thy_o hand_n every_o creature_n feed_v according_a to_o its_o nature_n the_o same_o plant_n afford_v food_n to_o several_a sort_n of_o creature_n the_o bee_n feed_v upon_o the_o flower_n the_o sheep_n upon_o the_o branch_n the_o bird_n upon_o the_o seed_n and_o the_o swine_n upon_o the_o root_n one_o can_v live_v upon_o what_o the_o other_o do_v so_o it_o be_v here_o a_o christian_a can_v feed_v upon_o the_o promise_n and_o make_v a_o sweet_a meal_n upon_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o carnal_a mind_n can_v relish_v the_o life_n that_o i_o now_o live_v i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2.21_o say_v the_o apople_n this_o be_v that_o mysterious_a and_o excellent_a life_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o test_n of_o true_a christianity_n to_o relieve_v ourselves_o by_o our_o hope_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v against_o present_a evil_n to_o balance_v the_o sorrow_n and_o loss_n of_o this_o life_n with_o the_o promise_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o next_o thus_o do_v the_o renown_a believer_n of_o the_o first_o age_n whenever_o they_o feel_v a_o faint_a pang_n or_o qualm_n upon_o their_o heart_n under_o their_o trial_n and_o sorrow_n from_o the_o world_n they_o will_v present_o run_v to_o their_o cordial_n the_o promise_n and_o a_o sip_n of_o faith_n from_o that_o bottle_n will_v refresh_v and_o invigorate_v their_o soul_n with_o new_a life_n and_o power_n 18._o we_o faint_v not_o whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v for_o they_o be_v temporal_a but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o they_o be_v eternal_a and_o true_o so_o must_v we_o also_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v faint_a within_o we_o in_o day_n of_o affliction_n or_o our_o spirit_n will_v fail_v and_o we_o shall_v go_v away_o in_o a_o faint_a fit_n of_o despondency_n corolary_n ii_o learn_v hence_o the_o sovereign_a efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n and_o what_o a_o choice_a privilege_n it_o be_v to_o have_v these_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n in_o our_o hand_n in_o a_o day_n of_o distress_n and_o trouble_v it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a mercy_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o land_n of_o bibles_n and_o minister_n to_o have_v these_o choice_n support_v and_o relief_n at_o hand_n in_o all_o our_o faint_a hour_n 119.50_o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n for_o thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o it_o be_v no_o small_a mercy_n gain_v by_o the_o reformation_n that_o it_o put_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n into_o our_o hand_n it_o open_v a_o shop_n of_o cordial_n for_o the_o support_n of_o our_o â—ouls_n for_o this_o among_o other_o great_a and_o excellent_a use_n the_o scripture_n be_v write_v 15.4_o that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o seal_a book_n bless_v god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o to_o you_o all_o creature-comfort_n have_v a_o double_a defect_n they_o be_v neither_o suitable_a nor_o durable_a but_o the_o word_n be_v so_o compare_v the_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v urge_v from_o the_o covenant_n with_o such_o as_o these_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o what_o we_o can_v help_v we_o be_v not_o alone_o in_o trouble_n other_o have_v their_o loss_n and_o affliction_n as_o well_o as_o we_o alas_o what_o dry_a and_o ineffectual_a comfort_n be_v these_o they_o penetrate_v not_o the_o heart_n as_o pardon_v of_o sin_n peace_n with_o god_n and_o sanctification_n of_o trouble_n to_o our_o salvation_n do_v and_o no_o less_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o a_o able_a new_a testament_n ministry_n to_o open_v apply_v and_o inculcate_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v esteem_v it_o be_v no_o common_a favour_n to_o the_o afflict_a soul_n to_o have_v with_o or_o near_o he_o a_o interpreter_n one_o among_o a_o thousand_o 23._o to_o show_v unto_o he_o his_o uprightness_n o_o england_n prize_n and_o improve_v these_o mercy_n and_o provoke_v not_o thy_o god_n to_o bereave_v thou_o of_o they_o i_o can_v find_v no_o such_o settlement_n make_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o ministry_n upon_o any_o place_n or_o people_n but_o that_o god_n may_v remove_v both_o upon_o their_o abuse_n of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o do_v sad_a will_v the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o people_n be_v especial_o when_o a_o day_n of_o distress_n and_o trouble_n shall_v be_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o be_v in_o a_o storm_n at_o sea_n without_o a_o compass_n or_o pilot_n to_o direct_v and_o advise_v the_o distress_a passenger_n much_o so_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o afflict_a when_o deprive_v of_o the_o word_n and_o ministry_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v your_o care_n to_o hide_v the_o word_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o get_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o whatever_o change_v of_o providence_n be_v upon_o the_o world_n you_o may_v have_v the_o light_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o direct_v and_o cheer_v your_o soul_n sanctification_n be_v the_o write_n of_o god_n law_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o what_o be_v write_v there_o be_v secure_a and_o safe_a the_o word_n within_o you_o be_v more_o secure_a sweet_a and_o effectual_a than_o the_o word_n without_o you_o jerom_n say_v of_o nepotianus_n that_o by_o long_a and_o assiduous_a meditation_n of_o the_o scripture_n his_o breast_n be_v at_o last_o become_v the_o library_n of_o christ._n o_o that_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o christian_a be_v so_o too_o corolary_n iii_o how_o sad_a and_o deplorable_o miserable_a be_v their_o condition_n who_o have_v no_o title_n to_o â—or_a comfort_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n when_o a_o day_n of_o affliction_n and_o great_a â—istress_n be_v upon_o they_o unrelieve_v misery_n be_v the_o â—ost_o intolerable_a misery_n to_o be_v over-weighed_n with_o trouble_n oâ—_n earth_n and_o want_v support_v and_o comâ—fort_n from_o heaven_n be_v a_o dismâ—â—_n state_n indeed_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o caâ—â—_n of_o multitude_n in_o the_o world._n if_o â—_o believer_n be_v in_o trouble_n his_o god_n bear_v his_o burden_n for_o he_o yea_o he_o bear_v up_o he_o and_o his_o burden_n too_o but_o he_o that_o have_v no_o covenant_n iâ—â—terest_n in_o god_n must_v say_v as_o it_o be_v jer._n 10.19_o this_o be_v my_o affliction_n anâ—_n i_o alone_o must_v bear_v it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n theâ—_n can_v take_v for_o relief_n either_o to_o diâ—vert_v their_o trouble_n by_o that_o whiâ—â—_n will_v inflame_v they_o or_o rest_v their_o burden_a spirit_n upon_o that_o which_o will_v fail_v they_o to_o run_v to_o the_o tavern_n or_o alehouse_n instead_o of_o the_o closet_n be_v to_o quench_v the_o fire_n by_o pour_v on_o oil_n and_o to_o run_v from_o one_o creature_n which_o be_v smite_v and_o wither_a to_o another_o which_o yet_o continue_v with_o we_o be_v to_o lean_v upon_o a_o break_a reed_n which_o not_o only_o deceive_v we_o but_o wound_n and_o pierce_v we_o what_o a_o miserable_a plight_n be_v saul_n in_o and_o how_o doleful_a be_v his_o cry_n and_o complaint_n to_o samuel_a 1_o sam._n 28.15_o i_o be_o sore_o distress_v for_o the_o philistine_n make_v war_n â—gainst_a i_o and_o god_n be_v depart_v from_o â—e_n and_o answer_v i_o no_o more_o heaven_n and_o earth_n forsake_v he_o at_o once_o reader_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o case_n i_o advise_v thou_o to_o rest_v no_o long_o in_o so_o miserable_a a_o condition_n thy_o very_a distress_n seem_v by_o a_o happy_a necessity_n to_o put_v thou_o upon_o god_n and_o drive_v thou_o to_o he_o for_o refuge_n and_o â—â—_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a aim_n and_o design_n of_o god_n in_o blast_v all_o thy_o earthly_a comfort_n to_o necessitate_v thou_o to_o come_v to_o he_o which_o thou_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o do_v whilst_o thou_o have_v any_o creature-prop_n to_o stay_v and_o rest_n upon_o and_o think_v not_o that_o thou_o shall_v be_v reject_v because_o thou_o be_v bring_v by_o a_o plain_a necessity_n to_o he_o come_v sincere_o and_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v upbraid_v because_o a_o necessity_n throw_v thou_o upon_o he_o use_v ii_o see_v then_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a relief_n and_o suâ—â—port_n of_o all_o the_o afflict_a people_n iâ—_n the_o afflict_a soul_n go_v to_o this_o blesseâ—_n covenant_n study_n and_o apply_v it_o iâ—_n all_o distress_n it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o sâ—_n veraign_a cordial_n able_a to_o revive_v â—_o gracious_a spirit_n at_o the_o low_a ebb_v but_o then_o it_o must_v be_v study_v anâ—_n apply_v or_o it_o will_v never_o give_v fortâ—â—_n its_o consolation_n to_o our_o refreshmentâ—_n extreme_a sorrow_n be_v apt_a to_o deafenâ—_n our_o ear_n to_o all_o voice_n of_o comfort_n the_o loud_a cry_n of_o affliction_n too_o often_o drown_v the_o sweet_a still_o voice_n of_o spiritual_a consolation_n but_o either_o here_o
his_o spirit_n on_o they_o to_o your_o wound_a spirit_n and_o to_o all_o other_o godly_a family_n groan_v under_o the_o like_a stroke_n of_o god_n with_o you_o and_o remain_v madam_n tour_n most_o faithful_a sympathize_v friend_n and_o servant_n jo._n flavell_n the_o balm_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o the_o bleed_a wound_n of_o afflict_a saint_n text_n 2_o sam._n 23._o v._n 5._o although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o have_v he_o make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a for_o this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o all_o my_o desire_n although_o he_o make_v it_o not_o to_o grow_v these_o be_v part_n of_o david_n last_o word_n the_o last_o word_n of_o die_a saint_n but_o especial_o of_o die_a prophet_n be_v ponderous_a memorable_a and_o extraordinary_o remarkable_a and_o such_o be_v these_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v by_o all_o expositor_n it_o be_v a_o golden_a sentence_n a_o divine_a oracle_n fit_a to_o be_v the_o last_o word_n of_o every_o die_a saint_n as_o well_o as_o of_o david_n they_o be_v call_v his_o last_o word_n not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o as_o though_o he_o breathe_v they_o forth_o with_o his_o last_o breath_n for_o he_o speak_v many_o thing_n afterward_o but_o either_o they_o be_v the_o last_o he_o speak_v as_o a_o prophet_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n or_o because_o he_o have_v they_o often_o in_o his_o mouth_n to_o his_o last_o and_o die_a day_n they_o be_v his_o epicedium_n his_o sweet_a swan_n like_o song_n in_o which_o his_o soul_n find_v singular_a refreshment_n and_o strong_a support_n amid_o the_o manifold_a affliction_n of_o his_o life_n and_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o approach_a death_n the_o whole_a chapter_n be_v design_v for_o a_o coronis_n or_o honourable_a close_n of_o the_o life_n of_o david_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n both_o of_o the_o worthy_a expression_n that_o drop_v from_o he_o and_o of_o the_o renown_a worthy_n that_o be_v employ_v by_o he_o but_o all_o the_o heroic_a achievement_n record_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o memory_n in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n be_v trivial_a and_o inglorious_a thing_n compare_v with_o this_o one_o divine_a sentence_n record_v in_o my_o text_n in_o which_o we_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o consider_v viz._n 1._o the_o preface_n which_o be_v exceed_o solemn_a 2._o the_o speech_n itself_o which_o be_v exceed_o weighty_a 1._o in_o the_o preface_n we_o have_v both_o the_o instrumental_a and_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o divine_a sentence_n distinct_o set_v down_o ver_fw-la 1._o and_o the_o efficient_a or_o author_n of_o it_o v_o 2._o the_o instrument_n or_o organ_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o we_o be_v david_n describe_v by_o his_o descent_n or_o lineage_n the_o son_n of_o jesse_n by_o his_o eminent_a station_n the_o man_n that_o be_v raise_v up_o on_o high_a even_o to_o the_o top_n and_o culminate_v point_n of_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a dignity_n and_o honour_n both_o as_o a_o king_n and_o as_o a_o prophet_n by_o his_o divine_a unction_n the_o anoint_a of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n and_o last_o by_o the_o flow_a sweetness_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o stile_n in_o the_o divine_a psalm_n that_o be_v pen_v by_o he_o whence_o he_o here_o get_v the_o title_n of_o the_o sweet_a psalmist_n of_o israel_n the_o pleasant_a one_o in_o the_o psalm_n of_o israel_n as_o some_o read_v it_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o excellent_a passage_n be_v here_o likewise_o note_v and_o all_o to_o commend_v it_o the_o more_o to_o our_o special_a observation_n and_o acceptance_n 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v by_o i_o and_o his_o word_n be_v in_o my_o tongue_n this_o stamp_v my_o text_n express_o with_o divine_a authority_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v by_o david_n he_o be_v not_o the_o author_n but_o only_o the_o scribe_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v prefaced_a let_v we_o next_o see_v 2._o the_o matter_n or_o speech_n itself_o wherein_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o maxim_n and_o general_a rule_n of_o government_n prescribe_v and_o the_o felicity_n of_o such_o a_o government_n elegant_o describe_v 3._o he_o that_o rule_v over_o man_n must_v be_v just_a rule_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god._n prince_n be_v in_o god_n place_n must_v exalt_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o man_n and_o when_o they_o do_v so_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o morning_n when_o the_o sun_n rise_v even_o a_o morning_n without_o cloud_n etc._n etc._n what_o halycon_n day_n shall_v that_o happy_a people_n see_v who_o lot_n be_v cast_v into_o such_o time_n and_o place_n all_o this_o be_v typical_o speak_v of_o david_n and_o those_o pious_a prince_n who_o succeed_v he_o but_o mystical_o and_o eminent_o point_v at_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o rise_v out_o of_o david_n seed_n rom._n 1.3_o and_o to_o sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n act_v 2.30_o so_o that_o in_o this_o he_o be_v raise_v on_o high_a to_o a_o eminency_n of_o glory_n and_o dignity_n indeed_o he_o be_v so_o in_o his_o ordinary_a natural_a seed_n a_o royal_a race_n derive_v itself_o from_o he_o and_o sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n in_o a_o lineal_a succession_n till_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n which_o be_v about_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n and_o after_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v governor_n of_o his_o line_n at_o least_o rightful_a heir_n to_o that_o crown_n till_o the_o promise_a messiah_n come_v but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o top_n of_o david_n honour_n the_o most_o sparkle_a jewel_n in_o his_o crown_n be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v to_o descend_v from_o he_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n in_o who_o all_o the_o glorious_a character_n before_o give_v shall_v not_o only_o be_v exact_o answer_v but_o abudant_o exceed_v and_o thus_o you_o find_v the_o natural_a line_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v draw_v down_o by_o matthew_n from_o david_n to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n matth._n 1._o and_o his_o legal_a line_n by_o luke_n from_o david_n to_o joseph_n his_o suppose_a father_n luke_n 3.23_o now_o though_o the_o illustrious_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o such_o a_o righteous_a serene_a and_o happy_a government_n do_v not_o full_o agree_v to_o his_o day_n nor_o will_v do_v so_o in_o the_o reign_v of_o his_o ordinary_a natural_a successor_n his_o day_n be_v not_o without_o many_o cloud_n both_o of_o sin_n and_o trouble_v yet_o such_o a_o bless_a day_n he_o foresee_v and_o rejoice_v in_o when_o christ_n the_o extraordinary_a seed_n of_o david_n shall_v arise_v and_o set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o the_o expectation_n hereof_o he_o great_o cheer_v and_o encourage_v himself_o although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o have_v be_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n four_o thing_n be_v eminendy_a remarkable_a 1._o here_o be_v a_o sad_a concession_n of_o domestic_a evil_n 2._o a_o singular_a relief_n from_o god_n covenant_n with_o he_o 3._o the_o glorious_a property_n of_o this_o covenant_n display_v 4._o the_o high_a esteem_n and_o dear_a regard_n his_o house_n have_v unto_o it_o 1._o here_o be_v david_n sad_a and_o mournful_a concession_n of_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o house_n both_o moral_a and_o penal_a although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n i._n e._n neither_o so_o holy_a nor_o so_o happy_a as_o this_o description_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o flourish_a government_n import_v alas_o it_o answer_v not_o to_o it_o for_o though_o he_o be_v eminent_a for_o godliness_n himself_o and_o have_v solemn_o dedicate_v his_o house_n to_o god_n 30._o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v build_v yea_o though_o he_o pious_o resolve_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v a_o immoral_a person_n within_o his_o wall_n yet_o great_a miscarriage_n be_v find_v even_o in_o david_n house_n 7._o and_o person_n which_o god_n chastize_v he_o for_o by_o a_o thick_a succession_n of_o sharp_a and_o sore_a affliction_n tamar_n be_v defile_v by_o her_o brother_n amnon_n 2_o sam._n 13.23_o amnon_n be_v barbarous_o murder_v thereupon_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o absalon_n 2_o sam._n 13.28_o absalon_n unnatural_o rebel_v against_o his_o father_n david_n and_o drive_v he_o out_o of_o the_o royal_a city_n and_o perish_v in_o that_o rebellion_n 2_o sam._n 15.1_o then_o adonijah_n another_o darling-son_n grasp_v at_o the_o crown_n settle_v by_o david_n upon_o solomon_n and_o perish_v for_o that_o his_o usurpation_n 1_o king._n 2.25_o o_o what_o a_o heap_n of_o mischief_n and_o calamity_n do_v this_o good_a man_n live_v to_o see_v within_o his_o own_o wall_n beside_o the_o many_o foreign_a trouble_n that_o come_v from_o other_o hand_n how_o many_o
in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o choice_a privilege_n to_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o affliction_n for_o hereby_o they_o be_v instruct_v and_o teach_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o rod._n psal._n 94.12_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o chastene_v and_o teach_v he_o out_o of_o thy_o law_n o_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n to_o be_v teach_v so_o many_o lesson_n by_o the_o rod_n as_o the_o spirit_n teach_v they_o sure_o they_o reckon_v it_o a_o abundant_a recompense_n of_o all_o that_o they_o suffer_v 119.71_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v that_o i_o may_v learn_v thy_o statute_n yea_o he_o refresh_v as_o well_o as_o teach_v and_o no_o cordial_n revive_v like_o he_o 94.19_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o thought_n i_o have_v within_o i_o thy_o comfort_n delight_v my_o soul._n yea_o by_o the_o presence_n and_o blessing_n of_o his_o spirit_n our_o affliction_n be_v sanctify_v to_o subdue_v and_o purge_v out_o our_o corruption_n 27.9_o by_o this_o shall_v the_o iniquity_n of_o jacob_n be_v purge_v and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o fruit_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n now_o if_o a_o man_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o rod_n refresh_v and_o comfort_v under_o every_o stripe_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o have_v his_o sin_n mortify_v and_o purge_v by_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o his_o affliction_n then_o both_o the_o burthensomness_n and_o bitterness_n of_o his_o affliction_n be_v remove_v and_o heal_v by_o the_o internal_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o his_o afflict_a one_o but_o 2._o beside_o this_o god_n be_v providential_o present_a with_o his_o people_n in_o all_o their_o trouble_n in_o a_o more_o external_a way_n order_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o trouble_n to_o their_o advantage_n he_o order_v the_o degree_n and_o extent_n of_o our_o affliction_n still_o leave_v we_o some_o mercy_n and_o comfort_n to_o support_v and_o refresh_v we_o when_o other_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o measure_n do_v he_o debate_v with_o his_o covenant_n people_n 27.8_o stay_v the_o rough_a wind_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o east_n wind_n he_o may_v just_o smite_v all_o our_o outward_a comfort_n at_o once_o so_o that_o affliction_n shall_v not_o rise_v up_o the_o second_o time_n for_o what_o comfort_n soever_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o sin_n be_v thereby_o forfeit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o judgement_n but_o the_o lord_n know_v our_o inability_n to_o sustain_v such_o stroke_n and_o therefore_o proportion_v they_o to_o our_o strength_n we_o have_v some_o live_a relation_n to_o minister_v comfort_n to_o we_o when_o mourn_a over_o our_o dead_a he_o make_v not_o a_o full_a end_n of_o all_o at_o once_o yea_o and_o his_o providence_n support_v our_o frail_a body_n enable_v they_o to_o endure_v the_o shock_n and_o storm_n of_o so_o many_o affliction_n without_o ruin_n sure_o there_o be_v as_o much_o of_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n manifest_v in_o this_o as_o there_o be_v in_o preserve_v poor_a crazy_a leak_a bark_n and_o weather-beaten_a vessel_n at_o sea_n when_o the_o wave_n not_o only_o cover_v they_o but_o break_v into_o they_o and_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o founder_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o o_o what_o a_o singular_a mercy_n be_v the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n with_o man_n even_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o that_o god_n 6._o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v above_o all_o in_o majesty_n and_o dominion_n through_o all_o in_o his_o most_o efficacious_a providence_n and_o in_o you_o all_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n as_o he_o be_v above_o all_o so_o he_o be_v able_a to_o command_v any_o mercy_n you_o want_v with_o a_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n as_o he_o be_v through_o all_o so_o he_o must_v be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o all_o your_o want_n straits_n and_o fear_n and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o you_o all_o so_o he_o be_v engage_v for_o your_o support_n and_o supply_v as_o you_o be_v the_o dear_a member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n object_n but_o methinks_v i_o hear_v gideon_n objection_n roll_v into_o the_o way_n of_o this_o sovereign_a consolation_n if_o god_n be_v with_o we_o why_o be_v all_o this_o evil_a befall_v we_o sol._n all_o what_o if_o it_o have_v be_v all_o this_o rebellion_n and_o rage_n against_o god_n all_o this_o apostasy_n and_o revolt_a more_o and_o more_o all_o this_o contumacy_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n under_o the_o rod_n than_o it_o have_v be_v a_o weighty_a and_o stumble_a objection_n indeed_o but_o to_o say_v if_o god_n be_v with_o we_o why_o be_v all_o these_o chasten_a correction_n and_o temporal_a cross_n befall_v we_o why_o do_v he_o smite_v our_o body_n child_n or_o estate_n be_v a_o objection_n no_o way_n fit_a to_o be_v urge_v by_o any_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v afflict_v and_o forsake_v all_o one_o with_o you_o must_v god_n needs_o hate_v because_o he_o scourge_v you_o i_o question_v whether_o satan_n himself_o have_v impudence_n enough_o to_o set_v such_o a_o note_n or_o comment_n upon_o heb._n 12.6_o for_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v no_o no_o christian_n it_o be_v not_o a_o chasten_a rod_n but_o the_o deny_v of_o such_o a_o favour_n and_o suffer_v man_n to_o sin_n with_o impunity_n and_o go_v on_o prosperous_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o speak_v a_o reject_a man_n as_o the_o next_o word_n ver_fw-la 7._o inform_v you_o as_o he_o never_o love_v you_o the_o better_a for_o your_o prosperity_n so_o you_o may_v be_v confident_a he_o love_v you_o never_o the_o less_o for_o your_o adversity_n and_o will_v not_o this_o close_a and_o heal_v the_o wound_n make_v by_o affliction_n what_o not_o such_o a_o promise_n as_o this_o i_o will_v be_v with_o he_o in_o trouble_n psal._n 91.15_o will_v not_o such_o a_o presence_n revive_v thou_o what_o then_o can_v do_v it_o moses_n reckon_v that_o a_o wilderness_n with_o god_n be_v better_a than_o a_o canaan_n without_o he_o 33.15_o if_o thy_o presence_n go_v not_o with_o i_o say_v he_o then_o carry_v we_o not_o hence_o and_o if_o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o thou_o and_o god_n shall_v give_v thou_o thou_o own_o choice_n thou_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o affliction_n with_o thy_o god_n than_o back_o again_o in_o all_o thy_o prosperity_n and_o among_o thy_o child_n and_o former_a comfort_n without_o he_o argument_n v._n as_o this_o covenant_n assure_v you_o of_o god_n gracious_a and_o special_a presence_n so_o it_o full_o secure_v all_o the_o essential_o and_o substantial_o of_o your_o happiness_n against_o all_o hazard_n and_o contingency_n in_o which_o security_n lie_v your_o full_a relief_n and_o complete_a remedy_n against_o all_o your_o trouble_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o thing_n belong_v to_o all_o god_n people_n viz._n 1._o essential_o 2._o accidental_n 1._o they_o have_v something_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o their_o happiness_n such_o be_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n union_n with_o christ_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o they_o have_v other_o thing_n which_o be_v accidental_n that_o come_v and_o go_v live_v and_o die_v without_o affect_v or_o alter_v their_o happiness_n such_o be_v health_n estate_n child_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o relation_n and_o earthly_a comfort_n these_o be_v to_o our_o happiness_n as_o leave_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n which_o fade_v and_o fall_v away_o without_o endanger_v the_o tree_n but_o the_o other_o as_o the_o vital_a sap_n without_o which_o it_o wither_v and_o die_v at_o the_o very_a root_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o that_o the_o covenant_n full_o secure_v the_o former_a than_o it_o will_v strong_o follow_v that_o it_o therein_o abundant_o relieve_v we_o under_o all_o our_o sorrow_n for_o the_o latter_a and_o that_o it_o do_v so_o will_v evident_o appear_v by_o review_v the_o covenant_n wherein_o you_o shall_v find_v all_o these_o substantial_a and_o essential_a mercy_n of_o believer_n full_o secure_v against_o all_o hazard_n and_o contingency_n whatsoever_o there_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n be_v secure_v to_o their_o soul_n whatever_o affliction_n he_o lay_v upon_o their_o body_n 89.33_o nevertheless_o my_o love_a kindness_n will_v i_o not_o take_v away_o and_o their_o pardon_n be_v as_o safe_a as_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v it_o be_v safe_o lock_n up_o in_o that_o promise_n 31.34_o i_o will_v remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o yea_o heaven_n together_o with_o our_o perseverance_n in_o the_o way_n
and_o such_o as_o require_v awful_a attention_n we_o can_v expect_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n by_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n as_o david_n have_v it_o but_o we_o may_v know_v it_o by_o first_o our_o covenant-engagement_n second_o our_o covenant-impression_n three_o our_o covenant-conversation_n first_o by_o our_o covenant-engagement_n or_o dedication_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n sometime_o call_v our_o join_a ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n zech._n 2.11_o our_o yield_a ourselves_o to_o he_o rom._n 6.19_o our_o give_a ourselves_o to_o he_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o the_o soul_n that_o free_o and_o deliberate_o consent_v to_o take_v or_o choose_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v his_o god_n may_v warrantable_o conclude_v the_o lord_n have_v take_v or_o choose_v he_o for_o our_o choice_n of_o god_n be_v but_o the_o result_n of_o his_o choice_n of_o we_o joh._n 15.16_o you_o have_v not_o choose_v i_o but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o i._n e._n you_o can_v never_o have_v choose_v i_o but_o in_o consequence_n to_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o my_o first_o choice_n of_o you_o well_o then_o let_v it_o be_v serious_o consider_v whether_o you_o have_v due_o consent_v to_o take_v the_o lord_n for_o your_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o your_o redeemer_n this_o include_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o 1._o your_o relinquish_a of_o all_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o he_o 2._o your_o acceptation_n of_o all_o that_o promote_v the_o glory_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o 1._o your_o relinquish_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o interest_n in_o he_o except_o we_o let_v these_o go_v god_n can_v be_v our_o god_n nor_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v relinquish_v for_o christ_n be_v in_o short_a both_o our_o sinful_a and_o our_o righteous_a self_n sinful-self_n must_v be_v disclaim_v and_o renounce_v for_o we_o can_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n too_o rom._n 6.14.18_o and_o righteous_a self_n must_v be_v renounce_v also_o or_o we_o can_v have_v no_o part_n or_o interest_n in_o his_o righteousness_n rom._n 10.3_o these_o be_v two_o difficult_a point_n of_o self-denial_n to_o part_v with_o every_o belove_a lust_n and_o to_o give_v up_o our_o own_o righteousness_n thousand_o chufe_fw-fr rather_o to_o be_v damn_v for_o ever_o than_o to_o do_v either_o of_o these_o 2._o your_o acceptance_n and_o embrace_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o promote_v his_o glory_n and_o further_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o all_o the_o painful_a way_n of_o duty_n hear_v pray_v meditate_v and_o all_o this_o with_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n and_o offer_v up_o of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o these_o duty_n and_o the_o more_o painful_a way_n of_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o endure_v all_o loss_n reproach_n torment_n and_o death_n for_o he_o if_o his_o glory_n require_v it_o and_o you_o be_v thereunto_o call_v all_o this_o be_v include_v in_o your_o choose_n god_n to_o be_v your_o god._n and_o upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o free_a consent_n and_o seal_v to_o these_o article_n we_o have_v right_a to_o call_v he_o our_o god._n mat._n 16.24_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o now_o have_v you_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n weigh_v and_o balance_v all_o the_o conveniency_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o godliness_n and_o then_o determine_v for_o christ_n and_o holiness_n let_v the_o cost_n be_v what_o it_o will_v than_o you_o have_v choose_v he_o aright_o for_o your_o god._n many_o think_v they_o have_v choose_v god_n for_o their_o god_n that_o never_o understand_v or_o deliberate_v these_o term_n but_o non_fw-la consentit_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la sentit_fw-la he_o that_o neither_o know_v nor_o ponder_v they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o give_v a_o due_a consent_n second_o we_o may_v discern_v our_o covenant-interest_n in_o the_o covenant-impression_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o our_o soul_n all_o god_n covenant_n people_n have_v a_o double_a mark_n or_o impression_n make_v upon_o they_o viz._n 1._o upon_o their_o mind_n 2._o upon_o their_o heart_n 1._o upon_o their_o mind_n in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o efficacious_a knowledge_n of_o god_n jer._n 31.33_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o great_a of_o they_o even_o to_o the_o least_o of_o they_o this_o knowledge_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v not_o acquire_v by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o natural_a ability_n and_o humane_a aid_n and_o give_v we_o in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n not_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o creature_n only_o as_o he_o speak_v 2_o cor._n 4.6_o it_o be_v the_o choice_n teach_v of_o the_o anoint_v 1_o joh._n 2.27_o a_o knowledge_n spring_v from_o inward_a experience_n and_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o we_o know_v the_o sweetness_n of_o honey_n by_o taste_v better_o than_o by_o all_o the_o description_n and_o report_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o 2._o upon_o their_o heart_n in_o that_o gracious_a tenderness_n and_o melt_n of_o it_o for_o sin_n or_o the_o discovery_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o so_o you_o read_v in_o ezek._n 36.26_o a_o new_a heart_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o and_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o your_o flesh_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o melt_v the_o obdurate_a rock_n into_o sweet_a syrup_n as_o it_o be_v to_o melt_v the_o natural_a heart_n into_o a_o penitential_a and_o tender_a melt_a for_o sin_n but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n or_o habit_n of_o tenderness_n implant_v in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o be_v dispose_v and_o incline_v to_o relent_v and_o thaw_v ingenuous_o upon_o any_o just_a occasion_n three_o our_o covenant-interest_n may_v be_v evidence_v in_o and_o by_o our_o covenant_n conversation_n all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o our_o mind_n and_o all_o the_o tenderness_n give_v to_o our_o heart_n do_v respect_n and_o tend_v to_o this_o ezek._n 36.27_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n habit_n and_o principle_n be_v for_o action_n and_o practice_n grace_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v for_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o life_n it_o be_v true_a that_o as_o our_o grace_n be_v imperfect_a so_o be_v our_o obedience_n also_o perfect_a work_v be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o imperfect_a creature_n god_n own_o covenant_v people_n do_v often_o grieve_v he_o and_o provoke_v he_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n but_o those_o their_o infirmity_n break_v not_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n psal._n 89.30_o 31_o 32._o care_n and_o watchfulness_n ordinary_o go_v before_o they_o conflict_n and_o resistance_n accompany_v they_o and_o shame_n grief_n and_o renew_v care_n usual_o follow_v they_o 2_o cor._n 7.11_o by_o these_o thing_n which_o deserve_v a_o more_o copious_a discourse_n than_o my_o present_a design_n can_v allow_v we_o may_v be_v help_v to_o clear_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v do_v it_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o all_o the_o affliction_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sink_v your_o spirit_n let_v i_o therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n add_v use_v iu._n a_o word_n of_o consolation_n to_o your_o deject_a and_o droop_a heart_n upon_o this_o sad_a and_o mournful_a occasion_n why_o be_v you_o so_o trouble_a and_o why_o do_v thought_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n methinks_v there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o of_o support_n and_o comfort_n already_o discover_v to_o you_o in_o this_o bless_a covenant_n that_o can_v your_o faith_n but_o once_o fix_v upon_o it_o and_o realize_v and_o apply_v it_o i_o may_v lay_v down_o my_o pen_n at_o this_o period_n and_o say_v the_o work_n be_v do_v there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o know_v how_o obstinate_a deep_a sorrow_n be_v and_o how_o difficult_a a_o task_n the_o comfort_v of_o a_o afflict_a mind_n be_v i_o will_v for_o a_o close_a superadd_a a_o few_o consideration_n more_o to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v urge_v and_o argue_v before_o consideration_n i._n consider_v how_o small_a and_o trivial_a the_o comfort_n who_o loss_n you_o bewail_v be_v in_o comparison_n with_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v still_o your_o own_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o sure_a covenant_n a_o son_n a_o only_a and_o a_o promise_a son_n be_v a_o great_a thing_n when_o he_o stand_v in_o comparison_n with_o other_o creature-comfort_n but_o sure_o he_o will_v seem_v a_o small_a thing_n and_o next_o to_o nothing_o when_o set_v by_o or_o compare_v with_o jesus_n christ._n behold_v the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n pardon_v and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v this_o day_n present_v
a_o man_n with_o due_a qualification_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n england_n do_v not_o so_o abound_v with_o pious_a zealous_a and_o faithful_a gentleman_n at_o this_o time_n but_o that_o it_o may_v sensible_o feel_v the_o loss_n of_o such_o a_o man._n second_o more_o particular_o let_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n lament_v his_o fall_n as_o jeremiah_n do_v the_o fall_n of_o josiah_n in_o the_o text._n he_o be_v a_o true_a friend_n to_o christ_n faithful_a minister_n and_o have_v they_o in_o honour_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o we_o he_o be_v now_o wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n but_o we_o great_o need_v he_o and_o man_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o dull_a degenerate_a age_n as_o we_o live_v in_o three_o and_o most_o particular_o i_o shall_v apply_v and_o close_o all_o with_o a_o few_o word_n of_o counsel_n to_o the_o dear_a and_o now_o desolate_a relict_n of_o this_o worthy_a person_n who_o sad_a lot_n it_o be_v this_o day_n to_o over-live_a the_o mercy_n and_o comfort_n she_o once_o enjoy_v in_o he_o madam_n god_n have_v this_o day_n cover_v you_o with_o sable_n write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o you_o break_v you_o with_o breach_n upon_o breach_n your_o sorrow_n need_v not_o be_v excite_v but_o regulate_v it_o be_v my_o trouble_n that_o i_o can_v discharge_v my_o duty_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o your_o dear_a husband_n without_o exasperate_a your_o grief_n which_o alas_o be_v too_o acute_a before_o but_o rod_n have_v their_o voice_n blessed_n be_v the_o man_n who_o god_n correct_v and_o teach_v he_o out_o of_o his_o law._n hear_v you_o the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o and_o oh_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v this_o day_n take_v in_o these_o necessary_a counsel_n and_o caution_n without_o which_o your_o affliction_n can_v be_v sanctify_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o your_o soul._n and_o 1._o learn_v from_o hence_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o emptiness_n and_o nothingness_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n here_o below_o how_o have_v god_n make_v your_o best_a comfort_n on_o earth_n to_o shrink_v up_o and_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o how_o do_v our_o fancy_n varnish_v and_o guild_v over_o these_o empty_a bubble_n what_o great_a expectation_n be_v we_o apt_a to_o raise_v from_o they_o how_o apt_a to_o fall_v asleep_a in_o the_o bosom_n or_o lap_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n and_o say_v with_o job_n i_o shall_v die_v in_o my_o nest_n and_o multiply_v my_o day_n as_o the_o sand_n when_o lo_o in_o a_o moment_n the_o project_n and_o expectation_n of_o many_o year_n be_v over-turned_n oh_o what_o a_o difference_n will_v you_o find_v betwixt_o hope_n found_v in_o christ_n comfort_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o flatter_a comfort_n and_o vain_a hope_n found_v in_o the_o creature_n who_o breath_n be_v in_o its_o nostril_n it_o be_v time_n for_o you_o and_o for_o we_o all_o to_o wean_v off_o from_o this_o vain_a world_n mortify_v our_o fancy_n and_o affection_n to_o it_o and_o place_v they_o where_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o disappointment_n 2._o guard_z careful_o i_o beseech_v you_o against_o those_o temptation_n which_o probable_o may_v accompany_v this_o affliction_n it_o may_v be_v satan_n will_v suggest_v to_o your_o heart_n what_o he_o once_o put_v into_o their_o lip_n mal._n 3.14_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v keep_v his_o ordinance_n and_o walk_v mournful_o before_o he_o where_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o prayer_n what_o good_a have_v i_o see_v of_o fast_v what_o have_v religion_n avail_v do_v not_o prayerless_a and_o ungodly_a family_n thrive_v and_o prosper_v beware_v of_o this_o madam_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v there_o have_v be_v sin_n and_o provocation_n within_o your_o wall_n yea_o within_o your_o heart_n for_o which_o god_n may_v as_o just_o and_o severe_o judge_v your_o house_n as_o he_o do_v ely_n remember_v the_o reward_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n and_o shall_v we_o speak_v thus_o we_o shall_v offend_v against_o the_o generation_n of_o his_o child_n all_o we_o must_v expect_v from_o religion_n be_v to_o save_v our_o soul_n by_o it_o 3._o call_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n into_o question_n to_o yourself_o or_o you_o because_o of_o these_o severe_a stroke_n of_o god_n upon_o you_o and_o they_o you_o know_v josiah_n be_v dear_a to_o god_n yet_o he_o die_v in_o the_o prime_n of_o his_o day_n by_o a_o violent_a hand_n remote_a from_o his_o own_o home_n and_o be_v bring_v home_o in_o the_o second_o chariot_n to_o jerusalem_n a_o spectacle_n of_o far_o great_a sorrow_n than_o your_o dear_a husband_n be_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o sad_a circumstance_n of_o his_o death_n the_o promise_n of_o his_o god_n be_v punctual_o perform_v to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o peace_n and_o not_o behold_v the_o evil_a that_o be_v to_o come_v there_o be_v a_o vanity_n say_v solomon_n which_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o there_o be_v just_a man_n unto_o who_o it_o happen_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o wicked_a again_o there_o be_v wicked_a man_n to_o who_o it_o happen_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o righteous_a eccles._n 8.14_o but_o then_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v but_o in_o the_o earth_n here_o or_o nowhere_o god_n must_v chastise_v his_o child_n 4._o see_v that_o you_o maintain_v that_o holy_a course_n of_o religious_a exercise_n in_o your_o family_n and_o in_o your_o closet_n wherein_o he_o walk_v so_o exemplary_o before_o you_o let_v religion_n live_v though_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o convince_v the_o world_n i_o pray_v you_o that_o it_o be_v god_n influence_n and_o not_o your_o husband_n only_o which_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o principle_n of_o this_o holy_a course_n 5._o strive_v not_o with_o your_o maker_n nor_o fret_v against_o the_o lord_n under_o this_o irksome_a and_o painful_a dispensation_n remember_v there_o be_v a_o woe_n hang_v over_o this_o sin_n isai._n 45.9_o 10._o woe_n to_o he_o that_o strive_v with_o his_o maker_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a strive_v of_o man_n with_o god_n one_o lawful_a and_o commendable_a when_o we_o strive_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o knee_n of_o importunity_n in_o prayer_n thus_o jacob_n wrestle_v with_o god_n and_o prevail_v hos._n 12.4_o the_o other_o be_v high_o sinful_a and_o dangerous_a when_o we_o presume_v to_o censure_v or_o accuse_v any_o of_o his_o work_n as_o defective_a in_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n he_o that_o reprove_v god_n let_v he_o answer_v it_o i._n e._n at_o his_o peril_n be_v it_o this_o sinful_a strive_v with_o god_n be_v twofold_a either_o vocal_a or_o mental_a 1._o vocal_a when_o man_n in_o bold_a blasphemous_a language_n arraign_v the_o wisdom_n power_n goodness_n or_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o there_o condemn_v they_o set_v their_o mouth_n against_o the_o heaven_n psal._n 73.8_o 9_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a yea_o of_o the_o first-born_a son_n of_o wickedness_n 2._o mental_a in_o inward_a fret_n murmur_n repine_n against_o god_n prov._n 19.3_o the_o foolishness_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o the_o lord_n the_o heart_n may_v cry_v out_o impatient_o against_o god_n when_o the_o tongue_n be_v silent_a and_o if_o the_o fret_v and_o murmur_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v interpretative_o no_o better_o than_o a_o strive_n with_o our_o maker_n than_o this_o sin_n will_v be_v find_v more_o common_a among_o good_a man_n in_o the_o paroxism_n of_o affliction_n than_o we_o imagine_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a therefore_o for_o your_o sake_n and_o the_o sake_n of_o many_o more_o in_o a_o like_a state_n of_o affliction_n with_o you_o to_o stay_v a_o while_n upon_o this_o head_n and_o consider_v these_o follow_a query_n query_n 1_o how_o far_o we_o may_v inquire_v expostulate_v and_o complain_v in_o time_n of_o affliction_n without_o sin_n query_n 2._o wherein_o lie_v the_o sinfulness_n and_o danger_n of_o exceed_v these_o bound_n query_n 3_o what_o consideration_n be_v most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a to_o restrain_v the_o afflict_a soul_n from_o this_o sinful_a excess_n query_n 1_o how_o far_o we_o may_v inquire_v of_o god_n expostulate_v with_o he_o and_o complain_v to_o he_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n without_o sin_n 1._o we_o may_v humble_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o we_o not_o to_o seek_v matter_n for_o our_o justification_n but_o direction_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o humiliation_n so_o david_n inquire_v about_o the_o three_o year_n famine_n and_o the_o lord_n inform_v he_o for_o who_o sake_n and_o for_o what_o sin_n it_o be_v 2_o sam._n