory_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o prevail_a and_o overcome_v light_n it_o may_v be_v weak_a at_o first_o and_o obscure_v through_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n and_o temptation_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v victorious_a and_o overcome_a at_o the_o last_o last_o this_o light_n be_v from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n god_n will_v manifest_v his_o gracious_a acceptation_n to_o your_o soul_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v arise_v with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n mal._n 4._o 2_o that_o be_v be_v it_o light_n in_o ordinance_n or_o light_n in_o providence_n it_o be_v still_o a_o light_n from_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v something_o of_o christ_n in_o it_o there_o be_v common_a refresh_n that_o shine_v upon_o man_n which_o do_v not_o exalt_v christ_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o that_o save_a light_n that_o come_v from_o christ_n lead_v unto_o christ_n and_o make_v christ_n most_o precious_a and_o most_o glorious_a unto_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o be_v the_o light_n god_n promise_n whereby_o he_o will_v testify_v his_o gracious_a acceptation_n of_o those_o that_o keep_v the_o fast_a which_o he_o have_v choose_v 2._o thy_o health_n shall_v spring_v forth_o speedy_o that_o be_v when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v fast_n healing_n now_o this_o be_v his_o promise_n here_o heal_v of_o your_o soul_n of_o your_o family_n of_o your_o church_n of_o your_o commonwealth_n heal_v to_o your_o affair_n inward_a and_o ou●●●●d_a spiritual_a and_o worldly_a there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o heal_v still_o that_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o give_v f●rth_o in_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o poor_a people_n 3._o when_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v go_v before_o you_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v guide_v you_o continual_o ver_fw-la 8._o and_o 11._o if_o it_o be_v a_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v this_o will_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v this_o righteousness_n the_o last_o expression_n open_v the_o first_o jehovah_n your_o righteousness_n shall_v go_v before_o you_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v your_o rearward_n

and_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o powerful_a command_n of_o seek_v his_o face_n shall_v seek_v his_o face_n in_o vain_a but_o say_v god_n i_o have_v not_o say_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n in_o vain_a isa_n 45._o 1●_n 2._o the_o gracious_a promise_n that_o be_v before_o we_o be_v a_o sufficient_a security_n that_o a_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v shall_v bring_v such_o gracious_a acceptation_n as_o those_o eight_o promise_n mention_v and_o also_o psal_n 50._o 15._o call_v upon_o i_o on_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o and_o so_o 1_o kin._n 8._o 38._o with_o many_o other_o verse_n before_o and_o after_o and_o christ_n himself_o also_o promise_v that_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o his_o name_n he_o will_v do_v it_o for_o you_o etc._n etc._n john_n 14_o 14._o 3._o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o servant_n establish_v this_o truth_n unto_o we_o psal_n 119._o 132._o 133._o etc._n etc._n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o as_o thou_o uso_v to_o do_v to_o those_o that_o love_v thy_o name_n 4._o that_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v the_o fast_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o when_o they_o be_v hearty_a though_o not_o spiritual_a to_o go_v without_o their_o reward_n the_o young_a raven_n shall_v not_o cry_v unto_o he_o but_o he_o will_v take_v care_n of_o they_o he_o respect_v a_o very_a ahab_n that_o sell_v himself_o to_o work_v wickedness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o kin._n 21._o 25._o and_o yet_o v._o 29._o because_o he_o humble_v himself_o before_o i_o i_o will_v not_o bring_v the_o evil_n in_o his_o day_n and_o so_o when_o nineveh_n humble_v themselves_o he_o save_v they_o from_o destruction_n though_o it_o be_v against_o the_o very_a grain_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o jonah_n jon._n 3._o 10_o last_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v it_o a_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v remove_v all_o impediment_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o mercy_n the_o great_a obstruction_n be_v some_o sin_n commit_v or_o some_o habitual_a impenitency_n remain_v for_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v true_o humble_v and_o break_v the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v for_o some_o degree_n of_o mercy_n wherein_o the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o suppliant_a may_v be_v make_v manifest_a thus_o of_o the_o four_o general_n head_n v._o the_o next_o thing_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v do_v thus_o for_o his_o people_n upon_o their_o fast_v the_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v i_o answer_v 1._o negative_o not_o for_o any_o inherent_a excellency_n in_o their_o fasting_n and_o prayer_n or_o service_n for_o what_o benefit_n have_v god_n by_o our_o humble_v ourselves_o lay_v aside_o our_o ornament_n &_o so_o humble_v our_o body_n or_o by_o our_o diligent_a attention_n to_o external_a action_n but_o positive_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o three_o reason_n of_o it_o reas_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v a_o fast_a that_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o successful_a be_v it_o of_o man_n choose_v it_o may_v be_v disappoint_v and_o yet_o god_n not_o dishonour_v but_o he_o choose_v it_o and_o appoint_v it_o and_o now_o god_n honour_n lie_v at_o stake_n for_o a_o gracious_a answer_n it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o israel_n to_o be_v manifest_o near_a to_o that_o people_n in_o all_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o etc._n etc._n reas_n 2._o because_o the_o person_n be_v accept_v if_o such_o person_n and_o therefore_o their_o offering_n be_v accept_v also_o the_o petition_n of_o a_o favourite_n be_v not_o easy_o reject_v by_o the_o prince_n especial_o be_v such_o a_o petition_n as_o his_o prince_n have_v choose_v and_o appoint_v for_o he_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o their_o petition_n must_v needs_o be_v successful_a the_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n of_o this_o royal_a holy_a priesthood_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o reas_n 3._o because_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a mysterious_a communion_n between_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o right_n suppliant_a or_o the_o person_n that_o fast_n in_o the_o fast_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v not_o a_o holy_a prayer_n put_v up_o unto_o god_n but_o its_o original_a be_v god_n the_o father_n that_o prayer_n of_o faith_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v 1._o in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o he_o through_o the_o intercession_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n send_v it_o down_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n and_o so_o stamp_v the_o image_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o poor_a sinner_n that_o he_o believe_v and_o then_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o stamp_v it_o there_o take_v it_o from_o thence_o and_o present_v this_o through_o christ_n unto_o the_o father_n &_o then_o the_o father_n heart_n be_v to_o give_v forth_o the_o answer_n through_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o son_n and_o to_o give_v notice_n of_o it_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v receive_v the_o answer_n the_o same_o spirit_n work_v in_o thy_o heart_n to_o return_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n by_o the_o son_n unto_o the_o father_n so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o marvellous_a spiritual_a &_o mysterious_a communion_n in_o this_o between_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n &_o the_o poor_a believer_n &_o therefore_o such_o fast_a can_v be_v in_o vain_a thus_o of_o the_o five_o general_a head_n 6._o of_o what_o concernment_n this_o may_v be_v unto_o ourselves_o and_o true_o it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a concernment_n we_o be_v the_o people_n that_o do_v succeed_v israel_n we_o be_v jacob._n god_n people_n that_o be_v under_o the_o same_o profession_n as_o the_o lord_n speak_v of_o they_o here_o ver_fw-la 2._o that_o seek_v god_n daily_o and_o delight_n to_o know_v his_o way_n this_o be_v our_o profession_n we_o be_v a_o nation_n that_o seek_v justice_n that_o be_v our_o plea_n that_o we_o must_v do_v right_a and_o not_o forsake_v the_o ordinance_n of_o our_o god_n this_o i_o say_v be_v our_o profession_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o hearken_v after_o god_n will_v and_o inquire_v after_o the_o ordinance_n of_o justice_n we_o be_v they_o that_o by_o our_o daily_a practice_n in_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o solemn_a assembly_n profess_v that_o we_o delight_v to_o approach_v to_o he_o therefore_o we_o be_v they_o that_o have_v need_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o great_a and_o solemn_a truth_n that_o the_o fast_a that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n choose_v will_v be_v ineffectual_a but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n choose_v will_v prevail_v and_o that_o to_o five_o or_o six_o end_n 1._o to_o build_v we_o up_o in_o knowledge_n there_o be_v great_a mystery_n contain_v in_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v touch_v those_o that_o be_v of_o present_a consideration_n 1._o it_o teach_v you_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o duty_n and_o duty_n between_o religious_a performance_n and_o religious_a performance_n that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o fast_a reach_n through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o prayer_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o a_o prayer_n that_o god_n have_v not_o choose_v and_o so_o this_o or_o that_o ordinance_n or_o observation_n there_o be_v that_o which_o god_n will_v own_v and_o accept_v &_o there_o be_v that_o which_o he_o will_v not_o countenance_v nor_o bless_v our_o god_n be_v a_o god_n that_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o manner_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o worship_n discover_v what_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o service_n be_v or_o of_o that_o particular_a religious_a act_n which_o we_o put_v forth_o towards_o he_o look_v then_o to_o your_o own_o spirit_n in_o your_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o person_n worship_v so_o it_o be_v true_a of_o the_o worship_n he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o outward_o but_o he_o that_o be_v one_o inward_o rom._n 2._o last_o verse_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n you_o may_v be_v outward_o a_o christian_n and_o inward_o a_o heathen_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n all_o these_o be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n say_v the_o prophet_n when_o he_o reckon_v up_o the_o nation_n together_o with_o judah_n you_o may_v be_v a_o heathen_a in_o heart_n while_o you_o be_v in_o the_o outward_a man_n a_o christian_n your_o circumcision_n may_v become_v uncircumcision_n before_o god_n alas_o what_o be_v a_o outward_a baptism_n if_o your_o

he_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o gentile_n 2._o you_o have_v take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a this_o day_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o so_o put_v a_o extraordinary_a dishonour_n upon_o god_n which_o be_v a_o most_o horrible_a profanation_n of_o the_o day_n which_o shall_v be_v keep_v as_o a_o sabbath_n to_o keep_v it_o only_o with_o outward_a observance_n without_o a_o heart_n spiritual_o dispose_v and_o gracious_o incline_v will_v you_o call_v this_o a_o acceptable_a day_n to_o the_o lord_n last_o consider_v what_o will_v be_v the_o woeful_a issue_n and_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o upon_o yourselves_o except_o god_n give_v you_o repentance_n of_o your_o formality_n in_o your_o service_n instead_o of_o soften_a it_o will_v harden_v you_o instead_o of_o mortify_a sin_n it_o will_v quicken_v it_o instead_o of_o obtain_v grace_n it_o will_v bring_v displeasure_n it_o will_v drive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o you_o and_o bring_v satan_n near_o unto_o you_o and_o instead_o of_o the_o good_a you_o desire_v it_o will_v bring_v about_o the_o contrary_a evil_n you_o will_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o &_o not_o the_o better_a where_o be_v there_o great_a wickedness_n effect_v then_o have_v be_v do_v by_o fast_v &_o prayer_n see_v the_o horrible_a wickedness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o naboth_n 1_o kin._n 21_o be_v ever_o woman_n more_o harden_v than_o jezebel_n &_o who_o like_o ahab_n that_o sell_v himself_o to_o work_v wickedness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o jezebel_n stir_v up_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v seal_v up_o under_o the_o tombstone_n of_o a_o hard_a heart_n to_o celebrate_v a_o fast_a with_o another_o spirit_n manner_n and_o end_v then_o god_n have_v choose_v woeful_a ill_a consequent_n come_v upon_o person_n and_o family_n upon_o this_o account_n common_o after_o a_o fast_a or_o solemn_a ordinance_n if_o not_o perform_v according_a to_o god_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n be_v the_o worse_a in_o their_o practice_n mal._n 2._o 13._o and_o this_o have_v you_o do_v again_o cover_v the_o altar_n with_o tear_n etc._n etc._n insomuch_o that_o he_o regard_v not_o the_o offering_n any_o more_o or_o receive_v it_o with_o good_a will_n at_o your_o hand_n when_o man_n will_v fast_o and_o pray_v and_o cover_v god_n altar_n with_o tear_n and_o yet_o hold_v fast_o their_o carnal_a corrupt_a and_o impenitent_a frame_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v worse_o and_o worse_o in_o their_o place_n and_o relation_n as_o there_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o wife_n of_o youth_n against_o who_o they_o have_v deal_v treacherous_o etc._n etc._n and_o alas_o what_o outward_a misery_n will_v it_o bring_v upon_o a_o family_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 29_o 30._o because_o in_o eat_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o do_v not_o eat_v it_o therefore_o one_o be_v sick_a another_o weak_a and_o another_o fall_v asleep_o so_o if_o in_o fast_v you_o do_v not_o fast_o if_o in_o humble_v your_o soul_n you_o do_v not_o humble_v your_o soul_n if_o in_o pray_v you_o pray_v not_o if_o you_o perform_v not_o such_o service_n as_o god_n have_v choose_v it_o will_v bring_v sickness_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v well_o and_o weakness_n and_o death_n upon_o the_o sick_a it_o be_v mercy_n when_o we_o be_v thus_o judge_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 11._o latter_a end_n again_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o consider_v what_o evil_a consequent_n will_v come_v upon_o a_o people_n in_o this_o case_n whence_o come_v war_n whence_o come_v famine_n whence_o plague_n these_o and_o those_o judgement_n upon_o a_o profess_v people_n because_o their_o worship_n be_v not_o worship_n their_o godliness_n their_o fast_n and_o prayer_n be_v not_o such_o as_o god_n have_v choose_v there_o be_v not_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o what_o they_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n and_o this_o provoke_v god_n to_o deal_v dreadful_o with_o they_o when_o light_a affliction_n will_v not_o prevail_v this_o bring_v desolation_n to_o jerusalem_n because_o they_o fast_v to_o themselves_o and_o not_o to_o the_o lord_n zach._n 7._o 13_o 14._o therefore_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o he_o cry_v and_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v so_o they_o cry_v and_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o i_o scatter_v they_o with_o a_o whirlwind_n etc._n etc._n for_o they_o lay_v the_o pleasan_n land_n desolate_a again_o it_o concern_v those_o of_o we_o that_o be_v true_a observer_n of_o such_o a_o fast_a as_o god_n have_v choose_v it_o concern_v they_o for_o their_o consolation_n as_o here_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o set_v so_o many_o precious_a hope_n before_o they_o for_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n what_o a_o comfort_n be_v it_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v like_a to_o be_v your_o portion_n if_o god_n have_v incline_v your_o heart_n to_o seek_v his_o name_n 1._o object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v these_o promise_n be_v indeed_o very_o glorious_a but_o how_o can_v i_o take_v comfort_n in_o they_o since_o i_o find_v myself_o fall_v so_o exceed_o short_a in_o the_o qualification_n require_v thereto_o i_o answer_v you_o must_v distinguish_v between_o ●alling_v short_a in_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a if_o there_o be_v in_o you_o no_o degree_n of_o these_o spiritual_a qualification_n you_o must_v even_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o press_v upon_o your_o heart_n the_o dreadful_a consequent_n thereof_o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o though_o the_o least_o degree_n i_o will_v not_o discourage_v you_o for_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o evangelical_n duty_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o qualification_n in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n god_n look_v at_o sincerity_n and_o accept_v the_o uprightness_n of_o the_o heart_n though_o accompany_v with_o much_o infirmity_n 2._o object_n another_o may_v say_v i_o have_v labour_v many_o a_o year_n and_o can_v find_v my_o prayer_n thus_o answer_v answ_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v ourselves_o by_o the_o issue_n of_o divine_a providence_n but_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o if_o the_o work_n have_v be_v gracious_a in_o thy_o heart_n the_o issue_n shall_v be_v glorious_a to_o thy_o soul_n in_o the_o end_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o ●arry_v 3._o object_n but_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o acceptable_a fast_n what_o benefit_n be_v there_o in_o a_o public_a fast_n wherein_o the_o most_o do_v fall_v short_a of_o what_o be_v require_v thereto_o answ_n whosoever_o fall_v short_a thou_o that_o do_v keep_v this_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v shall_v have_v the_o blessing_n thereof_o therefore_o look_v to_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o gracious_a acceptation_n god_n know_v how_o to_o save_v the_o good_a fig_n when_o he_o destroy_v a_o whole_a nation_n of_o bad_a he_o can_v find_v a_o ark_n for_o a_o noah_n and_o cull_v out_o eight_o person_n from_o a_o whole_a world_n to_o show_v they_o his_o salvation_n beside_o public_a fast_n procure_v at_o least_o reprieve_n god_n will_v wait_v to_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o not_o put_v a_o full_a end_n to_o his_o patience_n till_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o answer_v humiliation_n by_o reformation_n and_o last_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o look_v diligent_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n when_o we_o have_v any_o such_o service_n to_o perform_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o it_o be_v so_o do_v by_o we_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o that_o we_o repent_v of_o what_o have_v not_o be_v according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o that_o we_o take_v care_n that_o what_o remain_v may_v make_v it_o a_o fast_a after_o god_n own_o choice_n q_o w●y_n be_v that_o possible_a yes_o if_o now_o at_o last_o thy_o soul_n true_o repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o be_v humble_v and_o melt_v before_o god_n for_o thy_o carnality_n thy_o unpreparedness_n for_o the_o day_n and_o thy_o unspiritualness_n in_o the_o day_n and_o look_v unto_o christ_n mediation_n for_o pardon_n and_o acceptation_n trust_v in_o his_o gracious_a help_n you_o take_v up_o resolution_n to_o return_v to_o god_n and_o to_o exercise_v mercy_n and_o love_a kindness_n among_o man_n and_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n and_o to_o walk_v righteous_o holy_o and_o humble_o with_o thy_o god_n it_o may_v turn_v this_o very_o fast_o into_o a_o time_n of_o joy_n and_o in_o god_n gracious_a acceptation_n may_v be_v esteem_v such_o a_o fast_a as_o god_n have_v choose_v i_o will_v propound_v a_o few_o thing_n here_o to_o your_o consideration_n as_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o your_o fast_a and_o but_o propound_v they_o brief_o 1_o look_v into_o your_o own_o heart_n get_v alone_o and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o have_v be_v amiss_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o time_n past_a and_o set_v a_o narrow_a watch_n over_o your_o soul_n for_o time_n to_o come_v that_o you_o may_v not_o provoke_v god_n and_o because_o you_o be_v weak_a and_o infirm_a entreat_v god_n to_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o you_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 2._o now_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o your_o house_n in_o a_o perfect_a way_n that_o neither_o yourselves_o nor_o your_o relation_n may_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o your_o fast_n and_o that_o judgement_n may_v not_o come_v upon_o you_o in_o your_o house_n because_o you_o have_v not_o glorify_v god_n in_o his_o house_n 3._o use_v your_o utmost_a interest_n for_o public_a good_a for_o the_o free_a passage_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n righteousness_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o church_n and_o though_o you_o have_v no_o power_n of_o yourselves_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o 4._o take_v care_n that_o you_o hold_v fast_o the_o word_n of_o god_n patience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o your_o trial_n hold_v it_o fast_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n remember_v that_o word_n he_o that_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o again_o let_v no_o man_n take_v away_o thy_o crown_n it_o be_v a_o day_n of_o trial_n but_o look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o may_v be_v find_v upright_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n last_o be_v open_a heart_a and_o openhanded_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o affliction_n bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n now_o to_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v exceed_v abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o think_v according_a to_o the_o power_n that_o work_v in_o we_o unto_o he_o be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n finis_fw-la

a_o fast_a of_o god_n choose_v plain_o open_v for_o the_o help_n of_o those_o poor_a in_o spirit_n who_o heart_n be_v set_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n in_o new-england_n in_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o a_o fast_a wherein_o be_v show_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o fast_a 2._o the_o testimony_n god_n will_v give_v thereunto_o of_o his_o gracious_a acceptation_n 3_o the_o special_a season_n wherein_o god_n will_v bear_v witness_n to_o such_o a_o fast_a 4._o some_o help_n to_o faith_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o 5._o why_o such_o a_o fast_o be_v so_o acceptable_a and_o successful_a 6._o how_o much_o this_o concern_v god_n people_n in_o new-england_n preach_v on_o a_o fast_o call_v by_o publitk_a authority_n on_o 26._o 1._o 74._o by_o thomas_n thacher_n pastor_n of_o a_o church_n in_o boston_n boston_n print_v by_o john_n foster_n 1678._o to_o the_o reader_n both_o scripture_n and_o experience_n have_v make_v it_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n that_o a_o religious_a fast_o when_o due_o attend_v be_v a_o duty_n of_o no_o small_a importance_n and_o advantage_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o those_o spiritual_a performance_n which_o if_o right_o manage_v be_v the_o most_o beneficial_a have_v a_o special_a difficulty_n and_o contrariety_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n accompany_v they_o so_o be_v it_o a_o hard_a work_n to_o keep_v a_o fast_a in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v become_v a_o acceptable_a day_n unto_o the_o lord_n whence_o also_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o very_o few_o even_n among_o those_o that_o outward_o observe_v fast_a day_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a &_o acceptable_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n there_o have_v be_v that_o as_o to_o what_o be_v external_a in_o such_o service_n regard_v not_o the_o divine_a precept_n some_o think_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n in_o that_o chapter_n which_o be_v partly_o and_o judicious_o open_v in_o the_o ensue_a sermon_n reprove_v enormity_n in_o that_o kind_n and_o although_o mercy_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n nor_o may_v we_o urge_v any_o severity_n beyond_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v impose_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o among_o we_o do_v not_o make_v due_a conscience_n of_o that_o outward_a abstinence_n which_o the_o rule_n and_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n do_v require_v 145._o thes_n salmur_n part_n ult_n camero_n in_o mat._n 17._o 21._o ames_n answ_n to_o burgess_n p●_n 1._o pag._n 145._o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n nor_o be_v fast_v in_o itself_o any_o part_n of_o religion_n when_o it_o be_v call_v worship_n it_o be_v by_o a_o trope_n as_o be_v a_o special_a adjunct_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a worship_n yet_o for_o man_n to_o exact_a labour_n or_o to_o find_v their_o own_o pleasure_n upon_o such_o day_n be_v a_o high_a transgression_n other_o there_o be_v that_o as_o to_o external_o will_v be_v very_o exact_a nay_o over-righteous_a whenas_o all_o that_o they_o do_v be_v before_o the_o lord_n no_o better_o then_o loathsome_a formality_n &_o hypocrisy_n the_o evangelist_n inform_v we_o that_o it_o be_v customary_a among_o the_o jew_n to_o fast_o twice_o a_o week_n and_o the_o jewish_a master_n tell_v we_o particular_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o 2d_o and_o 5_o day_n of_o the_o week_n decreverun●_n magistry_n nostri_fw-la utjejunaretur_fw-la diebus_fw-la secundo_fw-la et_fw-la quinto_fw-la 54_o volumen_fw-la jejunii_fw-la fol._n 54_o propter_fw-la tres_fw-la res_fw-la viz._n propter_fw-la destructum_fw-la templum_fw-la propter_fw-la legem_fw-la conflagratam_fw-la &_o propter_fw-la probrum_fw-la divini_fw-la nomini●_n in_o imitation_n of_o who_o some_o christian_n call_v two_o day_n of_o the_o week_n fast_a day_n albeit_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o judaize_v they_o have_v not_o fix_v upon_o 8_o thorndike_n of_o seru●●_n re●_n assemb_v c._n 8_o the_o same_o day_n the_o jew_n do_v but_o to_o what_o end_n be_v a_o multitude_n of_o these_o once_o if_o con●●ded_v in_o do_v man_n think_v that_o their_o voice_n will_v be_v hear_v on_o high_a 〈◊〉_d e._n that_o they_o shall_v have_v acceptance_n in_o heaven_n mere_o because_o they_o fast_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v not_o serious_a preparation_n for_o such_o day_n unseigned_a humiliation_n and_o contrition_n in_o they_o reformation_n after_o they_o day_n of_o humiliation_n will_v become_v day_n of_o provocation_n before_o that_o god_n who_o will_v never_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v mock_v by_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n when_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o extraordinary_a duty_n of_o religion_n degenerate_a into_o formality_n it_o cause_v the_o god_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v near_o historian_n have_v observe_v that_o pompey_n seize_v upon_o the_o temple_n on_o the_o jew_n solemn_a fast_v day_n also_o that_o upon_o one_o of_o their_o public_a fast_n sofius_n take_v 8_o jos●phus_n de_fw-fr a●tiq_fw-la indeor_fw-la l._n 14._o c._n 8_o jerusalem_n the_o lord_n thereby_o testify_v against_o the_o formality_n of_o that_o degenerate_a generation_n and_o indeed_o day_n of_o humiliation_n without_o reformation_n be_v no_o other_o nor_o no_o better_o than_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o so_o the_o formal_a jew_n in_o isaiahs_n time_n notwithstanding_o their_o frequent_a fact_n they_o persist_v in_o do_v their_o own_o will_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o find_v their_o own_o pleasure_n though_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_a will_n of_o god_n they_o continue_v to_o oppress_v and_o exact_a labour_n of_o those_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o 58._o mr._n gatak●●_n annot●●n_n isai_n 58._o god_n shall_v have_v be_v set_v at_o liberty_n jer._n 34._o 17._o vexatious_a law_n suit_n smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o ●ickedness_n and_o other_o contention_n be_v ri●e_v among_o they_o after_o day_n of_o humiliation_n if_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v by_o any_o injurious_a contract_n fall_v into_o their_o hand_n they_o will_v not_o loose_v those_o bond_n of_o wickedness_n the_o lord_n therefore_o by_o his_o prophet_n tell_v they_o that_o as_o ever_o they_o desire_v god_n shall_v regard_v their_o fast_n those_o prevail_a iniquity_n shall_v be_v reform_v and_o the_o contrary_a duty_n practise_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n jeremiah_n upon_o a_o solemn_a fast_a day_n jer._n 36._o 6_o 7._o now_o that_o the_o lord_n people_n among_o we_o may_v be_v awaken_v and_o warn_v against_o rest_v in_o any_o lifeless_a formality_n or_o in_o humiliation●_n without_o reformation_n be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a author_n in_o this_o practical_a and_o useful_a sermon_n of_o his_o discourse_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v never_o unseasonable_a since_o no_o age_n pass_v wherein_o there_o be_v not_o afford_v matter_n &_o ground_n sad_a enough_o to_o warrant_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n urge_v although_o the_o new_a testament_n speak_v nothing_o for_o state_v fast_n or_o 53._o tertullian_n de_fw-fr ●ejun_fw-fr epiph._n haris_n 75._o august_n de_fw-fr heres_fw-la c._n 53._o festival_n tertullian_n before_o his_o montanisme_n write_v true_o that_o religious_a fast_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v pro_fw-la temporibus_fw-la &_o causis_fw-la as_o the_o lord_n shall_v providential_o call_v thereunto_o ●ndeed_o a●rius_n be_v sometime_o charge_v with_o heresy_n because_o he_o withstand_v the_o imposition_n of_o those_o and_o the_o like_a formality_n but_o that_o be_v in_o a_o age_n when_o the_o darkness_n of_o superstition_n begin_v to_o over_o spread_v the_o christian_a world_n nevertheless_o the_o word_n be_v clear_a that_o at_o sometime_o frequency_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o service_n ought_v to_o be_v attend_v johns_n disciple_n keep_v many_o day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n probable_o as_o a_o learned_a interpreter_n conceive_v upon_o occasion_n of_o their_o master_n be_v imprison_v which_o providence_n be_v a_o sufficient_a call_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v much_o 14_o grotius_n in_o math._n 9_o 14_o in_o extraordinary_a seeking_n unto_o god_n and_o humiliation_n before_o he_o that_o if_o possible_a they_o may_v not_o be_v deprive_v of_o such_o a_o faithful_a and_o eminent_a teacher_n and_o although_o the_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o own_o disciple_n be_v such_o as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o at_o first_o enjoin_v frequent_a fast_n upon_o they_o who_o have_v not_o be_v accustom_v to_o such_o severity_n le●●_n as_o new_a wine_n be_v ungrateful_a and_o will_v be_v reject_v by_o those_o who_o have_v taste_v that_o which_o be_v more_o pleasant_a be_v sudden_o put_v upon_o precept_n too_o strong_a for_o weak_a disciple_n they_o shall_v be_v 20._o cradock_n harmon_n c._n 3_o sect._n 20._o discourage_v yet_o the_o lord_n do_v intimate_v that_o day_n of_o persecution_n and_o general_a affliction_n will_v at_o last_o befall_v they_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v providential_o call_v and_o their_o

public_a danger_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jehoshapha●_n 2_o chron._n 20._o 3._o so_o when_o some_o notable_a duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v which_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o hazardous_a then_o be_v a_o season_n for_o a_o fast_a as_o it_o be_v with_o esther_n chap._n 4._o 14_o 15_o 16._o again_o when_o there_o be_v some_o great_a sickness_n lie_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v near_a and_o dear_a unto_o we_o psal_n 35._o 13_o 14._o but_o as_o for_o i_o when_o they_o be_v sick_a my_o clothing_n be_v sackcloth_n i_o humble_v my_o soul_n with_o fast_v and_o i_o behave_v myself_o as_o though_o he_o have_v be_v my_o friend_n or_o brother_n i_o bow_v down_o heavy_o as_o one_o that_o mourn_v for_o his_o mother_n a_o friend_n and_o brother_n or_o mother_n or_o near_a relation_n when_o they_o be_v sick_a and_o weak_a and_o in_o dangerous_a condition_n it_o call_v for_o fast_v there_o be_v then_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n for_o this_o duty_n again_o when_o there_o be_v some_o notable_a blessing_n want_v or_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o loose_v it_o and_o so_o when_o a_o person_n or_o people_n be_v fall_v under_o some_o great_a transgression_n whereby_o god_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o indignation_n against_o they_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o fast_v and_o mourn_v thus_o ezra_n 9_o 4_o 5_o 6_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o marry_v strange_a wife_n and_o pollute_v the_o holy_a seed_n so_o when_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o a_o people_n in_o some_o notable_a calamity_n or_o threaten_a judgement_n as_o when_o israel_n flee_v before_o the_o enemy_n joshua_n and_o the_o elder_n fast_v josh_n 7._o so_o in_o any_o notable_a change_n or_o turn_v of_o a_o man_n life_n as_o the_o undertake_n of_o a_o call_v or_o some_o great_a voyage_n then_o be_v a_o time_n to_o begin_v with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o implore_v the_o aid_n of_o god_n gracious_a presence_n his_o guidance_n conduct_n &_o salvation_n thus_o do_v ezra_n when_o he_o be_v go_v up_o from_o babylon_n ezra_n 8._o 21_o 22_o 23._o so_o that_o a_o fast_a be_v not_o a_o stand_a duty_n but_o occasional_a as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o concern_v the_o spiritual_a performance_n of_o it_o and_o here_o first_o in_o order_n to_o the_o preparation_n thereto_o there_o be_v examination_n of_o our_o own_o way_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n these_o be_v preparatory_a and_o for_o want_v of_o these_o it_o be_v that_o man_n heart_n be_v utter_o indispose_v to_o such_o spiritual_a service_n josh_n 7._o v._n 6._o to_o 12._o lam._n 3_o 38._o to_o 44._o in_o which_o you_o find_v they_o consider_v and_o bewail_v both_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o god_n judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o sin_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o a_o fast_a in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o so_o i_o call_v it_o a_o real_a profession_n to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o acceptable_a and_o a_o unacceptable_a fast_a i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o solemn_a &_o real_a profession_n this_o people_n profess_v great_a delight_n in_o god_n ordinance_n and_o seek_v the_o lord_n daily_o and_o that_o they_o do_v and_o will_v cleave_v to_o god_n in_o his_o appointment_n they_o inquire_v after_o his_o mind_n they_o make_v great_a profession_n and_o so_o exact_a be_v they_o in_o their_o fast_n that_o they_o afflict_v their_o soul_n and_o bowe●_n down_o their_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n and_o walk_v mournful_o and_o spread_v sackcloth_n and_o ash_n under_o they_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o as_o to_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o engage_v in_o it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o lie_v a_o flatter_a of_o god_n as_o psal_n 78._o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o therefore_o god_n upbraid_v they_o say_v be_v this_o the_o fast_a that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o particular_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o our_o justify_n god_n for_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n that_o he_o bring_v upon_o we_o and_o a_o condemnation_n of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o evil_a or_o our_o transgression_n against_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n thus_o dan._n 9_o 7._o o_o lord_n righteousness_n belong_v unto_o thou_o but_o unto_o we_o confusion_n of_o face_n 〈◊〉_d this_o day●_n so_o five_o 5_o 8_o 16._o they_o ascribe_v righteousness_n to_o god_n though_o he_o have_v ●aid_v waste_n jerusalem_n burn_v the_o city_n destroy_v the_o temple_n scatter_v the_o people_n and_o make_v they_o captive_n yet_o say_v daniel_n thou_o be_v righteous_a and_o we_o have_v sin_v so_o ezra_n make_v a_o solemn_a and_o heart-breaking_a prayer_n ezra_n 9_o 6._o my_o god_n i_o be_o ashamed_a and_o blush_v to_o lift_v up_o my_o face_n to_o thou_o my_o god_n for_o our_o iniquity_n be_v increase_v over_o our_o head_n and_o our_o trespass_n be_v grow_v up_o unto_o the_o heaven_n 2._o a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o repentance_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o transgression_n which_o we_o have_v commit_v against_o the_o lord_n joel_n 2._o 12_o 13._o neh._n 9_o they_o confess_v their_o sin_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o be_v a_o people_n and_o ●ay_v such_o a_o load_n upon_o themselves_o as_o may_v make_v their_o heart_n heavy_a with_o godly_a sorrow_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o solemn_a profession_n that_o we_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o hope_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o atonement_n make_v by_o j●sus_n christ_n thus_o david_n 2_o sam._n 1_o 2._o 15_o 16._o he_o upon_o that_o occasion_n lament_v the_o plague_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o fact_n and_o lament_n after_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o cleanse_v and_o cry_v out_o for_o a_o new_a creation_n of_o his_o heart_n psal_n 51._o 10._o create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o this_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o every_o one_o that_o fast_n that_o he_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n for_o mercy_n to_o save_v he_o from_o his_o sin_n and_o god_n judgement_n that_o he_o may_v have_v peace_n and_o grace_n no_o more_o to_o return_v unto_o folly_n 4._o again_o there_o be_v a_o solemn_a profession_n in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n that_o we_o forgive_v other_o as_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v forgive_v of_o god_n mark_n 11._o 25._o when_o you_o stand_v pray_v forgive_v if_o you_o have_v aught_o against_o any_o that_o your_o father_n also_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n may_v forgive_v your_o trespass_n therefore_o in_o this_o text_n he_o convince_v they_o by_o want_n of_o this_o not_o to_o fast_v aright_o you_o fast_o for_o strife_n and_o debate_n etc._n etc._n isai_n 58._o 4._o they_o do_v not_o heal_v but_o strengthen_v their_o division_n by_o fast_v and_o their_o fast_n be_v hypocritical_a and_o not_o according_a to_o their_o profession_n last_o there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o solemn_a profession_n that_o we_o bound_v ourselves_o to_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o new_a obedience_n especial_o when_o you_o come_v to_o god_n in_o a_o solemn_a way_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o true_a observation_n concern_v prayer_n that_o you_o can_v put_v no_o petition_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n but_o it_o imply_v a_o promise_n unto_o god_n of_o new_a obedience_n especial_o when_o you_o come_v to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o solemn_a way_n and_o manner_n you_o either_o come_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v help_n for_o or_o against_o your_o sin_n help_v to_o obey_v or_o to_o continue_v in_o obedience_n in_o every_o fast_a there_o be_v a_o implicit_a make_n and_o renew_v covenant_n with_o god_n which_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o more_o than_o ordinary_a occasion_n be_v wont_a to_o express_v neh_n 9th_o the_o last_o verse_n and_o the_o whole_a ten_o chapter_n so_o that_o in_o a_o fast_a you_o solemn_o profess_v that_o you_o be_v grieve_v for_o your_o transgression_n and_o seek_v his_o grace_n in_o christ_n to_o pardon_v and_o heal_v you_o and_o that_o all_o your_o hope_n be_v in_o the_o atonement_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o you_o free_o forgive_v all_o that_o have_v trespass_v against_o you_o lay_v aside_o all_o anger_n wrath_n malice_n envy_n evil_o speak_v and_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o displicency_n of_o spirit_n against_o other_o you_o profess_v that_o you_o put_v the_o thought_n of_o these_o from_o you_o as_o you_o desire_v your_o sin_n shall_v be_v put_v away_o from_o god_n sight_n and_o you_o engage_v not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o former_a course_n of_o iniquity_n but_o that_o you_o will_v set_v upon_o it_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o new_a obedience_n it_o be_v but_o a_o mock_n

fast_o with_o the_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v god_n will_v manifest_v his_o gracious_a acceptation_n of_o you_o by_o make_v you_o and_o your_o posterity_n instrument_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o way_n of_o god_n clear_o wherein_o poor_a soul_n may_v walk_v with_o god_n and_o find_v peace_n unto_o their_o soul_n 8._o again_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n then_o shall_v thou_o delight_v thyself_o in_o the_o lord._n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o it_o &_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v that_o such_o a_o fast_a as_o god_n have_v choose_v shall_v be_v powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o bring_v you_o to_o the_o high_a happiness_n for_o first_o you_o shall_v delight_v yourselves_o in_o the_o lord_n you_o shall_v have_v god_n for_o your_o chief_a good_a and_o he_o will_v be_v your_o portion_n to_o all_o eternity_n 2._o you_o shall_v ride_v upon_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n you_o that_o be_v tread_v down_o shall_v have_v a_o time_n of_o exaltation_n in_o a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v feed_v with_o the_o heritage_n of_o jacob_n thy_o father_n for_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o that_o be_v after_o all_o your_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n you_o shall_v find_v still_o that_o god_n be_v your_o feeder_n and_o that_o not_o with_o common_a food_n but_o jacob_n heritage_n which_o be_v threefold_a 1._o the_o blessing_n necessary_a for_o this_o life_n 2._o the_o blessing_n necessary_a for_o his_o precious_a soul_n the_o feed_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o 3._o the_o eternal_a feed_n which_o be_v promise_v at_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n rev._n 7._o 17._o the_o lamb_n shall_v feed_v they_o and_o shall_v lead_v they_o unto_o live_a fountain_n of_o water_n and_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o their_o eye_n be_v not_o these_o glorious_a privilege_n and_o admirable_a advantage_n these_o be_v the_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o in_o due_a time_n he_o will_v manifest_v his_o gracious_a acceptation_n of_o his_o people_n in_o their_o fasting_n and_o prayer_n which_o have_v be_v such_o as_o himself_o have_v choose_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v the_o second_o general_a point_n propose_v 3._o the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o show_v the_o season_n when_o god_n delight_v to_o begin_v to_o give_v in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o gracious_a acceptation_n of_o his_o people_n it_o be_v true_a the_o season_n god_n have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v tell_v you_o the_o day_n month_n or_o year_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v certain_a sign_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v forerunner_n of_o god_n gracious_a manifestation_n therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o general_a character_n for_o help_v of_o your_o faith_n and_o raise_v up_o your_o expectation_n as_o first_o when_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n have_v do_v its_o work_n it_o may_v be_v god_n hold_v you_o long_o under_o some_o spiritual_a temptation_n or_o outward_a pressure_n you_o be_v as_o a_o sheaf_n in_o thresh_v upon_o the_o floor_n you_o have_v stroke_n after_o stroke_n hardly_o ever_o free_a from_o tribulation_n yet_o be_v content_a when_o affliction_n have_v do_v its_o work_n god_n will_v call_v it_o back_o this_o be_v the_o centurion_n faith_n math._n 8._o 9_o affliction_n come_v not_o forth_o without_o a_o 〈◊〉_d from_o god_n and_o as_o it_o have_v its_o go_n from_o god_n so_o it_o have_v its_o commission_n it_o have_v a_o wise_a work_n to_o do_v its_z do_v this_o also_o now_o when_o it_o have_v do_v its_o work_n it_o shall_v have_v its_o come_v it_o shall_v be_v call_v off_o again_o as_o he_o afflict_v you_o for_o your_o profit_n so_o when_o the_o end_n be_v attain_v the_o affliction_n shall_v be_v remove_v it_o be_v to_o make_v you_o partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n see_v then_o how_o the_o work_n of_o god_n prosper_v in_o your_o soul_n under_o trial_n affliction_n and_o temptation_n etc._n etc._n 2._o when_o your_o heart_n be_v quicken_v to_o urgent_a importunity_n for_o the_o blessing_n on_o the_o affliction_n you_o may_v cry_v mighty_o for_o deliverance_n from_o evil_n feel_v or_o fear_v these_o and_o those_o distress_n that_o be_v upon_o you_o but_o be_v your_o soul_n wrestle_v with_o god_n importunate_o for_o the_o blessing_n as_o jacob_n i_o will_v not_o let_v thou_o go_v except_o thou_o bless_v i_o it_o be_v not_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o rod_n but_o the_o give_v in_o of_o the_o blessing_n that_o may_v refresh_v thou_o be_v it_o the_o blessing_n that_o thy_o soul_n be_v cry_v for_o certain_o god_n will_v answer_v such_o prayer_n as_o jacob_n after_o his_o earnest_a wrestle_n with_o god_n see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o brother_n esau_n 3._o when_o your_o soul_n be_v ready_a to_o fail_v for_o thirst_n in_o all_o the_o exercise_n and_o trial_n of_o god_n people_n god_n still_o have_v a_o tender_a care_n to_o prevent_v this_o sad_a inconvenience_n isa_n 57_o 16._o i_o will_v not_o contend_v for_o ever_o neither_o will_v i_o be_v always_o wroth_a for_o the_o spirit_n shall_v fail_v before_o i_o and_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o have_v make_v hence_o david_n use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n hear_v i_o speedy_o my_o spirit_n do_v fail_v 4._o when_o the_o enemy_n be_v most_o insolent_a and_o violent_a if_o the_o storm_n be_v high_a and_o terrible_a ordinary_o it_o be_v not_o durable_a the_o gust_n will_v soon_o blow_v over_o when_o the_o enemy_n come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o he_o isa_n 59_o 19_o god_n himself_o will_v interpose_v and_o engage_v for_o your_o soul_n his_o spirit_n against_o your_o spiritual_a adversary_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o providence_n against_o your_o outward_a enemy_n when_o he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v than_o his_o own_o 〈◊〉_d bring_v salvation_n when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n than_o its_o time_n for_o god_n to_o work_v for_o their_o deliverance_n god_n will_v appear_v i_o say_v 5._o when_o you_o be_v come_v to_o a_o desperate_a stand_v you_o must_v have_v help_n or_o perish_v you_o have_v already_o suffer_v shipwreck_n and_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flood_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n in_o the_o lion_n den_n have_v receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o yourselves_o now_o be_v the_o time_n to_o trust_v in_o the_o live_a god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a in_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v shall_v be_v see_v last_o that_o which_o be_v most_o comfortable_a when_o your_o soul_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o quiet_a and_o patient_a submission_n to_o the_o hand_n and_o dispensation_n of_o god_n commit_v yourselves_o to_o his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o wait_v patient_o for_o his_o salvation_n certain_o your_o deliverance_n be_v near_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n whilst_o a_o soul_n be_v struggle_v against_o providence_n and_o be_v displease_v with_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o it_o there_o be_v cause_n to_o fear_v that_o deliverance_n be_v far_o off_o but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o submit_v deliverance_n be_v near_o and_o pledge_n of_o god_n favour_n be_v at_o hand_n 2._o sam._n 15._o 26._o if_o i_o shall_v find_v favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v david_n he_o will_v bring_v i_o back_o again_o but_o if_o he_o say_v i_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o thou_o behold_v here_o be_o i_o let_v he_o do_v to_o i_o what_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o now_o david_n be_v not_o far_o from_o deliverance_n when_o he_o be_v content_a that_o god_n shall_v fulfil_v his_o own_o pleasure_n upon_o he_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o method_n that_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o observe_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o his_o people_n the_o apostle_n tell_v you_o rom._n 5._o 3_o 4._o tribulation_n work_v patience_n and_o patience_n 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d hope_n which_o make_v not_o ashamed_a it_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o providence_n to_o look_v for_o experience_n of_o mercy_n in_o deliverance_n before_o the_o work_n of_o patience_n in_o self-resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n thus_o of_o the_o 3d._a thing_n 4._o the_o next_o general_a head_n be_v to_o demonstrate_v to_o your_o faith_n that_o such_o a_o fast_a as_o be_v of_o god_n choose_v shall_v have_v such_o a_o issue_n this_o be_v hard_a to_o believe_v in_o time_n of_o temptation_n therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o bottom_n our_o faith_n well_o upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n that_o can_v fail_v i_o shall_v mention_v these_o 1._o that_o if_o god_n shall_v fail_v to_o manifest_v his_o acceptance_n of_o his_o people_n upon_o this_o account_n than_o these_o

soul_n never_o reach_v after_o spiritual_a baptism_n if_o there_o be_v the_o wash_n with_o water_n without_o the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v you_o rest_v in_o that_o or_o will_v god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o what_o be_v it_o for_o you_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n who_o be_v that_o supper_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v christ_n therein_o by_o faith_n mind_n the_o spirit_n with_o which_o and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o you_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o holy_a ordinance_n what_o be_v your_o prayer_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o prayer_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v its_o but_o the_o expression_n or_o voice_n of_o a_o lust_n that_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n jam._n 4._o 3._o you_o ask_v and_o have_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o that_o you_o may_v consume_v it_o upon_o your_o lust_n there_o be_v many_o mock_v service_n whereby_o mock-christians_a mock_n god_n in_o their_o profession_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a mystery_n but_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o power_n this_o be_v to_o make_v a_o image_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o feed_v upon_o husk_n and_o to_o deceive_v your_o own_o soul_n with_o shadow_n which_o will_v profit_v nothing_o if_o you_o think_v to_o put_v off_o god_n with_o outside_n service_n such_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 5._o from_o such_o turn_n away_o 2._o it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o awaken_v a_o secure_a sinner_n that_o be_v cover_v under_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n take_v a_o profane_a person_n and_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o common_a light_n and_o common_a principle_n of_o humanity_n will_v fall_v in_o with_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o miserable_a lose_a condition_n tell_v a_o drunkard_n that_o he_o shall_v drink_v in_o hell_n for_o this_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o so_o when_o he_o be_v sober_a so_o a_o adulterer_n his_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v tell_v he_o he_o shall_v suffer_v eternal_a torment_n for_o his_o moment_n pleasure_n so_o a_o grige_n person_n his_o conscience_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o conviction_n but_o a_o man_n under_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n thereof_o have_v a_o ready_a salve_n for_o every_o sore_a he_o stop_v his_o ear_n with_o his_o tongue_n and_o become_v as_o the_o deaf_a adder_n hence_o say_v god_n unto_o this_o people_n be_v this_o the_o fast_a that_o i_o have_v choose_v and_o inculcate_n it_o again_o and_o again_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fast_a that_o i_o have_v choose_v etc._n etc._n and_o call_v upon_o the_o prophet_n ver_fw-la 1._o cry_v aloud_o cry_v out_o in_o thy_o throat_n spare_v not_o lift_v up_o thy_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n that_o thou_o may_v awaken_v they_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o sin_n 3._o it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v that_o all_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n &_o service_n must_v come_v to_o the_o trial_n god_n will_v not_o only_o call_v we_o to_o account_v for_o all_o our_o open_a wickedness_n &_o gross_a act_n of_o transgression_n but_o will_v try_v every_o service_n we_o perform_v be_v this_o the_o fast_a that_o i_o have_v choose_v say_v god_n be_v it_o such_o a_o prayer_n such_o a_o participation_n in_o this_o or_o that_o ordinance_n be_v this_o your_o conference_n be_v these_o the_o holy_a meeting_n be_v these_o the_o sabbath_n thus_o god_n will_v ask_v you_o and_o god_n will_v accept_v none_o of_o your_o service_n but_o they_o must_v pass_v through_o god_n trial_n therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o examine_v our_o own_o service_n and_o our_o heart_n in_o they_o you_o be_v in_o your_o closet_n meditate_v but_o be_v this_o the_o meditation_n god_n have_v choose_v for_o spirit_n for_o matter_n &_o for_o manner_n you_o be_v cry_v and_o pray_v but_o be_v this_o the_o prayer_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v you_o be_v reprove_v counsel_v admonish_a your_o child_n or_o other_o but_o be_v it_o in_o the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v you_o be_v deal_n with_o your_o neighbour_n or_o brother_n for_o some_o transgression_n but_o be_v it_o such_o a_o admonition_n as_o god_n have_v choose_v remember_v that_o all_o your_o action_n must_v come_v under_o this_o question_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v choose_v i_o choose_v out_o their_o way_n for_o they_o say_v job_n of_o the_o time_n when_o he_o be_v as_o king_n among_o they_o so_o if_o christ_n be_v your_o king_n he_o shall_v choose_v your_o way_n for_o you_o and_o you_o will_v choose_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v the_o lord_n and_o will_v not_o take_v any_o contentment_n in_o that_o which_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o lord_n expectation_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n for_o our_o knowledge_n so_o it_o concern_v we_o for_o our_o examination_n &_o trial_n to_o try_v our_o way_n before_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n if_o god_n will_v try_v our_o fasting_n prayer_n &_o other_o service_n we_o have_v need_v to_o try_v &_o examine_v ourselves_o to_o judge_v ourselves_o be_v the_o way_n to_o prevent_v god_n judgement_n brief_o examine_v we_o ourselves_o concern_v this_o our_o present_a fast_a be_v it_o a_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v as_o to_o our_o preparation_n for_o it_o have_v you_o have_v solemn_a and_o serious_a thought_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o god_n providence_n concern_v your_o person_n your_o family_n your_o relation_n etc._n etc._n have_v you_o consider_v your_o own_o transgression_n before_o god_n &_o the_o great_a cause_n you_o have_v have_v of_o deep_a humiliation_n before_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o the_o defect_n of_o this_o be_v a_o fail_v of_o god_n expectation_n in_o the_o beginning_n however_o you_o may_v obtain_v in_o the_o procedure_n have_v you_o be_v careful_a to_o abstain_v from_o natural_a necessary_a comfort_n &_o refresh_n further_o than_o necessity_n in_o respect_n of_o infirmity_n call_v for_o and_o have_v your_o abstinence_n proceed_v from_o inward_a self-abhorrency_a because_o of_o your_o sin_n extreme_a grief_n take_v away_o the_o appetite_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v all_o the_o self_n deny_v act_n that_o be_v require_v in_o a_o fast_o be_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o deep_a affliction_n of_o heart_n otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o a_o shallow_a performance_n &_o of_o no_o worth_n with_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o afflict_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o come_v from_o soul-affliction_n it_o will_v be_v very_o unprofitable_a &_o unacceptable_a again_o be_v we_o real_a be_v our_o heart_n through_o with_o god_n in_o that_o solemn_a profession_n we_o make_v in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o this_o be_v you_o indeed_o sensible_a of_o your_o sin_n whereby_o you_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n our_o particular_a sin_n the_o sin_n of_o our_o family_n town_n church_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o country_n do_v we_o sincere_o look_v out_o to_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o repentance_n be_v it_o his_o grace_n indeed_o that_o we_o look_v unto_o for_o help_n and_o succour_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a mediation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n through_o his_o death_n and_o bloodshed_n where_o be_v that_o spiritual_a self-abhorrency_a that_o shall_v act_v and_o carry_v a_o end_n these_o holy_a service_n be_v there_o indeed_o a_o forgive_a spirit_n when_o you_o come_v before_o god_n be_v not_o your_o heart_n many_o of_o you_o full_a of_o wrath_n &_o anger_n be_v you_o meeken_v like_o lamb_n before_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n in_o your_o holy_a offering_n do_v you_o present_v yourselves_o upon_o that_o altar_n which_o be_v the_o lamb_n or_o do_v you_o fast_o for_o strife_n and_o debate_n long_v to_o be_v at_o it_o again_o that_o you_o may_v manifest_v your_o displeasure_n when_o the_o time_n be_v over_o and_o be_v there_o in_o you_o a_o spirit_n of_o compassion_n and_o work_n of_o bowel_n towards_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a whilst_o you_o be_v seek_v mercy_n from_o god_n do_v you_o oblige_v and_o engage_v your_o heart_n to_o return_v to_o god_n and_o to_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o in_o your_o person_n family_n church_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o object_n of_o your_o work_n &_o where_o you_o may_v have_v influence_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o power_n the_o lord_n help_v we_o solemn_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o we_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o mind_n what_o your_o sin_n be_v 1._o it_o be_v like_o the_o worship_v of_o a_o idol_n you_o have_v turn_v a_o holy_a ordinace_n into_o loathsome_a idolatry_n &_o as_o i_o may_v speak_v with_o holy_a reverence_n you_o have_v carry_v it_o towards_o god_n as_o if_o