though_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v exceed_v hazzardable_a to_o daniel_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v deter_v from_o it_o but_o every_o light_a trifle_n take_v off_o our_o heart_n again_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a for_o wicked_a man_n to_o seek_v he_o though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o seek_v god_n as_o they_o aught_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abominable_a prov._n 15.8_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o every_o man_n that_o be_v unregenerate_a wickedness_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v take_v in_o that_o place_n for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n have_v regard_v the_o prayer_n of_o man_n unregenerate_a the_o prayer_n and_o fast_v of_o niniveh_n be_v regard_v of_o god_n the_o prayer_n and_o fast_v of_o ahab_n be_v regard_v of_o god_n god_n have_v grant_v the_o wicked_a some_o mercy_n he_o have_v look_v on_o they_o as_o his_o creature_n though_o god_n see_v enough_o in_o their_o prayer_n to_o cast_v they_o off_o yet_o god_n have_v manifest_v his_o regard_n to_o they_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o wicked_a to_o seek_v the_o lord_n much_o less_o be_v it_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n to_o seek_v he_o yea_o the_o lord_n hear_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o very_a raven_n and_o the_o beast_n psalm_n 147.9_o and_o psalm_n 104.21_o 27_o 28._o therefore_o the_o people_n of_o niniveh_n will_v have_v the_o beast_n eat_v nothing_o that_o they_o may_v cry_v unto_o god_n jonah_n 3.7_o 8._o sure_o if_o the_o brute_n beast_n and_o the_o foul_n be_v hear_v when_o they_o cry_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n to_o seek_v god_n again_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a because_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o have_v be_v wise_a and_o have_v converse_v with_o god_n and_o have_v know_v much_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n have_v give_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o strength_n to_o this_o duty_n now_o it_o be_v a_o weak_a part_n and_o a_o idle_a thing_n for_o any_o one_o to_o give_v up_o his_o strength_n and_o all_o his_o might_n to_o that_o which_o be_v vanity_n and_o whereby_o there_o be_v no_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v obtain_v it_o be_v say_v of_o jehoshaphat_n 2._o chron._n 20.3_o that_o he_o fear_v and_o set_v himself_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v translate_v composuit_fw-la faciem_fw-la svam_fw-la he_o set_v his_o face_n he_o give_v himself_o up_o full_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n they_o know_v what_o they_o do_v that_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o seek_v god_n indeed_o carnal_a heart_n condemn_v the_o people_n of_o god_n because_o they_o see_v they_o so_o earnest_a in_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o think_v to_o be_v vain_a for_o it_o argue_v weakness_n in_o any_o man_n to_o give_v up_o himself_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v vanity_n and_o have_v no_o strength_n in_o they_o therefore_o because_o carnal_a man_n look_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o end_n they_o think_v it_o foolish_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o earnest_a to_o give_v up_o their_o strength_n and_o their_o whole_a soul_n for_o it_o but_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n know_v what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a again_o this_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v much_o advantage_n by_o prayer_n because_o man_n that_o be_v wise_a and_o holy_a have_v so_o prize_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o make_v such_o high_a account_n of_o they_o mark_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o saint_n for_o their_o prayer_n rom._n 15.30_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_z for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o you_o strive_v together_o in_o prayer_n with_o i_o in_o your_o heart_n to_o god_n for_o i_o the_o apostle_n paul_n so_o great_a a_o man_n and_o one_o that_o have_v a_o mighty_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n write_v to_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n he_o beseech_v they_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o strive_v in_o prayer_n for_o he_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v much_o to_o be_v have_v this_o way_n yea_o further_o god_n be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o isaiah_n 65.1_o then_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n to_o seek_v he_o yea_o yet_o further_o god_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o show_v no_o mercy_n give_v a_o straight_a charge_n to_o his_o people_n not_o to_o pray_v or_o he_o shut_v up_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pray_v this_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o prayer_n be_v prevalent_a because_o when_o god_n will_v not_o show_v mercy_n he_o will_v not_o have_v such_o a_o precious_a thing_n lose_v and_o spend_v in_o vain_a last_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a because_o if_o it_o shall_v than_o a_o pray_a heart_n be_v not_o always_o a_o mercy_n from_o god_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v therefore_o though_o perhaps_o you_o can_v find_v the_o thing_n grant_v that_o you_o pray_v for_o yet_o to_o have_v a_o continual_a pray_v heart_n know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n from_o god_n and_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a prize_n more_o the_o continuance_n of_o a_o pray_a heart_n many_o time_n than_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o pray_v for_o all_o these_o put_v together_o be_v full_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o seek_v the_o lord_n there_o be_v many_o other_o evidence_n which_o i_o pass_v by_o on_o purpose_n that_o i_o may_v have_v as_o much_o time_n as_o may_v be_v for_o application_n but_o now_o wherein_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o seek_v the_o lord_n what_o do_v prayer_n do_v first_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o seek_v god_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o prayer_n but_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o our_o grace_n this_o alone_o be_v worth_a our_o time_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v exercise_v about_o somewhat_o now_o prayer_n serve_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n second_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o creature_n to_o god_n there_o be_v many_o people_n that_o be_v weary_a of_o prayer_n because_o they_o have_v not_o that_o by_o it_o that_o they_o expect_v but_o know_v that_o there_o be_v two_o argument_n to_o prayer_n the_o performance_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o mercy_n if_o there_o be_v but_o only_o the_o former_a that_o alone_o shall_v suffice_v to_o keep_v thou_o pray_v as_o long_o as_o thou_o live_v three_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o tender_v that_o homage_n and_o worship_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n prayer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o duty_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o world_n while_o we_o be_v worship_v of_o god_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o time_n again_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a if_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o this_o that_o we_o come_v and_o show_v what_o side_n we_o be_v of_o that_o we_o join_v and_o side_n with_o god_n against_o his_o adversary_n and_o for_o his_o people_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n here_o intend_v further_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a because_o there_o be_v no_o faithful_a prayer_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v but_o god_n accept_v of_o it_o in_o heaven_n there_o be_v never_o one_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n that_o ever_o put_v up_o a_o faithful_a petition_n to_o god_n but_o god_n take_v it_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o read_v it_o a_o king_n or_o any_o superior_a when_o you_o come_v with_o a_o petition_n may_v refuse_v to_o take_v it_o but_o god_n never_o refuse_v to_o take_v any_o petition_n from_o a_o faithful_a soul_n therefore_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psal_n 6.9_o the_o lord_n have_v hear_v my_o supplication_n the_o lord_n will_v receive_v my_o prayer_n he_o will_v take_v it_o and_o look_v on_o it_o and_o read_v it_o &_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o will_v also_o accept_v it_o and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o a_o prince_n may_v take_v a_o petition_n and_o look_v on_o it_o and_o after_o frown_n and_o show_v anger_n in_o his_o countenance_n but_o god_n do_v not_o so_o with_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o upright_o be_v his_o delight_n prov._n 15.8_o he_o never_o read_v a_o
a_o gracious_a heart_n therefore_o think_v not_o much_o that_o god_n stay_v with_o a_o great_a sum_n for_o as_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o way_n of_o justice_n so_o he_o deal_v with_o godly_a man_n in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n he_o let_v wicked_a man_n go_v on_o a_o great_a while_n he_o come_v not_o to_o judgement_n for_o sin_n but_o stay_v till_o all_o come_v together_o till_o a_o great_a sum_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n come_v together_o so_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o saint_n he_o come_v not_o with_o less_o mercy_n but_o he_o stay_v till_o abundance_n come_v and_o when_o god_n time_n be_v come_v mercy_n will_v come_v to_o the_o full_a indeed_o further_o it_o may_v be_v god_n have_v so_o much_o mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o vessel_n capable_a of_o it_o only_o know_v that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o be_v work_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o plow_a and_o the_o sow_v of_o the_o husbandman_n and_o all_o the_o shower_n in_o vain_a because_o the_o corn_n be_v not_o in_o the_o barn_n we_o account_v it_o not_o so_o so_o we_o must_v not_o account_v our_o prayer_n in_o vain_a because_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o attain_v we_o pray_v for_o there_o be_v many_o other_o answer_n but_o the_o time_n be_v so_o much_o go_v i_o come_v brief_o to_o the_o application_n first_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o god_n say_v not_o to_o the_o feed_n of_o jacob_n seek_v my_o face_n in_o vain_a certain_o there_o be_v great_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n that_o we_o may_v build_v on_o god_n be_v to_o do_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n why_o because_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n ever_o since_o jacob_n time_n have_v be_v seek_v god_n not_o only_o for_o their_o own_o time_n but_o for_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n all_o their_o prayer_n be_v upon_o the_o file_n and_o must_v be_v answer_v one_o day_n o_o what_o a_o glorious_a harvest_n will_v it_o be_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o shall_v live_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o we_o have_v a_o little_a but_o certain_o there_o be_v glorious_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n because_o every_o prayer_n shall_v be_v answer_v second_o you_o that_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n know_v your_o honour_n though_o you_o be_v never_o so_o poor_a otherwise_o god_n have_v give_v you_o that_o which_o make_v you_o rich_a you_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n you_o may_v open_v the_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v in_o vain_a god_n people_n be_v such_o as_o be_v exceed_o honourable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n that_o they_o have_v credit_n in_o heaven_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o seek_v god_n in_o vain_a bathsheba_n say_v to_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 2.20_o i_o desire_v one_o petition_n of_o thou_o i_o pray_v thou_o say_v i_o not_o nay_o it_o be_v translate_v by_o some_o ne_o confundas_fw-la faciam_fw-la confound_v not_o my_o face_n indeed_o the_o deny_v of_o a_o petition_n it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o a_o confound_a of_o the_o face_n but_o god_n will_v not_o confound_v the_o face_n of_o his_o people_n he_o never_o say_v to_o they_o seek_v you_o i_o in_o vain_a they_o be_v honourable_a one_o now_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o their_o father_n jacob_n he_o prevail_v as_o a_o prince_n with_o god_n so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n they_o prevail_v as_o prince_n with_o god_n they_o can_v do_v great_a thing_n with_o god_n it_o may_v be_v they_o can_v do_v other_o thing_n that_o vain_a spirit_n can_v do_v but_o they_o can_v do_v much_o with_o god_n in_o prevail_v o_o here_o see_v your_o privilege_n and_o your_o riches_n all_o the_o prayer_n that_o you_o have_v make_v in_o your_o life_n time_n they_o be_v all_o trade_n in_o heaven_n they_o be_v not_o lose_v if_o a_o man_n have_v venture_v a_o stock_n abroad_o to_o the_o indies_n and_o do_v not_o hear_v of_o it_o in_o a_o great_a while_n he_o think_v it_o be_v lose_v and_o go_v but_o if_o he_o hear_v certain_a news_n that_o all_o his_o stock_n be_v safe_a and_o in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o will_v have_v it_o and_o those_o that_o be_v there_o faithful_o improve_v his_o stock_n he_o be_v revive_v by_o this_o it_o rejoice_v his_o spirit_n and_o he_o can_v say_v bless_v be_v god_n i_o hope_v to_o be_v a_o rich_a man_n for_o all_o this_o i_o say_v to_o thou_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o stock_n be_v not_o lose_v it_o be_v trade_n in_o heaven_n and_o every_o prayer_n that_o thou_o have_v put_v up_o be_v there_o we_o shall_v account_v our_o prayer_n as_o riches_n as_o adventure_n send_v to_o heaven_n and_o not_o as_o child_n that_o shoot_v arrow_n and_o do_v not_o mind_v they_o and_o then_o learn_v this_o it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o have_v a_o pray_a friend_n a_o pray_a companion_n many_o of_o you_o love_v friend_n that_o be_v delightful_a of_o a_o cheerly_a nature_n and_o merry_a but_o be_v they_o pray_v once_o pray_v friend_n be_v the_o special_a friend_n because_o prayer_n can_v prevail_v with_o god_n to_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o the_o court_n that_o can_v obtain_v any_o petition_n we_o think_v it_o a_o privilege_n to_o have_v one_o great_a friend_n in_o heaven_n be_v a_o great_a privilege_n many_o people_n when_o they_o lie_v on_o their_o sick_a bed_n they_o send_v to_o such_o and_o such_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o why_o do_v they_o not_o send_v to_o their_o companion_n that_o they_o do_v drink_v with_o and_o swear_v with_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o o_o they_o dare_v not_o here_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v any_o man_n conscience_n who_o be_v the_o best_a man_n whatsoever_o they_o say_v suppose_v thy_o condition_n be_v thus_o that_o thou_o do_v lie_v on_o thy_o deathbed_n and_o thy_o life_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o prayer_n of_o four_o or_o five_o man_n if_o god_n shall_v speak_v thus_o from_o heaven_n thou_o be_v at_o the_o brink_n of_o destruction_n only_o this_o favour_n thou_o shall_v find_v thou_o shall_v have_v leave_n to_o choose_v where_o thou_o will_v four_o or_o five_o man_n to_o pray_v for_o thou_o and_o according_a as_o they_o pray_v so_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o thou_o thou_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v through_o the_o world_n who_o thou_o will_v i_o appeal_v will_v a_o drunkard_n choose_v four_o or_o five_o drunkard_n or_o a_o swearer_n choose_v swearer_n or_o unclean_a one_o that_o they_o most_o delight_v in_o all_o their_o life_n time_n if_o all_o shall_v depend_v upon_o it_o thou_o will_v not_o choose_v such_o therefore_o thou_o be_v convince_v in_o thy_o conscience_n thoâ—_n know_v that_o those_o be_v not_o precious_a in_o god_n eye_n however_o thy_o lust_n have_v prevail_v but_o that_o the_o other_o be_v better_a man_n that_o be_v gracious_a and_o have_v more_o credit_n in_o heaven_n learn_v to_o prize_n pray_v friend_n that_o can_v prevail_v with_o god_n and_o let_v we_o set_v the_o crown_n upon_o prayer_n head_n in_o the_o mercy_n we_o have_v from_o god_n in_o public_a mercy_n and_o private_a deliverance_n of_o friend_n attribute_v it_o not_o to_o second_o mean_n to_o fortune_n and_o chance_n take_v heed_n of_o deny_v god_n his_o glory_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o carnal_a spirit_n when_o god_n have_v glorify_v himself_o in_o answer_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n to_o attribute_v it_o to_o any_o other_o mean_n as_o i_o remember_v i_o read_v of_o the_o porphirian_a atheist_n that_o follow_v the_o atheism_n of_o porphirie_n they_o darken_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o deliver_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n they_o say_v that_o moses_n have_v learn_v of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o they_o be_v great_a astronomer_n and_o moses_n know_v when_o it_o will_v be_v a_o low_a tide_n and_o what_o constellation_n there_o will_v be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o the_o tide_n will_v prove_v low_a then_o more_o than_o ever_o in_o the_o age_n of_o man_n and_o moses_n take_v the_o nick_n of_o time_n and_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o sea_n thus_o atheist_n will_v darken_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o put_v they_o of_o to_o natural_a cause_n so_o i_o find_v it_o relate_v of_o the_o old_a prophet_n in_o jeroboam_n time_n josephus_n have_v it_o relate_v of_o he_o he_o send_v to_o jeroboam_n to_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v by_o accident_n he_o be_v weary_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o now_o he_o have_v the_o palsy_n and_o after_o it_o be_v restore_v again_o that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o prayer_n he_o will_v have_v it_o by_o natural_a mean_n just_o thus_o it_o be_v when_o god_n have_v so_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n to_o england_n and_o wrought_v such_o
god_n in_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n wherein_o he_o join_v the_o humane_a and_o the_o divine_a nature_n together_o in_o one_o person_n except_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o any_o soul_n be_v the_o great_a work_n that_o ever_o god_n do_v from_o all_o eternity_n or_o that_o ever_o he_o will_v do_v for_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o now_o that_o which_o have_v so_o much_o of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o come_v from_o the_o eternal_a election_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o great_a work_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o the_o great_a good_a that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v communicate_v to_o any_o creature_n for_o ever_o true_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o great_a excellency_n for_o god_n make_v the_o world_n for_o that_o end_n that_o he_o may_v communicate_v his_o excellency_n and_o glory_n to_o the_o world_n to_o the_o creature_n now_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o god_n intend_v from_o all_o eternity_n for_o the_o communicate_v of_o all_o his_o glory_n it_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o creature_n excellent_a that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n they_o be_v the_o excellent_a on_o earth_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n but_o second_o tkey_n be_v the_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o separate_n of_o they_o for_o god_n they_o be_v those_o that_o god_n set_v his_o thought_n upon_o from_o all_o eternity_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v he_o the_o great_a counsel_n that_o god_n wrought_v from_o all_o eternity_n especial_o be_v set_v on_o work_n upon_o this_o great_a thing_n of_o separate_n of_o certain_a creature_n for_o himself_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n now_o when_o god_n shall_v set_v as_o it_o be_v to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n his_o thought_n and_o counsel_n on_o work_n from_o all_o eternity_n to_o set_v apart_o a_o few_o creature_n for_o himself_o if_o there_o can_v be_v know_v who_o they_o be_v certain_o we_o can_v but_o look_v on_o they_o as_o the_o excellent_a on_o earth_n now_o wheresoever_o we_o see_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o any_o we_o may_v by_o that_o know_v that_o these_o god_n have_v separate_v for_o himself_o as_o set_v his_o infinite_a wisdom_n on_o work_n from_o all_o eternity_n above_o that_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o be_v most_o exercise_v in_o before_o the_o world_n about_o the_o work_n of_o separate_v such_o and_o such_o for_o himself_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psalm_n 4.3_o that_o god_n have_v set_v apart_o the_o godly_a for_o himself_o they_o be_v those_o that_o be_v dedicate_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a excellency_n put_v upon_o they_o as_o you_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v dedicate_v and_o consecrate_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o mean_a in_o itself_o yet_o be_v once_o dedicate_v be_v once_o make_v a_o consecrate_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o excellency_n put_v upon_o that_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o law_n if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o wood_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o badger_n skin_n if_o it_o be_v but_o brass_n or_o goat_n hair_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n that_o be_v mean_v in_o itself_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v once_o consecrate_v and_o make_v holy_a to_o god_n they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o excellency_n on_o it_o now_o i_o reason_v thus_o if_o a_o piece_n of_o wood_n or_o a_o little_a hair_n or_o leather_n consecrate_v to_o god_n have_v a_o excellency_n what_o then_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n that_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o so_o many_o pearl_n in_o it_o when_o that_o be_v consecrate_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o god_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o all_o eternity_n here_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o excellency_n when_o a_o thing_n be_v consecrate_v we_o look_v on_o it_o no_o more_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o to_o the_o consecration_n as_o i_o remember_v i_o read_v of_o some_o people_n in_o india_n that_o when_o they_o have_v but_o lose_v a_o ape_n tooth_n that_o be_v consecrate_v to_o their_o god_n they_o will_v give_v a_o unspeakable_a sum_n of_o money_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o it_o again_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v consecrate_v to_o their_o god_n so_o i_o read_v of_o another_o that_o be_v raise_v from_o a_o mean_a birth_n he_o take_v this_o way_n to_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v high_o esteem_v of_o the_o people_n he_o have_v a_o golden_a basin_n that_o he_o use_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n in_o he_o take_v that_o and_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o it_o and_o consecrate_v it_o and_o then_o every_o one_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v it_o when_o it_o be_v consecrate_v nay_o say_v he_o if_o this_o which_o be_v mean_a before_o it_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o this_o use_n come_v so_o to_o be_v honour_v than_o i_o that_o be_o mean_a by_o birth_n be_v set_v apart_o to_o the_o government_n may_v as_o well_o be_v honour_v by_o you_o thus_o than_o if_o the_o superstition_n and_o will_v of_o man_n have_v consecrate_v a_o thing_n think_v he_o put_v so_o much_o excellency_n on_o it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o great_a and_o special_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o be_v design_v to_o it_o be_v a_o special_a work_n of_o his_o office_n to_o consecrate_v soul_n to_o god_n and_o to_o set_v they_o apart_o to_o himself_o what_o a_o excellency_n must_v this_o need_v be_v that_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v the_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v the_o second_o three_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o relation_n that_o the_o saint_n have_v to_o god_n they_o be_v the_o near_a relation_n that_o can_v be_v express_v of_o child_n to_o parent_n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n of_o a_o spouse_n to_o her_o husband_n they_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n they_o be_v more_o near_o unite_v to_o god_n than_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v in_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o very_a member_n of_o his_o body_n they_o have_v a_o near_a relation_n in_o that_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n then_o the_o angel_n themselves_o for_o they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o relation_n as_o this_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n again_o fourthly_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a privilege_n that_o the_o saint_n have_v we_o shall_v see_v they_o the_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o their_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n and_o guiltiness_n and_o those_o immunity_n that_o they_o have_v from_o other_o but_o consider_v they_o have_v this_o privilege_n that_o god_n in_o all_o his_o attribute_n and_o work_n he_o be_v continual_o work_v for_o their_o good_a there_o be_v this_o excellent_a prerogative_n of_o the_o saint_n there_o be_v no_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v continual_o work_v good_a to_o every_o saint_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o god_n providence_n but_o it_o work_v always_o continual_o for_o their_o good_a it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a excellent_a honour_n put_v upon_o any_o man_n if_o but_o such_o a_o honourable_a assembly_n as_o the_o parliament_n shall_v take_v think_v for_o such_o a_o one_o and_o all_o their_o purpose_n and_o plot_n and_o counsel_v all_o the_o time_n they_o be_v sit_v shall_v tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o such_o a_o one_o in_o particular_a take_v notice_n in_o particular_a of_o he_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v all_o your_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o the_o infinite_a alsufficiency_n of_o god_n be_v continual_o every_o moment_n work_v not_o only_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o love_n god_n in_o general_a but_o for_o every_o particular_a saint_n of_o god_n god_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o they_o and_o set_v all_o his_o attribute_n continual_o on_o work_n for_o their_o good_a and_o the_o heaven_n continual_o work_v for_o they_o they_o have_v this_o privilege_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v make_v for_o they_o god_n have_v give_v they_o the_o world_n they_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n he_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 4.14_o abraham_n have_v little_a himself_o yet_o he_o have_v the_o world_n now_o the_o child_n inherit_v their_o father_n estate_n if_o the_o world_n be_v abraham_n inheritance_n than_o it_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o every_o child_n of_o abraham_n for_o so_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n be_v
heir_n to_o all_o that_o abraham_n have_v that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o concern_v they_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v his_o heir_n be_v heir_n likewise_o of_o the_o world_n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o cor._n 3.18_o all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n so_o that_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n be_v they_o here_o be_v a_o mighty_a privilege_n again_o the_o privilege_n that_o they_o have_v in_o all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whatsoever_o good_a there_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o the_o rich_a promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o godly_a it_o be_v admirable_a privilege_n that_o the_o precious_a promise_n in_o scripture_n speak_v of_o to_o have_v interest_n in_o they_o all_o beside_o not_o only_o the_o promise_n btu_fw-la the_o immunity_n that_o come_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o this_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v for_o their_o eternal_a estate_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v themselves_o they_o be_v free_v from_o this_o their_o eternal_a estate_n hang_v not_o on_o that_o which_o they_o can_v do_v whereas_o other_o that_o be_v not_o saint_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n their_o eternal_a estate_n hang_v on_o their_o endeavour_n and_o action_n god_n deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v in_o that_o condition_n though_o they_o may_v be_v such_o as_o may_v after_o come_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o as_o god_n have_v elect_v and_o in_o love_n may_v look_v on_o they_o as_o he_o intend_v towards_o they_o but_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o that_o they_o know_v not_o but_o that_o their_o eternal_a estate_n depend_v on_o that_o which_o they_o do_v themselves_o now_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o to_o have_v this_o immunity_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o consequence_n as_o our_o eternal_a estate_n shall_v depend_v upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n and_o do_v already_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a privilege_n other_o can_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o this_o privilege_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o their_o endeavour_n do_v what_o they_o can_v yet_o not_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n those_o endeavour_n be_v not_o accept_v that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o come_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o other_o they_o have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o this_o immunity_n and_o privilege_n so_o i_o may_v name_v divers_a other_o but_o then_o i_o shall_v go_v out_o too_o far_o again_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o come_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n god_n give_v they_o the_o key_n of_o all_o his_o treasure_n to_o come_v and_o open_v they_o and_o take_v what_o they_o will_v it_o be_v a_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o any_o condition_n god_n give_v they_o a_o gracious_a pray_v heart_n and_o that_o be_v the_o key_n of_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o god_n of_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n that_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o come_v and_o take_v out_o what_o they_o will_v be_v it_o unto_o thou_o as_o thou_o will_v these_o be_v the_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n that_o have_v these_o privilege_n again_o they_o be_v the_o excellent_a in_o earth_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o come_v from_o they_o as_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v so_o excellent_a as_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o so_o every_o gracious_a action_n that_o come_v from_o a_o gracious_a heart_n there_o be_v a_o wondrous_a excellency_n in_o it_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o gracious_a action_n but_o it_o have_v more_o excellency_n than_o heaven_n and_o earth_n not_o only_o grace_v itself_o but_o any_o action_n that_o come_v from_o grace_n have_v more_o of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o god_n more_o delight_n in_o it_o then_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o luther_n though_o he_o be_v a_o great_a advancer_n of_o faith_n yet_o he_o be_v also_o of_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o faith_n therefore_o speak_v of_o any_o gracious_a work_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n or_o woman_n say_v he_o preciosa_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o with_o another_o expression_n i_o have_v rather_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v any_o one_o gracious_a act_n of_o the_o poor_a woman_n or_o maid_n of_o the_o poor_a christian_a that_o be_v then_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o that_o ever_o alexander_n or_o julius_n caesar_n have_v do_v the_o least_o act_n that_o come_v from_o faith_n from_o a_o sanctify_a heart_n he_o have_v rather_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o then_o to_o get_v all_o the_o victory_n of_o julius_n caesar_n and_o alexander_n all_o their_o triumph_n and_o trophy_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o least_o breathe_v of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a that_o which_o come_v from_o they_o be_v exceed_o excellent_a now_o i_o reason_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v excellent_a that_o have_v such_o excellent_a thing_n come_v from_o they_o as_o when_o there_o be_v such_o excellent_a thing_n come_v from_o the_o body_n of_o paul_n that_o have_v such_o virtue_n in_o they_o that_o note_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o excellency_n that_o god_n confer_v upon_o that_o apostle_n and_o a_o gread_a deal_n of_o honour_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o he_o so_o when_o there_o come_v flow_v such_o precious_a liquor_n such_o precious_a thing_n from_o the_o saint_n as_o any_o holy_a action_n be_v it_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o excellency_n in_o they_o which_o by_o the_o way_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o abound_v in_o holy_a duty_n though_o our_o action_n as_o they_o be_v from_o we_o corrupt_v we_o look_v on_o they_o as_o despicable_a yet_o know_v that_o god_n look_v on_o they_o as_o the_o most_o glorious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n any_o breathe_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n therefore_o he_o despise_v not_o the_o break_a heart_n nor_o the_o sigh_v of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n psalm_n 51._o god_n can_v despise_v monarch_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n but_o god_n can_v despise_v a_o break_a heart_n nor_o any_o breathe_n from_o ti_fw-mi though_o thou_o may_v despise_v it_o thyself_o and_o look_v on_o it_o as_o despicable_a the_o lord_n can_v despise_v it_o he_o see_v so_o much_o excellency_n in_o it_o though_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o thy_o corruption_n yet_o there_o be_v that_o remainder_n of_o excellency_n in_o it_o if_o there_o be_v but_o so_o much_o as_o may_v denominate_v it_o a_o gracious_a act_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a thing_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o saint_n appear_v in_o this_o the_o great_a use_n that_o they_o be_v of_o in_o the_o world_n as_o especial_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o god_n attain_v in_o they_o his_o great_a aim_n and_o end_n in_o create_v the_o whole_a world_n be_v it_o not_o for_o a_o few_o gracious_a man_n and_o woman_n what_o glory_n shall_v god_n have_v in_o all_o the_o world_n they_o be_v those_o that_o hold_v up_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o god_n have_v his_o glory_n active_o for_o that_o be_v it_o that_o god_n aim_v at_o it_o be_v true_a god_n can_v force_v glory_n in_o spite_n of_o man_n heart_n he_o will_v be_v glorify_v in_o spite_n of_o devil_n but_o god_n have_v no_o active_a glory_n but_o from_o gracious_a godly_a people_n i_o speak_v of_o the_o inferior_a world_n it_o be_v only_o the_o godly_a that_o god_n have_v glory_n from_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o for_o they_o god_n in_o some_o kind_n have_v make_v all_o the_o world_n for_o nothing_o now_o those_o that_o be_v employ_v in_o such_o a_o great_a work_n and_o be_v of_o this_o great_a use_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o bring_v to_o god_n that_o which_o he_o make_v the_o world_n for_o the_o main_a and_o great_a end_n that_o he_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o certain_o these_o be_v principal_a in_o god_n esteem_n and_o excellent_a god_n can_v say_v i_o have_v my_o end_n in_o these_o take_v any_o town_n where_o there_o be_v but_o two_o or_o three_o that_o be_v godly_a what_o glory_n have_v god_n but_o of_o these_o so_o for_o other_o place_n where_o have_v god_n glory_n but_o for_o a_o few_o contemptible_a one_o they_o be_v these_o that_o god_n glorify_v in_o high_a and_o great_a service_n these_o be_v