destroy_v ourselves_o but_o since_o we_o can_v do_v that_o upon_o very_o little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o let_v we_o no_o long_o withstand_v this_o which_o be_v so_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a with_o we_o to_o save_v ourselves_o then_o turn_v thyself_o to_o god_n in_o who_o presence_n thou_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n thou_o may_v speak_v as_o i_o hope_v thou_o will_v be_v able_a with_o truth_n to_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o he_o i_o be_o overcome_v i_o be_o overcome_v o_o god_n i_o can_v no_o long_o withstand_v thy_o mighty_a love_n i_o must_v i_o do_v yield_v myself_o a_o captive_a to_o it_o i_o be_o thou_o i_o do_v acknow_v ledge_n by_o all_o right_n and_o i_o will_v be_v thou_o for_o ever_o by_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o my_o heart_n i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o in_o return_n to_o that_o wonderful_a love_n thou_o have_v show_v i_o and_o i_o can_v do_v no_o more_o o_o let_v this_o little_a that_o i_o can_v do_v be_v accept_v by_o thou_o and_o receive_v i_o for_o thy_o own_o take_v possession_n of_o i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n and_o let_v it_o preserve_v i_o for_o ever_o to_o thyself_o according_a as_o i_o do_v now_o sincere_o resign_v up_o myself_o and_o all_o i_o have_v to_o thou_o then_o 3._o cast_v thyself_o upon_o the_o ground_n say_v thus_o and_o say_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o soul_n to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n my_o creator_n redeemer_n and_o sanctifier_n do_v i_o give_v myself_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o i_o to_o be_v guide_v govern_v and_o dispose_v of_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o may_v he_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o this_o my_o act_n which_o i_o promise_v never_o to_o revoke_v and_o may_v i_o never_o obtain_v the_o least_o favour_n from_o he_o if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o with_o with_o a_o upright_a heart_n and_o a_o unfeigned_a purpose_n to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o my_o life_n end_n thou_o be_v my_o witness_n o_o my_o god_n be_v thou_o also_o my_o helper_n with_o thy_o continue_a grace_n and_o so_o shall_v i_o be_v faithful_a to_o thou_o according_a to_o my_o heart_n desire_n amen_n amen_n but_o then_o 4._o as_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o private_a between_o man_n and_o man_n must_v in_o some_o case_n receive_v a_o further_a consirmation_n by_o such_o solemnity_n as_o be_v appoint_v by_o humane_a law_n so_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v do_v thus_o between_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o soul_n must_v be_v far_o confirm_v and_o as_o it_o be_v complete_v by_o those_o solemnity_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v require_v and_o therefore_o sail_v not_o to_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n that_o be_v offer_v thou_o to_o go_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v prepare_v thyself_o at_o home_n by_o such_o meditation_n as_o i_o have_v before_o teach_v thou_o and_o by_o read_v some_o good_a book_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n such_o as_o dr._n patrick_n christian_a saacrifice_n which_o i_o desire_v may_v find_v a_o place_n both_o in_o thy_o closet_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n do_v thou_o there_o renew_v what_o thou_o have_v do_v in_o private_a and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o public_a court_n avow_v it_o and_o consirm_v it_o at_o that_o holy_a tale_n god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o meet_v thou_o attend_v with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o holy_a angel_n and_o he_o strict_o require_v and_o expect_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o be_v at_o that_o table_n and_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v there_o show_v thou_o and_o which_o can_v but_o draw_v thy_o very_a heart_n from_o thou_o if_o thou_o do_v consider_v it_o aright_o remember_v what_o thou_o be_v to_o do_v and_o let_v thy_o heart_n speak_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o almighty_a god_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n o_o heavenly_a father_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v up_o myself_o entire_o to_o thou_o since_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n o_o my_o bless_a saviour_n that_o i_o shall_v surrender_v myself_o and_o all_o i_o have_v into_o thy_o hand_n since_o thou_o do_v offer_v thyself_o a_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o i_o and_o do_v now_o offer_v these_o holy_a pledge_n of_o the_o all-sufficient_a virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n to_o i_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v resign_v myself_o to_o thou_o o_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n since_o thou_o do_v offer_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o holiness_n and_o life_n in_o i_o and_o therefore_o as_o i_o do_v now_o accept_v with_o all_o thinkfulness_n those_o great_a and_o inestimable_a favour_n and_o do_v declare_v my_o acceptance_n of_o they_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o thy_o servant_n and_o all_o thy_o holy_a angel_n here_o present_a by_o receive_v those_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o they_o according_a to_o thy_o command_n and_o institution_n so_o do_v i_o give_v up_o myself_o and_o all_o i_o have_v to_o thou_o and_o declare_v it_o before_o the_o face_n of_o all_o these_o witness_n and_o i_o earnest_o desire_v that_o even_o my_o unworthy_a self_n may_v be_v accept_v through_o this_o my_o poor_a gift_n the_o perfect_a sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n of_o my_o dear_a saviour_n and_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v own_v by_o my_o god_n to_o the_o everlasting_a parise_v of_o the_o holy_a bless_a and_o undivided_a trinity_n who_o i_o be_o and_o who_o i_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n amen_n but_o then_o 5._o when_o thou_o be_v go_v from_o this_o holy_a table_n retire_v as_o soon_o as_o possible_o thou_o can_v and_o while_o these_o good_a thought_n be_v warm_a in_o thy_o breast_n into_o thy_o closet_n and_o there_o take_v the_o book_n of_o thy_o spiritual_a account_n into_o thy_o hand_n for_o i_o will_v not_o have_v thou_o to_o be_v without_o such_o a_o book_n for_o record_v these_o thing_n wherein_o the_o welfare_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v great_o concern_v lest_o thou_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o care_n and_o exactness_n of_o those_o who_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o call_v good_a husband_n in_o worldly_a matter_n and_o with_o thy_o pen_n write_v thus_o in_o such_o a_o year_n and_o such_o a_o month_n and_o on_o such_o a_o day_n i_o do_v through_o god_n grace_n with_o all_o the_o devotion_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o soul_n make_v a_o entire_a surrender_n of_o myself_o and_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o i_o to_o almighty_a god_n protest_v and_o vow_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o full_a guide_n govern_v and_o dispose_v of_o i_o and_o i_o for_o ever_o and_o then_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v a_o more_o distinct_a understanding_n of_o what_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o what_o thou_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v thou_o may_v under_o write_v these_o follow_v particular_n viz._n i_o have_v give_v up_o myself_o entire_o to_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v not_o serve_v myself_o but_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n i_o have_v give_v he_o my_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o my_o chief_a care_n and_o study_n must_v be_v to_o know_v he_o his_o nature_n his_o perfection_n his_o work_n his_o will_n these_o must_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o meditation_n night_n and_o day_n as_o for_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o must_v be_v as_o dross_n and_o dung_n to_o i_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o must_v be_v as_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n phil._n 3.8_o v._o i_o must_v believe_v all_o his_o reelation_n and_o silence_v all_o the_o carnal_a reason_n against_o whatsoever_o he_o teach_v i_o i_o must_v rest_v myself_o on_o his_o veracity_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o he_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v himself_o nor_o deceive_v i_o see_v rom._n 4.19_o 20._o have_v give_v he_o my_o will_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v have_v no_o will_n of_o my_o own_o whatever_o he_o will_v i_o must_v will_v also_o i_o must_v will_v his_o glory_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v and_o that_o must_v be_v my_o chief_a end_n in_o every_o thing_n i_o must_v prefer_v it_o before_o all_o desirable_a thing_n and_o subordinate_a my_o own_o desire_n delight_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o it_o i_o must_v say_v as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o psal_n 73.25_o i_o must_v do_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v i_o and_o forbear_v whatever_o he_o forbid_v and_o i_o must_v do_v it_o for_o this_o reason_n chief_o because_o
thy_o desire_n to_o god_n rise_v from_o thy_o knee_n and_o either_o walk_n or_o sit_v as_o thou_o think_v best_o 2._o begin_v to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o thy_o soul_n to_o a_o perfect_a surrender_n of_o itself_o by_o the_o argument_n before_o lay_v down_o press_v they_o upon_o thyself_o with_o all_o they_o may_v and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v as_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o thou_o as_o be_v possible_a thou_o may_v imagine_v that_o thou_o hear_v almighty_a god_n speak_v to_o thou_o from_o heaven_n in_o this_o manner_n consider_v thyself_o o_o man_n and_o take_v notice_n what_o thou_o be_v and_o what_o good_a thing_n thou_o do_v possess_v look_v upon_o thy_o body_n and_o all_o its_o useful_a member_n consider_v thy_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n and_o observe_v their_o several_a motion_n and_o operation_n and_o tell_v i_o whence_o thou_o be_v and_o to_o who_o thou_o be_v indebt_v for_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o world_n that_o furnish_v thou_o with_o all_o thing_n necessary_a and_o fit_v for_o thou_o and_o tell_v i_o who_o be_v the_o framer_n of_o it_o and_o who_o make_v it_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o thou_o can_v thou_o deny_v that_o i_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o wherefore_o then_o have_v thou_o lift_v up_o thyself_o against_o i_o and_o presume_v to_o act_v as_o it_o thou_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o i_o or_o obligation_n to_o i_o if_o thou_o sowe_v thy_o seed_n in_o thy_o field_n thou_o expect_v to_o reap_v the_o crop_n if_o thou_o do_v nourish_v and_o provide_v for_o a_o poor_a beast_n thou_o think_v that_o thou_o may_v use_v he_o at_o thy_o pleasure_n if_o thou_o make_v a_o instrument_n to_o work_v withal_o thou_o challenge_a a_o right_a to_o dispose_v of_o it_o but_o i_o have_v maintain_v and_o preserve_v a_o creature_n hear_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o thyself_o and_o thou_o will_v allow_v i_o no_o right_a and_o title_n to_o he_o and_o his_o service_n tell_v i_o o_o thou_o unjust_a and_o ungrateful_a wretch_n do_v i_o ever_o give_v thou_o liberty_n to_o dispose_v of_o thyself_o do_v i_o ever_o give_v thou_o occasion_n to_o think_v that_o i_o make_v no_o reckon_n of_o thou_o or_o that_o i_o expect_v no_o acknowledgement_n from_o thou_o no_o wretched_a creature_n thou_o do_v know_v that_o i_o make_v thou_o for_o myself_o and_o that_o i_o will_v not_o give_v away_o my_o interest_n in_o thou_o that_o i_o put_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o thou_o and_o that_o as_o i_o make_v thou_o capable_a of_o serve_v i_o so_o i_o expect_v and_o desire_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o therefore_o do_v i_o love_v thou_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o bestow_v innumerable_a gift_n upon_o thou_o i_o give_v thou_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v fit_v for_o thou_o and_o assure_v thou_o that_o i_o will_v withhold_v no_o good_a thing_n from_o thou_o yea_o i_o give_v thou_o myself_o in_o my_o own_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o descend_v out_o of_o my_o bosom_n to_o assure_v thou_o of_o my_o love_n as_o well_o as_o to_o convince_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v deserve_v my_o hatred_n thou_o can_v rage_v against_o a_o poor_a servant_n that_o neglect_v thy_o business_n and_o seem_v to_o ssight_v thou_o yea_o thy_o poor_a neighbour_n that_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o thou_o shall_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o thy_o displeasure_n if_o he_o chance_v to_o wrong_v thou_o they_o must_v seek_v thy_o pardon_n and_o crouch_v before_o thou_o and_o think_v themselves_o beholden_a to_o thou_o if_o by_o so_o do_v they_o can_v make_v their_o peace_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v humble_v myself_o to_o thou_o thou_o vile_a worm_n and_o have_v not_o spare_v my_o own_o son_n that_o i_o may_v spare_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o to_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o thy_o duty_n to_o i_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v witness_v for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v stoop_v low_o enough_o in_o desire_v the_o friendship_n of_o rebellious_a dust_n and_o ash_n and_o they_o shall_v also_o witness_v the_o justice_n of_o my_o severity_n to_o thou_o if_o so_o much_o love_n and_o condescension_n will_v not_o work_v upon_o thou_o here_o thou_o may_v pause_v a_o while_n and_o observe_v how_o thy_o soul_n be_v affect_v with_o these_o thing_n and_o then_o thou_o may_v imagine_v again_o that_o thou_o hear_v almighty_a god_n speak_v further_o to_o thou_o and_o more_o full_o relate_v the_o wonderful_a history_n of_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o account_n of_o his_o mean_a birth_n of_o his_o humble_a and_o painful_a life_n of_o his_o bloody_a and_o cruel_a death_n and_o his_o design_n and_o end_v in_o all_o this_o proceed_v to_o show_v thou_o with_o how_o much_o love_n and_o with_o what_o tender_a regard_n for_o thou_o he_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o ascend_v to_o his_o father_n and_o how_o that_o after_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v in_o his_o own_o person_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o fit_v for_o he_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o complete_a the_o great_a and_o good_a work_n of_o thy_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o then_o imagine_v that_o he_o tell_v thou_o what_o that_o bless_a and_o holy_a spirit_n have_v for_o his_o part_n do_v for_o thou_o what_o gift_n he_o have_v bestow_v what_o wonder_v he_o have_v wrought_v what_o art_n and_o method_n he_o have_v use_v and_o with_o what_o goodness_n and_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o bring_v thou_o to_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o all_o his_o love_n and_o of_o all_o thy_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o excite_v encourage_v and_o enable_v thou_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o end_n bespeak_v thou_o in_o this_o or_o the_o like_a manner_n and_o now_o wretch_n that_o thou_o be_v must_v all_o this_o love_n be_v lose_v upon_o thou_o and_o must_v i_o lose_v thou_o for_o ever_o after_o all_o that_o i_o have_v do_v for_o thou_o will_v nothing_o work_v upon_o thy_o hard_a heart_n upon_o thy_o proud_a and_o stubborn_a will_n will_v nothing_o conquer_v the_o perverseness_n of_o thy_o spirit_n not_o the_o command_v of_o thy_o maker_n not_o the_o death_n of_o thy_o saviour_n not_o the_o good_a motion_n and_o inspiration_n of_o thy_o sanctifier_n can_v thou_o withstand_v my_o power_n that_o thou_o be_v thus_o obstinate_a against_o my_o goodness_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o save_v thou_o do_v thou_o think_v that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o destroy_v thou_o o_o foolish_a creature_n and_o unwise_a consider_v these_o thing_n serious_o and_o as_o thou_o ought_v remember_v what_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o what_o unreasonale_fw-la course_v thou_o have_v take_v hitherto_o and_o proceed_v no_o far_o in_o thy_o folly_n but_o return_v to_o that_o i_o love_v that_o call_v thou_o that_o entreat_v thou_o that_o will_v save_v thou_o here_o thou_o may_v pause_v a_o little_a as_o before_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n more_o be_v necessary_a to_o shame_n and_o humble_v thou_o to_o soften_v and_o melt_v thou_o thou_o may_v turn_v thyself_o to_o consider_v thy_o own_o engagement_n and_o to_o charge_n upon_o thyself_o that_o monstrous_a perfidiousness_n which_o thou_o have_v and_o will_v continue_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o if_o thou_o do_v now_o withstand_v the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o that_o thy_o perfidiousness_n may_v appear_v the_o more_o detestable_a thou_o may_v consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o that_o be_v which_o thou_o have_v be_v engage_v and_o be_v now_o call_v upon_o to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n unjust_a dishonest_a or_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v not_o to_o destroy_v thyself_o or_o to_o make_v thyself_o miserable_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o do_v the_o just_a the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o thou_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v it_o be_v to_o return_v to_o the_o author_n of_o thy_o be_v and_o thereby_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o thy_o creation_n and_o consult_v the_o only_a happiness_n and_o rest_v of_o thy_o soul_n it_o be_v to_o unite_v thyself_o to_o the_o supreme_a good_a to_o make_v thyself_o his_o and_o to_o make_v he_o hine_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v this_o a_o thing_n so_o much_o against_o thou_o that_o thou_o need_v so_o much_o invitation_n and_o persuasion_n to_o it_o o_o my_o soul_n my_o foolish_a soul_n may_v thou_o say_v what_o can_v thou_o say_v for_o thyself_o in_o this_o case_n be_v there_o any_o excuse_n for_o thy_o folly_n any_o plea_n for_o thy_o wickedness_n no_o far_o be_v it_o from_o thou_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o let_v we_o rather_o amend_v what_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o be_v more_o wise_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v happy_a have_v we_o be_v if_o we_o have_v need_v from_o the_o beginning_n so_o much_o invitation_n to_o
do_v with_o a_o god_n that_o know_v thy_o frailty_n and_o abound_v in_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n towards_o thou_o and_o as_o long_o as_o thou_o do_v not_o withdraw_v thy_o heart_n from_o he_o nor_o slack_v thy_o endeavour_n to_o make_v good_a thy_o resolution_n and_o vow_n thou_o may_v rest_v thyself_o assure_v that_o thou_o shall_v not_o want_v the_o choice_a token_n of_o his_o love_n i_o mean_v a_o daily_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n to_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o thou_o may_v feel_v thyself_o at_o first_o to_o be_v weak_a as_o a_o little_a child_n but_o be_v not_o dismay_v at_o it_o for_o thou_o will_v find_v in_o a_o little_a time_n that_o that_o spirit_n which_o first_o breathe_v into_o thou_o this_o new_a life_n will_v preserve_v and_o cherish_v it_o and_o make_v thou_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4.13_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v thou_o my_o dear_a brother_n how_o thou_o may_v become_v a_o real_a christian_a i.e._n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o new_a creature_n in_o christ_n jesus_n 2._o corin._n 5.17_o and_o let_v i_o tell_v thou_o for_o thy_o comfort_n that_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v thou_o may_v safe_o account_v thyself_o to_o be_v one_o and_o all_o those_o privilege_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n assure_v thou_o do_v belong_v to_o real_a christian_n thou_o may_v just_o challenge_v as_o belong_v to_o thyself_o be_v they_o one_o with_o christ_n so_o be_v thou_o have_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n so_o have_v thou_o have_v they_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n so_o have_v thou_o be_v they_o the_o child_n of_o god_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n so_o be_v thou_o this_o be_v a_o happy_a and_o honourable_a estate_n no_o ambitious_a soul_n can_v aim_v at_o any_o thing_n high_o no_o heart_n can_v desire_v any_o thing_n better_o it_o be_v that_o to_o which_o all_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n do_v pretend_v but_o they_o and_o they_o only_a that_o have_v thus_o resign_v themselves_o to_o god_n have_v attain_v to_o it_o but_o now_o i_o must_v tell_v thou_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a thy_o happiness_n be_v in_o this_o estate_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o thou_o be_v concern_v to_o take_v care_n that_o thou_o fall_v not_o away_o from_o it_o and_o to_o use_v all_o diligence_n to_o keep_v thyself_o in_o a_o firm_a possession_n of_o it_o remember_v that_o thou_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v no_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n but_o in_o a_o place_n of_o manifold_a temptation_n where_o many_o do_v draw_v back_o and_o after_o they_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n do_v turn_n from_o it_o 1_o pet._n 2.21_o for_o which_o purpose_n i_o must_v proceed_v to_o give_v thou_o some_o further_a direction_n but_o contract_v my_o thought_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v that_o i_o may_v not_o burden_v thou_o with_o too_o big_a a_o book_n chap._n iu._n sect._n 1_o contain_v the_o four_o advice_n to_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n sect._n 2._o countain_v several_a direction_n how_o to_o improve_v in_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n §_o 1._o thou_o must_v endeavour_v daily_o to_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o to_o get_v more_o clear_a distinct_a firm_a well-setled_n apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o advice_n be_v very_o plain_a viz._n that_o the_o more_o thou_o know_v of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o clear_a they_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v the_o better_a thou_o will_v love_v god_n and_o the_o more_o close_o will_v thy_o heart_n cleave_v unto_o he_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n indeed_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o the_o less_o man_n know_v they_o the_o more_o they_o esteem_v and_o love_v they_o while_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o at_o a_o distanced_a and_o know_v they_o but_o imperfect_o they_o seem_v great_a and_o good_a worthy_a of_o their_o esteem_n and_o love_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o handle_v they_o and_o know_v they_o thorough_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o deserve_v neither_o but_o now_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v of_o another_o sort_n such_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o nature_n that_o the_o more_o they_o be_v unfold_v to_o we_o the_o more_o we_o admire_v they_o and_o the_o more_o strong_o do_v they_o draw_v our_o soul_n towards_o they_o and_o if_o there_o by_o any_o man_n that_o do_v not_o value_v they_o or_o be_v not_o in_o lore_n with_o they_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v they_o be_v it_o i_o that_o speak_v this_o or_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n also_o speak_v the_o same_o why_o then_o do_v it_o so_o often_o tell_v we_o of_o wicked_a man_n that_o they_o know_v not_o god_n that_o they_o know_v not_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o god_n jerem._n 5.5_o and_o cap._n 9.4_o v._o and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o st._n john_n mean_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v he_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o john_n 2.3_o 4._o do_v not_o this_o imply_v plain_o that_o they_o who_o know_v god_n true_o will_v obey_v he_o and_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o be_v their_o ignorance_n of_o he_o or_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o knowledge_n either_o they_o know_v not_o god_n at_o all_o or_o their_o knowledge_n be_v so_o weak_a so_o sleight_n so_o imperfect_a that_o it_o make_v little_a or_o no_o impression_n upon_o their_o heart_n their_o conception_n of_o god_n be_v like_o those_o conceit_n which_o we_o have_v of_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o sleep_n which_o either_o affect_v we_o not_o at_o all_o or_o be_v forget_v by_o we_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o awake_v we_o believe_v and_o we_o believe_v right_o that_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n shall_v never_o fall_v from_o god_n but_o will_v love_v and_o serve_v he_o for_o ever_o without_o the_o least_o fail_v or_o imperfection_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o sure_o it_o be_v because_o they_o know_v his_o as_o they_o be_v know_v of_o he_o 1_o corinth_n 13.12_o or_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v they_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v 1_o john_n 3.2_o i.e._n they_o have_v the_o clear_a firm_a the_o most_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o creature_n can_v have_v by_o which_o they_o be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n and_o make_v like_a unto_o he_o he_o that_o do_v know_v god_n true_o do_v also_o know_v himself_o and_o he_o that_o do_v know_v god_n and_o himself_o true_o can_v but_o keep_v himself_o in_o a_o state_n of_o resignation_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n continual_o he_o will_v feel_v those_o impression_n upon_o himself_o which_o holy_a job_n do_v when_o god_n have_v make_v himself_o a_o little_a better_o know_v unto_o he_o than_o he_o be_v before_o see_v job_n 38.39_o and_o will_v say_v from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n as_o holy_a job_n do_v behold_v i_o be_o vile_a chap._n 40.4_o v._o he_o will_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o a_o worm_n to_o contend_v with_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n not_o for_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n as_o one_o of_o job_n friend_n speak_v to_o presume_v to_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n he_o will_v feel_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 9.10_o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o and_o will_v hearty_o assent_v to_o that_o say_v of_o a_o great_a man_n that_o the_o more_o we_o reject_v ourselves_o montaign_a mich._n the_o montaign_a and_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n the_o better_a it_o be_v for_o we_o he_o will_v say_v as_o a_o devout_a man_n once_o do_v what_o be_v thou_o o_o lord_n and_o what_o be_o i_o he_o will_v be_v continual_o admire_v his_o sovereign_a greatness_n andwill_v be_v no_o less_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o worthlesness_n and_o nothingness_n he_o that_o know_v god_n true_o will_v also_o know_v the_o world_n and_o he_o that_o know_v god_n and_o the_o world_n aright_o will_v never_o be_v draw_v from_o god_n by_o any_o of_o the_o world_n allurement_n he_o will_v know_v that_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o of_o itself_o and_o will_v he_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v not_o he_o will_v know_v that_o without_o god_n it_o can_v contribute_v no_o more_o to_o his_o happiness_n than_o it_o
as_o in_o god_n sight_n or_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n be_v psal_n 16.8_o thou_o must_v set_v god_n always_o before_o thou_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o so_o great_a use_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n that_o some_o spiritual_a guide_n have_v think_v that_o it_o may_v serve_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o rule_n and_o true_o if_o we_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v that_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o i_o have_v but_o now_o advise_v thou_o to_o seek_v after_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n but_o it_o may_v however_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v great_a and_o it_o lie_v so_o plain_a that_o many_o word_n need_v not_o be_v use_v to_o show_v it_o thou_o for_o if_o clear_a and_o sound_a apprehension_n of_o god_n majesty_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n unsearchable_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n will_v possess_v our_o heart_n with_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o bow_v our_o will_n to_o his_o obedience_n as_o i_o have_v show_v thou_o that_o they_o will_v sure_o that_o which_o will_v keep_v those_o apprehension_n always_o present_a and_o in_o force_n upon_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o rule_n will_v do_v will_v keep_v we_o always_o resign_v and_o obedient_a to_o he_o we_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o we_o honour_v and_o in_o who_o favour_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o and_o make_v we_o take_v heed_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o all_o our_o behaviour_n and_o therefore_o the_o master_n of_o virtue_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v wont_a to_o advise_v their_o scholar_n to_o imagine_v some_o excellent_a person_n for_o who_o they_o have_v a_o great_a veneration_n to_o be_v always_o present_a with_o they_o as_o a_o observer_n of_o their_o action_n and_o can_v the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n all-seeing_a eye_n be_v less_o powerful_a with_o we_o to_o make_v we_o circumspect_a in_o our_o way_n and_o careful_a to_o approve_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o he_o can_v we_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o mortal_a man_n who_o favour_n or_o good_a opinion_n can_v never_o stand_v we_o but_o in_o little_a stead_n than_o we_o have_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n in_o who_o favour_n be_v life_n and_o in_o who_o approbation_n consist_v our_o everlasting_a happiness_n no_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o have_v thougth_n on_o thy_o name_n say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o have_v keep_v thy_o law_n and_o in_o another_o place_n my_o way_n be_v always_o before_o thou_o therefore_o have_v i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n and_o thy_o testimony_n psal_n 119.168_o v._o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a that_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n be_v sometime_o restrain_v from_o do_v evil_a by_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o the_o great_a care_n that_o most_o of_o they_o take_v to_o avoid_v think_v upon_o god_n be_v no_o mconsiderable_a argument_n that_o the_o bear_v he_o always_o in_o their_o mind_n will_v prove_v a_o absolute_a cure_n to_o their_o wickedness_n for_o wherefore_o do_v they_o put_v away_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v but_o because_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o those_o thought_n will_v constrain_v they_o to_o become_v new_a man_n and_o to_o relinquish_v those_o silthy_a practice_n which_o they_o can_v sin_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o sorsake_v it_o be_v a_o good_a story_n and_o may_v sit_o have_v a_o place_n here_o which_o we_o have_v from_o one_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n if_o my_o memory_n fail_v i_o not_o of_o a_o young_a man_n who_o be_v tempt_v by_o a_o wanton_a strumpet_n seem_v to_o consent_v to_o her_o unlawful_a desire_n but_o require_v some_o secret_a place_n to_o content_v she_o she_o therefore_o lead_v hin_a into_o a_o private_a room_n and_o when_o he_o except_v against_o it_o as_o not_o private_a enough_o she_o lead_v he_o into_o another_o and_o that_o not_o plcase_v he_o she_o bring_v he_o into_o the_o most_o secret_a place_n in_o the_o house_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a any_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o there_o or_o that_o any_o shall_v come_v to_o interrupt_v they_o but_o then_o the_o young_a man_n put_v on_o a_o more_o serious_a countenance_n demand_v of_o she_o whether_o she_o think_v that_o they_o can_v there_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o almighty_a god_n with_o which_o question_n and_o some_o short_a discourse_n that_o be_v pertinent_a to_o it_o he_o do_v not_o only_o cool_v her_o lust_n for_o the_o present_a but_o convert_v she_o altogether_o from_o her_o filthy_a course_n of_o life_n now_o if_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n presence_n do_v sometime_o work_v these_o good_a effect_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n who_o neither_o know_v he_o true_o nor_o love_v he_o hearty_o and_o who_o have_v be_v so_o sar_n from_o both_o that_o they_o have_v prefer_v the_o poor_a object_n of_o their_o lust_n before_o he_o how_o happy_a will_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v upon_o those_o who_o have_v so_o know_v and_o love_v he_o as_o to_o renounce_v both_o themselves_o and_o the_o world_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o love_v he_o as_o much_o for_o his_o goodness_n as_o they_o fear_v he_o for_o his_o power_n and_o who_o have_v rather_o die_v than_o displease_v he_o not_o so_o much_o because_o he_o can_v punish_v as_o because_o they_o know_v he_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o the_o love_n service_n and_o obedience_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o pay_v unto_o he_o sure_o as_o those_o man_n can_v but_o delight_v to_o think_v of_o he_o and_o can_v but_o account_v themselves_o happy_a that_o they_o be_v always_o under_o so_o good_a a_o eye_n so_o the_o remembrance_n &_o consideration_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o keep_v they_o constant_o resign_v to_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n obedient_a to_o his_o will._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o advice_n i_o proceed_v §_o 2._o to_o direct_v thou_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v coonfe_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o some_o to_o practice_v it_o those_o that_o be_v slave_n to_o their_o flesh_n and_o to_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o think_v serious_o of_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o who_o conscience_n be_v burden_v with_o the_o gild_n of_o many_o sin_n will_v find_v it_o very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a though_o they_o be_v ever_o so_o well_o direct_v such_o man_n must_v first_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o resignation_n but_o to_o those_o that_o be_v rescue_v from_o under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o those_o cruel_a master_n and_o be_v entire_o resign_v to_o god_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o by_o lore_n as_o i_o hope_v thou_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o easy_a pleasant_a and_o delightful_a our_o soul_n willing_o empoly_v their_o thought_n upon_o that_o which_o they_o love_v and_o glad_o embrace_v ing_z all_o opportunity_n of_o be_v in_o its_o presence_n and_o therefore_o very_o brief_a direction_n may_v suffice_v thou_o concern_v it_o and_o 1._o let_v i_o advertise_v thou_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o must_v be_v ground_v upon_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o god_n omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n he_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o himself_o thell_n we_o jerem._n 23.24_o he_o encompass_n they_o without_o and_o he_o fill_v they_o within_o and_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n assure_v we_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o his_o eye_n chap._n 4.13_o they_o pierce_v to_o the_o very_a marrow_n of_o our_o bone_n and_o to_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o entrail_n they_o accompany_v all_o the_o extravagant_a wander_n of_o our_o imagination_n and_o discover_v the_o hide_a image_n of_o our_o memory_n they_o look_v through_o the_o closet-folding_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o discern_v the_o most_o subtle_a device_n of_o our_o spirit_n now_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v lay_v for_o a_o foundation_n thou_o must_v accustom_v thyself_o 2._o to_o behold_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n though_o he_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n yet_o thy_o mind_n may_v perceive_v he_o in_o every_o place_n and_o in_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o heaven_n above_o and_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o and_o in_o every_o part_n and_o corner_n of_o they_o in_o the_o man_n thou_o converse_a with_o and_o in_o the_o beast_n thou_o rule_a over_o in_o the_o foul_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o forest_n in_o thyself_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n round_o about_o thou_o in_o all_o these_o he_o may_v be_v clear_o discern_v exert_v that_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o first_o give_v be_v